Driven Car Reviews

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2024 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 is Right-Sized Capability Oct 21, 2024

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Is F-150 is too big? Maverick too small? The new 2024 Ford Ranger is a tiny bit larger than the outgoing model and that adds big benefits. 4-foot-wide material sheets load between the wheel wells. The cabin gets a more inviting look. It has the smoothest turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in its class. It goes down the road in a relaxed manner (due in part to its mid-sized form factor). Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped XLT 4x4.

2024 Mazda3 Carbon Turbo AWD Sedan is Stealthy 4-Door Fun Oct 20, 2024

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Want fun, affordability and practicality from your next ride? The Mazda3 enters the chat. Starting at $25,400, the Carbon Turbo is the sweet spot at 33 grand, adding turbocharged power and all-wheel drive. It's roomy enough to handle a small family and engaging enough to entertain enthusiastic drivers. Plus, the Carbon Editions are easy to buy (if only because there are no color or option choices). Tom Voelk drives the sedan (and really there are plenty of 4-door choices).

2025 Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid is an Efficiency MVP Oct 20, 2024

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Kia's Carnival has always offered space and comfort. The refreshed 2025 model adds something big- a hybrid powertrain for significantly better efficiency. How does it stack up against the hybrids in Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica? Tom Voelk travels to Detroit, MI for a first look at the top trim SX Prestige trim. Kia brought Tom to Michigan for this preview. His opinions remain his own.

2025 Kia K4 is a Better Forte (Especially With Turbo Power) Oct 19, 2024

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The new Kia K4 sedan is a lot more than a Forte with a name change. Available in the fall of 2025, it gets dramatic new sheetmetal and a powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder. How does it compare to Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta? Tom Voelk travels to Detroit, MI to preview the top trim GT-Line Turbo model.

Chevrolet Silverado EV RST Goes The Distance Oct 15, 2024

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With a bladder busting range of 440 miles, the impressive 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST packs a punch. It's all here- Fast 350kW charging, dual motor 4WD, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, four wheel steering, air suspension, vehicle-to-home power ability and Super Cruise. Quiet, comfortable and surprisingly nimble there's a lot to like... so long as you have $96,500 to spare for a pickup truck. Tom Voelk and John Voelcker team up and spend a day with the Silverado EV. They have some thoughts to share, especially about the new interface.

Tom attended a press event sponsored by General Motors. Opinions remain stubbornly his.

CORRECTION- The interface screen is 17.7 inches, not 17.1 if that makes a difference in your purchasing decision.

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is Electrification for the (Normal) People Oct 14, 2024

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EVs cost less to operate, fuel at home and can be fun to drive. Chevrolet adds something radical with the new Equinox EV- normalcy. It's a compact SUV with loads of room and 319 miles of reach, practically eliminating range anxiety. Can Chevy appeal to the masses? It just might with a starting price of $35,000 before any tax credits. Tom Voelk teams up with Car and Driver contributing editor John Voelcker in Detroit, MI to find out. They drive a mid-level front-wheel drive 2LT with Super Cruise and check out life without Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Tom attended a GM sponsored event to produce this video. His opinions remain true.

This Is One Tough EV Charging Installation! Oct 12, 2024

Show notes

I have finally installed 240V Level 2 charging at my home. What took so long? Well, my house is over 100 years old, the garage is detached, set into the side of a hill and made of concrete. So no matter how complex the job, it can be done! It's probably much easier for most people, but you might learn something here. For starters, don't skimp on the charger (I ended up with a hardwired ChargePoint Home Flex). Unintended bonus? My wife is super happy how quickly her Chevy Volt charges now. It's a big update from 120V Level 1.

Helpful links to buy ChargePoint Home Flex (FYI, I make no commission)

ChargePoint- https://bit.ly/3TwZ1It

Amazon- https://amzn.to/4cz3anR

2024 Mudfest Picks the Best SUVs and Pickups Oct 11, 2024

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20 SUVs and pickups. 20 automotive writers. One grand prize winner. Now in its 30th year, Mudfest is a two-day competition put on by the Northwest Automotive Writers Association. Held at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA, NWAPA members judge on and off-road capability, value, features, cargo room, efficiency and technology. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Thanks to The Ridge Motorsports Park, Alderbrook Lodge and Spa, member of NWAPA, and all of the manufacturers reps that traveled to Shelton, WA.

Also, special thanks to the staff of Page One and DriveShop, Aaron Hansen, Erin Kemp, John Vincent, Nik Miles and Jim Redden for their hours of volunteer time. And a shout out to Martin Campbell, Tom Frisch and Doug Berger for additional photography

Rivian R2 and R3 Are the Next Big Thing in Smaller EVs Oct 11, 2024

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Love the Rivian look but find the R1S too large (or expensive)? The two-row R2 and even smaller R3 will right those wrongs. Rivian stopped by Seattle's University Village store to show off the upcoming R2 and sporty R3X. Expected sometime in 2026 with a range of at least 300 miles, the R2 has the luxury and features of R1S in a tidier package. R3X is for those looking for something even smaller but want the clever Rivian touches. Tom Voelk previews the R2 and R3X with the help of Rivian's Kenneth Tsang.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is Breakthrough Performance Oct 09, 2024

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Typically, the formula for performance vehicles is to add power, stiffen the suspension and bolt on some sticky tires. Hyundai took things much further with the IONIQ 5 N, adding N e-Shift, N Active Sound +, N Grin Boost and more. Those Ns mean nothing to many now but they will soon. Deep and powerful, IONIQ 5 N has the potential to join the ranks of performance greats while doing double duty as a family hauler. Tom Voelk travels to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to experience the all-electric 5 N with 221 miles of range and ultra-fast charging speed.

Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to drive the IONIQ 5 N. Opinions remain his own.

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