Anyone that’s followed Volvo over the years knows the Swedes are not above having a good time. Gothenburg has produced some true driving cars. The 2025 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered is one of them. Useful too since it’s an SUV. Plus, as a plug-in hybrid with 36 miles of all-electric range, it can even save owners money. Good thing. As tested in Vapor Gray paint, it MSRPs for $77,345. Also, a brief look at the 2026 refresh.   

The Mazda CX-50 crossover has always been a stylish fun-to-drive way to get the chores done. Now it’s more efficient with a first-ever hybrid powertrain. And the gas/electric setup is from Toyota so there’s reassurance that it’s been done right. Does it keep the band’s frisky fun dynamics? Tom Voelk checks out a top-trim Premium Plus edition with standard AWD to find out.

The Kia Carnival MPV has always been a competitive family hauler. For 2025 it adds a hybrid powertrain good for 33 MPG. And it’s turbocharged! All Carnivals, even the V6-powered version, get a mid-cycle refresh with a stronger grille, Star Map headlamps and new tech. The HEV powertrain’s 54kW electric motor adds more than efficiency, it helps to smooth out the ride quality and improve handling. And the look doesn't scream minivan.

Tom Voelk travels to San Diego, CA to drive the Carnival Hybrid and finds it to be the ultimate family machine, as long as you don’t need all-wheel drive.

The 3-row 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is getting big buzz. Radically different from the last generation, it's as square as the outgoing model was rounded. For design enthusiasts, here's a look at the press launch styling presentation. Kevin Kang, head of design for Hyundai North America shares details of how the Santa Fe was developed. It’s just like being at an automotive event. Some think Santa Fe looks like a Range Rover Defender, others the late great Ford Flex. At the event, we drove loaded AWD Calligraphy model with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. A more fuel-efficient hybrid is now available. Check out competitors Kia Sorento, Mazda CX90, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.

Tom Voelk attended a Hyundai press event for this review. Opinions remain his own.

Only one automaker that uses the size of its cars as a brand name. That would be MINI. While the 2025 Cooper gets a bumper-to bumper redo, it largely keeps the classic look alive, with the bulldog look moving from lovable pet next door to Westminster Kennel Club groomed. Tom Voelk checks out a turbocharged Cooper S in Iconic trim. It’s a premium small car that’s great for slicing up crowded urban streets.

Acura has finally gone all-electric. The ZDX revives a classic nameplate but adds a modern EV jolt, starting with General Motor’s Ultium platform. Is it a wedding that works? Tom Voelk checks out a top-trim Type S that adds power, adaptive air suspension and bigger brakes (but takes away a bit of range). It even gets Super Cruise… kind of.

Audi has more fully electric vehicles that most people realize. The all new Q6 e-tron is the fourth in the brand’s line up and is built on the Premium Platform Electric architecture (or PPE) so it goes far, charges fast and drives well. It’s the best electric SUV the four rings folks have built to date. Tom Voelk travels to Healdsburg, CA to drive the Q6 e-tron quattro Prestige trim with Chris May, executive director of the Audi Club of North America who knows a thing or two about the brand.

Tom attended an Audi press event for this review. Travel, lodging and food were provided. But accurate information is what’s most important.

No one WANTS to buy tires, but as long as you need to, do it right. Discount Tire bought the old Cooper Tires testing facility in Pearsall, Texas and analyses everything from budget rubber to high performance tires. Here’s a look behind the scenes on how your Michelins, Pirellis, Goodyears and dozens of other brands get evaluated, and how all of that information comes together on DT’s Treadwell website so buyers can make the right decision. It’s amazing the difference the right tires can make.  Discount Tires sponsored this event, covering food and lodging. Tom does not make a commission if you use https://www.discounttire.com, but it is a very good research tool (even if you don’t buy your tires from them). 

Rogue is Nissan’s best-selling vehicle and for 2025 it gains the Rock Creek trim level first found on Pathfinder. A tougher looking grille, tubular roof rack, red accents scattered everywhere and all-terrain tires give off a tough SUV vibe even though there’s no extra ground clearance or underbody protection. But the look will appeal to buyers that want the North Face visual even if the closest they get to the great outdoors is the outlet mall. Tom Voelk checks out a lightly equipped version priced at $38,890. Also, a variable compression engine?

The all-new (and yes, it’s ALL new) 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner was a long time coming (gen five started production in late 2009). The new 4Runner swaps V6 power for a turbocharged i-FORCE 4-cylinder or the i-FORCE MAX Turbo Hybrid for extra oomph. Larger, more comfortable and easier to drive now, it should be more popular than ever, even with the price hike. Tom Voelk checks out 2 of the 9 trim levels (yeah, 9)- the basic TRD Sport 4WD and top o' the heap Trailhunter.