It looks like any Genesis G80 (and that’s a good thing) but the Electrified G80 is, well, electrified. It’s quiet. It’s quick. The dual-motor drivetrain makes 365 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque shoots this luxo sedan to 60 miles-an-hour in under five seconds. It charges fast too with an 800V architecture. Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded model (since it’s the only way the E G80 comes) and finds it to be as normal as an EV can be. Too bad it can only be bought in 8 states.

Don’t have BMW or Porsche money but want a performance machine that satisfies the driving enthusiast in you? Hyundai offers up the Kona N to scratch that itch. More power, bigger brakes, adjustable dumpers, an electronic limited slip differential and much more make it a blast to pilot. Tom Voelk looks at a loaded Kona N with 8-speed transmission because it’s the only way you can get one.

Porsche is about performance and engineering excellence, its vehicles are not meant to be inexpensive. That said, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is the best EV value the automaker offers. Feature for feature, it actually costs less than the base rear-wheel drive Taycan sedan. And it’s much more practical too. Tom Voelk drives a lightly optioned Taycan 4 Cross Turismo dipped in optional Chalk paint and finds it to be an excellent build for those looking for a long-range all-wheel drive electric vehicle without taking out a second mortgage.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue ditches its naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine for a turbocharged variable compression engine with 3 pistons. The VC tech first appeared in Infiniti vehicles. The goal? Better power with increased efficiency. To see how well it works, Tom Voelk road trips from Seattle, WA to Bend, OR to check out the power delivery and fuel economy. He’s driving a fully loaded Platinum AWD model in Caspian Blue Metallic.

The compact Maverick pickup has been a grand slam home run for Ford. To make it more appealing, the Blue Oval folks are adding an off-road oriented Tremor model. It adds an inch of  ground clearance, new shocks and springs plus a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature. Available on XLT and Lariat trims, the package will add $2,995 to the price. Ordering begins in September, set your calendar.  

We haven’t seen the Crown in U.S. Toyota showrooms for 50 years. The 2023 model returns as a lifted sedan, because we’re all competing with SUVs for visibility now. Replacing the Avalon, all Crowns will be hybrids (there are two different versions including the turbocharged Hybrid Max with 340 horsepower) and all models get all-wheel drive traction. Tom Voelk travels to Austin, TX for a preview of this very unique approach on the four-door sedan.

Worried that electrifying America’s best-selling vehicle will ruin the experience? The 4WD all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning actually improves it for most owners. Tons of torque, wicked fast, and luxury car quiet, it’s a refined ride that tows up to five tons with a payload capacity of 2,235 pounds. Tom Voelk drives a F-150 Lightning XLT model equipped with the Tow Technology Package and the 320-mile Extended Range Battery in Antimatter Blue.

Honda’s HR-V was always an affordable compact crossover. The second generation 2023 model is larger… on the outside. With a new independent rear suspension, it’s far more comfortable for road trips now. It trades the Fit architecture for a Civic-rich platform with better seats and best-in-class cabin. It does lose the rear Magic Seat and the wedgy design though. Tom Voelk travels to Stevenson, WA to check out the Sport and EX-L models, both with improved Real Time AWD.   

If the Porsche 911 is the sports car’s sports car, the Turbo S is the 911’s 911. One of the quickest cars on planet Earth, it’s twin turbo flat-6 engine makes 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Tom Voelk checks out a well-optioned 2021 model in Gentian Blue, equipped with the $10,340 Lightweight Package. It’s like leaving your fourth grader behind for a smidge more performance.