It’s no secret that 3-row SUVs and crossovers have replaced family vans in driveways throughout America. Nissan finally has a solid competitor with the 5th generation 2022 Pathfinder. Everything has been rethought and improved including the transmission. Yes, the CVT is gone! Mated to the 3.5-liter V6 is a ZF 9-speed gearbox. But the best part for buyers is how Nissan offers up features and tech on affordable models, no need to buy the top trim to get a bird’s eye camera view system. Tom Voelk travels to Montana for a deep dive on a machine that should sere families well.

The Lexus NX crossover has been a popular luxury choice since it’s debut in 2014. The all-new 2022 version that’s available in four models brings a number of firsts- It ditches the unloved trackpad for a new touchscreen interface that was designed in-house. There’s a new high performance plug-in hybrid model, the NX 450h+. Plus, there’s something missing (and something added) on the tailgate. Tom Voelk visits the Lexus studio in Plano, TX to give you a first-hand preview of the new NX and talks to Steve Basra about the new Lexus Interface. A full video on the new interface is coming soon.

Chevrolet’s truck-based full-sized Tahoe SUV gets GM’s inline-6 Duramax turbo diesel engine. The result? Loads of torque off the line, a refined engine note and the fuel economy of some unibody crossovers. With the ability to tow up to 8,200 pounds, it might convince a lot buyers to go diesel. And the High Country is Chevy’s best Tahoe interior yet. Not everything is perfect though. Tom Voelk checks out a top trim 4WD High Country.

The 670 horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is the quickest SUV to come out of Stuttgart. Charge it up and it can tread lightly on the planet by running solely on electric power. Fast, efficient, practical, luxurious and sporty, this plug-in V8 hybrid is the only vehicle you’ll never need. Just bring a lot of wallet. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe and finds it to be the best sounding hybrid money can buy.

The first thing you need to know about the 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe is that it delivers true Ultimate Driving Machine fun. Plus, it’s a true two-door coupe, none of that four-door coupe BS. And yes, it has the controversial schnoz, but even if you don’t like it, remember, it’s not seen from the driver’s seat. And really, don’t judge until you see it in person. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped M440i that puts a grin on his face as wide as the polarizing twin kidney grille.

Kia calls the new 2022 Carnival an MPV. You’ll probably call it a minivan. Or maybe it’s a family MVP the way it carries people and cargo with ease. Seating 7 or 8 depending on model, this roomy V6-powered machine gets SUV looks to attract new buyers. It’s also the first Kia to wear the brand’s all-new logo. Tom Voelk checks out the top dog SX Prestige model with mid-row VIP seating, but wonders if the next model down is the one people will really want. And remember, in the US, it used to be called Sedona.

ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first dedicated electric vehicle and it has a lot going for it. The range is competitive, the features are compelling and it’s roomy for family and cargo. Is this the EV to get? How fast does it charge? Is it fun to drive? Tom Voelk has the answers after driving a fully optioned First Edition model (which is similar to a rear-wheel drive Pro S Gradient model) to see if everything that VW claims is truth in advertising.

Hyundai has always sold a lot of Tucsons but the smaller size of the two-row SUV probably kept a lot of buyers away. The 2022 model solves the space issue and goes on to add a city’s worth of style inside and out. And if that’s not enough, for the first time it’s available as a standard hybrid plus a plug-in hybrid with an estimated all-electric range of 32 miles. In short, it’s much more competitive against Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Tom Voelk checks out a Limited Hybrid model in, where else? Tucson, AZ of course.

It’s easy to forget that Acura’s MDX was the first crossover to sport three rows of seating. Four generations later, the market is thick with competitors. So Honda’s premium division gave it a double wishbone front suspension, a new architecture with body rigidity improved by an impressive 32% and a lot more luxury in the cabin. The result is a much better MDX. Tom Voelk looks at an Advance model that comes standard with true torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and finds a family hauler that appeals to the entire clan. Well, there is the user interface…

Nothing sells like power and the Mazda3 with the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder should be very popular with people that like cars. Mazda is shedding it's rowdy side for a more refined performance image. This is no Mazdaspeed3 and that's probably a good thing. Standard all-wheel drive tames torque steer and the suspension keeps things fun without any harshness. Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded Premium Plus model. It's a step up from Civic, Corolla, Forte and Sentra and an alternative to GTI. Maybe even Audi A3, BMW 2-Series and Mercedes A-Class. Maybe.