The 2022 Lexus NX might NOT look significantly different than the first generation, but there are huge changes under the skin. There are four available powertrains, loads of new safety tech, and the first application of the new Lexus Interface. That’s right, the unloved trackpad is gone! And for the first time, the NX is available as a plug-in hybrid, the 450h+ that happens to be the most powerful model. All of these changes point to the direction Lexus is going. Tom Voelk travels to Phoenix, AZ to check out the most popular model, the NX 350 Luxury.

Toyota has made a TRD Pro version of Tundra before, but the 2022 model gets a serious boost in tech and ability. For starters, it comes standard with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain with 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. It gets 2.5-inch diameter FOX internal bypass shocks, locking rear differential, Crawl Control and Multi Terrain Select drive modes. And it moves upmarket from the SR5 to the Limited trim with heated and vented digital camo seats. Tom Voelk checks it out at the Toyota event held outside of San Antonio, Texas.  

Toyota’s Tundra has used the same architecture since 2006 and there’s only so far Kaizen, or continuous improvement, can go. The 2022 Tundra is completely new from the laser-welded fully boxed frame to two new powerplants. There’s a new 6.5 foot bed length too. Clearly it’s the best Tundra ever. How does it stack up to Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500 and Nissan Titan. Tom Voelk travels to San Antonio, TX to drive it. Plus, a factory visit to see how the awesome frame is made.

The 2022 Ford Maverick comes standard with a hybrid powertrain but many buyers will crave more power. That’s easily solved by going with the 2-liter EcoBoost powertrain, a turbocharged 4-cylinger pumping out 250 horsepower. If you want all-wheel drive and the ability to tow up to 2 tons, it’s the engine you need. Tom Voelk takes a closer look at the gas-only Maverick and takes an FX4 package off road.

Like Bruce Lee, the all-new compact Ford Maverick pickup should be taken very seriously. Built on the same architecture as Bronco Sport, engineers lengthened the wheelbase 16 inches and gave it a 4 ½ foot FlexBed. And it all works, sometimes better than a bigger rig. Comfortable and practical, it’s the trucklette many didn’t know they needed. Available with a 250 horsepower EcoBoost 4-cylinder, the standard hybrid powertrain should see 40 MPG in city driving. Tom Voelk travels to Nashville, TN to drive both engines. This video focuses on the hybrid powertrain, the EcoBoost video will be up soon.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is a highly competitive and extremely capable SUV that can seat eight and tow 10,000 pounds. And there’s no need to move to the luxurious Grand Wagoneer to get a great looking cabin that’s comfortable. Plus, it off-roads like a Jeep. Just know all this goodness doesn’t come cheap. Tom Voelk takes a look at a Series II Wagoneer with a 5.7-liter V8 pumping out 392 horsepower, Quadra-Drive II 4WD and Quadra-Lift air suspension on both street and trail.

The average new vehicle goes for over $42,000 these days. To help you buy the best one for you, the Northwest Automotive Press Association holds Mudfest, perhaps the best SUV, crossover and pickup competition in the US at The Ridge Motorsports Park. This is the 26th year it’s been held and there are 19 vehicles competing. Will Kia Telluride repeat it’s win? How does Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco stack up against each other? It’s all here, plus NWAPA members choose a Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year (and it’s kind of a surprise this time).

The Porsche 911 is available in coupe, cabriolet and Targa models. But the GTS version of the 992 has been missing in action. That wrong will be righted in early 2022 when the GTS returns to slot in perfectly between the Carrera S and Turbo S. A bit of a bargain (for a Porsche) it’s available in all three body styles with Porsche’s 8-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission or 7-speed manual. All but the Targa 4 can be had with rear and all-wheel drive. Can’t decide which one to buy? Collect them all! Tom Voelk travels to Porsche’s North American headquarters in Atlanta, GA to drive the Targa 4.

Chevy’s Bolt has always been a solid compact electric car with great range. The 2022 model fixes the details that bothered owners and kept some from buying in the first place. There’s a new front and back, more comfortable chairs and a dashboard that doesn’t look like it’s made from white Styrofoam. Plus there’s a substantial $5,500 price cut. Tom Voelk checks out a fully optioned 2LT model and touches on the recall of the LG Chem battery pack (this was shot long before the recall was announced).