People aren’t shopping for sedans the way they used to, but they’re still buying them. The new 6th generation Nissan Altima aims to reinvigorate the segment with crisp design and something that’s popular with SUVs and crossovers- all-wheel drive. Tom Voelk checks out an AWD Platinum model.

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Driven- 2019 Nissan Altima Platinum AWD

New York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.

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When the Audi e-tron hit the market in 2019 it was one of the only electric EVs on the market. For 2024 it gets a significant refresh with extra range, faster charging speed, improved driving dynamics and the Q8 prefix. Good thing because the competition never rests. It’s now going up against BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Jaguar i-Pace, Lucid Gravity Mercedes EQE SUV, Rivian R1S and the aging Tesla Model X. Just how good is the redo? Tom Voelk checks out an Audi Q8 55 e-tron in Madeira Brown metallic paint and Black Optic package that MSRPs for $88,590 (before any tax incentives).

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron EV Adds Range, Charge Speed and Goodness

The box is a mighty efficient package and not many vehicles are as square jawed as the new 3-row 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. With it’s “box-that-it-came-in” design, it swallows up passengers and cargo with maximum efficiency. And Hyundai is gone wild with the letter H (you’ll see). Tom Voelk travels to Franklin, TN to check out a fully loaded AWD Calligraphy model with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Wait for spring and there’ll be a more fuel-efficient hybrid. In the meantime, 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.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is Three Rows of Boxy Utility

It’s no unibody crossover. The capable body-on-frame Lexus GX 550 is all-new and ready to conquer tough terrain, tow up to 9,000 pounds or deliver a family of seven to the movies. The tough looking sheetmetal rides on a new fully boxed frame architecture that's shared with Tundra, Tacoma and big brother LX. The V8 is gone. Until the hybrid powertrain arrives, all GXs get their motivation from a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that pumps out 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic. Tom Voelk travels to Tucson, AZ to drive a GX 550 Premium + model in Nightfall Mica.

2024 Lexus GX 550 is a Luxury SUV That Works Hard

To get the family over the river and through the woods, the 3-row Lexus TX will get the job done with a premium attitude. Available in three models (350, 500h Hybrid and 550h+ PHEV), it seats up to seven. And yes, adults can sit in the wayback. Built on the same platform as Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX is assembled in Indiana. Tom Voelk checks out the entire lineup in Austin, Texas and finds there are some key differences between each powertrain.   Lexus provided transportation and lodging for this TX event. Opinions remain purely Tom’s.

All New 2024 Lexus TX Is A Premium 3-Row Family Workhorse

For heading out into the wilderness (and making sure you come back) the GMC Canyon AT4X is ready to rumble right out of the box. It starts with extra ground clearance and underbody protection, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires, upgraded front and rear e-locker differentials plus Multimatic DSSV dampers. Add nearly every technology and feature GMC offers and you get a rugged truck that never makes its owner to walk out of the woods. This does come at a cost though. Tom Voelk takes a loaded AT4X on and off road.

Driven- 2019 Nissan Altima Platinum AWD

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