Driving With The High-Tech Texan - Car Reviews

Interested in a very nice starter vehicle with a good price? Chevy's new Trax is a solid CUV with a lot of standard equipment to keep you safe and, should you wish, heated thanks to its steering wheel, front seats, and outside mirrors.

Even though you may not use those features in Texas the Trax delivers value with a smooth ride. It seats 5 people comfortably and carries a decent load in the tailgate.

For a full review, take a listen here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I owned a Grand Cherokee about 25 years ago and the luxury, drive and tech continues to keep up with other rugged, higher-end vehicles. This Trailhawk is one of Jeep's most trail-capable models and I specifically drove the 4xe, a plug-in hybrid.

I love the outside styling and badging, especially the turquoise tow hooks. The 18" wheels and deep-tread tires make driving off-road not only easy but also fun.

Take a listen to my full review.

Since Dodge will kill off its Challenger and Charger models as we know them (i.e. gas-engine powered), they may have decided they needed a new performance vehicle. Welcome...Hornet!

This small SUV reminds me of an Alfa Romeo which may not be a far stretch as Stellantis owns both brands. With a roomy front seat, nice features and a unique look, the Hornet doesn't sting too much as it is a good vehicle for its price.

Listen to the full review here.

Now this is a powerful sedan. Big engine, great handling and an overall fun drive. As sedans are being made less and less, Lexus produced a winner with the ES350.

This is it. The big dog. The monster. Oh by the way, the luxurious truck that rides above everything else on and off the road.

I recently got to spend time in the new Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate truck. What all does it do? Well it "only" tows up to 22,000 lbs, has more cameras than a TV station, packs a punch with its 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine, smells better than a bootmaker's shop with all of the real leather and wood, and rides as smooth as a sedan with its shocks and lift kit.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

This is it. The first of the "Last Call" muscle cars from Dodge. And they are sending out the final combustible engine Challenger with a bang. A loud bang complete with a 6.4L Hemi V8 with 485 hp.

Take a listen and a ride down memory lane with my review here.

I got to see the first public reveal of this special vehicle last February at the Chicago Auto Show and couldn't wait until I got the opportunity to drive it. And that wait was well worth it. This special edition of the iconic Wrangler put a smile on my face with its unique color and 20th Anniversary branding that is everywhere from the hood to the swing gate to the shifter medallion.

This is the 4xe version which combines a gas engine with a 17.3 kwh battery that gives about 21 miles of range on electricity. The optional Sky One-Touch Power Top is almost a must-have feature for enjoying this "fun machine" on and offroad.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I remember going to the launch of the first iteration of this small SUV back in 2018. The Kicks replaced the Nissan Juke and has remained an inexpensive, if not fun, option for a subcompact 5-seater.

The relatively small engine (1.6L) puts out 122hp which is enough to get you up to speed on highways and in the city. It remains a very good value and fuel efficient vehicle.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

I have always said Nissan's large SUV is, dollar-for-dollar, one of the best values when it comes to a luxury 7 or 8 passenger vehicle. The 2023 version of the Armada is no different.

The creature comforts are still here with a lovely, comfy, and large interior. A V8 engine gives it some good pickup and it looks sharp riding on 22" wheels. An optional rear seat entertainment gives the kids something to do on long rides and it can stow a lot of gear when all the seats are folded down.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan with Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

This is a big boy! Ram knows how to do trucks and the 2500 packs a punch with a 6.4L Hemi V8 that can tow 16,800 lbs. The Rebel badge (known for its off-road capabilities) adds several features including Bilstein shocks and 33" tires. The interior is massive with in-floor storage bins under the back row seat, logo'd stitching in the seats and my favorite Uconnect infotainment system.

Take a listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).