The 2024 Ford Ranger is coming this fall but you can check it out inside and out now. Tom Voelk offers a preview of the next-generation mid-sized pickup that gets a Raptor version for the first time in the US. In the XL, XLT and Lariat models, choose between a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 270 horsepower or the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 315 HP. The Raptor gets a 3-liter V6 with 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and a different advanced four-wheel-drive system. There’s all sort of tech too. 

2024 Ford Ranger First Look (And Yes, There’s A Raptor Now)

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

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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.

GMC Canyon AT4X Is A Deep And Capable Machine

“Performance Corolla” is an oxymoron up there with “jumbo shrimp”, but the GR Corolla is not part of the Marvel alternative multiverse. It’s real, and loads of fun. Starting at just $36,995 with shipping from the specialized factory in Japan, the GR is a performance bargain. 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and structural improvements all help to make it the most potent Corolla to date. And the Gazoo Racing visuals get attention… not always welcome. Tom Voelk checks out a Circuit edition that MSRPs at around $44K.

Toyota GR Corolla Is The Corolla Your Mother Warned You About

Suffering from the sticker shock? Maybe you’d really rather drive a Buick. Seriously. The new Envista has style, practicality, and a price tag that will impress.  It’s not a high-performance machine but for people looking for solid transportation without a budget brand badge, Buick offers a lot of value here. Tom Voelk drives a mid-tier Sport Touring model optioned up with sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel plus an upgraded rear suspension.

2024 Ford Ranger First Look (And Yes, There’s A Raptor Now)

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