Ford’s new Maverick compact pickup is turning out to be a smash hit. One big reason? Flexibility. The engineers designed the affordable trucklette from the ground up to be easily customized by owners. Want to install an air compressor or LED lighting in the bed. Easy. Need to haul bikes but can’t afford an expensive rack? Ford has easy-to-follow instructions on how to build one on a budget. And it tows up to two tons. With respect to Paul Simon, there must be 50 ways to hack your Maverick. Tom Voelk offers a deep dive on what the designers were thinking, and some of the DIY ideas the engineers have come up with.  

How Ford Built Maverick So You Can Make It Uniquely Yours

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

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The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is available with two engines. The Sport model unlocks the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer powertrain that’s found in the more expensive Limited and Wilderness versions. $2,800 more expensive than the Premium model, Sport adds kit that people want, making it the smart choice. Tom Voelk lays down his case on why this is the Crosstrek to buy.    

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the Sweet Spot

Cadillac’s XT4 has been around since 2018 and is one of the premium brand’s most popular vehicles. For 2024 it gets new front and rear facias and a massive 33-inch screen borrowed from its all-electric sister Lyriq. It all helps elevate the entry level crossover to a more Cadillac-like vibe. And the Google-based interface is quick and responsive. It’s a big improvement. But, is it enough to draw people from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Lincoln? Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped AWD Sport model to find out.  

2024 Cadillac XT4 Sport AWD Gets a 33-Inch Upgrade

The biggest complaint about EVs is range. Volvo adds 31 miles of it to the 2024 version of the C40 Recharge. The trick? New more efficient motors. And for the first time in 25 years, Volvo offers a rear-wheel drive vehicle with the single motor version that’s rated to travel nearly 300 miles on a charge. Tom Voelk checks out an AWD twin motor Ultimate C40 Recharge dipped in Silver Lake paint with the optional Midnight Zinc wool blend upholstery (and no, it doesn’t itch). With Seattle temperatures in the low 30’s, it’s a great range and charge test.

2024 Volvo C40 Recharge Is A Swede EV With Added Range

Families have trusted the 3-row Honda Pilot to get groceries and shuttle the kids for over 20 years. Now it can take them farther into the wilderness. The Trailsport model gets the gear to tackle tough terrain- the suspension, tires, front stabilizer bar and Trail Torque Logic rear differential are all off-road oriented. Tom Voelk checks the Trailsport out off-road and, just as importantly, on paved roads (since that’s where this rig will spend most of its time). 

Honda Pilot Trailsport Will Get Families To The Woods (And Back Again)

When loyal Subaru owners outgrow their Foresters and Outbacks, they can always move up to Ascent.  It has the 3-rows of seating families crave, and being a Subaru, it comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Onyx Edition Limited gets standard StarTex water-resistant seats, stitching that looks stolen from a Seahawks jersey and a very good Harmon/Kardon sound system. Tom Voelk checks out an Ascent in Ice Silver Metallic and finds it’s the right size for larger families, as long as tall people stay out of the third row.

How Ford Built Maverick So You Can Make It Uniquely Yours

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