The Volkswagen GTI is tons of fun in the twisties, but to get the most out of your local tarmac, consider going with just one letter- R.  The all-wheel drive Golf R is about as hot as a hatch can get. The question is, will drivers really use the extra performance? Yeah. It’s that good.

2018 Volkswagen Golf R

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

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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.

Buick Envista Has The Style, Practicality And Affordability

All-wheel drive grip doesn’t have to break the bank. The Subaru Impreza starts at just over $24,000 so there’s no need to skimp on Fido’s food. The new RS model gets a sport-tuned suspension, unique interior and most importantly, a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Tom Voelk checks out a fully optioned model in Oasis Blue and finds it frisky and affordable fun, as long as you don’t crave a manual transmission.

2018 Volkswagen Golf R

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