Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i MotorTrend

Sixty-two Maserati collectors, racetrack-country-club members, and/or wannabe gentleman racers have already flashed their AmEx Black cards, securing every copy of the latest Maserati Corsa track-only model: the 2024 Maserati MC20Xtrema. We covered the concept based loosely on the Maserati MC20 supercar last year, when it was known only by its code name, “Project24,” but the Italian automaker unveiled the finished product at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, where it’s likely those 62 lucky devils were in attendance. Let’s start with what it’s not: It’s not a GT3, GT4, or IMSA racer. In fact, while it complies with basic FIA safety regulations that pertain to many classes, it’s not built to the specifications of any one particular racing series. Instead, it’s the spiritual successor to the Maserati MC12 Corsa, a…

When Lexus introduced the latest iteration of the LM at the 2023 Auto Shanghai show, we thought we might have stumbled upon the coolest minivan ever forged by humankind’s ingenuity. More recently, we were in Japan to drive prototypes of the new Lexus GX and TX models, and the company also let us have a go in the new LM—and dang if it isn’t three times as cool as we hoped. We probably won’t see it in the U.S., though, which is one of automotive life’s great tragedies. The LM is a four-seat minivan based on a Japanese-market Toyota called the Alphard. Our ride from Haneda Airport into central Tokyo was in an Alphard equipped with massive reclining seats in the second row (to the detriment of legroom in the…

Tesla doesn’t have a formal communications department, but it’s listening to its customers, to reviewers, to randos on X. The 2024 Model 3 demonstrates how the company paid attention, took the feedback, and went to work. You can classify the new Model 3, known my its internal Highland code name, as a refresh. The battery and motors are untouched; more surprising, it hasn’t adopted the Model Y’s single-piece structural “gigacastings.” At a mechanical level, it’s mostly the same car. You’re forgiven for thinking the same of the exterior, but Tesla says everything but the rear doors and rear fenders are new. The new nose is better resolved than before, looking more like a Tesla Roadster and less like Spider-Man’s mask. The foglights are gone, and cooling air flows through a…

The day before SUV of the Year testing began, tropical storm Hilary dumped a year’s worth of rain on Southern California in just 18 hours. The storm didn’t care about the eight months of planning it took us to get to this point or the dozens of discussions to coordinate logistics in the week prior to our program. Our new plan was to stay safe and avoid being stranded—or worse—by the mudslides and flash floods occurring near the auto test facility that would serve as our base for the week. We made the decision to send our photo, video, test, and editorial teams to a hotel in Palmdale instead of our usual spot in Tehachapi. It proved wise—later that day a mudslide blocked the east- and westbound lanes of California…

PROS • Less than $40,000 • AWD • Good rear ingress and egress CONS • Cheaper Envista seems more attractive • Gutless three-cylinder engine • Cheap plastic interior VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.3L turbo direct-injected DOHC 12-valve I-3, 9-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,364 lb (60/40%) WHEELBASE 102.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 171.4 x 71.4 x 64.1 in ON SALE Now As far as midcycle refreshes go, the 2024 Buick Encore GX’s is unusual in that the car looks all-new when really only the nose and tail see significant changes. But while Buick successfully altered the GX’s looks, it dropped the ball on the parts that matter most. Behind that façade of newness hide some glaring issues—many of which disappointingly carry over…

PROS • Exceptional hybrid drivetrains • Excellent tech • Tougher looks CONS • Old chassis • Underwhelming interior • No AWD on PHEV VEHICLE LAYOUT (ST Line; PHEV) Front-engine/motors, AWD; FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.5L port-injected Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 2 permanent-magnet electric motors, cont variable auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,784 lb (58/42%); 4,038 lb (58/42%) WHEELBASE 106.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 180.1 x 74.1 x 66.1 in ON SALE Now The Escape is one of those SUVs that hasn’t ranked at the top of its class for a long time, but every time we drive one, we’re pleasantly surprised. Although it perpetually feels a little outdated, there’s some inherent goodness baked into the Escape. For 2023, Ford has given the Escape a big…

PROS • Stylish design • Spacious cabin • Agreeable road manners CONS • Excessive road noise • Harsh ride over poor pavement • Lacks a sporty gene VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.6L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,289 lb (59/41%) WHEELBASE 103.5 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 172.6 x 70.9 x 63.4 in ON SALE Now If you’ve been a fan of Kia’s recent styling direction but don’t want to pay top dollar for it, the 2024 Kia Seltos is a great way to get a rolling piece of that design aesthetic at a reasonable price. At this year’s SUV of the Year evaluation, the subcompact Kia wowed judges with not only its exterior looks but also its…

PROS • A true driver’s SUV • Looks great inside and out • PHEV’s useful electric range CONS • Small third row and cargo area • Jarring ride quality • Fussy infotainment VEHICLE LAYOUT (PHEV; Turbo S) Front-engine/motor, AWD, 7-pass; 6-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.5L direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus perm-mag elec motor; 3.3L turbo direct-inj DOHC 24-valve I-6 plus perm-mag elec motor, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,235 lb (49/51%); 4,880 lb (52/48%) WHEELBASE 122.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 200.8 x 77.6 x 68.2 in ON SALE Now Following years of anticipation, Mazda’s new front-engine, rear-drive-based architecture and accompanying powertrains arrive with lofty aims: enable the enthusiastic dynamics the automaker is known for while elevating Mazda to a market segment above mainstream. Appearing first under…

PROS • Excellent electric range • Interesting value proposition • Well-appointed, spacious interior CONS • Doughy driving dynamics • Needs more accelerative punch • Not new enough VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine/motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet electric motor, 9-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,914 lb (46/54%) WHEELBASE 117.9 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 193.9 x 79.1 x 70.8 in ON SALE Now Mercedes’ EQE and EQS SUVs are its headline-grabbing luxury EVs, but another—and potentially better—electrified crossover sits in the same showroom. The GLE 450e PHEV has ample electric range backed by fast-charging capability, great for normal daily driving. Then it has a combustion engine, making longer journeys as simple as refilling the gas tank. All the while it works…

PROS • Democratizes hybrid efficiency • Light and chuckable on- and off-road • Class-above ride quality CONS • AWD Prius is roomier, cheaper, more efficient • Homelier looking than gas model • Dull, drab interior design VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine/motors, rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSIONS 2.0L port- and direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet electric motor, cont variable auto (fr), 1-speed auto (rr) CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,424 lb (57/43%) WHEELBASE 103.9 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 176.8 x 71.9 x 64.8 in ON SALE Now “Hybridize all the things” has been Toyota’s mantra. Company focus is shifting toward battery electrics, but the new Corolla Cross Hybrid was already in the works and looks to provide stiff competition to the forthcoming hybrid version of the Subaru Crosstrek. The…

PROS • Sharp steering and dynamic handling • Fluid, compliant ride in Soft mode • Thoroughly infused with Italian brio CONS • Clumsy ADAS functionality • Size-below/class-below rear seat, cargo area • Too much tire noise VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSIONS 1.3L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus induction front/permanent-magnet rear electric motors, 6-speed automatic (fr), 1-speed automatic (rr) CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,290 lb (53/47%) WHEELBASE 103.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 178.3 x 72.5 x 63.2 in ON SALE Now Alfa Romeo is finally attacking the heart of the market with a luxury compact SUV. And yes, it had to share its engineering development and most hard-tooled parts with Dodge to make the business case pencil out. Some editors complained this cheapens…

PROS • Big and useful screen • Inexpensive but not cheap • A bigger package than before CONS • No all-wheel drive • Little to no towing capability • Base specification is light on features VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.2L turbo direct-injected DOHC 12-valve I-3, 6-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,046 lb (61/39%) WHEELBASE 106.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 178.6 x 71.7 x 61.4 in ON SALE Now The handsome Trax gets a lot right, offering a smart SUV-shaped package at an entry-level price point most automakers are abandoning, making this one of the most affordable new vehicles on the market, period. But there’s one glaring asterisk: Every version is front-drive only; AWD isn’t an option. Are you going to suffer for…

PROS • Impressive powertrain • Exceptional refinement • Sleek, stately looks CONS • Limited EV mode operation • Not actually so sporty • Peculiar interior arrangements VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, front-motor, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve I-6 plus permanent-magnet electric motor, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 6,301 lb (51/49%) WHEELBASE 118.0 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 194.7 x 80.6 x 71.7 in ON SALE Now As the all-electric Range Rover’s arrival draws closer, the Range Rover Sport PHEV might be the next best thing—and what a thing it is. Following the Range Rover’s redesign in 2022, the Range Rover Sport arrived similarly overhauled for 2023. Like its more grandiose counterpart did 12 months ago, the Range Rover Sport earns its place among the…

Right now, at this very moment, we’re living through the greatest shift in the automotive industry since the dawn of the industry itself. Our transition from fossil fuels has implications of vast magnitude; electric vehicles will redefine environments, industries, governments, and societies. Viewed so broadly, this shift seems daunting, insurmountable—but a narrower scope reveals how attainable it really is. It all comes down to you. Some already know. Early EV adopters recognize the joys and potential of battery power. Others can’t imagine renouncing gas. Wherever you stand, you likely agree more EVs should be approachable, capable, and enjoyable enough to make electric driving realistic for more people. You should pay attention to our 2024 SUV of the Year: the Chevrolet Blazer EV. The State of Things More than a decade…

“Toyota’s pickup has made a back-breaking first impression.”William Walker Service Life 3 months/5,457 miles Average Fuel Econ 15.5 mpg Unresolved Problems None Maintenance Cost $0 Normal Wear $0 Base Price $68,520 As Tested $71,998 EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 18/20/19 mpg With close to 5,500 miles on the odometer already, we’ve driven the Tundra around town, off-road, and on long stints on the highway. After all those miles, I have a defined early impression … on my spine, of all places. Unfortunately, the TRD Pro’s ride quality leaves much to be desired, both on paved roads and off the beaten path. As a photographer, I often capture shots while hanging out of the back of a van or SUV. For the uninitiated, the disorienting sensation of looking backward through a camera…

The further we worked our way through the 31 nameplates and 40 total vehicles contending for the title of MotorTrend’s 2024 SUV of the Year, the more this column wrote itself. A clear pattern emerged among the field: “They caught up.” Whether it was a big people mover like the VW Atlas, a luxury EV like the Audi Q8, or basic transportation like the Chevy Trax, this group is defined by vehicles significantly better than the ones they replaced. Automakers rectified the glaring flaws in their old models with these new ones, a huge win for consumers: Having too many good choices is a nice problem. Just being better than the old model, though, isn’t necessarily enough to win our Golden Calipers. When the baseline is this high, you must…

Nissan Z chief product specialist Hiroshi Tamura says his aim was not to deliver an ultimate numbers car but rather a “willing dance partner” to enjoy a favorite challenging road with. That talk smacks of shaping a plausible narrative to fit the unfortunate reality of introducing a new car built on legacy architecture that left it larger, heavier, and older than rival Toyota’s GR Supra. However, NISMO now claims to have taught this dance partner how to boogie at a track day. Is that plausible? We arrived at California’s Sonoma Raceway with modest expectations. We’ve reported the NISMO’s 100 pounds of upgrades are offset by 20 additional horses and 34 more lb-ft of torque. That brings the totals to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft; it all adds up to a…

Having recently sampled a pristine OG Lightning from the 1990s (July 2023), believe us when we say the F-150 FP700 is the only modern successor to that exuberant original. As the name implies, the FP700 is Ford Performance’s bolt-on solution for energizing a Coyote V-8 with 700 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This is done by affixing a 3.0-liter Whipple twin-screw or Lysholm-type positive-displacement supercharger. The $12,350 kit also includes a set of 22-inch wheels, a rear-suspension lowering kit, and reasonably subtle graphics. DIYers can try following the 46-page instruction manual to install the supercharger (another 48-pager covers the suspension and graphics), but the smarter play is to let a Ford dealership or ASE-certified mechanic do the job (about $1,600 in labor on average). Doing so nets you a…

There’s a new electric motor type that could be the next big thing. Most electric vehicles today employ motors that work in one of two ways. The easy way packs a bunch of strong permanent magnets into a rotor and surrounds them with electric windings that generate rotating electromagnetic fields to push the magnets around. Nikola Tesla discovered another way: Induce a current in metal bars or windings on a rotor by subjecting them to strong perpendicular magnetic fields, with this current creating a momentary repellent magnetic force that can turn the rotor. The company bearing his name has built a lot of these so-called “induction-type” motors. They’re hella cheap and easy to build, but they’re also less efficient and hence less power- and torque-dense than permanent-magnet (PM) motors. The…

Whose dumb idea was this? Intentionally running out of battery charge in another electric car? Well, mine, actually, but it’s all for you. After all, how do you face your fears? Square up and tackle them head on. If range anxiety causes you sleepless nights, let’s just see what happens when you hit zero in a Volkswagen ID4. Features editor Scott Evans was the first to execute a similar feat in a Rivian R1T (November), and I hoped my battery-draining journey would go much smoother. It would at least be cooler and more scenic, as I targeted my zero percent dead-end to be somewhere north of Malibu. Roll Out Our caravan, consisting of the 2022 VW ID4 and a traffic-cone-colored long-term Toyota Tundra with photographers and snacks on board, left…

PROS • Still a looker • Standard air suspension • Two years of free fast charging CONS • Still on older architecture and 400-volt system • No one-pedal driving • Doesn’t want to be an EV VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-/rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTORS, TRANSMISSION Induction electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,972 lb (51/49%) WHEELBASE 115.1 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 193.5 x 76.3 x 65.1 in ON SALE Now The updated Audi E-Tron has a new name: the Audi Q8 E-Tron. But much like the old E-Tron, the design and engineering of the updated luxury electric SUV seems to be geared toward not scaring off legacy customers. It still looks good, but there’s no true wow factor to its styling. Its performance is ample but not…

PROS • Sleek, eye-catching design • All trims start at less than $30,000 • Well equipped for safety CONS • Small three-cylinder engine • Six-speed transmission • Front-wheel-drive only VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.2L turbo direct-injected DOHC 12-valve I-3, 6-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,116 lb (60/40%) WHEELBASE 106.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 182.6 x 71.5 x 61.3 in ON SALE Now We had high hopes for the Envista, Buick’s new entry-level SUV. It sports a new nameplate and standout looks, especially for a model that sees even its top-tier Avenir trim carrying a starting price of less than $30,000. If you don’t need all-wheel drive, this front-drive small SUV is worth a look. It’s longer, with more second-row legroom than the…

PROS • Cool-looking design • Spacious center console • Fancy tech for the segment CONS • N Line trim is too aggressive • Noticeable turbo lag • Can get pricey VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.6L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,455 lb (59/41%) WHEELBASE 104.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 172.6 x 71.9 x 63.6 in ON SALE Now The Kona enters its second generation for 2024 with a new design language. It’s larger than the outgoing Kona, too, and its uncommonly ornate (for this class) and unmistakable design is something we’re already seeing in other upcoming Hyundai products. Having really liked the previous Kona, would our judges warm to this one? Consistency in that new design would…

PROS • Now technically seats eight • Stylishly rugged interior design • Feels like driving a school bus! CONS • Wobbly ride • Complicated packaging • Feels like you’re driving a school bus VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 8-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve I-6 plus permanent-magnet electric motor, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,848 lb (46/54%) WHEELBASE 119.0 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 211.7 x 79.1 x 77.6 in ON SALE Now The Defender 130 is a tricky one to judge. On one hand, it potentially improves upon a design and package we previously lauded enough to crown as our 2021 SUV of the Year in the form of the standard Defender 110. The 130 is more than a foot longer than the 110…

PROS • Useful all-wheel-steering tech • Futuristic acceleration sounds • AMG’s straight-line speed CONS • Poor ride quality • High dash makes cabin feel claustrophobic • Driving range is merely OK VEHICLE LAYOUT (350+; AMG) Rear-motor; front- and rear-motor, RWD; AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,436 lb (48/52%); 5,868 lb (49/51%) WHEELBASE 119.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 191.5 x 76.4 x 66.3; 192.1 x 76.4 x 65.8 in ON SALE Now Slicing a sausage into smaller, neater pieces doesn’t make it better. In the end you’re still left with the same sausage. That’s what we found with the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE and its 2023 EQE 350+ counterpart. There’s no question Mercedes is aiming to impress with design and tech,…

PROS • Uses CCS for DC fast charging • Clever features and tech • Huge back seats CONS • Feels heavy • Indecisive regen braking • Doesn’t have great range VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed direct CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,070 lb (50/50%) WHEELBASE 109.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 182.9 x 74.8 x 65.7 in ON SALE Now From the brand that gave us the first true mass-produced EV, the 2023 Nissan Ariya continues to bring innovations that impress us. It of course still boasts the clever design and interesting tech we loved when we included the front-drive version in our 2023 SUV of the Year field. Unfortunately for the AWD model eligible this year, many all-electric vehicles have…

PROS • Larger third row than the Highlander • Wide range of powertrains • Supple suspension CONS • Harsh braking • Unimpressive materials quality • Design lacks personality VEHICLE LAYOUT (XLE; Platinum; Limited) Front-engine/motors; front-engine; front-engine, fr/rr motors, AWD, 7-8-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.5L direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 2 perm-mag motors, cont variable auto; 2.4L turbo port- and direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed auto; 2.4L turbo port- and direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 2 perm-mag motors, 6-speed auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,644 lb (52/48%); 4,652 lb (54/46%); 4,922 lb (52/48%) WHEELBASE 116.1 in L x W x H 201.4 x 78.3 x 70.1 in ON SALE Now The Highlander has been a popular SUV for Toyota, but it needed a larger third row to be truly competitive.…

PROS • Awesome design inside and out • Fun to drive • Great engine CONS • Atrocious ride quality • Missing features • Odd control designs VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 7-speed twin-clutch auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,776 lb (57/43%) WHEELBASE 106.0 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 177.2 x 72.6 x 64.6 in ON SALE Now Compared to the outgoing model, the 2024 BMW X1 is a major improvement. That we can all agree on. Whether it’s as good as it could and should be, though, was a source of lengthy debate. The parts we liked, we loved. The old X1 felt like a tarted-up Mini Countryman, but the new model feels like a completely different car than…

PROS • Stunning design • Excellent ride and handling • Great EV integration CONS • Lack of range • Grabby brakes • Minor infotainment issues VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-/rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,062 lb (50/50%) WHEELBASE 113.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.6 x 75.2 x 64.2 in ON SALE Now The GV70 won our 2022 SUV of the Year by a landslide, and the EV version, known as the Electrified GV70, almost took home the Calipers, as well. There’s just one big problem. Every judge’s notes read something like this: “I love the way this car drives! It’s so quiet inside. Best ride quality in the competition. Looks fantastic! Too bad about that range, though.” It’s the all-electric…

PROS • Luxurious interior • Huge value • Four powertrains to choose from CONS • Outdated, small instrument cluster • Some NVH and ride quality issues • Overbearing driver attention monitoring system VEHICLE LAYOUT (350; 350h; 500h) Front-engine; front-/rear- motor, FWD; AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.4L turbo port- and direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed auto; 2.5L port- and direct-inj Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 3 perm-mag motors, cont variable auto; 2.4L turbo port- and direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 2 perm-mag motors, 6-speed auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,237 lb (59/41%); 4,510 lb (55/45%); 4,741 lb (55/45%) WHEELBASE 112.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 192.5 x 75.6 x 67.3 in ON SALE Now Our very first SUV of the Year is back, and the new RX is…

“We entered our 1,050-hp Lucid in a drag race, and things did not go as planned.”Eric Tingwall Service Life 5 months/5,449 miles Average Fuel Econ 2.3 mi/kWh Unresolved Problems None Maintenance Cost $0 Normal Wear $0 Base Price $180,650 As Tested $180,650 EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 109/110/109 mpg-e Lucid positions its Air as a posh grand tourer, but if you squint hard enough, it looks a lot like a purpose-built drag racer. During routine testing, our Grand Touring Performance stacked six 2.7-second 0–60 sprints on top of each other in back-to-back-to-back runs. That speed and consistency make it perfect for bracket racing, a form of competitive drag racing where you predict your time and aim to run as close as you can without going faster. The idea of rocketing down…

“I’ve always questioned people who used a pickup truck as a daily driver, and now I’m one of ’em.”Aaron Gold Service Life 2 months/3,486 miles Average Fuel Econ 17.1 mpg Unresolved Problems None Maintenance Cost $0 Normal Wear $0 Base Price $40,455 As Tested $43,241 EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 17/22/19 mpg At the risk of alienating some 15 percent of American drivers, I’ve long believed daily-driving a pickup is silly—yet here I am, doing exactly that in our long-term Frontier. I hoped the Nissan’s tweener size would make a good compromise between capability and comfort. So how’s that working out so far? The Frontier’s suspension is most definitely firmer than most of the cars and SUVs I drive, but there’s some good tuning here. Although the ride is busy, the…

The Mach-E Rally is Ford’s first rally-inspired EV, a Mach-E modified to play around on unpaved surfaces. With four WRC manufacturers’ championships to its name, Ford isn’t exactly new to rallying, but it is a new space for the brand stateside, and certainly for the Mustang. Of course, this is no roll-caged rally machine with onboard fire suppression; it’s a factory-upgraded EV. It is different enough to come off as purpose-built and fun but not so different that it’ll have a seat next to Ford’s RS200 or Escort RS Cosworth in the history books—not yet, anyway. The GT Performance serves as the starting point, to which Ford adds an updated rear motor, increasing torque to 650 lb-ft, while peak horsepower remains 480. Max power delivery from the 91-kWh battery will…

Porsche famously builds near-infinite variants of the immortal 911. First come the expected flavors and a handful of AWD, Cabriolet, and Targa spin-offs. Andreas Preuninger and his Porsche GT division then deliver the racy 911 GT3 and doubly racy 911 GT3 RS. Next, Porsche introduces niche offerings like the rally-ready 911 Dakar. Then there’s a chance it creates something historic, a specialized 911 we’ll remember for decades. For the previous generation, it was the 911 R. This time around, we get the 911 S/T. The latest 911 variant pays tribute to an ancestor, a 1970 911 S augmented with a performance package known internally by the ST moniker. Modifications combined the weight reduction of the 911 R of the time with the 911 T’s stripped-down cabin. Race-homologated examples delivered Porsche…

While the rarely seen Lotus Evija hypercar introduced the world to the idea of an electric-powered Lotus, it was the Lotus Eletre SUV (November) that truly kicked off parent company Geely’s radical reinvention of Lotus for the EV age. Now meet the Emeya, an electric-powered four-door GT that’s just as radical a departure from the past for the storied British sports car maker. “This is a Lotus like you have never seen before,” says Ben Payne, vice president of design for Lotus Group, though there’s more than a hint of the Eletre SUV in the Emeya’s grimacing front-end graphic—and lots of Eletre hardware under the skin. Scheduled to go into production in 2024, the Emeya likely packs a 905-hp, 727-lb-ft punch, courtesy of a dual-motor electric powertrain shared with the…

On the Other Side? Having been a MotorTrend reader forever, I notice you seem to have made it over the EV hump. Either you no longer get the anti-tree-hugger, commie screeds whenever you write about an EV, or you have chosen not to print them. Maybe readers are coming around? I started driving my mom’s Anglia around my hometown in South Dakota back in 1950. Back then, nothing sounded better than an OHV V-8 with glass packs. I still do my own tire rotations and oil changes. I’ve always considered myself a car guy and ICE guy, but… Last February I ordered a Tesla Model Y. Got a note it’d arrive in a month. After 30 days, delivery was pushed back another month. Looked closer at the all-glass roof. We…

JUDGES/TESTERS ERICK AYAPANA Associate Road Test Editor JUSTIN BANNER Associate Editor MATTHEW CHUDZINSKI Senior Technical Editor MIGUEL CORTINA Mexico Editor GORDON DICKIE Senior VP of Engineering, Global Vehicle Services SCOTT EVANS Features Editor ZACH GALE Buyer’s Guide Director JERED KORFHAGE Technical Writer ALEX LEANSE Associate Editor KRISTEN LEE Senior Features Editor FRANK MARKUS Technical Director RYAN ONO Content Coordinator ALISA PRIDDLE Detroit Editor HAU THAI-TANG Retired Chief Industrial Platform Officer, Ford ERIC TINGWALL Testing Director JUSTIN WESTBROOK Senior Editor…

PROS • More power • Graceful handling • Updated iDrive 8 screen setup CONS • Tricky third-row access • Questionable shifter redesign • High starting price VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine/motor, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve I-6 plus permanent-magnet electric motor, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,542 lb (47/53%) WHEELBASE 122.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 203.6 x 78.7 x 72.2 in ON SALE Now BMW’s updates to the X7 address a few of our complaints about last year’s version. It gets a redesigned front end, retuned handling, and a particularly nice distraction: more power. Yet that might not be enough to impress for such a pricey offering. The entry-level X7 xDrive40i’s 3.0-liter turbo I-6 gets a 40-hp bump, so it now puts out…

PROS • Big, Dodge-y fun to drive • Aggressive good looks • Interesting performance-data screens CONS • Subcompact packaging • Torque steer and turbo lag • Insufficient standard safety gear VEHICLE LAYOUT (GT Plus; R/T) Front-engine/rear motors, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION(S) 2.0L turbo direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4, 9-sp auto; 1.3L turbo direct-inj DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus induction (fr), perm-mag (rr) motors, 6-sp auto (fr), 1-sp auto (rr) CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,813 lb (60/40%); 4,215 lb (53/47%) WHEELBASE 103.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 178.0 x 72.5 x 63.8 in ON SALE Now Is this a Kirkland label discount Alfa Romeo Tonale, or is it a slightly pricier but way more fun-to-drive Toyota RAV4/Honda CR-V competitor? The former perception might earn the new Dodge Hornet value points…

PROS • AWD is standard on all trims • Improved infotainment UI • Starting price less than $30K CONS • Old bones • Not enough capability • Cramped rear seats VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,833 lb (61/39%) WHEELBASE 103.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 173.4 x 73.8 x 60.8 in ON SALE Now When asked to identify an off-road vehicle, the average person will point to just about any Jeep. Credit the brand’s long and well-deserved reputation for back-road excellence, one earned by vehicles such as the Wrangler. The updated 2023 Jeep Compass makes a valiant attempt to live up to its lineage, especially in the Trailhawk trim we had on hand…

PROS • Smooth, comfy electric experience • Not terribly expensive • Gas Lexus included with purchase, sorta CONS • No glove box or frunk • Mixed tech success • Limited driving range VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTOR, TRANSMISSION Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,581 lb (70/30%) WHEELBASE 112.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 189.2 x 74.6 x 64.4 in ON SALE Now Lexus says it will make only battery-powered vehicles by 2035, and the new RZ 450e is the brand’s first dedicated EV. This midsize crossover indicates Lexus’ future lineup will have luxurious appeal, but we find this first effort lacking in crucial areas. As a model intended to ease Lexus loyalists into electric driving, the RZ 450e doesn’t lean into…

PROS • Excellent fit and finish • Fun handling • Solid powertrain CONS • Lack of physical interior controls • Challenging infotainment • Best stuff is optional VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine/motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus induction electric motor, 9-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,390 lb (52/48%) WHEELBASE 113.1 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.7 x 74.4 x 64.6 in ON SALE Now When you’re a previous SUVOTY winner like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, that comes with certain expectations. We expect a new version of any past winner to be good out of the gate, we expect any flaws to have been addressed, and we expect it to make it to the finalist round. While the latest GLC met some of those…

PROS • Good forward visibility • Commutes like a Toyota • Funky-cool design CONS • Questionable ergonomics • Poor noise, vibration, and harshness • Really dislikes being hustled VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-motor, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTOR, TRANSMISSION Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,307 lb (56/44%) WHEELBASE 112.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 184.6 x 73.2 x 65.0 in ON SALE Now The takeaway right up top: The funky-looking bZ4X’s showing at SUV of the Year revealed some strengths but also disappointing driving manners. It was not a finalist. However, if you’re a Toyota loyalist, rarely drive long distances, and like avant-garde styling, perhaps this is the vehicle for you. The bZ4X is visually similar to its sibling, the upmarket Lexus RZ 450e (It’s nearly identical to…

PROS • Improved interior quality • Sooooo much space • Innovative … air vents? CONS • Infotainment issues • Needs more body control • Brake feel could be better VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-7-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,515 lb (56/44%); 4,637 lb (55/45%) WHEELBASE 117.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 195.6; 200.7 x 78.3 x 68.1; 70.4 in ON SALE Now What a rollercoaster ride. Not the too-soft ride of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas but the way the three-row segment has evolved around the Atlas itself. An SUV of the Year finalist for 2018, the Atlas went on to place last in a nine-SUV comparison in 2020 and consistently places near the bottom of our three-row…

PROS • Striking, modern interior and exterior design • Great value for luxury • Ideal one-pedal driving CONS • Class-below seat comfort • Alarming build quality • Rough ride with secondary shake VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,961 lb (50/50%) WHEELBASE 121.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 196.7 x 77.8 x 63.9 in ON SALE Now This Lyriq 600e4 is the luxury vehicle we’ve long hoped Cadillac would deliver. It features a daring, modern design inside and out that uses virtually no visible parts-bin hand-me-ups. And it’s successful as a transitioning EV design in that it’s much better than some at hiding (or leveraging) the long-wheelbase/short-overhang proportions a big battery pack skateboard chassis demands while…

PROS • Earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status • Fantastic value • Roomy, practical cabin CONS • Old-looking interior design • Outdated technology • Lots of cabin noise VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 8-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.5L direct-injected DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, 10-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,639 lb (56/44%) WHEELBASE 113.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 199.9 x 78.5 x 71.0 in ON SALE Now In a field packed with three-row SUVs galore, the 2024 Honda Pilot stood out in how well it fared against our SUV of the Year criteria. Judges were pleased with its ride and handling, ample interior room, and easy ingress and egress into the third row. “This is a highly versatile three-row SUV for people who will use it to haul…

PROS • More powerful engine • Smooth ride • Off-road chops CONS • Boring design • Underpowered base engine • Vertical infotainment screen VEHICLE LAYOUT (Base; Wilderness) Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L direct-injected DOHC 16-valve flat-4; 2.5L direct-injected DOHC 16-valve flat-4, cont variable auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,345 lb (59/41%); 3,449 lb (60/40%) WHEELBASE 105.1; 104.9 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 176.4 x 70.9 x 63.0; 176.4 x 71.7 x 63.6 in ON SALE Now The Crosstrek has long been a MotorTrend favorite, and for good reason: Its charming size, smooth ride, and off-road abilities have always stood out. It continues to place high in our Ultimate Car Rankings, and now the 2024 Crosstrek boasts a couple of important improvements. First, the arrival of a…

“We’re trying our best to let Ford’s native navigation app find Michigan’s chargers for us—with mixed results.”Frank Markus Service Life 2 months/2,177 miles Average Fuel Econ 1.8 mi/kWh Unresolved Problems None Maintenance Cost $0 Normal Wear $0 Base Price $65,369 As Tested $85,779 EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 78/63/70 mpg-e We’ve had our Michigan-based Lightning XLT for just two months, but the Waze and CarPlay habit is proving to be a tough one to kick. Despite Ford having a year of production and over-the-air updates under its belt with the Lightning, we see room for improvement in the onboard and app-based navigation systems. The Lightning’s unique selling proposition among electric pickups is its close relationship to the combustion F-Series, and sure enough the nav seems similarly unchanged. It needs to be…

Audi’s Q6 E-Tron was supposed to be one of the stars of the 2023 Munich auto show, as a high-tech, electric-powered SUV that showcased Volkswagen Group’s transformation from being a giant of the automotive industry’s internal combustion era to becoming a leader in the 21st century’s EV age. Oh, the Q6 E-Tron was there on the Munich show floor, its production-spec interior on display and its production exterior dusted in white-on-white faux camouflage that hid nothing. The hardware was ready to go. But the software wasn’t. The Q6 E-Tron was to serve as the debut model for Volkswagen Group’s all-new PPE premium EV platform, a highly versatile vehicle architecture designed to underpin forthcoming electric-powered sedans and SUVs from Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini. PPE can be built in wheelbases from…