First Drive Reviews
-
The Q4 E-Tron simply doesn’t excel in all the premium ways we expect Audi to versus VW.
-
Review: 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid puts performance first
Dodge’s first PHEV follows its bad-boy brand image much more than minding the miles per gallon or kilowatt-hour.
John Voelcker -
Review: 2023 Nissan Ariya dances with e-4orce AWD, delivers on comfort
The Ariya e-4orce electric SUV uses all four of its drive wheels to show that faster can also feel level-headed.
Bengt Halvorson -
Review: 2023 Lexus RZ 450e tests the electric waters
Much about Lexus’ first EV for the U.S. feels like a hedge, although it already outperforms much of the luxury brand’s lineup.
Robert Duffer -
Review: Mazda MX-30 EV masquerades as an exotic, misses what matters
The MX-30 is an affordable electric vehicle, presented in a way that second-guesses its own priorities.
Bengt Halvorson -
Review: 2023 Kia Niro EV is a shakier value than it should be
The Niro EV has the right building blocks, but Kia miscalculates on value for money, the importance of AWD, and fitting into the lineup below the EV6.
Bengt Halvorson -
Those who choose hybrids over EVs are going to see the Accord Hybrid as a sensible, sporty way to electrify.
-
Test drive review: 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe wears plug-in hybrid off-road crown
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe retains all its capability in a more efficient package, but we wish it had more juice.
Joel Feder -
Review: 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring keeps getting better
We spent a week with the 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring to check in with its updated interface, and it makes the whole car more appealing.
Joel Feder -
Review: 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron feels friskier, goes farther
With a larger battery pack and improved efficiency, the 2024 Q8 E-Tron SUV and Sportback will charge faster and likely hit an EPA 300-mile rating in some versions.
Bengt Halvorson -
Review: 2023 Toyota Prius rethinks high-mpg hybrid for stunning style
A wedgelike profile, peppier powertrain, and reconfigured cabin make the Prius more appealing, without losing any of its high-mileage bragging rights.
John Voelcker -
Review: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is brand’s best gas-driven SUV
Honda gives the CR-V Hybrid’s electric side a boost but still doesn’t let the gas engine play second fiddle.
Bengt Halvorson -
The ID.4 Standard delivers a better driving experience than other sub-$40,000 EVs, with an EPA range rating of 209 miles.
-
Review: 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid, PHEV, and EV up their efficiency credentials
The entire affordable lineup gets an efficiency and range boost—now up to 53 mpg, 33 plug-in electric miles, or an estimated 253 miles for the EV.
John Voelcker -
Review: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 challenges Model 3 in range, revives sedans for the aero age
A low-drag body and high-speed charging vault Hyundai’s new electric Ioniq 6 into the electric-car lead.
Bengt Halvorson -
Review: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV comforts the budding three-row electric class
The EQS SUV is a promising reboot of a luxurious, off-road-capable SUV for the electric age.
Robert Duffer -
Review: 2023 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid falls short of prime mover
The RX 450h+ will cost more and weigh more than hybrid versions of the popular Lexus crossover—without remarkable performance or electric range.
John Voelcker -
Review: 2024 VW ID.Buzz EV counters crossover culture with iconoclastic pizzazz
The 2024 VW ID.Buzz is on the way, and it’s a modern-day electric Microbus in more than design inspiration.
Bengt Halvorson -
All the other electric SUVs might seem a little bland after driving the BMW iX, which can feel equal parts charming and off-putting. Just make sure you’re at peace with the styling.
-
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB electric SUV reminds us boxy is brilliant
The GLB is different from the rest of its EV crossover alternatives—and that’s a good thing.
Bengt Halvorson -
Review: Mercedes Vision EQXX concept escapes the EV weight spiral
The EQXX shows that efficiency is an all-hands approach, and that making compromises is a slippery slope.
Bengt Halvorson -
Review: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq augurs in a new wave of electric luxury
We test drive Cadillac’s flagship SUV EV to see if the Blackwing brand can pivot to battery power without a misstep.
Martin Padgett -
Review: 2022 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid plays to gas prices, not the future of luxury
This plug-in hybrid Lincoln outperformed its EPA numbers of 33 mpg and 28 electric miles, but the experience isn’t so electric.
Bengt Halvorson -
Review: 2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid lacks Lightning allure
The plug-in hybrid crossover might not add up for four-season commuters—but it also lacks the design- and tech-savvy of Ford's other recent plug-in models.
Bengt Halvorson