Innehållsförteckning för February 2023 från MotorTrend

Looking at our 15-strong 2023 Car of the Year field, it’s apparent we’re witnessing the form’s decline. Our field is not only smaller than in recent years but also more “foreign.” The Detroit Three sell a total of 10 cars between them. Add Tesla and Lucid into the mix, and that number balloons to a whopping 13. A decade ago, the Detroit Three alone sold upward of 30 car models. This year’s COTY field featured just one American car. But what if we’re looking at the car’s decline the wrong way? What if we’re being colored by recent biases? What if the traditional car—typically a three-box design with a distinct hood, body, and trunk—was a historical anomaly? Was the SUV’s rise inevitable? Looking back at the bestselling vehicles of the…

Big news for all of you wealthy mud-bogging fans: The G-Wagen on portal axles has returned for a second generation. The 2022 Mercedes-AMG G63 4x42, or 4x4 Squared, is bigger, more powerful, more capable, and much more expensive. The process of turning a regular G-Class into a 4x42 is fairly straightforward. In a sentence, the wheel hubs are swapped out in favor of portal axles, and that’s most of it. What’s a portal axle? It’s a hub where instead of entering the center point of the wheel, the halfshafts go into the top of the hub and then are geared down. This creates more ground clearance. The new 4x42 has portals on both its solid rear axle and the independent arrangement up front—the world’s first such setup. Other changes include…

We don’t blame you if you think to yourself, “Here we go again; MotorTrend is about to laud yet another 911 GT3.” We also won’t apologize, because few cars deserve the consistency of praise given to the latest 911 GT3 range, from the standard GT3 that won our 2022 Performance Vehicle of the Year award to the next-level-and-then-some GT3 RS we drove for the first time recently (January 2023). Now we’ve taken a 2022 911 GT3 Touring with a manual transmission to our testing grounds to see how the “least extreme” version gets on with its job. The wing delete is the only significant performance-altering change between the GT3 and GT3 Touring models, thanks to the aerodynamic downforce lost by replacing the large, fixed version with an active rear spoiler…

Scott Fitzgerald once wrote there were no second acts in American lives. Nobody told Henrik Fisker. The Danish-born, Los Angeles–based car designer turned entrepreneur is now on his third attempt at building cars with his family name on the hood. In his early favor, our drive of a prototype of the electric-powered Fisker Ocean SUV, which should hit streets sometime in late 2023, suggests he might finally have a winner. At first acquaintance, the Ocean is a cool, classy, competent take on what is quickly becoming the planet’s hottest vehicle segment: the midsize electric-powered SUV. More important, though, behind this new Fisker EV is a manufacturing infrastructure with a proven track record in building everything from sports cars to sedans to luxury off-roaders in high volumes and to high quality…

JUDGES/TESTERS Erick Ayapana Associate Road Test Editor Miguel Cortina Mexico Editor Mike Floyd Director of Editorial Operations Zach Gale Buyer’s Guide Director Alan Lau Road Test Analyst Frank Markus Technical Director Alisa Priddle Detroit Editor Billy Rehbock Associate Editor Christian Seabaugh Features Editor Alexander Stoklosa Deputy Editor Chris Theodore Automotive Industry and Engineering Expert Eric Tingwall Testing Director Chris Walton Road Test Editor…

PROS • Dragstrip launch performance • Slinky styling • Mini S-Class coupe interior fittings CONS • Dreadful top “switch” • Teeth-rattling Comfort mode ride • Transmission tuning VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door convertible ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 4.0L twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 32-valve 90-degree V-8, 9-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,239 lb (54/46%) WHEELBASE 106.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.2 x 75.4 x 53.5 in ON SALE Now The latest Mercedes-AMG SL-Class is a car of many “buts.” We love its long-hood, short-deck proportions but aren’t crazy about its rounded, saggy rear view. Launch control slingshots the car brilliantly at 3,500 rpm sans wheelspin, but when you just accelerate normally off the line, there’s turbo lag. The snug new soft top looks great, isolates noise, and preserves luggage space, but raising or lowering it by pressing, sliding,…

PROS • Comfortable ride • Approachable handling limits • More power than before CONS • Extra power offset by extra mass • Cabin feels old despite being new • Limited-slip differential only on upper trims VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door hatchback ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 3.0L twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, 6-speed manual CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,519 lb (57/43%) WHEELBASE 100.4 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 172.4 x 72.6 x 51.8 in ON SALE Now What’s old is new again? The 2023 Nissan Z takes that phrase literally, as it represents yet another rehash of a rear-wheel-drive platform dating back to the 2003 350Z. Nissan reanimated those old bones for the 370Z in 2010, and here they are again for the new, numberless Z. Next to its mashup of retro Z styling cues—the nose is pure,…

PROS • Beautiful design • Quicker than before • Spacious back seat CONS • Underwhelming interior • Infotainment needs improvement • Pricey VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 7-speed twin-clutch auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,911 lb (57/43%) WHEELBASE 111.9 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 191.5 x 73.7 x 56.8 in ON SALE Now The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon’s biggest challenge isn’t another car; rather, it’s Father Time. As Nissan, Dodge, and Chrysler exit the full-size car scene, there is no question this small segment is shrinking. So VW’s latest updates to the Arteon intrigue us, and with this improved version, we wonder whether the company can make buyers care about the Arteon before they stop buying mainstream-branded full-size cars altogether. We hope so, because the Arteon is just…

PROS • Slick EV integration • Crushingly normal, unlike most EVs • Channels core BMW traits CONS • Eco-minded tires can be loud • Awkward ingress/egress • Limited center-console storage space eDRIVE40; M50 VEHICLE LAYOUT Rear-motor, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback; front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Brushed synchronous electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,708 lb (45/55%); 5,012 lb (48/52%) WHEELBASE 112.4 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 188.5 x 72.9 x 57.0 ON SALE Now Look at the BMW i4, then look at a current BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The two four-door hatchbacks are virtually identical, their shared platform flexible enough to support both electric and gas-powered models. Cover the i4’s badges, and it’s tough to identify as an EV—save for the lack of exhaust pipes and its blocked-off kidney grilles. Typically,…

PROS • Nicer, more feature-rich cabin • More power always welcome • Handles as well as—or even better than—before CONS • Is the styling too mature now? • Not particularly efficient for its size • Good luck getting one at its $44K MSRP VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 4-pass, 4-door hatchback ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 6-speed manual CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,165 lb (62/38%) WHEELBASE 107.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 180.9 x 74.4 x 55.4 in ON SALE Now Shortly after the 2023 Honda Civic Type R made its debut, we had lots of questions. Is it going to be as great as before? Is the added power going to affect how it handles? Will it live up to our expectations? After spending a few days with the new Type R for our…

“How much of a difference do new tires really make? We found out.”Zach Gale Service Life 10 mo/11,023 miles Average Fuel Econ 22.9 mpg Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $63,050 As tested $72,770 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 23/30/26 mpg We like the E-Class a ton, but something has disappointed us with our yearlong test car. How could a model providing such sublime ride quality in our initial testing deliver more average responses with subsequent use? Without switching to 18-inch wheels like the 2021 Car of the Year–winning sedan, we decided to install a new set of tires to see if we could improve the picture. And things did change, but not in the way we hoped. For a luxury sedan, our E 450 simply…

Service Life 2 months/2,722 miles Average Fuel Econ 23.4 mpg “A pickup without a functional bed is not much of a truck. How does the Santa Cruz stack up?”Alisa Priddle Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $37,425 As tested $38,020 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 19/27/22 mpg Many buyers of full-size pickups have work to do, and a strong truck with a large bed is mission critical. Others just like the feel of a large body-on-frame vehicle around them, content with the knowledge their truck can handle anything from a trip to the hardware store to helping a buddy move a mattress. But full-size trucks keep getting bigger, making them harder to park or fit in a garage, which has led to a resurgence in the…

Appointed Ferrari CEO last year, Benedetto Vigna is an interesting choice to lead Italy’s most iconic automotive company. For a start, he’s never worked in the car business. A trim 53-year-old with a ready smile, Vigna is a physicist with decades of experience in the microchip industry. The closest he got to automaking during his 26-year career at Swiss company STMicroelectronics was to lead the development of a low-cost three-dimensional motion sensor intended for airbag systems. He later refined the design so it could serve within the wireless controllers of Nintendo Wii gaming consoles. As with many Italians, though, the Prancing Horse holds a special place in Vigna’s heart. “Ferrari has always been with me, since I was I child,” he says, recalling the small model Ferrari he always carried…

Is the 2024 Cadillac Celestiq for real? This head-turning, all-electric superluxury sedan is longer than the brand’s Escalade SUV and priced in a stratosphere Cadillac has long only dreamed of returning to. To wit: Pricing will start above the $300,000 threshold, but customers can easily add up to $100,000 more via customization, all but guaranteeing no two owners have the same exact car. The mere fact Cadillac is producing the Celestiq is nearly as surprising as the vehicle itself, which fulfills a longstanding desire to build a proper flagship. An idea became a vision, then a concept car, and now a fabulous final-form four-door that brings to life almost all the gee-whiz features envisioned along the way. The Celestiq has an estimated 600 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, a…

The first-gen Range Rover Sport that launched in 2004 was little more than a rebodied Land Rover Discovery. It wasn’t nice to look at, and it wasn’t sporty. When the next one arrived in 2013, it was more handsome but still drove like a cost-cut Range Rover. Now comes the third installment. Is it finally the full package? It definitely looks great. There’s this terrific gangster lean to it, along with subtle curves and a squashed, sloping roof that enhances the well-defined shoulder and beltlines. As for how it drives, we slid behind the wheel of multiple versions in Spain to find out. The U.S. will get the P360 and P400 with an inline-six, the P440e plug-in hybrid, and the V-8-totin’ P530. We drove the latter, the P400, and a…

In December 2010, the Nissan Leaf became the first electric car to be widely available to Americans since gasoline-powered vehicles took off a century earlier. Compact, cute, and efficient, we dubbed it “remarkably unremarkable, in the best possible way.” A long 12 years later—and after numerous manufacturers have launched multiple entrants into the EV space—the Leaf finally has an electric stablemate in the Nissan lineup. The question: Is the 2023 Nissan Ariya electric SUV “remarkably unremarkable,” or will it stand out in an increasingly crowded field? Although the Leaf was always sort of a niche vehicle for buyers, the Ariya is aimed at the heart of the American SUV market. The Ariya’s specs likely won’t raise the eyebrows of EV early adopters, but they’re roughly analogous to the four-cylinder-powered compact…

The Inflation Reduction Act extends the EV tax credit to certain used vehicles sold through licensed dealers after January 1, 2023. Might an incentive of up to $4,000 sufficiently assuage your fears that a used EV’s battery might be compromised by a previous owner fast-charging it too often or maintaining it too near 100 percent charge? Seattle-based Recurrent Motors Inc. is working to build buyer confidence in the health of individual used EV battery packs in much the same way CarFax reports a used car’s previous flood or crash damage, rental duty, and maintenance history. How It Works EV owners sign up with Recurrent, establishing a telematics link and sharing their EV’s vehicle identification number (VIN), from which the company learns the battery chemistry and configuration. Their zip code also…

The horsepower war is over. The handling war is on. Cars like the Audi RS 5 Coupe and Sportback with the Competition Plus package and Porsche’s stunning new GT3 RS—vehicles we’ve driven in just the past few months—suggest a paradigm shift is coming in the performance car business. In an era when modern EV technology means pretty much anyone can build a 2,000-horsepower car that will launch so hard it’ll shred your intestines on the way to an insanely quick 0–60 time, developing internal combustion engines that pump out ever more power to deliver marginal improvements in acceleration times and top speed is increasingly a zero-sum game. But building a road car chassis with hardware and software that allow enthusiastic and engaged drivers to be whole seconds faster around a…

This was a welcome new experience for some of our judges. After experiencing triple-digit temperatures and driving 45 high-riding vehicles during last month’s SUV of the Year program, the mid-80-degree weather and 22-variant vehicle lineup (among 15 nameplates) present for this year’s Car of the Year summit seemed like a walk in the park. Despite the small field, enthusiasm was abundant: As one example, associate editor and newbie judge Billy Rehbock almost had to (happily) cut short his European vacation so he could make it to COTY on time. Yes, our passion runs deep. While young Rehbock’s excitement is special even within our team of lifelong car lovers, there’s no doubt inexhaustible fascination keeps the MotorTrend crew moving through our Of The Year season. We pride ourselves on having a…

PROS • Roomy back seat • Premium interior and exterior design • High-speed stability CONS • Brake pedal tuning • Some average-quality materials • All luxury, no sport C 300; C 300 4MATIC VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD; AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet electric, 9-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,899 lb (52/48%); 4,019 lb (53/47%) WHEELBASE 112.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 187.0 x 71.7 x 56.6 in ON SALE Now Upon the launch of the original CLA-Class for the 2014 model year, Mercedes-Benz created space for the C-Class, its previous base model, to move upmarket. With the debut of the newly redesigned version of the C, Mercedes aims for something that feels closer to a miniature S-Class than an entry-level offering. The results are … mixed. Design…

PROS • Feels a lot like the original • More practical than the previous sedan • Manual version is quite fun CONS • Powerband is too narrow • Among the slowest WRX models ever • The automatic option isn’t fun LIMITED; GT VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.4L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve flat-4, 6-speed manual; cont variable auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,400 lb (60/40%); 3,538 lb (61/39%) WHEELBASE 105.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 183.8 x 71.9 x 57.8 in ON SALE Now The Subaru WRX has long been the enthusiast’s default choice for an all-weather sport compact. With rally-bred heritage, standard all-wheel drive, and potent turbocharged engines, the WRX has mastered its domain—especially since Mitsubishi vacated the space when it canned the Lancer. By that measure, the new WRX is primed for…

PROS • Sharp handling • Practical hatchback body • Stellar fuel economy CONS • Too much Civic inside not to notice • No summer tire option • Road noise is an issue AUTO; MANUAL VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.5L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, cont variable auto; 6-speed manual CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,117 lb (61/39%); 3,040 lb (60/40%) WHEELBASE 107.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.8 x 72.0 x 55.5 in ON SALE Now The resurrected Acura Integra is an exceptional car when viewed within a vacuum. It competes against other small luxury cars such as the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class but costs far less and is much larger inside than all of them. The styling laid over the Integra’s hatchback shape might not be…

PROS • Euro-supercar performance • Sport-bike engine note • Tour mode ride comfort CONS • Overwrought exterior and interior design • Road/wind noise • The stripes shouldn’t be stickers at this price VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door convertible ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 5.5L direct-injected DOHC 32-valve 90-degree V-8, 8-speed twin-clutch auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,774 lb (39/61%) WHEELBASE 107.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.9 x 79.7 x 48.6 in ON SALE Now Zora must be smiling down on the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 from that great road course in the sky. More powerful and exotic Corvettes are coming, but this one may represent the zenith for America’s sports car. It offers a Goldilocks combination of epic, linear, naturally aspirated power; just enough torque to keep two fat rear tires right at their limits of adhesion without…

Cars are becoming a niche commodity. Once the dominant form of family transportation, the “car” as we once knew it now toes the endangered segment list. Just 11 years ago we enjoyed our biggest MotorTrend Car of the Year field ever, at 35 entrants—triple the number of SUV contestants that year. Four years later, new SUVs outnumbered cars (by one), and now for 2023 they more than doubled our COTY field. And as cars get rarer, they’re also becoming rarified. The few remaining producers of mainstream econoboxes, compacts, and midsize sedans fielded no newcomers this year. In their place was a roster of mostly sporty or luxurious contestants. Among them, one outshone its own competitive set to a degree we don’t always see in our Of The Year contests: the…

“We tried to do a weekend camping trip without stopping to charge. We almost didn’t make it.”Scott Evans Service Life 4 months/9,712 miles Average Fuel Econ 65.6 mpg-e Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $74,075 As tested $76,875 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 74/66/70 mpg-e People buy EVs for all sorts of reasons—fuel costs being top of mind recently—but at least a few buy them to be friendlier to the environment. Without getting into whether mining or oil drilling is more destructive, the simple fact is, electric motors operate more efficiently than internal combustion engines and don’t produce exhaust fumes everywhere you go. With that in mind, we decided to take our long-term R1T for an all-electric, fossil-fuel-free camping trip in the mountains. It didn’t quite go…

Service Life 11 months/19,625 miles Average Fuel Econ 10.5 mpg “A transcontinental overlanding expedition caused a bit of damage. Here’s a rundown.”Jonny Lieberman Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $365.74 (2x oil change, inspection, tire rotation; 1x in-cabin filter) Normal wear $0 Base price $72,020 As tested $91,185 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 10/14/12 mpg We beat up our long-term Ram 1500 TRX good. I mean real good. How, you ask? Well, you might remember that Trans-American Trail story we did. For reasons now lost to the winds of time (or is that an archived Slack channel?), we decided a not-so-quick, totally hardcore, beat-it-like-a-rented-mule cross-country off-road journey was the proper way to welcome the mighty TRX—our 2021 Truck of the Year—into our long-term fleet. Little did we know the supply chain would…

Few vehicles sharing the same basic platform are better differentiated than the boxy, go-anywhere Bronco Sport and the urban-outfitted, lozenge-shaped Escape. Had these C2 platform-mates looked more similar, the former might have cannibalized the latter’s sales. Both are selling at or near capacity three years into the fourth-gen Escape’s model run, but Ford has toughened up softer-looking Escape’s visage and demeanor anyway. Most of the redesign comes courtesy of a bolder new hood, which sits atop a more deeply sculpted grille flanked by a pair of LED-outlined “four-eyed” headlamps. On upper trim levels, a so-called “coast-to-coast” LED light strip connects these headlamp DRLs, illuminating the gap between the hood and grille. A new fascia incorporating a faux skidplate completes the makeover. Other exterior changes are minimal: new 17-, 18-, and…

The Toyota Crown has been the brand’s flagship for 15 generations, so the new one has big shoes to fill and a reputation for excellence to uphold. Well, except in America, where no model has worn the badge since 1972. Here, then, the 2023 model must stand on its own merits as the functional replacement for the Avalon full-size sedan. But being a big four-door is pretty much all the Crown and Avalon have in common. The former follows in the tire tracks left by AMC, Subaru, and even Volvo in being a lifted sedan; it’s actually 4.1 inches taller than an Avalon, and seeing the Crown in person is no less odd than when viewing the photos here. You understand what you’re looking at, but it’s … strange. Credit…

Until now, if you wanted a heavy-duty Ram that was also a turnkey off-roader, your only choice was the Power Wagon. Think of the 2500 Rebel (HD Rebel for short) as Power Wagon Lite. But our testing has proven the HD Rebel is no lightweight—literally or figuratively. The HD Rebel offers a few important options you can’t get on a Power Wagon, including the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel I-6. The Rebel also comes with a set of stiffer springs found on other HD Rams and an optional rear air suspension, so it’s better suited for towing and lugging. We had a chance to do some off-roading with both gas and diesel versions. We thought the diesel would have some advantages, given its low-end torque. But the gas engine proved to be…

For about two years, we could easily say Lamborghini’s Urus was the world’s best-driving super-SUV. There really wasn’t any competition. With around 100 more horsepower than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, plus shockingly great on- and off-road performance, the Urus was the king of high-performance SUVs. Then three things happened. First, Porsche launched the Cayenne Turbo GT. It’s not a real “GT division” car because it wasn’t fully developed by Porsche’s crack Weissach-based motorsports team. But it does have an ever so slightly different version of the Urus’ 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, which was in fact developed by the Weissach folks. Confusing, we know. And this Cayenne can boogie, so much so that it still holds the Nürburgring SUV lap record of 7 minutes, 38.9 seconds. Next came the also unbelievably great-to-drive…

Words Billy Rehbock PROS • Handy size for the day-to-day • RS 3’s incredible engine • Sharp exterior design CONS • Cheap-feeling interior across the range • Limited standard safety features • Pricey at any level A3; S3; RS 3 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4; 2.5L turbo direct-injected DOHC 20-valve I-5, 7-speed twin-clutch auto CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,478 lb (59/41%); 3,559 lb (58/42%); 3,597 lb (58/42%) WHEELBASE 103.5; 103.6 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 176.9 x 71.5 x 56.2; 177.3 x 71.5 x 55.7; 178.8 x 72.9 x 55.6 in ON SALE Now As cars get ever bigger, we’re always excited to drive something small as a palate cleanser. Fully redesigned for 2022, the smallest car in Audi’s U.S. lineup is offered in three distinct sedan…

PROS • Cool aero-focused wheel design • Wow-factor interior • Car plans trips for you CONS • Ungainly proportions • Moving brake pedal not for everyone • Small trunk for its class VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,484 lb (50/50%) WHEELBASE 122.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 196.6 x 72.6 x 59.5 in ON SALE Now This was a tough one. The EQE sedan is essentially the EV equivalent of the vaunted E-Class, a car known for its elegant design, responsive driving dynamics, and technological advancements (and our 2021 Car of the Year). But Mercedes also uses its EQ subbrand to set vehicles like the EQE apart from its more traditional models—all while making a statement about the future. This car does that,…

PROS • Superb value • Torque-splitting AWD • Great exhaust sound CONS • Plain Jane interior • Polarizing exterior details • Harsh suspension VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 1.6L turbo port- and direct-injected DOHC 12-valve I-3,6-speed manual CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,145 lb (60/40%) WHEELBASE 103.9 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 173.6 x 72.8 x 57.2 in ON SALE Now On paper, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is one of those cars every enthusiast wants. In person, the GR Corolla is a car your next-door neighbor wishes they had. From its 300 hp to its torque-splitting all-wheel-drive system and its great exhaust sound, Toyota finally created something to compete against cars like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R. “A respectable little hot hatch,” technical director Frank Markus said after running…

PROS • Return of the light, fun BMW coupe • Excellent I-4 and I-6 powertrains • Longer wheelbase improves second row CONS • Lacks some standard safety systems • Center console lacks storage space • Occasionally glitchy infotainment system 230i, M240i VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe; front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe ENGINE, TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4; 3.0L turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve I-6, 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,535 lb (50/50%); 3,876 lb (53/47%) WHEELBASE 107.9 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 179.0 x 72.4 x 54.8; 179.4 x 72.4 x 55.3 in ON SALE Now A slow clap for BMW bringing a new 2 Series to the lineup. There isn’t much appetite in this world for compact, playful sport coupes, yet here the 2 sits. It does more than that, though—while the…

PROS • Looks great without rubbing its EV-ness in your face • Refined and powerful • Long legs and quick-charging capability CONS • Sometimes-uncomfortable driving position • Battery and motors eat into space • Shares infotainment with non-luxe products VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan MOTORS, TRANSMISSIONS Permanent-magnet electric, 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 5,038 lb (49/51%) WHEELBASE 118.5 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 197.0 x 75.8 x 57.9 in ON SALE Now (select states) In our experience, vehicles that serve up both gas and electric powertrain options are masters of none. As the old Hyundai Ioniq demonstrated, building a package that suits both an internal combustion drivetrain and an electric one often results in compromises for both. So according to recent history, then, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 probably shouldn’t be any…

“We hit the Land Rover parts and accessories catalog for a couple crucial upgrades.”Christian Seabaugh Service Life 9 months/11,453 miles Average Fuel Econ 15.1 miles Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $64,050 As tested $74,960 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 17/22/19 mpg I don’t normally like modifying vehicles because, in my experience, it’s a quick way to ruin them. I ruined my old Ford Mustang GT by fitting it with a loud, droney exhaust, bigger wheels, and stickier tires. We ruined a long-term Scion FR-S, also by fitting it with bigger, stickier rubber and a louder, dronier exhaust. Between those two projects and driving enough modified cars to fill a showroom, I’ve concluded that maybe, just maybe, the well-compensated men and women responsible for designing and…

Service Life 3 months/5,133 miles Average Fuel Econ 18.8 mpg “The compact luxury SUV segment is hot, and the GV70 is on fire.”Miguel Cortina Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 Normal wear $0 Base price $54,195 As tested $64,670 EPA City/Hwy/Comb fuel econ 19/25/21 mpg With almost every luxury car company making SUV customers a priority, buyers can choose from more than a dozen fancy small SUVs. With so many models out there, there’s virtually an option for everyone. We’ve spent a lot of time driving the newest, most fascinating compact luxury SUVs, and after analyzing all the entries, the 2022 Genesis GV70 remains the best one. We can’t think of a more compelling product that aces styling, handling, comfort, technology, and value. We haven’t taken the GV70 on a…

“After spending a year with the Odyssey, we’ve learned a lot, and we’re sad to see our faithful companion go.”Ed Loh Base Price $39,635 As Tested $39,635 Service Life 12 months/18,258 miles Average Fuel Econ 19.3 mpg Options None Problem areas Cross-threaded wheel bolt Maintenance cost $218.31 (2x inspection, oil change, tire rotation) Normal wear $0 3-year residual value* $37,700 (95%) Recalls None *IntelliChoice data; assumes 42,000 miles at the end of three years. Dear Honda Manufacturing of Alabama employees, When we first received your Obsidian Blue Pearl 2021 Honda Odyssey EX-L (VIN ending in 7577), we were elated to finally have the opportunity to use a minivan for one of its many intended purposes: kid hauling. Over the past few years, our editorial team has gone through a bit…