Driven Car Reviews

Tom Voelk

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

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20 episodes
Updated July 24

Episodes20

Newest first

July 24 · 21 min
2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring Goes Fast… and Far
Lucid finally has its 3-row electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring. With up to 450 miles of EPA-rated range you'll need to stop for bathroom breaks more often than charging session. This 828-horsepower, dual-motor AWD luxury EV gets ultra-fast 1,000V charging architecture capable of 400kW peak speeds. In this full review, I take you through performance, charging, driving impressions, interior tech, cargo space, and of course… the TP Trunk Test. Gravity aims to redefine the premium performance EV SUV space. Starting just over $81,000 for the Touring trim and climbing to $125,000 as tested, Gravity positions itself against the Cadillac Escalade IQ, Rivian R1S, and Volvo EX90 on the high side. Kia EV9, and Hyundai IONIQ 9 are more affordable. — while offering sleeker styling and some of the fastest DC fast-charging in the business.
July 23 · 12 min
Go Farther Into the Wilderness With the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Do you feel your dog is judging your vehicle's gas mileage? It'll be happy to know that the Subaru Crosstrek is now available as a more efficient hybrid. This isn't the first Crosstrek to run with a gas-electric powertrain, but it might be the best. Smoother and more powerful than the gas-only version, the hybrid might be the way to go if the bump in price is affordable. And know you might not make that money back in a timely manner. But it does keep the brand's famous Symmetrical AWD with a real drive shaft to the back axel. Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded Limited model with $395 Sand Dune Peral paint, and the $1,600 Option Package that adds a powered sunroof and surround view camera monitor.
July 20 · 13 min
2026 Audi A6 TFSI First Drive: Old-School Sedan Meets New-School Audi
The new 2026 Audi A6 TFSI proves the traditional luxury sedan isn't dead yet. Built on Audi's new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, this ninth-generation A6 sticks with Audi's proven formula- a turbocharged 3 -liter V6, quattro all-wheel drive, and a classic four-door layout. Gen 9 but layers in more performance, a quieter, more refined ride and modern tech. In this first-drive review from Newport Beach, CA, I cover pricing, trims, driving dynamics, interior tech, cargo space, and how the A6 stacks up against rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Genesis G80. Shopping for a luxury midsize sedan? I've got your real-world impressions without the fluff. Let's go! Tom attended an Audi sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his and his alone.
July 9 · 13 min
2027 Rivian R2 Performance First Drive- When Smaller is a Big Deal.
The wait is finally over. The all-new 2027 Rivian R2 is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles on the market, and I got behind the wheel of the flagship Dual Motor Performance model during a test drive in Bellevue, Washington. This is not my normal video review. It's a consumer test drive much like you would take, only a lot more cameras stuck all around the vehicle. In this first-drive review, Rivian's Dan Lake walks us through the new R2 before I hit the road for a real-world drive and share my impressions. I'll also cover pricing, range, charging, cargo space, interior features, off-road capability, and what separates R2 from its larger sibling, the R1S. The R2 Performance packs 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, offers an EPA-estimated 330 miles of range, and starts in the high-$50,000 range. Rivian hopes this smaller, more affordable SUV will bring the brand to a much larger audience.
July 6 · 14 min
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Review. Real Off-Road Capability or Just the Look?
Subaru's Forester is back with the Wilderness treatment the brand is known for. There's extra ground clearance, an off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, upgraded cooling, and of course, Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive. In this in-depth review, Tom Voelk tests the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness both on road and off pavement to see how much real capability it adds — and what you give up in the process. As always, this review is about the good, the bad, and the mildly annoying.
July 3 · 14 min
2026 Nissan Leaf Review- The Affordable EV That Finally Gets It Right
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is all-new and more refined. Plus it's more affordable than most EVs on sale today. Starting at $31,500 (yeah, including shipping), it delivers real-world range, upgraded tech, and the everyday comfort Nissan is known for — without drifting into luxury-car pricing. After living with the Leaf for a full week, I dig into real-world range, charging speeds, interior usability, ride quality, and how it stacks up as a practical electric vehicle. The third-generation Leaf is so improved, Nissan could've given it a new name. Remember, Leaf was a finalist for the NACTOY 2026 North American Utility of the Year.
July 2 · 13 min
2026 Subaru Outback- More Space, Less Wagon
The Subaru Outback is new for 2026 and it's a solid choice for brand loyalists (and they are a faithful bunch). Will current owners return for another Outback now that it has moved away from the wagon look and embraced a more SUV-like design? In this full review of the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT, I test the turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine, evaluate the new interior, improved infotainment system, EyeSight Highway Hands-Free Assist, cargo space, ride quality, towing capability, and off-road performance. In other words, pretty much everything. A bonus- some thoughts on the rugged Outback Wilderness after driving it at Mudfest 2026. The new Outback offers more cargo room, improved technology, great visibility, and increased utility. But the styling is proving... polarizing.
June 30 · 19 min
2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is Roomy Rapid Transit
Some sporty vehicles are more show than go. The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS earns its performance letters but stays chill. With dual motor AWD, it delivers up to 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That should get the kids to school. And the enhanced suspension keeps it under control without a punishing ride. Tom Voelk travels to North Carolina and the Ten Tenths Motor Club in the shadow of Charlotte Motor Speedway to check out the SS on road and track. And welcome Tedward to the drive! CORRECTION- The Blazer EV SS Tedward and I drove retails for $62,490 with destination and Performance Package before any tax incentives. Not sure why I gave it a $10K discount while reading my notes. Tom attended a General Motors program to produce this review. Opinions remain his own.
June 29 · 10 min
Scout Motors Traveler and Terra Full Tour Inside and Out
Have a deposit down on a Scout Motors Traveler or Terra? Maybe you're curious about what Volkswagen's revival of the brand will look like. For sure they're packed with heritage. Team Scout brought its prototype vehicles to Mudfest 2026 to show the members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association what to expect when the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup start arriving in 2028. Tom Voelk offers up loads of visuals that show what the vehicle should look like, inside and out.
June 29 · 4 min
A Cherokee That Parks Itself? Testing the Jeep ParkSense
The new 2026 Jeep Cherokee has a lot tech in it. For starters, a hybrid powertrain comes standard. And ParkSense self-parking technology is available in the top trim Overland version as an option. Self-parking systems are not new, but the Jeep tech is especially easy to figure out. It works when parallel plus forward and backward perpendicular parking. You may not need it on the trail but, for the spatially challenged, it could be handy in urban situations. We've all wished this tech on those who hold up traffic while they try to wedge their vehicle into a slot. Awkwardly. Tom Voelk gives it a try without looking at the owner's manual, because that would be cheating.
June 26 · 15 min
Ford Mach-E GT is the Fastest Mustang Mortals Can Buy. No V8. No Apologies.
The Mustang Mach-E is the quickest Mustang money can buy (unless you have the funds for a GTD). Unleashing 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque (or 700 lb-ft with the $995 Performance Upgrade), GT's standard dual-motor AWD snaps off 0-60 runs in 3.3 seconds. This electric SUV/hatchback/Mustang adjacent machine accelerates most with the best. It goes around a corner impressively too. In this full review, I check out the 2025 Mach-E GT (2026's are pretty much the same) in classic Pacific Northwest rain.
June 25 · 13 min
The Automaker That Takes Design Very Seriously? Kia. Surprised? Here's Why...
Think great automotive design is only for high-end luxury and performance vehicles? Not necessary. Starting 20 years ago after stealing Peter Schreyer from the Volkswagen Group, Kia has quietly built an impressive portfolio of original award-winning automotive design. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week 2026 to show how the company is serious about staying true to its concept car designs. Kia's Global Head of Design, Karim Habib (formerly of BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes Benz) offers interesting insight, stuff you may not have thought about when it comes to the way your car looks. Plus, a close look at the Vision Meta Turismo concept. Tom was attended a Hyundai/Kia event to produce this story. All editorial content is his own opinion.
June 23 · 10 min
A New Car for Under $24,000? Check Out the 2026 Nissan Sentra.
Can't afford luxury transportation? The new 9th generation Nissan Sentra offers the luxury of transportation, starting at $23,845 (yup, with destination). That's something of a unicorn in today's new-car market. Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded SR at just under $32K, but know that all Sentras come with the same engine, transmission, and suspension. For buyers that need the peace of mind a new car with a warranty brings, Sentra might be the answer. Of course, there are others to cross shop- Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta. Pro tip, a loaded SL is the sweet spot at $29,235.
June 3 · 11 min
2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World
The new 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 has a lot going for it. It's affordable (starting at €30,000), roomier than a car this size has any right to be, and debuts Hyundai's new Art of Steel design language. But Americans will look longingly at it from across the pond since it's (for now at least) not coming the Land of the Free. Though parts of it, like the new design approach and the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system will show up on our shores. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week to check out what we in the U.S. can't have. Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.
June 3 · 11 min
2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World
The new 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 has a lot going for it. It's affordable (starting at €30,000), roomier than a car this size has any right to be, and debuts Hyundai's new Art of Steel design language. But Americans will look longingly at it from across the pond since it's (for now at least) not coming the Land of the Free. Though parts of it, like the new design approach and the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system will show up on our shores. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week to check out what we in the U.S. can't have. Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.
June 3 · 11 min
The Good (And Bad?) of Living With a Used Porsche Taycan 4S For 9 Months
By popular demand, here's my 9-month ownership update on my Certified Pre-Owned Porsche Taycan 4S. After three quarters of a year of daily driving, road trips, software updates, recalls, accessories, and real-world EV living, I'm sharing what it's actually like to own a used Taycan. This can be applied to many EVs. I spent over three months searching for the right car because while a used Taycan is a bargain compared to new, it's still serious money. This is the most expensive car I've ever bought and I wanted to know if it would live up to Porsche expectations long-term.
May 29 · 15 min
2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid
Built on Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, the all-new Cherokee is now hybrid-only. My how it's grown! It's aiming squarely at heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. With standard all-wheel drive, significantly improved fuel economy, and a smooth hybrid system, it's clearly targeting mainstream buyers—not just off-road enthusiasts. And it's very roomy.
May 29 · 15 min
2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid
Built on Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, the all-new Cherokee is now hybrid-only. My how it's grown! It's aiming squarely at heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. With standard all-wheel drive, significantly improved fuel economy, and a smooth hybrid system, it's clearly targeting mainstream buyers—not just off-road enthusiasts. And it's very roomy.
May 25 · 16 min
The 2026 Trailseeker is the Perfect Subaru For High Gas Prices
The new Subaru Trailseeker has Outback practicality, EV efficiency, and enough off-road credibility to handle the forest service roads you and your dog will point it at. In this full review, I break it all down- performance, range, charging, interior tech, and how it compares to its twin—the Toyota bZ Woodland. Yes, they share a lot. But Trailseeker might be the smarter buy. With standard AWD (hey, it's a Subaru), 375 horsepower and a starting price under $46,000 (about the same price as an Outback), this is the quickest Subaru you can buy right now. But is it the best one for everyday drivers? If you're considering an EV but still want Subaru practicality (and room for the dog), this might be the one to watch.
February 5 · 7 min
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Turns it Up to 11
Hyundai has made it official- the IONIQ 6 N is coming to the North American market in late spring / early summer of 2026. Is it one better than the legendary 5N? There's certainly reason to believe that. 6N gets upgraded performance electronics and a new suspension for a lower center of gravity. Plus it's more aerodynamic. Tom Voelk travels to Hyundai Design North America in Irvine, CA to talk to Hyundai's Michael Evanoff to discover what's different when it comes to the high-performance IONIQ 6N. Hyundai provided travel to California for this video.

Driven Car Reviews

2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring Goes Fast… and Far

Go Farther Into the Wilderness With the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

2026 Audi A6 TFSI First Drive: Old-School Sedan Meets New-School Audi

2027 Rivian R2 Performance First Drive- When Smaller is a Big Deal.

2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness Review. Real Off-Road Capability or Just the Look?

2026 Nissan Leaf Review- The Affordable EV That Finally Gets It Right

2026 Subaru Outback- More Space, Less Wagon

2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is Roomy Rapid Transit

Scout Motors Traveler and Terra Full Tour Inside and Out

A Cherokee That Parks Itself? Testing the Jeep ParkSense

Ford Mach-E GT is the Fastest Mustang Mortals Can Buy. No V8. No Apologies.

The Automaker That Takes Design Very Seriously? Kia. Surprised? Here's Why...

A New Car for Under $24,000? Check Out the 2026 Nissan Sentra.

2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World

2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World

The Good (And Bad?) of Living With a Used Porsche Taycan 4S For 9 Months

2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid

2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid

The 2026 Trailseeker is the Perfect Subaru For High Gas Prices

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Turns it Up to 11