Pilgrim Motor Press

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota’s bZ4X fills the EV role of the company’s current, Beyond Zero theme (hence the “bZ” in its name), and merges Toyota engineering with a dedicated EV platform – a recipe for something special, however, that’s not quite what we got.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

You’re not alone if you mistake the new Toyota Tacoma for its full-size brethren, the Tundra. Its tall front end, bulky body shapes, and wide stance deliver a big truck appearance but it remains notably more parking lot (and trail)-friendly. It continues to improve and even includes a more playful design, especially in one of the numerous bulked-up adventure-ready (like this TRD Off-Road) trims.

Lexus RX 350 F Sport & 450h+ PHEV

The Lexus RX expertly blends the brand’s practical roots with its typical full-on assault on noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), impressive fit and finish, and delightful use of premium touch surfaces. In this latest generation, the formula expands to include a wide range of powertrain options that achieve distinct experiences, and it is easy to see how this five-seater crossover continues to be one of the segment’s best-selling nameplates and is a sure bet for the years ahead.

2024 Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90

First, we need to get past the fact that these two vehicles are effectively the same. They share dimensions, powertrains, and even features. The only notable difference is that the CX-70 provides two rows of seating while the CX-90 provides three rows. Confusing? Yes. From here on, we can call it the large Mazda.

Moving along…Mazda positions itself in the upper-mainstream / sub-premium space with a specific bent toward sporty performance (remember zoom-zoom?), simplicity in design, and focus on premium materials. It’s a unique space.

In this latest generation of the large Mazda, the stylists and design engineers were dealing with an entirely new vehicle, meaning a new body, a new company styling direction, and two new powertrains. Plus, the CX-70 and 90 are expected to compete with the likes of a new Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander—both of which dominate the segment with their practicality and are testing the waters by expanding into the sub-premium market.

Does the large Mazda stay true to its mission and provide the right balance of premium appeal and practical performance? A CX-70 and CX-90 were recently provided for a week-long evaluation.

2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

The TRD Pro is the most off-road capable model of the Tundra line-up – going beyond the lesser-but-still-capable TRD Off-Road Package (upgraded shocks, skid plates, and locking differential) with even beefier hardware such as forged 18-inch BBS wheels, redesigned front suspension arms for a 1.1-inch suspension lift, and Fox shocks with remote fluid reservoirs that enable consistent performance even during sustained off-road poundings.

2023 Kia EV6 GT

What is not to love with this Kia EV6 GT?

Well, the simple answer is not much…as long as you know what you’re getting into. In its most basic sense, the sloped-roof crossover/ coupe-hatchback design defies logical classification. The high-performance EV6 GT trim blurs the lines even more with an incredible boost in performance.

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V redefines the segment once again, and this time, it includes styling as one of its key attributes. Add in the hybrid powertrain, and the CR-V raises the performance bar even higher.

The styling of the CR-V has been thoroughly reworked starting with the silhouette. The A-pillar sits far more rearward to extend the length of the hood and create a more traditionally proportionate and balanced shape. Its curves along the sides are mostly horizontal, delivering a premium stance, and naturally flow into the front and rear ends.

2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Lurking in the shadow of the dramatically redesigned Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport plays it relatively cool. It is fresh and modern feeling, but it doesn’t deliver the desire instilled by the big-body Range Rover. Instead, it feels as though it is simply a culmination of the key attributes of the other models in the Range Rover line-up – the Velar and Evoque. Without a feeling of being its own, can the Range Rover Sport deliver the experience to satisfy those with raised eyebrows at its $100,000 price tag? With stylish and overall excellently executed competition from Mercedes and Audi, the Range Rover Sport needs to prove that its most noteworthy features can carry the name forward.

Quick Drive: Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance

+ The Lexus IS sedan has been around for a long time (its last full redesign came 2013) and while it has received updates throughout the years to remain equipped with the latest features and infotainment, it’s lost the performance edge that it once had.

+ One way to regain that desirability is to drop in a powertrain that no other competitors offer – a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 with a 7,300 red line, a sharp (and sometimes brutal) automatic transmission, and an active exhaust that rewards with a wonderful bellowing sound at any engine speed, even idle.

Quick Drive: Toyota Corolla GR

+ This Corolla GR is the wild version of the world-popular small car hatchback. Essentially, a rally car with a warranty, the GR is an all-around performance machine.

+ Built on a separate assembly line from the Corolla, the GR gets additional chassis strengthening and unique body panels. In person, it’s a home run.