Behind The Wheel

Model tested: 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Hybrid Engine: 3.4-liter iFORCE MAX twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid Transmission: 10-speed automatic Horsepower: 437 Torque: 583 lb.-ft. EPA ratings: 19/city, 22/highway, 20/combined Base price: $76,000 As tested: $80,291 Overview: The 2023, third-generation Toyota Sequoia is new from the ground up, boasting new but evolutionary styling, a new turbocharged V6 […]

Model Tested: 2023 Lexus ES 350 F Sport Handling Engine: 3.5-liter turbo V-6, 302 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft torque Transmission:  8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $47,800 As Tested: $53,775 Performance: Strong V-6 engine Sporty acceleration, but not a hot rod Handling package includes adaptive suspension […]

Model Tested: 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD RS Engine:1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder, 155 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft torque Transmission:  9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 26-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined Base Price: $27,400 As Tested: $31,530 Performance: OK performance from tiny 1.3-liter 3-cylinder Good highway mpg—our best was 37.7- mpg Ride characteristics a little harsh […]

Model Tested: 2022 Ford Lightning 4×4 SuperCrew XLT Engine: dual electric motors, 580 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft torque Transmission: direct drive automatic transmission, four-wheel drive EPA Rating: 78-mpge city, 63-mpge highway, 70-mpge combined Base Price: $52,974 As Tested: $76,384 Performance: Impressive acceleration Very linear power curve Seamless transmission Big towing capacity Trailer towing controls on […]

Model Tested: 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Engine: 4.0-liter V-6, 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive EPA Rating: 16-mpg city, 19-mpg highway, 17-mpg combined Base Price: $42,025 As Tested: $45,904 Performance: Body on ladder frame toughness for off-road driving Pretty smooth highway ride So-so fuel economy—our best was 22.9-mpg […]

Model Tested: 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Type S ADV Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 17-mpg city, 21-mpg highway, 19-mpg combined Base Price: $72,050 As Tested: $73,595 Performance: Pleasant city and highway ride Strong engine with twin scroll turbocharger Smooth, refined 10-speed automatic transmission […]

Model Tested: 2022 Mazda3 Turbo Premium AWD Sedan Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 227-250 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $33,100 As Tested: $34,750 Performance: Turbocharger boosts personality Quite athletic, nimble Sport mode makes noticeable performance improvement Premium fuel boosts horsepower to 250 Good […]

Model Tested: 2022 Lexus ES 300h F Sport Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 215 total horsepower and 163 lb.-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel drive EPA Rating: 43-mpg city, 44-mpg highway, 44-mpg combined Base Price: $45,450 As Tested: $52,695 Performance: Excellent fuel economy—our best was 45.2-mpg Electric motor aids acceleration Smooth, comfortable highway ride Excellent head […]

Model Tested: 2022 Toyota Tundra HV 4×4 Capstone Hybrid CrewMax Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 22-mpg highway, 20-mpg combined Base Price: $73,530 As Tested: $77,339 Performance: Performance modes: 2H, 4H, HL Dial for Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Custom Throttle […]