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 […]
Bruce Caldwell
A lifelong car enthusiast, Bruce Caldwell has an English degree from the University of Washington. In 1975 he joined CAR CRAFT as associate editor. He was a feature editor at HOT ROD and editor of Chevy High Performance, Muscle Car Review, Mustangs and Fords, Chevy Action, Corvette Milestones, Street Rod Quarterly, Mopar Milestones, Mustang Milestones, and Muscle Car Milestones. He has authored several best-selling automotive how-to books and written for numerous national magazines. He has tested over 2,000 new vehicles. He restores collector cars in a well-equipped home shop. Bruce is married with three children.
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Ford Lightning
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Toyota 4Runner
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Acura MDX
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Mazda3 Turbo Sedan
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Lexus ES 300h
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Toyota Tundra
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 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2023 Honda HR-V
Model Tested: 2023 Honda HR-V 5DR AWD EX-L Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $28,950 As Tested: $30,590 Performance: Pleasant city and highway ride Reasonably good fuel economy—our best was 31.8-mpg highway CVT transmission a little […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Lexus NX 350h
Model Tested: 2022 Lexus NX 350h Luxury Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 239 total horsepower and 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 41-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 39-mpg combined Base Price: $48,500 As Tested: $55,645 Performance: Smooth ride on highway and in city Excellent fuel economy Console button for EV mode Electric motors […]