Model Tested: 2023 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 , 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $48,460 As Tested: $50,455 Performance: Standard AWD Smooth highway ride Better driving dynamics than most SUVs Firm but supple suspension Very […]
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
2023 Toyota Venza
Model Tested: 2023 Toyota Venza XLE Nightshade Hybrid AWD Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 hybrid, 219 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 40-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 39-mpg combined Base Price: $38,930 As Tested: $41,665 Performance: Hybrid feature standard on all Venza models Standard AWD Three electric motors–two for front axle, […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD
Model Tested: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport Touring Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 204 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 40-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 37-mpg combined Base Price: $38,600 As Tested: $39,845 Performance: Impressive EPA ratings Our mileage was less with a best of 34.0-mpg Very pleasant highway ride […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Model Tested: 2023 Toyota Sequoia 4WD TRD Pro Hybrid Engine: 3.4-liter twin-turbo 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: $76,000 As Tested: $80,291 Performance: Hybrid feature helps economy Our best was 17.3-mpg mixed driving Powerful engine Sport mode makes […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2023 Mazda 3 Turbo Hatchback
Model Tested: 2023 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo AWD Hatchback Premium Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 211 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $35,300 As Tested: $36,895 Performance: Responsive engine Sporty handling Console switch for Sport mode Fun to drive Paddle shifters […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport
Model Tested: 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 366 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $61,600 As Tested: $70,620 Performance: Decent fuel economy–our best was 26.3-mpg highway Great torque from four-cylinder engine Sport mode made […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Model Tested: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 Turbo PHEV, 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined (gas), 56-MPGe Base Price: $65,750 As Tested: $75,305 Performance: Excellent horsepower and torque Electric motor adds 134hp Electric only range of 26 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid
Model Tested: 2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 208 combined horsepower and 163 lb.-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel drive EPA Rating: 44-mpg city, 47-mpg highway, 46-mpg combined Base Price: $30,615 As Tested: $32,839 Performance: Good fuel economy but we fell below EPA estimate with a best of 37-mpg Performance modes: […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2023 Lexus GX 460
Model Tested: 2023 Lexus GX 460 5-DR SUV Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive EPA Rating: 15-mpg city, 19-mpg highway, 16-mpg combined Base Price: $56,425 As Tested: $62,460 Performance: Strong V-8 engine Smooth automatic transmission Smooth downshifts on hills Rugged body-on-frame construction Two-speed transfer case […]