The auto world has been buzzing with electricity in recent years … literally.

With nearly all major automakers heavily committing to moving away from internal-combustion engines, some entirely and some in phases, over the next several years, the battle for best electric vehicle is already heating up

I recently spent a little time with one of Volkswagen’s entries into the fray, the Volkswagen e-Golf -- an electric version of it’s perennial top-ranked vehicle -- and I’m back with a full report on what the buzz is all about on this particular plug-in ride.

In case you haven’t noticed by their constant presence on the roadways, smaller SUVs continue to be a strong trend in auto sales. Higher end brands are among those cashing in on this, and Buick is no exception -- with their compact Encore being their best-seller in terms of overall numbers in the U.S.

I recently spent some time in a Buick Encore, and I’m back with a full report on what it offers in this busy segment.

Not all vehicles named Santa Fe are the same. Knowing that one size won’t fit all SUV shoppers, Hyundai aims to please all potential buyers with both a three-row Santa Fe model, plus a two-row Santa Fe Sport model -- because for many people that third row would never be used.

I recently spent some time in a 2018 Santa Fe Sport, and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up in the SUV landscape (hint: pretty well).

LOOKS

If you’re looking to make an impression, the exterior profile of the 2018 Santa Fe Sport really does stand out in the class. While not overly fancy, it’s got an attractive grille and headlight design, and a somewhat sleek package for an SUV.

The vehicle I tested, a 2018 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate AWD, featured 19-inch alloy wheels, roof side rails, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, auto HID headlights, LED taillights, and power side mirrors with turn signal indicators.

Inside, there were sharp wood highlights spread throughout the interior, plus truly comfortable leather seating, not to mention an attractive panoramic sunroof that lets you appreciate the outside world more while driving. Leather was also featured on the steering wheel and shift knob.

Toyota is an interesting company to me right now, when it comes to auto design.

From their most elaborate Lexus luxury models right down to basic Toyota vehicles, a thorough redesign is happening that can only be described as aggressive.

Perhaps the look doesn’t go over well with everyone, but the big and bold grilles they are unveiling across the board gives a hint of power and in-your-face attitude.

That doesn’t always translate to the actual performance though, so you need to keep things in perspective.

I recently spent time in a 2018 Toyota Corolla, and I’m back with a full report on where it shines and where it lacks.

Despite what you might have read lately, the fact is that not everyone needs an SUV.

Every car has its purpose and audience, and while subcompacts are far from the biggest segment in the auto world, they do serve a purpose.

Many people don’t have families to lug around, rarely carry passengers in their vehicles and don’t need a lot of cargo space. Others just need something with decent gas mileage to get their to work and back. For these groups of people, something like the Kia Rio, a small and affordable subcompact sedan, is right up their alley.

I recently spent time in a 2018 Rio, and I’m back with a full report on what it has to offer.

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Being upfront, I will say this: The Rio is a small vehicle. If you go in expecting that, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for extra-roomy seating or lots of storage room, you’re going to want to look in larger classes (though you can fold down the back seats to increase storage space).

This might work as a second car in many households. The going-to-work car, which sits next to the family SUV in the garage. Or it could be the only car for someone who travels solo more often than not. Even in the subcompact class, competitors have the Rio beat in storage capacity.

The exterior design is nothing that jumps out at you as special, but it’s not unattractive at the same time. The Rio is very low to the ground, pretty wide for the segment and a bit longer on the latest remodel. The Interior design on my test vehicle was surprisingly upscale and plush (leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, high-quality and comfortable seating materials), and it was an EX trim line, the highest offered on the Rio.

The Rio, by the way, is available as either a hatchback or a sedan.

As SUVs continue to top the list of most carbuyers’ wish lists, and more and more automakers expand their offerings, it’s a constant struggle to keep up. One of GMC’s top offerings is its three-row mid-size offering, the GMC Acadia, which battles such category heavyweights as the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and newcomer Volkswagen Atlas.

After some time driving a 2018 Acadia, I’m back with a full report on how it holds up in the category.

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Versatility and space is key with any SUV. And the good news is that the 2018 Acadia offers a healthy amount of storage room with the second and third rows down. It’s also very easy to lower the seats, and even with the seats up there is easy access to the Acadia’s third row. Be aware though, the back seat is pretty tight and I would recommend for kids only whenever possible.

The leather-appointed seating in the Denali model I tested was quite comfortable.

I had a 6-passenger setup (2/2/2), but you can also opt for a seven-passenger version.

Other niceties included heated and ventilated front seats. Optional second-row heated seats; leather wrapped steering wheel; LED daytime running lights; 20-inch polished aluminum wheels; and a sunroof. Denali touches make it shine inside (wood accents) and out (grille).

Lexus is upping the stakes in the luxury sedan segment, with the unveiling of their  seventh-generation Lexus ES sedan, which features an an all-new chassis, updated exterior design, and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT.

Lexus says the vehicle is more spacious and quieter than previous iterations, and also features sharpened performance, plus advanced safety and tech features.

Here are some key highlights: