Saturday, 21 December 2024

Mazda has a solid lineup of SUV offerings, and there is a new entry to that list for 2025.

The CX-70 joins the fold, falling between the CX-50 and CX-90, and it comes in both regular and PHEV (plug-in hybrid) versions.

Those familiar with the CX-90 will find the CX-70 very familiar, as what Mazda has essentially done here is remove the third row from the CX-90 and rebadge the vehicle as the CX-70. The other update from the CX-90 is that the CX-70 adds under-floor storage in the trunk.

There’s a very specific target audience here — people who like the upscale design and drive quality of the CX-90, but don’t feel they’ll ever have a need to seat people in the third row. For these folks, five roomy and comfortable seats are more than enough, and a capacity for eight passengers is not on their wish list. 

I recently tested a 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus model, and I’m back with a full report on how this midsize SUV compares in a category with plenty of strong options.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

Just when you thought we were at SUV overload, here comes a brand new entry.
The difference though, compared to many new SUV debuts, is this one actually makes a lot of sense.

What I’m talking about is the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, a larger version of the longtime favorite Toyota Highlander that aims to improves Toyota’s take-home rate vs. other popular three-row midsize SUVs such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer.

Expanding on the many positive attributes of the Highlander, the Grand Highlander delivers additional cargo space as well as more room for third-row passengers. (Note: If you like of the look of the Grand Highlander and want a more upscale version, the brand new 2024 Lexus TX is another option to consider)

This vehicle is essentially an answer to folks who liked the Highlander in concept, but moved away to other brands due to it lacking the proper space for their larger families. By adding additional room, Toyota is inviting these families back into the fold.

I recently got the chance to test the 2024 Grand Highlander, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

Looking at the Toyota vehicle lineup, most of it is pretty tame and domesticated. 

But there’s one item that dramatically departs from this model — The off-road star known as the Toyota 4Runner. There are few true direct rivals to the 4Runner, making it almost in a class of its own and filling a unique niche.

Amazingly, this vehicle has not been updated since 2010, an eternity in car years. Read on for a full review of how it holds up as we enter the 2020s.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

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