Thursday, 28 March 2024
Matt M. Myftiu

Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

Among the most interesting conversations in the automotive world right now is that EV demand appears to be down, yet buyers still seek strong fuel economy.

For those buyers, there’s no better option than a hybrid vehicle. Buying a hybrid allows them to achieve their goal of saving on fuel expenses, while also not relying on the electric grid to power their vehicle. Get a hybrid now, and you can wait until EV prices go down and become more realistic for the average buyer to afford.

And since you’ll visit the gas station much less than with a traditional ICE vehicle, hybrids are still a green offering.

Kia expanded its hybrid offerings for the 2023 model year with the introduction of the Kia Sportage hybrid in the popular compact crossover segment. The Sportage was completely redesigned for 2023, and the 2023 hybrid carries over to 2024 without any major changes.

The Sportage is now offering a diverse lineup, with everything from an ICE version, to the hybrid powertrain, to a plug-in hybrid offering.

The latest version of the Sportage has grown in size from the previous generation model, and has upgraded its technology features. In terms of Kia’s hybrid lineup, it fits in size between the Kia Niro and the Kia Sorento, and it’s a close relative of the Hyundai Tucson hybrid. 

Read on for a full breakdown of how it measures up against other leading compact crossover hybrid offerings.

Mitsubishi’s got a steep hill to climb as it battles for the attention of U.S. car buyers. But one sure way to reach the people and grow their presence is to make strong vehicles that stand up well even against tough competition.

One such vehicle that should help in that regard is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid offering which I recently had the chance to experience.

Redesigned both inside and out for 2023, the Outlander PHEV features impressive design, strong tech and allows people to get closer to the EV experience without actually committing to EV-only living, getting rid of that range anxiety.

It comes through with more power, improved electric-only range, and upgraded looks.

 

 

In the luxury realm, one of the biggest battles waged every year is between the crème de la crème heavy hitters in the large luxury sedan category.

All the major luxury brands have a flagship sedan that is decked out to the gills with the latest design innovations, powerful engines, advanced tech features and safety equipment, and aims to reach that select group of buyers who can afford to shell out six figures for these high-end rides.

For BMW, that entry is its 7-series sedan, which took its assignment seriously with an impressive redesign for 2023.

The new 7-Series generation debuts for 2023 with a complete redesign, inside and out, and with some impressive new tech and safety features.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2023 BMW 760i xDrive sedan, a vehicle that is truly fit for a king, a VIP executive, or anyone else who wants to pamper themselves. It’s the type of vehicle that’s so classy, a chauffeur would be a good fit. Read on for a full report on what it has to offer.

 

In times of change, some people like options that allow them to keep it the way it’s always been.
Forget EVs. They want a V8 under the hood.

In the automotive world, that is nowhere more true than when we talk about the few remaining holdouts offering truck-based, body-on-frame large SUVs toting powerful V8 engines.

Nissan’s Armada fits right into this category, and while it may seem to some folks like a relic in today’s world, vehicles like the Armada still have their places for fans of the big and bold. 

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2023 Armada; read on to learn more about the vehicle and who might want to pick one up.

Subaru owners have never been the type to follow trends, and have always gone their own way. So it’s fitting a vehicle like the Subaru Crosstrek comes from the automaker.

This outdoor-friendly offering — completely redesigned for 2024 — is a niche offering that offers a unique set of capabilities that most other SUVs in its class don’t share.

This small crossover doesn’t aim to be the fastest in its class, but it does aim to be the most capable in all weather conditions, and a vehicle you’re comfortable taking onto the back roads without fear.

I recently tested a Crosstrek in the Premium trim level, but the big news this year is that Subaru has unveiled a Wilderness model that’s especially off-road friendly.

Read on for everything you need to know about the all-new 2024 Crosstrek.

As all automakers work to step up their game in the EV sector, Nissan is finally growing its EV presence with the new Ariya SUV.

An early adopter with the Nissan Leaf EV being on sale for more than a decade, Nissan has now delivered a strong second EV entry. All new for 2023, the Nissan Ariya delivers a bold look unlike anything else in the Nissan lineup, and expands the brand’s EV footprint beyond the long-running Nissan Leaf. 

The Ariya represents a logical step into the EV world for fans of the top-selling Nissan Rogue SUV, as the Ariya is sized similarly to the Rogue.

I spent some time behind the wheel of a 2023 Nissan Ariya Empower+, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up in a growing and competitive EV market with offerings from Tesla (Model Y), Kia (EV6/EV9), Hyundai (Kona), Ford (Mach-E Mustang), Volkswagen (ID.4), Chevy (Bolt EUV) and more.

Big. Beautiful. Bold. Beast. 

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2023 BMW X7 M60i, and all these words apply to this luxury SUV.

The X7 is the biggest vehicle in BMW’s SUV lineup, and comes equipped with loads of power that make it a front-runner despite stiff competition from SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator.

Updates have been made to both the exterior and interior of the X7 for the 2023 model, further solidifying its status as a segment leader.

Read on for a full evaluation of how the X7 holds up in the competitive world of three-row luxury SUVs.

 

Below is part four (the final installment) of my reflections on the year that was, and what’s to come in 2024, for Cup series teams:

Legacy Motor Club
Results: Erik Jones (27th in points); 32nd in owner point standings for 42 car (multiple drivers)
Grade: C-

The big news for Legacy Motor Club this year was that they’ll be moving from Chevy to Toyota for 2024, and that’s probably a wise move. 

Their final year with Chevy was disastrous, as talented Erik Jones could only muster a single top-5 in 2023, and 7 top-10 finishes, in the 43 car. 

The 42 car was even worse, with Noah Gragson delivering zero top-10 runs in 21 races before being sacked after his social media controversy. Next year is much more promising for the team, with John Hunter Nemechek taking over the 42 car full-time and bringing his crew chief with him, and Jones returning. If Toyota can provide them with fast cars, these are two drivers who can definitely step up for Legacy Motor Club in 2024.

 

Part three of my reflections on the year that was, and what’s to come in 2024, for Cup series teams:

RFK Racing 
Results: Chris Buescher (7th in points); Brad Keselowski (8th in points)
Grade: A-

Talk about overachieving: RFK Racing was the breakout Cup team of 2023. RFK Racing co-owner/driver Brad Keselowski had long hyped up his teammate Chris Buescher’s talent, but that was backed up when Buescher shocked everyone by rattling off three wins this summer. 

Meanwhile, Keslowski consistently ran up front all year, and took home 7 top-5 finishes. He could easily return to victory lane next season. The fact that both these drivers finished in the top 8 in points is extremely impressive for a team still aiming to rebuild back to the levels of success once enjoyed in the former glory days of Roush Racing. 

Look for Buescher and Keselowski to remain contenders in 2024 in the newly unveiled Mustang Dark Horse. 

Part two of my reflections on the year that was, and what’s to come in 2024, for Cup series teams:

Joe Gibbs Racing
Results; Christopher Bell (4th in points); Denny Hamlin (5th in points); Martin Truex Jr. (11th in points); Ty Gibbs (18th in points) 
Grade: A-

Despite only one driver making the Final Four, this was a very strong overall year for Joe Gibbs Racing, with 8 wins between the trio of Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr. and Christopher Bell. Ty Gibbs did not win, but he did run very well as a rookie and had the second-best finish in the points among non-playoff drivers. With all four drivers returning in 2024, I expect all four, including young Ty, to make the playoffs and several to make deep runs. 

Denny Hamlin’s continued struggles with completing a title run will once again be at the forefront of conversation next season, but I wouldn’t put it out of the realm of possibility that Hamlin does win it all in 2024, and Truex and Bell could be right there beside him battling for the title.

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