Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.
Subaru may not be the largest automaker, but they know what their customers like, and do it very well.
One vehicle that stands out in their lineup is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, including the brand new off-road friendly Wilderness trim level introduced for 2024.
Aimed at adventurers, the Crosstrek is quickly becoming a contender for the best-selling Subaru model in the U.S. I recently got the chance to test out a 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness.
Read on to learn 5 key things you should know about this unique vehicle offering.
The RX lineup of vehicles is a longtime heavy hitter in the Lexus lineup. In 2023 alone, Lexus sold over 114,000 RX vehicles, extremely strong numbers for a luxury ride.
In the Lexus SUV world, the RX slots above the smaller NX model, but below the larger TX option.
Lexus has long been a fan of offering hybrid vehicles across its vehicle lineup, and among the offerings in the RX landscape are several hybrid offerings. While 2024 brings a new addition with the 2024 plug-in hybrid RX 450h+, also returning are the traditional hybrid offerings — including the RX 350h and the more powerful RX 500h.
With the steady drumbeat in the news today that many people in 2024 are skipping the move to a full EV and instead preferring to explore hybrid options, the RX hybrid’s popularity should be safe for many years to come.
I recently tested an RX hybrid — specifically the 2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD model — and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up against its luxury hybrid competitors.
With the demand for SUVs as high as it’s ever been, automakers are wise to cover all bases and offer additional models and vehicle styles to fit different buyers.
For Volkswagen, which already offers the Volkswagen Atlas three-row SUV, that means also having a shorter two-row version of the Atlas — dubbed the Atlas Cross Sport — for folks who need fewer seats and are seeking a sharper look.
There’s a ton of strong competitors in the midsize SUV segment (including Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, and many others), so the Atlas Cross Sport must clear a high bar to make a significant impact.
New for 2024 is an updated engine (a four-cylinder engine that replaces the previous model’s V6 but adds power), and some styling updates and additional standard tech features.
I recently spent some time in a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL R-Line, a midsize SUV which catches your eye with its attractive, sloping roofline, and I’m back with a full report on this stylish ride.
A global giant, Volkswagen continues to make its best effort to find its place in the SUV market in the United States.
One of their key offerings is the Tiguan, which slots in the middle of its SUV lineup between the smaller VW Taos and larger VW Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport options. It’s the highest-selling vehicle for Volkswagen in the U.S., with more than 71,000 Tiguans sold in 2023.
It’s competing with some strong vehicles, including Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Mazda’s CX-5 and CX-50, and more.
Standing out is tough in this segment, but VW pulls a bit of a wild card by offering the Tiguan with a third row, a feature most of the alternatives do not offer.
There are no major changes for 2024, as the main changes for the 2024 model are additional features becoming standard on lower trim levels. (Note: A completely new design is anticipated for the 2025 model year.)
I recently spent time behind the wheel of a base model 2024 Tiguan, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up in today’s SUV landscape.
Electric vehicles continue to generate news, specifically regarding how ready the public are to adopt them en masse.
But in the luxury realm of vehicles, many automakers are fully committed to making EVs a priority, and Audi is one that fits that category — planning to make all new vehicle offerings electric by 2026, and completely electrify its vehicle lineup by 2033.
At the moment, they have several EV options for sale, and I recently spent some time behind the wheel of their flagship EV — the 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron.
Improved for 2024 with a more powerful battery and longer range, improved aerodynamics, as well as some styling updates, the Q8 e-tron aims to be one of the main options for people looking to join the ranks of luxury EV ownership.
Read on for a full breakdown of what it has to offer and how well it competes in the overall EV landscape vs. rivals from BMW, Genesis, Jaguar and more.
Before we get into the thrilling racing at Darlington on Sunday that saw Brad Keselowski return to Victory Lane in a stunning day of redemption for both driver and team, let’s talk a bit about history.
When I think of Roush Racing, I initially think of the 1997 Cup race I attended at Michigan Speedway, my first race I watched at the track, where Mark Martin took home the checkered flag for Jack Roush in the No. 6 Valvoline car, one of 35 victories for Mark in the 6 car.
I think about all the races I saw won over the next two decades — with Roush drivers including Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Jeff Burton, Carl Edwards and more. Since launching his Cup team in 1988, the Cat in the Hat had a team that was formidable week in and week out, not only in Cup but also dominating many races in Xfinity and Trucks for years.
Continuing an ongoing trend as SUVs and trucks continue to dominate sales, yet another sedan has reached the end of its road.
Subaru has announced that production of the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan will conclude with the 2025 model year, with the last vehicles rolling off the assembly line in spring of 2025.
The Legacy first came to the U.S. market in 1989, making this the end of a 36-year run. Subaru claims that over 94% of Subaru Legacy vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. The 2025 Legacy will be priced starting at just under $25K.
Since its debut, Legacy models sold in the U.S. have been assembled at Subaru of Indiana in Lafayette, Indiana. Through six generations of the car, it has generated 1.3 million sales in the U.S. and was the longest-running Subaru model.
With the loss of the Legacy, Subaru’s lineup will be even more focused on SUVs, and Subaru is also moving toward electric vehicles including its Solterra EV (and plans to offer eight EV models by the 2028 calendar year).
In recent years, Hyundai has asserted itself as a strong contender in many different vehicle categories, and that’s probably the most true in the compact SUV segment, where its Hyundai Tucson has regularly been a top-seller.
It’s the most popular Hyundai model in the U.S., with over 200,000 Tucsons sold in 2023, in large part due to its standout exterior design, roomy and upscale interior, plus comprehensive warranties and competitive pricing.
I recently tested a 2024 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD model, which featured an attractive and aggressive design, and there are a variety of Tucson models offered — including hybrid options for the eco-friendly buyer.
Last fully redesigned in 2022, the 2024 Tucson features minor changes to the various trim levels and adds some tech and safety features, but maintains the strong features that have kept it so competitive in a segment featuring strong competition including the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4.
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.
For the past several years, I’ve called the Genesis an upstart in the luxury vehicle category, as they continued to drop solid vehicle after solid vehicle to take on the luxury mainstays who had long dominated their segment.
At this point, I’m dropping the upstart label, and instead just telling it like it is — the Genesis brand is one of the best options in the luxury market right now, period, and will continue to be so for a long time.
The latest Genesis vehicle I had a chance to experience is the GV70, a powerful and sporty compact SUV that comes in both gas and EV versions (I tested the gas-powered GV70).
The GV70 has been a strong competitor in the segment since debuting in 2022, shining straight out of the gate; and it hasn’t lost its luster despite tough competition growing every year in the sector.
Specifically, I drove the 2024 GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige, a trimmed-out version at the top of the GV70’s lineup that delivers bold looks, lots of power and cutting-edge technology.
The GV70 has some tough competition — including Mercedes-Benz GLC, Acura RDX, Jaguar F-PACE, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60 — so it’s got to come strong if it’s going to attract buyers.
The 2024 model year mostly carries over from the previous year’s GV70, but there are upgrades to the wheels and brakes, some upgraded safety features, and additional creature comforts on some models such as ventilated front seats.
Read on for my take on the GV70 and how it holds up in the cut-throat world of luxury SUVs.
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