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.

With the racing wrapped up for 2023, and the teams already looking forward to getting back to it next February starting with the Clash at the Coliseum, this is a time for Cup teams to reflect on what went right (or wrong) in 2023. And more importantly, what the future might hold in next year’s battle.

Below is part one of my reflections on the year that was, and what’s to come in 2024.

Team Penske
Results: Ryan Blaney (champion); Joey Logano (12th in points); Austin Cindric (24th in points)
Grade: A-

Team Penske was not the championship favorite all season, but the great thing about a playoff system is that sometimes a competitor will rise above expectations. 

Just as the New York Giants beat a previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, the formerly young Ryan Blaney won his way into the Final Four and then rose above the stiff Hendrick competition in the final race of the season to become the 2023 Cup Champion. That gave Roger Penske a second straight Cup title, following Joey Logano’s title in 2022. Blaney will be an excellent champion for the sport, and his win shows you can never count out the Captain.

I remember the first time I had a hint of what was to come from young Ryan Blaney, in the media center at Michigan International Speedway in 2013.

It was back when he was quite young, still a teenager in fact, and I had just watched him finish second in an ARCA race at the track.

He was very fresh in the sport at that point, having competed in some Xfinity and Truck series races as an 18-year-old in 2012.

When Blaney showed up in the media room to take questions, he was agitated, almost pissed off the entire time. Why, you ask? He hadn’t won the race (coincidentally, the race was won by Brennan Poole and Grant Enfinger finished 5th that day.)

Revisiting the past with new car name launches can be a mixed bag. On one hand it helps create more buzz since the name is recognizable. On the other, it may seem like a brand is running out of new ideas.

One new vehicle that harkens back to long-gone days is the Toyota Crown, a historic nameplate that comes back to life in 2023 to replace Toyota’s Avalon in the full-size sedan category.

And while it has nothing in common with the Toyota Crown that first came to the U.S. in 1958 and was sold through 1972, the name is a strong one, evoking royalty and leadership.

I recently tested the 2023 Toyota Crown — which is one of the few vehicles still for sale in the large sedan category — taking on rivals such as the Volkswagen Arteon, Volvo S90, Nissan Maxima and the Kia Stinger.

Toyota fans who are seeking a bit of luxury, but don’t want to step up to a Lexus sedan, will welcome the Crown as a worthy replacement for the Avalon.

Its striking looks and design are the teaser to get your attention, then the performance and tech/safety will garner even more positive feedback.

Read on for my full take on this reborn classic nameplate from Toyota.