Liam DeDoncker

The RX continues to set the ‘bar’ so to speak with what a premium crossover SUV should entail, and while it’s not the best at any one category, the overall fit and finish leaves you with an extremely polished and easy to live with product that no one else has quite been able to match in almost 20 years, and the RX450h F-Sport showcases that perfectly. For those not concerned with performance that don’t mind paying a premium for a vehicle that looks the part, has an interior that is fantastic, and is as low stress to drive and own as possible while still having hybrid technology, the RX450h F-Sport is the perfect prospect.

In a time when screaming big cube V8 powered vehicles are being axed at an alarming rate to give way to more efficient vehicles with less cylinders, the TRX is a bit of an anomaly. It’s a truly special one at that, and you’re reminded of it every time you drive it. Be it the intoxicating part throttle supercharger whine, floating over off road bumps with ease at almost triple digit speeds, or being thrown back in your seat as you get on the interstate, it’s an unforgettable experience that we are likely to never have again as emissions stringencies get more and more strict.

As mentioned in my remarks about the V90XC’s styling, I love the fact that it’s more or less a four door shooting brake. Polarizing from almost all angles, the V90 really is a looker, even in Cross Country guise. It’s such a low stress car to just get in and drive, be it going to get milk or going for a crazy weekend adventure to see the Grand Tetons. Everything is easy to use, the learning curve is much less steep than many of its German rivals. Between the sound system and ride quality, you may even find yourself looking for excuses to drive it, I know I certainly did.

As someone who typically doesn’t enjoy driving economy hybrids, I smiled in the Prius way more than I care to admit, even if I was let down by the all wheel drive system. Simply put, it is a fun car to get from point A to point B without trying to be a fun car. The interior is refined and well built, the infotainment system is perfect for its price point, and seats are great for a sub thirty thousand dollar car. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did, but it’s been a pleasant surprise.

Land Rover reviving the Defender name is big news, as it has nearly 70 years of heritage and off road prestige to live up to. This made me nervous, as usually revamps as such end in disappointment. Will it be mall or trail rated? Fortunately, the Defender is back in spectacular fashion, equipped with an arsenal of off-road tech capable of conquering some of the hardest trails this world has to offer in both style and comfort

Toyota retires the most venerable off-road vehicle in existence with a bang to pay homage to its predecessors which helped it earn the status it has today. 

While it doesn’t abide by the norm that trucks have to look like they belong on a work site, if the Limited were to be caught in that scenario, it would scream ‘CEO’. I actually turned around to look at it when I grabbed groceries the first night I had it, thus passing the “if you don’t turn around to look at it each time you park it, you bought the wrong one” test.

The redesigned Mercedes-Benz E450 targets a younger market while still catering to its traditional clientele with looks, tech, and mild hybrid performance to match.

It’s not often that a sports car formula which has been tried and true for over 60 years is completely changed from the ground up in the manner that the Corvette platform has with the C8. Imagine if Porsche’s next 911 was front engined, you see my point. As a journalist, having the privilege to review cars like this is something truly special.