Gearbox Car Reviews is a dedicated channel for automotive enthusiasts, focusing on in-depth reviews and driving experiences of a wide array of vehicles. The channel specializes in providing detailed insights into popular car models, from practical everyday drivers like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid to luxury crossovers such as the Lexus NX and RX series, and performance-oriented trucks like the Ram 1500 Rebel.
With a passion for exploring the automotive landscape, Gearbox Car Reviews aims to offer viewers comprehensive information, background details, and firsthand driving impressions. The content often compares key models, such as evaluating the Volvo S60 Recharge against the Lexus ES300h, providing valuable perspectives for potential car buyers and car lovers alike. This distributor serves as a go-to resource for understanding the nuances of modern vehicles.
With a passion for exploring the automotive landscape, Gearbox Car Reviews aims to offer viewers comprehensive information, background details, and firsthand driving impressions. The content often compares key models, such as evaluating the Volvo S60 Recharge against the Lexus ES300h, providing valuable perspectives for potential car buyers and car lovers alike. This distributor serves as a go-to resource for understanding the nuances of modern vehicles.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Full Review
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE is presented as a practical, efficient, and reliable crossover, prioritizing functionality over excitement. The reviewer highlights its "aggressively fine" driving experience, noting it's not a "hair on fire" vehicle but excels in fuel economy, with an ave...
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2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Full Review
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is presented as a compelling, spacious three-row electric crossover, building upon the foundation of the Kia EV9. The reviewe... morer highlights the "Calligraphy Design Performance AWD" trim as particularly well-equipped, boasting 422 hp and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. While the single-motor RWD offers up to 355 miles of range, the tested AWD version is rated for 311 miles, with real-world insights from Recurrent Auto suggesting even higher average figures. Charging is a mixed bag: 10-80% in 24 minutes on a 350kW charger is excellent, but using Tesla Superchargers (due to the NACS port) slows this to around 40 minutes, exacerbated by the inconvenient rear-passenger-side charging port location which can cause issues at crowded Superchargers. Interior luxury is a strong point, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, though the reviewer notes some digital controls for HVAC are frustratingly placed. Driving impressions are positive regarding power and smoothness, but the ride quality on the 21-inch wheels is criticized for not soaking up imperfections well, and the lane-centering assist, while standard and extensive, is noted as potentially slipping behind competitors. Overall, the IONIQ 9 is praised for its space, features, and quick charging, but the charging port placement and ride comfort on larger wheels are key drawbacks. less
2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Full Review
The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid is reviewed as a comfortable and spacious three-row SUV, living up to its "Touring Crossover" name wi... moreth a smooth ride and ample features. The reviewer highlights the powerful 404-hp hybrid system, which offers brisk acceleration, and the convenience of 33 miles of pure electric range, though noting it degrades on the highway. Positives include the standard panoramic sunroof, well-appointed interior with heated/ventilated seats, and the innovative modular cupholders. However, the reviewer criticizes Lexus for "nickel and diming" on essential features like the 360 camera, digital rearview mirror, and traffic jam assist, which are optional or part of subscription packages, especially given the $80,000+ price point. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are also a point of frustration due to their over-complication. Massage seats, surprisingly absent, are noted as a missed opportunity. Despite these drawbacks, the TX 550h+ is deemed a pleasant vehicle for families, provided the price and feature packaging are acceptable. less
2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Full Review
The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, particularly in the stylish Nightshade Edition, marks a significant departure from its predecessors, offering a ... moremore engaging driving experience and a bolder aesthetic. The reviewer highlights the substantial power increase to 220 horses, making it far from a "slow left lane camper." The pure electric range is noted as up to 39 miles (with larger wheels), which is deemed best suited for city driving, as highway speeds rapidly deplete the battery. Charging times are reasonable at 4 hours for Level 2 and 11 hours for a standard outlet. Interior features are generally well-received, with physical climate controls and an intuitive infotainment system, though the reviewer expresses a dislike for subscription services for remote start. Criticisms include slightly tight rear seats with reduced headroom due to the sloping roof, and seats that may become uncomfortable on long road trips. The reviewer also points out that while the advanced safety features are standard and effective, some driver assists like proactive drive assist and lane shove assist can be intrusive and are best turned off. Ultimately, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid is recommended for city dwellers with shorter commutes, while those with mixed highway driving might weigh the benefits against the regular hybrid model's AWD option and lower cost. less
2025 Audi A6 E-tron Full Review
The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron presents a compelling package, particularly excelling in its comfortable ride, smooth and ample power delivery, and impressive... more range and charging capabilities. The air suspension, exclusive to the Prestige trim, significantly enhances ride quality, making it a pleasant vehicle for daily driving and long trips. The exterior design is lauded as one of the best for EVs, and the spacious interior, particularly the rear seating and trunk, offers practicality. However, the interior design and material choices are a significant drawback. The reviewer criticizes the excessive use of glossy black plastic, which attracts fingerprints and scratches, and the plasticky steering wheel buttons, detracting from the luxury feel expected of an Audi. While the infotainment system is functional, it presents a steep learning curve. Driver assistance features, particularly lane centering, are noted as not performing as well as competitors. Despite these interior and tech criticisms, the A6 e-tron's strong performance, excellent range (up to 392 miles estimated), and fast charging (10-80% in 21 minutes) make it a strong contender, especially considering its price point compared to rivals like the Lucid Air. The reviewer expresses hesitation at the price given the interior shortcomings. less
2025 Lucid Air Touring Full Review
The 2025 Lucid Air Touring presents a compelling package, excelling in range, efficiency, and luxurious interior appointments. The reviewer highlights... more its impressive 406-mile range (on the tested 19-inch wheels) and rapid charging capabilities, though notes significantly slower speeds when using Tesla Superchargers with an adapter. The interior is praised for its spaciousness, futuristic design, and high-quality materials, rivaling established luxury sedans. However, the reviewer points out some usability quirks, such as finicky door handles and the placement of controls within the 'pilot panel,' which can be distracting while driving. Driving dynamics are a strong suit, with the Air offering a smooth yet engaging experience, particularly in 'Swift' or 'Sprint' modes, and responsive steering. The advanced driver-assistance systems, especially the optional 'Dream Drive Pro' with hands-free driving, are effective but can be overly sensitive. Despite minor criticisms regarding the user interface and some hardware elements like the door handles and camera feed quality, the Lucid Air Touring is deemed a highly desirable EV sedan, offering a premium experience that justifies its price point, especially with potential lease deals. less
2025 Kia EV6 Full Review
The 2025 Kia EV6 receives a mid-cycle refresh, bringing notable updates including US manufacturing, revised battery options (standard 63 kWh, optional... more 84 kWh), and a relocated NACS charging port. While the GT-Line AWD tester is rated for 270 miles of range, the RWD Long Range can achieve up to 319 miles. Charging speeds are impressive, with 20-80% in 20 minutes on a 350 kW charger, though NACS charging is capped at 125 kW. The interior boasts a premium feel with improved materials and a well-laid-out interface, though the dual-purpose infotainment/climate screen is a point of contention. Driving dynamics are refined with better sound deadening and steering tweaks, making it a comfortable and quiet daily driver. Advanced driver assists are comprehensive. The reviewer highlights the car's excellent daily usability and family-hauling capability, but raises concerns about the elevated price point, especially with the diminishing EV tax credit, suggesting leasing as a viable option. Despite minor nitpicks like the rear visibility and the dual-purpose screen, the EV6 remains a strong contender in the EV market. less
2025 BMW M5 Touring Full Review
The 2025 BMW M5 Touring marks a significant arrival for the US market, blending potent performance with practical wagon utility. Powered by a 4.4L twi... moren-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid system, it delivers a formidable 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, with a claimed 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The reviewer highlights the impressive acceleration and the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting that real-world performance often exceeds BMW's stated figures. While praised for its speed and dynamic driving capabilities, the M5 Touring's handling in hard cornering is noted as being compromised by its weight, with the reviewer suggesting the X5M might offer superior agility. The interior receives mixed reviews, with praise for the available leather options and standard Bowers & Wilkins sound system, but criticism directed at the prevalence of glossy black plastic and the non-intuitive HVAC sliders. Practicality is a strong suit, offering 27.2 cu ft of cargo space and ample rear legroom. Despite its high starting price of $120,000, the M5 Touring is positioned as a desirable, albeit expensive, performance wagon that excels as a daily driver and garners significant attention. less
2025.5 Volvo XC90 (PHEV T8 AWD) Full Review
The 2025.5 Volvo XC90 T8 Ultra AWD PHEV receives a mid-cycle refresh, focusing on updated exterior and interior designs, enhanced infotainment, and im... moreproved comfort. The reviewer highlights the new Mulberry Red paint and slimmer headlights as notable exterior changes. Inside, the Nappa leather and optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system are praised, though the reviewer notes the HVAC controls being buried in the infotainment system as a drawback. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is a standout, offering brisk acceleration and a quiet, EV-like driving experience, with an advertised 32 miles of pure electric range. The reviewer found real-world fuel efficiency to be excellent due to consistent overnight charging, using less than a quarter tank over a week with a 50-mile daily round trip commute. While the ride is exceptionally smooth and quiet, thanks to suspension tweaks and optional air suspension, the reviewer points out that at its price point (starting around $71k, up to $90k loaded), features like soft-close doors and a more advanced head-up display are expected, especially when compared to German competitors. Despite these minor criticisms, the XC90 is deemed a comfortable, quiet, and practical choice for families, particularly for those who can leverage its PHEV capabilities. less
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: More Efficient, But At What Cost? Full Review
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid introduces Toyota's efficient powertrain into Mazda's stylish and dynamically competent package. The reviewer hi... moreghlights Mazda's signature upscale interior and engaging driving dynamics, which are largely preserved. However, the integration isn't seamless. A significant drawback is the loss of certain premium features available in non-hybrid CX-50 models and the RAV4 Hybrid, such as a heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera, and rear heated seats. The reviewer notes the powertrain's efficiency gains over the standard CX-50, achieving an estimated 38 MPG combined. While the handling and steering feel remain a Mazda strong suit, the reviewer points out the characteristic 'angry Toyota noises' from the eCVT during acceleration. Ultimately, the reviewer finds the CX-50 Hybrid to be a niche product, suggesting that buyers prioritizing efficiency might prefer the RAV4 Hybrid, while those seeking a complete Mazda experience might opt for a non-hybrid CX-50. less
2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV Full Review
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV, specifically the Tributo Italiano special edition, is reviewed as a competent daily driver that prioritizes comfort a... morend features over outright performance. While it boasts a powerful 285-hp plug-in hybrid system and an advertised 33 miles of electric range, the reviewer notes real-world electric range closer to 27-29 miles. The driving experience, while smooth and quiet, doesn't quite deliver the sharp dynamics expected of an Alfa Romeo, with acceleration feeling less potent than the numbers suggest and brakes feeling somewhat soft. The interior is praised for its modern Uconnect 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and comfortable, well-appointed seats, though rear passenger space is noted as a bit tight. Key drawbacks include the lack of a heads-up display and the somewhat underwhelming driving dynamics, especially once the battery is depleted. Despite these points, the Tonale is recommended for those seeking a unique, stylish, and feature-rich subcompact crossover with plug-in hybrid efficiency, rather than a pure performance machine. less
2025 Cadillac Lyriq: Spacious, Comfy, Luxury Crossover Full Review
The 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ is presented as a comfortable, quiet, and spacious luxury EV crossover, building on the foundation of the 2023 model with incr... moreemental updates. The reviewer highlights the smooth and quiet ride, attributing it to the EV platform and long wheelbase, though notes that the larger 22-inch wheels (standard on Sport 3) can detract slightly from ride quality over larger bumps compared to the available 20-inch wheels. Performance is described as smooth acceleration rather than outright sportiness, with 515 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque available for quick bursts. The interior receives praise for its luxurious materials, ample space, and standard features like wireless charging, Google built-in, and memory seats. However, the reviewer expresses a dislike for the glossy black single-button controls on the steering wheel and center console, finding them less premium than individual buttons. Charging is noted as adequate, with a 190 kW max DC fast charge rate achieving 80% in 45 minutes, and home charging options up to 19.2 kW. The standout feature for the reviewer is the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, lauded for its communication and effectiveness. Overall, the LYRIQ is recommended as a strong contender in the luxury crossover segment, particularly for those who can charge at home, with the Level 2 trim being a suggested sweet spot. less
2025 Lexus UX 300h AWD Detailed Review
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, primarily driven by a much-improved powertrain and enhanced safety featu... moreres. The new Lexus Hybrid System 5, shared with the Toyota Prius, delivers a smoother, quicker, and more efficient driving experience, with combined horsepower increased to 196 hp and fuel economy reaching up to 43 mpg combined (42 mpg for AWD). The reviewer highlights the responsive throttle and smooth acceleration as key improvements. The updated Lexus Safety System 3.0 also offers better radar cruise control and lane centering. Positives include the refined powertrain, improved safety suite, comfortable ride quality, and a well-designed interior with a user-friendly 12.3-inch infotainment screen. However, the reviewer notes a lack of seat cushion padding for long trips, the absence of memory seats on the Premium trim, and the slightly noisy run-flat tires at lower speeds as drawbacks. The reviewer recommends the Premium trim as the sweet spot, offering a good balance of features and value, while acknowledging the tight rear seat space might be a concern for families. less
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: An EV for Petrolheads: Full Review
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N represents a bold, and surprisingly successful, attempt to bridge the gap between performance EVs and traditional internal combu... morestion engine (ICE) driving experiences. While initially appearing gimmicky with its simulated gears, sounds, and transmission behavior, the reviewer found these features to be exceptionally well-executed, transforming the EV into a highly engaging and fun-to-drive machine that mimics the feel of an ICE car. The reviewer highlights the car's robust performance enhancements, including improved cooling, braking, and adjustable torque distribution, making it track-capable. Despite a slightly stiffer ride than the standard IONIQ 5 and a high price point of $66,000, the reviewer concludes that the IONIQ 5 N is a compelling option for both EV enthusiasts and those hesitant about electric vehicles, offering a unique and enjoyable driving experience that could signal a new direction for performance EVs. less
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE AWD Detailed Review
The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid marks a significant evolution, now exclusively offered as a hybrid and available with all-wheel drive, a rarity in its se... moregment. The reviewer highlights the updated Toyota Hybrid System 5 (THS5) and praises its smooth, natural acceleration, avoiding the abruptness often found in EVs. While the XSE AWD trim delivers a respectable 39 MPG average (with a 41 MPG rating), the LE FWD variant offers superior fuel economy. The interior receives high marks for its modern design and premium feel, rivaling luxury brands like Lexus, with a wealth of standard features even on base models. The reviewer commends the comfortable seating, intuitive controls, and the upgraded infotainment system. Driving impressions are largely positive, noting the Camry's surprising nimbleness and responsive handling, especially in sport mode, despite the sport-tuned suspension on the XSE. Ride quality is deemed good, though softer trims with smaller wheels are suggested for those prioritizing comfort. Criticisms are minor, including the prevalence of glossy black trim and the lack of cornering lights. Overall, the 2025 Camry Hybrid is presented as a highly competent and compelling midsize sedan, offering efficiency, space, and advanced features. less
2024-2025 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo: My New Favorite Grand Tourer: Full Review
The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo is hailed as a new favorite grand tourer, impressing with its phenomenal powertrain, responsive steering, and exc... moreeptionally comfortable air suspension. The twin-turbo 3.0L V6, borrowed from the MC20, delivers a potent 542 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering immediate power delivery without throttle delay, a characteristic usually reserved for EVs. The ZF8 automatic transmission is praised for its smoothness in daily driving and responsiveness during spirited drives. While the exterior boasts elegant lines and functional venting, the rear design is noted as less distinctive. The interior is largely luxurious with high-quality materials, but the reviewer strongly criticizes the prevalence of glossy black touchpoints and cheap-feeling plastic buttons, particularly for transmission controls, which detract from the premium experience. Key features like the 360 camera, hands-free liftgate, and ventilated seats are surprisingly optional at this price point. Despite a weight of around 4,000 lbs, the GranTurismo handles well, though its long wheelbase and lack of rear-steer make it less suited for tight, technical tracks compared to smaller rivals. Overall, it's lauded as a supremely comfortable, capable, and enjoyable grand tourer that excels on long trips and enjoyable roads, even accommodating rear passengers better than many competitors. less
2025 Ram 1500 Rebel Full Review
The 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel receives a significant update, most notably ditching the V8 Hemi for a standard-output 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane en... moregine, producing 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. This new powertrain offers a substantial power and torque increase over the outgoing V8, with torque available much lower in the rev range, making the truck feel quicker off the line. The reviewer highlights the improved fuel efficiency, averaging around 16 MPG with a large 33-gallon tank, allowing for over a week of driving on a single fill. The interior boasts a standard 12-inch screen (14-inch optional, as seen here), a wealth of physical controls, and extensive customization options through the infotainment system, including numerous camera views. While the ride is comfortable and quiet, the reviewer notes that the seats lack sufficient bolstering and support for extended periods. Towing capacity has decreased slightly compared to previous V8 and V6 models, now topping out around 11,400 lbs, which may be a concern for some users. Despite the high price tag for this loaded model ($81,000), the reviewer praises the overall comfort, spaciousness, and the helpfulness of the advanced camera systems for daily driving and off-roading. less
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Full Review
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is presented as a compelling entry into the affordable EV crossover market. The reviewer highlights its spacious interio... morer, comfortable ride, and quiet cabin, attributing much of this to its long wheelbase and well-managed NVH levels. The powertrain, while not overly powerful, is deemed sufficient for daily commuting, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience. A key positive is the standard Google Built-In system, which, despite the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offers app integration and navigation. The Super Cruise system is praised for its effectiveness on highways. However, the review points out several drawbacks: the finicky flush door handles, the automatic tailgate that can open unintentionally, and some software 'growing pains' with the infotainment system, such as issues with app switching and podcast skipping. The lack of a front trunk (frunk) and the absence of a heads-up display and digital rearview mirror are noted as odd omissions for the price point. Despite these 'naggy things,' the reviewer concludes that the Equinox EV offers good value, ample space, and sufficient range, with potential for software updates to resolve current issues. less
2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: What's New? Full Review
Hyundai's 2024 Elantra Hybrid receives a mid-cycle refresh, focusing on updated styling and feature packaging. The reviewer highlights the attrac... moretive new front and rear fascias, particularly on the Limited trim, and praises the improved interior materials and spaciousness for the compact segment. The hybrid powertrain, delivering 139 horsepower and an impressive 50 mpg combined (with the reviewer achieving 45-50 mpg), is noted for its efficiency rather than outright performance, especially in Eco mode. Key advantages include the smooth and quiet ride, well-executed driver-assist features like Highway Drive Assist, and a generally premium interior feel for the price point, especially with the Limited trim's heated/ventilated seats and Bose audio. However, drawbacks include the loss of wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in the updated system (a regression from the previous year's Blue trim), slightly touchy parking sensors, and seats that could offer more support for long journeys. Despite these points, the Elantra Hybrid is positioned as a strong value proposition and a compelling alternative to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, excelling in styling and interior refinement. less
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Full Review
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE is presented as a practical, efficient, and reliable crossover, prioritizing functionality over excitement. T... morehe reviewer highlights its "aggressively fine" driving experience, noting it's not a "hair on fire" vehicle but excels in fuel economy, with an average of 35 MPG observed against a 42 MPG combined rating. Key pros include the standard Toyota 3.0 safety suite with advanced driver assists, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, the interior is described as "very similar to the Corolla" and can feel "bare bones" in lower trims, requiring upgrades to the XSE for desirable features like heated seats and a digital gauge cluster. The reviewer also points out the lack of a spare tire and the optional nature of the power tailgate and premium sound system. While praised for efficiency and safety, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is deemed best for those prioritizing A-to-B transportation and reliability over driving dynamics or luxury. less
2024 Kia EV9: Best New 3-Row Family EV? Full Review
The 2024 Kia EV9 is presented as a compelling new entrant in the three-row electric family crossover segment, offering a usable third row at a competi... moretive price point compared to rivals like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S. The reviewer highlights its impressive 800V architecture, enabling rapid charging from 10-80% in approximately 24 minutes. The GT-Line trim, specifically reviewed, boasts 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with lower trims offering less power but still adequate performance. While the interior materials in the top GT-Line trim are criticized for not feeling luxurious enough for the near $80,000 price, the reviewer suggests lower trims around $55,000-$60,000 offer better value. Key positives include a surprisingly accurate and sufficient real-world range, smooth acceleration and regenerative braking, and excellent driver-assist features. The reviewer recommends considering lease deals, especially with upcoming tax credits, and generally endorses the EV9 as an excellent family EV option. less
2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Luxury EV Crossover Gets More Range & Faster Charging Full Review
The 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge receives significant updates, particularly with the introduction of a new rear-wheel-drive, single-motor variant. This ne... morew powertrain offers a substantial increase in range, rated at 293 miles, and faster charging capabilities (10-80% in 28 minutes) compared to the all-wheel-drive version. The reviewer praises the improved handling and maneuverability thanks to the RWD setup, making it an excellent city commuter and easy to park. The interior is highlighted for its luxury feel, especially the optional wool blend seats, which are deemed exceptionally comfortable. However, the reviewer notes some drawbacks, including the use of hard plastics in certain areas of the interior, a reverse camera that doesn't fill the screen, and road noise becoming apparent at highway speeds. The adaptive cruise control and lane centering are described as "iffy" with "micro adjustments." Despite these criticisms, the XC40 Recharge is recommended for its comfortable ride, efficiency, and practicality, especially for those seeking a premium electric crossover for daily commuting, though larger families or those needing rear-facing car seats might find it a bit compact. less
2024 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Detailed Review
The 2024 Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance offers a compelling blend of luxury and sportiness, though it navigates a few compromises. While not a full... more EV, its hybrid powertrain, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder and three electric motors, delivers ample power and mitigates turbo lag effectively, though real-world fuel economy hovers around 24 MPG, falling short of typical hybrid expectations. The F-Sport trim enhances the driving dynamics with rear-wheel steering, contributing to a tighter turning radius and improved stability in corners, complemented by a well-tuned adaptive suspension that balances comfort and sportiness. However, the aggressive 21-inch wheels, while visually striking, can impact ride comfort on rougher surfaces. Inside, the cabin is luxurious with high-quality materials, though the reviewer notes the prevalence of fingerprint-prone gloss black trim and plasticky buttons on a vehicle costing upwards of $70,000. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the optional Mark Levinson sound system is a highlight. Safety features are robust, but the driver monitoring system and proactive drive assist are deemed overly intrusive and can be disabled. Overall, the RX 500h F-Sport is a well-rounded luxury crossover for those seeking a more engaging driving experience than the standard RX, provided they can overlook some minor interior material and efficiency trade-offs. less
2024 Hyundai Kona (AWD / N-Line) Full Review
The 2024 Hyundai Kona enters its second generation with a significant redesign, adopting an "EV-first" approach that influences its styling ... moreand interior packaging. This N-Line AWD model showcases a sportier appearance with unique design elements, though the reviewer clarifies it's not a direct replacement for the previous Kona N. Key improvements include a larger interior and cargo space, a more refined ride quality, and a quieter cabin compared to competitors in the subcompact crossover segment. The new 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic offers adequate performance for daily driving, though it's noted to be slightly down on power from the previous generation. Positives highlighted are the standard safety features across all trims, the intuitive interior layout with physical climate controls, and the significantly increased rear legroom. The reviewer's main criticisms are the lack of a sunglasses holder, the sliding nature of the open center console storage without rubberized lining, and the sunroof occasionally getting stuck. Ultimately, while the N-Line offers a compelling package for its price, the reviewer leans towards the Limited trim for its additional features, despite the higher cost. less
2024 Polestar 2 Refresh: Detailed Review
The 2024 Polestar 2 refresh brings significant under-the-skin improvements, notably the switch to a rear-biased AWD system for dual-motor variants and... more a new RWD setup for the single-motor. The reviewer highlights the increased performance, with the Performance Pack dual-motor model delivering 455 hp and 4.1-second 0-60 times. Charging speeds are improved, though not class-leading. Interior design is praised for its premium feel and materials, with the exception of excessive gloss black trim and a "tacked-on" infotainment screen. Ride quality is good but slightly compromised by the shorter wheelbase and adjustable dampers that require manual adjustment. Driver assistance features are functional but not as refined as some competitors. The reviewer finds the Polestar 2 a compelling, premium-feeling EV, but questions the value of the Performance Pack unless specific features like the brakes are prioritized, and suggests the Hyundai IONIQ 6 offers better value and driver assists for a lower price. less