Kirk Kreifels is a specialized distributor focusing on the dynamic world of automotive news and reviews. This channel delves into the latest developments, offering in-depth analyses and comprehensive evaluations of new vehicles and emerging automotive technologies. Their content aims to keep enthusiasts and potential buyers informed about the cutting edge of the automotive industry.
With a strong emphasis on brands like Toyota and Lexus, Kirk Kreifels provides insightful reviews, covering aspects from performance and design to innovative features like advanced battery technology and exceptional fuel economy. Viewers can expect detailed examinations of hybrid systems, luxury segment comparisons, and previews of upcoming models, making it a go-to source for automotive insights.
With a strong emphasis on brands like Toyota and Lexus, Kirk Kreifels provides insightful reviews, covering aspects from performance and design to innovative features like advanced battery technology and exceptional fuel economy. Viewers can expect detailed examinations of hybrid systems, luxury segment comparisons, and previews of upcoming models, making it a go-to source for automotive insights.
Toyota's New Solid State Battery (Fluoride) | 600+ Mile Range!
This video delves into Toyota's forward-thinking battery technology, specifically focusing on their development of fluoride-ion solid-state batteries in collaboration with Kyoto University. The reviewer highlights the potential for these batteries to offer seven times the energy density of curren...
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Subaru's First Electric Vehicle Announced! Here's What to Expect...
This video announces Subaru's first electric vehicle, the Evoltis Solterra, highlighting its all-wheel-drive and off-road capabilities. The conte... morent primarily focuses on expected specifications and a breakdown of available images, offering a preliminary look at the upcoming EV. The latter part of the video shifts to unrelated automotive industry news, including financial performance of Subaru, Nissan, and Kia, as well as a safety investigation into Honda vehicles. While the initial segment provides a glimpse into the Solterra, the inclusion of disparate news items detracts from a focused review of the vehicle itself. less
Toyota's Best Hybrid? 2021 Corolla Hybrid Review
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is presented as a compelling option, potentially the best hybrid from Toyota. The reviewer highlights its exceptional q... moreuietness and smoothness, attributing it to a Prius-like powertrain featuring a 1.8-liter engine and a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. City driving impressions are overwhelmingly positive, with the car often operating in full electric mode and offering a comfortable, non-sporty ride thanks to its suspension and tire sidewall. The reviewer praises the minimal and soft-touch interior, abundant safety features (including radar cruise control and lane keep assist), and excellent visibility. However, the car is criticized for its uninspiring exterior styling, particularly the rear, and the exhaust pipe being unconcealed. Performance is modest, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.9 seconds. Highway driving at speeds above 60 mph reveals noticeable wind noise. Despite these points, the standout feature is the remarkable fuel economy, with the reviewer achieving an astonishing 66.4 MPG over 151 miles, far exceeding expectations and offering a potential range of 750 miles. The LE trim, priced around $25,000, is deemed a "no-brainer" for high-mileage drivers, offering great value and aging well. less
Caught - 2022 Land Cruiser Loading Up! + Honda Going Entirely EV Soon
This video provides an early look at the upcoming 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser J300, focusing on leaked images and details. The reviewer notes the vehicle... more's aggressive yet minimal front-end design, comparing it to Star Wars stormtroopers, while describing the rear as plain and boxy, reminiscent of a Honda Pilot. A significant point of disappointment is the loss of the split tailgate, replaced by a large liftback, though a simulated line attempts to pay homage to the older design. The VXR trim, destined for the Middle East, is highlighted, featuring high-polished wheels. The reviewer also touches upon Honda's ambitious plan to go fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell by 2040, including details on their mobile power pack strategy and collaboration with GM for North American EVs. Additionally, Toyota's development of hydrogen combustion engines for motorsports is briefly mentioned as a way to maintain excitement in the automotive world. less
Toyota's Electric Assault Starts with the bZ4X! Electric Tundra Imminent?
The video discusses Toyota's ambitious plan to launch 15 battery-electric vehicles by 2025, with the bZ4X being the first. The reviewer highlight... mores the collaboration with Subaru on the all-wheel-drive system and mentions potential battery sourcing from Panasonic for US models and BYD for Chinese market models. A significant point is Toyota's confirmation of an imminent electric pickup truck. The reviewer speculates on the naming conventions and potential segments for the upcoming 'bZ' (Beyond Zero) models, suggesting most will be crossovers. While specific range and power figures for the bZ4X are not provided by Toyota, the reviewer estimates around 250-300 miles of range and a combined 300 horsepower for AWD variants, with a US release expected in Summer 2022. The video also briefly touches upon announcements from Honda and Genesis. less
Toyota's Beyond Zero Presentation: 2021 Shanghai International Auto Show
This video covers Toyota's 'Beyond Zero' presentation from the 2021 Shanghai International Auto Show, focusing primarily on the debut o... moref the BZ4X electric SUV concept. The reviewer expresses excitement over the BZ4X, noting its strong resemblance to the Subaru Solterra and its role in Toyota's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. Key takeaways include Toyota's plan to expand its electrified lineup to 70 models globally by 2025, including 15 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) under the BZ brand, and the electrification of its truck lineup. The reviewer also touches upon the refreshed Lexus ES, highlighting its new touchscreen and updated styling, while noting the absence of Direct4 technology for now. The video also briefly discusses other manufacturers like Nissan and Genesis presenting at the auto show. less
Is This Hybrid the Best Accord Yet? 2021 Honda Accord Review
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid receives a mixed but generally positive review, positioned by Honda as the superior choice over its 1.5 turbo counterpart... more. The reviewer highlights the refreshed exterior styling, particularly the headlights, as a strong point. Inside, the spacious cabin, comfortable leather seats, and the retention of physical rotary knobs for climate and audio controls are praised. The hybrid powertrain offers a significant horsepower upgrade over the 1.5T, with impressive 0-60 times dipping below 7 seconds. Real-world fuel economy consistently exceeds Honda's claims, with the reviewer achieving 45-48 MPG, better than the advertised 43 MPG for the Touring trim. However, the reviewer notes several drawbacks: the lack of a panoramic sunroof option, a screen that isn't optimally angled, and paddle shifters that reset too quickly and are cumbersome for adjusting regenerative braking. The most significant criticism is the delayed throttle response when demanding power, especially at highway speeds, which detracts from its performance feel. Despite these issues, the Accord Hybrid is deemed a well-rounded, comfortable, and economical daily driver, particularly for those prioritizing efficiency over outright sportiness. less
Has Toyota Perfected the Minivan? 2021 Toyota Sienna XSE Review
The 2021 Toyota Sienna XSE marks a significant shift with its all-hybrid powertrain, aiming to perfect the minivan formula. The reviewer praises its s... moretriking exterior design, inspired by Japanese bullet trains, and highlights the sporty XSE trim's blacked-out accents and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the "bridge" console and spacious second and third rows offer excellent comfort, with the third row surprisingly accommodating for adults. The hybrid system delivers impressive fuel economy, achieving nearly 35 MPG in real-world testing, and the vehicle handles with surprising agility for its size, feeling more like a sedan. However, the Sienna falls short in practicality compared to rivals. The reviewer laments the lack of a DVD/CD player, the inability to remove or fold the second-row seats flat, and the absence of a panoramic sunroof. While the hybrid system is efficient and the driving dynamics are commendable, these compromises in utility and entertainment features prevent it from being the "perfect" minivan. less
Here's Why Lexus Is in No Rush to Offer Battery Electric Vehicles
The reviewer explores Lexus's deliberate pace in adopting Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), attributing it to the brand's 'Covenant... more9; emphasizing quality and long-term impact, rather than a rush to market. Lexus aims to offer a unique EV experience, differentiating itself through innovations like steer-by-wire, advanced torque vectoring (Direct 4), and a minimalist interior ('Tazuna'). The LF-Z Electrified concept showcases these ambitions with a 90 kWh battery offering an estimated 600 km WLTP range (approx. 330-350 miles EPA) and a powerful 400 kW (536 hp) output, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds. However, the reviewer notes that Lexus prioritizes profitability from its current hybrid and ICE models, suggesting a strategic wait for battery technology to mature, potentially with solid-state batteries, before a full BEV rollout. Lexus plans to introduce 20 new electrified models by 2025, including hybrids and PHEVs, alongside unique "other electric vehicles." less
This Is the Future of Lexus
Lexus unveiled the LF-Z Electrified concept, symbolizing a significant brand transformation towards electrification. While the concept showcases Lexus... more's vision for a futuristic EV with features like Direct4 all-wheel-drive, steer-by-wire, and an advanced AI driving system, the reviewer expressed disappointment with the lack of concrete details and production-ready elements. The concept's interior was deemed underdeveloped compared to previous Lexus standards. Lexus announced plans to introduce 20 new or redesigned models by 2025, including various electrified variants, and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the reviewer felt the brand is lagging behind competitors in offering compelling EVs, with the concept serving more as an appetizer than a substantial reveal. The potential for a 375-mile range was mentioned but qualified as a concept figure. less
2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime Review
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE is presented as a "Swiss Army knife" of vehicles, offering a compelling blend of electric and hybrid capabili... moreties. The reviewer highlights its impressive 302 horsepower, quick acceleration (though real-world 0-60 times are affected by cold weather), and a commendable EV-only range of around 39 miles, exceeding its official rating even in chilly conditions. The interior is praised for its practicality, user-friendly controls, and premium features like a digital rearview mirror and heated/ventilated seats. However, the reviewer points out significant drawbacks, including a dated infotainment screen with "PS1 graphics," a non-adjustable front passenger seat height, and a charging port that can be inconveniently locked even when doors are unlocked. The primary critique revolves around its steep price (nearly $50,000), which the reviewer suggests may not be justifiable over the significantly cheaper standard RAV4 Hybrid for many buyers, despite the Prime's added power and EV capability. Ultimately, while acknowledging Toyota's refined hybrid system and the vehicle's overall special nature, the reviewer questions its value proposition for the average consumer. less
Here's Why Honda Sales Are Plummeting
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the challenging start to 2021 for Honda and Acura sales, particularly noting a significant 33% drop in... more Honda's car sales and a 22% decline for Acura's cars. While truck and SUV sales showed resilience, with the MDX, CR-V, HR-V, Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline performing well, the sedan segment is identified as a major weakness. Models like the Accord and Civic are experiencing substantial year-over-year declines. The reviewer highlights that despite a recent refresh, the Accord is down 20%, and the Civic is down nearly 40%, indicating a strong need for redesigns. Acura's ILX and TLX also saw significant drops, with the latter being surprising given its recent redesign. The analysis contrasts this with the rising sales of Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda's CX-30 and CX-9, Subaru's Crosstrek, and Volvo's strong performance, underscoring a market trend favoring SUVs and crossovers over sedans. The video also touches upon new model reveals like the Hyundai Bayon and Toyota's A-segment commitment in Europe, as well as updated Honda motorcycles. less
Lexus' New Crossover and EV Will Disrupt the Luxury Market
This video delves into Lexus' strategic plans to address significant gaps in its current lineup, specifically the lack of a competitive three-row... more crossover and a dedicated battery-electric vehicle. The reviewer highlights dealer feedback indicating strong demand for these segments. While current three-row offerings like the LX, GX, and RX L are criticized for impracticality and limited space, the upcoming TX model is anticipated to be a game-changer, offering genuine family-hauling capability. The imminent arrival of a dedicated EV, potentially the RZ 450e or a fully electric RX variant, is also a major point of discussion, marking Lexus' overdue entry into the EV luxury space. The analysis suggests a comprehensive refresh of the Lexus lineup within the next two to three years, aiming to improve conquest sales against competitors who have been rapidly innovating while Lexus has remained stagnant. less
Every New Korean Car Coming in 2021
This video provides an overview of new Korean car models expected for release in 2021, covering brands such as Kia, Hyundai, Genesis, and Ioniq. The c... moreontent is structured with timestamps for each brand and includes discussions on N Line variants, Genesis luxury offerings, and the Ioniq electric sub-brand. Additional segments touch upon a spreadsheet of models, battery supply considerations, and concluding thoughts. The video aims to inform potential buyers about the upcoming Korean automotive landscape for the year. less
Mazda's First EV Is Coming to USA - Is It Enough?
The Mazda MX-30 is confirmed for the US market, but its prospects appear challenging. While praised for its unique design, suicide doors, and a potent... moreially nice interior, the vehicle's current specifications, particularly the estimated 110 miles of electric range (extending to 220 miles with the rotary range extender), are deemed insufficient for the American market. The reviewer highlights the lack of all-wheel drive and a relatively small cargo capacity as significant drawbacks. Compared to competitors like the RAV4 Prime, which offers substantially more range and versatility for a similar price point, the MX-30 is expected to struggle. The reviewer suggests a minimum of 300 miles of range and 200 horsepower with AWD would be necessary for it to be competitive. The video also delves into 2020 sales figures for Japanese and Korean automakers, noting a general industry downturn but highlighting specific brands like Toyota and Kia that performed relatively well, while others like Nissan and Mitsubishi faced significant declines. less
The Top 6 Japanese Cars We Need in 2021
The video discusses six Japanese cars that would be highly desirable in the US market in 2021, focusing on the potential for electrification and new m... moreodels. The reviewer highlights the need for Lexus to introduce a fully electric vehicle, suggesting the RZ450e with an estimated 300+ horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, likely AWD. The Honda Element is proposed as a hybrid lifestyle vehicle, emphasizing its utility for outdoor activities. The Subaru Baja is presented as a potential competitor in the growing truck market, suggesting modifications to the Outback platform. The return of the Nissan Xterra is advocated for, envisioning it as a capable off-roader to rival the Bronco and Jeep. The Acura ZDX is revisited as a potential electric vehicle, though the reviewer expresses concern about the timeline. Finally, the GR Corolla is identified as the top pick, a performance hot hatch with AWD and a manual transmission that would significantly impact the market. The reviewer concludes that while many of these vehicles are unlikely to arrive in 2021, some, like the GR Corolla and Lexus EV, have a higher probability. less
Lexus New Groundbreaking Concept - Leading the Way
The video begins with a humorous reveal of the Lexus HX concept, which turns out to be a holiday-themed crossover concept, not the anticipated product... moreion EV. The reviewer expresses disappointment, noting it's based on the LF-30s concept and essentially a "Santa's sleigh." The discussion then shifts to Genesis, with the reviewer questioning the brand's sales figures and export numbers, suggesting they are not as strong as reported and that standalone dealerships are crucial for future success. The Suzuki Jimny's production in India for export markets is briefly mentioned. The latter half of the video focuses on significant issues for Hyundai and Kia EVs, including electric motor failures and previous fire/braking system concerns, raising doubts about their upcoming EV launches. Finally, Tesla's struggles in Germany are highlighted, detailing construction halts due to missed payments and environmental concerns regarding tree clearing for its Gigafactory. The overall tone is critical of Lexus's concept, skeptical of Genesis's growth, concerned about Hyundai/Kia's EV reliability, and highlights Tesla's operational challenges. less
2022+ Toyota Land Cruiser Prado & "300" New Details; Even More Hybrids...
This video delves into the latest rumors and details surrounding the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Prado. The reviewer highlights that the Prad... moreo is expected to launch in winter 2022, with a design closely resembling the current model but featuring updated LED lighting and slightly more aggressive fender flares. Under the hood, the Prado will initially carry over the 2.8-liter turbo diesel, with a new 2.4-liter turbo hybrid engine planned for future deployment. The Land Cruiser 300 is anticipated to receive a 3.5-liter V6 turbo as its base engine, with a hybrid variant arriving around 2023, potentially featuring a 10-speed automatic transmission. A GR Sport variant is also discussed, expected to focus more on suspension tuning and off-road capability rather than significant power increases. The reviewer expresses surprise at the potential for an inline-four turbo hybrid powertrain, which could offer substantial torque and horsepower. less
Inside Future Toyota and Lexus EVs (2021+)
This video delves into Toyota and Lexus's future EV strategies, focusing on their new "Blue Nexus" initiative for electric powertrains.... more The reviewer highlights the upcoming Lexus RZ 450e, showcasing its unique spindle grille design integrated into the body, aggressive hood lines, and a coupe-like SUV profile. The analysis emphasizes the modular "e-axle" system from Blue Nexus, which will be adaptable across various vehicle types, from city cars to performance models, including a two-speed transmission for premium applications. The reviewer speculates on the RZ 450e's specifications, predicting around 308 horsepower and 270 miles of range with a 75 kWh battery. The video also touches upon hybrid powertrains and the potential for a powerful Lexus ES sedan with a "Direct4" all-wheel-drive system, estimating nearly 300 horsepower and 436 lb-ft of torque. The reviewer's main takeaway is that Lexus will differentiate itself with more potent electric powertrains compared to Toyota's offerings. less
Toyota and Lexus Just Changed Hybrids and EVs Forever
The video details Toyota's significant strategic shift towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs), particularly for the European market, with a new... more e-TNGA platform underpinning six upcoming models. The first BEV, a RAV4-sized crossover, is slated for a 2022 release. The reviewer highlights the new "ZEV Factory" in Japan as the sole production hub for future Toyota and Lexus BEVs. The narrative also delves into Lexus's electrification strategy, emphasizing the new "Direct 4" all-wheel-drive control system for both hybrids and BEVs. A potential high-performance Lexus ES hybrid with around 291 horsepower and 436 lb-ft of torque is discussed, alongside speculation about the fully electric RX 500e, potentially offering 402 horsepower. The reviewer expresses excitement for these advancements, particularly the increased power and torque in Lexus models, while acknowledging Toyota's continued focus on hybrids. less
Huge Toyota and Lexus Updates Throughout Lineup
This video provides an overview of upcoming updates for Toyota and Lexus lineups over the next 16 months and beyond, with a particular focus on the in... moretroduction of new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The content touches upon significant product stack overhauls for both brands. Additionally, the video briefly discusses Japan's potential ban on Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and a Cadillac EV conversion initiative. The final thoughts section offers concluding remarks on these developments. The video aims to inform viewers about the strategic direction of Toyota and Lexus in the evolving automotive market, emphasizing electrification and lineup modernization. less
The Biggest Auto News from November: Second Lap 102
This video covers a range of automotive news from November, with a significant focus on the upcoming Toyota Tundra. While the host expresses strong di... moreslike for the Tundra's rendered grille, comparing it unfavorably to toys and masks, he acknowledges the potential appeal of its headlights. The discussion then shifts to powertrains, with speculation about the Tundra potentially using a traditional hybrid setup similar to the F-150, rather than a rear electric motor. The host also touches on the scarcity of certain hybrid and PHEV models in Japan, the EPA-specific ranges for the Ford Mach-E, and the slow sales of the Lexus LS, attributing it to a lack of innovation and the disappearing sedan market. The conversation briefly explores the affordable Chinese EV, the Kandi K27, and the aging Infiniti Q50. Overall, the video offers a broad overview of industry news with a critical eye on design and market strategy, particularly concerning Lexus. less
This EV Automaker Will Change the World Forever
This video introduces Arrival, an EV startup distinct from traditional automakers like Tesla. Instead of focusing on passenger cars and large factorie... mores, Arrival utilizes a unique micro-factory strategy and targets the commercial vehicle market. The reviewer highlights significant investments from Hyundai and Kia, suggesting strong industry confidence in Arrival's innovative approach. The core argument is that Arrival's model, centered on localized production and commercial applications, positions it to significantly influence the future of the electric vehicle industry. The video aims to explain Arrival's business model and its potential to usher in a new era of EV adoption. less
Mazda's New Engines Will Crush The Competition
The video provides an early look at Mazda's upcoming inline-six engines, including Skyactiv-X, Skyactiv-G turbo, and Skyactiv-D diesel variants, ... morealongside potential rotary hybrid applications. While official images are scarce, the presentation suggests a longitudinal architecture for larger models like the CX-5, CX-9, and Mazda6, enabling rear-wheel-drive bias and improved handling. The reviewer highlights the potential for significant power and torque figures, particularly for the diesel (around 260 hp, 450 lb-ft) and turbo-G (325 hp, 400 lb-ft), with the Skyactiv-X inline-six promising impressive fuel economy (up to 47 mpg). However, these engines are not expected to arrive until 2023, leaving current Mazda products unchanged for the next two years. The review also touches on other automotive news, including Acura NSX heritage colors, GR Yaris acceleration, Lexus's 'December to Remember' campaign, Kia Niro's European sales success, and new Honda and Yamaha motorcycle models. less
Lexus Is Getting Weird With Their EVs
The video discusses Lexus and Toyota's recent strategies for their electric vehicles, highlighting some unconventional approaches. Lexus is promo... moreting the UX 300e with a "virtual home environment" concept, featuring branded electric running shoes and an exercise bike, which the reviewer finds peculiar. While the UX 300e is confirmed for Australia, its arrival in the US remains uncertain. Toyota is also launching an ultra-compact EV with a limited range and production volume, primarily for the Japanese and European markets, with a voluntary dealer participation model for sales. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the practicality and availability of these models for the US market, suggesting they are "weird" and "strange" choices. The discussion also touches upon the GR Sport variant of the Toyota C-HR and other automotive news, but the core focus remains on Lexus and Toyota's unique EV strategies. less