Driven Car Reviews

Tom Voelk
  • 4.4 (21)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

New York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.

  1. 2 days ago ·  Video

    A New Car for Under $24,000? Check Out the 2026 Nissan Sentra.

    Can't afford luxury transportation? The new 9th generation Nissan Sentra offers the luxury of transportation, starting at $23,845 (yup, with destination). That's something of a unicorn in today's new-car market.  Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded SR at just under $32K, but know that all Sentras come with the same engine, transmission, and suspension. For buyers that need the peace of mind a new car with a warranty brings, Sentra might be the answer. Of course, there are others to cross shop- Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.  Pro tip, a loaded SL is the sweet spot at $29,235.

    11 min

  2. 3 June ·  Video

    2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World.

    The new 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 has a lot going for it. It's affordable (starting at €30,000), roomier than a car this size has any right to be, and debuts Hyundai's new Art of Steel design language. But Americans will look longingly at it from across the pond since it's (for now at least) not coming the Land of the Free. Though parts of it, like the new design approach and the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system will show up on our shores. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week to check out what we in the U.S. can't have.   Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.

    11 min

  3. 3 June ·  Video

    2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World.

    The new 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 has a lot going for it. It's affordable (starting at €30,000), roomier than a car this size has any right to be, and debuts Hyundai's new Art of Steel design language. But Americans will look longingly at it from across the pond since it's (for now at least) not coming the Land of the Free. Though parts of it, like the new design approach and the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system will show up on our shores. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week to check out what we in the U.S. can't have.   Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.

    11 min

  4. 3 June ·  Video

    The Good (And Bad?) of Living With a Used Porsche Taycan 4S For 9 Months

    By popular demand, here's my 9-month ownership update on my Certified Pre-Owned Porsche Taycan 4S. After three quarters of a year of daily driving, road trips, software updates, recalls, accessories, and real-world EV living, I'm sharing what it's actually like to own a used Taycan. This can be applied to many EVs. I spent over three months searching for the right car because while a used Taycan is a bargain compared to new, it's still serious money. This is the most expensive car I've ever bought and I wanted to know if it would live up to Porsche expectations long-term.

    11 min

  5. 29 May ·  Video

    2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid

    Built on Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, the all-new Cherokee is now hybrid-only. My how it's grown! It's aiming squarely at heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. With standard all-wheel drive, significantly improved fuel economy, and a smooth hybrid system, it's clearly targeting mainstream buyers—not just off-road enthusiasts. And it's very roomy.

    16 min

  6. 29 May ·  Video

    2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid

    Built on Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, the all-new Cherokee is now hybrid-only. My how it's grown! It's aiming squarely at heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. With standard all-wheel drive, significantly improved fuel economy, and a smooth hybrid system, it's clearly targeting mainstream buyers—not just off-road enthusiasts. And it's very roomy.

    16 min

  7. 25 May ·  Video

    The 2026 Trailseeker is the Perfect Subaru For High Gas Prices

    The new Subaru Trailseeker has Outback practicality, EV efficiency, and enough off-road credibility to handle the forest service roads you and your dog will point it at. In this full review, I break it all down- performance, range, charging, interior tech, and how it compares to its twin—the Toyota bZ Woodland. Yes, they share a lot. But Trailseeker might be the smarter buy. With standard AWD (hey, it's a Subaru), 375 horsepower and a starting price under $46,000 (about the same price as an Outback), this is the quickest Subaru you can buy right now. But is it the best one for everyday drivers? If you're considering an EV but still want Subaru practicality (and room for the dog), this might be the one to watch.

    16 min

  8. 5 Feb ·  Video

    2026 Chevy Traverse Z71- Big Space. Big Tech. 4-Cylinder Engine?

    The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse competes in crowded 3-row family SUV segment. It goes up against heavy hitters like Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the upcoming second generation Kia Telluride. Traverse delivers huge space, solid comfort, good tech, and the option of GM's excellent Super Cruise. There is that turbo 4-cylinder sound though. In this review, I cover the off-road flavored Z71 that lands at $57K as tested. Here are positives, drawbacks, real-world comfort, cargo room, tow ratings, and whether the turbo-four delivers enough grunt (and grace) for a big family hauler.

    16 min
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4.4
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

New York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Voelk
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All images and content copyrighted by Tom Voelk
  • Show Website
    Driven Car Reviews

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