Driven Car Reviews

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

  1. 1 dag geleden ·  Video

    2026 Nissan Leaf Review- The Affordable EV That Finally Gets It Right

    The 2026 Nissan Leaf is all-new and more refined. Plus it's more affordable than most EVs on sale today. Starting at $31,500 (yeah, including shipping), it delivers real-world range, upgraded tech, and the everyday comfort Nissan is known for — without drifting into luxury-car pricing. After living with the Leaf for a full week, I dig into real-world range, charging speeds, interior usability, ride quality, and how it stacks up as a practical electric vehicle. The third-generation Leaf is so improved, Nissan could've given it a new name.  Remember, Leaf was a finalist for the NACTOY 2026 North American Utility of the Year.

    14 min.

  2. 2 dgn geleden ·  Video

    2026 Subaru Outback- More Space, Less Wagon

    The Subaru Outback is new for 2026 and it's a solid choice for brand loyalists (and they are a faithful bunch). Will current owners return for another Outback now that it has moved away from the wagon look and embraced a more SUV-like design?   In this full review of the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT, I test the turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine, evaluate the new interior, improved infotainment system, EyeSight Highway Hands-Free Assist, cargo space, ride quality, towing capability, and off-road performance. In other words, pretty much everything. A bonus- some thoughts on the rugged Outback Wilderness after driving it at Mudfest 2026. The new Outback offers more cargo room, improved technology, great visibility, and increased utility. But the styling is proving... polarizing.

    13 min.

  3. 4 dgn geleden ·  Video

    2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is Roomy Rapid Transit

    Some sporty vehicles are more show than go. The 2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS earns its performance letters but stays chill. With dual motor AWD, it delivers up to 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That should get the kids to school. And the enhanced suspension keeps it under control without a punishing ride.   Tom Voelk travels to North Carolina and the Ten Tenths Motor Club in the shadow of Charlotte Motor Speedway to check out the SS on road and track. And welcome Tedward to the drive!   CORRECTION- The Blazer EV SS Tedward and I drove retails for $62,490 with destination and Performance Package before any tax incentives. Not sure why I gave it a $10K discount while reading my notes. Tom attended a General Motors program to produce this review. Opinions remain his own.

    20 min.

  4. 5 dgn geleden ·  Video

    Scout Motors Traveler and Terra Full Tour Inside and Out

    Have a deposit down on a Scout Motors Traveler or Terra? Maybe you're curious about what Volkswagen's revival of the brand will look like. For sure they're packed with heritage. Team Scout brought its prototype vehicles to Mudfest 2026 to show the members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association what to expect when the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup start arriving in 2028. Tom Voelk offers up loads of visuals that show what the vehicle should look like, inside and out.

    10 min.

  5. 5 dgn geleden ·  Video

    A Cherokee That Parks Itself? Testing the Jeep ParkSense

    The new 2026 Jeep Cherokee has a lot tech in it. For starters, a hybrid powertrain comes standard. And ParkSense self-parking technology is available in the top trim Overland version as an option. Self-parking systems are not new, but the Jeep tech is especially easy to figure out. It works when parallel plus forward and backward perpendicular parking. You may not need it on the trail but, for the spatially challenged, it could be handy in urban situations. We've all wished this tech on those who hold up traffic while they try to wedge their vehicle into a slot. Awkwardly.  Tom Voelk gives it a try without looking at the owner's manual, because that would be cheating.

    5 min.

  6. 26 jun ·  Video

    Ford Mach-E GT is the Fastest Mustang Mortals Can Buy. No V8. No Apologies.

    The Mustang Mach-E is the quickest Mustang money can buy (unless you have the funds for a GTD). Unleashing 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque (or 700 lb-ft with the $995 Performance Upgrade), GT's standard dual-motor AWD snaps off 0-60 runs in 3.3 seconds. This electric SUV/hatchback/Mustang adjacent machine accelerates most with the best. It goes around a corner impressively too. In this full review, I check out the 2025 Mach-E GT (2026's are pretty much the same) in classic Pacific Northwest rain.

    16 min.

  7. 25 jun ·  Video

    The Automaker That Takes Design Very Seriously? Kia. Surprised? Here's Why...

    Think great automotive design is only for high-end luxury and performance vehicles? Not necessary. Starting 20 years ago after stealing Peter Schreyer from the Volkswagen Group, Kia has quietly built an impressive portfolio of original award-winning automotive design. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week 2026 to show how the company is serious about staying true to its concept car designs. Kia's Global Head of Design, Karim Habib (formerly of BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes Benz) offers interesting insight, stuff you may not have thought about when it comes to the way your car looks. Plus, a close look at the Vision Meta Turismo concept. Tom was attended a Hyundai/Kia event to produce this story. All editorial content is his own opinion.

    14 min.

  8. 23 jun ·  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.
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Info

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

Informatie

  • Maker
    Tom Voelk
  • Jaren actief
    2011 - 2026
  • Afleveringen
    93
  • Beoordeling
    Veilig
  • Copyright
    © All images and content copyrighted by Tom Voelk
  • Website van aflevering
    Driven Car Reviews

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