Driven Car Reviews

Tom Voelk
  • 4.8 (413)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. OCT 31 · VIDEO

    Jeep Cherokee is Back With Hybrid Power for 2026

    It's been a few years since Cherokee cast a shadow in Jeep showrooms. Coming in late 2025, the 6th generation rights that wrong. Powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid making 210 horsepower, it should average 37 miles on a gallon of gas. Bigger and roomier (30% more cargo room for starters) it gets a square-jawed design for those that loved the original look. Tom Voelk previews the 2026 Cherokee that looks to take on RAV4, CR-V, Tucson, and Sportage.

    5 min

  2. OCT 27 · VIDEO

    The Ford Maverick Lobo is Party up Front, Business in Back

    If the mullet is business in front party in the back, the new 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo reverses that. It's a sportier version of Ford compact trucklette. The 4 ½ foot bed will help to get the chores done. For a good time on twisty roads Lobo gets a specially tuned suspension, dual clutch torque vectoring rear differential and specific Lobo drive mode for tight autocross courses. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped model that MSRPs for some $43K. Yeah, Maverick isn't the bargain it once was.

    14 min

  3. OCT 24 · VIDEO

    2025 Polestar 3 is the SUV the Young Brand Needs

    Fast, nimble and sleek, Polestar 3 is a much-needed addition to the 2 that's been Polestar's only real offering since 2020. Pricing starts at $68,900 for a rear-drive model with 350 miles of E.P.A.-rated range. Tom Voelk checks out a top spec dual-motor AWD Long Range version with the Plus and Performance Packs, retailing for $91,800 before any government tax incentives or Polestar spiffs (keep an eye out for generous enticements from Polestar). Thinking of an Acura ZDX, Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RZ, Mercedes EQE or Porsche Macan EV? Put the 3 on your test drive list. Just make sure you're comfortable with the interface.

    18 min

  4. OCT 20 · VIDEO

    2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is the Real Deal

    There are dozens of SUVs to choose from. Some coddle the family at the expense of off-road performance. Others can tackle Moab but punish drivers on the pavement heading there. The new 4th generation Honda Passport TrailSport is the sweet spot, offering traction on tough trails and comfort in the concrete canyons (you know, where most miles are driven). It's not an extreme boulder crawler but in many ways it's the goldilocks SUV. Tom Voelk and Martin Campbell take it on and off road and find it might be the perfect vehicle for family adventures.

    16 min

  5. OCT 16 · VIDEO

    2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited Bumps Up Against Lexus

    Cars are transportation, right? Getting from point A to B. They're also status symbols, pop culture icons, sculpture, engineering, plus environmental and political touchstones (as Elon is finding out). Crown Signia replaces Venza in Toyota's SUV portfolio, in the same way the Crown sedan nudged Avalon aside a few years back. Crown has been the Big T's premium machine going back to the 1950's, just absent from US roads since the 60's.

    16 min

  6. OCT 14 · VIDEO

    The AFEELA is a Sony. And a Honda. With Some Help From Amazon.

    Apple may have abandoned plans for an electric vehicle but Sony is forging ahead. Reservations for the Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA should begin in 2025 with deliveries expected in 2026. Powered by Amazon AWS cloud technology, AFEELA is stuffed with tech, both ADAS and entertainment. Options include music and movie streaming plus remote PlayStation gaming from your home PS5 (hey, it's a Sony). Tom Voelk gets a preview as it rolls through Seattle on a west coast tour. And learn where the AFEELA name comes from! This is a pre-production prototype, many things may change on production vehicle.

    15 min

  7. OCT 9 · VIDEO

    The Tesla Supercharger Network is Opening to All EVs. Here's How it Works.

    For years, the Supercharger network was a singular reason to buy a Tesla over other brands of electric vehicles. With loads of locations and a reputation for reliability, it's been the charging provider to beat. Now Musk and Company are opening it up to other manufacturers like Ford, GM, Hyundai, and Kia. Tom Voelk loads the Tesla app into his phone and takes the new Volvo EX30 to a Supercharger station to check out the experience. Adapters are needed (unless you're at a Magic Dock terminal). Tom uses a Lectron NACS to CCS Vortex Electric Vehicle Adapter that's rated to 500 Amps / 1,000V. He also explores the Level 2 Tesla Destination Chargers found at hotels and restaurants using the Lectron Tesla to J1772 EV Charging Adapter. FYI, you'll need both to cover your bases.   Tom originally purchased these adapters for personal use. Afterwards, Lectron reached out and provided sample units for testing.

    8 min

  8. OCT 9 · VIDEO

    The 2025 Volvo EX30 Twin Motor is Fast, Furious and Minimalistic

    Looking for a compact machine to rule the city? Volvo's EX30 is the perfect tool. The brand might be known for safety, but the all-electric EX30 with Twin Motor power is a pocket rocket, the fastest accelerating Volvo ever. Built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (or SEA) it's E.P.A. rated at 253 miles as tested. Tom Voelk checks out a loaded Ultra Twin Motor model and finds a fun runabout that could use a few hard controls. Get used to saying "Hey Google". A lot.

    17 min
See All (95)

4.8
out of 5
413 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All images and content copyrighted by Tom Voelk
  • Show Website
    Driven Car Reviews

You Might Also Like