MIAMI — Offered in four trims including the limited production First Edition model, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a slightly smaller version of the company’s flagship Range Rover full-size SUV with a slightly more economical price tag. And it still has that sophisticated British air that gives you a feeling of driving not just a fully off-road capable SUV but a piece of history as well as an urge to stop in somewhere for a cuppa and scones.

PHOENIX — Following a nearly 30-year run Toyota retired its large-sized sedan the Avalon last year after the 2022 model run. Not surprising since Americans have had an insatiable love affair with trucks and SUVs with sedans of all sizes taking the brunt of their popularity. Yet there's still a few sedans — Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Corolla as example have rather held their ground amongst the stampede and don't look to be sent out to pasture anytime soon.

PHOENIX — All-new for 2024 the Chevrolet Trax — the brand's new entry-level model now that the Spark has been discontinued — is larger, much better looking inside and out, less expensive and surprisingly a bit larger than the Trailblazer, Chevy's other small compact SUV. The previous Trax ended production after the 2022 model year, and there is no 2023 Trax model rather just jumping to 2024 for the Korean built sub-compact crossover.

INDIANAPOLIS — When an automaker says a vehicle is “more approachable,” that usually means it costs less as a concession to its poorer clientele.  But, being more approachable can also apply to size, maneuvering, fuel economy, and handling.  When I tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk a couple of weeks ago, I liked it very much, but it is a bit large for city living and tight trails…and it cost $72,000.  Fortunately, Jeep offers the more approachable Compass Trailhawk.

PHOENIX — For 2023 Honda introduces an all-new 6th generation CR-V crossover utility vehicle. After first being launched back in 1997 the CR-V is now more than a quarter century old and a perennial best-seller. Over the years, the small crossover segment continues to be one of the fastest growing and the CR-V maintains its reign as the best seller over those 25 years.
But as the segment grows so too does the CR-V that adds another 2.7-inches of length on the wheelbase that's 1.6-inches longer and another half inch wider.

INDIANAPOLIS — My favorite magazines as a kid were Car and Driver issues from the late ‘80s with all of the glossy concept cars.  The 1986 Buick Wildcat, 1986 Pontiac Trans Sport, and 1988 Pontiac Banshee had the sleekest next-century style.  The Wildcat even flashed a flatscreen instrument cluster while the Trans Sport ported a laptop in its dash.  They predicted today’s rides, but none fully match the 2023 Nissan Ariya electric crossover.

PHOENIX — Hammering out 300 horsepower with 273 lb.-ft of torque to the all-wheel drive system through a six-speed only manual shifter, the all-new for 2023 five-door Toyota Corolla GR hatchback is the newest performance offering from the detail-obsessed TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team, with master driver Akio Toyota, a.k.a. Morizo promising to infuse excitement into the Japanese automakers brand. Few cars for the 2023 model year has generated as much buzz and hype. 

PHOENIX — The Maverick has been nothing but a blockbuster smash hit since it was introduced by Ford in 2021. It’s won numerous “Best of” awards since including the prestigious 2022 North American Truck of the Year honors. Consumer demand now has Maverick the number two truck seller at Ford behind the F-150 and ahead of the Ranger. 

INDIANAPOLIS — I like traveling to California. I enjoy the warm weather, cool architectural vibe, surfing the waves, and of course, imbibing all of the latest electric cars. When I’m tired from a day in the sun, I grab dinner on a restaurant patio before cruising the Pacific Coast Highway with windows and sunroof open. If I lived there, I’d drive the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Even back home in Indiana, it would serve my active family well.

INDIANAPOLIS — It seems about every 20 years, BMW gets radical with the 7-Series.  Remember back a couple of decades to the 2003 model that debuted the iDrive infotainment system and “Bangle butt” raised trunklid, named for former BMW design chief, Chris Bangle.  Eventually, though, BMW’s competitors copied the car’s controls and rump.  As BMW configures the 7-Series for an electric future, it gives a radical makeover that nods to the past and future in the 2023 760i xDrive.