INDIANAPOLIS — The original Pathfinder was a pretty hard-core off-roader based on Nissan’s rugged hardbody compact pickup.  First available with only two doors, but later four, it helped lead America away from station wagons and into family-friendly SUVs.  Subsequent generations became ever softer, eventually looking like a pudgy blimp only the Brady Bunch would love.  That is behind us as the current generation is still pretty plush, but returns style and capability to its roots.

PHOENIX — The first fully electric U.S. Mercedes-EQ rolled into dealer showrooms about a year ago with the EQS sedan and was also the first EQ lineage built on the dedicated platform the German automaker dubbed EVA. We recently reviewed that vehicle and came away super impressed with its rear-wheel steering, a respectable driving range of 350 miles between charges and was further surprised with an AMG version that delivers 649 horsepower and a massive 700 lb.-ft of torque.

MIAMI — Mercedes-Benz keeps expanding its all-electric fleet with a new introductory sub-compact model based on the gas-powered GLB SUV as the latest newcomer. It comes in two versions, the EQB300 and the EQB350, the former providing a bit more in the way of range and the latter more in the way of power and performance. Both come with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard. This review is based on the EQB350.

MIAMI — Since joining Cadillac’s fleet of XT-designated SUVs for 2020, the XT6 has picked up a couple of extra features in ensuing years as it fights on in the large and very challenging midsize luxury SUV segment. New this year, buyers of the 2023 Cadillac XT6 have the option of adding Cadillac’s Super Cruise system that provides a hands-free driving experience on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads and highways.

PHOENIX — To suggest that Cadillac’s first attempt at an all-electric SUV named Lyriq is akin to opera-comique first developed out of the comedies de vaudeville, is to libel the French form of opera. Both boast a higher sophistication to their disciplines however, absent inconsistently spelled namesakes it would require eccentric judgment to consider them comparatively analogous.

MIAMI — The Hyundai Palisade has been been around for only a short while but already the South Korean automaker’s largest SUV has made quite an impression. Such respected publications as U.S. News & World Report has the 2023 Hyundai Palisade sharing the top spot with Kia’s award-winning Telluride in its rankings of midsize SUVs.

PHOENIX — While it isn’t quite the Rubicon Trail located in California’s historic gold rush territory in the Sierra Nevada, the 27,000-acre Butcher Jones OHV, UTV, ATV and Off-Road Trail system Recreation Site in Arizona was the perfect location to test the limits of Ford’s new and nearly unstoppable Bronco Raptor. It’s the most capable production off-road vehicle ever built snatching that title from its Jeep Wrangler competitor.

PHOENIX — The Mercedes S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury sedan and the latest generation recently introduced as expected is impressive with spectacular new features and amazing technology.  Mercedes is offering two versions of the S-Class, the base level S-500 powered by a 430-hp V6 engine or the S-580 reviewed here with a 496-hp bi-turbocharged mild-hybrid drive V8 engine. All-wheel drive is standard on both models. Of course, luxury not horsepower is what the S-Class is all about.

INDIANAPOLIS — Change has come to the British Empire. We knew it was inevitable, but is sad nonetheless.  It is hard to replace an icon that’s beloved by millions across the realm.  The next one will be a worthy successor, but will neither sound nor drive the same.  It’s a different world.  Yep, Jaguar is going electric by mid-decade and the F-Type will soon join the great beyond.  But, let’s have one more go at it before it’s gone.

HERNDON, Va. — These are, as you’d know and anyone can tell you, anxious times. Whether your anxiety is political or economic, over here or over there, our shared angst can be pervasive to the point of suffocation. And at a moment when people still lose jobs, go to bed hungry and die — by the thousands — of Covid, the Lexus LC 500, especially as a convertible, might seem little more than an irrelevant and expensive bauble.