Podcast
Driven Car Reviews
Hosted by Tom Voelk · EN
New York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
2026 Chevy Traverse Z71- Big Space. Big Tech. 4-Cylinder Engine?
Feb 500:15:58Tap to summarizeThe 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.
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The Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Turns it Up to 11
Feb 500:07:26Tap to summarizeHyundai has made it official- the IONIQ 6 N is coming to the North American market in late spring / early summer of 2026. Is it one better than the legendary 5N? There's certainly reason to believe that. 6N gets upgraded performance electronics and a new suspension for a lower center of gravity. Plus it's more aerodynamic. Tom Voelk travels to Hyundai Design North America in Irvine, CA to talk to Hyundai's Michael Evanoff to discover what's different when it comes to the high-performance IONIQ 6N. Hyundai provided travel to California for this video.
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Hyundai Crater
Feb 200:08:09Tap to summarizeNo description available
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Honda Prelude is Back With a Retro Name and a Forward Attitude
Jan 2900:15:24Tap to summarizeAfter missing in action for over two decades, Honda Prelude returns as a performance 2+2 with a hybrid powertrain. Scheduled to hit showrooms in late 2025, the 2026 Prelude gets Civic Type R's dual-axis strut front suspension, four-piston Brembo aluminum front calipers, and an adaptive suspension. Linear Shift Control simulates cog swaps plus there's a new S+ Shift mode. Tom Voelk previews Honda's grand touring-oriented sport hybrid.
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2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ is All-Electric Luxury Done The American Way
Jan 2600:15:51Tap to summarizeThere's nothing quite like the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Fully electric, it slays range anxiety with an EPA-rated range of 460 miles and can take on 100 miles of travel in just 10 minutes. Efficient? No. The IQ achieves its mission the good old fashioned American way- throw a lot of resources at it (the pack is rated at 205kWh for starters). It's large, it's heavy and it's polarizing. But darned if it isn't impressive. Tom Voelk checks out a Premium Sport trim dipped in Deep Space Metallic paint and Harbor Blue cabin. At 155 grand as tested it's a pricey machine, but easily half the price of a Celestiq for the glass half full crowd.
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First Look! The All-New 2027 Second Generation Kia Telluride!
Jan 2200:12:05Tap to summarizeHard to believe it's been some six years since the Kia Telluride hit the scene. Apparently internally, it's been known as the "Selluride" since it's such a hot commodity, dealers can't keep them in stock, even though production has been increased every year since it's launch. It's been a huge win for Kia and has helped to reset the brand's image. So gen two is very important.
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All New 2026 Nissan Leaf is Improved in Every Way
Jan 1200:14:51Tap to summarizeThe Nissan Leaf was an EV pioneer but it's been long in the tooth for years. The all-new third generation is improved in every way with up to 303 miles of range, faster charging speed and a liquid cooled battery pack. Plus NACS! It's affordable, starting at under $30,000. Tom Voelk and Autoblog's Cole Attisha check out a loaded Platinum + trim with features found only on premium vehicles just a few years ago. It's not overly fast, but it is a quiet comfortable cruiser with new found style.
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Best Vehicles of 2025! The Driven Top 11 List!
Jan 200:13:33Tap to summarizeAutomotive writer Tom Voelk drove over 100 vehicles in 2025. What are his favorites? These 11, a wide mix of cars, trucks, and SUVs with ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains. Here's Tom's year in review as he goes over what he enjoyed the most. Many of these are finalists for the North American Utility, Car and Truck of the Year Award. And many are affordable with nearly half available under $40,000 well equipped. Though a few crest well over $100K.
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Jeep Cherokee is Back With Hybrid Power for 2026
Oct 3100:05:17Tap to summarizeIt'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.
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The Ford Maverick Lobo is Party up Front, Business in Back
Oct 2700:14:04Tap to summarizeIf 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.
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