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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is Roomy Rapid Transit
5d ago00:19:43Tap to summarizeSome 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.
Transcribe →
Scout Motors Traveler and Terra Full Tour Inside and Out
6d ago00:10:21Tap to summarizeHave 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.
Transcribe →
A Cherokee That Parks Itself? Testing the Jeep ParkSense
6d ago00:04:38Tap to summarizeThe 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.
Transcribe →
Ford Mach-E GT is the Fastest Mustang Mortals Can Buy. No V8. No Apologies.
1w ago00:15:51Tap to summarizeThe 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.
Transcribe →
The Automaker That Takes Design Very Seriously? Kia. Surprised? Here's Why...
1w ago00:13:48Tap to summarizeThink 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.
Transcribe →
A New Car for Under $24,000? Check Out the 2026 Nissan Sentra.
2w ago00:10:44Tap to summarizeCan'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.
Transcribe →
2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World
Jun 300:11:00Tap to summarizeThe new 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 has a lot going for it. It's affordable (starting at €30,000), roomier than a car this size has any right to be, and debuts Hyundai's new Art of Steel design language. But Americans will look longingly at it from across the pond since it's (for now at least) not coming the Land of the Free. Though parts of it, like the new design approach and the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system will show up on our shores. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week to check out what we in the U.S. can't have. Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.
Transcribe →
The Good (And Bad?) of Living With a Used Porsche Taycan 4S For 9 Months
Jun 300:11:16Tap to summarizeBy popular demand, here's my 9-month ownership update on my Certified Pre-Owned Porsche Taycan 4S. After three quarters of a year of daily driving, road trips, software updates, recalls, accessories, and real-world EV living, I'm sharing what it's actually like to own a used Taycan. This can be applied to many EVs. I spent over three months searching for the right car because while a used Taycan is a bargain compared to new, it's still serious money. This is the most expensive car I've ever bought and I wanted to know if it would live up to Porsche expectations long-term.
Transcribe →2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 Brings Fun, Practicality and the Art of Steel… to the Rest of the World
Jun 300:11:00Tap to summarizeThe new 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 3 has a lot going for it. It's affordable (starting at €30,000), roomier than a car this size has any right to be, and debuts Hyundai's new Art of Steel design language. But Americans will look longingly at it from across the pond since it's (for now at least) not coming the Land of the Free. Though parts of it, like the new design approach and the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system will show up on our shores. Tom Voelk travels to Milan, Italy for Design Week to check out what we in the U.S. can't have. Tom attended a Hyundai sponsored event to produce this video. Opinions remain his own.
Transcribe →
2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Back... as a Hybrid
May 2900:15:41Tap to summarizeBuilt on Stellantis' new STLA Large platform, the all-new Cherokee is now hybrid-only. My how it's grown! It's aiming squarely at heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. With standard all-wheel drive, significantly improved fuel economy, and a smooth hybrid system, it's clearly targeting mainstream buyers—not just off-road enthusiasts. And it's very roomy.
Transcribe →