JR Chocco
2022 Lexus NX 250 Review: From benchwarmer to starting lineup
The 2022 Lexus NX amps up the pixel count in its quest for crossover street cred. The NX is a five-seat crossover SUV that’s been revamped for the new model year with a dramatic shape, a plug-in hybrid model, and a massive touchscreen-driven infotainment system. It’s a competitor for vehicles like the Acura RDX, Infiniti QX50, and German BMW...
2022 Honda Civic Review: Better than ever
The 2022 Honda Civic remains a go-to economy car, with low-key performance and high-economy powertrains. The Civic is one of the bestselling and best-known compact cars on the planet. Emerging now in sedan and hatchback body styles, it’s offered as a Civic LX, Sport, EX, or Touring. The hatchback swaps the EX trim for EX-L, and the Touring for...
2022 Mazda CX-30 Review: The Driver’s Cute ‘Ute
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is a style-forward small crossover with an upscale feel. The CX-30 is a small crossover SUV that straddles the line between mainstream models such as the Hyundai Kona and more luxurious models such as the Volvo XC40. While not a large crossover, the CX-30 has an upscale feel matched by refined powertrains. All-wheel drive is standard on...
2022 Toyota RAV4 Review: Mass perfection just got better
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 lives up to its leader-of-the-pack hype, but the Prime remains the prime choice. With the RAV4, Toyota hits a bulls-eye for compact crossover SUV styling and features, though interior space misses some key marks by mere inches. Its Prime plug-in is a gem, and that makes it a rival for the Ford Escape as well...
2022 Audi Q5 Sportback Review: Rounding out the top
The 2022 Audi Q5 crossover SUV is a wonderful day-to-day SUV and backyard barnstormer in the sporty SQ5 edition. The Q5 is Audi’s mid-size, five-seat crossover SUV, flanked by the smaller Q3 and the bigger Q7/Q8 duo. With its hybrid and sporty editions, the Q5’s an all-around player that rivals vehicles like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60,...
2021 VW ID.4 AWD Review: The Electric People’s Car
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 gives families the right formula for saying farewell to tailpipe emissions. The ID.4 is a fully electric compact crossover with space for up to five and a range of up to 250 miles. The ID.4 compares to the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, but it’s priced lower to compete with bestselling compact crossovers...
2022 Lexus UX Review: Lexus Tames the Urban Jungle
The 2022 Lexus UX prioritizes sharp styling and good fuel economy over a truly engaging driving experience. The UX is a small crossover SUV that competes against the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The 2022 Lexus UX is a good choice overall. Its acceleration is leisurely and the touchpad interface for its infotainment system can prove distracting, but fuel...
2022 Mazda CX-5 Review: Stylishly Simple
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 prioritizes style and handling over more familiar crossover traits like roominess. The CX-5 is a five-seat compact crossover SUV with more spirited handling but tighter proportions than the Toyota RAV4, VW Tiguan, and Subaru Forester. The CX-5 eschews big and bold design flair for clean lines and confident curves. It handles well and comes well...
2022 Mazda MX-30 Review: The Commuter EV
The 2022 Mazda MX-30 puts the Japanese automaker in the battery-electric race, but it’s already running behind. The MX-30 is Mazda’s first battery-powered car to be sold in the U.S., but sales are limited to California and its limited range has limited appeal. The small five-seat hatchback compares to electric vehicles like the Kia Niro EV, Mini Cooper SE,...
2022 Acura RDX Review: Refining an All-Star
The 2022 Acura RDX sports scads of space and strong turbo-4 power to please wagon fans and sport-sedan drivers equally well. The RDX is a five-seat luxury crossover SUV that rocks a strong turbo-4 and edgy looks. It rivals vehicles like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. We like its space, its performance, and its safety, that...
