JR Chocco
2021 Toyota Tacoma Review: Die-Hard Capability
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma gains new Nightshade and Trail Special Editions this year, but otherwise carries over the things that keep it the top-selling mid-size pickup truck in the U.S. It’s excellent at off-road driving in TRD spec, has a useful pickup bed and an available crew-cab body, and can be configured with part-time four-wheel drive and a manual...
2021 Toyota Sequoia Review: Still Large and In Charge
Toyota developed a good, sturdy full-size SUV for the 2008 model year. Based on the body-on-frame platform from the Tundra pickup, the Sequoia got that truck’s robust structure and driveline components, including its muscular 5.7-liter V-8. But that’s about as much engineering as Toyota has put into the Sequoia since, only updating the interior and falling behind there, too. I...
2021 Buick Encore GX Review: Double the Pleasure
The 2021 Buick Encore GX steals the parking spot left between the smallest mainstream and luxury crossovers. Buick does a double take for the 2021 model year. It’s offering the older Encore hatchback while it introduces the new Encore GX, which isn’t much more expensive but slightly bigger. The GX is the Encore you want to drive, though, thanks...
2021 Audi Q5 Review: The Class Leader for a Reason
The 2021 Audi Q5 crossover puts a new face on a best-selling formula that doesn’t show signs of getting old. The new face and improved tech are just the start for the 2021 Audi Q5. As the automaker’s ‘tweener crossover between the smaller Q3 and bigger three-row Q7, the Q5 is a segue to electrification-curious shoppers, and even some...
2021 Mini Cooper Review: Fun City Car Charm
The 2021 Mini Cooper  stylish, fun-to-drive small hatchback can be had as a two- or four-door hardtop, or in two-door form as a convertible, electric SE, or performance-oriented John Cooper Works (JCW). It doesn’t have many natural competitors left, but parent company BMW offers an X1 small crossover without the charm of the Mini Cooper. The welcome return of a 6-speed manual...
2021 Infiniti Q60 Review: Different is Better
The 2021 Infiniti Q60 is a luxurious coupe with a strong emphasis on sportiness. It’s part of a dying breed of well-equipped, stylish two-doors, but we can’t blame you for falling prey to its voluptuous lines and strong engines. If you don’t need sedan practicality, the 2021 Infiniti Q60 is a stylish and sporty way to make heads turn....
2021 Lexus GX 460 Review: Refined Back to Basics
The 2021 Lexus GX is an off-road warrior with a dash of sophistication.A rugged off-roader with a soft side, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 is an old-school seven-seat SUV loaded up with luxury. It’s best shopped against the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Infiniti QX80, Volvo XC90, and GMC Yukon. The GX, which is based on a design that dates...
2021 Chevy Trailblazer Review: A Surprisingly Stylish Cute-Ute
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a stylish and a unique entry into the small crossover market. That name might conjure up images of a truck-based SUV boxing out a Ford Bronco or Mitsubishi Montero but those days are long gone. The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer returns as a small crossover styled after another comeback kid, the Blazer. The five-seater fills out GM’s expansive...
2022 Acura MDX Review: The Crossfit Large SUV
The 2022 Acura MDX wears its new flagship mantle with confidence, from its styling to its eager road manners. The MDX is a three-row crossover SUV. Sold under Honda’s luxury imprint, the new MDX rivals the Infiniti QX60, Buick Enclave, Hyundai Palisade, and Volvo XC90. Redesigned for 2022, the seven-seater offers some of the automaker’s most advanced technology and...
2021 BMW 5-Series Review: The Sportiest Executive Sedan
The 2021 BMW 5-Series is a luxury mid-size sedan that runs more options than a college quarterback with a weak arm and quick feet. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, and Genesis G80. Yet an adaptive suspension, loaded standard feature set, advanced convenience and safety technology, and an available plug-in powertrain make it a standout. A mild refresh...
