2022

Ford Explorer — Popular SUV offers many choices


MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(April 24, 2022) The King Ranch edition of the popular Ford Explorer should provide the kind of SUV luxury that would satisfy the owner of such luxury vehicles as the Lincoln Aviator, BMW X5 or Infiniti QX60. The palatial King Ranch interior imparts soothing vibes on the road with its well-appointed surroundings, library-quiet cabin, and its performance-oriented 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine.

2022 Polestar 2



SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Polestar is a new stand-alone car brand from the Chinese automaker Geely, that has owned Volvo since 2015.  The name comes from a Swedish team that races Volvo’s. Polestar is the all-electric vehicle brand for Volvo that sells its cars through its own dealer network and online. You can’t buy a Polestar at a Volvo dealership but it’s where Polestar vehicles will get serviced by specific Volvo dealers if you own one.

Jeep Gand Wagoneer — Ultimate Jeep Luxury



By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(April 17, 2022) Jeep has filled a big hole in its SUV lineup by creating a new three-row vehicle that stretches out 214.7 inches — about 4 inches longer than the Lincoln Navigator and two inches longer than the Cadillac Escalade — and offers three adult-sized rows of seating with 27 cubic feet of cargo area behind the seats. For this exercise in bigness, Jeep has resurrected an old nameplate, Grand Wagoneer, and outfitted it with the necessary amenities to put it squarely in the luxury segment.

Kia Sorento — From horsepower to great gas mileage


MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(April 13, 2022) Kia has given buyers of its mid-sized three-row fourth-generation Sorento sport utility vehicle, which was introduced as an all-new model for 2021, compelling choices for 2022 with four distinct powertrains and six trim levels. Kia has kept the Sorento affordable offering a model for every pocketbook from the base LX starting at $30,895 to the loaded X-Line SX Prestige at $44,405. And for 2022 a new plug-in hybrid SX Prestige begins at $46,405.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing



PHOENIX — For years we’ve been hearing rumors of a powerful phantom Cadillac sedan by the name of Blackwing. Of course, we’ve been well acquainted with Cadillac’s CTS-V sedan which has been among the luxury brand’s offerings for several years. That vehicle was discontinued when the Blackwing was finally launched for 2022, available in two flavors: a compact CT4-V and a midsize CT5-V.

Ford Maverick — A small pickup that works


MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(April 10, 2022) As pickup trucks grow bigger, it seems more people are looking for a smaller truck that costs less, takes up less garage space, and is generally more fuel efficient. The problem until recently is the new class of mid-sized trucks — Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger — are about as large as full-sized trucks of the 1990s. Where have all the mini-trucks of previous decades gone?

2022 Honda Civic Si



PHOENIX — After skipping the 2021 model year Honda has brought back an 11th generation 2022 Civic Si to go along with the complete redo for the entire Civic lineup. All the things we liked about the new Civic introduced earlier this year are carried over to the Si. It isn’t the most eye-catching sedan on the market or even in its class, but handsome just the same especially with my test Si adorned in Blazing Pearl Orange metallic paint with black and red interior.

Mazda3 2.5 Turbo — A small sedan with a big punch 




MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman



(April 6, 2022) The Mazda Speed3 built from 2007 through 2013 was Mazda's answer to the hot hatch craze in the early part of the 21st Century offering competition to the Ford Focus ST, Dodge Caliber SRT-4, and Volkswagen Golf GTI. The final model came with a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4 making 263 horsepower and could accomplish a 0-to-60 run in just over 5 seconds. Those were the days — and Mazda has brought them back in the form of the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, which was introduced last year.



2022 Toyota Corolla Cross



INDIANAPOLIS  — The Toyota Corolla is a fine automobile, even if not particularly exciting with its affordable price, frugal gas mileage, and renowned durability.  You don’t buy one to be fancy; you buy one because it is a smart way to spend your money.  The latest one looks quite handsome as a sedan and hatchback, but today’s buyers want a crossover for style and utility.  And, that’s what they get with the 2022 Corolla Cross.