By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(September 21, 2022) While it isn’t quite the Rubicon Trail located in California’s historic gold rush territory in the Sierra Nevada, the 27,000-acre Butcher Jones OHV, UTV, ATV and Off-Road Trail system Recreation Site in Arizona was the perfect location to test the limits of Ford’s new and nearly unstoppable Bronco Raptor. It’s the most capable production off-road vehicle ever built snatching that title from its Jeep Wrangler competitor.

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(September 19, 2022) The Mercedes S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury sedan and the latest generation recently introduced as expected is impressive with spectacular new features and amazing technology.  Mercedes is offering two versions of the S-Class, the base level S-500 powered by a 430-hp V6 engine or the S-580 reviewed here with a 496-hp bi-turbocharged mild-hybrid drive V8 engine. All-wheel drive is standard on both models. Of course, luxury not horsepower is what the S-Class is all about.

(September 12, 2022) The Toyota Tacoma — affectionately known as the Taco by its copious fans — has been the best-selling mid-sized pickup for 17 years running, outselling its nearest two competitors by more than two-to-one last year. Tacoma is available in numerous configurations and various models to satisfy the needs of a multitude of truck buyers. Last year, Toyota introduced two limited production models: the Nightshade Edition and Trail Edition model tested here. Otherwise, there are no major differences between the 2020 thru 2022 Tacoma models.

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmeria.com

(September 5, 2022) All-new and totally redesigned from the ground-up inside and out Lexus has launched its fourth generation LX 600 that replaces the outgoing LX 570 that was first introduced back in 1995. It’s worth noting that Toyota has discontinued the Land Cruiser for 2022 after a 65-year continuous run, from which the LX is derived. Toyota is hoping Land Cruiser loyalists will step up to the Lexus LX.

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 24, 2022) PHOENIX — There’s a very strong likelihood you’re unfamiliar with the new electric vehicle startup Rivian — the first to bring an EV pickup to the market. You’re even less likely to have seen one on the road let alone it’s new second vehicle, the three-row R1S SUV tested here.

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 21, 2022) With a presence of over 20 years, the Sportage is Kia’s longest running nameplate in the U.S. and for 2023 it’s been completely redesigned inside and out. In addition to a distinct new design and built on Kia’s 7-inch longer N3 platform, the same used by the larger Kia Sorento, making for an overall larger Sportage. For the first time it’s being offered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants alongside the gas-only Sportage.

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 14, 2022) First introduced for the 2018 model year, the LC 500 is offered as a sports coupe, a a gorgeous grand touring 2+2 power-retractable soft top convertible was added last year and there’s also a hybridized LC 500h tested here, the world’s first vehicle with Multi Stage hybrid capability.

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 1, 2022) In the world of super luxury pickup trucks Ford boasts the F-150 Limited, Chevrolet the Silverado High Country, RAM with its Limited and all-new for 2022 the Toyota Tundra Capstone driven here. Big expensive luxury trucks are a cultural awe in America, the very embodiment of an erotic fixation having magical potency with owners willfully throwing down $75 big and more eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect or devotion.

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 29, 2022) The CX-50 tested here is an all-new model for the 2023 Mazda brand in the hotly contested and crowded compact crossover utility vehicle segment. Competitors include such rivals as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue and others. The CX-50 is based on same platform as the smaller subcompact CX-30 and Mazda3. It’s also longer and wider than the CX-5 with more ground clearance yet a lower roof height and profile.