PHOENIX — Just three years ago Volvo announced a goal to build and sell only 100% fully electric vehicles by 2030 while phasing out all of its internal combustion engine models including hybrids. Since that time and just last month — September 2024 — Volvo had a change in plans and announced it was walking back its 100% EV agenda and now pledges a 90 to 100% goal that includes EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). By 2025, Volvo expects 50 to 60% of sales to be electrified.

MIAMI — The 2024 Range Rover Evoque is the “little brother” in the Land Rover fleet and shares its siblings’ off-roading capabilities, but its smaller size, numerous features, and sporty styling make it more appropriate for urban environments. Perhaps there's a clue to what makes the Evoque a bit different.

PHOENIX — Having debuted some 35 years ago, Ford's Explorer — the all-time best-selling SUV in America — receives its first major refreshing since 2019 and is now offered in just four trim levels: Active, ST-Line, Premium, and ST, our tested version. Ford discontinued the Base, Limited, King Ranch and Timberline editions for 2025. Top to bottom there is about a $20,000 price variance in trim levels.

INDIANAPOLIS — Mercedes-Benz makes its money on crossovers and sedans, but its soul is defined by coupes.  Sharing the basic chassis and powertrains with their more conservative siblings, coupes sit a little lower, slope a little sweeter, and cosset more personally.  If sedans get kids to school and aspiring executives to work, then coupes encourage a little more fun.  And, so it is with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 4MATIC Coupe.

INDIANAPOLIS — On the way to the grocery store the other night, I was sitting at a red light in the 2024 Kia EV6 GT AWD.  Opposite me was a ’69 Camaro revving its engine, looking for a fight.  As I sat in near silence listening to Aretha on the Meridian audio system, it occurred to me how utterly the Kia would dispense with that iconic Chevy.  But this EV has talents your gas-burning ancestors never imagined.

MIAMI — Want to turn a $30,000 SUV into a $40,000 vehicle? Easy. Just yank whatever gasoline engine is under the hood and stick in an all-electric drivetrain.That price increase is an issue that remains with the electric vehicle (known as EVs or BEVs with the B for battery) as they hit showrooms with more driving range and quicker charging times than earlier models.

PHOENIX — It's true, the Subaru brand has a cult-like following with legendary standard all-wheel drive, a reputation for steadfast reliability and excellent resale values. Competing in the largest and most competitive compact-crossover class with varsity and best selling brands like Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Forester, Subaru's middle child being larger than the Crosstrek and smaller than the Outback, is now in its 27th year and just completed a thorough refreshing for the 2025 model year. 

PHOENX — Ford redesigned the midsized 2024 Ranger and for the first time added the Raptor trim level, an expansion of the off-road performance arm first introduced 15 years ago in 2009, for the F-150 Raptor. The Raptor sits atop the Lariat, XLT and XL with all trim levels produced with a crew cab and 5-foot cargo bed. For reference, the new Ranger Raptor is Ford's equivalent to off-road competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Jeep Gladiator Mojave and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

PHOENIX — The E-Class has been a principled staple of the Mercedes brand for more than 75 years and for 2024 has launched its newest iteration of the mid-sized sedan in two varieties: the E 350 sedan ($62,300) powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged inline 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the E 450 ($68,100) with a 375-horsepower inline 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. 

MIAMI — After going nearly a decade between the first and second generation with only a mild facelift in 2013 following its debut in 2009, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse embarks on its third generation just six years after entering its second in 2018. It gains a more off-road capable trim with the addition of the Z71 model, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine replaces the V6 of previous models.