PHOENIX — The Genesis of Alfa Romeo is a sporty 115 years old, centenary automotive brand that checks all the boxes of what one would expect of an Alfa Romeo: Aesthetically beautiful, comfortable, thrilling driving dynamics, reassuring behavior with a sense it can inflict at least a mild case of Stendhal Syndrome — a psychosomatic condition that can trigger a rapid heartbeat, fainting, even hallucinations when individuals become exposed to objects of art, great beauty or lust.

PHOENIX — Like the standard issue compact GLC SUV from which it's based upon, the second generation GLC Coupe tested here as a 2024 model is basically a smaller, sportier version that's grown a bit larger length and height, yet remains the same width. So slight is the visual change between the old and new would require them to be parked side by side to see the grille now favors the AMG variants along with the stylized propeller on either side and of course the enormous trim-star moniker.

PHOENIX — Originally introduced and launched for the 2018 model year, Hyundai Kona, the subcompact crossover gets fully redesigned for its 2nd generation 2024 model year. The new Kona is larger with a dramatic new "love it or hate it" exterior styling, a roomier interior that offers an adult-friendly rear seat and significantly more cargo room.

MIAMI — Its name may bring back memories of old 1950s era science fiction movies, but the Kia EV9 (Plan EV9 from Outer Space staring Vampira, Bela Lugosi, and Tor Johnson and directed by Ed Wood) is much more than just a badly stretched punch line. New for 2024, the Kia EV9 is spacious electric crossover SUV offering three rows of seating capable of accommodating six or seven passengers.cepts.

MIAMI — Though its roots go back to the late 1990s when Mercedes-Benz introduced its first SUV, dubbed the M and later adjusted to ML to alleviate a conflict with BMW’s M line, the GLS came into being as a 2017 model when it replaced the GL-Class that had served as Mercedes’ flagship SUV since its introduction in 2006.

PHOENIX — Shortly after Acura, Honda's luxury division relaunched its iconic Integra nameplate the company sent us the A-Spec trim level for our review testing. After a week behind the wheel we came away impressed with its attractive styling, long list of standard features, strong technology and driver assist features. It was essentially a Honda Civic Is dressed in prom clothes.

INDIANAPOLIS — Last year, I drove the Ford Maverick Tremor and thought it was very cool with its gold accents, black wheels, and enhanced off-road capability.  But, let’s be honest, the Maverick is essentially a compact crossover with a bed that’s better suited to light lawn duty than heavy hauling.  For that, we step up to the 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor that’s just as stylish, but far more capable.

MIAMI — When it comes to motor vehicles, America has a long established love affair of pickup trucks as evidenced by the fact that the top three sellers traditionally are pickups from Ford (F-Series), Chevrolet (Silverado), and Ram. And those are full-size babies, not the cute little modified SUVs that some manufacturers have come out with in recent years. Real workhorses with top-of-the-line models offering a combination of luxury, utility, and versatility that not even the ubiquitous SUV can beat.

PHOENIX — As SUVs and pickup trucks garner all of the attention and the lion's share of sales, Mercedes is quick to remind us they still find value in the sedan market as verified by the new-for-last-year fifth-generation mid-sized C-Class sedan. And, with that comes a new four-door AMG model that foregoes its 385-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in favor of more powerful 402-hp but smaller hybrid integrated electrically charged turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with power delivered to all four wheels passing through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

PHOENIX — The Kia Telluride remains as a carry over into 2024 virtually unchanged from 2023 after a styling refresh and updating, the first since it launched for the 2020 model year. Last year's refresh included a new updated grille, redesigned LED headlamps, a new front bumper and fascia on the exterior. Inside, there was an all-new digital instrument panel with dual 12.3 inch panoramic LED screens that serve as the infotainment center and gauge displays.