MIAMI — Mercedes may be late to the party, but it makes a grand entrance to the all-electric vehicle market with the 2022 EQS 580 4MATIC sedan. Spectacular is a word that just doesn’t do it justice. It’s not just a luxurious electric vehicle, it is luxurious vehicle period with a prominent profile and opulent interior. You can even get pillows for the  headrests!

PHOENIX — If the Toyota GR86 looks somewhat familiar to you it might be because it was formerly known as the Scion FR-S, or the Toyota 86 after Toyota officially discontinued the Scion brand in 2016. Beginning in August of 2017 the 2017 Scion FR-S became a Toyota branded vehicle along with the iA and iM sedans.

PHOENIX — One of the hottest automotive segments today is off-roading Pickup, SUVs and dedicated – rugged 4x4s eagerly ready to tackle the best of “hardcore rock-crawling” challenges. Vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, new Ford Bronco and Raptor pickup, Land Rover Defender and numerous others. Then there’s Toyota that affixes the TRD and TRD Pro moniker on everything from the capable 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra to Highlander, Sequoia, RAV4 and even Camry.

HERNDON, Va. — It wasn’t long after Japanese automaker Mazda introduced itself to America that it reintroduced the rotary engine — initially known as the Wankel rotary — to that same American market. With fewer moving parts, an extremely compact package and an almost electric-like smoothness, the rotary was perfect for a family of compact coupes and sedans. But it was also thirsty, and Mazda’s timing — on the cusp of our first OPEC crisis — couldn’t have been worse.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Subaru knows its people, who are among the most loyal to any automotive brand.  They love their Outbacks, Foresters, Ascents, and WRXs.  They are also among the most environmentally conscious, dog-friendly, off-roading auto owners around.  They take their kids to school and hike on the weekends.  What they haven’t had until now is an electric vehicle of their own.  That changes with the 2023 Solterra that I just sampled in California.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PHOENIX — Visually, Kia’s all-new electric-only vehicle strikes an eclectic if not quirky exterior design. Sitting somewhere between a crossover, a wagon and a sportback sedan, it makes a more than favorable impression. Stunning would not be an exaggeration. The EV6 is sized similarly to the Ford Mustang Mach-E.