First Impressions
As soon as the test cars arrive, we can't wait to get behind the wheel and give viewers a first impression of the latest vehicles to hit the MotorWeek lot.
Most Recent First Impressions
2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel Episode 4013
This week, we’re off on a diesel-powered Quick Spin in the 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel. This was just a matter of time, after FCA’s third-gen 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 was added to the Wrangler lineup last year. And output here, is an identical 260-horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque as in the Wrangler; working through the same TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic… Read More
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Episode 4025
The Lincoln Nautilus has come a long way since it first set sail in 2019 as a rechristening of the MKX midsize Ford Edge-based crossover. The name change did bring some updates with it, but 2021 sees even bigger changes. Most impressive is the interior redo; an enhanced version of their sanctuary theme. Gone is the rising console/center stack combo;… Read More
2021 Ford F-150 Episode 4003
The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 light duty pickup may not be revolutionary but its 14th generation does include more than a few significant advances. The previous generation brought aluminum bodies to the light-duty pickup truck segment, as well as made turbo power the norm. This gen. sees Ford deliver a 3.5-liter V6-based full-hybrid that will tow more than… Read More
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Episode 4011
Volvo’s first full-EV is finally here, and no it’s not a wagon, but fittingly an SUV, the 2021 XC40 Recharge. It joins a plug-in gas-electric hybrid version already on sale overseas. And lest you think this EV crossover is designed to be only a family grocery getter, the XC40 Recharge shares it’s driveline with the slick Polestar 2 hatchback. The Recharge… Read More
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Episode 4010
There’s been quite a buzz recently, about Volkswagen’s electric future; well, that future just got a whole lot closer with the reveal of the 2021 ID.4 all-electric crossover. Building upon what they started with the excellent eGolf, the ID.4 is the brand’s first long-range electric vehicle designed for the U.S. market. It will eventually be built in VW’s… Read More
2021 Aston Martin DBX Episode 4017
If you’re a luxury brand, it’s hard to stay competitive without an SUV in your lineup; and Aston Martin has finally joined the fray with the 2021 Aston Martin DBX. It may be the first utility vehicle in the brand’s 106-year history, but it’s the kind of SUV you expect from a luxury car company that’s really a sports car company at heart. So, at the DBX’s core… Read More
2022 GMC HUMMER EV Episode 4014
In one of the more ironic turns of the wheel we’ve seen; Hummer is back, but not as a gas-guzzling target of eco-warriors, now it’s a full-EV pickup truck under the GMC umbrella. The first vehicle to feature GM’s new 3-motor Ultium Drive system, the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 puts 1,000-horsepower and 11,500 lbs-ft. of torque to the pavement. Take… Read More
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Episode 4007
Mercedes-Benz’s SUV history is longer than most luxury brands, and more expansive as well. Currently, in the entry-level position is the GLA, and it’s all-new for 2021. First on the scene will be this GLA 250 which features the CLA’s 221-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4; yet does it one gear better in the transmission, with an 8-speed DCT. Front-wheel-drive… Read More
2022 Volkswagen Taos Episode 4013
As SUVs continue to take over the sales landscape, more and more options are becoming available, especially in the crazy popular compact segment, like this all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos. A bit over 9-inches shorter than the Tiguan, this 5-passenger Taos certainly looks like a scaled-down version of the Tiguan; but also features LED lighting and a front-end… Read More
Acura MDX Prototype Episode 4014
While the Acura MDX has always been one of the most dynamic driving SUVs in the luxury 3-row field; let’s be honest, it hasn’t always looked the part. This nearly production ready Acura MDX Prototype is a good indication that’s about to change. All the usual “hey look at me, I’m sporty” attributes are here; as it’s longer, lower and wider. As well as a new… Read More