10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Ford Bronco Raptor Dusts Hyundai Kona, Toyota Sequoia

When the terrain-trouncing, desert-running capabilities of the Ford F-150 Raptor simply won’t do for your post-apocalyptic purposes, accept no substitute for the smaller, potentially even more capable Bronco Raptor. This extreme variant of Ford’s already formidable off-road SUV takes the hard-charging overlanding ability of the F-150 Raptor and adds more rock-crawling capability while subtracting cumbersome bulk. Cars.com reviewer Aaron Bragman recently had the opportunity to get acquainted with the Bronco Raptor at an off-road park in Michigan — and you can get acquainted with it by checking out one of the top finishers on our countdown of most popular news articles of the past week.

Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Year: Cheap Cars Spend 2021 Up Top, With SUV Pulling Power in Tow

In addition to its amped-up off-road prowess, the Bronco Raptor boasts aggressive exterior styling that makes its non-Raptor sibling look almost wimpy by comparison — with the fender flares, grille design and lighting updates all conspiring to intimidate. Meanwhile, seat bolsters, an extra-thick steering wheel and optional contrast stitching extend the excitement inside. Is the Bronco Raptor prepared to take on its rival, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 — and, if so, can the average off-road enthusiast afford it? Follow the link below to Cars.com’s No. 4 news story of the week to learn more.

On the other hand, what if you’re in the market for a more practical, affordable SUV? Then check out the fifth-place finisher on this week’s countdown. Our roundup of the 10 most affordable new SUVs on the market entirely comprises subcompact models, and all of them are model-year 2022 available with all-wheel drive (per our prerequisites to make the SUV list). Ranging from just over $22,000 with destination up to nearly $25,000 and led off by the Hyundai Kona, you can see the specifics on these inexpensive SUVs by following the link below.

On the opposite end of the size spectrum — and undoubtedly the expense spectrum — is the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, of which a full model preview debuts in 10th place this week. Similar to its Toyota cousin, the Tundra pickup truck, the Sequoia is getting its first redesign in well over a decade; indeed, the full-size SUV’s exterior overhaul closely resembles the new Tundra, as do its interior updates. In addition to a new powertrain featuring a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid that makes 437 horsepower and 583 pounds-feet of torque, the Sequoia also increases maximum towing capacity to a more competitive 9,000 pounds, up from the current generation’s lackluster 7,400 pounds. For everything else we know about the 2023 Sequoia, follow the link below to the No. 10 news story of the week.

Beyond that, we have headlines on electric cars, cheap cars and a lack of cars — so don’t stop till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:

1. Inventory Shortage Update: Should You Wait to Buy a Car?

2. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now

3. Which Electric Cars Are Still Eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit?

4. 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor: Could This Be the Perfect Raptor?

5. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

6. Electric Cars With the Longest Range

7. What’s New With Electric Vehicles for 2022?

8. Your Guide to EV Batteries: Premature Death, Range Loss and Preservation

9. What’s New With SUVs for 2022?

10. 2023 Toyota Sequoia: Antique Giant Morphs Into Modern Competitor

Related Video:

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.