First drive

The 2023 Outlander PHEV benefits from the same interior upgrades that made its gas-engine sibling much more competitive, while its plug-in hybrid powertrain adds quickness, all-electric range, heft and cost.

It’s hard to top the kind of bang you get from the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V, powered as it is by a 682-horsepower, supercharged V-8 engine and swaddled with an ultra-posh cabin.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R capitalizes on the benefits of the mainstream Civic’s new-for-2022 platform and retains all of what made the previous-generation Type R great.

After delays, and more delays, the 2023 Nissan Ariya is finally here with decent range, comfortable space and accessible tech. It’s worth the wait.

While the 2023 Highlander isn’t any quicker than the previous model, it feels sprightly, peppy and responsive; it also doesn’t lose any towing ability, either.

More refined than the Wrangler 4xe, the Grand Cherokee 4xe lacks any other off-road-oriented hybrid competition, and while it holds its own against gas-only competition like the Land Rover Defender, it doesn’t outshine it.

Those wanting the most fun and luxurious G80 should consider the Electrified G80.

Big, bold and extremely comfortable, the tank-like 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a solid, family-pleasing SUV with a couple of curious quirks.

The EQB350 4Matic is essentially an electric version of the GLB SUV and, interestingly, also retains that model’s five- or seven-occupant options. That’s the first surprise; the second is just how good it is to drive and use.

With the all-new 2023 GR Corolla, Toyota is coming in hot to the hot hatchback class with a feisty performer that’s a blast to toss around a racetrack.