Automotive Reviews
Road tests
2011 Dodge Durango
Oct 5th
You might not have noticed, but Dodge’s Ram pickup trucks recently became a separate brand. The split is quietly indicative of what’s going on with Dodge’s mid-size SUV. In the past, the Durango was one of the truckiest sport-utes out there, carrying design cues and sharing engines with the pickups. Now, as if freed of the need to try and impress big brother Ram, the Durango is all-new for 2011 and seems to have finally come into its own as a suburban SUV that’s still tough enough to work hard. 
A platform change puts the Durango onto the same chassis as the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and as far as relatives go, being related to a Jeep is a Good Thing. The Durango’s now on a unibody platform, and its three-row seating has been improved. More >
2012 GMC Acadia Denali
Sep 26th
This may sound silly, but GMC’s Denali-branded vehicles remind me a lot of the way a Hollywood pirate ship often looks. They’re big, elegant vehicles, almost stately, rife with luxury trappings and plenty of special trim. Up close and under the skin, however, pirate ships and Denali trucks are working vehicles, sturdily-built and designed to tackle arduous tasks.
The new GMC Acadia Denali is no exception. The top-of-the-line Acadia features upgraded interior appointments and a more substantial look, as well as the power and poise that make this full-size crossover one of the most capable vehicles in its class. And what’s the Denali’s class? This truck is a big beast, but it’s not a body-on-frame working vehicle like the Suburan. The Acadia is more like a manly alternative to a minivan; it’s one of the few full-size crossover vehicles, and the Denali package adds a full complement of luxury items to the menu. More >
2011 Toyota Prius v
Sep 17th
Odds are you’re either skeptical or very interested. Like the MINI (only nerdier) Toyta’s Prius is expanding to become a full line of distinctive vehicles, and that family begins, naturally, with a larger, cargo-friendly version. The Prius v is, at heart, a Prius station wagon.
The Prius comprised 53% of the United States hybrid market last year, according to Toyota. It outsells every other U.S. hybrid combined, in other words. And with gas prices still creeping ever upward, the market for fuel-efficient vehicles continues to grow. The “v” stands for “versatility” according to Toyota, though the five-door hatchback Prius would seem to be plenty versatile enough. There’s always a need for more cargo space, though, so the Prius v is longer and wider than the original. It doesn’t look it at a glance, but the Prius v is large enough to compete with cars like the Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape Hybrid. It’s also considerably more efficient than any non-hybrid SUV or crossover. More >