By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com The extended-body Lexus RX-L may have been consigned to the dustbin of history, but its replacement TX has been making waves since its debut last year. Larger and bigger in all respects than its ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE - motoringflorida@gmail.com Who doesn’t like to experience the best of both worlds? Last year, we had the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of the Land Cruiser 1958, throwback to the good ole days. And recently, Toyota di... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Some years back, the Japanese carmaker put the excitement back into the Mazda3 hatchback by borrowing the 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 cylinder found in its CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs. It was the right move,... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com It is no secret that there had been plans to replace the hot-seller XC90 with the all-electric XC90. We sure are glad that those proposals were nipped in the bud. After all, the six- or seven-pa... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Nearly five decades old and still going strong! That is the “hot hatch” for you and loyal owners. Ever since its debut, the 2025 VW Golf has won numerous accolades while setting fresh... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Back in the 1960s-70s, the counterculture generation quickly took to the quirky and boxy VW Type 2 or Microbus for its enormous space and collective atmosphere. Before long, the idiosyncratic rid... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Everything is magnificent about the Grand Highlander, which debuted just last year and continues mostly as is for 2025 except for addition of a bold hybrid Nightshade trim and an economical LE gr... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com After a major overhaul (wheelbase, track boost) just two years ago, the Lexus RX500 continues mostly as it is for 2025. We can say confidently that it has held its ground firmly in the crowded mi... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Take the regular Corolla sedan, supersize it (i.e. height, ground clearance and cargo capacity) and you have … Corolla Cross SUV! Just three years ago, Toyota introduced this bigger siblin... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Nestled against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with breathtaking landscapes and sights sits the tiny but colossal town of Taos, New Mexico. A distinct blend of several cultures, t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com It goes without saying that competition in the midsize SUV segment is fierce. And the recent entry of the CX-70 into the segment makes the rivalry even more intense. All for the better, we say. P... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Believe minivans are dead? Think again! The Chrysler Pacifica sold well over 100,000 units in 2024 closely followed by our test drive, Honda Odyssey, at around 80,000, up from the previous year. ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Hats off to the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car as the hatchback celebrates its 25-year anniversary next year in the United States. That’s right, the practical, nimble and most... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Right off the bat, let’s point out that the Lexus flagship SUV, which adds a hybrid power train to the mix for 2025, isn’t everyone’s idea of a ride. Ask why? Well, it has a bas... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Think of midsize luxury sedans and a Benz, Audi or BMW may come to mind. But you are committing a huge error if you pass on the Genesis G80, which for 2025 has undergone a refresh inside out. How... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Remember the Venza, a midsize SUV that boasted “a sleek appearance, opulent cabin features, and commendable gas-sipping figures?” Well, the Toyota crossover is history, replaced for 2... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com That the rivalry in the compact crossover segment is fierce is a given. Amid such stalwarts as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V is our favorite CX-5 (not to be confused with its stablemate CX-5... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com We already have test-driven the F-150 Raptor and Raptor R and the Bronco Raptor. And now here comes its high-performance, off-road 4WD sibling, the Ford Ranger Raptor! The crowded and highly comp... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com The list of cars that are just timeless, never aging, is not very long. Among the perennial rides undoubtedly is the 2025 Mazda Miata, now in its 36th year, and more endearing than ever. It shoul... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com The smallest electric SUV in the Volvo lineup has arrived. Slotted just under the C40 EV, the compact and economical EX30 with its twin electric motors can go 253 miles on a full 69-kWh lithium-... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com The bestseller for Volkswagen has undergone a major transformation for 2025. Sitting between the smaller Taos and the larger Atlas, the Tiguan takes on a new look, boost in power, and now is avai... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com It’s stood the test of time for more than four decades. The midsize iconic off-road SUV keeps on going, stronger than ever with each passing year. And for the first time, the sixth-gen 2025... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Looking to buy a small but affordable crossover designed for the modern urban explorer? The overhauled-for-2025 UX300h (replaces the previous 250h) – the smallest SUV in the Lexus lineup – could... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Not too long away, Buick sedans such as the Regal and LaCrosse enjoyed immense popularity among car owners. Not anymore. In fact, the GM division now only produces SUVs/crossovers as the U.S. auto m... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Remember the Chevrolet Bolt, the ultra-smooth and cool electric vehicle, now under hiatus to be relaunched in 2026? Well, till then EV enthusiasts can opt for the larger but affordable, entry-level ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Inarguably, it is our favorite compact pickup. Last year’s Ford Maverick left a lasting impression on us because of its value, price and fuel economy. Ever since its debut in 2022, the first full ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com First, the name. Tonale? Across the Rhaetian Alps in northern Italy is a high-mountain, 35-mile Tonale Pass with spectacular views and winding roads. And that is the inspiration we are told for the ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Located in the Sierra Nevada is a 22-mile-long Rubicon Trail, an off-road adventurer’s dream route of steep summits, narrow pathways and harsh terrain. The part road/4X4 route has served as a test... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Despite some solid competition from the likes of Volvo XC90, Lexus GX, Audi Q7 and Acura MDX, it is admirable that the Infiniti QX60 has stood its ground. And now even more so as the 2025 model hits... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com “Lincoln. What a Luxury Car Should Be.” It was a popular slogan then and even today this Ford division brand can teach comparatively newer automakers a lesson or two in extravagance. As was evid... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Any road, anytime, anywhere. That’s how Ford has summed up the Explorer in the past. Whether you are testing its off-road prowess or on-road capability, this fine hot-selling three-row SUV has... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Let’s rattle off some minivan names: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica. And lest we forget the 2025 Kia Carnival hybrid, a fine and fitting replacement for the Sedona since it debute... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Numerous three-row SUVs compete vigorously in the market but among the standouts is the Traverse. Sharing its design with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the body-frame integral structure of this ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com And we thought it was all over for the manual! But thanks to BMW, for the first time, the 2025 Z4 will come with a 6-speed gearbox option, part of the $3,500 Handschalter package (“hand shift” i... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Not many people may be aware that the original 1994-2002 Honda Passport was actually a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. Flash forward and a much bigger and better Passport, in all respects, has returned. Slott... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com There’s the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX and maybe a few more. And let’s not forget the Infiniti QX80, which has undergone a totally redesign inside and... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com “Now, that’s an odd-looking vehicle!” could be a quite natural response by just an initial and hasty glance at the Nissan Kicks. But that is understandable. After all, the totally redesigned f... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Scan the roadways and we can bet you will be able to count just a handful at best, station wagons, i.e. There’s the Audi A6 Allroad, Benz E-Class Wagon, Subaru Outback and a few more. And, of cour... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com OK, so here’s the deal. This is the biggest Mini (an oxymoron, indeed) you will ever drive. It is 5.3 inches longer, 4 inches taller, and up almost an inch in width and wheelbase than its predeces... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com There’s just no stopping Genesis. Ever since Hyundai launched the offshoot in 2015, enthusiastic reviews have followed. The G70, G80 and G90 sedans in the Genesis stable were joined by the hot-sel... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – MOTORINGFLORIDA@GMAIL.COM In 1958, the very first and sole Land Cruiser was sold in the United States. At that time, SUVs were a novelty but over the years, the off-road ride with its unmistakable appearance and spirited fee... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Leave it to Lexus to shine in the compact luxury crossover segment. And that too with an h after it. It may be a hybrid but the 2025 NX350 is a fun ride to take on the road, responding with quicknes... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – MOTORINGFLORIDA@GMAIL.COM Off-road enthusiasts, your ride has arrived as in the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, an all-new trim. You want healthy acceleration, remarkable handling and steering feel? Then the power train in this h... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com The third-gen Buick Enclave is here, and it is stunning, more powerful and notable, all attributed to a total redesign of the flagship. Based on a body-on-frame structure, the extra power in the ove... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Its kind are few and far between. It only has to be noticed by potential buyers, and they would line up to buy one, i.e. the Subaru WRX. The high-performance sports sedan now gets a new trim for 202... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com There is the Jetta and then there is the GLI Autobahn Jetta, a performance-oriented trim that screams “Let’s go have some fun!” And it was this 2025 model that we recently tested, leaving us u... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com So, you fancy going off the beaten path, but you want to do it in style and luxury? There aren’t a whole lot of choices on the road (Land Rover Defender is one) but the redesigned 2024 Lexus GX550... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Not many people may be aware that the first car Toyota introduced to the U.S. consumer was the Toyopet Crown in 1955. The popular sedan in the Japanese market is one of the longest-running passenger... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Love the full-size CX-90 for its incredible performance and luxurious cabin but don’t need that third-row seat? Well, you have a new and welcome choice – five-passenger CX-70 slotted between the... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com It can go almost 297 miles on a full electric charge of its 82-kWh lithium-ion battery. And fast charge is possible at up to 80 percent in just 28 minutes or you can plug into a 110 or 220 volt at h... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Not many people may be aware that the original 1994-2002 Honda Passport was actually a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. Flash forward to 2019 and a much bigger and better Passport, in all respects, has return... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com 240, 300, 350 and 370. Remember the numerical prefixes that would accompany the legendary Nissan sports coupe? Well, as of last year, those are all history as the car is now simply known as the Z. N... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Zero to 60 mph is conceivable in merely 4.2 seconds. Top speed zips up to 130 mph. Sure, these aren’t earth-quivering figures but hey, quite extraordinary for the 2024 BMW X6 M60i midsize luxury S... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Meet the sportier, coupe-like with a swoopy roofline version of its QX50 sibling – the compact 2024 Infiniti QX55. The SUV is slightly longer and shorter in height to reduce rear headroom but main... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Who says vehicles are pricey today? Not Buick, yes, that’s right. Check out the all-new Envista and you will drive away from the dealer lot with a grin on your face and just $23,495 lighter for a ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com The Hudson Hornet was first manufactured in the 1950s. The name was adapted by the American Motors Corporation during the 1960s and 1970s before the AMC Hornet was discontinued. Flash forward to 200... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com It may be a Mini in name but in stature it is a giant! Yes, that’s a tall statement to make but if you need proof of a car with an attitude, take the quick, quirky, nimble, fun-to-drive 2024 Mini ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com It may not be on top of every potential sport coupe buyer, but the Subaru BRZ is a ride guaranteed to provide a thrill or two. And now even more so with the introduction of an even more aggressive t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com A 48-inch panoramic display that spans the entire dashboard. Flat top-and-bottom steering wheel. An 11-inch configurable infotainment touchscreen. Piano-key gear shifter. Instrument panel toggles. T... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Yes, you can cut those trips to the gas station short, real short, as fuel prices hover close to $4 a gallon! All you have to do is go get a 2024 Hyundai Elantra HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). Belie... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Numerous seven-passenger SUVs compete vigorously in the market but with a total makeover inside and out, the GMC Acadia has been reborn. Positioned between the smaller Terrain and the larger Yukon, ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com Time was when the iconic and affordable Jeep Wrangler ruled the road, off-road, i.e. But since 2021 when Ford brought back the Bronco to pasture, after 25 years, the rivalry has become stiffer than ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com The Italians once believed that the Quadrifoglio (in plain English, a four-leaf clover) helped ward off bad luck. Now, the symbol means more than just averting any sort of calamity. For Alfa Romeo, ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com We waited and waited for years and finally Toyota has delivered. A brand-new Camry unlike any other in the past, the 2025 sedan will take your breath away. It is a total overhaul from any of its pre... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Subaru has done it again! The Japanese carmaker has totally revamped its hot-seller Forester for 2025. The exterior and interior of the small SUV get a sleeker design though mechanically, the statu... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Not known to rest on its laurels, Lexus has added one more crossover SUV to its family. Based on the same platform as another fairly fresh Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX it comes with all the bell... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Take your standard 2024 Toyota Corolla hatchback and soup it up, as in turbocharge the little ride! Voila! You have the high-performance Corolla GR, or a pocket rocket of a ride to drive that moves... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com In the market for an affordable subcompact two-row, five-seater SUV with hints of luxury? Then you would be remiss to ignore the Buick Encore GX Sport Touring, which has undergone a front design ov... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Planning a trip to West Palm Beach without having to stop to refill or charge? Fear not for the ride with gas/hybrid technology is at your disposal, i.e. if you head over to the Hyundai dealership ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Who would have thought a zero can make a huge load of difference? As in the all-new CX-90 replacing the CX-9 as the Mazda flagship crossover in 2024. We have always been fans of the CX-9 for its tr... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Mud, sand, dirt, rocky terrain and snow. Venture out whole-heartedly on any of these paths, beaten or otherwise, in the all-new TrailSport trim of the Ridgeline. For 2024, Honda has boosted its mid... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It is a given that the domestic automakers rule the pickup market, especially Ford with its F-150, but credit Toyota for staying on the mark and continuing to evolve with the Tundra. Ensconced on a... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The potential compact car buyer has endless options on a dealer’s lot but there is one fine ride that stands out for its agility, coolness and sheer excitement. And that, of course, is the Mazda3... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas may be the bigger of the two but the Cross Sport (5.2 inches shorter in length, it’s a five-seater with no third row) has as much to offer than its sibling. Perhaps, eve... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com This is one of our favorite compact sport sedans. Why? It is just an exciting car to drive, ready to take off in an instant, nimble in traffic and quick to merge on busy highways. In the past, we h... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Who says wagons belong to the past? It’s true you can count the wagons, primarily made by Audi and Mercedes-Benz, at your fingertips. And then there is Volvo with the V60 and larger V90. Based... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Want your ride super-sized? Or in this case, your Toyota Highlander. Then go for the 2024 Grand Highlander. It is longer by 6.5 inches, taller by 2, wider by 2.3, and up by 4 in wheelbase; cabin-wi... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Since Hyundai launched the offshoot Genesis in 2015, there has been no going back. In fact, the hot-selling luxury brand marches forward, solid and steady. The G70, G80 (gas and electric) and G90 s... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The Germans, whether it is Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, have had a stronghold on the small luxury sport sedan market. Add the Japanese (Lexus) and Korean (Genesis) brands to the mix and the race bec... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Leave it to Chrysler to come up with a first. A pioneer of the minivan segment more than four decades ago with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, the automaker debuted in 2017... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com This one’s our favorite Range Rover. Slotted between the Evoque and the larger Range Rover Sport, the Velar is elegant, attractive, agile and just the right size to tackle the daily road rigors o... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com In 2022, Subaru sold a record 155,142 Crosstreks, making the compact SUV its fastest-selling vehicle in history since debuting over a decade ago. This year and beyond, we can bet more records will ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Remember the peculiar Scion xB? Well, that one’s been gone since 2016. Or the peculiar-looking Nissan Cube? It’s been history for as long. Also, a thing (or ride) of the past is the funky Honda... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com First, great news from Infiniti in general. Any 2023 model will now come with Infiniti Premium Care, an integrated maintenance program that includes up to three years of inspections, oil changes, t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com After 25 years, the RS is back, as in the enthusiast-oriented Impreza trim! Admitted, the 2024 Subaru compact hatchback has for long been under the shadow of the more-popular WRX but if you want so... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com This one will be a good fit on the track! Then, perhaps it can cruise the highway too! That’s right, the BMW M2 high-performance sport coupe is road and track worthy! The Bimmer is super-fast: 0 ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It’s sporty, stylish and luxurious. To top it all, the 2023 S6 also comes with the renowned quattro all-wheel drive that provides peace of mind in any road/weather condition. One cannot ask for a... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Its list of honors and raves is endless. U.S. News’ Best Three-Row SUV for families. Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award in the 3-Row Midsize SUV. ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Yutaka Katayama may not be a household name but you can shower accolades on the late ex-president of Nissan’s U.S. operations in the 1970s. After all, he was instrumental in bringing the Fairlady... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com An all-new Ranger is in town, as in the 2024 Ford midsize pickup. Tested for millions of miles in extreme temperatures in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S., the completely redesigned Ranger picks... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It’s sporty, stylish and luxurious. To top it all, the 2023 S6 also comes with the renowned quattro all-wheel drive that provides peace of mind in any road/weather condition. One cannot ask for a... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Long before the Super Duty became a household name, it was known as Big Jobs, as in fire engines, dump trucks, flatbeds. Then in 1958, the Super Duty name was introduced till the ever-growing popul... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Watch out for the Bison on the road! Not the largest mammal in North America but the all-new 5,350-pound Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 special edition. It too is an impressive beast like its namesake! Ad... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com When it debuted nearly three years ago, Hyundai offered us the opportunity of driving the Palisade on the curvy and hilly Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, N.C. The midsize SUV was more than up to t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The second-generation Kia Niro is here and it can travel a much farther distance than before. Our PHEV (Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) enables the five-passenger compact crossover to now go 33 mi... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com All you real passionate off-road, all-terrain enthusiasts, this ride is for you! The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X (first-ever trim) is a step above the AT4 because of several exclusive features: * Baja ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Its origin goes way back to 1982. Then the Benz 190 was labeled as ‘Baby Benz.’ Over a decade later, the ‘kid’ earned the C-class designation and worldwide sales of more than 10.5 million u... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Take the Chevrolet Tahoe, super-size it and you basically have a Chevy Suburban. Jokes apart, the 2023 Suburban is the bigger sibling with a nearly 14-inch longer wheelbase and stretched more 1... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It’s World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year! The World Car Awards is comprised of worldwide professional automotive journalists, so there is si... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com This is not your grandpa’s Ford F-Series truck. Not even close. 37-inch tires, 700 horsepower, desert-race capable, Baja mode for high-speed off-roading? That’s what you get with the all-new 20... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Yes, you can cut those trips to the gas station short, real short, as fuel prices hover around $4 a gallon! All you have to do is go get a 2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). Believ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com fitting it between the smaller GLC and the bigger GLS, the GLE is a wonderful blend of power and sophistication that offers spice and entertainment both on and off-road. And for 2024, it gets an im... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Acura debuted globally in 1986 with the two-variant front-wheel-drive Integra hatchback generating a massive bang with motoring enthusiasts. The signature pop-up headlight design literally ‘poppe... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Remember the EQ moniker! Why? Because in the near future, it will be applied to every electric Mercedes-Benz. According to the German carmaker, EQ stands for “emotion and intelligence,” two... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.comAnd so it begins, as they say. Genesis has launched the first dart from its arsenal, possibly causing disarray among established electric vehicles companies (Tesla, pay attention!) Within no time of hi... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com There are quite a few attractive seven-passenger luxury SUVs on the market but the Volvo XC90 is our favorite. We have test-driven one every couple years and were overwhelmed with the 2023 Recharge... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com And now you can go off the beaten path in an RAV4. That’s right. Toyota has introduced the all-wheel-drive Woodland Edition – its first hybrid off-road special edition SUV! With coil springs an... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Right off the bat, let’s point out that the Lexus flagship sedan, which replaces the LX570 after shedding 441 pounds, isn’t for everyone. Ask why? Well, it has a base price of $102,025, which w... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Meet the 2023 Car of the Year as picked by Motor Trend and so ingeniously illustrated by the award presenter: “The flagship Genesis G90 is luxury distilled — everything you see, touch and exper... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Nearly two years ago, we drove the ID.4 on the roads, hills of Chattanooga, Tenn., where the all-electric SUV’s assembly plant is based. Employing 3,800 people, VW has invested $800 million more ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com We first test drove the Toyota Corolla hybrid when it debuted about four years ago in Savannah, Ga. Then, the compact car boasted bold styling, competitive price and consistent value. Same and more... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com This one will be a good fit on the track! Then, perhaps it can cruise the highway too! That’s right, the BMW M2 high-performance sport coupe is road and track worthy! The Bimmer is super-fast: 0 ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Remember the peculiar Scion xB? Well, that one’s been gone since 2016. Or the peculiar-looking Nissan Cube? It’s been history for as long. Also, a thing (or ride) of the past is the funky Honda... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com After 25 years, the RS is back, as in the enthusiast-oriented Impreza trim! Admitted, the 2024 Subaru compact hatchback has for long been under the shadow of the more-popular WRX but if you want so... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It’s sporty, stylish and luxurious. To top it all, the 2023 S6 also comes with the renowned quattro all-wheel drive that provides peace of mind in any road/weather condition. One cannot ask for a... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Yutaka Katayama may not be a household name but you can shower accolades on the late ex-president of Nissan’s U.S. operations in the 1970s. After all, he was instrumental in bringing the Fairlady... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Its list of honors and raves is endless. U.S. News’ Best Three-Row SUV for families. Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award in the 3-Row Midsize SUV. Insu... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com First, great news from Infiniti in general. Any 2023 model will now come with Infiniti Premium Care, an integrated maintenance program that includes up to three years of inspections, oil changes, t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com After a major redesign andpower train transformation for the front-wheel or all-wheel-drive Hyundai Tucson in 2022, the compact SUV maintains its status quo this year. Undoubtedly, it is a bigger v... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – nitishrele@gmail.com It is one of our favorite midsize luxury crossover SUVs. We have driven several versions of the XC60 over the years and can say with surety that the 2023 version tops them all. Under the hood of this ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com An all-new Ranger is in town, as in the 2024 Ford midsize pickup. Tested for millions of miles in extreme temperatures in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S., the completely redesigned Ranger picks... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com In Latin, “supra” means “above” or “beyond.” Employing that spirit in designing the Supra, three years ago, Toyota created a car worthy of the beloved marque’s dramatic and much-a... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The ever-popular RX350 hybrid enters 2023 with a bang, as in an almost all-new version. The Lexus is up in wheelbase by 2.3, front and rear track by 0.5 and 1.7 inches respectively. And most notice... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Last year, we test-drove the Q50 Red Sport version of this midsize luxury sport car from Infiniti with 400 horsepower. For 2023, the carmaker dispatched over the lesser trim Sensory model boast... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Its origin goes way back to 1982. Then the Benz 190 was labeled as ‘Baby Benz.’ Over a decade later, the ‘kid’ earned the C-class designation and worldwide sales of more than 10.5 milli... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Completely revamped for 2023, the Kia Sportage is an extra 3.4 inches in wheelbase and 7.1 inches in length than its predecessor. And more taller and wider too. But best of all, the compact SUV... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Sharing its design with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the body-frame integral structure of this Chevrolet Traverse will boost the confidence of any driver. The three-row SUV is equipped wit... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com “Now, that’s an odd-looking vehicle!” could be a quite natural response by just an initial and hasty glance at the Nissan Kicks. But that is understandable. After all, the cheeky-styled SUV t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com As gas prices continue to hover around $3.50 in Florida, you would be remiss not to take a glance or two at the 2022 Kia Niro PHEV (Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle). Essentially, the PHEV adds... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Its kind are few and far between. It only has to be noticed by potential buyers and they would line up to buy one, i.e. the Subaru WRX. The totally redesigned high-performance sports sedan for 2022... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Basically, it is a souped-up version of the twin from the other stable, Chevy Silverado. And just like its sibling, the GMC Sierra Denali 1500 4WD Crew Cab truck has been overhauled inside-out for ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It’s a tough and competitive field … pickup market, almost as challenging as the SUV segment or maybe even more. There’s the best-seller Ford F-150, Ram, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, GMC Sier... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Over the last few years, we have driven hundreds of vehicles but nothing comes close to the value, price and fuel economy offered by the all-new Maverick. And that is not an understatement. Che... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com For folks who just want to go from point A to point B, the base Hyundai Kona is available. But if you itch for some gut-wrenching and pulsating thrill in your ride, there’s our recent test-dr... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Just a few months after testing last year’s X-Line AWD Sorento, Kia dispatched over another of their fourth-gen SUVs, this one with the 2022 SX-Prestige trim added to the mix. Once again, ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com There’s the Elantra for folks who want a small sedan to go from point A to point B. And then there’s our recent test-drive Elantra N Line trim, which brings vim and vigor to the ride. Just ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com THE RIDE: Four-door, up to eight-passenger full-size 2022 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD SUV. DOWN THE ROAD: Ensconced on a heavy-duty, body-on-frame structure, the power in the Armada is abunda... read more

By NITISH S. RELE — motoringtampabay@gmail.com After a major transformation inside out last year, the fifth-gen Cadillac Escalade continues mostly as is for 2022. A 6.2-liter V-8 Ecotec engine blasts off 420 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 460... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It is undoubtedly one of the boldest-appearing midsize sedans today. After all, it replaced another sharp-looking car, Optima, that is now in the history books. The midsize K5 is not just an ey... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Redesigned two years ago, the 2022 Nissan Sentra continues to be an alluring ride. It can be even more if you opt for the brand-new Midnight Edition package, which comes with lovely black exter... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com THE RIDE: Four-door, six- or seven-passenger mid-size 2022 Infiniti QX60 AWD. DOWN THE ROAD: After a hiatus in 2021, the QX60 is back, all redesigned but retaining its power train. Based on ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com That Outlander you may have driven or heard about in the past, toss it all out. The all-new, fourth-gen Mitsubishi compact SUV has been reborn with a fresh power train, extended fascia and an a... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The 3 Series may be a best-seller and most popular BMW ever but potential buyers are missing out on another stellar ride from the German automaker. You just cannot overlook the second-gen 2 Ser... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Just a couple months after testing the overhauled Frontier PRO 4-X trim, Nissan dispatched over yet another version of its best-selling pickups, an SV model with rear-wheel-drive capabilities. ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Some may recall the M Class. That was pre-2015. Thereafter, Mercedes-Benz retitled the popular midsize luxury GLE fitting it between the smaller GLC and the bigger GLS. Regardless of the nomenc... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Nestled against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains sits the American Riviera, i.e., the gorgeous Mediterranean-style coastal city of Santa Barbara. It is no wonder than that Mazda picked ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Let’s rattle off some minivan names: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica. And now let’s add another all-new ride to the list – Kia Carnival, a fine and fitting replacement for... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Now here’s an American-made ride that can give tough competition to its European rivals. The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is not just a stunner but also loaded with classy and tech-laden cab... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com “No way, is that a Kia?” was the first impression from most everyone who happened to gaze at our 2022 Stinger test car. Indeed, it is a product of the Korean carmaker’s hard and dedicated... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Debuting just two years ago, it sits on a car-like framework but with all the bells and whistles you would find among competitors such as the Audi Q3 or the Volvo XC40. The 2022 Cadillac XT4 is... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Introduced over a decade ago, the GMC Terrain has stood the test of time despite fierce competition in the compact SUV segment. Available as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the hands-on and r... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Tesla 3, meet Kona electric. The Hyundai subcompact crossover can go up to 258 miles on a full charge, thanks to the 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. And unlike the Tesla 3, which starts at nearly ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com OK, so the immense and vertically prominent kidney grill with mesh air intakes conveys a love-it-or-hate-it moment! But once you are agreed upon the front looks either way, there is only love … a... read more

Test-drive story by NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Rarely does a vehicle score a triple whammy of wins at an awards program. But the all-new, all-electric Ioniq 5 has beaten the odds!At the recent New York International Aut... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Zero to 60 in the 3.6 seconds, ¼-mile in 10.6 seconds and top speed at 203 mph. Impressed? You ought to be. The 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi SRT engine in the Dodge Charger boasts robust accelerati... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Just a couple months or so after driving the 2021 Yukon Denali, the folks at GMC dispatched over a Yukon AT4 for us to test. The rugged, all-terrain full-size SUV can lift up 2 inches for ground cl... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It’s a fact. Even if gas prices reached $4 a gallon and beyond, there would still be a demand for full-sized SUVs such as the truck-based 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. After all, few rides on the road ca... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com In 2019, the Edge ST entered the market, the first utility from Ford Performance. Though the midsize crossover segment is packed with tough competition such as the solid Toyota Highlander, Nissan M... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com THE RIDE: Four-door, up to eight-passenger (our trim seated seven) full-size 2021 Infiniti QX80 4WD. DOWN THE ROAD: Based on a fully boxed all-steel frame, the power in the Infiniti is abundant ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Is it a wagon? Or a midsize SUV? Really, it doesn’t matter because the Outback leaves a lasting impression. More so now with a recent overhaul. The sixth-gen and five-seater Subaru boasts a solid... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com OK, so it isn’t quite as fast as the Corvette Stingray Z51 but this one still can fly! The “four-door, four-passenger coupe,” as Mercedes likes to call the performance-oriented sedan, can tak... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It may not have the power of a GT, Bullitt or Shelby GT500 but the Mustang EcoBoost with the optional high-performance package will leave any potential owner thoroughly satisfied. As we were recent... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Unlike the mammoth 6.2-liter V-8 engine (455 horsepower) Camaro we test drove last year, this one for 2021 was equipped with a smaller power train. Nevertheless, it is still a thriller of a rid... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The fifth-gen Cadillac Escalade has gone high-tech! In a big way, we must point out. The iconic full-size luxury SUV now is equipped with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen technology, whic... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Numerous three-row SUVs compete vigorously in the market but among the standouts is the Traverse. Sharing its design with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the body-frame integral structure of this... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.comJust a year ago, Jeep had dispatched over its then all-new, gas-powered Gladiator Rubicon to us. Recently, we had the opportunity to test the diesel version of what is the only four-door 4X4 convertibl... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.comNot much is acknowledged about the Q60 (like a BMW or Benz offering) but the luxury sport coupe from Infiniti but should be on any prospective buyer’s radar. Carrying over from last year, the Q60 is ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com With Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6 and more, competition is vicious in the midsize sedan segment. One competent vehicle that has not received as much attention in the field is t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Putting the new Supra through a test drive of tight turns and hard acceleration and braking, I realized the name truly fits Toyota’s latest iteration of its sports coupe. In Latin, “supra”... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Since the then-Italian carmaker (now Fiat ChryslerAutomobiles) began selling cars in the United States eight years ago, it’s been our fortune to drive most of them: base 500, Abarth, 124 Spider, ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com After over a decade, it is back and we are glad to see the arrival of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, slotted between the smaller Trax and larger Equinox siblings. A subcompact SUV it is, but an impress... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com After a major redesign inside out last year, the GMC Sierra Denali 1500 4WD Crew Cab truck for 2020 continues mostly as is. This solidly built full-size pickup ensures reasonably quick acceleration... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Imagine going over 250 miles and some more on a full one-time electric charge in a ride. GM claims 259miles (up 21 from its predecessor), to be exact, in its four-door, five-passenger 2019 Bolt EV.... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Introduced in 2001, the MDX has undergone a transformation over the years. All for the good, of course. After nearly two decades, the stylish three-row midsize luxury SUV from Acura still possesses... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Who wouldn’t want to be James Bond for a week? OK, that’s next to impossible, but how about driving the supercar that stars in the 007 movies? When the offer recently came from Aston Martin ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The Ranger is back in town! After an eight-year hiatus, the fourth-gen Ford Ranger returned last year and, we must say, it has been quite a feat. The rear-wheel-drive (4X2) version of the midsize p... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com With Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6 and more, competition is vicious in the midsize sedan segment. One competent vehicle that has not received as much attention in the field is t... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Heading over to Atlanta for vacation? Or to West Palm Beach and back? Then we suggest checking out the redesigned 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid. The sedan can go more than 550 miles on a tank ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Zora Arkus-Duntov may not be a household name but his vision has come true after over 60 years. The late ‘father of Corvette’ imagined a mid-engine for the iconic car but bumps along the way ke... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Yes, folks, the stick shift has not yet totally joined the dinosaurs. Admitted, the manual gearbox is rarely to be found in the cars of today and even scarcer among luxury sport sedans. Our kudos g... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com The Hyundai lineup of SUVs (starting with Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade) just got another addition and a welcome one at that. The all-new 2020 subcompact Venue may appear small but it’s a f... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com It’s a new territory for the Frontier, i.e. the 2020 Nissan Frontier. And a welcome one too, we should point out. The midsize pickup has been overhauled with a fresh powertrain and transmission. ... read more

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com Another three-row luxury crossover from Cadillac? Like the Escalade, you wonder. Not at all. Unlike the truck-based Escalade, the XT6 debuting this year sits on a car-like framework but offers all ... read more