2018 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design

  The new Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design again elevates the Swedish brand. By Isaac Bouchard Volvo continues its stunning return to market relevance with the new XC40, a premium compact crossover that is not only a superbly executed piece of design but also really enjoyable to drive. Its chunky, broad shouldered and four-square stance and … Read more

2018 BMW 530e xDrive iPerformance

A second take on the plug-in hybrid 530e By Isaac Bouchard The 530e is one of my favorite BMW 5-series, and a brilliant indicator of a shining new world for those who enjoy driving and care about their carbon footprint. Perhaps there is more to the whole “iPerformance” sub-brand than just marketing hyperbole. This plug-in … Read more

Face-Off: 2018 Buick Regal TourX Essence vs. 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R

By Isaac Bouchard There’s a reason Subaru has basically tripled its sales since the recession, and the Outback 3.6R is a clear example. It has more off road merit than many “real” SUVs, terrific ride quality and better handling than most too. No wonder Buick decided that the imported-from-Europe TourX should take a shot at … Read more

Face-Off: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek v. 2018 Toyota C-HR

By Isaac Bouchard One of the hottest classes of car right now is the subcompact crossover. Subaru helped establish it with the first-gen Subaru Crosstrek, a jacked-up Impreza five-door hatchback. Toyota just came to play, with the C-HR, a vehicle intended for the now-closed Scion division. These two compete for same clientele. Both look, to … Read more

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Premier

Once a family’s size hits a certain critical mass, the majority of crossovers will no longer meet their needs for space and comfort. Normally this means making the decision of whether to get a minivan (and give up any semblance of coolness, at least in many folks’ minds) or go the fullsize SUV route. The … Read more