Oct 28, 2022Chad ReynoldsBangShift Galleries, BangShift XL, Event Coverage, Gallery, Truck / Tractor Events, XL Event Coverage, XL Gallery, XL Spotlight, XL Videos

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Until the Cordoba came along in 1975, the Chrysler brand had sold only large cars in the U.S. A hit with monied midsize car shoppers, the Cordoba gave the near-luxury brand an entry into the midsize market, and the perfect response to rising fuel prices as well as pesky car-payment swelling inflation.

Popular as the Cordoba was, it was offered only as a coupe, and it wasn’t exactly affordable. To broaden the brand’s appeal, Chrysler rolled out a family of midsize offerings, priced somewhat below the Cordoba, and more in line with offerings from Oldsmobile and Mercury.

Dubbed LeBaron, the new Chryslers arrived for 1977 and significantly broadened the brand’s appeal. But why LeBaron? Chrysler had a number of legacy names it could have applied to its new line of midsize cars, where did Lebaron come from?

Folks familiar with Imperial—which from time-to-time was a stand-along brand, and at other times a Chrysler model—will recall that the LeBaron tag was frequently included as part the marque’s model names. Check out the Imperial ads below for an example of the usage.

As for LeBaron, the name comes from a luxury coach builder established back in 1920. The well-regarded design and fabrication house was known for its work with such premium car builders as Duesenberg, Cadillac, as well as Chrysler. LeBaron, perhaps most famously, built the striking Chrysler Thunderbolt concept car which debuted for 1941.

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Collected here are a number of Chrysler and Imperial print ads featuring LeBaron models. Tell us what you think by leaving a comment down below.

More classic car ads

1957 Imperial LeBaron

Pentastar Madness! A Gallery of Classic Chrysler Ads

1967 Imperial LeBaron

Coastal Drive Madness! A Gallery of Ads Featuring Cars at the Ocean

1977 LeBaron

2022 Detroit Auto Show: 2023 Chrysler 300C

1977 LeBaron

Mainstream Mainstay: 1977-1995 Chrysler LeBaron

1979 LeBaron Town & Country

Classic Car Ads: Station Wagons of 1979

1982 LeBaron Town & Country

Classic Car Ads: Luxury Cars of 1985

1987 LeBaron GTS

Classic Car Ads: Sedans of 1980

1988 LeBaron

Forgotten Concept: Chrysler LeBaron Turbine

1992 LeBaron

Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast

Chrysler LeBaron Gallery

Click below for enlarged images.

Mainstream Mainstay: 1977-1995 Chrysler LeBaron

Car Stuff Podcast

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Oct 23, 2022Chad Reynolds1320 Event Coverage, 1320 Videos, BangShift 1320, DRAG RACES, Event Coverage, RACING & ACTION, Videos

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2022 Hyundai Kona N

Class: Subcompact Crossover

Miles driven: 243

Fuel Used: 11.0 gallons

CG Report Card
Room and Comfort	B-
Power and Performance	A
Fit and Finish	B
Fuel Economy	B-
Value	B+
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy	B+
Tall Guy	B+
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs	276-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Type	Turbocharged four
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	Front-wheel drive

Real-world fuel economy: 20.3 mpg

Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/27/23 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas

Base price: $34,200 (not including $1225 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: None

Price as tested: $35,445

Quick Hits

The great: Great steering feel, athletic demeanor, lots of fun to drive

The good: Functional package, relative easy on the gas, reasonable price given the performance

The not so good: Extremely firm ride, never feels relaxed, fatiguing on long highway drives

John Biel:

It seems that Hyundai’s solution for packing lots of performance into a subcompact SUV that it can still sell for $35,445 (with delivery) to start is to hold the line on luxury. The Kona N comes with a meaty leather-wrapped N steering wheel and seats with microfiber inserts that help to give passengers a little better chance at staying in place during lateral hijinks. There’s bright pedal trim, too. However, the majority of the cabin isn’t any less low-buck plain than tamer Konas that are in themselves good deals.

The Kona N is ready to fly with its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s actually nothing menacing about the powerteam in “Comfort” mode; it’s fairly docile around town. Selecting “Sport” noticeably changes the aural landscape and perks up launches. The red “N Grin Shift” button on the steering wheel is purported to unlock an extra 10 horsepower—to 286—for 20 seconds. It didn’t exactly make this driver grin ear to ear when he pushed it but the tachometer made it clear the test car was operating in a higher (and louder) rpm range than before. Indicated fuel mileage at the end of a 61-mile stint was 22.5 mpg. That’s 0.5 mpg shy of the EPA’s combined-mileage estimate for the Kona N, and not bad considering 69 percent of this reviewer’s miles were in city-type driving,

Ride is firm, even in Comfort mode, and close to hard in Sport. There’s added firmness to the nicely weighted steering when opting for Sport, too. The front-wheel-drive N seems to enjoy being pushed through quick corners, which it can do without much lean. Braking from the enlarged 4-wheel discs is excellent.

Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Audi RS3

As in any Kona, passengers enjoy surprising roominess—there’s legitimate space for four “average-size” adults. Storage for their personal items comes from a good-sized glove box, small-capacity console box, a net pouch on the back of the front passenger seat, modest map pockets in all four doors, and cup holders in the console and the pull-down rear armrest. Standard-issue Hyundai infotainment and climate-control systems are easy to use. Fold the 60/40-split second-row seats and 19.2 cubic feet of cargo area grows to 45.8 cubic feet.

Tom Appel:

Back when I was in my mid twenties, I lived about 15 minutes from my job. My commute included a quick highway sprint that demanded driver attention, and plenty of engagement, as I was always running late. Usually very late. I mention this because my loyal and responsive Volkswagen Scirocco was always being pushed hard. Looking back, it seems possible I subconsciously wanted to run late, giving me pretext for driving like a guy who was—well—running late for work.

I’m old now, and not sure I would enjoy daily fiery sprints to the office. More likely, I would just allow myself a little more time and catch up on one of the half dozen podcasts I try to keep up with.

The Kona N reminded me of my mighty ’85 Scirocco. Not because the Scirocco was fast—it wasn’t—but because the Kona is engaging in all the right ways, though it demands a lot in return, and I am no longer willing to make such compromises.

You can read a lot more about what the Kona N is all about here, but let me recap my time in the car. Yes there’s plenty of power, and yes there’s plenty of lateral grip, but the two things that really make an aggressive commute more fun are steering feel and effective, firm-feeling brakes, and the Kona N has both in spades.

2022 Detroit Auto Show: 2024 Ford Mustang

My primary issue with this small crossover is with ride quality—and “quality” may be a misnomer here. Even in Comfort, the mildest of the Kona’s available drive modes, the vehicles pounds over road imperfections and registers every surface irregularity. Twenty-something me would have described the crude ride as “road feel,” now I just find it fatiguing.

Additionally, the exhaust note is on the extreme side, and plenty of road noise filters into the cabin. But again, these are reasonable compromises made in the name of fun–at least to the right driver. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Kona N, and was also glad to swap into another car when my turn ended. My commute is too long, and I got a little too middle aged.

But man, if you’re still in the mood for an aggressive sprint to the office—or Best Buy, or Starbucks—the Kona N will reward you with plenty of edgy snark. Just don’t get too old while you own the ‘N, because there’s no drive mode for cranky.

Test Drive: 2022 Toyota GR86

Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast

2022 Hyundai Kona N Gallery

Click below for enlarged images.

Track Day: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N and Kona N

Car Stuff Podcast

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Here are all the results from the NHRA Pro Mod event in Ennis this past weekend.

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 16, 2022) – After clinching the world championship in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon on Saturday, Kris Thorne closed out his impressive season with a victory on Sunday as part of the 37th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals.

The event, which was powered by JBS Equipment, was the last of 10 races during the 2022 season in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon. Thorne rolled to another outstanding performance at the finale, defeating Stan Shelton in the championship round with a run of 5.720-seconds at 250.24 mph in his ProCharger-powered Camaro.

It was the quickest round of the weekend in the class as Thorne finished off a dream season with his fourth victory of the year. He knocked off Rickey Fischer and J.R. Gray on Saturday, clinching his first world championship in the class in the process, and advancing to his fifth final round of the year.

Thorne finished it off with another stellar performance in the final round in what turned into an incredible weekend for the NHRA Pro Mod standout.

“I would have never dreamed this,” Thorne said. “But I’ve got the best guys in the world. They bailed me out so many times and every time we rolled up to the beams, I tried to give it everything I had. I have to thank everyone who has supported me for everything. I couldn’t have done this without them.”

Shelton reached his second final round this season with victories against Lyle Barnett, Stevie “Fast” Jackson and Justin Bond.

The FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon will return to action as part of the 2023 NHRA season.

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ENNIS, Texas — Final finish order (1-16) at the 37th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex. The race is the final of 10 events in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon.

PRO MODIFIED:

1. Kris Thorne; 2. Stan Shelton; 3. Justin Bond; 4. JR Gray; 5. Mike Castellana; 6. Steve

Jackson; 7. Mike Thielen; 8. Kevin Rivenbark; 9. Lyle Barnett; 10. Rickey Fischer; 11. Doug Winters.

ENNIS, Texas — Sunday’s final results from the 37th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex. The race is the final of 10 events in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon.

Pro Modified — Kris Thorne, Chevy Camaro, 5.720, 250.24 def. Stan Shelton, Ford Mustang, Foul – Outer Boundary.

ENNIS, Texas — Final round-by-round results from the 37th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, the final of 10 events in the FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE — Stan Shelton, Ford Mustang, 5.989, 234.11 def. Lyle Barnett, Chevy Camaro, 7.688, 126.11; JR Gray, Camaro, 5.823, 248.30 def. Doug Winters, Chevy Chevelle, 10.532, 104.82; Mike Castellana, Camaro, 5.856, 246.99 def. Kevin Rivenbark, Camaro, 5.863, 245.59; Kris Thorne, Camaro, 5.857, 244.00 def. Rickey Fischer, 9.706, 92.98; Justin Bond, Camaro, 5.783, 248.52 def. Mike Thielen, Camaro, 5.849, 243.84; Steve Jackson, Camaro, 7.911, 146.99 was unopposed;

QUARTERFINALS — Shelton, 5.830, 249.56 def. Jackson, 6.490, 163.00; Thorne, 5.769, 250.95 def. Gray, 5.788, 248.13; Bond, 5.766, 247.06 def. Castellana, 5.807, 248.07;

SEMIFINALS — Thorne, 5.736, 242.78 was unopposed; Shelton, 5.793, 249.61 def. Bond, Foul – Red Light;

FINAL — Thorne, 5.720, 250.24 def. Shelton, Foul – Outer Boundary.

VIDEO

Kris Thorne

FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by D-Wagon Winner

5.720 seconds, 250.24 mph

NOTE: After collecting the Pro Mod world championship, Kris Thorne won the Texas NHRA FallNationals on Sunday when he defeated competitor Stan Shelton thanks to his 5.720-second pass at 250.24 mph.

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Justin Ashley

Top Fuel Winner

Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster

3.688 seconds, 329.24 mph

NOTE: Justin Ashley extended his Top Fuel points lead when he picked up the Texas NHRA FallNationals title over Austin Prock when he went 3.688 seconds at 329.24 mph at Texas Motorplex on Sunday.

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Ron Capps

Funny Car Winner

NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota GR Supra Funny Car

3.911 seconds, 327.18 mph

NOTE: Reigning Funny Car champ Ron Capps claimed his second consecutive Texas NHRA FallNationals win on Sunday when he defeated Matt Hagan in the final round with a 3.911-second pass at 327.18 mph at Texas Motorplex.

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Erica Enders

Pro Stock Winner

Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro

6.537 seconds, 209.63 mph

NOTE: Pro Stock’s Erica Enders continued her 2022 dominance when she collected her nineth win of the season at the Texas NHRA FallNationals. Enders’ 6.537-second pass 209.63 mph was good enough to take down rival and defending champion Greg Anderson.

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Hector Arana Jr.

Pro Stock Motorcycle Winner

Team Arana Buell

6.728 seconds, 202.05 mph

NOTE: Angelle Sampey picked up her fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season on Saturday at the Texas NHRA FallNationals when her 6.728-second lap at 202.05 mph held up for best of the category at Texas Motorplex.

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For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet check out Community Chevrolet TODAY!

Oct 15, 2022Chad Reynolds1320 Engine Tech, 1320 Spotlight, 1320 Tech Story, 1320 Videos, BangShift 1320, ENGINE, ENGINES, RACING & ACTION, TECH, Tech Stories, Videos

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2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i

Class: Premium Compact Crossover/SUV

Miles driven: 191

CG Report Card
Room and Comfort	B-
Power and Performance	B+
Fit and Finish	A
Fuel Economy	B-
Value	B
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy	B+
Tall Guy	A
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs	248-horsepower 2.0L
Engine Type	Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 20.3 mpg

Driving mix: 75% city, 25% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21/28/24 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas

Base price: $45,700 (not including $995 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($550), Oyster Vernasca Leather ($1450), Dynamic Handling Package ($1400), M Sport Package ($4100), Premium Package ($1850), front and rear heated seats ($350), M Sport wheels and trim ($1550), width-adjusting driver seat delete (-$100),  digital key delete (-$80), front-passenger lumbar adjustment delete (-$175), Live Cockpit ($900)

Price as tested: $58,490

Quick Hits

The great: Crossover utility with European driving dynamics

The good: Plenty of power, classy cabin

The not so good: Confounding array of pricey options, middling fuel economy

CG Says:

The 2022 BMW X3 has refreshed styling and an M Sport appearance package is available for the base model. The M40i gains a 48-volt mild hybrid system, but it doesn’t affect horsepower. The X3 M sees torque rise from 442 to 457 and with the Competition Package, torque jumps from 442 to 479. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped. X3 slots above the X1 and X2 in BMW’s crossover lineup. BMW also sells an X4, a fastback-roofed version of the X3. The X3 was redesigned for 2018. The base 30i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 248 hp and the M40i has a turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that is rated at 382 hp. The X3 M is power by a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six the develops 473 hp or 503 hp with the Competition Package. All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 30i offers sDrive rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive. All other models have standard all-wheel drive only. Available safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Other available features include heated/ventilated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate controls, head-up instrument display, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The X3 delivers the BMW brand’s trademark athletic handling and performance combined with the practical benefits of a crossover SUV, and those qualities were only heightened with the excellent 2018 redesign. However, standard equipment levels aren’t particularly generous, and you’ll pay plenty for options.

Quick Spin: 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge Extended Range

For the editors of Consumer Guide, it’s always a treat to drive a base-level BMW, as we’re generally exposed to more-expensive, performance-oriented “M” models. We’re happy to report that our test X3 still looks and feels like a German vehicle, in all the right ways. Most importantly, the X3 steers and handles like a sporty car, and even with the M Sport Package, ride quality is still luxury-vehicle appropriate. Our fuel economy was a little disappointing, though we admit that the X3 invites aggressive driving, and that most of our evaluation time was spent in the city.

Test Drive: 2023 BMW iX M60

If  you can live without all of the options crammed into our test vehicle–and we suspect most consumers can–you can build yourself an excellent sporty small crossover for around $50,000. Given the price of cars and crossovers these days, that almost seems like a bargain to us.

Test Drive: 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance

Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast

BMW X3 xDrive30i Gallery

Click below for enlarged images.

Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Audi Q3 S Line

Car Stuff Podcast

Everyone knows the internal struggle when repairing their car and buying supplies that are available at widely different price points. Do I go with the expensive RTV or the old standby that I’ve always used? Does the manufacturer really know something that the store brand doesn’t? And what about all the different offerings from the same manufacturer? Is Right Stuff better than Ultra Grey?

What should I choose for my projects!?!?

Video Description:

RTV Brands Tested: Permatex Ultra Grey, AC Delco, Hondabond, John Deere, Toyota, AISIN, Permatex Right Stuff, Yamalube, MOPAR, Loctite, Pro Seal, Versachem, JB Weld. Does it matter how you apply the gasket maker? Should you wait 10 minutes to allow the RTV to skin over? Let’s find out! Gasket makers also compared for adhesive and cohesive performance on plastic and metal, maximum pressure using a metal clamshell assembly, effectiveness at curing under ideal conditions and chemical resistance. I purchased all the RTV gasket makers and the supplies used for the testing to ensure fair and unbiased reviews.

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2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

Class: Compact Crossover/SUV

Miles driven: 266

CG Report Card
Room and Comfort	B
Power and Performance	B
Fit and Finish	B-
Fuel Economy	C+
Value	C
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy	A-
Tall Guy	B
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs	418-horsepower 3.0L
Engine Type	Turbo V6
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 16.3 mpg

Driving mix: 75% city, 25% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 15/16/15 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $68,500 (not including $1595 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Raptor Graphics($1075), keyless entry keypad ($110), 17-inch back alloy wheels ($1995), leather trim with suede seats ($2495)

Price as tested: $75,550

Quick Hits

The great: Promise of go-anywhere fun, draws lots of attention

The good: Easier then expected to drive, plenty of power

The not so good: Pricey compared to lesser Bronco trim levels, high step-in height, width complicates parking, draws lots of attention

Tom Appel:

By most accounts, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is a very capable off-road vehicle. By my account, it is also a reasonably practical and relatively comfortable daily driver. But there’s something the Bronco absolutely excels at–at least in Eruption Green–and that’s attracting a crowd.

More than any other vehicle I’ve evaluated over the last two decades, except possibly the Hummer H2, the Bronco Raptor invites unsolicited attention, and plenty of time-consuming conversation. No fewer than a dozen people commented on my test Raptor—including my dry cleaner and two different 7-11 clerks—all of whom noted how lucky I was to be driving such a cool ride. It’s also telling that none one of these twelve folks asked me anything about the truck’s off-road prowess.

Test Drive: 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X

It’s hard to tell if the Raptor’s rock-crawling and desert-running talents are simply a given, of if looking the part is good enough for the average consumer, but no one cared if the truck could traverse a speed bump, much less conquer the Rubicon Trail. The good news is that the Raptor doesn’t ask too much of daily drivers in the name of off-road ability, but there are a few compromises worth noting. More on these in a moment.

Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport

Let’s talk about the truck itself. For stability at speed, the Raptor’s track has been widened considerably; it’s 10 full inches wider at the front axle, and 9 in the back. To accommodate the enhanced road gear, the Raptor itself is fully 10 inches wider overall. And, to accommodate greater suspension travel, and the cool-looking 37-inch wheels shod with BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, the truck’s ground clearance has been increased to 13 inches, almost 2 inches more than a standard Bronco with the optional Sasquatch Package. Fox-brand performance shock absorbers round out the suspension upgrades. Note that the Raptor is offered only as a 4-door.

Quick Spin: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor

On the road, the Raptor feels more or less like a lesser Bronco, albeit with a lot more power. Instead of the turbocharged 2.3- or 2.7-liter engines found on other Broncs, the Raptor boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 rated at 418 horsepower. Paired with a capable and refined 10-speed automatic, the Raptor squirts easily through traffic and powers up merging lanes with casual ease.

Test Drive: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe

Impressively, the Raptor exhibits little of the cornering roll and plow generally associated with vehicles shod tires with large sidewall. Though the Raptor is no sports car, it handles well enough. Strong and responsive brakes add to the truck’s ability to hustle.

With all the power, and those big, energy scrubbing tires, you might expect fuel economy to suffer, and it does, though not all that much. Over 266 miles of mostly city driving, our test Bronco Raptor averaged 16.3 mpg. That’s slightly better than the EPA estimates for this truck, and–good news–the Raptor does fine on regular-grade gas.

Test Drive: 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond

Maybe I’m just old and out of shape, but I found getting into and out of the Raptor a chore. That said, once inside the truck I was plenty comfortable. I didn’t do any hard-core off-roading, but it I did find some meaningfully large mud and clay chunks to crush, and the Raptor dispatched said obstacles with dismissible ease. Was I buying  a Bronco, and I wouldn’t mind doing so, I would likely opt for a lesser trim level. While the Raptor impresses for a number of reasons, I’d prefer to see better gas mileage, and I rarely drift too far off the paved roads that comprise my commute. Also, at around $75,000, the Raptor represents a large additional invest over the price of the other Broncs. Plus, and this is important, I don’t have the time or inclination to host a Bronco Raptor clinic every time I stop for a Big Gulp.

Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast

Ford Bronco Raptor Gallery

Click below for enlarged images.

Quick Spin: 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Xtreme Recon

Car Stuff Podcast

Building on a dedication to Quality over the years, both Hyundai Motor Corporation and Mercedes-Benz USA have delivered vehicles that lead their segments in generating love for their customers. This love of the things-gone-right has magnified the perceptions of the quality of their vehicles. In Strategic Vision’s 2022 Total Quality Awards, Kia and Mercedes-Benz each had four vehicles lead their segments with the K5, Seltos, Sorento Plug-in Hybrid and Carnival leading for Kia and the EQS, AMG GT, G-Class and GLE Coupe leading for Mercedes-Benz, according to Strategic Vision’s 2022 Total Quality Impact? (TQI) measure.

"While many may not associate the brand with quality, Kia's vehicle product attributes and driving experience deliver cues of thoughtfulness and reliability that their owners love," explains Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision. “Most all Kia-branded vehicles have the fewest problems, and the product provides enhanced quality in areas of seat comfort, power and pickup and safety-related driver-assist features. As one example, the K5’s interior design, workmanship, comfort and features send significantly stronger Cues of Quality than its competitors, providing a foundation for new owners to Trust and feel Confident about their Kia purchase.”

“Mercedes-Benz models deliver Quality with all product attributes at significantly higher levels than most other luxury brands. Styling and innovation combined with performance and brand image all led to increased quality perceptions for the brand,” notes Chris Chaney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Vision. “The AMG GT had the fewest customers reporting problems and a near-perfect score for quality in power and pickup. The right combination of styling, innovation and performance gave Mercedes-Benz owners the highest quality vehicles.”

In addition to the Kia models, four other Hyundai Motor Corporation vehicles lead in their respective segments; the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV, Hyundai Santa Cruz and Genesis GV70. The GV70 finished just ahead of last year’s leader, the Mercedes-Benz GLC which moved to 2nd place.

While not as strong a showing as in previous years, several Domestic models also took the lead in their segments. This includes the Ford Mustang Coupe, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Dodge Durango, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Tahoe.

Below is the full list of the 2022 Total Quality Award winners and scores: