Pilgrim Motor Press - An Automotive Engineer's Point of View

2020 Toyota Camry XSE AWD

Snowy road, check. Traction Control off, check. Turn the wheel, liberally apply power, and then counter-steer the power-on drift. Did I mention that we’re doing this in a Camry?

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63

Making the case for the most capable vehicle available today.

When Mercedes-Benz graces the rear end of the car with the AMG badge, there is an immediate rise in expectations. The now in-house performance arm has waived their wands over more unlikely vehicles such as the G 63 (and the single-year run of the R 63) which raises suspicion of the big SUV’s true sporting intentions but the brand-new generation AMG GLS 63 begs one to test its go-fast credibility all while enjoying its lengthy list of luxurious features and three-row spaciousness.

2020 Chevrolet Bolt

Imagine a car designed by the most logical and forward-thinking engineers at GM. The car isn’t going to win any styling competitions nor does it come close to meeting the benchmark for ride and handling. Rather, its mark on the industry is etched with an exceptional driving range, ease of use, and utmost practicality. It may not be overly exciting but it is entirely satisfying.

2020 Mini Cooper SE (All-Electric)

If there ever was a car that felt perfectly matched for the transition from gasoline to electric propulsion, it is the Mini Cooper.

2020 Chevrolet Blazer

Automakers usually look to the model’s past to adopt what worked and what needed rethinking, however, in the case of the Blazer, Chevrolet chose a different path and there are no similarities with the rough and tumble SUV that once roamed for 25 years. Considering the frenzy that Ford has generated with its retro-inspired Bronco, one can’t help but wonder if this soft-natured crossover should have been called something else. But even after putting the nameplate aside, the new crossover’s concept feels disjointed and as such, it becomes difficult to appreciate more than just the sum of its components.

2020 Ford Expedition

Each key vehicle development stage from styling all the way through mass-production, leaves its own impression on the vehicle’s overall personality. True success depends on whether they all carry the same tune. In the case of the Expedition, all teams contributed to a confident and very capable machine, although, its $72,000 price tag will be difficult for most to justify.

2020 Honda CR-V

For every model redesign, there is an expectation that the new version has naturally inherited the best traits of the previous generations while also continuing to push the design forward into the next era. It’s a simple formula in concept, however, it is not always easy to pull-off.

Older generations of the CR-V featured clever design details, spacious cabins, and were engaging to drive and that’s very much how one can describe this generation as well. However, now the CR-V design’s later years, it feels a step behind its rivals’ premium feel yet it can’t be beaten when it comes to ultimate utility and driver engagement.

2020 Toyota Highlander

With expectations of a new design every five years, the automotive market doesn’t take kindly to models that don’t continuously push their boundaries. That is especially true of the crossover market, where an ever-increasing number of new players means that even the Toyota Highlander, the segment’s best selling model since 2016, needs to take some calculated risk.

And sure enough, the Toyota Highlander went big with its 2020 redesign and is impressive in nearly every regard.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

As one would rightfully suspect, the Corolla Hatchback has a lot in common with the Corolla sedan (which is a good thing) but one peek around at its backside, and it becomes instantly clear that the stylists went for some added edge. The focus on styling may have cost some utility points but for the individual seeking practicality and a sense of individuality, the “HB” is an appealing small car.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel

Putting context to the phrase: “It’s a Jeep Thing”.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Ecodiesel

There is a bond between people whose sense of off-road adventure has brought them to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It’s simply diagnosed as “a Jeep Thing” but what does it mean?

It may be beyond me to pin it down, but after experiencing the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with the all-new 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel, I at least came away with a better understanding.

Here are my eleven most distinguishing take-aways.