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From Combustion to Chemistry

As much as today’s cars vie for our attention with animated welcome lighting, flush door handles, and hand-crafted interior trim, it remains the powertrain that draws us in and can fundamentally determine the vehicle’s success. However, having the right powertrain isn’t as simple as a plug-and-chug formula, forcing full-line automakers, such as Toyota, to not only offer numerous forms of propulsion but also to advance technological innovations in each realm. Whether through combustion control, battery chemistry, hydrogen packaging, or even nuclear fission, the goal is to maximize the potential of the fuel. For Toyota and its engineers, it’s a never-ending mission. For us consumers, it’s never been more exciting.

Quick Trip: 2026 Honda Prelude

Honda daringly reintroduces the Prelude after 25 years, and it has big shoes to fill, as each prior generation has showcased the latest and greatest technology, which included both powertrain and chassis advancements.

Toyota Sequoia Capstone – A hardy machine forced to play dress-up.

The Toyota Sequoia tries its hand at the posh end of the large SUV segment by loading the Capstone trim with just about every available upgrade; however, it can’t mask the big ‘ute’s simpler underpinnings that, ultimately, hold it back from feeling as polished as its rivals. Still, there is plenty to appreciate every day, such as the ample interior space and power-focused hybrid powertrain.

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid – A good hybrid, but an akward Mazda.

Mazda partners up with Toyota to deliver the CX-50 Hybrid for 2026 and, as Mazda already produces the gas-only crossover at their joint-owned plant in Alabama, adopting the “plug-and-play” Toyota Hybrid System wasn’t a far-fetched concept. And indeed, the CX-50 Hybrid delivers the expected excellent fuel efficiency and around-town smoothness, but its battery capacity is only so great, and in the canyons, it can only deliver full power for a short period, leaving this CX-50 Hybrid feeling more practically-natured than engaging, or in Mazda terms, more scoot-scoot than zoom-zoom.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max – The practicality you need, the power you want

The Toyota Grand Highlander is undeniably practical, offering a large interior with three rows, crisp modern styling, and a strong value. Plus, it offers a gas-only and an (efficiency-focused) hybrid powertrain. This is what we’ve come to expect from the brand.

However, there is also a second hybrid on the menu called Hybrid Max, which combines the sustained power of a turbocharged engine and the instantaneous response of a large drive motor, for a notable performance boost. This was something not expected.

Buick Enclave – Searching for a formula that works

Buick sits within a narrow spectrum of GM’s wide range of brands, striving to deliver products that fall between its mainstream (Chevrolet) and premium (Cadillac) brands in terms of features, style, and power. And while the formula for its longevity often involves plenty of shared parts with its platformmates, the Buick Enclave still manages something unique and somewhat unexpected.

2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i – A superhero in disguise

The BMW X5’s 25th anniversary is celebrated with a number of premium finishes and features, one of which is the hefty xOffroad Package. This may sound like an odd inclusion, but when the going gets dirty, the BMW has turned to the X5 for four generations.

2025 RMAP 4xFall – Empire, CO

This year’s 4xFall event, presented by Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, takes us to Empire – a small town that many skiiers and downhill mountain bikers will pass through on their way to Winter Park/ Trestle Bike Park from I-70. If you haven’t already made a pit stop, it may be worth your time to take a pause in one of the coffee and food shops before heading up the pass or hitting the highway.

Our specific drive route included a mountain highway segment, followed by a relatively easy but rugged and steep off-road trail: Jones Pass. The varying terrain helped demonstrate where each of these vehicles landed on the off-roading vs. on-road vs. value spectrum, with each offering its own story for their adventurous-minded customers.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla – A race car. You Need to Watch the WRC.

With just a glance at the simply designed key fob or a passing look at the car’s hatchback profile, it’s easy to “see” just a typical Corolla and overlook the enhanced hardware packed within this car’s bulging fenders. Indeed, the Toyota GR Corolla shares components with its lesser namesake, but make no mistake, those two additional letters bring a totally different car, along with its own production line.

2025 Honda Civic Hybrid – Delightfully Optimized

The Civic adds another element to Honda’s multifaceted, once-small sedan with the Hybrid model. Whereas the Civic Si offers a sporty yet practical side and the Civic Type R shows off its inherent racing ability, the Hybrid delivers not just the expected efficiency bump, but it also adds a class-above level of driving ease and refinement.