Pilgrim Motor Press

Back in the early 2000s, Infiniti set the stage for crossovers that prioritized style over practicality. Today there are plenty of examples, now known as crossover coupes, from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover, and even Porsche – not bad company. While the flame went out on the FX several years ago, Infiniti has rejoined the fray with the QX55 but has it done enough to stand out from the crowd as its spiritual forebearer did? 

What a leap forward – the all-new Nissan Pathfinder goes from sleepy and mundane to adventurous and lively. Gone are the ponderous shape, inset wheels, and syrupy CVT that sucked the emotion out of the strong engine. The Pathfinder turns to its rugged roots for inspiration without neglecting the reality of a modern crossover’s routine. 

With the introduction of fully-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, traditional hybrids don’t capture the limelight like they used to. But it would be a mistake to ignore this one. Even though it lacks an EV Mode button, the Tucson Hybrid provides meaningful acceleration without requiring support from the turbocharged gasoline engine. But when called upon, the two power sources combine to deliver a robust thrust off the line while the standard all-wheel-drive system helps maintain traction and the six-speed transmission eliminates the high-revving drama of a CVT. The interior is delightfully modern in design yet there are plenty of hard controls for an affirmative engagement. With a spacious interior and a long list of features, the Tucson Hybrid offers a unique combination of power, efficiency, and value.

Looks can be deceiving – especially in the case of the Lexus IS 350 AWD. Its current silhouette has a close resemblance to its 2014 debut model year, but this year it gains numerous updates that go beyond the typical nip and tuck. But all this while the IS has been honing its existing designs, the competition has been making significant leaps in technology and design that has the IS feeling like it’s holding onto the past just a little too tightly. 

This is the real deal – a true sports car. This fifth-generation Supra has an obvious engineering connection with BMW yet a design freedom that’s uniquely Toyota and the result is something to behold whether it’s blasting down canyon roads or standing still. 

This new generation of Pathfinder attempts to re-establish its link with a rugged past with upright and blocky exterior and interior styling. The ride is nicely isolated and it has a sense of heft when negotiating fast turns while the steering feels a bit light just off-center – both traits that show the Pathfinder’s commitment to a trucky theme.

This is an art car. With exotic looks, a heart-pounding V8, confident handling, and a cabin that is simple yet stunning, the Lexus LC 500 Convertible is full of bold decisions and reaches your senses in a way that few others can.

First impression: Wow! This all-new fourth-generation is impressive. It handsomely wears the brand’s latest and unique design traits and is the most luxurious and tech-laden vehicle that Acura has created, so far. As it pushes into new territory, however, some areas of the MDX prove to be more successful than others. 

The TLX Type S is the result of Acura’s heightened efforts to deliver a true sports sedan. A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 provides very strong acceleration as the standard SH-AWD system effortlessly puts the power down for a neutral full-power corner exit. The suspension in Sport+ mode keeps the TLX very flat and always ready for the next curve. But in typical Acura fashion, the practicality of the base sedan is not lost and the Type S can just as easily adapt for a smooth highway ride. Initial impressions – it’s an exciting piece of machinery that will certainly please the Acura faithful.