Pilgrim Motor Press

Quick Drive: 2021 Ford Bronco – First Edition

This is the fully loaded, full-size Bronco and is very different than the Bronco Sport. It has all of the advertised and hyped off-road goodies, such as an electronically disconnecting sway bar (that can release while under load), Bilstein dampers, a locking front and rear differential with lower gearing, modular steel bumpers, and 35-inch tires. Still, some off-road specs may not match those of a fully fitted Wrangler, but the Bronco has superior high-speed stability – a critical component to getting to the trails without already feeling worn out. The steering feel is very distant but it’s at least accurate and responsive and the road noise is about what one might expect from an off-roader with a removable top – simply don’t bother with the more expensive stereo.

Quick Drive: 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige

While Genesis touts the GV70 as a performance luxury crossover, its fancy bits shine the brightest. In-person, the crossover looks larger than it is and its exterior is full of details that take the styling to the next level. The wheels, headlights, bumper designs, and body curves, especially in this dark red color, all speak of luxury and the extra effort in design and engineering that went into the GV70.

2021 BMW 330e

The BMW 3-series sedan is a quick reminder of what these sports sedans can uniquely deliver: Confident but frisky handling and an interior that feels enclosed yet retains a refreshingly open forward view. This year, BMW adds a plug-in hybrid powertrain that furthers the sedan’s efficiency but it’s not without a few compromises.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid and SX Prestige X-Line

This was so close to being a home run for Kia. The redesigned Sorento offers powertrain diversity that reaches both ends of the performance spectrum, an exterior that is bold without being offensive, an interior that is appreciatively practical, and it carries an undeniable sense of value. So what is it that keeps both of these models from being winning standouts?

2021 Kia K5

When car companies switch their car names to some alphanumeric description, there is normally a bit of hesitation towards the new model – as if it might be trying a little too hard to say, “I’m new”. Such is the case with the new Kia K5 mid-size sedan which effectively fills the shoes of the departed Optima. So is it really worth getting to know this new model? In short, absolutely.

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Coupe

The AMG E53 Coupe presents big coupe looks with subtle hints at the significant performance enhancements that lie underneath. It’s got power, grace, and a heavy dose of premium technology all wrapped in a package that is undeniably Mercedes-Benz.

2021 BMW 430i xDrive

The all-new 4-Series coupe is decidedly sporty by way of its spec sheet but it misses out on delivering the advertised ultimate driving experience and instead delivers an impressively luxurious ride and a controversial design.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Explaining the concept of the Mustang Mach-E to a Mustang enthusiast usually evolves into a Q & A session. Yes, the V8 soundtrack, the sports-car low seating position, and the sleek coupe looks have all been reimagined for this new member of the Mustang brand. Delivering a whoosh, an open family-friendly interior, and a higher-riding body style, the Mach-E is like no other Mustang before it, and for the brand, there’s no turning back.

The fact that this Mustang bears the shape of a crossover is simply a reflection of the current and the foreseeable consumer shift towards the more practical raised-roof design while demand for two-door coupes continues to weaken. For a company that specializes in mass-production, being able to adapt is crucial for the Mustang brand.

2021 Toyota Venza

After the first generation missed the mark on customer preference, this all-new 2021 model confidently lands in an emerging space that prioritizes styling and design over space – and sometimes practicality. Being a Toyota, the Venza pushes the brand into new territory on several fronts.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

What a fitting name. The RAV4 Prime, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, isn’t just the best within the RAV4 lineup, it’s one of the most practical and efficient vehicles available.

The headlining advantage point for the Prime has over nearly every other vehicle available is its ability to be driven as an EV without a worry of range anxiety. It sounds cliche to use the term but if you’re looking to drive up to the mountains for a camping weekend or want to go skiing on a cold winter day, there will likely be some consideration for how long the trip will be and if there will be available charging. The Prime turns those concerns into simply curiosities.

The Prime is fitted with a larger battery pack that provides about 40 miles of electric driving – enough for most commutes – until the gasoline engine fires up to provide another 560 miles of range.