2020 LAND ROVER DEFENDER TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. Spurred by low gas prices, choking traffic and an insatiable appetite for SUVs, the off-road vehicle movement has never been riper.  I’m talking about real capability that can get you away from all the craziness; from trucks to sport utilities there have never been so many competent choices.  Enter the new Defender – a modern interpretation of the iconic original.  The days of needing body-on-frame construction and solid axles to prove your off-road mettle are passé. This Defender is modern, smart and everyday luxurious while being respectful to its past.  It’s purpose-built for off-roading but that’s not its only personality trait.  Made from an all-new aluminum unibody Land Rover says is the stiffest platform they’ve ever created underpinned by a fully independent air suspension that bests a Wrangler Rubicon in ground clearance and hangs with it in other critical off-road geometry.  It pairs a full-time 4-wheel drive system with a sophisticated Terrain Response System replete with automatic center and rear lockers making off-roading an absolute breeze.  The electronics are amazing and configurable beyond the numerous pre-programmed surface types; I just wish the Terrain Response controls weren’t shared with the climate buttons and knobs over here at a decent reach from the driver.  You can view the selections on the center screen or right here depending upon how you’ve configured the display.  With these optional new Goodyear Wrangler Adventure tires, this Defender makes mud, ruts and rocks seem like a mere inconvenience.
When the Defender’s 67 year production run ended in 2016, it had already been nearly 2 decades since one could be found in a U.S. Land Rover dealership. The 1997 Defender 90 with its 4.0-liter V8, 4-speed auto and 13mpg was a British-born Jeep rival. But since, Land Rover’s SUV lineup has trended more towards afternoon tea and less to morning fox hunts. The Defender’s much anticipated return is finally here to recapture some of the original’s raw ruggedness with modern day accoutrements.
MSRP as-tested: $73,043

2022 ACURA MDX FIRST LOOK BY CAR CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. A new MDX is coming and it’s a big deal. Why? For one, it’s the best-selling luxury 3-row SUV of all-time so this is a vehicle people are obviously interested in and 2) for Acura as a brand, the MDX and its smaller sibling the RDX do all of the heavy lifting in terms of sales. So in executing this next generation model Acura must be careful but not overly conservative. What you’re looking at here is a near-production ready prototype of the all-new model that goes on sale early next year. Acura now considers the MDX its flagship model and labels it the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in the brand’s history. Wider than before with a 3” longer wheelbase, this MDX debuts an all-new light truck platform that Acura states is built for athletic handling, refined ride comfort, exceptional cabin quietness AND one that’s capable of supporting the brand’s vaunted Type S treatment due later next summer. The standard engine will be the familiar 3.5-liter V6 while the MDX Type S will gets its own powerplant; a 3.0-liter turbo V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, distributing its power via a 10-speed automatic and Acura’s brilliant, next-gen super-handling all-wheel drive system. This MDX also debuts a new double wishbone front suspension, known for its sporty handling.
The wider body enables more legroom in all 3 rows and more headroom for 3rd row occupants while bolstered sport seats with 9 massage modes and 27 different lighting schemes dazzle up front! The cockpit has gone digital and the RDX’s touchpad interface makes its way over to the MDX, featuring Acura’s largest ever center display. And in-car audio continues to blossom with an available 25 speaker, 1000 watt, 22 channel ELS Studio 3D sound system.

2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER RS VIDEO REVIEW AND TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. It looks cool, comes stocked with premium features including wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and possesses a peppy engine that punches above its weight. It flaunts the brand’s new sporty crossover styling and can be equipped with enough bells and whistles to make it feel more substantive than its price would indicate. The Trailblazer will be a strong performer for Chevy but those who do their homework might find a better match.

2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. Volvo’s smallest and most affordable wagon has recently received the brand’s Cross Country treatment, meaning it rides higher, is driven by all 4 wheels and possesses a look that takes it into crossover territory. Volvo’s styling game is completely on point, particularly with their car lineup and this is one sharp-looking wagon, accentuated by metallic Crystal White paint and optional 19” wheels.  It looks like nothing else on the road and that’s not an easy claim these days.

2020 AUDI Q7 55 REVIEW BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. It’s no surprise; Audi sells far more SUVs these days than cars. And its largest has just been updated with modern tech and a new engine. This is the family-friendly, 3-row Audi Q7.
With a starting price of $55,795, admittedly the family has to have some money in the bank, but that being said this is the only Audi with seating for up to 7, standard all-wheel drive and 7,700 pounds max towing. Mine is the top-of-the-line Q7 Prestige, certainly well-equipped but not fully loaded, with an as-tested price of $76,040.