Automotive writer Tom Voelk drove over 100 cars in 2025. What are his favorites? These 11, a vast mix of autos, trucks, SUVs with Hybrid, ice and ev powertrains. Here’s Tom’s year in review as he goes over what he enjoyed the many. A lot of these are finalists for the North American Utility, Car and Truck of the Year Award. And several are budget-friendly with almost half offered under $40,000 well equipped. Though a few crest well over $100K.
WEB LINKS TO FULL REVIEWS-.
Buick Envista- https://youtu.be/QLfOr9vZleY.
Chevy Trax- https://youtu.be/VT3pzbKNeL4.
Cadilac Optiq- https://youtu.be/ofCczKI-SwQ.
Cadillac Lyriq- https://youtu.be/FaG3iOavU20.
Cadillac Vistiq- https://youtu.be/GQLXpMDE7y8.
Cadillac Escalade IQ- https://youtu.be/-SqFb_VGq2c.
Ford Maverick- https://youtu.be/HDnIJU2C0j0.
GMC Sierra Denali EV- https://youtu.be/Oys42NyljEQ.
Kia Sportage HEV- https://youtu.be/lgyPFNLexIc.
Lucid Gravity Grand Touring- https://youtu.be/_VevPCw7i4c.
Honda Passport TrailSport- https://youtu.be/JL7v4dyP8hE.
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid- https://youtu.be/U2d8LKpf-iI.
Nissan Leaf- https://youtu.be/_YOOx78TMAs.
Subaru Crosstrek- https://youtu.be/c-EXz28j1n8.
Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line- https://youtu.be/uk0mezTgYMA.
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The Driven Top 11 List for 2026, car of the year honor, truck of the year award, SUV of the year honor, EV of the year award, crossbreed of the year honor, Buick Envista, Chevy Trax, Cadillac Optiq, Cadillac Lyriq, Cadillac Vistiq, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Ford Maverick, GMC Sierra Denali EV, Kia Sportage HEV, Lucid Gravity Grand Touring, Honda Passport TrailSport, Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, Nissan Leaf, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Tiguan, Tom Voelk, Tom Volk, car reviews, Driven, Driven Car Reviews,.
Regarding Tom: Tom Voelk is an acclaimed auto contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the very first to win an Emmy Award (and he’s won for photography, editing and enhancing, reporting and producing).
00:00 The Driven Top 11 List for 2026.
1:15 Buick Envista/ Chevy Trax.
2:02 Cadillac Optiq/ Lyriq/ Vistiq/ Escalade IQ.
3:18 Ford Maverick.
4:14 GMC Sierra Denali EV.
5:15 Kia Sportage HEV.
6:15 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring.
7:15 Honda Passport TrailSport.
8:00 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
8:55 Nissan Leaf.
9:59 Subaru Crosstrek.
10:49 Volkswagen Tiguan.