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Articles by Aaron Gold
Driven: The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 plugs in to the sweet spot
When we last talked about the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class , we left off with the GLE580, which is the top-of-the-line model before you get to the AMGs. Adding $700 to the GLE580's $97,750 base price gets you the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 , but that means giving up the 580's fancy new V-8 for a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain. Is the GLE53 AMG worth the extra cheddar? In our opinion, the answer is a definitive yes. Let's talk about why.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 First Drive: Plugging in to the Sweet Spot Original
Bonus: Like the GLE500e, the 53 can use a DC fast charger. It’s not very fast—60 kW—but enough, Mercedes says, to get its battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. That said, we’ve tried fast-charging some other PHEV Mercedes models and struggled to get even that modest speed; an at-home Level 2 charger, which can fully charge the battery in about three hours, is still your best bet. What if you never plug in the GLE53?
Driven: The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a new(-ish) SUV in old clothing
Christoph Starzynski, Mercedes' VP of product strategy, gets irked when we refer to the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class as a “second face-lift.” Instead, he insisted the 2027 GLE is “a complete new car in old clothing.” We say that's a stretch, but his point isn't without merit. The new GLE boasts myriad under-the-skin improvements designed to fundamentally alter the driving experience of Benz's midsize luxury SUV . But is it enough to compete with more modern rivals?
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE First Drive: A New SUV in Old Clothing Original
There’s a smoother ride, stronger engines, and fresh tech—wrapped in familiar styling. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerOct 08, 2026 Christoph Starzynski, Mercedes’ VP of product strategy, gets irked when we refer to the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class as a “second face-lift.” Instead, he insisted the 2027 GLE is “a complete new car in old clothing.” We say that’s a stretch, but his point isn’t without merit.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class First Drive: Still Worth Six Figures? Original
Revised engines and technology might not be enough to vault Benz’s flagship SUV past its rivals. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerOct 07, 2026 Mercedes-Benz recently had us drive its newly updated 2027 GLS back to back with the smaller and also recently updated GLE-Class lineup, and it reminded us just how closely related these two SUVs are. Of course, the GLS is bigger, longer, and more luxurious, offering many of the GLE’s options as standard equipment.
Tested! The $1 million Aston Martin Valhalla is a supercar for your heart, not your brain
Aston Martin's stated goal for the 1,064-hp mid-engine Valhalla was to shed its gentleman's GT image and tackle Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. Although we loved our first and second drives of the Valhalla, we didn't get the opportunity to tie on our timing gear and get some hard numbers. Given the Valhalla's million-dollar price tag and 999-car production run, we figured that might never happen.
2026 Aston Martin Valhalla First Test: The Heart Knows What the Stopwatch Doesn’t Original
Too much weight translates to so-so numbers, but the Valhalla delivers an unforgettable drive. Aaron GoldWriterJessica WalkerPhotographerOct 02, 2026 Aston Martin’s stated goal for the 1,064-hp mid-engine Valhalla was to shed its gentleman’s GT image and tackle Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. Although we loved our first and second drives of the Valhalla, we didn’t get the opportunity to tie on our timing gear and get some hard numbers.
2027 Hyundai Tucson first look: It looks seriously rad—especially the off-road version
Do not adjust your computer screen. What you are seeing is not a concept. It's the actual production version of the 2027 Hyundai Tucson , with the bold new “Art of Steel” design language as previewed in the N Vision 74 and Boulder concepts . Beneath this style, there is substance; the new Tucson is bigger, with a beautiful new interior, an updated hybrid option, and a rugged off-road XRT Pro version. Sheet Steel, and More of It Let's start with the new look, which really is a head-turner.
Here’s Your First Look at the 2027 Honda Civic Type R: Nicer and Cooler
Honda has made minor updates that should make its legendary hot hatch even easier to live with. Honda has face-lifted the legendary Civic Type R for 2027—and does anyone really care much about a restyle on a car like this? No, of course not, and Honda knows it. However, the changes Honda made to the front fascia—and if you can spot them at first glance, you’re a way bigger CTR nerd than anyone here—are meant to enhance engine cooling and reduce lift.
GM Supersizes the 2027 Duramax, Snatching Ford’s Diesel Bragging Rights
General Motors just dropped a bombshell that’s going to blow up the truck forums: 2027 heavy-duty trucks get an all-new Duramax diesel V-8 with the biggest displacement and highest horsepower and torque numbers in the HD-truck business. The all-new Duramax ups its displacement by nearly 26 percent to 8.3 liters. That alone is remarkable news, considering the Duramax has been a 6.6-liter engine since GM introduced it more than a quarter-century ago.
GM Supersizes the 2027 Duramax, Snatching Ford’s Diesel Bragging Rights
A big new diesel engine is just one of several notable improvements coming to 2027 Chevrolet and GMC heavy-duty pickups. General Motors just dropped a bombshell that’s going to blow up the truck forums: 2027 heavy-duty trucks get an all-new Duramax diesel V-8 with the biggest displacement and highest horsepower and torque numbers in the HD-truck business. The Big New Duramax The all-new Duramax ups its displacement by nearly 26 percent to 8.3 liters.
UPDATE: More Seat Time and New Features for Nissan’s Rogue E-Power Hybrid
We get the first taste of the e-Power hybrid coming in the 2026 Nissan Rogue. Update: Our first drive of a 2027 Nissan Rogue E-Power prototype took place at a Nissan test facility in Japan. This time, we drove an undisguised, closer-to-production prototype in the vacation community of Park City, Utah, and learned a few more details, including pricing and on-sale dates. Nissan’s compact is all new for 2027, including a newish hybrid system called E-Power.
The Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Is a Race Car That Can’t Be Raced
A passenger seat, extra power, and Club Competizioni access make this Ferrari a private track-day special. Ferrari has just taken the wraps off its latest track-only creation, the 296 GT Modificata. It’s based on the 296 GT3 Evo, a highly modified, non-hybrid adaptation of the 296 that conforms to GT3 rules. A follow-on to the 488 GT Modificata, the 296 GT Modificata is what happens to the GT3 Evo when you rip up the rulebook.
The Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Is a Race Car That Can’t Be Raced
Ferrari has just taken the wraps off its latest track-only creation, the 296 GT Modificata. It’s based on the 296 GT3 Evo, a highly modified, non-hybrid adaptation of the 296 that conforms to GT3 rules. A follow-on to the 488 GT Modificata, the 296 GT Modificata is what happens to the GT3 Evo when you rip up the rulebook. Although it’s meant for track use and isn’t street-legal, it isn’t intended for sanctioned racing.
The Weirdest Non-Car Stuff Made by American Car Companies
The proverbial automotive graveyard is filled with the headstones of vehicles that deserved better. Some were victims of shifting consumer tastes. Others fell prey to changing regulatory demands, corporate restructuring, or product planners that were chasing the next big thing. Whatever the reason, their departures often left holes in the market that remained unfilled years later. And as it turns out, we might not be the only ones who think so.
The Weirdest Non-Car Stuff Ever Made by American Car Companies Original
From refrigerators to mechanical hearts to charcoal, you’ll be amazed at some of the things Detroit designed and built. Aaron GoldWriterGetty ImagesPhotographerAlan MuirIllustration ByManufacturerPhotographerSep 09, 2026 We all know that most automobile manufacturers have made things that weren’t automobiles; witness Honda’s jets and rockets and Ford’s tractors. Still, you might be surprised to learn how far U.S. domestic automakers ventured from the car business.
2027 Range Rover Electric First Look: It Barely Looks Electric
In Range Rover’s world, electricity is just another powertrain choice. Yes, this is the new, first ever battery-powered Range Rover. No, we didn’t use the wrong photos. Range Rover’s goal is that its first ever electric model is a Range Rover first and an EV second, with the idea being that it does everything an internal-combustion Range Rover can do, just without the gas engine. We don’t have a lot to say about the 2027 Range Rover Electric’s styling—because, well, look at it.
2027 Mitsubishi Pajero First Look: Hello, Montero
Inside, the two-tone baseball-mitt-and-black color scheme should be familiar to anyone who has sat in a nicely-equipped Outlander, but the monolithic screen setup with separate volume and HVAC controls on a panel beneath is a new one on us, and a design we hope will come to other Mitsubishis. As expected, there is no shortage of padded leather on the dash or quilting on the seats.
2027 Bentley Supersports Driven: Much Less Weight, More Walter Original
The new Supersports gets the W. O. Bentley treatment, losing some complexity and a thousand pounds. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerAug 31, 2026 If Walter Owen Bentley ever comes back from the dead, Bentley should make sure he sees the new Supersports first. W. O. believed in durability through simplicity, and he also believed racing was the best way for cars to prove themselves. Hand him a modern-day Continental GT, and he’d probably turn it into something exactly like the 2027 Supersports.
2027 Rivian R2 vs. Tesla Model Y vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Can Rivian Beat the Best? Original
The new R2 takes on three of our favorite electric SUVs in a road-trip showdown that tests handling, comfort, range, charging, and tech. Aaron GoldWriterWilliam WalkerPhotographerAug 28, 2026 We can’t hide our excitement over Rivian’s new R2 SUV. We’ve been thrilled at the idea of a junior R1S, and that’s exactly what our first drive revealed: all that Rivian goodness in a smaller, more affordable package. But any vehicle seems good with no context; what matters is how it compares to its peers.
Hit It! We Rode In the 2028 Bentley Torcal EV, Complete With Fake Engine Sounds of Real Drums Original
The electric SUV combines Porsche-related hardware, Bentley-specific tuning, a luxurious cabin, and an amusing soundtrack.
2028 Toyota Celica: Everything We Know About the Return of Toyota’s Affordable Sporty Car Original
What It Is For those of us who have been around the sun several dozen times, it’s hard to believe the Celica has been gone for 20 or so years. From the 1970s into 2006, the Celica name adorned an alluring selection of Toyota coupes, from economy models to turbocharged, all-wheel-drive dirt-ripping rally cars.
2029 Tesla That’s “Way Cooler Than a Minivan”: Everything We Know About What That Even Means Original
Elon Musk said a new Tesla “way cooler than a minivan” is on the way. So, we had some fun. Aaron GoldWriterAvarvariiIllustration ByAug 18, 2026 What It Is In response to a post on X from a brand fan urging Tesla to make a minivan, company boss Elon Musk replied, “Something way cooler than a minivan is coming.” Now what could that mean?
Budget car cheat codes: 8 features we never expected in our $25,000 Kia K4
When I began my year with our long-term Kia K4 LXS, I resigned myself to bare-bones motoring; that was, after all, the whole purpose of the exercise. I knew I wouldn't suffer too badly, as the K4 has a long standard equipment list, but I wasn't expecting the unexpected. I'm way jaded on that whole “surprise and delight” thing the marketers love to talk about, but the truth is I have been genuinely surprised—and, yes, even delighted—at some of the features the K4 has.
Five—No, Six—Sorry, Eight—Features I Didn’t Expect in Our $25,000 Kia K4
When I began my year with our long-term Kia K4 LXS, I resigned myself to bare-bones motoring; that was, after all, the whole purpose of the exercise. I knew I wouldn’t suffer too badly, as the K4 has a long standard equipment list, but I wasn’t expecting the unexpected. I’m way jaded on that whole “surprise and delight” thing the marketers love to talk about, but the truth is I have been genuinely surprised—and, yes, even delighted—at some of the features the K4 has.
Cadillac V-One Concept: Cadillac Embraces Its Inner Ferrari Original
A personal car based on the V-Series.R Racer? Cadillac says it could happen. Among the tantalizing things Cadillac announced at this year’s Monterey Car Week is the V-One concept you see here. At first glance, the V-One looks a lot like the V-Series.R racing car that Cadillac fields at IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championship races. But the interior is quite the step up from your typical racing-car carbon tub, and the dynamics are meant to be accessible by mere mortals.
Honda Pilot Best Years to Buy (and Which Model Years to Avoid) Original
Every Honda Pilot is a good, practical choice, but some model years are better than others. Aaron GoldWriterMotorTrend StaffPhotographerManufacturerPhotographerAug 12, 2026 If you’re looking for a large, three-row, family SUV on the used-car market, it’s hard to go wrong with the Honda Pilot. First introduced more than 20 years ago now, the Pilot has always benefited from Honda’s “man-maximum, machine-minimum” philosophy, offering lots of passenger space while keeping the mechanical bits compact.
Chrysler Turns a Pair of Pacifica Minivans Into MILFs* Original
* Minivans I’d Like to Flog. Stellantis had lots to share at Roadkill Nights, including a new 600-hp Super Bee and a potential “jailbreak” custom-paint program. It also revealed a couple of Pacifica concepts that might be the most desirable minivans since … wait, has a minivan ever been desirable? According to Stellantis, the answer is yes, and it’s happening now. Millennials and older Gen Zs are in their prime family-growing years (what few of them are having children, that is).
Volkswagen May Finally Be Getting Serious About Selling a Truck in America Original
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW The Midsize Way Is the Easier Way The idea of a Volkswagen pickup is intriguing, and a Ranger-related midsize truck for the U.S. built in Chattanooga seems like the easiest to execute possibility, although the report indicated that no decision has been made one way or another on how VW would approach the new truck’s development.
We've seen the pieces, now here's the whole 2027 Audi Q9
Welcome to what is supposed to be our First Look at the Audi Q9 . But between our sneak peek at the new Q9's interior and our first look at the closely related Q7 and SQ7 , you may know most of what we're about to tell you. We do, however, have new details regarding exterior styling, pricing, and a few luxury-oriented items of note—including a new hands-free driving system similar to earlier versions of GM's Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise.
2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 First Look: The Last Pieces Fall Into Place
We get the final details on Audi’s big new flagship SUV, including the price. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerJul 29, 2026 Welcome to what is supposed to be our First Look at the Audi Q9. But between our sneak peek at the new Q9’s interior and our first look at the closely related Q7 and SQ7, you may know most of what we’re about to tell you.
Return of the Crosstour? Honda Might Be Ready For Another Accord SUV
A new report says Honda could resurrect the concept for an Accord-based Outback fighter. Cast your mind back a decade and a half, and recall the Honda Accord Crosstour, basically a long-tail Accord hatchback on stilts, introduced when the fastback-SUV thing was still being figured out. Honda’s Facebook-post introduction of the Crosstour met with immediate jeers, largely for its awkward, butt-heavy styling. Beyond its questionable looks, the Accord Crosstour had flaws.
The Updated 2027 Toyota Crown Gets a Less-Efficient Powertrain—Wait, What?
The new hybrid system brings the same power but with worse mpg, and lots of head-scratching from us. The story of Toyota’s strangest car, the Toyota Crown hybrid sedan, just got a little stranger. Among the, er, improvements to the 2027 model is an updated hybrid drive system that produces the same amount of power but returns slightly worse fuel economy.
That’s All, Folks? Honda Pausing Manuals for Civic Si and Integra A-Spec
A “pause in production” means no more manual transmissions at least until the new version arrives in 2028—and that’s a maybe. Honda has confirmed to MotorTrend that a pause in the production of the Civic Si and manual-transmission Acura Integra will last through the 2027 model year, with the Civic Si, and possibly the manual-transmission Integra, returning in 2028.
Look Out, Bambi, There’s a New, Cheaper Airstream
Clearly, there are a lot of folks willing to spend the extra money on an Airstream trailer, but can’t—or won’t—necessarily be able to swing another $70k for a full-size pickup or SUV to tow one. Good news for Airstreamers on a budget: The Ohio-based manufacturer has introduced a new 17-foot version of its World Traveler series priced at $64,400, which is $3,900 less than the 22-foot World Traveler and $11,000 less than the 16-foot Bambi.
RUF Debuts a Twin-Turbo Flat-8 With 1,000 HP (!)
The 1,000-ish horsepower boxer-eight could power RUF’s next supercar. If you thought the future of European performance cars lay solely with electrification, then you’ve got to see this: a twin-turbo, 1,000-plus-horsepower flat-8 engine that RUF Automobile just debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
2025 Kia K4 LXS Yearlong Review: Why Does a $25,000 Car Need a $275 Oil Change?
Turns out the hardest part of budget motoring may be keeping the dealer’s hand out of your pocket. Aaron GoldWriterAmir SaidiPhotographerWilliam WalkerPhotographerJul 02, 2026 Inflation and astronomic fuel prices have all but the wealthiest Americans feeling the financial squeeze, which is why we added a Kia K4 to our long-term fleet—not one of the high-end models the automakers prefer we drive, but the sub-$25,000, one-up-from-the-base-model K4 LXS.
2027 Slate Pickup First Ride: We Ride Shotgun as Slate Confirms Pricing, Preorders, and a Delivery Timeline
Slate’s affordable electric truck gets more range, more towing capacity, and a clearer pricing picture as pre-orders open. Aaron GoldWriterJofel TolosaPhotographerJun 24, 2026 We can now attest that the Slate truck is a real, actual, drivable thing.
Buying a Car for Your Teen? Start With These Safe Standouts
Tue, June 23, 2026 at 7:00 AM UTC Best New Cars and SUVs for Teen Drivers in 2026MotorTrend (MotorTrend) Choosing an appropriate vehicle for a teen driver means balancing numerous factors. Parents want good crash protection and modern safety technology, but they should also be looking for vehicles that are easy to drive (and park) and unlikely to encourage risky behavior.
Best New Cars and SUVs for Teen Drivers in 2026
These safety-focused cars and SUVs strike the right balance of protection, practicality, and ease of driving. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerMotorTrend StaffPhotographerJun 23, 2026 Choosing an appropriate vehicle for a teen driver means balancing numerous factors. Parents want good crash protection and modern safety technology, but they should also be looking for vehicles that are easy to drive (and park) and unlikely to encourage risky behavior.
2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE First Drive: A Compelling Argument to Bring Back the Minivan
Mercedes calls the VLE a “grand limousine.” After driving it, we’re convinced it’s something even better. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerJun 19, 2026 Behold, the Mercedes-Benz VLE, the automaker’s all-new, all-electric powered miniv—oops, we almost used the word Mercedes doesn’t want us to write. Instead, they’d like us to call it a “grand limousine” which, translated from German car-speak, means big sedan. It makes sense, we suppose.
2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE Interior Review: Everyone Flies First Class
Whether configured as an executive shuttle or a family trickster, the VLE’s cabin prioritizes comfort, flexibility, and luxury. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerJun 19, 2026 If any vehicle proves that what’s inside matters more than what’s outside, it’s Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming electric van, the VLE. Vans are all about interior space, and the VLE is designed to make that space as flexible and luxurious as possible.
Storyteller Overland Grand Bohemian RV Review: Camping in the Ineos-Based Rig
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW Nighttime in the Grand Bohemian Storyteller fits the Grand Bohemian with LED interior lights that go white or red, the latter to preserve one’s night vision. (The red is also great mood lighting for watching submarine movies on your tablet.) That was awesome, because when I climbed up into bed and opened all three of the tent’s massive windows, the view was exquisite.
We Camped in Storyteller’s Ineos Grenadier RV (and Didn’t Get Eaten by Anything)
Storyteller Overland is an Alabama-based company best known for high-end, high-dollar go-anywhere RVs, which it builds out of all-wheel-drive Sprinter vans, giant Ram pickups, and even huge Kenworth trucks. (Our testing director Eric Tingwall and his family recently camped in the middle of nowhere in a $500,000 Storyteller GXV Hilt.) Now Storyteller has created a mini-me overlanding RV, the $198,999 Grand Bohemian. It's an Ineos Grenadier re-equipped to transport, feed, and sleep up to three.
2027 Audi Q7 First Look: It Gets the Engine and Interior It Deserves
High-tech lighting and a new six-seat option enhance the Q7’s appeal—but the cramped third row remains. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerJun 09, 2026 Audi’s biggest SUV news lately (literally and figuratively) has been about its upcoming Q9 flagship, but the automaker is also prepping a closely related new version of the Q7 and SQ7.
2026 Honda Passport Trailsport vs. Subaru Outback Wilderness: Battle of the Backcountry Crossovers
We put Honda and Subaru’s lifted wagons head to head on mountain roads and Mojave trails to find the real winner. Aaron GoldWriterWilliam WalkerPhotographerJun 02, 2026 The Trailsport version of Honda’s big new-for-2026 Passport has quickly emerged as a MotorTrend favorite for its on-road comfort and off-road capability. But the Subaru Outback is also new for 2026, and Outbacks were good off-roaders even before they started getting the Wilderness treatment.
Driven! Is the 2027 Audi RS5 the Most Un-Audi Audi Yet? Original
Audi’s new hybrid RS5 rewrites decades of all-wheel-drive behavior with a brilliant rear differential—and somehow hides 5,200 pounds in the process. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerMay 28, 2026 The track was small, the instructions simple: Set the new Audi RS5 to Dynamic mode, barrel into the corners, turn in late and abruptly, then nail the throttle.
Best Commuter Cars: 10 Cars That Save You Money—and Your Sanity
Your daily commute may be unavoidable, but these cars make it cheaper, easier, and less annoying. Aaron GoldWriterManufacturerPhotographerMotorTrend StaffPhotographerMay 28, 2026 With fuel prices on the rise, the cost of commuting is front and center for a lot of drivers. If your daily driver is the same seven-seat SUV you use to haul your kids and the boat to the lake, another vehicle for commuting might be a good investment.
Inexpensive Cars Were Never as Inexpensive as Old-Timers Tell You. Our Kia K4 Helps Prove It.
I imagine a lot of us are shocked by the idea that a $25,000 sedan like our yearlong Kia K4 is what now passes for an affordable car. Hell, I’m old enough (just barely, thankyouverymuch) to remember when The Price Is Right had to add a fifth digit to its car pricing games because Cadillacs went past $10,000.
2025 Kia K4 LXS Yearlong Review: Turns Out Inexpensive Cars Have Never Been More Inexpensive
Old-timers lament the loss of inexpensive cars—but a trip through history shows we’re damn near the golden age of cheap wheels. Aaron GoldWriterAmir SaidiPhotographerManufacturerPhotographerMay 26, 2026 I imagine a lot of us are shocked by the idea that a $25,000 sedan like our yearlong Kia K4 is what now passes for an affordable car.
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