I’ve repeatedly written how much we love the current generation Kia Sportage, which was all new for 2022. The Sportage has fantastic styling, a modern tech stack, and a full suite of safety features, all at a price considered a value in today’s market. The one model I had not tested in the Sportage lineup until now was the plug-in hybrid model.

What started as a discussion at the Katy Porsche Club of America GTG two months ago turned into a plan executed today. Several of us decided 2023 was the year we used our cars for Get Out and BBQ. That’s right, GOAB. Today, 19 cars left Katy on a 180-mile drive with a simple purpose – Enjoy the drive and enjoy the fantastic Texas BBQ at Round Top Smokehouse. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and the company was even better. The cars are what brought us together. The people are what keep us together.

New for 2022 is the XK70 series of Toyota Tundra trucks, replacing the XK50 Tundra generation, which debuted all the way back in 2007. The XK70 generation Tundra is only the third all-new generation of the Tundra since its debut twenty-two years ago in 2000. When Toyota does update the Tundra, though, it’s a special occasion. They don’t update often, but they make it count when they do. The new 2022 Toyota Tundra brings all-new looks, more power, better fuel efficiency, and all-new technology to the market. While the update is a big one, the Tundra has managed to retain its unique personality and does so with a competent all-around package.

The 2023 Chevy Traverse is a midsize 3-row SUV that has long since been one of our favorite people movers due to its clever packaging and handsome styling. The current generation Traverse debuted in 2018 but received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022. Starting at just $33,920, the Traverse is a vehicle that anyone looking for a spacious and well-equipped SUV should have on their shopping list.

Kia continues their winning streak of style, value, and efficiency with the all-new 2023 Kia Niro crossover. Gone is the generic “economy” look and feel of the outgoing Niro. In its stead is a very sharp-looking vehicle full of great content, style, and excellent fuel efficiency, at a price that will significantly appeal to buyers of this class.

The Ram TRX has long been one of our favorite pickup trucks since its launch.

One look at the 2022 RAM 1500 TRX and you know that this isn’t just any ordinary pickup truck. This is the widest, meanest, and fastest truck you can buy today, and there’s no bigger status symbol out on the trails today than the RAM 1500 TRX.