Editors’ Picks July 2022.Volvo XC60, 911 GT3 and a hot Hyundai.
Don't forget about the Elantra N. https://youtu.be/loDjzZsxhXU
This latest rendition of Editors’ Picks sees us recognize some enthusiast-focused vehicles on both sides of the price spectrum and a luxury SUV. The 911 GT3 was an easy shoo-in, but the Hyundai Elantra N is what surprised us the most. We’re sad to see the Veloster N bow out after this year, but at least the N model in its place is a worthy one.
In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get Editors’ Pick status. Those are the ones we’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody who’s curious and asks the question. The list that you’ll find below consists of every car we rated in July that earned an Editors’ Pick.
2022 Volvo XC60
Quick take: The Volvo XC60 is one of our favorite luxury crossovers, and the PHEV option is a killer setup. We dig the interior design, and the exterior is attractively Swedish, too.
Score: 7.5
What it competes with: Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Genesis GV70, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50, Porsche Macan
Pros: Great design, epic PHEV option, intriguing interior design options
Cons: Tech can be cumbersome, big wheels lead to a stiff ride
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "When it comes to plug-in hybrids, there's no better compact crossover option than the XC60 Recharge. I really dig the extra-powerful electric motor and larger battery Volvo added this year. The interior wool option is my pick of the bunch, but I am a little disappointed that there aren't as many physical buttons throughout the interior as there were before."
News Editor Joel Stocksdale — "Although it's got some age, the Volvo XC60 is still an excellent premium SUV. It's as handsome as ever with its clean, modern design inside and out, and feels genuinely luxurious. But what really sets the XC60 apart is its available plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's smooth and refined, and best of all, it's still great in electric mode. The roughly 35-mile range will get you most places in town, and the healthy electric motor doesn't feel like it's penalizing you for trying to be green."
In-depth analysis: 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge First Drive Review | Pumping up the electric range
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Quick take: The Elantra N picks up where the Veloster N lets off, and it's a dumb-fun hot sedan to drive. You get great tech, features and a showy design to match its great driving dynamics.
Score: 8.5
What it competes with: Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Type R
Pros: Power, silly noises, offers a manual
Cons: Design is polarizing, firm ride
From the editors:
Associate Editor Byron Hurd — "The Elantra N makes a solid case for itself as a Jet
Don't forget about the Elantra N. https://youtu.be/loDjzZsxhXU
This latest rendition of Editors’ Picks sees us recognize some enthusiast-focused vehicles on both sides of the price spectrum and a luxury SUV. The 911 GT3 was an easy shoo-in, but the Hyundai Elantra N is what surprised us the most. We’re sad to see the Veloster N bow out after this year, but at least the N model in its place is a worthy one.
In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get Editors’ Pick status. Those are the ones we’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody who’s curious and asks the question. The list that you’ll find below consists of every car we rated in July that earned an Editors’ Pick.
2022 Volvo XC60
Quick take: The Volvo XC60 is one of our favorite luxury crossovers, and the PHEV option is a killer setup. We dig the interior design, and the exterior is attractively Swedish, too.
Score: 7.5
What it competes with: Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Genesis GV70, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50, Porsche Macan
Pros: Great design, epic PHEV option, intriguing interior design options
Cons: Tech can be cumbersome, big wheels lead to a stiff ride
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "When it comes to plug-in hybrids, there's no better compact crossover option than the XC60 Recharge. I really dig the extra-powerful electric motor and larger battery Volvo added this year. The interior wool option is my pick of the bunch, but I am a little disappointed that there aren't as many physical buttons throughout the interior as there were before."
News Editor Joel Stocksdale — "Although it's got some age, the Volvo XC60 is still an excellent premium SUV. It's as handsome as ever with its clean, modern design inside and out, and feels genuinely luxurious. But what really sets the XC60 apart is its available plug-in hybrid powertrain. It's smooth and refined, and best of all, it's still great in electric mode. The roughly 35-mile range will get you most places in town, and the healthy electric motor doesn't feel like it's penalizing you for trying to be green."
In-depth analysis: 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge First Drive Review | Pumping up the electric range
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Quick take: The Elantra N picks up where the Veloster N lets off, and it's a dumb-fun hot sedan to drive. You get great tech, features and a showy design to match its great driving dynamics.
Score: 8.5
What it competes with: Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Type R
Pros: Power, silly noises, offers a manual
Cons: Design is polarizing, firm ride
From the editors:
Associate Editor Byron Hurd — "The Elantra N makes a solid case for itself as a Jet
Category
🚗
Motor