The end of the year is upon us, so it’s time for the 2021 Editorial’s Final Pick. This month has seen a number of models get our nods like the ones we did. proposals and one of them is a brand new EV that just hit the market. Plus, compact pickups are back, and one of them has earned its spot as an Editors’ Choice.
In case you missed our Previous Editor’s Choice article, here’s a quick update on what’s going on here. We rate all new cars we drive with a score of 1-10. Typical cars in their respective segments will receive Editors’ Choice status. Those are the ones we would recommend to friends, family, and anyone curious and asking questions. The list you’ll find below includes every car we ranked in December that made it to our Editors’ Choice.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Quick hands: The Santa Cruz hits all the right places, as Hyundai finds a combination of excellent driving dynamics, powerful turbo engines, well-equipped interiors and appealing styling.
Scored: 7.5
What it competes with: Ford Maverick
Advantages: Attractive styling, great technology, useful utility features
Defect: Expensive, small rear seats, average fuel economy
From the editors
Feature Editor, James Riswick – “It’s both a pickup and a compact crossover, two things Americans love. It’s packed with features and power. It’s fun to drive and be enjoyed. impressively refined. On the one hand, judging by those attributes, it could be a huge hit. On the other hand, it doesn’t look like a regular truck, which hasn’t been as good in the past.”
News editor, Joel Stocksdale – “With its giant shape, smart headlights and the fact that it has a truck bed, a lot makes it 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz interesting is outside. But step inside, and you’ll find it, although not the same as Ford Maverick’s cabin, the Santa Cruz can be a comfortable, stylish, and arguably upmarket environment, as long as you’re willing to pay the price. “
In-depth analysis: Review Hyundai Santa Cruz 2022 | Price, bed size, sale date, pictures
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Quick hands: The EQS approaches ultimate luxury in a way no car has come before it with perfectly quiet handling, a tough ride, and eye-opening technology. It’s that it’s very capable, fast and fun to drive that makes the experience all the more awe-inspiring.
Scored: 8.5
What it competes with: Tesla Model WILL, Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, Audi E-Tron GT
Advantages: Top luxury interior, best technology, great handling, long range
Defect: Controversial styling, weird regenerative braking behavior
From the editors:
Road Test editor Zac Palmer – “I don’t think there’s another luxury car I’d rather own than the EQS right now. It’s way better than the S-Class at delivering the ultimate in luxury to the driver. Plus it’s a lot of fun to drive on a twisty road and the hatchback-style opening gives it huge conveniences. Make it my AMG.”
Feature Editor James Riswick – “The new Mercedes-Benz EQS 2022 is very quiet. As in, continue the conversation in a whisper while running 65 mph on cramped sidewalks through San Francisco. Noise. No. Wind noise? Not really Cars and trucks push air at you from the opposite direction? fwaa, like someone was exhaling from across the room. “
In-depth analysis: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS First Driving Review | Electric Benz is worth the wait
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Quick hands: The small Benz big in character, style and confidence offers the Mercedes experience at a lower price point. Meanwhile, the AMG versions deliver compact thrills that are even better than expected.
Scored: 7.5
What it competes with: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A3, Acura ILX
Advantages: Super fun to drive, AMG variants are sleek
Defect: Expensive interior, cutting costs, limited rear space
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer – “I’ve Been Driving CBA 45, and I’ve come to respect the smaller CLA platform more than before. It’s good enough and fun enough to shop through with the V8 powered on AMG C 63. You can choose the interior, but the car is still a proper Mercedes experience, and that’s what matters. ”
In-depth information: Review Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 First time driving | A complicated evolution
2022 Chevrolet Tahoe
Quick hands: Now Tahoe is rocking an independent rear suspension, which is everything it should be. The trip was great. It has large third-row seat space and cargo capacity. Plus, the amount of trim and variation means there’s likely a Tahoe for whatever use you’re looking for.
Scored: 7.5
What it competes with: Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon, Nissan Armada
Advantages: Comfortable driving, large cargo space and third row seats, smooth engine
Defect: Dull interior, poor fuel economy
From the editors:
News editor Joel Stocksdale – “The 2021 Tahoe is definitely a big improvement over its predecessor. The independent rear suspension specifically overcomes issues with travel, handling and interior packing. previous interior, while the new cabin that keeps the Tahoe fresh and modern in its segment is essentially the exact opposite.”
In-depth information: Review of Chevy Tahoe and suburbs 2022 | What’s new, price, size, mpg
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Quick hands: The GLE has just about any taste of luxury or AMG performance you could want, and if you have the means, will probably outshine any SUV competition. The combination of an incredible ride, great engine, surprisingly good handling and ample interior amenities leaves one low to expect.
Scored: 8.5
What it competes with: BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Genesis GV80, Lexus RX, Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90, Infiniti QX60
Advantages: Maximum luxury, both driving pleasure and comfort, the AMG variants impress
Defect: Expensive, weak base 4 cylinders
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer – “After Driving AMG GLE 53, it’s like AMG product to get. It’s both buttery smooth and super fast. Combine pure noise and performance with the luxurious package that surrounds it, and you’ll be left with a product that’s hard to beat, regardless of the competition. “
News editor Joel Stocksdale – “The GLE glides, keeps its occupants steady and elegant, tucked away in the most luxurious and comfortable interior in its class. So if the trimmings are far away, flowers and a smooth driving experience is your thing, then GLE-Class is king.”
In-depth information: Review Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class First Drive | The letter ‘L’ must be for luxury
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