The High-Tech Texan

A lot of superlatives here on the latest GMC Yukon with "Denali" and "Ultimate" as upgrades. There's really not much to add on this glorious beast of a vehicle that can fit up to 8 people.

As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

When you think of Cadillac you may associate the brand with luxury, elegance, and price. You are correct on two of those, at least with the XT4.

This is the lowest-priced Caddy in the lineup and the compact CUV is packed with nice features including a futurist 33" display capable of 9K viewing.

As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Mercedes once again partners with AMG but this time they didn't perk up the engine, per se. This is due to the EQE being an all-electric vehicle and there is no gas-powered engine to play with.

They did find a way to tweak with the motor to give it super speedy acceleration and creature comforts of a luxury vehicle. But the price may cause you to hit the brakes.

My full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

You want to drive a BIG BOY truck? I mean a massive truck that can haul a small home? Oh, make sure it's luxurious, too.

Listen to my review of the GMC Sierra 2500 ATX. Made for comfort. Full of luxury. Ready to off-road.

As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Loud and proud. That's how I can describe my week in the Dodge Charger Super Bee Special Edition. 475hp and your neighbors will definitely know when you start it each morning.

Dodge made only 1,000 of these models to celebrate (or rather mourn) the final year of the gas engine version as it will electrify its future productions.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and (iHeartRadio).

Easily one of the largest vehicles on the road, the Cadillac Escalade is a monster of an SUV yet rides smooth as silk thanks to its magnetic ride control and suspension.

That's just the start to describe this beast with more comfort than my home and certainly more screens. It isn't cheap but if you have the means it is tough to find a bigger and better truck.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Jeep is always a solid brand. My first SUV was a Grand Cherokee and I had a great experience.

The Compass is a smaller SUV and good vehicle for those looking for a roomy, drivable Jeep.

Take a listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Is there a better way to end 2023 than by test driving a pickup truck? The RAM 1500 Limited Elite helped me ring in the new year by riding high and in comfort.

RAM continues to produce a powerful beast (this one can tow up to 12,750 lbs) while still looking stylish and providing creature comforts like quilted leather seats, a jeweled rotary shifter, and the tops-in-class Uconnect 5 infotainment system.

Hear my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I actually prefer mid-size trucks vs larger ones. Much easier to park. Plus I don't have the need to schlep things around on a regular basis. But when I do a mid-size works quite well.

Chevy's Colorado has always been a solid truck and the Trailboss version gets you off the pavement with ease featuring some accessories to make dirt, gravel, and hills easy to maneuver over.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I think Kia continues to do a fabulous job of making vehicles that have value along with styling and comfort. That includes the SUV category and the Telluride continues to be one of my faves.

The 2024 version with several upgraded options in the SX model proved to handle well, fit many passengers, had a comfy ride and is packed with nice creature comforts.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

We like trucks here in Texas and I like luxurious things. Boom. Here ya go. A luxurious truck from GMC and it packs a wallop when it comes to comfort, towing and also paying for it.

The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X certainly can conquer most outdoor and mountainous terrain.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

What else can I say? Greatest vehicle I will drive this year.

Just listen to my review. Next...

Who knew Buick has a new model that is sleek and looks like it could cost $60,000 or more? Not me until I test drove the new Envista.

This sub-compact vehicle may be a bit plastic inside and have not-so-sexy engine specs, but it drives well, handles great, looks incredibly awesome and costs under $30,000.

Listen here for my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I've been test driving Jeeps (and almost every other brand of vehicles) for over 15 years. I seriously think the new Wrangler Rubicon is the best Jeep I've ever driven,

Wow. Tall. Capable. Comfy. Techy. Fun. I could go on but you should just hear the rest.

Take a listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," via KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

The Mazda Miata is one of the most iconic sports cars and the newest version - complete with an automatic hard top - continues the tradition of a fun vehicle. It's not the largest car on the road but it definitely puts a smile on your face if you can fit behind the wheel.

Take a listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," via KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

With the cost of gas on the rise now may be a good time to consider an EV or at least a hybrid. Though they may be a bit higher in price they often save money in the long run if you factor in fuel savings.

The Lexus NX 350h is a hybrid that can get you some good gas mileage (or gas mileage equivalent) along with a comfy ride, wrapped up in a sexy 4-door compact SUV.

Take a listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," via KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

If you're looking for a smaller SUV that handles well at a decent price, you definitely need to consider the Kia Seltos. Though not as large at the Telluride, this 4-door ride packs a good punch under the hood along with nice interior features.

Listen hear for my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield" via iHeartRadio and KPRC 950AM.

It's a small CUV yet the new Buick Encore packs a good punch with its 1.3 L turbo engine while putting out a max of 155 hp. The upgraded Avenir packages adds several fine, finishing touches like leather seating and premium audio. And did you notice the new Buick logo?

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (wordlwide).

As I continue to review some of the new Samsung product launches I finally get to try the Watch 6 Classic. AT&T provided me with a review unit and the improvements from previous versions are good enough to upgrade your "old" watch.

Congrats to Samsung for bringing back the convenient rotating bezel that was missing from the last version.

Listen to my review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide)

We like trucks. No, we love trucks. Especially Texas-built trucks. That's a small list but the Toyota Tundra fits that bill. The Tundra has always been a solid truck and when you upgrade it to a TRD Pro, well then you have one mighty off-road vehicle.

Take a listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," via KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Alfa Romeo is a renowned brand worldwide and synonymous with luxury and racing. The iconic Italian automaker is now making its way into the 21st century with its first electrified car, the Tonale.

The 1.3L turbo I-4 engine is paired with a 90Kw motor which allows around 30 miles of sole electric change after charging (yes, it's a PHEV).

Take a listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield," via KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

It's been a minute since I've been in a Hyundai and it's about damn time. The Santa Fe is a great SUV if you are looking for a 2 row beast with pretty decent gas mileage.

I like the interior and some of the unique tech features like the turn blinker cameras.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield." KPRC 950AM (Houston), iHeartRadio (worldwide).

If Ford can make an F-150 into a Raptor and Ram can upgrade its pickup truck into a TRX, Chevy can pick another large mammal like the Bison to feature upgrades on its popular ZR2 badge.

While the ZR2 Bison does not add anything under the hood (you still get 6.2L V8 and 420hp) as the Silverado ZR2, the outside enhancements are notable. Chevy turned to AEV to add 18" gloss black wheels, stamped skid plates, and floor liners in the $7,800 Bison package. You do also get the Multi-Flex tailgate.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Nissan has long been in the EV game with the Leaf that was introduced back in 2010. It took them a while to launch another EV and BOOM, the all-electric Ariya is here.

I got a chance to drive it recently. Listen to my thoughts and reviews here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield." iHeartRadio and KPRC 950AM

Interested in a very nice starter vehicle with a good price? Chevy's new Trax is a solid CUV with a lot of standard equipment to keep you safe and, should you wish, heated thanks to its steering wheel, front seats, and outside mirrors.

Even though you may not use those features in Texas the Trax delivers value with a smooth ride. It seats 5 people comfortably and carries a decent load in the tailgate.

For a full review, take a listen here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I owned a Grand Cherokee about 25 years ago and the luxury, drive and tech continues to keep up with other rugged, higher-end vehicles. This Trailhawk is one of Jeep's most trail-capable models and I specifically drove the 4xe, a plug-in hybrid.

I love the outside styling and badging, especially the turquoise tow hooks. The 18" wheels and deep-tread tires make driving off-road not only easy but also fun.

Take a listen to my full review.

Since Dodge will kill off its Challenger and Charger models as we know them (i.e. gas-engine powered), they may have decided they needed a new performance vehicle. Welcome...Hornet!

This small SUV reminds me of an Alfa Romeo which may not be a far stretch as Stellantis owns both brands. With a roomy front seat, nice features and a unique look, the Hornet doesn't sting too much as it is a good vehicle for its price.

Listen to the full review here.

Now this is a powerful sedan. Big engine, great handling and an overall fun drive. As sedans are being made less and less, Lexus produced a winner with the ES350.

Take a listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

This is it. The big dog. The monster. Oh by the way, the luxurious truck that rides above everything else on and off the road.

I recently got to spend time in the new Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate truck. What all does it do? Well it "only" tows up to 22,000 lbs, has more cameras than a TV station, packs a punch with its 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine, smells better than a bootmaker's shop with all of the real leather and wood, and rides as smooth as a sedan with its shocks and lift kit.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

This is it. The first of the "Last Call" muscle cars from Dodge. And they are sending out the final combustible engine Challenger with a bang. A loud bang complete with a 6.4L Hemi V8 with 485 hp.

Take a listen and a ride down memory lane with my review here.

I got to see the first public reveal of this special vehicle last February at the Chicago Auto Show and couldn't wait until I got the opportunity to drive it. And that wait was well worth it. This special edition of the iconic Wrangler put a smile on my face with its unique color and 20th Anniversary branding that is everywhere from the hood to the swing gate to the shifter medallion.

This is the 4xe version which combines a gas engine with a 17.3 kwh battery that gives about 21 miles of range on electricity. The optional Sky One-Touch Power Top is almost a must-have feature for enjoying this "fun machine" on and offroad.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I remember going to the launch of the first iteration of this small SUV back in 2018. The Kicks replaced the Nissan Juke and has remained an inexpensive, if not fun, option for a subcompact 5-seater.

The relatively small engine (1.6L) puts out 122hp which is enough to get you up to speed on highways and in the city. It remains a very good value and fuel efficient vehicle.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

I have always said Nissan's large SUV is, dollar-for-dollar, one of the best values when it comes to a luxury 7 or 8 passenger vehicle. The 2023 version of the Armada is no different.

The creature comforts are still here with a lovely, comfy, and large interior. A V8 engine gives it some good pickup and it looks sharp riding on 22" wheels. An optional rear seat entertainment gives the kids something to do on long rides and it can stow a lot of gear when all the seats are folded down.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan with Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

This is a big boy! Ram knows how to do trucks and the 2500 packs a punch with a 6.4L Hemi V8 that can tow 16,800 lbs. The Rebel badge (known for its off-road capabilities) adds several features including Bilstein shocks and 33" tires. The interior is massive with in-floor storage bins under the back row seat, logo'd stitching in the seats and my favorite Uconnect infotainment system.

Take a listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

I could sit here and type superlatives to fill up this page but I'll make it simple for you and me...just listen to my lengthy review below. The Cadillac Escalade is the brand's largest vehicle and already comes packed with luxury and a hefty 6.2L V8 engine. But someone in engineering how the brilliant idea of adding a supercharger to make this 6,200 lb SUV go from 0-to-60 in just about 4 seconds. That's what 652 hp can do.

It's big....it's LARGE. It's about as technologically advanced as a vehicle I have ever driven with features like augmented reality navigation, night vision and Super Cruise.

So kick back and take a listen (and pardon my gushing). As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

The name of this SUV is mouthful but this is the top-of-the-line trim in the newest versions of the venerable Telluride badge. The X-Pro adds some interesting features to help with off-road driving like 18" wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity, and self-leveling rear suspension.

Kia continues to innovate with bells-and-whistles inside their vehicles, especially when it comes to safety. Every car and truck should come with blind spot camera views that pop-up on the instrument display when the turn signal comes on, right?

The Telluride can be configured for 7 or 8 passengers and is one of the comfiest SUVs around; certainly in this price category.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Kiss the Nissan 370Z goodbye and say hello to the Z. Nissan shortened the name of this model but upgraded the sexy looks and speed of its iconic 2-door sports car.

The peppy 3L twin-turbocharged engine gives it a zippy 400hp. There is not a lot of room in this low-hung vehicle but if you want to impress one passenger with some speed and snazzy appeal this could be the car for you.

Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

Hard to find a cooler auto brand than Alfa Romeo with its rich history from Italy since 1910. The new Stelvio model is nice compact SUV with typical Alfa characteristics of style, power and handling. The rear seat could be a bit larger and an upgraded infotainment system is needed but overall it is a very fun drive and a head turner.

Listen to my full review from "The High-Tech Texan Show" as heard on iHeartRadio.

Off-road driving is not only a fun thing to do but in many cases it is a necessity for some drivers. If you ever had to navigate a dirt or gravel road, maybe some hills and mountainous terrain, you need a capable vehicle that will provides power, grip, and towing capability. Bonus points if the interior is comfy.

Chevy certainly knows how to build off-road trucks and the Silverado Trailboss version meets all the requirements listed above. I spent some time in the new 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel version and it is large and powerful. I liked the Z71 off-road package that includes 2" lifts, monotube shocks, skid plates, and more.

Take a listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

It's not often that I test drive 3 vehicles in a month from the same manufacturer but apparently Kia has a lot of new releases. This past week I spent time in the new Niro, an interesting looking subcompact SUV that you have to see to believe. It's not the speediest machine from the Korean automaker but it does have a strong fuel economy with a combined 49 mpg city/highway driving.

Listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

The Kia EV6 has been near the top of my recommendation list of electric vehicles for at least the last year. It is stylish, roomy, zippy and is priced accordingly. But now we have a GT version which kind of changes the game. This version of Kia's SUV has dual motors - one that powers the front wheels and another that powers the rear. Using some sort of engineering wizardry the GT is capable of 576 hp and can go 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Dayum.

Listen to my full review of the Kia EV6 GT here as hard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

Just when you thought the Yukon may have the ultimate SUV, GMC comes out with an actual Ultimate upgrade. The 2023 Denali Ultimate packs almost every single upgrade you can get on this vehicle. Thought the gas mileage may not the best in the category it is hard to beat the smooth ride and luxurious interior.

Listen to my full review here. As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show w/Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

It's no secret that I am a Kia fan and after driving the new Sportage Hybrid I continue to be a fanboy. The fifth-generation of the Sportage is a bit larger than the previous model and pairs a 1.6L engine with a 44kw electric motor. I found the car to be spacious and packed with typical safety features and technology.

Take a listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM and iHeartRadio.

Wow.  Yep. I said it (or actually typed it). This is a SUPER TRUCK. The Ram folks apparently put a Viagra in the fuel tank of a 1500 truck and produced the TRX model.  Almost everything you want and need in a vehicle that can take you most anywhere off-road with its 702-hp engine.

It sits 8" wider than a normal Ram 1500 (hence my Viagra comment) and rides smooth on Bilstein shocks.  Gas mileage isn't great but sometimes you have to ask "who cares?" and keep on trucking while turning heads.

For a full review of this bad boy, take a listen here.

Note: As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Looking for a BIG, LUXURIOUS pickup truck? Well I have a strong recommendation for you with the Sierra Denali Ultimate. This beast packs almost every upgrade imaginable and it drives incredibly smooth.

Take a listen to my full review here. As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show w/Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

We can classify this as a small-SUV but I'd probably go with a VERY small-SUV.  But this head-turning vehicle solidly fits 5 people in its unique body style.  It may not pack a punch on the road but the affordability factor is strong.  Listen to my full review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show," on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

The Camry is the best-selling sedan in the country and one of the reasons is because you simply know what you are getting. A strong brand, lots of safety features, a roomy and solid ride, etc... But the new XSE V6 adds some spice and punchiness to the mix. You should like this one.

Listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Sedans may not be as prevalent as they used to be but there are still many models on the road. Mazda has long produced nice sedans and the Mazda3 carries on the tradition of a solid ride with a decent price.

Take a listen to my review here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Wow.

Almost nothing else needs to be written but I certainly said a lot about one of the most luxurious and elegant sedans I have ever been in. Genesis continues to impress me as a brand and the G90 with a 3.5L e-Supercharger was one of my favorite vehicles I drove all year.

Take a listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

Another Lexus and this one is strong one. A sleek, sharp sedan with excellent handling thanks to the F-Sport package.

Listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).