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Mazda confirmed that the CX-9 three-row SUV will be discontinued after the 2023 model year.The CX-9 is being replaced by the 2024 CX-90, which has a new platform and new powertrain options.The CX-9 first joined the lineup for 2007 and the current generation arrived for 2016.It’s out with the old, in with the new at Mazda as the company has confirmed that the CX-9 will die after the 2023 model year. The CX-9 has served as Mazda’s three-row SUV offering since it first arrived for the 2007 model year, but it’s being replaced by the new 2024 Mazda CX-90, which went on sale earlier this year.This discontinuation doesn’t exactly come as a surprise, as it represents a larger shift that’s happening within Mazda’s crossover lineup. The CX-9 is based on Mazda’s transverse-engine platform and uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the CX-90 rides on the company’s new longitudinal-engine platform and offers either a turbocharged inline-six engine or a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. The CX-90 is also positioned to be more of an upscale offering: although its starting price of $40,970 isn’t much higher than the outgoing CX-9, at $40,125, the CX-90’s higher trim levels reach above $60,000 while the CX-9 tops out at around $50,000.We Test the CX-90The CX-9 first arrived for the 2007 model year and the current, second-generation CX-9 arrived for 2016. We liked its combination of pleasant driving dynamics and upscale interior materials, but its third-row seat was cramped and it was starting to show its age by the time we tested a 2020 model later in its production run.More change is coming to Mazda’s SUV offerings later this year, as we’re expecting the two-row CX-70 to join the CX-90 soon. This new mid-size model will also use the new longitudinal-engine platform and inline-six engine and should look similar to the CX-60 that’s been introduced for global markets.In the meantime, CX-9 sales remain relatively strong, as so far in 2023 the model is up 7 percent compared with last year. Mazda sold 17,359 CX-9s through the first half compared with just 5704 CX-90s during the same time period. Mazda has not yet given an exact date for when CX-9 production will end, so expect some 2023 inventory to remain at U.S. dealers for the time being.More on Mazda SUVsThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

Just outside the humble city of Danville, Virginia, there is a road course lined with green ARMCO that offers an unbeatable mix of speed, cornering, and braking. Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is arguably America’s most challenging race circuit this side of Germany’s Nürburgring, and for 16 years we’ve put the newest high-performance cars to their limits in an annual week of track time we call Lightning Lap.In May, more than 60 of our readers joined us at VIR to conquer the exact 4.1-mile Grand Course configuration we’ve used to set benchmarks for production cars, from the Honda Fit to the McLaren Senna. Using our price-based categories, from LL1 (up to $35,000) to LL5 ($250,000 and above), readers had over two hours of track time during the day to battle for the quickest times. (We stuck with last year’s price categories, since the registration for this event started before the increases we put in place in 2023 to reflect the ever-increasing price of new vehicles.)Car and DriverWe instantly recognized the cars and faces of those who have devotedly attended our past two reader track days. The cool Virginia morning kicked off with a reminder of track etiquette. The folks at Kaizen Autosport handed out transponders and offered instruction and track car rentals, as they oversaw timing and scoring for three groups of racers. New for this year was an Enthusiast group designed to get the unaccustomed more acclimated to track driving.Three Car and Driver staffers also attended, to log some laps on a portion of our long-term fleet. Out on track with our readers ran our long-term Porsche 718 Cayman GTS and Subaru BRZ and our Honda Civic Si track rat. The competition was fast and the cars were awesome this year, but ultimately only one from each category gets to exit the paddock with a trophy. Thank you to all our loyal readers that joined us for our third Lightning Lap public track day. Here are the results.Enthusiast Car and DriverBy far the largest faction at this year’s event was the Enthusiast group of beginner track drivers, many of whom had never been on a race circuit before, let alone one as long and daunting as VIR’s Grand Course. Their experience began with lead-follow laps behind instructors, followed by solo laps as their comfort levels improved. Fun was had and teeth were cut. Vehicles ranged from Trisha Radocaj’s 2023 Toyota GR86 to Leigh Potts’s 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo SS to Rob Wald’s 2020 BMW M2 Competition. Setting a quick lap time was not the priority, but Cameron Kennedy did strap a transponder to his 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S to record a time of 3:32.7, while his wife, Kristen, was wheeling a 2019 McLaren 570S Spider. Given the smiles we saw around the paddock, we’ll be surprised if a few drivers don’t return next year for more serious runs against the clock.LL1 (under $35,000)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverDuane Black once again made the trek to VIR in his trusty V-6 automatic Mustang with the speed limiter removed, towing a set of track wheels and tires behind, to take top honors in LL1. While his time wasn’t quite as speedy this time around—previously he was flirting with a 3:00 flat—the well-used Mustang was wearing lesser tires. Still, the fact that his 3:03.8 in this humble V-6 Mustang—it bears repeating that it’s his daily driver—beat most of the LL2 entries proves that Black knows his way around the Grand Course. LL2 ($35,000 to $64,999)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverThe next-up class had a good mix of competitors: a pair of Civic Type Rs, a Tesla Model 3, and a Challenger Hellcat. The Model 3 and Hellcat were neck and neck in the 3:14s, while the better of the two Civics got down to a 3:07. But none could hang with the 2021 Toyota Supra adorned with an aggressive aero kit driven by Nathan Bunn. Now Bunn was at a distinct advantage, having formerly worked for VIR’s home driving-instruction shop and our partner in this track-day endeavor, Kaizen Autosport, and has no shortage of time at VIR. While his 2:58.3 handily beat everything else in the class, it’s a few seconds off our quickest from a Supra, a manual, last year. Bunn said his fresh set of R-compound tires didn’t arrive in time, so he was nursing a well-used set. LL3 ($65,000 to $124,999)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverThe LL3 class saw plenty of action this year, with David Hunt in a 2022 Porsche Cayman GT4 ultimately taking the win with a time of 3:02.6. Close behind was Stephen Fayette in another GT4, a 2016 model, who posted a 3:04.6 lap. A few seconds back, Gabe Rich and his 2022 Chevy Camaro SS 1LE battled it out with Jonathan Lucas in a second 2016 Porsche 718 GT4, with Rich’s 3:11.394 lap just edging out Lucas’s 3:11.502. Fred Barasoain set a 3:18.3 time in his 2019 BMW M4, while Bradley Lucas turned in a 3:27.5 in a 2021 C8 Corvette. LL4 ($125,000 to $249,999)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverIt sure was lonely in the $249,000 and under club. Its only competitor, Matthew Einstein in a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, set a tasty lap to the tune of 2:45.7. Of course, he won. His 2023 time improved over last year by nearly a second, making Matthew the quickest dude of the day. We managed a 2:40.6 in our attempt last year, but we also had the PDK-automatic advantage over his six-speed manual. We suspect Matthew could return to slice another second or two off his time next year. Among previous reader track day competitions, Matthew is a little behind the 2:40.9 lap set by Corey Radcliff’s 2017 Dodge Viper ACR Extreme. Great work, Matthew, and major props for using that rocket as Stuttgart intended.LL5 ($250,000 and above)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverDeep Sran’s 2018 Ferrari 488 GTB set a 3:18.1 and is the first Ferrari to dive into our pool of track-going readership. Its twin-turbo V-8 packs 661 horsepower from the factory, and the paddle shifters for its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic had Deep’s fingertips dancing. When we tested the 488GTB, it hit 60 mph in 3.0 seconds flat. While Deep’s time was significantly off the pace of the 2:45.1 we set in 2016, we can’t fault the guy for making sure his car was able to drive home in one piece.LLR1 (under $65,000)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverNormally a hotbed for competition, this class saw just two drivers set times this year. John Cuellar took home the trophy in a modified 2007 Chevy Corvette Z06 with a solid time of 2:50.3, cutting eight seconds off the lap in a stock version we set when the car was new. Robert Lamere recorded a respectable 2:57.3 time in another Z06, a 2011 model with the Z07 package, to claim second place. LLR2 ($65,000 to $124,999)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverMostly populated by Ginetta G56 GTA race cars operated by Kaizen Autosport—a 2400-pound racer with a British chassis and Mustang V-6 power—a C5 Corvette that got bumped to the race class with a modified engine and a BMW M240i rounded out the class. The Ginettas were more than 10 seconds quicker than the other two and tightly clustered between 2:48.0 and 2:49.5. Kaizen boss Peter Heffring ended up in second with a 2:48.5 while Bertus van Jaarsveld brought home the win by a half-second, and we don’t think just because he’s a paying customer. LLR3 ($125,000 to $249,999)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverThis class saw another small but by no means quiet contingent of Porsches. Honors ultimately went to Jean-François Lemay, who set a 2:52.5 time in a 2017 911 GT3 Cup car. Hot on his heels was Stéphane Bouvier’s 2020 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, which logged a 2:56.8. LLRP1 (prototype)Marc Urbano|Car and DriverAfter an unfortunate wreck at our last track day, Garry Gray was back with his 2013 Radical SR8 for another go. And go he did, turning a best 2:46.1, which is quicker than the Tatuus from our last event by the very narrow margin of 0.3 second. Nice work. Open GalleryMore Lightning LapAssociate EditorYes, he’s still working on the 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo project car he started in high school, and no, it’s not for sale yet. Austin Irwin was born and raised in Michigan, and, despite getting shelled by hockey pucks during a not-so-successful goaltending career through high school and college, still has all of his teeth. He loves cars from the 1980s and Bleu, his Great Pyrenees, and is an active member of the Buffalo Wild Wings community. When Austin isn’t working on his own cars, he’s likely on the side of the highway helping someone else fix theirs.Technical EditorMike Sutton is an editor, writer, test driver, and general car nerd who has contributed to Car and Driver’s reverent and irreverent passion for the automobile since 2008. A native Michigander from suburban Detroit, he enjoys the outdoors and complaining about the weather, has an affection for off-road vehicles, and believes in federal protection for naturally aspirated engines.Director, Vehicle TestingDave VanderWerp has spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry, in varied roles from engineering to product consulting, and now leading Car and Driver’s vehicle-testing efforts. Dave got his very lucky start at C/D by happening to submit an unsolicited resume at just the right time to land a part-time road warrior job when he was a student at the University of Michigan, where he immediately became enthralled with the world of automotive journalism. More

In the market for a Tesla? Not sure if you want a crossover or a sedan? Well, dear readers, this comparison is for you. If you’re waffling between the smaller Model 3 and the Model Y, we’ve got the official figures to help you determine which model best suits your needs.While the two models are quite similar—even more so when aesthetics are brought into play—there are still some notable differences between the 3 and the Y. Let’s take a look at how they line up, and how they stand apart.Dimensions and CapacitiesIt probably won’t shatter your concept of reality to know that the Model Y SUV is slightly larger than the Model 3 it resembles, but the two aren’t really that divorced from each other.The Model Y’s 187.0-inch length is only a couple inches ahead of the Model 3’s 184.8-inch figure. They’re even closer on the wheelbase front, with the Model Y’s 113.8-inch span ahead of the Model 3 by just 0.6 inch. The Model Y is also 1.6 inches wider, and it offers an extra 1.3 inches of ground clearance.Interior dimensions again favor the Model Y, but not across the board. The Model Y bests the Model 3 in front and rear headroom, although the former are within an inch of each other. Interestingly, the Model 3 actually offers 0.9-inch more front legroom than the Model Y, and the sedan’s rear hip room is also 1.8 inches more capacious. The Model Y remains the rear-legroom champ, offering 40.5 inches of space to stretch versus the Model 3’s 35.2 inches.Model 3.TeslaThe gulf widens when comparing cargo space. The Model 3 offers 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity with five people in the car, a fair bit behind the Model Y’s 34.3-cubic-foot volume. However, once you cram seven people inside the Model Y, that figure drops to just 17 cubic feet. That said, you can’t fit seven adults in a Model 3 at all. Tesla Model Y.TeslaHorsepowerThis part is a bit tricky. Tesla doesn’t publish any public-facing horsepower or torque figures, only performance metrics. However, there are some horsepower numbers hidden away in the automaker’s documents filed with the EPA. According to those documents, the Model 3 RWD offers up 257 horsepower from its single rear motor. The Model 3 Long Range’s two motors combine for a net 393 horsepower, while the Model 3 Performance offers 430 horsepower. Over on the Model Y side, both the base and Long Range variants produce 390 horsepower, with the Performance variant rising to just 418 horsepower.Acceleration and Top SpeedAs of this writing (Tesla loves a lineup shuffle), the Model 3 is offered in three trims: The base model comes with rear-wheel drive, while the Long Range and Performance variants add a second motor and all-wheel drive. The Model 3 RWD takes 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and continues on to a top speed of 140 mph. The Model 3 Long Range drops the 60-mph time to 4.2 seconds and boosts top speed to 145 mph. At the top of the pile, the Model 3 Performance rips to 60 in 3.1 seconds and tops out at 162 mph.Over on the Model Y side, all three variants (base, Long Range, Performance) come with standard dual-motor AWD. Both the base and Long Range variants have top speeds of 135 mph, but the base’s 5.0-second 60-mph time is only two-tenths slower than the Long Range. The Performance trim turns up the wick, dropping the zero-to-60 time to 3.5 seconds and increasing top speed to 155 mph.TeslaTeslaRangeThe Model 3 RWD offers the least range of any variant mentioned in this comparison at an EPA-estimated 272 miles. Moving up to the Model 3 Long Range increases that figure to an impressive 333 miles—the best of this lot—although boosting output on the Performance model incurs a range penalty, settling at a still-good 315 miles.The Model Y’s base AWD variant offers a solid 279 miles of range, while the Long Range trim rises to 330 miles. Again, opting for the Performance version will eat into range, but at 303 miles, it’s still pretty darn good.TeslaTeslaPrice*Don’t take these price figures with a grain of salt; take them with the whole silo’s worth. Tesla changes its prices like most teenagers change their minds, so it’s worth triple-checking the website or your local store to ensure nothing has changed since this writing.The Model 3 is a fair bit cheaper than the Model Y on the low end. The base Model 3 RWD comes in at $41,630, several thousand dollars lower than the base Model Y’s $49,130 window sticker. The Model 3 Long Range comes in at $48,630, while the Model Y Long Range asks $51,880. At the top of the pile are the Performance variants; the Model 3 will set you back $54,630, and the Model Y isn’t far from that figure at $55,880.More Details, Specs, Test DataSenior EditorCars are Andrew Krok’s jam, along with boysenberry. After graduating with a degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009, Andrew cut his teeth writing freelance magazine features, and now he has a decade of full-time review experience under his belt. A Chicagoan by birth, he has been a Detroit resident since 2015. Maybe one day he’ll do something about that half-finished engineering degree. More

After an almost 50-year career, automotive designer Peter Horbury died suddenly while traveling in China. Most recently, Horbury was executive vice president of design for Group Lotus.Horbury worked at or for multiple automakers, including Ford, Chrysler, and smaller brands including Bentley and Rolls-Royce. He also worked on motorcycles and the updated London Taxi.Horbury is best remembered for shifting Volvo’s classic angular design language to something sleeker and luxurious today.Peter Horbury, the automotive designer best known for leading the transition from boxy to curvy during his decades at Volvo and, most recently, as the executive vice president of design at Lotus, has died. He was 73.VolvoA cause of death has not been announced, but it appears to have been unexpected. According to a statement from Lotus, Horbury passed away “while visiting colleagues in China, doing what he has always done—leading, inspiring and mentoring others to challenge conventions and be the best that they can be.”What he has always done also includes designing an incredible variety of vehicles—cars, bikes, buses, vans and London Taxis, according to a deep tribute over at Car Design News —for an incredible variety of companies: Volvo, Ford, Chrysler, Geely, Lotus, Bentley, Triumph, Rolls-Royce, and more. Horbury started in the industry after graduating from the Royal College of Art in London in 1974. His oversize impact at Volvo kicked off in 1991 when he became the automaker’s head of design. He famously led the company away from the boxy designs of the 1970s and 1980s, starting with the ECC concept car in 1992 and on to the S80 production model and then the XC90. In 2002, Horbury became the head of design in Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, which included Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo. 1998 Volvo C70.Car and DriverHorbury went back to Volvo in 2009 to become vice president of design. When Ford sold Volvo to Geely in 2010, Horbury became Geely’s senior vice president of design. While there, he worked on multiple Geely brands, including Lynk & Co, Proton, and Lotus. One of the last vehicles Horbury worked on to have a reveal was the Lotus Eletre electric SUV last fall.Lotus Eletre.LotusHorbury’s peers in the automotive industry have been posting their condolences. Andy Palmer, the former CEO of Aston Martin, called Horbury an “extraordinary talent.” Ford CEO Jim Farley said Horbury’s passing deeply saddened him and that Horbury used “the power of design to transform and modernize Volvo globally.” Lotus’s official announcement noted that the charismatic Horbury spent nearly half a century designing “some of the world’s most significant and pioneering cars.”This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.I am deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Horbury. Our heart and condolences go out to his family. Peter was a remarkable design leader, perhaps best known for using the power of design to transform & modernize Volvo globally. He was an incredible advocate for Lincoln & Ford… pic.twitter.com/fqWG6iT83L— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) July 1, 2023Beyond the adulations for a design legacy that “can be found on roads across the world today, enjoyed by millions of drivers,” as Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng put it in a statement, social media and personal tributes speak about the many ways Horbury enjoyed life. It is clear he will be missed by many around the world.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

A new Lego Corvette model kit, based on the 1961 model year version, will be available later this summer.This is the fourth official Corvette Lego has released and the largest such model ever.With more than 1200 pieces, the 1961 Lego Corvette arrives August 1 with a $150 price tag.You can get a real Chevrolet Corvette from the late 1950s or early 1960s on Bring a Trailer for around $100,000, give or take $40,000, depending on the condition. If you don’t mind a smaller size and parts made out of plastic, a new Lego model celebrating the 1961 version is coming later this summer for a more modest $150.LEGO Of course, $150 for a toy isn’t exactly pocket change, but this set has been designed for adults. Plus, at least Lego has added features to the new 1210-piece kit to make you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. The most noticeable bit is the swappable hard or open top for this little cabriolet sports car that stands four inches high, 12.5 inches long, and 5.5 inches wide. It’s just the right size and complexity for anyone who enjoys Legos but doesn’t want to take three weeks to put together a complicated Technics machine.Brick Lore That doesn’t mean there aren’t clever touches here. The hood and truck open, and there’s a spinning radiator fan and a working tie-rod steering set-up in the engine bay. The cabin features three pedals, a gear shifter and a steering wheel that turns the wheels. The kit has three license plate stickers, including one with a Corvette logo and one each with Michigan and California identifications. Corvette fans should appreciate the transitional ducktail design and the four iconic taillights.LEGO Part of the Lego Icons series, this set (#10321) is the fourth official Lego model with a Corvette, and it arrives just in time to mark the 70th anniversary of the Corvette’s debut in 1953.The first, featuring a tiny Z06 made from 168 pieces, came out in a Speed Champions set in 2016. The second was a 600-piece Technic set featuring the ZR1 in 2019. In 2021, Lego released another 500-piece Speed Champions set, but this time it was a twofer with models of a C8.R race car and a 1968 Corvette in the box. All three of these older sets are available, used, on the fan-to-fan Lego marketplace called Bricklink for around $20 to $30.LEGOIf you don’t want your new Corvette to look lonely, Lego also offers two other classic GM vehicles in its current lineup of sets. There’s a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (around 1500 pieces for $170) and a NASCAR Camaro ZL1 made from almost 700 pieces and a $50 price tag.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

This first-gen Audi TT has arguably the purest execution of the model’s Bauhaus design.Although based on VW Golf underpinnings, the top-spec version featured a turbocharged 225-hp engine, all-wheel drive, and an available six-speed manual transmission, all present here.This example also boasts ultra-low mileage with the odometer showing just 15K miles. The auction ends on Thursday, July 6.Car and DriverLaunched in the fall of 1998, the Audi TT is now a quarter-century old, which naturally begs the question: Is this a potential future classic? Underpinned by the same platform as the fourth-generation VW Golf, the TT was practical, quick, capable, and oh, so pretty. This ultra-low-mileage example of the first-gen TT Roadster, complete with a manual transmission and those standout baseball-stitch seats, is up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver is part of Hearst Autos.Related StoriesThe TT takes its name from motorcycle racing on the Isle of Man. NSU was a car and motorcycle manufacturer that was absorbed by Auto Union in 1969 to form the modern embodiment of Audi, and it was quite successful in motorcycle racing on the Snaefell circuit. Further, the NSU TT was a small, highly tuned rear-engined coupe that may be thought of as analogous to any number of Fiat Abarth specials.In the mid-1990s, Audi was looking to infuse its lineup with more emotional appeal. The A4 and A6 had established themselves as credible rivals to BMW’s 3- and 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz C- and E-class. But Audi needed a sports car.Bring a TrailerEnter the TT, first sketched out as a coupe concept in 1995. Production began in 1998, with the roadster joining the lineup a year later. A year after that, a more potent 225-hp version of the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine went on sale, and the TT made Car and Driver’s 10Best list.”We predict this wonderfully glamorous Audi will eventually join the Cisitalia and Jaguar E-type in the Museum of Modern Art. For now, we simply grin every time we see one,” we wrote.Bring a TrailerThis example is the more potent 225-hp variant, with Quattro all-wheel-drive and the six-speed manual transmission. Finished in black over Amber Red upholstery, it also has the must-have baseball-stitch leather, like you’re sitting in Paul Bunyan’s game-day mitt. With just 15,000 miles on the odometer and a clean California history, it’s a gorgeous piece of modern Bauhaus design.Just as it did on its debut, today the TT marks a high point for Audi enthusiasts. And, sadly, also a bookend. The current TT is leaving the market as Audi pivots to electrification. There may be an all-electric successor to the R8, but there appear to be plans for the TT to go EV.Bring a TrailerWhich is a shame. The TT was Audi’s Everyman sports car—interesting, beautiful, and within reach. A box-fresh vintage version like this example still has those qualities. This auction ends July 6.Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are the largest members of the Jeep family. With both boasting three rows of seats as well as longer-wheelbase “L” variants, the Wagoneers are great for hauling families from one adventure to the next. However, for folks who want to know what differentiates the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer from the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, we’re here to break it down by detailing their available powertrains, exterior and interior designs, and the various safety and tech features. Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer TestedExterior Differences As its name implies, the Grand Wagoneer has a grander appearance than the regular Wagoneer. The more upscale model has more chrome, a black roof, snazzier LED lighting accents, a different hood, and more prominent fender flares. Power-retractable running boards are also standard on the Grand Wagoneer. The three-row SUVs also offer wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches, but those options vary by trim level. The Grand Wagoneer’s smallest available wheels are 20 inches, and it also offers a few exclusive colors, including Midnight Sky Blue, Rocky Mountain Green, and Ember Pearl. For Wagoneer shoppers only, a blacked-out appearance is available with the Carbide package. Along with glossy black wheels (20-inchers are standard; 22s are optional), the mirror caps, parts of the grille, and other bits are also black; the Wagoneer Carbide’s interior has black seats and special trim on the dashboard. The Grand Wagoneer equivalent is called the Obsidian. It’s a bit more glamorous and includes standard shiny black 22-inch rims.For 2023, both the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer are available with a longer wheelbase that grows by an identical 7 inches to 130 inches. These “L” variants see their overall length extend an entire foot to 226.7 inches. For comparison, the similarly sized Chevy Suburban is 225.7 inches long, and the stretched version of the more luxurious Cadillac Escalade ESV is 227.0 inches long. All Jeep Wagoneers—regardless of wheelbase or grandness—stand between 74.6 and 77.3 inches tall and measure nearly 84 inches wide. Those dimensions might be worth considering for shoppers with garages or parking spots that are on the smaller side.Interior Differences Inside, the Grand Wagoneer is more luxurious, with a slightly different dashboard layout as well as nicer leather and wood trim compared with the Wagoneer. The latter has a standard second-row bench seat that provides room for as many as eight passengers. A set of second-row captain’s chairs are also optional, but that configuration means there’s one less seat in the middle. The Grand Wagoneer is the opposite and comes standard with the seven-passenger layout (the second-row bench is optional).Those considering the long-wheelbase Wagoneers should know their interior passenger volume is similar to their shorter counterparts. However, the L models have considerably more cargo space. The Wagoneer L offers between 42 and 131 cubes of cargo volume, depending on which rows of seats are stowed; the regular Wagoneer has between 27 and 117 cubes. It’s also worth noting that the Grand Wagoneer L has a little less passenger space (173 cubic feet versus 176), but it has much more cargo space than the non-L Grand, providing an extra 19 cubes (113 total) behind the first row and an extra 17 cubes (44 total) behind the third.Convenience Features, Safety, and TechOptional features exclusive to the Grand Wagoneer include four-zone climate control, 24-way power seats, and a McIntosh audio system with more speakers. Not only does the Grand Wagoneer offer more screens on the dash and for rear-seat passengers, its available screens are also larger than in the Wagoneer.Both models have a host of driver-assistance technology. Along with available adaptive cruise control, a self-parking function, and night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, the Wagoneers come standard with the following safety features:Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency brakingStandard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistStandard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alertWagoneer InfotainmentEvery Wagoneer packs a robust infotainment system that runs through a 10.1-inch center touchscreen. A separate 10.3-inch display that faces the front-seat passenger is also available, and it provides entertainment and navigation functions. The Uconnect 5 system also includes built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa functionality, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. A rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 10.1-inch displays is optional.Grand Wagoneer InfotainmentThe Grand Wagoneer’s infotainment system brings an even larger 12.0-inch center touchscreen plus another touch display below it that measures 10.2 inches. This lower unit provides controls for the HVAC system and other functions. As with the regular Wagoneer, a 10.3-inch front-passenger display is also available. The Grand model has the same popular standard features, from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Amazon Alexa functionality and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotpsot. Those sitting in the second row are privy to another 10.3-inch touchscreen between the captain’s chairs, and there’s an optional rear-seat entertainment system with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens.Wagoneer PowertrainA 392-hp 5.7-liter V-8 is the Wagoneer’s base engine, but it’s only available on the entry-level trim. What’s more, a 420-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is a no-cost option. That “Hurricane” engine is also standard on every other Wagoneer, including all L variants. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear- or various all-wheel-drive systems. Those who need to tow a trailer can tug up to 10,000 pounds. Fuel EconomyThe 2023 Jeep Wagoneer with the V-8 and all-wheel drive has the worst EPA estimates, at 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Pairing rear-drive with the turbo six brings estimates of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; opting for all-wheel drive drops both figures by 1 mpg. Grand Wagoneer PowertrainA 471-hp 6.4-liter V-8 is the Grand Wagoneer’s entry-level engine, but it’s only available on the base model. The rest of the lineup, including all long-wheelbase versions, feature a high-output Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Every Grand Wagoneer has an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, although the latter is offered with different levels of capability. It’s rated to tow up to 9860 pounds too.Fuel EconomyThe 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with the V-8 earns a lowly 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, per the EPA. While the six-cylinder isn’t much better, with mpg estimates of 14 city, 20 highway for the standard wheelbase and 14 city, 19 highway for the long wheelbase, the latter performed slightly better than advertised in our 75-mph fuel-economy test, earning 20 mpg.Wagoneer Pricing The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer with rear-wheel drive starts at $62,670, which is several thousand dollars more than the full-size, body-on-frame Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Jeep charges an extra $3000 for all-wheel drive on all Wagoneer models, which we expect to be the volume sellers. With AWD included, the Series II and Series III start at $70,790 and $76,810, respectively. The Wagoneer Series II Carbide 4×4 starts at $74,485. Base prices for the long-wheelbase, all-wheel-drive Wagoneer L models are listed below:4×4: $68,670Series II: $73,790Series II Carbide: $77,485Series III: $79,810Grand Wagoneer PricingThe 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at $91,645, which is nearly $10K more than full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. Stepping up from the entry-level Grand Wagoneer to the Series II pushes the starting price to $97,995, and the Series III opens at $111,145. The long-wheelbase adds another $3250 to the Grand Wagoneer’s base trim level and $3000 to the others. The Obsidian treatment costs an extra $995 with the top-spec Series III, but it’s a $5495 option with the Series II because it adds more content.More Jeep Wagoneer ReadingThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

Tesla was the first automaker to really invest in its own public fast-charging network, and a decade head start means the company’s Superchargers are the best available.It’s not even close, really. In J.D. Power’s study, more than one in five EV drivers (21 percent) said they were unable to charge at a non-Tesla station in the first quarter of this year, but at Superchargers it was less than 4 percent.Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar have all said their future EVs will be compatible with Tesla’s NACS standard.Electric vehicles have gotten noticeably better in the last five years. Public charging? Not so much. That’s why more and more automakers are signing up to have their EVs use Tesla’s Supercharger network in the near future. Polestar, Volvo, Rivian, and GM all made announcements about using Tesla’s units in June after Ford kicked off the surprising trend in May. So, we can now say it’s good news for the broader EV community that Tesla has the most reliable fast-chargers around.Joining Them Tesla drivers rated their overall satisfaction with the DC fast charging options at 734 (on a 1000-point scale), well above the industry average of 558. GM EV drivers rated their experience at 586, with Ford coming in at 544. That’s the finding of a new J.D. Power E-Vision Intelligence Report, which also notes that the flood of new companies that will use Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) means over 70 percent of all EV sales in the U.S. will “soon” be compatible with the Tesla standard.No Contest on ReliabilityEV drivers need to be able to count on public charging stations being operational when they pull up to charge, and here is where Tesla really provides for its drivers. According to JD Power’s survey, more than one-in-five EV drivers who went to a non-Tesla public charging station in the first quarter of 2023 (21.6 percent) were not able to charge their vehicle during their visit. At Tesla Superchargers, it was just 3.9 percent. The report puts it simply, “When it comes to reliability, no other provider is even close to Tesla.”The White House has said that NACS will be a part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is spending $7.5 billion on new EV charging solutions. SAE International said this week that it will set standards for the NACS connector so that any supplier or manufacturer can use it. In 2022, all of the energy used at a Tesla Supercharger was renewable, either through on-site resources or through annual renewable matching.Highly Ranked Last Year, Too Tesla’s public charging lead is not new. In its 2022 EV Experience Public Charging Study, J.D. Power found that EV drivers ranked Tesla Superchargers highest or all available DC fast-chargers. Tesla’s ranking was so far above its competitors, in fact, that it was the only DC fast-charger brand to rank above the industry average. Tesla’s Destination chargers also ranked highest among Level 2 charging stations. In April, Tesla’s latest Impact Report claimed that its Superchargers have had an uptime of at least 99.9 percent since 2018. Tesla’s definition of “uptime” is when at least half of the chargers at a Supercharger site are operational on any given day.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More