Cadillac Lyriq-V and Optiq-V

Cadillac's V-Series goes electric with the introduction of the V-Series' first-ever electric SUVs, the Lyriq-V and the Optiq-V. Let's find out how "shocking" these E-V's are. Pun intended.

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V

2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V interior

Starting at $78,600 plus additional costs, the Lyriq-V is what happens when Cadillac turns the humble but dynamic Lyriq EV crossover into what's known to be the fastest-accelerating Cadillac ever made. Yes. Most of the Lyriq's highlights include the available Super Cruise, the 33-inch LED display, the Active Noise Cancellation system, slim-line LED headlamps, the AKG Studio audio system, KeyPass, a dual-level charge cord, and others. However, for the V, this AWD monster has the master's touch.

Armed with the 102kWh battery pack with up to 285 miles of driving range, the Lyriq-V's standard dual motor all-wheel-drive powertrain delivers 615HP of power and 880Nm of torque. In its Velocity Max setting, it goes from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating Cadillac ever made. Touche for a juiced EV crossover that weighs over three tons.

Despite its V credentials, don’t expect the Lyriq-V to be highly dynamic. Like many high-powered electric vehicle (EV) crossovers, handling this model can be challenging—especially during a Sunday track day at Laguna Seca on a harsh sunny day, even when set to Competitive Mode. Although equipped with Brembo performance front brake calipers that provide dramatic stopping power, they couldn't fully satisfy drivers looking for a more responsive experience. 

The Lyriq-V delivers impressive acceleration, but it also serves as a reminder that the V-Series is reaching new heights in the era of electrification.

However, for those who can't afford a Lyriq-V but want a similar performance to the said car, you may be interested in the first-ever Optiq-V.

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V

2026 Cadillac Optiq-V interior

Starting at $67,300, plus additional costs, the Optiq-V is a smaller, more affordable alternative to the Lyriq-V. It offers the same luxurious features as the regular Optiq, including available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology. The Optiq-V is equipped with an 85 kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of 275 miles. Its dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup produces 519 horsepower and 880 Nm of torque. In its Velocity Max mode, the Optiq-V can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

Although it has less power than the Lyriq-V, the Optiq-V's smaller and slightly lighter design makes it a versatile option for various driving scenarios, whether navigating the streets of Los Angeles, enjoying a day on the track at Laguna Seca, or exploring the rugged terrain of Yosemite. Still, it's too cheesy on a track day, even in its Competitive Mode setting.

With the arrival of the first-ever Lyriq-V and the Optiq-V, the Cadillac V-Series goes down the electrification route. Some would be unhappy about the V-Series' new route; think of these two E-Vs as experimentation in preserving the future of the Cadillac V-Series. This is what common sense feels like.

Photo: General Motors

Cadillac Vistiq

The first-ever Cadillac Vistiq, starting at $77,395 plus additional costs, is an all-electric replacement of the XT6 that promises to be the most versatile Cadillac EV SUV ever made. With such a price, it's less expensive than the Escalade IQ. That's common sense to us all...or is it?

2026 Cadillac Vistiq

2026 Cadillac Vistiq

Sized to XT6 proportions, the Vistiq is no doubt a luxury EV SUV at first sight. While it dons a similar front face as its big brother, the Escalade IQ, the squarish shape can be easily mistaken for a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. What are the odds for this near-80-grand EV SUV?

2026 Cadillac Vistiq interior

The Vistiq is equipped with a panoramic widescreen that integrates the digital instrument panel with a Google-powered touchscreen. This touchscreen controls not only the infotainment features but also many aspects of the vehicle itself. Additionally, there is a lower touchscreen for adjusting the climate control, a rotary shift dial, and cupholders. The Vistiq is available with either six or seven seats. Its boot space is a modest 297 litres, which can expand to 889 litres when the passenger seats are folded down.

2026 Cadillac Vistiq

With the 91kWh Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt battery and a dual motor setup to give it all-wheel-drive capability, the Vistiq produces 615hp of power and 650lb-ft of torque in Velocity Max, sprinting from 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. Apart from the performance, the Vistiq features Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Active Rear Steering, and Brembo brakes. Although bulky for an EV SUV like this, it's not as half-bad to drive as its big brother, and with luxurious features such as the Road Noise Cancellation, it's first-class luxury even on tarmac, gravel, or snow.

For safety, the Vistiq comes prepared with various driver assists such as Blind Zone Steering Assist, Side Bicyclist Alert, Forward Collision Alert, OnStar Automatic Crash Response, Night Vision, and the rather controversial Super Cruise hands-free driving tech.

It’s challenging to recommend the Vistiq to those seeking a luxury electric SUV with three-row seating. However, with pricing that is more affordable than the Escalade IQ, this could be Cadillac’s best bargain of the year.

Available colors: Argent Silver Metallic, Emerald Lake Metallic, Stellar Black Metallic, Vibrant White Tricoat, and Radiant Red Tintcoat.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X has made its grand debut as the ultimate model in the C8 Corvette lineup. The team behind this vehicle has experienced their "Oppenheimer moment," demonstrating that the world will think twice before anyone dares to challenge America's latest engineering marvel.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

Starting at an ultra-expensive $205,400 plus additional costs, the Corvette ZR1X, in coupe and convertible configurations, is now officially America's ultimate hypercar. It showcases its Republican character against the world's demanding racetracks, making it a true emblem of American performance.

Beginning with the exterior design, the ZR1X is very similar to the non-hybrid ZR1. It's packed with wide-side air inlets, carbon-fiber elements, and a multitude of airflow and cooling features inspired by its Corvette Z06 GT3 race car, resulting in the highest downforce of any production Corvette. Coupled with the Carbon Aero Package, you've got yourself a historic downforce of 1200lbs, the most downforce on any production Corvette.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X interior

Effective on the 2026 Model Year, most C8 Corvettes, from the base Stingray to the ultimate ZR1X, now come with a new interior layout featuring three new screens and the deletion of the infamous "wall of buttons". It even comes with the Enhanced Performance Data Recorder and the Performance App for track day essentials.

We now arrive at the main concern: the performance of the ZR1X. The LT7 5.5L DOHC V8 twin-turbo engine is now paired with an enhanced Electric Drive Unit from the Corvette e-Ray, resulting in a staggering 1250 horsepower all-wheel drive powerhouse. Mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, it will sprint from 0-60mph in two seconds and a quarter mile under nine seconds. The Europeans should think twice before taking this Republican Space Ranger on.

General Motors' leading engineers, alongside the Corvette Racing team, have dedicated significant resources to developing the ZR1. With aerodynamics and track-tuned dynamics inspired by the Z06 GT3 race car, the Performance Traction Management with PTM Pro Mode, Regen Brake Torque Vectoring, and Front Axle Pre-Control, the ZR1X closely resembles a race car without restrictions, designed to push its limits on the track. Given these advanced dynamics, it’s no surprise that it completed a lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:49.275, making it the fastest American-made production car to conquer this iconic circuit.

Now elevated to an almost god-like status, the Corvette ZR1X is America's latest weapon of mass appeal that is set to dominate the automotive world. This hypercar has established itself as the ultimate contender, and it seems many U.S. Republicans, including figures like Donald Trump, are eager to add the ZR1X to their car collections.

For Team Corvette, the ZR1X is liberation in the making.

Available Colors: Sebring Orange Tintcoat, Roswell Green Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, Arctic White, Black, Competition Yellow Metallic Tintcoat, Riptide Blue Metallic, Torch Red, Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat, and Hysteria Purple Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

My GT7 Log: Future Corvette

The current eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has redefined the standard for American cars, even before the onset of the Long COVID era. Its ultimate version, the ZR1X, holds the record as the fastest American-made car to complete a lap at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Despite its remarkable achievements, the Corvette team is not resting on its successes; they have also revealed a vision for what the future of the Corvette will look like.

No, these ain't the Corvette UK Concept envisioned by General Motors' UK Design Studio. This is the Corvette CX Concept that popped up at The Quail. These CX concept cars are playable exclusively in Gran Turismo 7.

Unveiled at The Quail, the Corvette CX Concept is featured in two forms: an all-electric concept and a race-spec CX.R Vision Gran Turismo Concept powered by a race-spec hybrid powertrain.

Starting with the Corvette CX Concept, this model imagines what the Corvette could become as an all-electric hypercar. Maintaining the shape of the current C8 model, the CX Concept is designed with active aerodynamics and a finely sculpted underbody. It features a fan-based downforce system with thrust vectoring, which allows for precise aerodynamic balance between the front and rear. With four e-motors integrated into its RESS understructure, the CX Concept generates an impressive 2,145 horsepower, driving all four wheels.

In addition to the CX Concept, Chevrolet has introduced the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo, marking their second Vision Gran Turismo project since the laser-powered Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo Concept in Gran Turismo 6. This concept race car commemorates the Corvette's 25 years of racing history and sports a striking yellow and black livery. Essentially a racing version of the CX Concept, the CX.R features an advanced E-Fuel/Electric Hybrid powertrain, combining two electric motors with a twin-turbo V8 engine, producing a total of 2,038 horsepower. It also includes F1-derived DRS, which can be activated by pressing and holding the right analog stick.

To unleash the full potential of these two CX Concepts, I went to Road Atlanta, which is the sacred venue of the IMSA season ender, the Petit Le Mans. Yes, the ideal setting for these two Corvette Concepts, what more can I ask for? Anyway, let's roll the VTR.

And now, the results...

CX Concept - 1m15.822s

CX.R VGT - 1m11.131s

Surprisingly, the all-electric CX Concept is a monster to drive because of the monster power output from its all-electric powertrain, but in the end, it's the hybrid-powered CX.R VGT that stands out between the two. Either way, these two concepts proved their worth.

The Corvette CX Concept and the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo Concept serve as a preview of what lies ahead in the legacy of America's true sports car. The world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the Corvette lineage, which promises to implement a bold strategy that will elevate it to compete with the world's finest supercars.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - E-Ray and V.Series-R

Since its inception in 2005, the Forza Motorsport franchise has delivered us some of the most amazing vehicles spanning half a century through the world's most demanding racetracks spanning from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Now it's the turn of the two cover cars that starred in what's known to be the last-ever Forza Motorsport game ever made.

First up, the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, the hybrid version of the eighth-generation Corvette that caused a lot of stir since the advent of the base model. 

The first-ever Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray rewrote the American sports car's seven-decade history ever since the eighth-generation model, the first mid-engined Corvette, broke cover in 2020. 

The E-Ray features a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine that is mated to an electric drive unit powering both front and rear wheels, making it a four-wheel-drive supercar, a Corvette first. It produces a total power output of 655HP, and while mated with an 8-speed transmission, it has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. 

The ZER Performance Package comes with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S ZP summer-only tires as well as chassis tuning and other performance enhancements.

Lastly, the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R, Cadillac's entry to both IMSA's GTP class and the WEC's Hypercar class.

The V-Series.R racing prototype is Cadillac's commitment to the LMDh class and it's made to compete not just in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the new-generation GTP class but also at the WEC's Hypercar class. It was built in cooperation with Dallara.

In compliance with the LMDh standards, the V-Series.R is powered by a 5.5L DOHC V8 Hybrid engine, the only naturally aspirated engine in the GTP class. It has a series-specified 670hp of power output and it is mated to a 7-speed sequential gearbox.

The #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R used in the IMSA 2023 season was driven by IndyCar veteran Sebastien Bourdais and Renger Van Der Zande.

In the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R won the Motul Course de Monterey endurance race at Laguna Seca. At the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R finished 4th place, behind the 3rd-placer #02 V-Series.R race car.

For one last drive for the entire Forza franchise, let's bring the final Forza Motorsport game's cover cars to Yas Marina Circuit. It's an appropriate circuit for an appropriate moment because, as they say, it all ends here. For those of us who consider the end of something, I would say that this is the perfect location to say goodbye to the Forza series.

Without further ado, let's roll the tapes.

Like all good F1 drivers, their final lap in Yas Marina really marks the end of an era. I have to be honest with you: As demonstrated with the cover cars of the last-ever Forza Motorsport game, it pains me to say that it really is the end of what's known to be one of the best gaming franchises in the world of Xbox.

From the first Forza Motorsport game launched in 2005 to the last-ever Forza Motorsport game launched in 2023, this two-decade journey became one heck of a ride for Forza fanatics everywhere. Fast cars, challenging tracks, and an ever-growing community that helped mature this franchise.

With the Forza franchise officially no more, let's take a quick moment of silence to be thankful for having one of the longest-running video game franchises in Xbox history.

Thanks for the ride.

Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1

The ZR1 has been crowned as the "King of Corvettes" and with the moniker returned to the C8 model, the all-new Corvette ZR1 is now officially designated as America's true hypercar.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Priced at a steep $173,000 plus additional costs, the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, in coupe and convertible configurations, is now regarded as America's ultimate hypercar. It showcases its Republican character against the world's demanding racetracks, making it a true emblem of American performance.

Beginning with the exterior, the ZR1 looks more like a pumped-up version of the Z06. Still, it's been given wide-side air inlets, carbon-fiber elements, and a multitude of airflow and cooling features drawing inspiration from its Corvette Z06 GT3 race car, resulting in the highest downforce of any production Corvette. It still packs a similar interior to the other variants but the ZR1 marking differentiates it.

To boldly go where no hypercar has gone before, the C8 ZR1 is equipped with the brand-new LT7 5.5L DOHC V8 twin-turbo engine featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. This powerhouse generates an impressive 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque. With an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the ZR1 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and achieve a remarkable top speed of 233 mph. No other hypercar on the market can match the performance of the ZR1.

General Motors' top engineers as well as Corvette Racing have spent manpower in the making of the ZR1. From its aerodynamics and track-honed dynamics inspired by the Z06 GT3 race car, the ZR1 is as close to being called a de-restricted race car capable of breaking its limits on the track. Such feats recorded five new records across the most demanding racetracks in the USA.

The all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is an example of what can be accomplished when the best engineers work together on a common goal. This car’s impressive specs and advanced design mean it can be considered a serious contender on any track. It has been designated as America’s first hypercar, and it can reach 233 miles per hour. With such stats, this ultra-expensive Corvette is too powerful to be ignored. The question is, can you handle this Republican Space Ranger?

Photo: General Motors

My FM Log: The Inmates of Summernats

The ghosts of the Australian motoring past have invaded Forza Motorsport's Update 15 as prize cars and having got my hands on these two, let's have a word with them.

Here is the 2011 HSV GTS that I won from clearing the Update 15 Open Class Tour until the January 8, 2025 deadline.

The HSV GTS is a high-performance executive saloon car that competes against European cars such as the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. It is based on Holden's VE Commodore and is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette. The "E Series 3" version of the HSV GTS features minor exterior changes, interior improvements, and an enhanced electronic interface.

Lastly, here is the 2013 Holden #10 Holden Xbox Racing Team Commodore VF race car that I won by clearing the Australian Tour until the January 22, 2025 deadline.

Served as the wildcard entry at the 2013 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, the #10 Holden Xbox Racing Team Commodore VF was driven by globally acclaimed racing drivers Andy Priaulx and Mattias Ekstrom under the helm of Triple Eight Race Engineering team. The car sports an XBOX ONE livery in honor of the Forza Motorsport 5 game as one of the launch games for the XBOX ONE gaming console in 2013.

The XBOX One racing team became one of the top ten finishers of the 2013 Bathurst 1000, leading for a total of 17 laps. The car recorded the fastest speed of the day at 295kph, which is a first for any wildcard entry.

Time to line up The Inmates of Summernats for their little death march around Bathurst, and see how capable these ghosts of the Australian motoring past are. Roll the tapes.

These are the ghosts of Australian motoring's past. They were once great machines when Australia was a hub for car manufacturing. Now, they're relics of a bygone age.

Enjoy your new rides!

Cadillac Optiq and Escalade IQ

The first-ever Optiq joins the list of Cadillac's electric vehicles and with prices starting at $52,895 plus additional costs, it's the junior of the Cadillac EV range. So, what's it all about the Cadillac Optiq?

2025 Cadillac Optiq

2025 Cadillac Optiq

One clear reminder about the Cadillac Optiq is that because this is the baby brother of the Lyriq, the sizing is identical to the XT4, and because the XT4 is set to be euthanized soon, the Optiq is glad to take its place.

2025 Cadillac Optiq interior

With the futuristic styling that draws inspiration from its big brother, the Lyriq, the Optiq's interior is business-class stuff thanks to its 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display with Google built-in compatibility and over-the-air software updates, extensive use of recycled materials in the making of patterned accent fabric, 126-color dual-zone ambient lighting, and 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio System with Dolby ATMOS. It even boasts the segment-best second-row legroom of 37.8 inches and rear cargo volume of up to 57 cubic feet as well, making this crossover worthy of your time.

Running on General Motors' Ultium platform, the Optiq's dual-motor setup produces 300hp of power and 354lb-ft of torque through all four wheels. It even comes with regenerative braking that stores energy while braking. At one full charge, the Optiq lasts for 302 miles and has a towing capacity of 1500 lbs.

Despite being an electric crossover, the Optiq handles rather well thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution and low center of gravity. It even boasts a wide array of advanced safety features including the controversial Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

Those who demand the ultimate expression of luxury should go for the ultra-expensive and ultra-luxurious $127,700 Cadillac Escalade IQ, the Cadillac of all Cadillac EVs.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ interior

Despite borrowing the name from Cadillac's king-sized SUV, it eschews the squarish looks of its petrol-powered counterpart in favor of a more unibody setting but no matter. Because the Escalade is a popular choice for major celebrities from Los Angeles to New York, the Escalade IQ promises to buck such a trend because despite donning familiar styling cues from the Cadillac EV lineup, the interior is where the real party begins.

On the driver's side, the dashboard is heavily surrounded by its curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch total diagonal LED display with Google built-in compatibility, giving the driver the futuristic experience behind the wheel while taking control of almost everything. There's even a separate touchscreen on the armrest for the climate controls as well.

Although being a seven-seater SUV, it's the executive second-row seats that serve as the sweet spot for the Escalade IQ. Coupled with the rear-seat entertainment system, extra legroom, upgraded sound system, tech-charging options, and others, VIPs will be thrilled while relaxing in the middle of typical West Coast traffic. It even has up to 131.97 cubic feet of maximum cargo space behind the first row and eTrunk.

Running on the Ultium platform, the dual-motor setting produces 750HP of power output with Velocity Max set and that's more than you get from the Escalade-V. Sprinting from a 0-60mph time in less than five seconds, the Escalade IQ can last up to 460 miles of driving range, the longest range of any EV SUV. It even packs a wide array of safety features ranging from night vision, adaptive cruise control, automatic lane change, and standard Super Cruise hands-free driving aid complimentary with 3-year OnStar Super Cruise plan.

If you're looking for an affordable Cadillac EV, the Optiq is a great choice. But if you're a CEO who cares more about your employees than you do about yourself, then the Escalade IQ is the car for you. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a great Cadillac EV that's perfect for your lifestyle.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Equinox IV /GMC Terrain III

The Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain are two of the best-selling SUVs from General Motors. They have evolved for their latest generations, promising to pick up where the previous models left off. These models will face stiff competition from Asian automakers, but GM is confident that they can keep their customers interested.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

2025 GMC Terrain

The all-new fourth-generation Chevrolet Equinox starts at $28,600, while the all-new third-generation GMC Terrain begins at $30,000, excluding additional costs. With these new versions, these midsize crossovers demonstrate to their dominant Asian competitors that they are still in the market.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox interior

2025 GMC Terrain interior

The all-new Equinox looks more like an oversized mash-up between the Trailblazer and the Trax crossover, while the Terrain looks pretty much the same as the previous model. However, the new side profile proves that it's an all-new model. Either way, they can be spec with a two-tone roof for the first time for these models.

It's the same story goes for the interior as well as they don familiar dashboards from the current-generation family tree with the Equinox donning an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen while the Terrain features a 15-inch diagonal premium infotainment system. In terms of space, they both have up to 63.5 cubic feet of max cargo volume and a hidden rear cargo floor storage to keep the good things hidden. They both come with the available hands-free Autosense Power Liftgate as well.

Both the Equinox and the Terrain are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine with up to 175hp of power and with the available AWD, 203lb-ft of torque with 1,500lbs max trailering and mated to an 8-speed AT. Fuel economy is around 26MPG city and 28 MPG highway, and those are for the FF variants with CVT.

While the Equinox Activ and Terrain Elevation have shown slight improvements in dynamics and drivability compared to their predecessors, both models offer all-wheel drive (AWD) with Hill Descent Control for challenging conditions. As for safety, they're both packed with over 15 standard safety and driver assistance technologies, including an optional rear camera mirror for the first time for these models.

In the past, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain have been slowly losing market share to their Asian competitors. However, the narrative has been reversed with the introduction of these new models. The Equinox and Terrain are now poised to regain the upper hand in the midsize crossover segment. Wish them luck, if they can.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave (Third Generation)

GM's full-size crossover triplets, the Chevrolet Traverse, the GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave, are now in their third generation. These vehicles have a reputation for luxury, space, performance, and technology. If you're in the market for a full-size crossover, these vehicles are definitely worth checking out.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

2025 GMC Acadia

2025 Buick Enclave

The all-new Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,600, while the GMC Acadia starts at $42,900. The Buick Enclave, the most luxurious of the three, starts at $45,000. All prices include taxes and fees. Whichever of the three you'll go for, it's all in the neighborhood when it comes to style, luxury, performance, and technology.

To differentiate the trio, the Traverse features a macho styling compared to its predecessor while the Acadia looks more like an enlarged Terrain and the Enclave looks good with Buick's new signature design first applied in the Encore GX facelift and Envista.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse interior

2025 GMC Acadia interior

2025 Buick Enclave interior

The interior boasts similar stories as well. While the Traverse features a 17.7-inch diagonal color touch screen and an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information System, the Acadia features a 15-inch diagonal touchscreen, and the Enclave, the most luxurious of the three, features the Ultrawide 30-inch diagonal screen. As for seating, the Traverse and the Acadia can carry up to eight while the Enclave can only carry seven. Boot space? The Traverse is slightly the most spacious of the three with up to 98 cubic feet of cargo volume, slightly more than the Acadia and the Enclave.

The Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave are powered by a new 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. These vehicles produce 328hp and 326lb-ft of torque, which is more than the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Front-wheel-drive variants get 27 MPG on the highway, while AWD variants get 24 MPG. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Although they're good to drive, only the Traverse and the Acadia come with offroad-oriented variants in the form of the Traverse Z71 and the Acadia AT4 with its Twin-Clutch 4WD, Terrain Mode, and suspension dampers, making them capable of playing dirty, come tarmac, gravel, or snow.

Of course, these triplets got the safety topic covered with a range of intelligent driver assists such as Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Safety Alert Seat, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Side Bicyclist Alert.

These triplets, the all-new Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave, have redefined the full-size crossover segment in various ways. Although they differ in terms of style and comfort, they share a reputation for luxury, space, performance, and technology. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Silverado EV / GMC Sierra EV Denali

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are General Motors' greatest workers in the full-size pickup segment. These two pickups went to the electrification route in response to Ford's megahit F-150 Lightning.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV

2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali

The first-ever Chevrolet Silverado EV starts at $73,100 while the GMC Sierra EV Denali starts at $89,900 plus additional costs. Although they're twice the price tag compared to the Ford F-150 Lightning, these electrified pickup trucks are rewriting the rules of business one mile at a time, whether if these trucks are for business or for pleasure.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV interior

2025 GMC Sierra EV Denali interior

Although mechanically the same just like its ICE-powered counterparts, the Silverado and the Sierra look different inside and out. The Silverado EV's exterior design looks similar to today's Colorado while the Sierra EV Denali borrows styling cues from the first-generation Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. 

Either way, they're both armed with the available Multi-Flex Midgate with pass-through and available Multi-Flex Tailgate. The former can fit items up to 10 feet, 10-inches in length, while the latter features six different configurations depending on various situations, all in the name of the Working Well Huddle. The frunk of the Silverado EV carries up to 10.7 cubic feet of goodies while the Sierra EV Denali carries up to 11 cu.ft. They both come with the optional power up/down hood as well.

The interior holds similar stories as well with the Silverado EV featuring optional features such as the 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment screen, 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, and the 14-inch diagonal HUD, while the Sierra EV Denali is the most premium of the two with signature Denali luxury, 16..8-inch large diagonal center touchscreen, panoramic glass roof, and Bose Sound System.

Being the first GM truck running on the revolutionary Ultium electric platform, the Silverado EV produces 754HP of power while the GMC Sierra EV Denali produces 760HP with Wide Open Watts active. Such power output gives these trucks up to 10k lbs of towing capacity and a range of 440 miles.

Although capable of getting on and off the roads, both the Silverado and Sierra EVs are packed with 4-Wheel Steer, Dual Motor 4WD system, four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, and the similar Crabwalk feature from the Hummer EV range, giving them the ability to drive diagonally. They both come with PowerBass offboard power with up to 10.2kW of offboard power, which sounds essential for plugging in your appliances while on a camping trip.

As for safety, both of these trucks are loaded with a suite of safety and driver assistance features such as Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and others.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV are impressive electric pickup trucks. They may cost twice as much as the Ford F-150 Lightning, but with such capabilities, luxury, and performance, these trucks are sure to rewrite the rules of business. Cowboy Charlie should consider one of these.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Following in the footsteps of the Chevrolet Blazer EV, the first-ever Chevrolet Equinox EV serves as the entry-level in Chevrolet's fleet of EV crossover SUVs with prices starting at $41,900 plus additional costs.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The first thing you need to know about the Equinox EV is that this crossover has nothing in common with the current-generation ICE-powered Equinox. They have no relation with each other just so you know. Anyway, no relation aside, the Equinox EV is one of the most affordable EV crossovers in America and this is less than the Tesla Model Y. Good stuff.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV interior

The exterior design of the Equinox EV features clean lines, while the interior focuses on advanced technology. It includes an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Screen, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and a best-in-class 17.7-inch diagonal display screen that operates on the Google and Ultifi software platforms. 

In terms of space, this five-seater vehicle offers up to 57.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and comes with a dual-height cargo floor for added versatility.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Running on GM's Ultium Platform, front-wheel-drive variants can get up to 319 miles of driving range and thanks to its Regen on Demand and One Pedal Driving, drivers can keep going further on their weekend road trips. With the eAWD variant, the Equinox EV produces 288hp of power and can sprint from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and up to 1,500 lbs of towing capacity. Although mild to drive, it's still quite impressive for a well-rounder EV CUV.

For added safety, the Equinox EV is packed with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam. Customers can also go for other extras such as Reverse Automatic Braking, HD Surround Vision, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, and the controversial GM Super Cruise for hands-free driving.

Like it or not, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is the bargain EV crossover of 2024, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and feature-packed EV SUV.

Photo: General Motors