MotorWeek

Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us for one last turn behind the wheel of the 5th gen Toyota 4Runner... Dan Maffett quickens response through suspension upgrades on "Your Drive!"

Stephanie Hart spends time with fellow car enthusiast Cristy Lee... And we'll have a round-up of the suddenly-popular world of plug-in hybrids...

So, come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

ANNOUNCER: MotorWeek , Television's Original Automotive Magazine.

MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, a nationwide network of stores and shops providing major brand auto and truck parts and service from coast to coast, and in your local community.

Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek !

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it TireRack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

JOHN: You know, a lot has changed over the four decades that the Toyota 4Runner has been backwoods exploring and pavement prowling.

Most notably, the rise of car-based crossover utilities and the word "softroader" somehow becoming a thing.

Well, the 4Runner is still all truck and definitely not soft, but you don't have to be an off-road pro to enjoy it!

You may find it odd that we're talking about the 5th gen 2024 Toyota 4Runner, as we've already given you an early look at the upcoming 6th gen model.

And yes, we too have been eagerly awaiting a new 4Runner for some time, considering this outgoing model has stuck around for the last 15 years.

But there's still a lot to love here, so consider this test as one last ride in a fan-favorite utility that's sure to do well in the second-hand market for years to come.

Our 2024 4Runner is equipped with the TRD Pro treatment, a premiere trim for off-roaders or those who want to look the part.

No judgement here, as the TRD Pro grade does look tough with its more rugged attire.

That's especially noticeable up front with the exposed skid plating and trim-specific grille donning the bold "TOYOTA" lettering.

The side profile starts up top with a sizeable roof basket, working down low to the matte black 17 inch alloys wrapped by Nitto Terra Grappler tires.

Ironically, "Terra" is also the name of this new paint color, a hit or miss with our crew, but certainly a standout from the typical white or black.

By the way, the all-new 2025 4Runner doesn't stray too far away, with fan-favorite features, like the power sliding rear glass, sticking around.

We found our current 4Runner TRD Pro didn't shy away from trail work.

Behind the wheels are TRD-tuned Fox shocks and springs, keeping that Nitto rubber planted to the earth.

Deeper under its skin is the TRD Pro's standard 4-wheel-drive system: Tried, true, and very capable.

This 4Runner's 15 year winning streak does become more apparent inside, though it's tough and utilitarian design isn't completely Spartan.

For example, the 8.0 inch touchscreen, while not the largest, does get the job done and features smartphone integration.

The SoftTex-trimmed seats are comfortable and easy to clean should the outside come inside.

This is the swan song for 4Runner's famed 4.0 liter, naturally-aspirated V6.

The new 4Runner is all turbo 4s with a performance hybrid.

Our test V6 puts down an able 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet to the standard rear-wheel-drive or available 4-wheel-drive layout.

The only transmission is a 5-speed automatic.

This legendary V6 combination took its own sweet time at our Mason Dixon testing site, clocking a still acceptable 0-to-60 time of 7.7 seconds.

These all-terrain tires meant less grip off the line, with a decent amount of squeal; but that grip is found in droves in the wilderness.

Keeping the throttle pinned meant quarter-mile passes ended in 15.9 seconds at 88 miles per hour.

Things were also mixed in our braking runs too, stopping from 60 in a fine 113 feet.

But, the pedal felt soft until about a third of the way towards the firewall, then firmed up nicely.

So, we expected and found lots of body roll through our cone course.

The light steering isn't quite in its element here, but does make for an easy drive under normal conditions.

Pricing for the outgoing, and still widely available 2024 Toyota 4Runner starts at $42,100.

That's for an entry-level SR5.

A TRD Pro starts at $56,565.

We can't wait to get some serious on and off-road time in the new 6th gen 4Runner.

But with so many 5th gens out on the road and in the wild, we know we'll be seeing plenty of them for quite a while longer.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner remains a formidable force in the SUV market, and should bring buyers plenty of joy for many miles to come.

Famed car enthusiast Cristy Lee is best known for her work on popular automotive series on the MotorTrend network, as well as her HGTV home renovation shows.

However, these days, she's starting a new chapter after triumphing over two rare diseases.

Well, our Stephanie Hart caught up with her at her new shop in Detroit where she shares her inspiring story.

CRISTY LEE: The MotorCity Built shop space.

Lots of stuff going on in here, as you can see.

Uh, the biggest project, uh, right now is my 1998 BMW M3 which I'm building into a track car.

I'm going to do a couple track days this season and maybe a few drop-in races, uh, since I have my SCC race license now.

STEPHANIE HART: When Cristy Lee is not under the hood of one of her cars or fixing her motorcycles, she's competing in HGTV's "100 Day Hotel Challenge."

And earlier this year, she hosted the home renovation show "Battle on the Mountain" on HGTV.

She also re-launched her company MotorCity Built, which puts all her passions, fixing cars and motorcycles, renovating homes, and real estate under one umbrella.

By her side every step of the way, her shop dogs.

Can you tell I instantly fell in love with this puppy?

She named him Diesel.

Which couldn't be more perfect.

I asked Cristy, if I could give him a treat and as soon as he heard me open the treat bag he jumped right into my lap.

I could not stop laughing!

Diesel is now six months old and Zoey is 7-years-old.

The puppy was one of four dogs she fostered earlier this year.

And understandably she couldn't give this little guy up.

Cristy Lee's cars and motorcycles are nice, but her fur babies stole the spotlight while we were recording this video.

And we were more than happy to give it to them!

Cars and motorcycles have always been a huge part of Cristy Lee's life.

Her dad was a BMW master technician and a shop owner for more than 30 years, ultimately, inspiring her automotive career.

She gained notoriety on MotorTrend Network, on popular shows like "All Girls Garage" and "Garage Squad."

Over the years, Cristy Lee has inspired countless women to pursue their dreams in the automotive arena.

CRISTY: I think the best way to empower other women is to just get out there and do it, and I think that women see that and that's what really, truly inspires them to do the same thing; like, "Hey, I saw her working on this car.

Well, I want to learn how to do that.

I'm going to go out and do it."

Uh, And that's what's really awesome about this industry and being a part of that.

STEPHANIE: But in 2023, life as she knew it was turned upside down.

CRISTY: Basically, I got sick overnight and it was, like, life changing.

Um, being diagnosed with Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease, um, without any symptoms or being pre-symptomatic in any way shape or form; basically just waking up one morning and have-- having pain and eye swelling, and then within a week I was in the emergency room.

STEPHANIE: Since then, she's had her thyroid removed, and back to back surgeries and procedures.

She's now learning to live with two autoimmune disorders while taking on projects in a new way.

CRISTY: Maybe I have to do a little bit better of a job listening (laughs) to my body, to what's going on externally, to the people that love me that say, "Slow down, you're doing too much."

Uhm...so that was a big life lesson for me.

STEPHANIE: About a year after her rare diagnosis, a silver lining.

She tied the knot with her partner of 10 years.

JOHN HAWKINS: The funny thing is...is that, uh, I actually proposed before she got sick and then she fell apart on me (laugher).

But, ah, no it was, uh, it was the right time before she got sick, um, but even after she got sick, you know what, it just meant a lot more to us.

CRISTY: Sharing my journey is my way of passing on that strength.

If it affects even one person in a positive way that has Graves' disease or thyroid eye disease or is going through anything medically, that is a huge plus for me.

Um, and that's kind of what keeps me going and keeps me talking about these things, and helps continue to drive me, and preserve through these challenges in my life.

JOHN: You love your car, but maybe it's not perfect.

You know, it doesn't corner the way you think it should and it's just the way it sits on the road, it could look better.

Well, lets turn to our Dan Maffett for some cost-effective ways to upgrade your car's suspension on MotorWeek's "Your Drive!"

DAN MAFFETT: Suspension upgrades on a car are one of the most important things you can do.

Now, if you have a classic vehicle, chances are your control arms look something like this.

Now, this is a stamped steel control arm.

These have been around since cars have been invented, so they're tried and true, they work, but they're limited.

Even if you upgrade all these bushings, and all these ball joints and you get them optimal, it's still an inferior product because of the stamped technology here; it's going to always want to flex, it's going to always want to move.

So, if you put big power behind your car and you're driving on modern roads, you're going to notice a little bit of wiggle and wobble out of the suspension.

So, one of the things I like to do is jump up to something like this.

Now, this is kind of middle of the road.

This is a tubular fabricated suspension.

So, it replaces these fabricated, these stamped a-arms with fabricated arms, and it gives you new shocks, new springs, and it even can give you dropped spindles for the wheels, so that you can lower the car without having to do a whole bunch of work to the geometry.

Now, this is kind of middle of the road because you can actually adjust the suspension and the type of shocks for towing, for long driving, for autocross, pro touring, even drag racing.

Or if you just have a daily cruiser you want to ride nice, this is a good setup.

Now, air ride technology is something that's been around since the '50s.

But, it's come a long way.

You can now take this shock and spring out of the center, and replace it with something like this, which is a flexible airbag that you can adjust on the fly.

Now, the vehicle behind me is a '57 Caddy.

It's one of the first vehicles to be equipped with a factory air ride setup.

This setup didn't hold up over time, so we've replaced it with something like this, and it's a full airbag with a control module which allows you to go from a nice ride height like this all the way down to sitting on the ground.

So, as you can see, the Caddy is where it should be, sitting on the ground, and that's the benefit of an air ride suspension.

You're able to get these presets in a program and tell it: I want this position for ride height, I want this position for going through a parking lot with speed bumps, and then I need this position where it's laid out to look cool at a show.

So, as you can tell, if you do any kind of driving on your classic car, and you're serious about it, suspension upgrades should be really high up on your list.

And as always, if you have any questions or comments, hit us up right here, at MotorWeek .

GREG CARLOSS: We're into our seventh month of driving this 2023 Kia EV6 GT, and its high-performance is still turning heads everywhere we go.

It's hard not to keep things fast paced in this EV6 GT, but sometimes...you just gotta chill.

I have to say the inherent quietness of the all-electric powertrain has enhanced the therapeutic effect that taking a drive already has on me.

But if silence is an anxiety-inducer, Kia has these calming, pre-loaded soundtracks in their infotainment that have helped keep us centered.

If this were a click-bait YouTube video, we'd splash "Best Kia Ever?"

all over it; but it's an update, so update we shall, with a trip to the dealer for an 8,000 mile service.

What does that involve?

Well, just routine car care checks on non-EV specific things like air pressure, brakes, filters, and wipers.

And yes, it is the best Kia ever.

Moving on, we might not call the CX-50 the best Mazda ever, but it is one of our favorites in recent times, and our Long-Term tester continues to impress.

No new issues have been jotted down in our log book over the short 1,300 miles since our last update, and we all agree that our previous raves still hold up.

That is, the CX-50 feels like a true crossover between car and utility, with a drive experience that is classic Mazda!

That means, highly competent and sporty.

Steering is the highlight, with an endearing sense of tightness.

But we have to say that power delivery from the 2.5 liter turbo I4 is also delightful, packing up to 256 horsepower for plenty of "zoom, zoom."

Fuel economy is equally satisfying, back up to 25.2 miles per gallon, just what the government says it should be.

So...yes, the CX-50 may not be the most memorable effort in Mazda's history, but it's good.

Really good.

And this five-month ride along has only made us extremely fond of this weekday-commuter, weekend adventurer even more.

We'll check back in with our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on the next MotorWeek Long-Term Road Test Update!

JOHN: Something new has caught our eye and that means it's time for a QuickSpin!

JESSICA RAY: The 2024 Acura ZDX may be the brand's first all-electric vehicle, but the name is a familiar one, though the previous ZDX lasted just four years in the early 2010s.

This is a much different ZDX with a much different mission, and our mission was to get some QuickSpin early seat time in sunny California.

The ZDX battery-electric is based on Honda's Prologue SUV; both of which make use of GM's Ultium platform.

Max range is 313 miles, coming in the standard A-Spec which has a single rear motor rated at 358 horsepower.

Dual Motor versions add a front motor to increase overall output to 490 horsepower with 437 pound-feet of torque, losing a few miles of range in the transaction to 304.

Type S variants bump the horsepower up to 499 but get a big torque boost to 544 pound-feet, which drops range to 278 miles.

Type S also gets an air suspension with adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and 22 inch wheels.

Now, in the ZDX Type S, we don't have a Sport Plus mode, so we can't go full send, but we do have a Sport mode and you definitely get some more feedback in the wheel.

We get a little bit more feedback from the audio that's coming out of the vehicle as well.

The suspension is a little bit stiffer, um, so we get a little bit more of a spirited drive.

The interior features an 11 inch virtual instrument cluster, 11.3 inch touchscreen for Google-based infotainment, and an exclusive Bang + Olufsen sound system.

The 2024 Acura ZDX pricing starts around $65,000, with the Type S around $74,000.

Both are arriving in dealers now, and both are eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.

And we'll have more QuickSpins...soon!

JOHN: You've heard us say many times that PHEVs-- plug-in hybrid electrics-- rather than BEVs-- pure battery electrics-- are a sound choice for many folks thinking about owning an electric vehicle.

Well, buyers do seem to have gotten the message, as while recent sales of all-electric BEVs are down, PHEVs are suddenly skyrocketing.

So, we thought we'd give you a close look at the range of PHEVs that are available today.

An EV when you want it, a fuel-efficient hybrid when you don't; that's the reason that PHEVs are so appealing, and why we feel they're the perfect starter vehicle for this time of transition from internal combustion to all-electric.

So, buckle up for an alphabetical rundown of all the mainstream PHEVs that are currently available.

BMW has many plug-in options, starting around $46,000 with the 2.0 liter I4 based 330e sedan and its 22 miles of EV range.

There's also, a 750e sedan with more than 30 miles of EV range, and an xDrive50e X5 utility with closer to 40 miles of EV range, plus, a high-performance XM with 738 horsepower.

For partner Mini, a small 1.5 liter I4 based setup is available in the Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 utility with 18 miles of EV range, going for around $42,000.

Ford has been in the plug-in game for some time, and currently gets a great 37 miles of EV range out of their 2.5 liter I4 based setup which is available in both the Escape for about $36,000, and in its upscale Lincoln Corsair counterpart which goes for around $55,000.

Hyundai offers a pair of plug-in SUVs, the Santa Fe priced at around $43,000 and the Tucson which goes for about $40,000; both use a 1.6 liter I4 turbo engine.

It shares with their corporate cousins over at Kia.

The Sorento, which starts around $51,000, and the Sportage, beginning at $40,000, along with Kia's Niro at $35,000.

All get more than 30 miles of EV Range.

For the high-rollers, Land Rover has a 6-cylinder P550e plug-in option for both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport with 51 miles of range, starting around $119,000.

Mazda is very new to the plug-in game, with their inline-6 based setup just recently becoming available in the new CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs, both with 26 miles of electric-only range, starting at $41,000.

Mercedes-Benz has offered quite a few PHEVs over the years, though currently their lineup only consists of the $70,000 GLE450e SUV with a 2.0 liter I4 and 48 miles of EV range; and a $128,000 3.0 liter I6 S580e sedan with 46 miles of range.

Though, a high-performance 671 horsepower AMG C 63 S E Performance will be blasting onto the scene soon.

We're very familiar with this 2nd gen Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, having had both generations as part of our long-term fleet.

The current Outlander PHEV goes for $41,000 and gets 38 miles of EV range from its 2.4 liter I4 based setup.

Stellantis has a wide array of PHEVs available across their many brands, starting with the 3.6 liter V6 Pentastar-packing Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

It arrived way back in 2017 and currently delivers 32 miles of EV range for $40,000.

More recently, they've added the technology to the Jeep brand with 4Xe versions of the Jeep Wrangler for $52,000 and the Grand Cherokee at $61,000.

And their most recent setup has just arrived in the compact crossover segment with 33 miles of battery in both the $45,000 Alfa Romeo Tonale and the $42,000 Dodge Hornet R/T.

All of this started with the Toyota Prius of course, which you can now get a Prime version of for $34,000 with a 2.0 liter I4 and 40 miles of range.

The RAV4 Prime goes for $45,000 getting 42 miles.

Plus, there's a trio of Lexus PHEV's rolling with bigger batteries on board, the NX450h+, the RX450h+, and the TX550h+, starting around $58,000.

Volkswagen PHEVs stick to their premium brands, starting with the $58,000 2.0 liter I4 based Audi Q5 55TFSI e quattro SUV with 22 miles of battery range.

Bentley adds electric-motor assistance to a 2.9 liter twin-turbo V6 for both the $206,000 Bentayga SUV, which gets 18 miles of EV range, and the $217,000 Flying Spur sedan, which stretches it to 21 miles.

That same setup is available at Porsche in E-hybrid versions of both the $93,000 Cayenne SUV and $110,000 Panamera sedan, getting up to 19 miles on battery power.

Finally, Volvo has had a plug-in version of their turbocharged 2.0 liter I4 since the T8 arrived with the XC90 back in 2016.

Now, with a Recharge label, an updated version is available in just about every vehicle in their lineup; the S60 and S90 sedans, XC60 and XC90 SUVs, and yes...even in the V60 wagon, starting around $53,000 with up to 40 EV miles.

So, there you have it, the Bs-to-Vs of PHEVs.

They really are an easy way to live the EV lifestyle today, without going all the way.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time when we shed some light on Subaru's first BEV, the Solterra.

Then, we'll cool down in the sleek Buick Envista SUV.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

ANNOUNCER: To learn more about MotorWeek , Television's Original Automotive Magazine, visit... To order a DVD of this program... MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, a nationwide network of stores and shops providing major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast, and in your local community.

Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek !

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it TireRack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

(engine revving) You're watching PBS.