MotorWeek

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

We're "super psyched" for this electric Super Sport, the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS... Then, we'll turn and burn "Over the Edge" on a virtual track day... We'll restore the family taxi to factory fresh on "Your Drive!"

Then, it's an uptick turbocharged trick for the Volkswagen Tiguan... So, come drive with us, next!

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JOHN: Depending on what era you're from, you might think of the Chevrolet Blazer as a rough and tumble utility vehicle brute or as a sporty Camaro-inspired crossover Ute.

Well, now there's a whole new Blazer for the all-electric era, so let's see if we can figure out what today's car watchers will remember about it the most.

We have indeed seen a lot of different Blazers over MotorWeek's 45 years, all leading up to this all-electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS.

Throughout the 1980s, the K5 Blazer was riding high as a true SUV version of Chevy's full size pickup, much like the Tahoe does today.

But by the time we got to our second season, a smaller S-10 Blazer showed up, a sign of things to come in the car biz.

The big boy Blazer came to an end in 1994, while the S-10 Blazer stuck around until the early 2000s, eventually giving way to the Trailblazer in 2002.

That Trailblazer itself lasted until just 2009, only to then return in 2021 as a small crossover.

And then, there was this Blazer XT-1 Concept from 1987.

Best to move on from that one, just like GM did.

The next Blazer to show up was in 2019.

Much different than any Blazer before it, we labeled this sport-minded utility the Camaro of crossovers.

That one is still around, and sort of paved the way for the Blazer EV which arrived in 2024 and brings us to this current battery-powered beauty, known as the Blazer EV SS; and if you think it looks extra spicy...well, it is Habanero Orange.

This Super Sport comes with a power upgrade...of course, working with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup rated at 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.

Final drive ratios for both motors have also been steepened compared to the standard Blazer EV.

It's rated for 302 miles of range, which is quite good for any EV SUV with sporting intentions.

So, on a very cold winter weekend, we plugged a 256 mile route into the GPS to be on the safe side, and completed it with 5.0 percent of battery remaining, putting us on pace for around 270 miles.

SS comes with a 102 kilowatt hour battery which charges at a rate of 190 kilowatt, giving you about 80 miles for every 10 minutes of charge, which is pretty fast indeed.

Charged and ready for our Mason Dixon test strip, this Blazer certainly lived up to the SS in its name, warp driving us to 60 in just 3.7 seconds, faster than the last Camaro SS we tested.

With Wide Open Watts engaged, launches were strong, throwing us back in the seat with authority and pulling strongly most of the way down the track.

Power delivery did seem to taper off just a little before reaching the end of the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 108 miles per hour.

One day, we can debate whether a 5,700 pounds utility vehicle needs to be that fast, but today, we'll just enjoy driving it here on a racetrack while we can.

It was quite speedy through our handling course too, turning in very quickly, with minimal body roll.

The low center of gravity worked in conjunction with all-wheel-drive grip to deliver a very planted feel that kept speeds up and stability control systems sidelined.

Braking performance was even more impressive thanks to upgraded front rotors that helped stop us from 60 in a short 99 feet.

It stayed mostly stable throughout, with only minor amounts of nosedive.

Complaints are few when it comes to drive-time away from the track too, mostly that it could use more comfort in the front seats considering its stated 300+ mile range.

Indeed, the quietness of the cabin, and smoothness of the ride, all encourage extended road tripping.

It's a great looking SUV, for sure: Low, wide, and aggressive, with big 22 inch wheels.

Using 40 kilowatt hour of electricity for every 100 miles, the SS earns a fair efficiency rating.

SS pricing starts at $62,495, about seven-grand over an all-wheel-drive RS.

So, while, it appears this 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS is looking to blaze a much different trail than its Blazer predecessors, it's actually going down a very similar path the Camaro took in the 1960s as GM's answer to Ford's Mustang.

Yep, it looks like Mach-E versus Blazer EV is the new Mustang versus Camaro comparo.

That's a path that certainly makes us smile, and we hope that it also means more good things to come from Motown for everyone that craves performance.

JOHN: In this time of advanced computer-generated images and AI, it's getting harder and harder to tell what's real and what's not.

True, in many cases, that can be a bad thing, but this week our Greg Carloss takes us "Over the Edge" to prove how simulation technology is used for the good of those that love to drive.

GREG CARLOSS: Sim racing is all the rage these days.

And why not?

It's fun, affordable and incredibly realistic.

But I want to see just how true-to-life these gamer rigs can get.

So...let's burn some digital rubber.

This is James Logbo, owner of Sim Racing Events in Northern Virginia.

Since, he's made a business out of it, I decided to meet up with him to learn more about the state of Sim racing.

JAMES LOGBO: In the past few years, racing simulators have...have gained a lot of popularity.

What I do is provide simulators for automotive events, primarily with dealerships, um, although we've done a couple of car club events as well.

So, I bring in racing simulators and give folks a chance to experience...uh...what I, I think is a pretty fun hobby.

It's cool because if you've got no experience whatsoever, you get a little bit of a taste of what it's really like to be a race driver.

But then, at the...the pointy end of the spectrum, if you are a real race driver, there are similarities that, it can, as we know, serve as a training tool.

GREG: As with any hobby, you can dump a lot of money into Sim racing.

But the entry point is actually pretty affordable.

JAMES: You can get into it pretty easily.

Definitely sub-a-thousand bucks, you're into it.

You know, you want to start with your steering wheel, and oftentimes you'll get like a steering wheel bundled with the pedals.

I'd say the one critical decision is, if you want to go the console or the PC route.

You can buy a Play Station, you know, you buy the game Gran Turismo.

You hook it up to your existing TV.

If you want to get a PC, then you're also going to need to get a monitor, but that's going to allow you a little more customization in terms of the games that you're able to play, which kind of cars you're able to simulate.

And then lastly, your, uh, cockpit, if you will.

GREG: A setup like the one James uses costs about $3,000, and all the parts can be easily sourced from online dealers and local box stores.

As he details the endless possibilities in terms of customization, I get an idea.

As of this recording, we'll be at Roebling in a few weeks, and I want to see just how close to reality this setup is.

So, I want to see if I can get a similar time here as I could at Roebling.

Do you think we could do that?

JAMES: You're in luck.

I've got Roebling Road Raceway loaded up in the simulator right now.

We can try it out.

GREG: Let's do it!

JAMES: Cool!

GREG: In the name of science, I squeezed myself into the cockpit, loaded up a 991 generation 911 GT3 RS, and headed for the nine digital turns of Savannah's Roebling Road Raceway.

Like, any man of science, I went into testing with a hypothesis: My simulator lap time would be within one second of my real-world lap time.

After a few laps my benchmark was set at 1: 16, and I found that despite not feeling the G-forces, the strong feedback from the wheel, sharp response of the pedals and shockingly accurate track image had me feeling right at home.

So, it was off to the real nine turns of Roebling to continue the test in 2026 911 GT3.

Not apples-to-apples with the Sim car, but close enough.

Quickly I'm reminded that G-forces make a huge difference, a big advantage for finding the limits of grip.

The disadvantage is psychological, knowing that those G-forces will have very real consequences if I make a mistake, I drive with a slightly less cavalier mentality.

Here's a comparison view with my best simulator lap up top and my best real-world lap below.

As you can see, it's pretty darn close, even down to my shift points.

And when it's all said and done, my best time in real life is 1:17, thus supporting my original hypothesis of a delta no greater than one second.

So, what did we learn?

Well, racing simulators really do offer a true-to-life racing experience.

But, the scientific method requires re-testing.

So, I guess I'll just have to spend some more time in the seat!

JOHN: Cleaning your car after months, weeks, or even just a day of hauling kids and pets around can be like cleaning a crime scene.

Well, if you want your interior to look like it's rated "adults only," listen to what Audra Fordin has to say on MotorWeek's "Your Drive."

(car starts up) AUDRA FORDIN: Hey, y'all.

We've all been there: Kids or pets, plus cars, equals chaos.

From spilled snacks to sticky fingers or drool on your seats, your car can quickly turn into a disaster zone.

But don't worry!

Today, I'm going to show you how to prep your car before the mess happens or, if it's already too late, how to deep clean your ride and get it back to looking brand new.

Let's get started with some prevention.

Pet proofing and kid proofing your car isn't just about keeping things clean, it's about survival.

To keep your car seats in one piece, use seat protectors.

These covers shield your seats from spills, crumbs, sticky hands, drools and dirty paws.

They're affordable, easy to use, and save your upholstery from disaster!

Get a small trash can that attaches to the back of the seat or the center console.

It keeps wrappers, snack bags, and other messes contained so you don't have mess everywhere!

Seat and visor organizers are little lifesavers that keep toys, snacks, and games organized.

No more mystery items floating around.

Okay, so you've prepped, here are a couple of quick habits that will help you keep it clean, moving forward.

New rule: No eating in the car-- well, most of the time.

If eating and snacking in the car becomes a daily thing, you're going to find yourself constantly cleaning.

Try to keep snacks simple and always have napkins or wipes on hand for emergencies.

Yeah, wipes are your best friend.

Use them after every spill to keep things fresh.

So, maybe it's too late for prevention?

Your car is already a mess and you need to deep clean your family hauler.

No worries!

Here's how to make it look new again.

Number one: First, take everything out of your car.

You're going to declutter.

Every toy, every snack bag and forgotten item.

Clean the car from inside out.

Trust me, this step is crucial!

Vacuum like a pro: Vacuum the seats, under the seats, in the cracks, aet rid of every crumb and every bit of dirt.

A good handheld vacuum or car vacuum can make this so much easier.

A toothbrush can get into those hard-to-reach nook and crannies.

And you'll be amazed when you use the appropriate cleaners for leather, fabric, glass, and plastic, it makes all the difference.

Rinse or scrub your floor mats.

Do it, literally.

Cleaning the mats instantly freshens up the look of your car.

If you struggle with this, consider a professional detailing for a game-changing makeover.

So...whether, you're getting ahead of the mess or diving into a deep clean, keeping your car looking great is totally doable.

Grab your supplies and get to work!

And remember, if you have any questions or comments, reach out to us, right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: We've got the fast pass for everything new, so let's skip the line and get right into this week's QuickSpin!

GREG: Earlier this season, we tested the 2025 Volvo EX30, Volvo's smallest EV.

Very quirky, very minimalist, very yellow.

So, if you thought the EX30 needed less highlighter and more highlands, you're in luck.

That was the approach with this 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country.

Now, we need to be upfront: Stock of this and all EX30s is limited, as Volvo is discontinuing the EX30 here in the U.S.

after the 2026 model year.

We understand shifting demands, but man, what a shame.

We were quite pleased with this compact EV, one of the more affordable all-electric options out there.

For 2026, the EX30 starts just over $40,000, and this Cross Country adds about nine-grand onto that.

Our optioned-out demo model reached $53,000 after destination.

For that price, it automatically gets bumped to the EX30's Ultra grade, providing more driving aids through Pilot Assist and Park Pilot Assist, Harman Kardon sound, and other features to spruce up the quite sanitary interior.

Naturally, the Cross Country also comes standard with Twin Motor All-Wheel-Drive.

That's 422 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

Another sprint at Mason Dixon Dragway confirmed findings from our initial EX30 test: This little Ute' is freaking fast!

Borderline too fast, reaching 60 in only 3.8 seconds.

The quarter-mile passed in 12.3 seconds at 110 miles per hour.

And that was on all-terrain tires wrapping 18 inch wheels, which are, oddly enough, a $3,500 option for the Cross Country, replacing base 19 inchers with all-seasons.

Standard, however, is the three-quarter-inch ride height increase, additional front shielding, wheel arch extensions and skid plates fore and aft.

It's certainly a far cry from Volvo's first Cross Country, the V70 XC, which we tested back in 2001.

With this newest rendition, we found ourselves concerned with current instead of combustion.

From the 69 kilowatt hour battery pack, we managed 237 miles of range on our test loop, a healthy step over the EPA's 227 mile estimate.

The 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country may be more of a soft-roader, but that's perfectly in line with today's trends.

And while, those shifting trends may be the reason it's disappearing altogether from Volvo dealer lots, we say, if you're interested, grab one while you can.

JESSICA RAY: Toyota's "Let's Go Places" motto often crosses the threshold where manmade meets Mother Earth.

This 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is their latest initiative, which we drove on and off-road outside of Santa Barbara, California.

This latest "Beyond Zero" model is essentially an extended and more adventure-focused bZ, about 6.0 inches longer than its predecessor and featuring more armored fender work, exaggerated roof rails and unique 18 inch wheels.

Buyers can spec all-terrain rubber over the standard all-seasons for no extra cost.

At 8.4 inches of ground clearance, we had no issues on the admittedly light off-road course.

But the bZ Woodland is designed primarily as a pavement prowler.

Now, the bZ Woodland is focused on some more of the "off the beaten path" adventures.

But here I'm driving on some twisty roads outside of Santa Barbara, California, to test how it handles on the pavement and its wagon stature means that we have a nice lack of body roll here.

Low center of gravity makes it pretty easy when handling a lot of these turns.

And the powertrain, we have just a really perfect amount of power.

And in my position, it's not overpowered, it's not underpowered.

I can accelerate when I need to.

And the brakes are pretty good as well.

And there's no lack of power, the Woodland's dual-motor all-wheel-drive delivering 375 horsepower and 396 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 74.7 kilowatt hour battery rated up to 281 miles of range, 260 with those all terrains.

The cabin is spacious for five passengers.

Dual wireless chargers, a heated steering wheel, and heated seating front and rear are just some of the included amenities joining this 14 inch touchscreen.

Starting near $47,000, the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland is trekking onto dealer lots now.

And we'll have more QuickSpins, soon!

JOHN: An all-new 3rd gen Volkswagen Tiguan arrived just last year.

So, why is this 2026 Tiguan sitting on deck waiting to launch into another Road Test?

Well, that's because, like us, Volkswagen thought the elevated Tiguan experience could still use some extra punch in the power department.

So, let's spin up this Turbo and see how it boosts our impressions of the new Tiguan!

While, the VW GTI may be the enthusiast's choice, the fact is the majority of Volkswagen buyers these days leave the showroom in a Tiguan.

Which says a lot about why just a year into its 3rd generation we're back with a look at this uprated 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo.

With gen-three, Volkswagen seemed most concerned with providing a more premium experience, which they accomplished greatly.

But its noticeable lack of urgency to get up to speed had us happy to move on from acceleration to the handling portion of our track testing.

This SEL R-Line Turbo is aimed at changing that.

There's still a 2.0 liter turbo under the hood, but it gets cranked up to 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

That's a 33 percent increase in horsepower, accomplished with more than just a retune.

The turbo is now physically bigger to feed in more boost, while engine internals have been strengthened to handle it.

That power surge certainly makes the Tiguan way more enjoyable to drive, but it's not just more fun.

It gives you much more confidence for both driving in traffic as well as out on the highway.

And in all-weather as standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive certainly helps too.

Back at the track, this cranked up 2.0 liter sounded aggressive right off the bat, and it was very eager to build revs quickly.

Good grip off the line had us off to 60 in 6.7 seconds, almost a full 2.0 seconds quicker than last year.

Power delivery was smooth, with it really coming on above 5,000 rpm.

The 8-speed automatic transmission was also very polished, perhaps too much so at times, as gear changes were a little slow.

Still, our best quarter-mile run was pretty swift: 15.0 flat at 95 miles per hour.

If they'd tighten up the trans, it'd be even faster.

Thankfully, it was still a real joy in the handling course, living up to its tiger/iguana mashup of a name.

It did feel heavy for a small crossover, but grip was plentiful.

Balance was spot on, and overall composure was top notch too, with good communication coming through the light steering wheel.

In our braking test, stops were smooth, straight, and mostly consistent.

We averaged a good 103 feet from 60, with only minor fade creeping in.

(car whooshing by) More than any other German brand, VW seems most desirous of keeping Americans satisfied, and their U.S.

sales numbers certainly verified that strategy.

What does that mean exactly?

Mostly, it comes down to lower pricing and lots of space inside, as it does indeed feel very roomy, especially in the rear seat with the elimination of the 3rd row option.

There's plenty of comfort up front too as well as being very techy.

Most of it works nicely, including the bigger 15 inch infotainment display that's easy to read and quick to respond, and getting rid of the haptic steering wheel controls was a good move.

In addition to the bigger screen, SEL R-Line Turbos get upgraded Harmon Kardon audio, additional ambient lighting, massaging seats, three-zone climate control, and genuine walnut wood trim.

It retains its upscale exterior look too, with SEL R-Lines benefiting from 20 inch wheels, silver roof rails, backlit logos and lightbar, and puddle lamps.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 22 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined.

We averaged a great 29.3 miles per gallon of Regular.

The SEL R-Line Turbo is the top Tiguan, starting at $45,410, about six-grand over an SE R-Line.

That sounds pricy, but it's not out of line with most competitors' top option.

It's not too often we see a vehicle get exactly what it needed, but that's the case here with the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo.

It is a mouthful of a name, but in a field of appliance-like small crossovers, the Tiguan brings a welcomed blend of style, practicality, and space; and does it a great deal faster than ever.

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.

We'll start with a new turn for an EV pioneer, the Nissan Leaf, followed by a UK Ute as tough as redwood, the Land Rover Defender 110.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

We're Tire Rack.

We test tires, then share our results.

We stock over a million tires.

We offer multiple installation options.

We do this because we believe tires matter.

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