The High-Tech Texan

If Ford can make an F-150 into a Raptor and Ram can upgrade its pickup truck into a TRX, Chevy can pick another large mammal like the Bison to feature upgrades on its popular ZR2 badge. While the ZR2 Bison does not add anything under the hood (you still get 6.2L V8 and 420hp) as the Silverado ZR2, the outside enhancements are notable. Chevy turned to AEV to add 18" gloss black wheels, stamped...

Nissan has long been in the EV game with the Leaf that was introduced back in 2010. It took them a while to launch another EV and BOOM, the all-electric Ariya is here. I got a chance to drive it recently. Listen to my thoughts and reviews here as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield." iHeartRadio and KPRC 950AM

Interested in a very nice starter vehicle with a good price? Chevy's new Trax is a solid CUV with a lot of standard equipment to keep you safe and, should you wish, heated thanks to its steering wheel, front seats, and outside mirrors. Even though you may not use those features in Texas the Trax delivers value with a smooth ride. It seats 5 people comfortably and carries a decent load in the t...

I owned a Grand Cherokee about 25 years ago and the luxury, drive and tech continues to keep up with other rugged, higher-end vehicles. This Trailhawk is one of Jeep's most trail-capable models and I specifically drove the 4xe, a plug-in hybrid. I love the outside styling and badging, especially the turquoise tow hooks. The 18" wheels and deep-tread tires make driving off-road not only ea...

Since Dodge will kill off its Challenger and Charger models as we know them (i.e. gas-engine powered), they may have decided they needed a new performance vehicle. Welcome...Hornet! This small SUV reminds me of an Alfa Romeo which may not be a far stretch as Stellantis owns both brands. With a roomy front seat, nice features and a unique look, the Hornet doesn't sting too much as it is a good...

Now this is a powerful sedan. Big engine, great handling and an overall fun drive. As sedans are being made less and less, Lexus produced a winner with the ES350. Take a listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

This is it. The big dog. The monster. Oh by the way, the luxurious truck that rides above everything else on and off the road. I recently got to spend time in the new Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate truck. What all does it do? Well it "only" tows up to 22,000 lbs, has more cameras than a TV station, packs a punch with its 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine, smells better than a bootmaker's shop...

This is it. The first of the "Last Call" muscle cars from Dodge. And they are sending out the final combustible engine Challenger with a bang. A loud bang complete with a 6.4L Hemi V8 with 485 hp. Take a listen and a ride down memory lane with my review here.

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

I remember going to the launch of the first iteration of this small SUV back in 2018. The Kicks replaced the Nissan Juke and has remained an inexpensive, if not fun, option for a subcompact 5-seater. The relatively small engine (1.6L) puts out 122hp which is enough to get you up to speed on highways and in the city. It remains a very good value and fuel efficient vehicle. Listen to my full review...

I have always said Nissan's large SUV is, dollar-for-dollar, one of the best values when it comes to a luxury 7 or 8 passenger vehicle. The 2023 version of the Armada is no different. The creature comforts are still here with a lovely, comfy, and large interior. A V8 engine gives it some good pickup and it looks sharp riding on 22" wheels. An optional rear seat entertainment gives the kid...

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

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

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

Kiss the Nissan 370Z goodbye and say hello to the Z. Nissan shortened the name of this model but upgraded the sexy looks and speed of its iconic 2-door sports car. The peppy 3L twin-turbocharged engine gives it a zippy 400hp. There is not a lot of room in this low-hung vehicle but if you want to impress one passenger with some speed and snazzy appeal this could be the car for you. Listen to my ful...

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

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

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

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

Just when you thought the Yukon may have the ultimate SUV, GMC comes out with an actual Ultimate upgrade. The 2023 Denali Ultimate packs almost every single upgrade you can get on this vehicle. Thought the gas mileage may not the best in the category it is hard to beat the smooth ride and luxurious interior. Listen to my full review here. As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show w/Michael Garfie...

It's no secret that I am a Kia fan and after driving the new Sportage Hybrid I continue to be a fanboy. The fifth-generation of the Sportage is a bit larger than the previous model and pairs a 1.6L engine with a 44kw electric motor. I found the car to be spacious and packed with typical safety features and technology. Take a listen to my full review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show&q...

Wow.  Yep. I said it (or actually typed it). This is a SUPER TRUCK. The Ram folks apparently put a Viagra in the fuel tank of a 1500 truck and produced the TRX model.  Almost everything you want and need in a vehicle that can take you most anywhere off-road with its 702-hp engine. It sits 8" wider than a normal Ram 1500 (hence my Viagra comment) and rides smooth on Bilstein shocks. &nbsp...

Looking for a BIG, LUXURIOUS pickup truck? Well I have a strong recommendation for you with the Sierra Denali Ultimate. This beast packs almost every upgrade imaginable and it drives incredibly smooth. Take a listen to my full review here. As heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show w/Michael Garfield" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwide).

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

The Camry is the best-selling sedan in the country and one of the reasons is because you simply know what you are getting. A strong brand, lots of safety features, a roomy and solid ride, etc... But the new XSE V6 adds some spice and punchiness to the mix. You should like this one. Listen to my review as heard on "The High-Tech Texan Show" on KPRC 950AM (Houston) and iHeartRadio (worldwi...