Mike Hagerty
@mjhagerty.bsky.social
Freelance automotive journalist at U.S. News & World Report and The Los Altos (CA) Town Crier/losaltosonline.com. Previous outlets include Forbes and BBC Autos.
"We are beginning the fourth model year of the "new" Prius (introduced for 2023) and I'm still getting "Hey, mister. What kinda car is that? I've never seen it before."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/plugged...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/plugged...
Plugged In: The 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
The car more of America should be connecting with.
www.mikehagertycars.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
"We are beginning the fourth model year of the "new" Prius (introduced for 2023) and I'm still getting "Hey, mister. What kinda car is that? I've never seen it before."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/plugged...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/plugged...
"Yes, VW still makes the four-doors-and-a-trunk version of the no-longer-available-in-America hatchback Golf (“On the Road,” September 2021), and there’s also a Golf GTI equivalent – the Jetta GLI." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/volkswa...
Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers good compact sedan option
If I say “compact sedan” to you, your brain probably conjures up “Toyota Corolla” (“On the Road,” February 2020) or “Honda Civic” (“On the Road,” June 2025). Maybe Mazda 3
www.losaltosonline.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:25 AM
"Yes, VW still makes the four-doors-and-a-trunk version of the no-longer-available-in-America hatchback Golf (“On the Road,” September 2021), and there’s also a Golf GTI equivalent – the Jetta GLI." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/volkswa...
"Whether or not you believe in trickle-down economics, there absolutely is such a thing as trickle-down automotives. The Kia Telluride (“On the Road,” February 2020) would not be here in its current form if there weren’t an XC90 for the Koreans to benchmark." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/2026-vo...
2026 Volvo XC90 T8 inspires others
Regular readers will remember my singing the praises of the Volvo V60 (“On the Road,” November 2024). Tragically, Volvo has discontinued one of the last remaining station wagons for sale
www.losaltosonline.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:06 AM
"Whether or not you believe in trickle-down economics, there absolutely is such a thing as trickle-down automotives. The Kia Telluride (“On the Road,” February 2020) would not be here in its current form if there weren’t an XC90 for the Koreans to benchmark." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/2026-vo...
"The slowest EV9 does not go the farthest, and the quickest doesn’t pay as much of a penalty in range as you might expect. That said, none of the EV9 trims have outstanding range, and some are on the low side compared to competitors." cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
December 1, 2025 at 5:09 PM
"The slowest EV9 does not go the farthest, and the quickest doesn’t pay as much of a penalty in range as you might expect. That said, none of the EV9 trims have outstanding range, and some are on the low side compared to competitors." cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"The Integra has the automotive equivalent of “good bones,” using the Civic Si’s 200-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine." cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
November 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM
"The Integra has the automotive equivalent of “good bones,” using the Civic Si’s 200-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine." cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"From the 1980s to the early 2000s, there was a phenomenon known as street trucks. Instead of jacking up the suspension, you lowered it. Instead of rolling coal, you wanted gasoline---high-octane gasoline."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/takin-i...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/takin-i...
Takin' It to the Streets: The 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo
Ford offers a way out of monster-truck land. Will others follow?
www.mikehagertycars.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:20 AM
"From the 1980s to the early 2000s, there was a phenomenon known as street trucks. Instead of jacking up the suspension, you lowered it. Instead of rolling coal, you wanted gasoline---high-octane gasoline."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/takin-i...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/takin-i...
"In a vacuum, the ID.4 is a good EV. The trouble is that it has more than a dozen rivals, and many of them have higher-end interiors, more cargo capacity, better performance or longer driving ranges. Some beat the ID.4 in every category."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
November 15, 2025 at 1:10 PM
"In a vacuum, the ID.4 is a good EV. The trouble is that it has more than a dozen rivals, and many of them have higher-end interiors, more cargo capacity, better performance or longer driving ranges. Some beat the ID.4 in every category."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"The RX inspires respect but not passion. It also seems a size too large, and, though it suffers from the same deficiencies of driving fun and cargo space, the smaller Lexus NX Hybrid strikes me as a better choice."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
November 14, 2025 at 8:45 PM
"The RX inspires respect but not passion. It also seems a size too large, and, though it suffers from the same deficiencies of driving fun and cargo space, the smaller Lexus NX Hybrid strikes me as a better choice."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"Going plugless ("sensa spina" in Italian) gets you a turbocharged...four-cylinder with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque...going plugless also gets you a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Tonale plug-in has only six speeds.
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/sensa-s...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/sensa-s...
Sensa Spina: The 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa unplugged.
www.mikehagertycars.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:25 PM
"Going plugless ("sensa spina" in Italian) gets you a turbocharged...four-cylinder with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque...going plugless also gets you a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Tonale plug-in has only six speeds.
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/sensa-s...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/sensa-s...
"The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a feature-packed, roomy and safe compact SUV, but it has a lot of rivals, and some are more fun to drive."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
November 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
"The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a feature-packed, roomy and safe compact SUV, but it has a lot of rivals, and some are more fun to drive."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"...60 miles per hour from a standing stop in 4.1 seconds. If you’re of a certain age and your point of reference is 1960s muscle cars, it’s quicker than all of them. Even the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427, which needed 4.3 seconds."
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/volvo-e...
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/volvo-e...
VOLVO EX40 Twin Motor Ultra: An EV quicker than your muscle car
Looks harmless, doesn’t it? A little square sand dune-colored (that’s the actual paint color name – “Sand Dune”) box labeled “Volvo,” powered by electrons instead of dead dinosaurs.
www.losaltosonline.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:16 PM
"...60 miles per hour from a standing stop in 4.1 seconds. If you’re of a certain age and your point of reference is 1960s muscle cars, it’s quicker than all of them. Even the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427, which needed 4.3 seconds."
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/volvo-e...
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/volvo-e...
"The Murano was absolutely overdue for a new generation. Apart from style, it’s hard to identify any area where the new one moves the ball, and in small ways, it’s lost some ground."
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/nissan-...
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/nissan-...
Nissan Murano struggles to meet expecations of new decade
The Nissan Murano is all-new for 2025. That’s a very good thing, because, with only a handful of running updates, the 2024 Murano was the same as the 2015 Murano.
www.losaltosonline.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:52 PM
"The Murano was absolutely overdue for a new generation. Apart from style, it’s hard to identify any area where the new one moves the ball, and in small ways, it’s lost some ground."
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/nissan-...
www.losaltosonline.com/auto/nissan-...
"The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is so gorgeous, so smooth, so good that if you told me it was close to $70,000, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm trying to think of a three-row SUV that's this impressive that comes in much under 75. Less than 60? Amazing." www.mikehagertycars.com/post/impress...
Impressions Confirmed: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
The real one is a real deal.
www.mikehagertycars.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:53 PM
"The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is so gorgeous, so smooth, so good that if you told me it was close to $70,000, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm trying to think of a three-row SUV that's this impressive that comes in much under 75. Less than 60? Amazing." www.mikehagertycars.com/post/impress...
"Open the door and step in, and all expectations are upended. There is no traditional instrument display. Instead, a curved 48-inch display divided into fourths runs across the bottom of the windshield."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
October 25, 2025 at 12:18 PM
"Open the door and step in, and all expectations are upended. There is no traditional instrument display. Instead, a curved 48-inch display divided into fourths runs across the bottom of the windshield."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"Since its 2023 redesign, the Prius is peppy and sleek. Acceleration is decent (0 to 60 takes 7.2 seconds), the ride is comfortable, and the handling borders on fun."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
October 24, 2025 at 3:26 AM
"Since its 2023 redesign, the Prius is peppy and sleek. Acceleration is decent (0 to 60 takes 7.2 seconds), the ride is comfortable, and the handling borders on fun."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"The tax credit was nice while it lasted, but now we're playing with strictly our own money."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/price-p...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/price-p...
Price Pressure: The 2025 Kia Niro EV Wave
Money matters.
www.mikehagertycars.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:32 AM
"The tax credit was nice while it lasted, but now we're playing with strictly our own money."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/price-p...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/price-p...
If you're tempted by #vanlife, this is a great starting point:
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/blank-c...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/blank-c...
Blank Canvas: The 2025 RAM 2500 ProMaster Cargo
Work or play---your choice.
www.mikehagertycars.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:20 AM
If you're tempted by #vanlife, this is a great starting point:
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/blank-c...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/blank-c...
The results are in.
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/and-the...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/and-the...
And The Winners Are: Western Automotive Journalists Best of the Bay 2025
Every one's a winner. But we only have five trophies.
www.mikehagertycars.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:40 PM
The results are in.
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/and-the...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/and-the...
"I’ve driven a couple of CX-70s, including the plug-in hybrid model that we review separately, and Mazda's two-row midsizer has generally left a positive impression."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
October 16, 2025 at 11:38 PM
"I’ve driven a couple of CX-70s, including the plug-in hybrid model that we review separately, and Mazda's two-row midsizer has generally left a positive impression."
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...
"All 14 vehicles will be eligible for Best Overall, and key elments of tech are competing for a Best Tech award.
I'll announce the winners here, along with my votes and my reasoning for them."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/i-voted...
I'll announce the winners here, along with my votes and my reasoning for them."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/i-voted...
www.mikehagertycars.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:45 PM
"All 14 vehicles will be eligible for Best Overall, and key elments of tech are competing for a Best Tech award.
I'll announce the winners here, along with my votes and my reasoning for them."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/i-voted...
I'll announce the winners here, along with my votes and my reasoning for them."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/i-voted...
Toyota brings us the first new 4Runner in 15 years:
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/the-tou...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/the-tou...
The Toughest Path: The 2025 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Limited
How to modernize a classic.
www.mikehagertycars.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Toyota brings us the first new 4Runner in 15 years:
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/the-tou...
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/the-tou...
"My WAJ colleagues and I weren't kidding and we weren't mistaken when we named the Lucid Air Pure Best EV and Best Overall Vehicle [last year].
The Lucid Air Touring thoroughly justifies its slightly higher price tag. It's everything we loved---and more."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/no-cont...
The Lucid Air Touring thoroughly justifies its slightly higher price tag. It's everything we loved---and more."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/no-cont...
No Contest: The 2025 Lucid Air Touring
The old order, imperiled.
www.mikehagertycars.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:45 PM
"My WAJ colleagues and I weren't kidding and we weren't mistaken when we named the Lucid Air Pure Best EV and Best Overall Vehicle [last year].
The Lucid Air Touring thoroughly justifies its slightly higher price tag. It's everything we loved---and more."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/no-cont...
The Lucid Air Touring thoroughly justifies its slightly higher price tag. It's everything we loved---and more."
www.mikehagertycars.com/post/no-cont...
"Seven inches of ground clearance, all-wheel-drive and all-terrain tires do not a Rubicon-conquering off-roader make, but the IONIQ 5 AWD XRT is a capable and credible light adventurer." www.mikehagertycars.com/post/boldly-...
Boldly Going: The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD XRT
Where few EVs have gone so far.
www.mikehagertycars.com
October 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
"Seven inches of ground clearance, all-wheel-drive and all-terrain tires do not a Rubicon-conquering off-roader make, but the IONIQ 5 AWD XRT is a capable and credible light adventurer." www.mikehagertycars.com/post/boldly-...
"...all-wheel drive is...standard on XRT PRO, which also gets an electronic limited-slip differential, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles and front and rear recovery hooks." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/hyundai...
Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro offers rugged off-road option
Last month, I brought you a first-drive review of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, the top of the seven trim lines of this three-row SUV entering an all-new second generation
www.losaltosonline.com
October 1, 2025 at 1:15 PM
"...all-wheel drive is...standard on XRT PRO, which also gets an electronic limited-slip differential, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles and front and rear recovery hooks." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/hyundai...
"A big change this year is the availability of a Forester Hybrid... Subaru says fuel economy is up 40% from the internal combustion Foresters – the EPA estimates are 26 city/33 highway/29 combined." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/2025-su...
2025 Subaru Forester strikes gold with best edition yet
So many cars, so little ink. Or pixels. Whatever.
www.losaltosonline.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:55 PM
"A big change this year is the availability of a Forester Hybrid... Subaru says fuel economy is up 40% from the internal combustion Foresters – the EPA estimates are 26 city/33 highway/29 combined." www.losaltosonline.com/auto/2025-su...