Chase Bierenkoven

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Chase Bierenkoven

The Toyota Tacoma tends to stick around for a while. The last full Tacoma generation lasted a whopping seven years. During that time, it turned into a favorite of ours in the truck market. It did just about everything, providing high-dollar off-road-focused trims all the way down to simple, stripped-out work trucks with nothing but a radio and a gearshift knob inside.

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Chase Bierenkoven

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class doesn't do half the things that something like a Lexus GX or a Land Rover Defender, both costing nearly half as much, can do. Of course, all three will go over nearly any obstacle thanks to their locking differentials, fancy off-road software, and grippy tires. But the G-Class is pretty bad at being an SUV, whereas these two aren't. The G, I hate to say at the tender young age of 27, is hard to get into and climb out of.

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Chase Bierenkoven

The Honda Pilot is pretty emblematic of the SUV. It's been around in one form or another since the early aughts, with the popular three-row now entering its fifth generation. Today's Pilot is what the SUV has always been: a people-hauler with a roomy cabin, lots of family-friendly features, and tons of variety.

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Chase Bierenkoven

"Cheap" and "sports car" are not typically compatible concepts. You end up paying for that affordable sports car one way or another: higher insurance premiums, increased maintenance costs, or in consumables like tires and brakes. However, there are still some bargains to be found, and that's especially true in the new sports car market, where you can find some serious value for your money thanks to reliable powertrains and manufacturer warranties.

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Chase Bierenkoven

Sometimes you just need space. Whether it's people or things, the SUV has been the choice of the discerning family-focused consumer for the last 30+ years. Now, the SUV is better than ever. Modern SUVs come with tons of family-focused features now, too. Some even have a microphone to amplify your voice and make it heard by third-row passengers. With this, consumer preference has become a very, very big market.