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Editors' Picks November 2023: Toyota Grand Highlander, Buick Envista and some lovely luxury vehicles

It's been a month since we served you with the full lot of Autoblog Editors' Picks, and that master list is going to continue to grow as more new cars enter the market. For November 2023, we have a trio of SUVs coming in at various sizes and price points including the Buick Envista, Toyota Grand Highlander and Mercedes-Benz GLS. And if you're looking for a convertible sports car, the BMW Z4 is one that should make your shortlist, as it finds its way into this month's of Editors' Picks, as well. In case you missed previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on whatÂ’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get an EditorsÂ’ Pick designation. Those are the ones weÂ’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody whoÂ’s curious and asks the question. The list that youÂ’ll find below consists of every car we rated in November that earned an EditorsÂ’ Pick. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid Max View 25 Photos Quick take: The Hybrid Max is the one to get, but the Grand Highlander comes highly recommended for its added space, nicer interior and fuel efficient powertrains. Score: 7 What it competes with: Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Nissan Pathfinder, VW Atlas, Mazda CX-90 Pros: Two hybrid powertrain options; exceptional cargo space; usable third row; refined and quiet ride. Cons: Expensive for the segment; the lesser hybrid powertrain is noisy and slow. From the editors: Senior Editor, Electric, John Beltz Snyder — "The Grand Highlander is a nice alternative to the standard Highlander for the Toyota faithful for its usable third row. The choice of powertrains is a huge boon, too, whether you want a fuel-sipping hybrid, or solid gas engine or a more robust hybrid with extra performance. YouÂ’re just going to have to pay a little more for it all." In-depth analysis: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Review: A strong, new three-row contender   2024 Buick Envista 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring front three quarter View 19 Photos Quick take: The Envista is one of our top subcompact SUV picks. It packs tremendous value into a compelling design that looks far more expensive than it is. A homerun for Buick.

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire JDM minivans look weirder than ever

Around these parts, if you want a Toyota minivan, you'll be looking at the Sienna. But in its domestic market, the Japanese automaker offers an entirely different line of passenger vans. And now it's updated one of its larger models. Or two, we should say. Since Toyota operates parallel dealership networks in Japan, the minivan you see here is sold as the Alphard through Toyopet dealers and the Vellfire in its Netz showrooms. They also get subtly different designs, especially at the front. But stylistic and distribution differences aside, these two models are essentially the same. They're smaller than the Sienna we know in every dimension but height, but larger than the Voxy/Noah and Esquire, and come in a variety of trims and configurations: with a 2.5-liter four, a 3.5-liter V6 or a hybrid powertrain, in seven- or eight-seat configurations, with or without handicapped accessibility, and in trim levels that can more than double their price from the base model to the top Executive Lounge. Initially launched in 2002 and redesigned for 2015, the new Alphard and Vellfire also benefit from a redesigned suspension, better NVH insulation and a more accommodating and upscale interior with new technologies (including a new Panoramic View Monitor, Intelligent Parking Assist and collision-avoidance systems) to make them more comfortable, safer and easier to operate. Between the two models, Toyota expects to sell 7,000 units each month in Japan alone (3,000 Alphards and 4,000 Vellfires) before other markets across Asia are even taken into account. Related Video: Toyota Launches New 'Alphard' and 'Vellfire' Minivans in Japan Toyota City, Japan, January 26, 2015-Toyota Motor Corporation today launched the redesigned "Alphard" and "Vellfire" minivans through dealers across Japan. The vehicles were developed to incorporate the idea of a roomy and luxurious saloon space with a new and unprecedented sense of refinement. The new Alphard and Vellfire possess unshakeable presence with a comfortable ride, exceptional handling stability, and a roomy interior. The Alphard exterior emphasizes luxury, while the Vellfire exterior emphasizes boldness. In addition to high body rigidity, a newly developed double-wishbone suspension was adopted for the rear to achieve a luxurious ride and exceptional handling stability. Extensive sound and vibration dampening and an aerodynamic wind-noise reducing body shape realize a quiet ride at all speeds, befitting of a luxury vehicle.

Toyota pays tribute to Clarkson as he asks press, fans to leave producer alone

Say what you will about Toyota, but the Japanese brand was generally treated pretty well by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, despite the fact that the show routinely destroyed the brand's vehicles in each encounter. Whether it was a Hilux of some vintage, his attempts at annihilating a Kiwi Corolla (technically an Auris) or his honest attempts at reviews, the now-unemployed host has enjoyed quite a history with Toyota. It's hardly surprising, then, that the behemoth automaker's UK arm has put together a Clarkson montage, following the host's firing. There are some classic clips, featuring the vehicles mentioned above, as well as some amusing moments featuring the host himself. While the motoring world is still reacting to Clarkson's firing yesterday, the host has already broken his silence on the matter after getting intercepted by the media while cycling through London. "All I would like to say is, I wish people would leave Ois alone, because none of this is his fault," Clarkson told the media while deflecting questions about his potential arrest, the BBC reports. "Ois," of course, refers to Oisin Tymon, the Top Gear producer Clarkson physically and verbally assaulted following a full day of filming. Clarkson is a polarizing character, to be sure, but it takes a big person to make that kind of statement following his firing from a show he was so integral to. Check out Toyota's video up top, and then click over to the BBC to see Clarkson's comments to the media.