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Joel Patel

Joel Patel

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Joel is a dog lover, a foodie, and an automotive junkie. He’s usually tinkering away on one of his latest Craigslist finds or trying to find a new food spot on the weekends. His love for all things with an engine emerged at a young age, as he watched his father work on cars and has been obsessively chasing after them ever since. When not near a car or writing about one, he’s gaming, attending a baseball game, traveling, or watching a movie.

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD front end angle from passenger's side in front of a fence with trees in the back.

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD: a brilliant SUV that’s also an EV

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 may have a design that’s straight out of an old-school video game, but it’s a high-tech electric car that’s firmly planted in the present.
Angled front view of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Platinum in a grassy field (passnger's side).

2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid review: Seriously efficient

A combined fuel economy rating of 54 mpg builds upon an excellent base, making the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid the best compact in the lineup.
Front driver's side from an angle of the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid in a grassy field.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid review: Efficiency without compromise

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a standout hybrid thanks to its classy design, impressive fuel economy, and practical tech features.
Angled front view of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum in a field (driver's side).

2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum review: A fuel-efficient midsize SUV

A hybrid powertrain helps the 2021 Toyota Highlander go from being an average midsize SUV to one with a trick up its sleeve by getting up to 36 mpg combined.
Exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD review: Extra power and efficiency

More power and efficiency make Hyundai’s Tucson Hybrid the best option in a crowded and very competitive class
2021 toyota venza review front

2021 Toyota Venza review: Star gazer

With its stylish design and efficient hybrid-only powertrain, the 2021 Toyota Venza emphasizes styling and efficiency above all else.
Kia Soul 2020

2020 Kia Soul GT-Line: This budget box has an attitude

The 2020 Kia Soul gives the quirky CUV a more aggressive look, but it remains wonderfully functional.
2019 toyota corolla xse hatchback review fw

2019 Toyota Corolla XSE Hatchback review

Take a test drive in one of Toyota’s latest cars and it’s easy to feel like you’re in the Upside Down from Stranger Things. Out of all the cars in the Japanese brand’s lineup, no other car highlights just how much has changed as the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
2019 Volkswagen Golf S 1.4T

2019 VW Golf S Review: Good, simple fun

If performance isn’t your thing, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf is the answer to a basic commuter car that can save you money on gas and shuffle you around comfortably. With an available six-speed manual, the Golf has a lot of the GTI’s pep for much less money.
2019 Maza CX-9

2019 Mazda CX-9 review: Midsize SUVs don’t have to be boring

While getting older in age, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 represents Mazda’s continued move upstream well. Luxurious, competitively priced, fun to drive, and handsome, the CX-9 is a midsize SUV that makes shuffling seven passengers enjoyable.
2019 hyundai tucson ultimate awd review tuscon first drive feat

2019 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate AWD Review

The refreshed 2019 Hyundai Tucson comes with a new look, more standard safety features, and a larger infotainment screen that’s all wrapped in a semi-luxurious package. Add in the plush ride and you’ve got a winner.
2019 mazda cx 3 grand touring awd review feat

2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Review

With dashing good looks and an athletic chassis, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is one of the better looking and handling crossovers. Mazda’s baby crossover struggles as a daily driver, lacking the interior space, usability, and comfortable ride of its competitors. It's for shoppers seeking driving enjoyment, not practicality.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta review

2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium review

With enough tech features to make villains jealous, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta punches above its class as a forward-thinking sedan. Spacious, comfortable, and efficient, the Jetta is a refined offering. German refinement comes with a serious attitude, but it doesn't come with an eye-watering price tag.
2019 Toyota Camry review

2019 Toyota Camry XLE V6 review

The Toyota Camry offers space for people and gear and it cruises effortlessly. These attributes once made sedans the king of the car market, but it's no longer enough. The tech matters, too. Luckily, the Toyota Camry has tricks up its sleeve.
2019 toyota yaris sedan xle review feat

2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan XLE Review

Offering tons of value, the Yaris combines an excellent chassis, a handsome interior, and a fuel-efficient engine, all courtesy of Mazda, at a price that’s reminiscent of a Scion. The Yaris’ small price, though, comes with a tight rear seat and a small trunk.
2019 Chevrolet Volt review

2019 Chevrolet Volt LT first drive review

Combining the best attributes from an electric car and a hybrid, the Volt is the ideal car for those looking for a gateway into the world of EVs.
2018 Kia Forte5 SX front right

2018 Kia Forte5 SX review

It’s not a true hot hatch, but the Forte5 SX comes awfully close to being one. And with loads of standard features at a reasonable price, you’ll be too busy enjoy your heated seats and Apple CarPlay to mind the missing power or sloppy shifts.