What to Drive After That Fresh Cut: January 2022

From raw horsepower to mind-blowing towing capacity to style, grace, and Launch Control, welcome to the January 2022 edition of the freshest whips to drive after that fresh cut.
Dennis Malcolm Byron A.K.A. Ale Sharpton
Beer, auto, travel, food, sports, music & clothing fanatic, award-winning journalist, photographer and Creative Director.

And just like that February 2022 is about to start. But before we say goodbye to January 2022, a month that made its presence fully known, let's check out these whips that go along with that fresh cut. Because after all, everything is better with a fresh cut. The same holds true for your ride.

Let’s roll!

2022 Subaru BRZ Limited

Whether you’re a fan of Fast & Furious flicks or just feel the need for speed without breaking the bank, Subaru is renowned for their aggressive speedsters like the WRX, but the BRZ sport coupe has been garnering a booming fanbase since its debut in late 2020. Reviewed with a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission with rear-wheel drive, this attractive, second-generation model gets an impressive 228 horses and 15-percent boost of torque out of its larger 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder BOXER engine. Besides the boost in power, the enhancements of the 2022 BRZ include a completely redesigned body, upgraded Subaru Starlink 8-inch multimedia system with integrated center information display, a lower center of gravity, five settings of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a front fender air outlet, and an integrated rear spoiler to list a few alterations.

Coming in both Premium and Limited trims, the latter was reviewed in a gorgeous “Sapphire Blue”. It was complemented with 18-inch matte gray wheels for that sexy street appeal, heated front seats lined with “Ultrasuede” upholstery and red-stitch piping, and a plethora of safety options to keep the confidence on high. Note that while Subaru claims this coupe to be a 2+2, the backseat lacks considerable legroom, making this the ultimate car for couples, so date nights and terrorizing tracks with your homie will provide some of the fondest memories. There is also a six-speed automatic transmission that includes Subaru’s signature EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and paddle shifters, so the choice is yours. Welcome back BRZ!

What the sticker says: The 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited is $31,455 MSRP.

For more information, visit Subaru.com.

Photos courtesy of Subaru.

2022 Canyon 4WD AT4 Crew Cab

For those who are all about no-nonsense and straight-up getting things done, whether it’s construction, farming, camping, or whatever life calls for, this compact pickup gets the job done. Coming in 4WD, the maneuverability is top-notch, plus there’s a roomy cabin to comfortably fit five passengers and a user-friendly infotainment system with WiFi availability. The heart is a responsive 3.6-liter, V6 engine pushing 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, with an impressive 7,000 pounds towing capacity.

Already loaded, the standout option is the Off-Road Performance Edition package ($3,195). It's only available in the AT4 and includes 17-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, a suspension leveling kit, front and middle skid plates, and more to broaden your driving experience. The BOSE premium sound system gets a thumb’s up as well to make a laborious day more enjoyable.

Truck it!

What the sticker says: The 2022 Canyon 4WD AT4 Crew Cab starts at $40,200 MSRP; $46,700 fully equipped as reviewed.

For more information, visit Gmc.com.

Photos courtesy of GMC.

2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

BMW took a little break before launching the newly designed, second-generation M440i xDrive Gran Coupe but successfully legitimized the built-up hype. The “M” represents optimal performance, providing a muscle-flexing 3.0-liter, TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve engine powered by 382 horses. The 8-speed automatic transmission is complete with Sport and Manual shift modes, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and Launch Control for exhilarating takeoffs to enhance the sport experience. The “XDrive” signifies BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive capability, plus the technology to distribute power to the wheel, promising the most control and dynamics.

Other noteworthy standouts of this five-passenger coupe include a new grille; 18-inch, M aerodynamic bi-color wheels with all-season run-flat tires; an extended moonroof for optimal stargazing; and folding rear seats for extra cargo space. What’s truly trending is what I reviewed, the Brooklyn Grey, but the Aventurin Red Metallic shown here is a very popular exterior paint choice, as well.

The posh leather cabin goes high tech with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central information display coming standard in the “Live Cockpit Pro” arrangement. The music bangs thanks to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo system, and everyone is comfortable with dual-zone climate control, a WiFi hotspot, and ambient lighting to set the mood to name a few of the numerous amenities.

Starting at $58K, the Cooling and High-Performance Tire Package ($2,400); Driver’s Assistance Pro Package ($700); Driver’s Assistance Pro Package ($1,700); and Premium Package ($1,750) are worth the extra spending if you want to get everything BMW wants to showcase in this stunner. If you’ve got it, go full throttle and live life in this bad boy.

What the sticker says: The 2022 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe is $58,200 MSRP and $67,625, including all the packages mentioned above.

For more information, visit Bmwusa.com.

Photos courtesy of BMW.

Make sure you visit Ale Sharpton’s website for more vehicle reviews to get your mouth watering.

Cheers!