Matthew Keegan 
If you’ve shopped for an electric vehicle, finding something that costs less than $40,000 is a challenge. Typically, comfort, range, or something else is sacrificed to reach a palatable pricing level. One significant exception is the Nissan Leaf, a model that brought full electrification to the masses in 2011. Its … Read more
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row, midsize crossover utility vehicle with room for seven or eight. It’s the crossover complement to the Toyota Sienna van, with both models ideal for growing families. The Highlander Hybrid is the fuel efficiency champ in this segment, matching the hybrid-only Sienna with a combined … Read more
The move to vehicle electrification is coming in steps with manufacturers such as Hyundai choosing hybrids as part of the transition. For 2022, the compact Hyundai Tucson crossover is all new. This year, it gains standard and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variants, models that blend power with efficiency to deliver … Read more
The Audi Q5 is a handsome SUV, one that effectively blends styling, performance, and luxury. All models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine while one grade adds an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid. Like its German competitors, pricing is divided by grade with further divisions by trim. Consumers … Read more
Model year updates typically allow manufacturers to extend the lifespan of a particular model by several years. That’s exactly what was accomplished with the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a compact crossover utility vehicle with room for up to seven. Updated exterior styling, an overhauled interior, and upgraded technologies chart the changes. … Read more
The automotive market is largely split between mainstream and luxury vehicles, with ultra-luxury and exotic models sprinkled in. But there is a gray area some manufacturers exploit, a premium middle ground that combines elements from the main choices. In the Hyundai Palisade, we have a conventional model with opulent aspirations, … Read more
The road to electrification is paved with pricey and, in some cases, ugly models. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there is no excuse for new Tesla models that look so dull. Fortunately, some manufacturers realize that one important aspect of convincing consumers to adopt EVs … Read more
Crossovers continue to dominate the market as car models disappear. Hyundai is no exception as the tiny Accent and sporty Veloster N go away for 2023 with the likelihood the Sonata sedan will soon follow. Among the crossovers gaining market share is the subcompact Hyundai Kona, a model imbued with … Read more
A half-century has passed since the first Z-Series model arrived. The original Datsun 240Z was in direct response to the Toyota 2000GT and other performance models of that day. Over the years, the model changed, and the nameplate is now Nissan. For 2023, a new Nissan Z model arrives, a … Read more
Full-size sport utility vehicles remain a popular choice for large families, businesses, and sporting enthusiasts. New or updated models from Jeep and Toyota give consumers much to consider, along with mainstay versions from Ford and GM. For 2022, the Ford Expedition receives a styling update along with tech and performance … Read more
In 2015 Hyundai decided to spin off its Genesis line to form a new luxury division. The Genesis marque led off with three sedans, followed by three utility vehicles, filling out its promised six-vehicle model line. The latest model is the 2023 Genesis GV60, a compact utility vehicle with room … Read more
For 25 years the Lexus LX coexisted with the Toyota Land Cruiser with the former based heavily on the latter. But that all changed this year as a new LX launches this luxury SUV’s fourth generation, while the Land Cruiser is no longer available in the U.S. The decision is … Read more
It is no secret that tech giant Sony desires to build automobiles. The company showcased a pair of EV concepts earlier this year, intending to find a partner to bring these models to the market. After a brief search, Sony is tapping Honda to bring its dreams to fruition. The … Read more
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV, a model available in standard, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations. It now outsells the midsize Camry sedan and compact Corolla sedan and hatchback and is one of the best-selling vehicles in America. With such a strong nameplate driving sales, the automaker is … Read more
Long before the digital age, a pair of walkie talkies supplied ideal short-term communication. Also known as a handheld transceiver (HT), kids of certain era looked forward to communicating with each other while running around the neighborhood. Walkie talkies do have some limits, including range, battery life, and weather conditions. … Read more
The Tesla Cybertruck remains but a dream for this EV maker. Elon Musk is well known for his grand pronouncements, but at least his usual hoopla eventually becomes true. We waited ages for the first Telsa SUV and eventually got two models. A pair of sedans complete the product line. … Read more
A pending recall for the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This week, the Ford Motor Company ordered dealers to stop selling the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle. The order follows the recognition that a safety defect might make cars immobile. Currently, 49,000 vehicles are covered and will likely face a recall. Mach-E … Read more
If you’re a builder of an electric vehicle, one of the selling points is a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 available to most buyers. The credit saves customers money on their taxes, effectively reducing their ownership costs. Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit Available for applicable vehicles purchased after … Read more
The upcoming Rivian R1S is delayed; investors write down losses. Rivian was the darling of the electric pickup truck market, that is until the Ford F-150 Lightning arrived. The Normal, Illinois-based manufacturer of all-electric vehicles enjoys financial backing from Amazon, Ford, and T. Rowe Price. But the company is bleeding … Read more
My, how much things have changed! Ten years ago, the midsize pickup truck market was seeing a steady decline. For instance, Ford ended the production of the Ranger for the US market, while GM abandoned the segment where it had previously offered two models. Even the Ram Dakota would only … Read more
You’re forgiven if you don’t remember that the Chrysler brand still markets a full-size sedan. We will also forgive you if you did not realize that the Chrysler brand itself was still around. Such is life for the marque that once comprised the top-tier models for the Chrysler Corporation. Now … Read more
You’re driving down the road, paying attention to your surroundings, and out of nowhere, a car clips your right rear fender. Somehow, you maintain control of the vehicle and manage to make your way off to the side of the road to assess the situation. Fortunately, everyone is okay, but … Read more
Fix that scratch yourself with the right paint code. For the umpteenth time you’ve taken your car to the store and like several times before it has acquired a new ding or a scratch. This time some paint was removed, exposing your finish to the elements and making your car … Read more
Tesla is an early pioneer of Level 2 autonomous driving thanks to its so-called Autopilot technology. The equipment, though, is far from automatic as it still requires the driver to sit behind the wheel and intervene when necessary. Autopilot: SAE Level 2 Since its rollout in 2014, Autopilot has received … Read more
Editor’s Note: The world is on the cusp of autonomous driving, a technology that has been under development for decades. From time to time, Auto Trends Magazine has covered the topic, but we haven’t dissected the language involved. This article is the first of an occasional series of stories covering … Read more
Like the minivan, the sedan was supposed to have gone away. But on closer inspection, even the minivan has staying power. Both body styles are surviving the increasing onslaught of utility vehicles. But for the remaining players, at least in the sedan segment, millions of shoppers still prefer them. One … Read more
If the Toyota Sequoia is a mystery to you, then you’re in strong company. Last updated in 2008, this full-size SUV is all-new for 2023. Certainly, 15 years is a long time between updates, which explains why the Sequoia does not ring a bell with some. But thanks to an … Read more
Tip over test reveals a persistent safety concern for the Jeep Wrangler. The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently put the 2022 Jeep Wrangler through its crash test paces, but once again the Wrangler failed the driver-side small overlap crash test. That test was initially conducted on the … Read more
Spending a week or even a full day with a new model gives us a proper introduction to the vehicle. But when time is of the essence, sometimes there are only minutes available for a preview. That is exactly what happened during a near week-long press trip to Toyota’s headquarters … Read more
A comprehensive test drive is an essential element of the car-buying process, irrespective of whether you’re a first-time car buyer or someone who’s trading up to a brand-new vehicle. In either case, you probably want something reliable, and you might desire technologies such as Siri Eyes Free, a digital dashboard, … Read more