You pull your car out of the driveway, then notice something unusual in the spot your car just left. There’s a small dark spot there, a small puddle of some vehicle fluid, and you don’t know what. Is it normal? Is it bad? There are a few different types of vehicle … Read more
The Kia Telluride’s reputation precedes it, a three-row crossover utility vehicle that is among the best available. Prized for its rugged looks, the Telluride also delivers a comfortable and upscale cabin, loads of tech and safety equipment, and a decent powertrain. It is also one of the most difficult models … Read more
Today’s internal combustion engines are relatively complex in nature, featuring some critical components, none any less valuable than the last. The vast majority of these components, as well as the systems they make up, have evolved significantly from what there were just 20-30 years prior. Perhaps no automotive system has … Read more
For nearly four decades, the minivan has been a factor for families considering their mode of transportation. These models might not be style winners, but they’re highly versatile, comfortable, and even efficient. The Chrysler Pacifica builds on that tradition by delivering a modern model that is anything but mini. SUVs … Read more
The Hyundai Santa Fe blends style, comfort, and efficiency to deliver an affordable midsize crossover utility vehicle with room for five. This SUV sits between the Tucson and Palisade, offering more room than the former, and better maneuverability than the latter. Most shoppers will choose the gas model, but a … Read more
Our vehicles’ airbags are easily forgotten until their use is required to prevent significant injury in the event of a collision. This, of course, is an easy oversight to make. The vast majority of a vehicle’s airbag system is hidden away until it is deployed at a moment’s notice, leaving … Read more
Affordability and luxury are not mutually exclusive, particularly with an entry-level sedan such as the Audi A3. This model offers one of the best values for the segment, but also comes with a pair of performance variants. Though smaller than the average midsize mainstream sedan, its low starting price makes … Read more
Lexus’ compact NX was overhauled in 2022 and carries forward for 2023. Its style, amenities, and safety features are among its strong suits, while a pair of hybrid choices set this model apart in a crowded segment. Our test plug-in hybrid model blends performance with efficiency, a combination that we … Read more
Today’s vehicles are finely tuned pieces of equipment, featuring a wide array of individual components, all of which must function flawlessly to facilitate proper operation. If any one of these components were to fail, a number of serious mechanical issues could arise. One such component of value, which must function … Read more
Honda took the dilemma of a canceled vehicle platform and turned it into an opportunity. With the Honda Fit hatchback no longer around, the platform that also supported the Honda HR-V SUV went away. Instead of creating an all-new platform for just the HR-V, Honda tapped the compact CR-V’s architecture … Read more
A vehicle’s transmission is extremely vital to its overall operation, ultimately facilitating the delivery of engine-produced power to a vehicle’s drive wheels. Luckily, most of today’s transmissions are rather hearty by design, often lasting for the entire service life of a vehicle itself. However, achieving this level of longevity requires … Read more
Mazda is experiencing a bit of an identity crisis, thanks to new and updated premium models that are pushing the brand toward luxury. Although Mazda chiefly targets mainstream competitors such as Toyota and Ford, certain top-trim grades apparently have Audi and Lincoln shoppers in mind. For 2023, an all-new Mazda … Read more
There are few safety-sensitive automotive systems as vital as a car’s brakes. A vehicle’s brakes allow us to reduce our speed whenever necessary and stop quickly to avoid collisions. This is why it is essential that our brakes function flawlessly, under a wide array of circumstances. Unfortunately, like any other … Read more
We love our utility vehicles and manufacturers are responding in kind. Infiniti has a quartet of choices, including a pair of models that are based on the same platform. While the compact QX50 delivers a satisfying experience, the fancier QX55 comes better equipped. For 2023 the changes are light, but … Read more
Today’s vehicles come equipped with an ever-growing number of safety appliances, intended to keep motorists out of harm’s way. Many features and functions of this type are government mandated, and now come standard on virtually every vehicle manufactured. Few of these safety features and functions are as prevalent as the … Read more
In an age where electrified vehicles enjoy enormous recognition, it’s refreshing when manufacturers remember traditional enthusiasts. The Toyota GR Supra is a modern sports car from the world’s leader in hybrid technology, a proper reminder that the internal combustion engine remains important. That Toyota pragmatically partnered with BMW to revive … Read more
There is little as alarming to the average motorist, as coming to the realization that their vehicle has begun making an odd noise. This is especially concerning if the source of this new noise is not easily distinguished. One cannot help but feel as if their vehicle is falling apart … Read more
Luxury and value seldom intersect, but there are a few exceptions. The Lexus ES 300h is an exception as this large front-wheel-drive sedan can be had for under $50,000. Moreover, it comes well equipped and offers a hybrid variant, the latter our recent weekly test driver. 2023 Lexus ES Review … Read more
Most motorists at least partially understand the function of a vehicle’s spark plugs, recognizing the importance of these pint-sized engine components. After all, a spark-ignition engine would be of little real value without a reliable source of spark. However, a spark plug is only able to function as intended, if … Read more
A vehicle’s engine is composed of parts too numerous to count, each of which plays a pivotal role in ensuring streamlined and efficient operation. On top of that, many of these individual components work in relation to one another, to perform a specific function. If any one of these components … Read more
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
A vehicle’s front end is composed of many different steering components, each of which plays a pivotal role in providing ample maneuverability. However, these components must all be in satisfactory condition to operate at an optimal level. This bears consideration, due to the fact that each of these components is … Read more
With some notable exceptions, modern cars sold in North America almost come with automatic gearboxes. People love these transmissions because they are much easier to use than a stick shift. Also, since you won’t focus on changing the gears, automatic cars are safer. Are you wondering what the different automatic … 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
Over the last couple of years, fuel prices have skyrocketed, placing additional financial pressure on motorists far and wide. Even those driving smaller, compact cars have begun feeling a significant amount of pain at the pump. This has caused many to forgo their typical Sunday afternoon drive, in favor of … 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
As most motorists are well aware, tires are anything but cheap to purchase and continue to increase in cost with each passing year. For this reason, it is easy to justify going through a little additional effort to ensure that your tires are maintained in the best way possible. This … 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