It’s a case of legacy versus upstart—but in the case of Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Tesla Model 3, Tesla is the legacy electric vehicle maker, and Ford is the upstart. Today, these two choices are among the most compelling affordable electric vehicles. Which one’s the better vehicle?...Read More»
The Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid intends to dethrone the Toyota RAV4 Prime from its perch as king of the hybrid hill. The redesigned compact crossover chases the perennial bestseller in this class in most categories except for style, space, and most importantly, price. Squared off against each...Read More»
Dodge enters the 2023 model year in the midst of a transition. The small lineup from the American performance brand owned by the multinational conglomerate Stellantis reflects the global trends sweeping over the automotive industry. Dodge sheds its V-8 muscle car past while shifting to an...Read More»
Newer versions of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport small crossover SUV are being recalled for a software glitch that can make the engine stall at high speeds, the NHTSA disclosed Monday. The issue effects vehicles with a continuously variable transmission and a mechanical key instead of a push button...Read More»
More 2023 models roll into dealer lots, and automakers this week disclosed the pricing on new and carryover models. Without exception and as news to no one, prices are up year over year, ranging from only $500 on the 2023 Ford Ranger to more than $7,000 on the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning. GM followed...Read More»
The 2023 Nissan Titan full-size and XD heavy-duty pickup trucks now offer a blacked-out Midnight Edition package and sport slightly higher prices across the board. But the trucks remain among the more reasonable values with a price delta between $41,000 and $65,000, Nissan disclosed Thursday. Sold...Read More»
The refreshed 2023 Subaru Ascent three-row SUV climbs into the new year with revised front and rear ends, wireless smartphone connectivity, and improved safety technology. The price also climbs between $1,100 and $2,800 more than the 2022 Ascent to start at $35,120, including a $1,225 destination...Read More»
For the 2022 model year, more automakers built their cars to better withstand and avoid crashes, according to the latest ratings announced Thursday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. More than 70 models earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ designation, which is considered the most rigorous...Read More»
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport follows the path of its big brother Bronco once again with two new Heritage editions inspired by the original Ford Bronco that first launched in 1966. The compact crossover SUV based on the Ford Escape benefits more from its Bronco brand partner, Ford suggested Thursday...Read More»
The 2023 Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck carries over into the new year, contrary to speculation that a new model was due for North America. The carryover model has a price increase of up to $430, Ford disclosed in a dealer order guide released this week. A redesigned Ranger was expected for the...Read More»
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck receives its first price increase since launching last May, and it's a steep one. Base Lightning Pro models jump from $41,669 to $48,769, including a $1,795 destination fee, while top Platinum grades with an extended-range battery increase $6,100 to...Read More»
For drivers of the 2012-2013 Kia Optima sedan, it may seem like the sky is falling. On certain models, a ceiling plate above the driver or front passenger can detach from the headliner when the side curtain airbag is deployed. The plate can strike an occupant, as it has in one case that prompted a...Read More»
Newer versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT are being recalled for a short circuit that increases the risk of fire, the NHTSA disclosed last week. A corroded connector in the transmission wiring harness of all-wheel-drive vehicles ("4Matic" in Mercedes-speak) could cause a...Read More»
The 2023 model year cars keep rolling into dealer lots, albeit in limited supply, and the most visited review we posted this week was the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. A perennial Best SUV To Buy at The Car Connection, the Grand Cherokee has minor changes limited mostly to the 4xe plug-in hybrid model...Read More»
The names might be new but the spin is the same: automakers keep introducing new crossover SUVs, but now, they're electric. Volkswagen just undercut the competition with a new base model of the ID.4 that costs $38,790. Announced Aug. 4, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard is powered by a 201-hp motor...Read More»
Mid-size cars don't hold up as well as crossover SUVs in a new side impact test conducted by the IIHS, the insurance industry-funded nonprofit announced Thursday. Only the 2022 Subaru Outback earned a top "Good" rating in a new crash test meant to reflect what happens when a car gets hit on the...Read More»
The Nissan Maxima joins the growing list of sedans driving off into the automotive sunset, Nissan spokesperson Dan Passe confirmed Thursday. "The current-generation Maxima will end production in the middle of 2023," Passe said when contacted by The Car Connection for comment. For decades, the...Read More»
A child safety seat anchor in new versions of the Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup truck may not be safe at all, according to a recall order disclosed by the NHTSA on Tuesday. Welds on the upper child seat anchors can be loose enough to be moved by hand, prompting Toyota to recall 75,316 Tacomas from...Read More»
Mazda is going all in on its newest model and asking customers to pay more for the opportunity to join them. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 compact crossover gets an odd price increase of $800 across a lineup that went on sale new this spring. The destination fee increases to $1,275 as well. A new Meridian...Read More»
The 2023 Ford Maverick follows in the off-road path of Ford's larger trucks with a new Tremor package for 2023, Ford announced Monday. Ford also announced orders for the 2023 version of the popular Maverick will open in September following an early sell out of its initial production run. A small...Read More»
A new version of the 2023 BMW i4 electric car with a smaller battery pack presents a more affordable entry point to BMW's electric car lineup. The 2023 BMW i4 eDrive35 will cost $52,395 when it goes on sale early next year, BMW announced Monday. The long-roof electric hatchback styled like the BMW...Read More»
Chevrolet launched the 2023 Colorado mid-size pickup truck this week, marking the first redesign since 2015. Loaded with standard features and with five distinct trim levels, it heralds a slew of redesigned mid-size trucks coming to market. We got some seat time in the EQB-Class electric crossover...Read More»
The 2019-2021 Audi Q8 and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 crossover SUVs are being recalled for a faulty fuel pump that can cause the engine to stall, the NHTSA disclosed on Thursday. If a component inside the fuel pump breaks, the fragments can damage the pressure regulator. If it happens, owners may notice an...Read More»
Four Stellantis vehicle models are under investigation by the NHTSA for safety defects, with 1.34 million Jeep Cherokees accounting for the bulk of the scrutiny, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. The 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee is being investigated for an electronic parking brake that can...Read More»
