The 2022 model year could be the inflection point for Mercedes-Benz. For more than 135 years, the automaker has been developing the internal combustion engine, with Benz cited for developing the world's first practical ICE car—a three-wheel tricycle. Now, the engineering wizards in Germany...Read More»
This week we glimpsed the hybrid version of the 2023 Kia Sportage, though we have yet to test the redesigned compact crossover. A slew of full-size SUVs fell under our gaze, as well as the 2022 Ram 1500, which is our second-highest rated gas pickup truck behind the Ford F-150. The Nissan Sentra...Read More»
The year is 2021, and Subaru gets it. The Japanese automaker has delivered a fully-engineered example of what many outdoor enthusiasts dream about, or simply build themselves, in the form of the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. With a TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10, the 2022 Subaru Outback lineup is a...Read More»
A fuel pump failure has prompted Mazda to recall 121,038 vehicles across its lineup, the NHTSA disclosed on Monday. The impeller in low-pressure fuel pumps can deform, causing the pump to fail and the affected vehicles to not start or to stall at low speeds and, in rare instances, at high speeds...Read More»
Mark this moment as the turning point in Volkswagen’s history. The iconic Beetle is the past and the ID.4 foretells VW’s future. The electric crossover SUV is arguably the people’s EV with a base price of $41,190, a 250-mile range, and a roomy design. With a TCC Rating of 7.0 out...Read More»
The big news for Nissan in the 2022 model year is the redesigned Pathfinder three-row SUV. The overdue family hauler overshadows a brand in transition, like much of the automotive industry. On one end of the product spectrum, Nissan honors its motorsports past with a return of the Z sports coupe...Read More»
A faulty vacuum pump can cause certain Toyota Camry sedans to lose braking power and increase the risk of a crash, the NHTSA disclosed on Monday. Toyota will recall 227,490 Camrys from the 2018-2019 model years to fix the problem. A vane cap in the vacuum pump can degrade prematurely in vehicles...Read More»
The Los Angeles auto show previewed many new electric vehicles coming for 2023, as well as some electrified updates of existing cars and crossovers. The 2023 Fisker Ocean, 2023 Nissan Ariya, 2023 Subaru Solterra, and related 2023 Toyota BZ4X electric crossovers took the spotlight, but this week...Read More»
The Fisker Ocean promises something few other automakers have yet to accomplish: a luxury-leaning electric SUV that starts at less than $40,000. Unveiled in prototype form Wednesday at the Los Angeles auto show, the first vehicle by the hometown electric car maker will start at $37,499 for the base...Read More»
Nissan introduced a new engine and a $1,050 price increase on the 2022 Nissan Rogue compact crossover, the brand announced on Wednesday at the Los Angeles auto show. Just one year after redesigning the Rogue, Nissan swapped out engines in its bestseller to better compete with hybrid offerings in...Read More»
Ford enters the 2022 model year riding a wave of new product that champions the past while steering the brand forward. The Ford Mustang Mach-E electrified the iconic pony car, and this year it gets the GT juice that exceeds the performance of the venerable 5.0-liter V-8. An electric version of...Read More»
The Car Connection reviews the most popular sedans, and they're as good as they've ever been, even if they're selling in fewer numbers. The redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander seven-seat crossover improves in most regards, except for the emergency third row seats. Here's what else we assessed this...Read More»
Look deep inside yourself and ask: Do I want a luxury hatchback without the luxury badge? For those few who answered yes, the Volkswagen Arteon exists. For 2021, the sleek VW flagship gets refreshed with more prominent badging, updated LED lighting, and an upgraded infotainment system with new...Read More»
There are big changes to this year’s small pickup segment. After a 17-year run, Nissan redesigned the 2022 Frontier pickup truck to groom its rugged good looks with modern conveniences, and Honda refreshed the 2021 Ridgeline by chiseling some machismo into its soft-riding, well-mannered dad...Read More»
Tesla's latest over-the-air update can activate the automatic emergency braking system without any need for braking, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision, the NHTSA disclosed Monday. The 11,704 affected vehicles across the electric car maker's lineup came equipped with its misnamed...Read More»
This week's new car reviews cover the usual crossover SUVs and an unusual pickup, but the highlight was two models that represent the best of the old and the new. We revisit last year's Best Car To Buy and find ourselves still smitten with the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, and we give the new GT model...Read More»
The Hyundai Santa Cruz small pickup truck and Subaru Outback wagon-like SUV are utility vehicles serving as a complement for owners’ recreational activities and outdoorsy image. Sharing a platform with the Tucson compact crossover, the Santa Cruz might seem like a direct competitor to pickup...Read More»
Lexus is almost there when it comes to modern technology. It debuts a new touchscreen infotainment system and user interface on the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX that will spread to all Lexus models and replace a dated mishmash of multimedia iterations. In more other 2022 models, the current interface...Read More»
With low inventories, car shortages, and steep new car prices, it would seem automakers would think thrice before discontinuing any cars for 2022. But the grim reaper’s fickle sickle—the profit motive—comes for all cars, at some time or another. Compact sedans continue to shrink...Read More»
We got some seat time in the redesigned Honda Civic hatchback that impressed us more than the already impressive sedan, and enjoyed the sharp new interior of the refreshed Jeep Compass. GMC showed off its new Sierra 1500 pickup truck, but we withhold ratings until we test the freshest and newest...Read More»
As soon as I parked the Rapid Red Mustang Mach-E at my son’s soccer game, my 7-year-old daughter pointed to a black V-6 Mustang convertible in the parking lot and exclaimed, “Dad! It’s the same type of car we’re driving!” Even a 7-year old knows the Mach-E is a Ford...Read More»
The last time the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety updated its side impact crash test GM just rolled out the gas-guzzling Hummer H2 and Lincoln ended production of the Blackwood pickup truck after one ignominious year. A lot has changed when it comes to safety since 2003, but one thing that...Read More»
Volvo will be recalling 194,546 more vehicles as part of a growing airbag recall affecting its older sedans and wagons, the NHTSA disclosed on Monday. Two weeks ago, Volvo announced the recall of 259,383 older sedans for an exploding airbag risk. The issue is similar to the Takata airbag recall...Read More»
We almost forgot about weekends, right? Although camping and hiking are undergoing a resurgence, it’s an idea the Pacific Northwest never lost touch with. Look no further than the crawl of caravans of Subaru Foresters and Outbacks covered with dust or caked with mud, and loaded with outdoor...Read More»
