As a relatively new market within the U.S. automotive segment, major and frequent EV shifts are commonplace. That remains the case midway through 2026, as a sharp decline in EV sales (some are even calling it a collapse) has led to questions about which automakers are best positioned for an uncertain path ahead. I’ve written […]
Too Much of a Good Thing? Unnecessary Tech in Modern Cars
If you think car technology has gotten out of control, you’re not alone. A survey by UK-based Carwow found that over 40% of drivers think modern vehicle technology is “excessive and distracting.” Furthermore, one edition of JD Power’s annual Tech Experience Index (TXI) reports that over a third of advanced vehicle technologies weren’t used in […]
American vs Overseas Pickup Trucks: Is Bigger Really Better?
There are few vehicles that feel as American as a pickup truck. From the first pickup in 1925, Ford’s Model T Roadster, to modern favorites like the F-Series and Ram 1500, America is obsessed with truck utility and attitude. According to Car and Driver, of the nine best-selling U.S. vehicles in 2025, five of them […]
A Skyline by Any Other Name: The Infiniti Q50
Despite being one of Hollywood’s most recognizable models, the Nissan Skyline has never actually been sold in North America. This might come as a surprise to those who grew up watching The Fast and the Furious or logging some time on video games like Forza or Gran Turismo, but every Skyline that’s ever left a […]
What Can Tesla’s Full-Self Driving Actually Do? Separating Fact From Fiction
What’s in a name? This Shakespearean query is as relevant today as it was back in the late 16th century, especially if you’re trying to be a savvy consumer. With major brands spending millions on flashy ad campaigns aimed at prying open your wallet by any means necessary, buyers need to have their head on […]
The 2026 F-150 Tremor is the Affordable Off-Road Ready Trim We Need
Pickup trucks and off-roading are closely linked. Many brands offer off-road-ready trims and variants designed for excursions and adventures. However, many of these models come with a larger-than-average price tag. The Chevy Silverado ZR2, the GMC Sierra AT4X, and the various Ram editions are all on the pricier side, but a Ford F-150 for sale […]
What’s Google Built-in All About?
There are many features car companies use to advertise their vehicles, including engines, capabilities, and more. Tech features are among the most popular features today, as they can enhance many aspects of your daily drive. In particular, the infotainment systems in today’s cars can make your life a lot easier. However, there’s more to these […]
Ford Blue Advantage: A Cheat Code for Used Car Shopping
Walk into any used car dealership, and you usually hear the same soundtrack: sales pitches, odometer debates, and that tiny voice in your head whispering, “What if this thing starts making haunted dishwasher noises next week?” Now, imagine approaching this situation with your significant other, who just so happens to be a highly skilled mechanic. […]
Piping Up the EV Segment With Active Sound Design
For a certain type of automotive purist, there’s just no substitute for the hearty roar of a beefy V8, or even the high-pitched whistle of a turbocharger as it spools up to provide a V6 or I-4 engine with an extra boost of power. That creates a bit of an issue in the EV segment. […]
Will the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Turn Jeep Around?
Jeep’s been in a bit of trouble, facing a decline in U.S. sales for six consecutive years. Many dealers are still backlogged with 2024 Jeep models they couldn’t move, making it hard to make space for newer models, like a 2026 Jeep Cherokee for sale now. When drivers see brand-new two-year-old models on a lot, […]
Understanding Honda’s Retreat From EVs
Over the last ten years or so, it’s been hard to find a car manufacturer that hasn’t been focusing on making more electric vehicles. It’s almost felt as if someone announced an unofficial race to see which car brand could go fully electric first, and every major player, including Honda, lined up to run. Between […]
Farewell to the Tesla Model S, the Car That Revolutionized the EV Game
This year marks a slightly sorrowful one for the electric vehicle world because Tesla has announced it will be discontinuing the Model S. Today, you’re probably so used to seeing the Model S cruising around whichever town or city you’re in that you barely notice it. Now, it’s a slice of automotive history that just […]
SUV vs Minivan: Which is Right for You?
AutoInfluence is excited to report some breaking news: the minivan still exists in 2026. While the family-focused segment has lost a significant share of its customer base to traditional SUVs and crossovers, minivans have actually seen a bit of a bump in recent years. Sales have been buoyed by a new generation of Millennial parents […]
Timing Is Everything: Toyota’s EVs Surge as Others Struggle
Over the last decade, Toyota has been something of an outlier in the EV segment. While other brands have rushed headlong into all-electric vehicles, Toyota has taken a more measured approach. In fact, the automaker unveiled its first EV in 2023 with the debut of its first “Beyond Zero” (bZ) model, the bZ4X compact crossover. […]
Apple CarPlay Goes Super-Ultra: What It Means for the Future of Screen Mirroring
Since its March 2014 debut, Apple CarPlay has redefined the phone-based in-vehicle infotainment experience. By allowing iPhone and iPad owners to “screen mirror” their devices on compatible cars and motorcycles — more than 800 models as of this writing, plus aftermarket units that add CarPlay to those that don’t — drivers can listen to music, […]
The 2027 Chevy Blazer Is Shifting Gears: What Should You Know?
Since the reintroduction of the Chevy Blazer in 2019, this midsize SUV has gained a passionate following for its mix of everyday practicality, pony-car performance, and style inspired by the late, great Camaro. As a more powerful and aggressive alternative to the Equinox, it’s a vehicle made for drawing attention—a philosophy punctuated by the arrival […]
Honda Sets Up Camp With New Base Station
Honda has upped its off-road profile as of late, equipping popular SUVs like the Passport and Pilot with new TrailSport trims, adding rugged, adventure-ready upgrades like all-terrain tires, skid plates, an off-road stability management system, and an off-road-tuned suspension with improved ground clearance. These models allow drivers to spend the day exploring new territory and […]
The Paywall on Wheels: When In-Car Subscriptions Go Too Far
Buying a car used to be a simple transaction. You might do some haggling at the dealership and sign a mountain of paperwork, but at least you left with the certainty that you owned every component of the vehicle you just purchased. However, as time goes on, a car sale is becoming less about owning […]
The Best Car Shopping Experience I Ever Had, and What Made It So Great
A few months ago, I was facing that dreaded day. It was time to get my next car. I have always had anxiety around car shopping because I worry that I’ll be pressured, taken advantage of, and ultimately not know what I’m doing and get a bad deal. I was so worried about buying my […]
Stellantis Pulls the Plug on PHEV Models
Stellantis raised a few eyebrows in early 2026 with the announcement that it was axing its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. It’s a major reversal on the part of the world’s third-largest automaker, which, as of late 2025, actually led the segment, with the Wrangler 4xe representing the market’s most popular PHEV. Stellantis isn’t alone. Other […]