Buyers often see many trim levels of familiar truck nameplates, including sophisticated, high-end options. In recent years, these have included the Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country, Ford F-150 Platinum, Ram 1500 Tungsten, and Nissan Titan XD Platinum Reserve. Yet there’s one thing in short supply: trucks from luxury brands. Although automakers like Volvo, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, […]
The Nissan Rogue is known for its smooth ride, modern style, and refreshingly upscale interior. Still, few drivers realize that the compact crossover also stands out in terms of efficiency. While Rogue’s sole 1.5L I-3 engine might initially seem a bit unassuming, Nissan has leveraged a long list of cutting-edge technology to give the compact […]
Being comfortable behind the wheel of a car can compensate for mediocre or even subpar performance in other areas. Likewise, the best engine, suspension, and tech may not be enough if the seat feels like a concrete bench or the controls feel impossible to use. As such, automakers constantly experiment with vehicle ergonomics to provide […]
The first crossover compact SUV–the AMC Eagle–rolled off the assembly line in 1980. Since then, nearly every carmaker has designed its own crossover model or models. The Ford Escape, which debuted in 2001, is one of them, but alas, the Eagle is no longer. Chrysler bought AMC in 1987 and discontinued the brand the next […]
The simple answer to that question is maybe. So far, there have been a lot of reactions to the tariff situation by a whole lot of people, including the heads at numerous car companies. There has also been plenty of speculation and reports that are marginally accurate or representing speculation and rumors as absolute fact, […]
We’re talking about trade deals and tariffs today, and throughout the year, this is a topic that has been wildly unpredictable, swinging from one extreme to the next in response to a variety of factors, including everything from public outcry to stock market instability to foreign diplomacy. All of this chaos around tariffs is especially […]
It’s forgiven if you don’t understand what’s happening with the recent reversal of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ruling on greenhouse gases. It’s ok if the whole CAFE fines thing seems confusing. The about-face in electric vs gasoline, environmental protection vs environmental pollution, and sustainable vs uncertainty has given many experts a case […]
While Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) models like the GR Supra and GR86 are staples of the brand’s U.S. lineup, 2025 marks the first time the North American market will be treated to one of Toyota’s GR Sport trims. From the subcompact Yaris and Corolla to the C-HR crossover and Hilux pickup, Americans have been missing […]
I wrote about robotaxis for AutoInfluence earlier this year, but given how quickly the sector is evolving, it’s no surprise major news would soon pop up again. On June 22, Tesla officially jumped into the autonomous taxi arena, rolling out its service to select riders in Austin, Texas. Founder Elon Musk promised the service would […]
If you’re looking for a car that won’t break the bank but doesn’t feel cheap, finding a Ford Maverick for sale might be at the top of your to-do list. The fact that it comes from one of the most reputable American manufacturers has made it really popular among economic shoppers. Today, any brand-new vehicle […]
A lot of car companies seem to have forgotten about actual cars these days, so simply being able to find a new midsize sedan at a Kia dealer can already be reason enough to be impressed. Beyond that, however, there are quite a few things that Kia has done with the 2025 K5 to help […]
GMC applies its famous Professional Grade ethos to every corner of the Sierra 1500. While the truck’s 420-hp 6.2L V8 is a perfect example of this approach, it’s certainly not alone. From the tires and trailer hitch to its available skid plates and lifted suspension, the Sierra 1500 represents one of the most well-rounded pickups […]
Smartphones become more important in our daily lives every year. ConsumerAffairs reports that over 90% of U.S. adults own at least one smartphone. For about 15%, a smartphone is their only way of accessing the internet at home. Smartphones help perform tasks ranging from phone calls and texts to sending emails, ordering takeout, streaming music, […]
If you’re like me and appreciate an easy-to-maneuver vehicle, you probably already know that compact vehicles offer a lot. They’re a breeze to drive, outstanding on gas, and you can fit into virtually any parking space imaginable. They’re also affordable, but overall quality can suffer. Many compact models lack the pizzazz of larger vehicles, and […]
Artificial intelligence is everywhere now, from online language models like ChatGPT to industry applications that include diagnosing illnesses, managing store inventory, and powering virtual smartphone assistants. The technology is already being integrated into vehicles and is expected to expand further in the coming years. Goldman Sachs Research estimates that by 2030, at least 10% of […]
SUVs are known for being spacious, and while compact models like the Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V are certainly among the most popular, there are also midsize and full-size models that boast high towing capacities and cavernous interiors that can seat three rows of passengers without running out of space for luggage. General Motors sells […]
The list of U.S. states where vehicles driven on public roads must be inspected is shrinking. This past January 1, Texas House Bill HB3297 (originally passed in 2023) officially took effect, repealing mandatory state inspections on non-commercial vehicles. Then, in late June 2025, New Hampshire passed a state budget that includes eliminating its annual inspection […]
The auto industry can be a harsh mistress; one moment, you’re watching companies innovate and deliver all sorts of new things, and the next moment, they’re gone. Considering the Ford Explorer has been around since 1991, I wouldn’t exactly call it transitory, but certain things it has offered could certainly be described that way. Anyone […]
When I traded in my Jeep Wrangler for a more family-friendly SUV, I assumed I was saying goodbye to weekend trail runs and spontaneous off-road adventures. Like many growing families, I prioritized safety, comfort, and practicality over mud tires and Trail Rated badges. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that I didn’t […]
The 2025 Pathfinder is sure to grab any driver’s attention when they’re browsing the selection at their local Nissan dealer. From its potent 3.5L V6 with a maximum output of 295 hp to its 6,000 lb towing capacity to its opulent interior that includes an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and heads-up […]
