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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Something infinite is supposed to go on forever, but Nissan’s luxury vehicle nameplate is on the ropes. INFINITI has gone from a big name in automotive luxury to an afterthought. In 2017, INFINITI set a U.S. high mark by delivering 153,415 vehicles. But by 2024, the number had dropped to 58,070, a decline of over […]
Tariffs have been all over the news recently. As part of efforts toward a larger trade deal, the U.S. and U.K. reached a tentative agreement establishing tariff rates on imported British vehicles. To summarize, the first 100,000 vehicles imported from the U.K. to the U.S. each year, regardless of automaker, will be taxed at a […]
Soon, compact pickup truck buyers in the U.S. will have a new choice, but it comes with a twist. As early as 2026, Michigan-based EV startup Slate Auto will begin production on its first electric trucks. Founded in 2022 and funded by big names like Jeff Bezos and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter, this company […]
Few automakers have rivaled the drive towards electric technology that Mercedes-Benz is on. From all-electric vehicles like the EQS sedan and SUV to an assortment of mild hybrids and PHEVs, this German luxury automaker has a commanding presence in the ever-expanding market. Two more vehicles have gotten the electric treatment in recent years. For 2024, […]
Every epic story has a beginning, from The Odyssey to The Lord of the Rings. The tale of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) is no exception. Once a small part of the automotive market, SUVs and their cousin, the crossover, now account for 58 percent of all new U.S. vehicles sold, and worldwide revenue is […]
For decades, if a driver wanted important information about their speed, RPM, oil pressure, and other data, the answers were directly in front of them. Whether analog or digital, instrument clusters have historically been mounted on the driver’s side dashboard above and/or behind the steering wheel. It was as close to a universal feature as […]
Americans are seeking outdoor adventures in record numbers. According to the most recent Outdoor Participation Trends Report, 57.3% of U.S. residents age six or older, over 175 million people, take part in outdoor activities, and the average person does so over 60 times a year. While some of those adventures can be done within walking […]
For more than 20 years, the BMW X3 has proudly waved the flag as the compact entry of BMW’s famed X series. Introduced just a few years after the X5, which marked the automaker’s foray into the SUV market, the X3 eventually surpassed its big brother, regularly topping all other BMW vehicles on the annual […]
In a perfect world, every EV would use the same type of charger in every situation, much like you use the same gas pump for every ICE vehicle. But much like there are USB-C cables for Android phones and Lightning cables for Apple phones, EV operators have several charging port options, and they must know […]
One of the world’s most interesting minivans isn’t currently available to US customers, and whether it ever will remains to be seen. Lexus introduced the Lexus LM hybrid minivan for the 2020 model year, followed by the second-generation model in 2024. It’s been compared to a sci-fi vehicle, a private jet on wheels, and a […]
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a long history—and with it, a long engine history. There have been periods where the engine designs and options changed almost annually as Jeep sought to fine-tune the offerings. Trim availability and the engines they came with saw regular updates, too. If you are interested in a used Jeep Grand […]
Buying a used truck can be a great choice for many people regardless of make and model, and the legendarily reliable Toyota Tundra is no exception. Nearly three million Tundra’s have been sold in the US as of this writing, and a typical Tundra can easily go 250,000 miles with proper maintenance—multiple Tundras have famously […]
It’s been a long time since anyone at AutoInfluence wrote about Maserati. That, in and of itself, is telling. What was long considered the pinnacle of Italian luxury automobiles and one of the most frequently mentioned car brands in rap music, according to Car and Driver, has become an afterthought. In six of the last […]
Historically, Buick has been known as a premium automotive brand, slotted one spot below Cadillac on the GM luxury ladder. This made the Buick Envista’s arrival for the 2024 model year a major shift in the eyes of the car-buying public. Starting at just $22,400 for the entry-level Preferred trim and $28,600 for the top-end […]
People think of certain names when someone mentions luxury vehicles. BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Acura, and Bentley are some of the names synonymous with luxury driving, but notice how I didn’t mention Hyundai Motors as one of those names. Indeed, for decades, Hyundai’s reputation has been a high-value brand with modern cars and leading warranties, […]
