In an automotive industry where the “bigger is better” ethos tends to be pretty pervasive, is there room for a spunky Italian city car? That’s the question posed by the revived Fiat 500e, which returned to the market in 2024 after a five-year absence. Fiat has marketed some version of its ultra-compact city car since […]
Author: Matt Dodge
Between spending Father's Day at the local race track and watching NASCAR in his grandparent's living room, Matt Dodge has long been fascinated with all things automotive. Matt has worked at a variety of business magazines, daily newspapers, and trade publications while making time for some unique side hustles, including stints as a tour guide and pedicab operator. Quirky tales from automotive history and helpful how-to guides are some of Matt's favorite topics, though his own D.I.Y. efforts have largely been limited to keeping his 1999 GMC Savana from imploding and removing the backseat of his Honda Accord to make more room for surfboards.
Chevy’s SUV Game Is on Trax With Its New 2026 Model
If Chevy made any sacrifices when designing the Trax, it’s sure hard to tell. The subcompact SUV is easily one of the best deals on today’s market, with the sort of MSRP that almost seems like it comes from another automotive era. Sure, it’s not the largest model on the market, and its 137-hp three-cylinder […]
How Mitsubishi Broke the Mold With the Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a study in contrasts. While technically classified as a compact crossover, the SUV defies its diminutive designation to offer the only three-row setup in the segment. The Outlander is also notable for its affordability, with a starting price below $30,000, yet it manages to offer a premium interior that wouldn’t be […]
Generational Excellence: Why the Third-Generation Chevy Silverado 1500 Shines
The current fourth-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 is a masterpiece of modern pickup design, boasting cutting-edge style, a range of potent powertrains, and a 13,300 lb maximum towing capacity that places it near the top of the full-size truck segment. While it’s a promising prospect for any driver, there’s much to be said for seeking out […]
Do Early Oil Changes Make a Difference?
Rumors abound when it comes to car care and maintenance tips. While certain nuggets of advice have been passed down from generation to generation, there isn’t always much data to back up these words of wisdom. Take the old engine warm-up tip, for example. Once upon a time, vehicles did genuinely benefit from a little […]
2026 Sierra EV Buyer’s Guide: GMC Raises the Bar Once Again
The Sierra EV might have only hit the market in 2024, but GMC is already treating the pickup to a host of alluring upgrades that open the door to a new realm of off-road fun. The obvious highlight would be the introduction of a new AT4 trim that sees the Sierra EV packed with all […]
Exploring the Hype Behind the Top-Ranking Compact: 2026 Honda Civic Buyer’s Guide
A clear consensus can be hard to come by in this day and age. Everyone has their favorite coffee shop, soda, or peanut butter, but some products boast a mass appeal that’s difficult to argue with. When it comes to the compact car segment, the Honda Civic is that product. The Civic is routinely one […]
2025 Acura ADX Buyer’s Guide
New for the 2025 model year, the Acura ADX is the brand’s first compact crossover SUV. Based on the same platform as the popular Honda HR-V, the ADX ups the ante with some premium details while still keeping the luxury model well within the reach of the average driver. Every ADX is equipped with a […]
Maximizing Value With the 2025 Hyundai Venue
The 2025 Hyundai Venue serves as a pretty compelling case study on the benefits of the crossover segment. It might not be much larger than your typical sedan, but this subcompact’s improved ride height and added cargo space give it a few key advantages that are sure to boost its appeal for anybody seeking a […]
Building a Better Kia With Our 2025 Seltos Buyer’s Guide
Although the Kia Seltos has only been on the market since 2021, this subcompact crossover has quickly become one of the brand’s best-selling models. It’s easy to understand the Seltos’ popularity, packing the sort of value, tech, and styling that’s increasingly rare in today’s crossover segment. The Seltos has received some inviting updates for the […]
Six Reasons to Get Excited About the Redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4
As America’s best-selling non-pickup model, the Toyota RAV4 is easily the greatest success story in the increasingly popular crossover segment. The compact wasn’t the first vehicle to blend the utility and cargo space of an SUV with the efficiency and comfort of a traditional car, but it is largely credited with popularizing the crossover approach. […]
Going Through Customs: The Undeniable Luxury of Made-to-Order Vehicles
While many popular cars, trucks, and SUVs can be customized by visiting an automaker’s website and choosing between different engines, wheels, accessories, and optional equipment packages, built-to-order models offer a level of personalization and exclusivity that the average vehicle will never be able to match. The latest model to embrace the built-to-order approach comes from […]
Build a Sportier Family SUV With the 2026 BMW X7
BMW might be known for its luxurious, low-slung sedans and sporty convertibles, but the German automaker has also taken over the luxury SUV segment. The X5 represented BMW’s first foray into the SUV market all the way back in 1999, and the brand has continued to refine the formula over the intervening decades. BMW’s X7 […]
No Road, No Problem: Top Off-Road SUVs for 2025
Four-wheel drive vehicles, whether they be full-size SUVs, crossovers, or pickups, have been on a steady rise over the last few decades, and that trend doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. According to the Speciality Equipment Marketing Association’s (SEMA) Future Trends report, the light truck segment is expected to account for almost 80 […]
Five Attributes That Make the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Worth a Closer Look
The Ford Mustang has always been something of a nonconformist, bucking established norms to bring something entirely new to the market. The iconic model single-handedly created the pony car segment back in 1964, providing drivers with a stylish sports car that launched no shortage of imitators. Ford also prioritized affordability—a clever move that made the […]
Does a New Crown Make Toyota the King of the Crossover Segment?
Crowning yourself as a leader in a particular field might seem a little gauche, but Toyota seems to have no qualms about self-congratulation. The brand’s midsize Camry and compact Corolla reflect Toyota’s healthy sense of confidence, with these two models translating to “crown” in Japanese and Latin, respectively. Returning to the market after a […]
Minivan, Maximum Fun: 2025 Toyota Sienna Buyer’s Guide
Even in a quickly changing market, there’s no substitute for a good minivan. Between their impressive cargo and passenger capacity, practicality, and family-friendly features, minivans like the 2025 Toyota Sienna fill an important niche. The Sienna has been a staple of school pickup lines and soccer practices since it first hit the market in 1997, […]
Explore Kia’s Midsize Marvel With This 2025 Sorento Buyer’s Guide
Kia’s midsize Sorento is back for 2025, and I’d like to help you choose between the different options for the new model year. This is no small task, as Kia offers the gas-powered Sorento in no less than eight trims, ranging from the entry-level LX to the premium SX and even a few off-road-inspired trims […]
Your Guide to the Trim Levels of the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 has earned plenty of recognition from drivers and critics since it first hit the scene in the mid-1990s, and it’s easy to see why. Combining a car-like driving experience with the sort of cargo room and utility that defines the SUV segment, the RAV4 was one of the first crossovers to find […]
Exploring the Three Best Models the Midsize Luxury SUV Segment Has to Offer
Offering an unbeatable mix of utility, performance, and versatility, midsize SUVs are the new go-to choice for many of today’s drivers. As is often the case, this level of popularity results in a lot of diversity. From affordable, fuel-efficient hybrid models to V8-powered speed machines that can go toe-to-toe with some of the fastest vehicles […]