NEW TRUCKS

Road Test Review – 2021 Hyundai Venue Denim – As Capable And Value Filled As A Pair Of Slick Jeans

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The sport utility market seems to be at its breaking point when it comes to the sheer number of offerings that are available in the market today. From big to small, it’s apparent that the world’s automakers are trying to fill every possible niche in the battle for SUV dominance. The Hyundai Venue is one of those that are trying to make its mark in the compact SUV segment. But does the Venue still have what it takes to bring it to competitors looking to trounce it on value? And why does our tester look like a pair of blue …

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Ford Brings Green To Crimefighting With Creation Of Mach-E GT Police Interceptor Concept, Will Enter MSP Trials

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Fighting crime is tricky for many police departments, and it’s natural to assume that electrification and green motoring might not fit into the script at first glance. However, while the bulk of the spotlight is focused on creating EV entries for the civilian market, Ford wanted to cover all angles and unveiled an all-new Mach-E Police Interceptor, which will be spending some time with the Michigan State Police Department.   Mustang Mach-E Will Have Very Formidable Shoes To Fill The latest Mach-E Police Interceptor concept will have two sets of shoes to fill if it gets full approval for police …

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2022 Ford F-150 Lighting Enters Pre-Production Stage, Company Confirms 150,000 Reservations For EV Pickup

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The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is still not ready for full consumer consumption, but the Dearborn-based company has confirmed that the Lightning has entered a key step in its development with the all-electric truck entering the pre-production phase, which also signals that it will begin real-world testing before it makes its way to dealerships in 2022.   Rouge Electric Vehicle Center Preps For Mass Production The first few pre-production examples of the Lightning are rolling out of Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, a recently added expansion to the broader Rouge plant where the gasoline-powered F-150 is made. The start of …

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2021 VW ID.4 PRO S review by Ben Lewis

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We really admire VW. After the Dieselgate trauma, the brand was really on the ropes, especially here in the U.S. We wouldn’t have been surprised if the German brand would have pulled out of the US market. But they didn’t. Instead, the fixed what was wrong with the Diesels, and started building exciting new models, like the all-new GTI and the Jetta GLI. VW also threw itself into being one of the leaders in EV tech. The first offering we saw was the E-Golf that we really enjoyed, but like many other carmakers, it was taking an existing vehicle and …

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Mazda Unveils Updated 2022 CX-5, Tweaked Styling Promises To Elevate Elegance And Sportiness

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The Mazda CX-5 is one of the few in the utility vehicle segment that has managed to nail the perfect balance of sport-inspired performance and value-focused luxury that can actually blur the line between mainstream and luxury when equipped properly. But even the ultimate jack of all trades needs to be refreshed once in a while, and the company has unveiled the updated 2022 CX-5, which follows closely on the heels of its recently unveiled Chinese market cousin.   Subtle Evolution Focuses On The Essentials The exterior styling of the 2022 CX-5 shares a lot of its basic traits with …

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Rivian Builds First Customer Bound R1T Pickup, Marks Signficant Step For Company

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The electric pickup segment has been rapidly growing over the past few years, with entries from Tesla, Ford, and others aiming to take full advantage of this new frontier. The big question on everyone’s minds, though, was which of these companies would succeed in producing a truck that was ready for consumer consumption? It appears that we finally have the answer, with Rivian revealing that it has produced its first customer-ready version of the R1T pickup in a historic day for the electric pickup market.  Being First Came After Years Of Hard Work After months of building pre-production vehicles, this …

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Toyota Confirms September 19th Debut For 2022 Tundra, Will Make Physical Debut At Motorbella

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The 2022 Toyota Tundra‘s teaser campaign has been a very interesting ride for us over the past few weeks. Marred by multiple leaks, the Japanese auto giant has been teasing the world with subtle glimpses of its next-generation full-size pickup over the past few months, with each one being more intriguing than the last. Thankfully, it appears that we are in the home stretch, with Toyota confirming that the new truck will make its global debut on September 19th.   Kicking Off The Truck Wars In Style According to Toyota reps, the new Tundra will make its official debut as …

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder Drive Review

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Heading Back To Its Roots For many, the R51 Pathfinder is the peak of the Pathfinder era. It had a stout 4.0 V6 and an optional V8. Power was run through a reliable 5-speed auto to a transfer case with a true low range. Finally it had body on frame architecture, making modifications for off-road much easier. So how does the 2022 Pathfinder stack up? Nissan sent us a pre-production model to test for a week. As such there may be some minor flaws that are still in this vehicle that will be worked out before production begins. 2022 Pathfinder …

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Chevrolet Unveils Refreshed 2022 Silverado, Super Cruise And ZR2 Model Highlight Updates

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Evolution, it seems, will be a very prevalent theme for the full-size pickup segment. The 2021/2022 Ford F-150 is reaping the benefits from its suite of updates, and it appears that Chevrolet is eager to throw its hat in the ring, too, with the bow-tie brigade unveiling the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. Here are 3 things that you should know about this sleeker Silverado.   Reworked Silverado Front Fascia And Interior Aim To Address Weak Points When the outgoing Chevrolet Silverado appeared a few years ago, it was obvious that the truck had some notable weaknesses, with the front fascia and …

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Toyota Announces Official 2022 Corolla Cross Pricing, Sales Start In October

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The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was initially an international market-only model, but the Japanese car giant unveiled the U.S. spec version of the model back in June. We had some questions about where the Corolla Cross would fit in the company’s utility lineup. Still, the Japanese auto giant has dropped a hint with Toyota reps revealing the official pricing ladder for the Corolla Cross before it goes on sale in October.   Value-Conscious And Proud Of It The Corolla Cross helps Toyota fill a budget-sized void in its crossover lineup. Base models start at $23,410 when you include the $1,215 …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner Debuts Wild Lime Rush Color, Adds New Model And Safety Tech Too

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The Toyota 4Runner has been a rugged off-road warrior for Toyota over the years. While the current generation 4Runner is long overdue for a redesign, the current generation model is still a popular choice among off-roaders. The Japanese auto giant has revealed some notable updates coming to the 4Runner for the 2022 model year.   Lime Rush Adds Boldness To Color Pallette   A big change that many buyers might notice on the TRD Pro model is the all-new Lime Rush exterior color. This hue first made its appearance on the Tacoma TRD Pro, and the vivid green is one …

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Cadillac Aims Higher With 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, Musical Moniker Is More Than A Gimmick

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When Cadillac unveiled the 2023 Lyriq EV SUV, it promised that the model would elevate the levels of luxury that a Cadilac model could provide while also serving as an elegant example of its Ultium technology in action. The Lyriq certainly appears to have the goods to pull it off and it even looks elegant in pictures, but how does it measure up in the real world? Cadillac invited us to GM Tech Center to spend some time with the Lyriq in-person to see some of its inner workings in person.   Near Production Exterior Radiates With Lighting, State Of …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge – Rolls Makes A Performance SUV And The World Takes Notice

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Rolls Royce is rolling the dice in the SUV segment with the 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge. When The Cullinan first appeared in 2019, it rewrote the definition of the pinnacle in luxury automobiles. It wasn’t long ago that owning a Phantom or even a Ghost sedan signified that you made it in the world. Still, with SUV demand rising globally, the British ultra-luxury carmaker knew it had to adapt to rapidly changing times. Our initial taste of the Cullinan was brief, with our 30-minute encounter doing little to answer how the large SUV would fare in long-term ownership. …

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2021 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring review by Ben Lewis

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Sometimes you wonder about something that’s a best-seller. Are they really good, and everybody knows about it? Like all those Marvel movies. Or maybe they’re just cheap and convenient. Like convenience store coffee from the pot that’s been there since the Clinton administration. So, here we have the 2021 Honda CR-V, Honda’s best-selling vehicle, and one of the best-selling vehicles of any kind. But what do those numbers really mean? Is this a superhero you can cheer for, or a nasty cup of joe that’s going to take a whole lot of sweeteners to get down? Let’s look. Clean and …

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Road Test Review – 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 – An X7 M In A Fine Velvet Suit

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BMW usually has a pretty consistent game plan when it comes to making performance models. It’s willing to sprinkle the vaunted M badge on all kinds of models, but it leaves the largest models (X7 and 7-Series) alone. Those models get a special trip to BMW tuner Alpina where they are transformed into exceptional performance luxury specials. Alpina is making history in 2021 by unleashing the Alpina XB7 onto American shores for the first time. But can Alpina’s first U.S. bound SUV entry to shake up the ultra-luxury performance SUV segment? Alpina Exterior Touches Transform XB7 The BMW X7 is …

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Ford Goes For A Swim With Ranger Splash Package, Is Tribute To 1990’s Era Special

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Fans of 1990s nostalgia (or those that actually grew up in the decade) will undoubtedly remember the Ford Ranger Splash package. The Splash was Ford’s attempt at channeling the west coast design trends that defined the 1990s. It came with package exclusive decals, a lightly tweaked interior, and a flare side bed. Ford is looking to channel some of this magic for the current Ranger and has revealed that it will be reviving the Splash treatment for the new Ranger.   Tamer Styling Package Still Spices Up Ranger’s Game With Sharp Graphics Unlike the original Splash, Ford designers chose to …

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Whoops, Subaru Canada Unveils Beefier Forester Wilderness Model Early

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The Subaru Forester has managed to carve a very compelling niche for itself in the utility vehicle market. With a combination of quality, capability, and in recent years, standard equipment, the Forester has always risen to the occasion time and time again. But there’s always room for growth, and thanks to an ill-timed reveal by Subaru of Canada, we now get to see that the Forester will be the latest Subaru model to earn the Wilderness badge for the new model year.   Forester Bulks Up In Wilderness Trim While Subaru’s plans for an epic surprise rapidly turned into dust …

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Subaru Teases 2023 Solterra EV, Latest Fruit Of Partnership With Toyota

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The Toyota bZ4x teased a glimpse into what an electrified future could look like at Toyota. It would come with a very odd moniker and also bring some slick green vehicle technology to green vehicle buyers. With the Japanese auto giant’s partnership with Subaru going well, it should come as no shock to hear that Subaru will be getting a version of their own. It lurked in the shadows for a while, but Subaru finally released the first teaser images of the upcoming Solterra EV SUV.   Exterior Styling Is 100% Subaru. Before we dive deep into what makes the …

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2022 Kia Niro Hybrid Gets Revamped Badge, Tweaked Pricing Ladder

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As a wise man once said, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It appears that the folks at Kia took this lesson to heart when it came to the 2022 Kia Niro and as a result, it appears to be fundamentally unchanged from the outgoing model. However, look closer and you’ll see that Kia made some minor revisions to the Niro which allow it to march in unison with the rest of the updated Kia lineup.   New Badging Is Sole Update In 2022 Niro When we said minor revisions, we’re not kidding in that regards with Kia designers …

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Hyundai Releases 2022 Kona Pricing, Base Model Starts At $23,375

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Hyundai promised bigger and better things from the 2022 Hyundai Kona when the Korean car giant first unveiled it some time ago. We got to see all the changes that Hyundai made to the exterior and the interior of the revamped compact CUV while also learning that a fire-breathing Kona N would also be joining the family for performance-seeking buyers (this author included.) But amid all the extra horsepower and technology, Hyundai forgot to disclose just how much of your hard-earned money would be needed to add a Kona to your garage? The wait is over on that, with Hyundai …

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2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve been looking forward to the review of the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo for some time. As part of the Mazda 3 chassis family, we’ve enjoyed the Mazda 3 Sedan and Mazda 3 hatchback immensely. And when Mazda started squeezing the 250-horsepower 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder in these models (as well as the CX-5), we have hoped for a thrill machine like the old MazdaSpeed 3. Close, but no cigar. While the turbo motor does make these mounts quite quick, it seems that Mazda was leaning much more towards sophistication. Nice cars. But they didn’t get your blood up. Well, we …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz – Rewriting What An Adventure Vehicle Is While Doing Truck Stuff

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When Hyundai first introduced the 2022 Santa Cruz to us during our brief time with it in Metro Detroit, the Korean car giant made it clear that it shouldn’t be called a truck. Instead, the company likes to call it a “Sport Adventure Vehicle” and claim that it’s the best mixture of two segments, the comfort, and performance of an SUV and the open bed flexibility of a pickup mixed into one interesting canvas. The Santa Cruz is far from the first offering to attempt to straddle the line with the Honda Ridgeline and even axed models like the Subaru …

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Comparison Battle – 2021 Ford Bronco Manual vs Bronco Automatic – Which Flavor Of Bronco Is Best?

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The 2021 Ford Bronco is shaping up to be a huge thorn in the side of the Jeep Wrangler. While the hardtop versions are currently being held back by the company to address lingering quality issues, the soft top models are slowly making their way into dealer lots. Along with the choice in tops, the Bronco also offers buyers either a seven-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic. This presented a very compelling question for us, which transmission choice is better? We were eager to find out.   Manual Equipped Bronco Does A Good Wrangler Impression While the crowded streets …

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2020 Kia Sportage SX AWD Review

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Kia Sportage Old but Pertinent We are expecting an updated Kia Sportage for 2023, but for now our local media fleet has a 2020 model still available. We decided to take a look at this soon to be replaced model to see how it compares to the newer competition.  Outside Reminiscent of the Subaru CrossTrek, the Kia Sportage appears to be a lifted, more off-pavement capable version of a compact sedan. However, unlike the CrossTrek, there is no sedan counterpart for the Sportage. In the front, the familiar Kia grill is actually small by today’s standards. The hood bulges on …

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Mazda Releases Official MX-3 Pricing, Confirms Owners Can Borrow Other Mazdas

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This year has been a very interesting one in terms of new vehicle launches. While the Ford Bronco hogged the spotlight in regards to its own developmental journey, the Mazda MX-30 has had an interesting story of its own that has taken place in the limelight. First making its original debut in 2019, the MX-30 has undergone its fair share of changes to help it make the transition into formal production and Mazda has now announced the final pricing ladder for production versions.   California Exclusive MX-30 Comes With Value Focused Pricing And Perks The MX-30 will come in two …

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2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line Brings Sporty Looks Without the Hardware

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Beauty, it seems, is sometimes in the eye of the beholder, and while having a performance-focused car is the dream of every enthusiast, sometimes the full package can be out of reach for buyers. Ford has thought of this with the ST-Line package, which brings the performance looks without the increased price of the associated hardware. This trim has been a staple in Europe, but it has had a decidedly subtler run in the U.S., with the axed Fiesta ST-Line and the recently launched Edge variant being the lone entries. But Explorer buyers will soon get in on the act …

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Ford Goes Sub-Zero With Mustang and Mach-E Ice White Edition Packages

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We’ll admit we felt like we were being transported to our local bar trivia game when Ford reps played the final hype music for the unveiling of the Ice White Edition Package for both the Mustang and Mach-E EV CUV. Our host sometimes plays music clues to slyly provide a free answer to trivia players (assuming that they can catch on to the song lyrics.) In this case, Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby played proudly through the speakers before switching to another song about ice. At this point, we suspected ice was somehow involved, and our suspicions were proven correct …

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Car Shopping: What You Need to Know About Vehicle Depreciation

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When it comes to significant purchases, apart from a home, they don’t tend to get more significant than a new vehicle. However, unlike a home, a vehicle is a depreciating asset, which means that it will lose, not gain, value over time.    That’s why, if you’re planning to buy a new vehicle any time soon, you should know a bit more about depreciation and the factors that affect it.   What is vehicle depreciation? Vehicle depreciation normally refers to the drop in value between the time that you purchase the car and the time that you come to sell …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Ford F-150 Limited – The Evolution Of An Icon

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The pickup truck wars are the most hotly contested battleground in the automotive marketplace. With the recent surge in demand for pickups and SUVs, the battle for sales has become a much more important priority for Ford, GM, and Ram. Ford has been the king of the hill for over three decades, and the F-150 has confidently held off challenges from GM and Ram. But the game is constantly evolving, and Ram in recent years has made several key moves that put it within striking distance of potentially rewriting the pickup sales hierarchy. Ford engineers didn’t want that to happen …

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Lincoln Brings Enhanced Luxury, Style, And Technology To 2022 Navigator, Debuts ActiveGlide Technology

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The Lincoln Navigator has arguably re-emerged as one of the biggest sales successes that the brand has seen in recent years. Once relegated to being a mere afterthought behind the Cadillac Escalade, the current generation Gator proved to be a solid full-size luxury SUV contender, and we even had the chance to take one for an adventure in northern Michigan a few years ago. But evolution is useful for any model, and Lincoln has given the 2022 Navigator some new tricks and improvements for the new model year.   A Nip And A Tuck Defines Navigator Exterior Updates The exterior …

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Ford Bronco Riptide Concept Hits The Sand, Is All About Summertime Fun

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When the Ford Bronco was revived, the Dearborn auto giant made it pretty clear that it aimed to take on the Jeep Wrangler in every possible sector of the off-road market. But while the launch has been hobbled by recent issues with the Bronco’s hardtop roof, the company is still eying a strong profit in offering custom accessories (long dominated by the fore-mentioned Wrangler.) Over 200 accessories have already been confirmed, but Ford has unveiled the all-new Bronco Riptide concept to help bring some of these options to life.   Stylish One-Off Has The Beach In Its Sights The Bronco …

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2022 Infiniti QX55 Review

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QX55: Beauty and the CVT? All new for 2022 is the QX55 from Infiniti and what a looker it is! Infiniti has done an excellent job in the design of the QX55, making it stand out from the competition. Exterior From any angle the QX55 looks beautiful. The design has flowing curves and sharp creases. The LED headlights, bulging hood, large grill, front splitter, we could go on, all combine and work together to complete eye catching design. From the front the grill is the most prominent feature immediately drawing the eye to the giant Infiniti logo in the center. …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus NX 300h Black Line Edition – A Sporty Send Off Before The Next Gen Arrives

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Lexus is preparing a new iteration of the urban-centric NX CUV, but before that model arrives, the Japanese luxury giant has unleashed one last sporty surprise into the marketplace with the 2021 NX 300h Black Line Edition. Black Line Edition models blend sporty styling cues with an interior that puts distinction and refinement in the driver’s seat. The RX Black Line Edition has been a success for Lexus so far, but can some of this sales magic translate into a smaller CUV?   Black Line Edition Adds Depth To NX Range That depth starts on the exterior of the NX, …

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2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the Lexus GX460, and found its luxury, combined with impressive off-road equipment made it one of the most capable off-road luxury SUVs. Like the Lexus, the Toyota 4Runner finds itself in a specialist segment of the SUV market. Most buyers want car-like comforts, safety equipment and thoughtful utility. But actual go-for-it, extreme all-terrain capability is low on the list of people who will challenging the mall or Home Depot. A smaller group, though, still lives for what an SUV can do, where it can take you, and how it will get you back. For that crowd, Toyota …

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Chevrolet Teases Silverado EV, Confirms Four Wheel Steering And More

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It has been a while since we heard any new information surrounding the Chevrolet Silverado EV. With the Hummer SUT hogging all the spotlight for the moment, the Silverado’s stealthier approach to its debut is understandable. That said, the bow-tie brand doesn’t want it to vanish off the minds of potential buyers completely and has revealed that the new model will come with four-wheel steering.   Shrinking The Turn Radius And Perhaps A Second Chance At Redemption While today’s announcement is a nice sign of technological progress, it’s not the first four-wheel steering system that Chevrolet and GM as a …

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Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Teases Suspension, Claims Segment Leading Capability

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The 2022 Toyota Tundra is approaching its highly anticipated global debut, which means we get to see more teasers of the Tundra. While an ill-timed dealer leak forced Toyota to reveal one lone image of the truck, the Japanese auto giant has decreed that the teaser campaign must go on, and this time around, we get to see some of the new suspension components that will make their debut on the TRD Pro version of the model.   Tundra Ditches Leaf Springs For IRS Setup At first glance, Toyota’s teaser images might not seem to reveal much other than splashes …

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Kia Catches A Wave With Soul EV Boardmasters Edition, One-Off To Headline British Surfing Event

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Remember back when dune buggies and other beach-focused rides dominated the coastlines and beaches of the world? While the 1960s may be long gone, Kia wanted to try and channel some of these vibes into a vehicle that could not only be at home on the beach but also have the ability to plug in and charge. I thas done so with the Soul Boardmasters Edition, which will help organizers of the 2021 Boardmasters surfing competition in Cornwall, England. Suspension Lift Enhances Soul Concept’s Off-Road Capability An immediate change that buyers will notice when they look at the concept is …

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2021 Lexus GX 460 Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander, a great vehicle, and we noted that it’s probably a tough sell in the SUV segment to offer something that is not bristling with the latest and greatest. The Lexus GX has been with us for a long time. So the question we asked – is the big Lexus ready for the mountains, or ready to be put out to pasture? Let’s look. Big and Bold The GX 460 is no shrinking wallflower, that’s for sure. The brand is well known for the large hourglass grille shape, and it in a vehicle of …

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GMC Releases Early Design Sketch Of Hummer SUT, Showcases Edgier Design For Pickup

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The General Motors Design Instagram page has recently become a welcoming fountain of information. This arm of GM’s broader social media empire has occasionally teased us with many very interesting sketches, typically of vehicles that are still in the distant future or relics from the past. However, GM Design decided to focus on the present and released an early design sketch of the Hummer EV pickup that never made it off the drawing board.   Edgier Design Could’ve Added More Tesla DNA To Design The sketch in question limits our view to the rear of the Hummer, but while some …

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Morgan Unveils Plus Four CX-T Roadster, Off-Road Droptop Has The Beaten Path In Its Sights

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When you first think of Morgan Motor Company, usually the words trail busting and off-roading don’t pop out rapidly in your mind. The iconic British sports car maker has always preferred to stay mainly on the pavement, with some hardcore loyalists scoffing at any notion of taking one of their hand-built creations off-road. The company is out to prove these skeptics wrong and has unveiled the 2022 Plus Four CX-T Roadster, which takes Morgan into uncharted waters.   An Off-Road Capable Morgan? It’s Not A Joke While this surprising move might seem a bit insane at first glance, observant Morgan …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited – Radical Refresh Puts Tucson In Step With The Times

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When Hyundai revealed plans to radically update the Tucson, they had a hefty order on their hands. The Tucson is one of the most popular SUVs that the company sells, and Hyundai engineers knew that they couldn’t drop the ball when designing this latest chapter of the SUV. But does this futuristic SUV finally take the Tucson name into more premium territory? Or is it still a step short in accomplishing all of its objectives?   Futuristic Styling Pushes Tuscon’s Modern Design Into The Spotlight To find out, Hyundai allowed us to spend a few days with the Tucson, and …

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Kicks by lake

2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review

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2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review Nissan has updated the Kicks with new styling outside, some improved surfaces inside, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Underneath, it remains largely the same as the 2020 model. Exterior On the outside the Kicks gives the appearance of a vehicle that would be used for outdoor activities. The slightly higher ride height and roof rails with cross members let people know that it wants to go exploring with some kayaks or bikes up on top. Being designed for a younger crowd the Kicks comes in vibrant and eye-catching colors. Our tester was adorned …

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Lexus RX To Receive Black Line Edition Model For 2022, Will Join RXL In Offering Sporty Styling Package

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When Lexus first revealed that the RX lineup was to receive the Black Line Edition treatment, the package was originally limited to the RXL extended-wheelbase model, which is the company’s half-baked attempt at creating a three passenger CUV for minimal investment. That announcement left us wondering about the standard RX and whether the Black Line would migrate to that variant of RX? Lexus revealed that it’s bringing things full circle and will introduce the Black Line Edition to those models for 2022.   Darkened Styling Adds Substance To RX’s Styling This version follows the path set by other models equipped …

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GMC Unveils Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept, Previews Future GMC Cues

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GMC’s AT4 brand has rapidly become a potent sales force for the brand over the past few years. GMC reps claim that AT4 badged models have allowed them to win over new customers, and their blend of capability and comfort has allowed them to fight toe to toe with rivals. GMC is focused on the future of AT4 as well and has unveiled a glimpse of this upcoming reality with the all-new GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept.   An Overlander Capable Of The Toughest Trail Busting The concept uses the existing Canyon AT4 as its source material, but it takes …

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2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC Review by Ben Lewis

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Who doesn’t love a good comeback story? The movies are full of them – our star gets knocked down, struggles, and makes an epic comeback. Well Mitsubishi is sort of like that. For a while with vehicles like the rugged Montero SUV, the high-performance 3000 GT and Eclipse and (heavenly halo, please) Evo rally-car for the street, it was a niche player with a big following. Sort of like Subaru is now, when you think of it. Then our hero got knocked to the ground. The models in the lineup were tame, and lack of funds meant that many of …

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Hyundai Unveils 2022 Santa Fe XRT, Appearance Package Adds Rugged Look To Family Hauler

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The current trend in the world of SUVs has seen many automakers add various styling touches to select models in an attempt to make them look more rugged and trail-ready. Typically that means splashes of black-colored trim and perhaps a few other minor tweaks to help make them look the part. Hyundai is the latest automaker to jump onto this trend and has unveiled the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, which aims to blaze a trail of its own into this growing fad.   Santa Fe XRT Looks The Part The 2022 Santa Fe benefitted from a mid-cycle refresh last …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 – Private Jet Luxury For The Open Road

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Ever wondered what would happen if you took a private jet, sliced off the wings, and infused all of its luxuries into a large SUV? The idea of a luxury-laden large SUV is nothing new. Still, ultra-luxury automakers’ current push into this once unoccupied space is a recent development with Bentley and Rolls-Royce all entering the fray. With these big British luxury names throwing their hats in the ring, it only fits that Mercedes-Benz wanted a slice of the pie for itself and has created the all-new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. But can this first-ever Maybach SUV lure buyers away from …

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Latest 2022 Toyota Tundra Teaser Focuses On TRD Pro, Shows Off Its Off-Road Gear

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The 2022 Toyota Tundra has had a very bumpy road when it comes to its teaser campaign. The initial round of teasers began a few months ago, but the Japanese auto giant was forced to do damage control when leaked images of the truck emerged. This time around, Toyota did something a bit different and used the latest round of teasers it released to shine the spotlight on some of the things that help make the TRD Pro model tick.   Tundra TRD Pro Setting The Bar For Comfort? Toyota claims that the TRD Pro will set the bar for …

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2022 Kia Carnival EX review by Ben Lewis

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Kia’s been giving us a lot of great vehicles lately, from the 3-row Telluride SUV, to the brilliant K5 sedan, to fun and chuckable Forte GT. Rhe vehicles have great looks, high equipment levels and real value. So, when it came time to replace the aging Sedona minivan, Kia created the all-new Carnival to take on the big players, including the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Does Kia’s charmed lineup carry on in the minivan segment? Let’s take a look! The Real Swagger Wagon Remember that Toyota ad campaign a while back – calling their Sienna the “swagger wagon”? Well, …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus LX 570 – Trail Slaying Veteran Can’t Shake Modern Rivals

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The 2021 Lexus LX 570 certainly feels like it’s a stand-in in a Jurassic Park movie when you see it in person. Based on the recently axed Toyota Land Cruiser and created in an era where off-road prowess and four weather capability trumped any notion of fuel economy and pavement friendly handling. The LX 570 was the answer to a simple question, what would happen if you took the rough and tumble Land Cruiser and swapped out its khaki shorts and T-shirt for a formal tuxedo. But the segment has flipped in terms of what people want, and hauling the family …

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GMC Ushers In Next Stage Of Super Cruise With 2022 Sierra, We Go For A Spin To See What’s New

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The 2022 GMC Sierra is one of the brand’s most important model launches of 2021. The truck promises to bring some updates and other revisions to help the truck hold its own against the Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500. But while the truck itself will not be unveiled until later this year, we had the opportunity to try out the all-new Super Cruise feature and its newfound abilities, the ability to do automated lane changes, and even to operate when towing a trailer.   Computerized Lane Changes Preview The Future To find out, we traveled out to GM’s Milford …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Buick Envision Avenir – Envisioning Higher Sales For Buick

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In a segment where Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are the undisputed kings of the segment, the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir lies in a very interesting place in the pecking order. On the one hand, it’s expected to compete with these makes, but at the same time, it also has to appeal to a wider pool of mainstream luxury SUV buyers. That’s an unenviable position for any model, but Buick is confident that it can maximize Envision’s potential with buyers. The first generation model scratched the surface, but it lacked some of the precision needed to make the Envision a proper …

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS Review

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS While not much has changed for 2021 on the Blazer vs the 2020 there is one major difference. The Blazer Premier no longer has the dual clutch rear differential, leaving the RS as the only Blazer equipped with this feature. Exterior Many are lamenting that the new Blazer isn’t anything like the K5 Blazer of yesteryear. However, if you think of it more as the S10 Blazer it’s not as hard of a pill to swallow. While the Blazer is attractive overall, the RS trim adds many appearance features for a sportier, more athletic look. In particular …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Genesis GV80 Prestige – The Budget Bentley Of Your Dreams?

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The Bentley Benntayga is easily considered by many to be one of the pinnacle entries in the luxury SUV segment. Besides its sky-high price tag, the Bentayga also brings world-class luxury and performance to buyers. But what if your someone that wants some of the good life, but you don’t have the checkbook to bring home a Bentley? Genesis thinks it might have just the thing for the budget-conscious luxury SUV buyer with the Genesis GV80 but is it really a good budget alternative for luxury buyers looking to get the best of the high life?   GV80 Shares Family …

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GMC Confirms EV Pickup Is Coming, Will Join Silverado EV

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In a media update call earlier today, GMC shared some details about what the future would hold for the truck and SUV brand as the push towards electrification is becoming a more prominent inevitability. That included the first confirmation that an all-electric pickup will be coming to GMC showrooms in the near future.   All-Electric Pickup Will Help Create Potent One-Two Punch While GMC confirmed that an electrified truck is indeed in the pipeline, the brand chose to keep core details about the truck to itself. That said, there are some obvious clues that suggest that the truck will play …

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2022 Jeep Compass Gains Tech And Poise In Windy City Debut

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The 2022 Jeep Compass might have made its debut all the way back in 2020, but the U.S. market has an insatiable appetite for CUVs, and Jeep knows that it has to stay ahead of the game when it comes to winning over buyers in this country. As such, it has chosen to bring the updated model stateside finally, and it appears that Jeep could be onto something here.    Jeep’s Compass Points More Confidently With New Exterior Styling  Buyers looking to spot any differences in the 2022 Jeep Compass will be forgiven if they can’t really tell it apart …

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Ram 1500 Back Country Edition Adds Black Trim And Extra Equipment To Familiar Package

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Ram has repeatedly proven that it always knows how to make the best with what it has available. That’s evident in the numerous special edition models that the truck-centric brand has released in recent years. But while the recently launched G/T model is focused on bringing some street flavored performance to the truck, the all-new Back Country Edition aims to shine a spotlight on the road less traveled.   Black Accents Define Exterior And Interior Styling Like other Ram special edition models, the Back Country Edition does not deviate too much regarding exterior styling. As a result, this model will …

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First Look – 2022 BMW i4 and 2022 BMW iX – These Are The Electric BMWs To Watch For

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BMW is typically known for having a lineup of vehicles that try to be the “Ultimate Driving Machine” for consumers. But did you know that the company is also trying to create the Ultimate Green Machine? While the BMW i8 and the i3 were glimpses into the novel engineering techniques that the company was capable of in this segment, they were crude, and the pair were sales flops to boot. This time though, BMW is taking a more dedicated approach to creating an electric vehicle and recently unveiled a small glimpse of the future with the 2022 BMW i4 and …

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2021 Lexus NX300h Black Line Special Edition Review by Ben Lewis

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So, this is always a tough thing to do – a review of an existing model when an all-new model has been previewed. Well, that’s the problem here – an all new 2022 Lexus NX is waiting in the wings, so the question is should you wait, or plump for the 2021 NX? Let’s take a drive in the current model and find out! Blue Thunder The NX hasn’t changed much visually since it got a refresh in 2018, but that’s okay, it was a stunner then, and it is still a bold, strong presence. Up front, you get key …

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Jeep Shows Off 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe, Confirms Big Plans For The Future

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Stellantis’s EV Day 2021 could perhaps go down in history as one of the biggest information dumps concerning green technology that we have seen in recent memory. Dodge and even Chrysler are getting into the EV race, and Jeep used its slice of the broader presentation to unveil not only the Grand Cherokee 4xe but also some of the bold plans and initiatives that it aims to introduce to consumers over the next few years.   Grand Cherokee 4xe Brings Electrification To Popular Family Model Before we get into some of the more ambitious plans that Jeep laid out today, we …

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Mysterious Chrysler Concept Shows That Brand IS Far From Dead, Could Hint At New Direction

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Stellantis’s EV Day has been a literal treasure trove of information concerning Stellantis’s EV moves moving forward. There are plenty of teasers, and we are still processing it all, but an early surprise for us is that there could indeed be a future for the Chrysler brand, with the company rolling out an all-electric Chrysler badged concept during a portion of its presentation.   Chrysler Concept Signals New Life For Troubled Brand Before the appearance of this latest concept, Chrysler was in proverbial and perhaps literal limbo. Once a strong cog in the broader sales machine long before Stellantis was …

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Ram Adds Some Spice To Rebel And Laramie Models With All New G/T Package, Borrows TRX Pieces

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The Ram TRX is a fire-breathing monster of a truck that can slay trails and perhaps even leave a few high-priced supercars in its dust out on the pavement. But what if you want to inject some fun into your Ram 1500 but don’t have the funds to move all the way up to a TRX? Ram has your back and has unveiled an all-new G/T Package that will make its appearance for the 2022 model year.   G/T Spice Adds Zing To Select Ram Models As the name implies, the G/T Package adds some zest to the Ram’s suit …

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2021 Subaru Forester Limited Review by Ben Lewis

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Subaru’s are like old friends. Even when you haven’t seen them in a while, you feel immediately at home and comfortable. Good to be around. The Forester is certainly like that – we’ve recently been in a host of Outbacks, Crosstreks and WRXs, all great cars. But we miss our old buddy. Now friendship is one thing, but in the hyperventilating, ever-changing world of SUV’s you gotta keep up, too. So, is the Forester as good as we remember? A Familiar Face It’s no secret that the Outback and the Forester fight in the same arena for not-quite traditional SUV …

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Hyundai Announces Key Step In Xcient Hydrogen Truck Program, Confirms U.S. Arrival

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While EVs and the broader push towards electrification have certainly gathered plenty of steam over the last few years, it can be easy to forget that hydrogen fuel cell tech is still in the race (albeit at a slower pace.) One of the biggest names to invest in hydrogen is Hyundai, with the company revealing that its fleet of hydrogen-powered Xcient commercial trucks will begin testing on U.S. soil.   A Long Time Coming This latest step follows right on the heels of successful tests in Europe, with the Korean car giant revealing that it learned a lot from the …

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Hyundai Promises A Track Focused Surprise, What Could It Be? The Elantra N?

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Hyundai is promising a big surprise on July 14th with the company releasing a brief teaser video that draws us to the fabled Nurburgring race track in Germany. The company might not be ready to reveal the full details just yet, but it appears that the Kona N and the recently teased Elantra N are involved.    What We Know So Far, Will We See The Elantra N? Hyundai’s teaser video does not reveal too much, with the bulk of the video featuring a computer-generated pen vigorously drawing the fore-mentioned track on a sheet of paper. After the pen performs …

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Chevrolet Teases Silverado ZR2, Promises Better Capabilities And More

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The current generation Chevrolet Silverado Trailboss had alot of promise when it first appeared, with the bow-tie brand claiming that the model would be the go-to truck for buyers looking for more off-road capability. But with the Ram TRX and the Ford F-150 Raptor on the scene, the Trailboss’s ability to indeed be a boss on the road less traveled was understandably questioned by many. However, Chevrolet wants to reclaim that title and has confirmed that the ZR2 package (once a Colorado exclusive) is now coming to the bigger Silverado.   It Certainly Sounds Meaner Chevrolet’s brief teaser video followed …

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2022 Acura MDX A-Spec review by Ben Lewis

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If there’s one brand that’s working hard to reboot itself right now, it’s Acura. Honda’s luxury brand, it’s been cranking out impressive new products for the last year or so, starting with the excellent RDX and even more impressive TLX sedan. Of course, the big money currently is in the 3-row SUV segment, so when we got the new MDX to test we were excited. Let’s see if Acura keeps those fires burning! Bold New Style Like the RDX and TLX, the MDX is sharp, aggressive, and eye-catching. It looks bigger and more powerful, sitting on a wheelbase that’s 2.8-inches …

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Maserati Shuffles Trim Lineup For 2022, Adds GT And Modena Models

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Maserati‘s three-model lineup is soldiering on for 2022. Still, the Italian luxury carmaker chose to go in a unique direction for its updates this time around and has actually done some quick housecleaning to simplify the trim ladder for buyers, with the GT and Modena trims being added into the mix for the new model year.   So What’s Being Replaced? In this instance, the outgoing GranLusso and GranSport monikers were a prominent part of the brand’s identity for the past few years. In theory, they were supposed to project a higher identity in the minds of buyers, but they …

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Ram Celebrates 10 Years Of Luxury Lined Trucking With 2022 1500 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition

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One of the major consistents that have defined both Stellantis and the company formerly known as FCA was that the company loves to unleash a large army of special edition models to cover a wide range of niches. Some are flashier than others, but Ram decided to take a more subtle approach this time around and has formally unveiled the 2022 Ram 1500 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition.   New Coat Of Paint Defines Otherwise Unchanged Truck As mentioned, the 2022 Ram 1500 Limited 10th Anniversary Edition takes a more subtle approach to things and leaves the exterior styling largely unchanged. …

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Jeep Escalates The Tire Wars With Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package, Features 35-inch Tires

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The war between the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco is heating up, especially as the Bronco finally makes its way to dealerships. The Bronco made waves with its optional Sasquatch package, which equipped the off-roader with 35-inch off-road tires as well as a slight suspension lift. Naturally, that put the Wrangler at a disadvantage with such a combination only being offered in the aftermarket. Jeep aims to fix that and has unveiled its entry in the tire wars, the Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package.   Xtreme Recon Package Targets Sasquatch With Massive Tires Look at the Xtreme Recon Package, and …

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Infiniti Reveals Shapely 2022 QX60, Vastly Improved Inside And Out

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When we last checked in on the 2022 Infiniti QX60, it first appeared as a thinly veiled concept that made its virtual debut last September. The concept looked very slick, but it did not do too much to answer our questions about what the production version would bring to the table. Fast forward to today, and we finally get to see the revamped 2022 QX60, which aims to re-establish itself in the luxury SUV ranks.   Show Car Styling Mixes With Pure Functionality Unsurprisingly, the 2022 QX60 SUV retains much of its show car personality, which is good news for …

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Toyota Teases 2022 Tundra Interior In Three New Photos, New Infotainment System Coming

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Last week Toyota was forced to do damage control with an ill-timed dealer leak forcing the company to reveal the bulk of the 2022 Tundra‘s exterior styling early via a cheeky social media post. Thankfully, the interior was not hit by the leak, and Toyota has resumed its teaser campaign with the Japanese auto giant focusing on the interior of the revamped truck.   New Infotainment System Headlines Tundra Interior Changes The trio of images that Toyota released today prefers to showcase the spectacular surroundings that the truck was in through the windshield. The bulk of the redesigned dashboard is …

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2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Review by Ben Lewis

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The Hyundai Santa Fe is a familiar name on the SUV landscape – it’s been around awhile, and has always stood for great value, room and style. But that landscape hasn’t sat still. With new players including bigger sibling the Hyundai Palisade and super popular Kia Telluride, can the Santa Fe Keep up with the big boys? Fresh New Look Hyundai has been on a roll lately, and it’s become a bit of style breakout. The Santa Fe has gotten a nice makeover that makes heads turn. Like almost every new model, a large grille is the way to go, …

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Toyota Responds To Dealer Leak, Officially Unveils 2022 Tundra, Kinda

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Secrecy can be a fleeting thing at times. Toyota recently kicked off an elaborate teaser campaign for the 2022 Tundra that was supposed to slowly unveil bits and pieces of the truck over the next few months. Unfortunately, no one told an anonymous and undoubtedly camera happy fan in the company’s dealer network who proceeded to leak three images of the truck onto the internet. Toyota knew that it had an evolving situation on its hands and chose to do a lite reveal of the Tundra.   Lone Image Reveals An Infusion Of Muscle Is Coming To Tundra Unlike a …

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Lincoln Looks To The Stars For New Constellation EV, Signals Green Intent

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The Ford Mustang Mach-E generated plenty of headlines and debate when it first made its appearance not too long ago. Questions still swirl over whether it’s indeed a proper recipient of the Mustang moniker? Despite that, the Mach-E has proven to be a surprisingly capable offering and has served as a prominent example of Ford’s EV push. But amid all of these moves, there’s one key part of the Dearborn automaker that has been absent from the pure EV festivities, Lincoln. That’s changing, though, with Ford’s luxurious counterpart revealing that it intends to make some moves of its own in …

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2022 Tundra Teases Its Performance Hardware, Debuts iForce Max Engine

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The steady trickle of teasers for the 2022 Toyota Tundra continues to flow into the digital world, and with the dust still settling from the company’s recent unveiling of the 2022 Land Cruiser, the Tundra decided to remind us of its place in the spotlight. This time, we get a glimpse at the new iForce Max engine, and it appears that Toyota is doubling down on both horsepower and fuel economy.   Could A V6 Be Coming To The Tundra? While Toyota’s video is flashy and does a good job of drawing attention, Toyota chose not to reveal too much …

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Ford Officially Starts Ford Bronco Production, Follows Series Of Delays

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It has been a long and obstacle-filled journey for the 2021 Ford Bronco. When Ford first announced that it was reviving the off-road icon, the model was looked at by many as one of the most important launches that the Dearborn-based automaker had ever done. But the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the ripple effects it generated derailed Ford’s original timeline of production, and the Bronco remained a common sight in the hands of engineers all over the Metro Detroit area. But at long last, production has formally begun with the Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP), finally assembling Broncos for consumer …

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2022 Subaru Forester Goes To The Gym, Debuts Chiseled New Styling In Japan Home Market

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First launched back in 2018, the fight generation Subaru Forester was designed to help the hot-selling utility catch up to the times in terms of styling and technology. The Forester is a hot selling model for the Japanese automaker and has become a must-have transportation tool for many families. But it never hurts to stay fresh, and the company has unveiled the refreshed 2022 Forester in Japan.   Fine Tuning The Forester Essentials Compared to some of the other updates that we have seen with some of its rivals, the Forester’s suite of changes is relatively minor. The front fascia …

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2022 Jeep Wagoneer Lineup Redefines The Delivery Experience, Here’s Three Key Ways It Does So

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With all the luxury, capability, and poise that the 2022 Wagoneer family brings to the table, a thing that is often overlooked is how Jeep will have dealers go through the formal process of delivering a Wagoneer to consumers, which not only goes in a noticeably different direction from other Jeep models but also serves as an example of Jeep marketers making a note of current sales techniques.   Taking Inspiration From European Rivals Before the arrival of the 2022 Wagoneer, the delivery experience for many Jeep models roughly reflected what you would see in a typical and trope-filled buying …

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2022 Lexus NX Goes For Maximum Styling, Debuts New 450h+ Model

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The Lexus NX is the Japanese luxury brand’s entry for city-dwelling millennials and Gen Z buyers looking for a utility that not only delivers the goods in terms of luxury appointments but is also compact enough to zip its way through city streets. While the NX proved to be popular with buyers, Lexus admitted that the outgoing model wasn’t perfect and has attempted to fix all of its shortcomings with the 2022 NX.   Slicker Styling Aims To Turn More Heads And Project A Sportier Image The exterior styling of the outgoing NX was, for better or for worse, a …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo – Cute Ute Gains New Muscle For The New Model Year

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When we first sampled the Mazda CX-30, it certainly came with a lot of promise and helped fill a void in Mazda‘s lineup. The one key problem was that the CX-30 lacked raw power, with the wheezy engine being a notable detriment to the CX-30. But Mazda isn’t one to rest on their laurels and wanted to give the 2021 CX-30 Turbo the chance to live up to the Japanese automaker’s legendary reputation for performance. It intends to do this by giving it a turbocharged alternative to its naturally aspirated ways, but is more boost the answer to its lagging …

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2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature vs 2021 Ford Escape Titanium – Which Mass Market Luxury SUV Is Best?

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Luxury, it seems, is becoming more of a factor in the world of utility vehicles. Once considered a backburner item in the minds of mainstream utility buyers, the ability to have more coddling features has rapidly morphed into a key SUV keystone. But which SUV can play the role of value-focused luxury entry best? To find out, we picked two SUVs (the 2021 Ford Escape Titanium and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature) and put them through a battery of tests to try and find out which one reigns supreme? Both have benefited from minor updates since their last battle, and …

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Toyota Unveils 2022 Land Cruiser, Brings New Styling And Technology To Global Market

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Out of all the major launches that automakers are preparing for 2021, one of the most important is undoubtedly the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser. An off-roading icon and the counterculture T-shirt wearing equivalent to the cardigan-wearing Land Rover family. The current-generation Land Cruiser has been on the scene for several years now, but it’s starting to get long in the tooth, especially in the face of tightening fuel economy regulations and evolving rivals. As a result, Toyota has unveiled the 2022 model, bringing newfound vigor and new technology to the venerable full-size trail buster.    Bigger And Better Land Cruiser …

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2022 Maverick vs 2022 Santa Cruz, The Clouds Of War Hang Over The Mid-Size Truck Segment

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The 2022 Ford Maverick certainly made a believer out of many people when it was unveiled earlier today. Boasting several functional-focused features and a rock bottom base price, the hybrid-powered Maverick has a certain degree of potential baked into it. How does the Maverick measure up in a battle of specs against another upcoming model, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. We busted open the books and took a deep dive into both of them to see which one could have an early advantage in the sales war.   Maverick Is Practical, But Santa Cruz Is Styling Winner As mentioned in …

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Dodge Reconsidering Hornet Nameplate? New Rumors Suggest It’s Happening

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It has been a very long time since we heard anything about the Dodge Hornet. The Hornet concept first appeared in 2006, with the euro chic concept dusting off the moniker from the ashes of the long-defunct AMC corporation. But factors beyond the company’s control delayed a production model before it was ultimately scrubbed. But is it coming back after all? A new batch of rumors suggests that’s indeed the case.   Same Name, Different Outcome? If the basic idea of the concept has been revived according to rumors published by the Italian website Passione Auto Italiane, the Hornet will …

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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel Numbers Appear, Poised To Shakeup Mid-Size Pickup Segment

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Hyundai certainly turned plenty of heads when it unveiled the 2022 Santa Cruz pickup. The utility-focused Hyundai offered plenty of features for urban adventurers, but we still had questions about its fuel economy. The Korean auto giant has delivered the goods and confirmed that the Santa Cruz would be fighting toe to toe with rivals in this category.   Impressive Fuel Economy For A Non-Hybrid Offering The Santa Cruz is slated to go up against rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma, and the Honda Ridgeline, with fuel economy being a key pillar in this segment. While the …

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2022 Buick Enclave Brings New Styling, Enhanced Standard Equipment To Buyers

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When we last met the 2022 Buick Enclave, it was back in January when the brand slipped two photos of it to the assembled press during a broader event starring the smaller Buick Envision. The duet of pictures highlighted revamped exterior styling but did little to answer our questions surrounding the new interior. Nevertheless, Buick has lifted the veil of secrecy and has shed new light on what consumers can expect from Buick’s rebooted flagship.   Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder One of the most significant changes that the Enclave received for 2022 is all-new exterior styling. …

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Ford Confirms 2022 Maverick Pickup, Will Debut June 8th [Video]

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Ford‘s Maverick compact pickup has perhaps been one of the worst kept secrets the company has ever had. Ford’s tagline claims that it’s the truck “you didn’t see coming,” but numerous spy shots and leaked images gave the world an early screening of the truck (much to Ford’s chagrin), but the company is finally ready to spill the beans on this unique model with the truck making its official debut June 8th.   Maverick Adds A New Dimension To Truck Lineup Ford released two pre-launch videos that give us our first official glimpses of the Maverick, with one of them …

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Toyota Shows Off bZ4x Concept, Will Spawn New Model Family When It Goes On Sale

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With all the buzz that Toyota generated from their marathon unveiling today, we saved the best for last. The company provided U.S. customers their first glimpse of the bZ4x concept while also confirming that the model will head to dealer showrooms in 2022.   bZ4x Signals Expansion Of Toyota EV Strategy Ok, we’ll admit, the bZ4x moniker is a mouthful of a word to pronounce, but we do like what we see when it comes to the concept itself. The exterior styling is futuristic but without going too overboard in its attempts to draw attention. The front fascia lacks a …

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Toyota Brings Fresh Updates to 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro And Trail Edition, More Capability For All

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Toyota is preparing to make some big plays in the pickup segment as it seeks to steal a bigger slice of sales from the domestic big three. But while the 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup is preparing for its time in the spotlight, the Japanese auto giant has revealed some big updates for the smaller Tacoma TRD Pro and the Tacoma Trail Edition.   A Tacoma Sized Appetizer Before The Main Course The Tacoma lineup as a whole was updated not too long ago, so you might be wondering what could be new for the 2022 model year? The answer …

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Toyota Expands Its CUV Footprint With 2022 Corolla Cross, Could It Be The End Of The CH-R?

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Toyota‘s CH-R CUV has had a rather rocky sales career, with this last remaining relic of Scion being eclipsed by some of its rivals. However, it would seem that Toyota is out to change the narrative and has unveiled the 2022 Corolla Cross, which will be coming to the U.S. for the first time.   Familiar Name Crosses The Pond While this is the first time U.S. buyers have laid their eyes on the Corolla Cross, the model has been an international exclusive for a while now, with the model debuting back in 2020. Like its global cousins, the U.S. …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner Keeps The Show Going With All New TRD Sport Trim

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The Toyota 4Runner has always been a fascinating case when it comes to the world of off-road SUVs. It has aged with the grace and dignity of a typewriter (or a pioneer-era hornbook), yet it still manages to deliver the goods when it comes to sales and performance. Toyota, however, is focusing on pavement-based adventures this time around, with the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport.   A Beast Of Burden For The Road Commonly Traveled As the name implies, the TRD Sport goes in a different direction when compared to its siblings. Whereas the rest of the trim ladder (SR5 TRD …

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2021 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select Review

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Infiniti QX80 Premium Select 4wd The current generation Infiniti QX80 has been around for a decade now, yet it remains a strong seller for the brand. For 2021 improvements are minor, as is expected for year to year updates. The main focus for 2021 is more standard driver-assistance features. Exterior The exterior of the QX80 was last updated in 2018 and no major changes have taken place for the 2021 model year. It’s a sleek design that makes the massive SUV appear muscular and sporty. The Premium Select trim has dark chrome appearance features which work very well with the …

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 Coupe Review by Ben Lewis

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So, here’s a challenge to many manufacturers – with SUV’s being so popular, how do you keep things fresh? One trend we’ve seen are the “coupe-like” SUV’s, which trade off some of the utility (and headroom) for a racy profile. It’s especially popular with the Europeans, with everything from VW’s Atlas Cross Sport to BMW’s X4 and X6. Mercedes won’t be left out either, so we’re now enjoying GLE Coupe. But with a coupe, you’re driven by passion, so we were especially excited to get our grabby little hands on an AMG GLE 53 Coupe. Big vehicle, larger-than-life performance. This …

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Jeep Releases Full Pricing For 2022 Wagoneer Lineup, Base Model Starts At $69,995, Grand Version Tops Out At $111K

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When the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer made its splashy debut back in March, the off-road brand talked about creating the most luxurious model it has ever done while also reviving an icon at the same time. But like the Sumatran Tiger or the Snow Leopard, the big three-row Jeep disappeared from the broader radar with our appetite being somewhat satiated by occasional sightings in the wild (especially here in Metro Detroit.) But Jeep wants you to keep the Wagoneer family fresh in your mind and has unveiled the full pricing ladder for the Wagoneer family head of its dealership rollout, be …

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Ford Electrifies The Commercial Segment With 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro, Aims To Gradually Form All EV Commercial Fleet

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When Ford unveiled the 2022 F-150 Lightning EV pickup, we still had a few unanswered questions that needed to be addressed. A prominent one was how the F-150 Lightning would fit into Ford’s booming commercial business. With many businesses and companies most likely not plunking down the near estimated $100,000 for a fully loaded Lightning Platnium, these firms needed an entry that could get the job done but without the sticker shock. The Dearborn auto giant has created a very potent answer with the 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro.   A Lightning That’s Sensibly Priced And Ready For The Work Site …

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2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Review by Ben Lewis

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There have always been a percentage of people out there who love the MINI Cooper’s bulldog looks, cheeky attitude and British persona (although BMW has owned them since 2003)  but just found the diminutive hatch a little too small. And MINI has been busy bringing in a variety of models, including the Clubman – longer and wider – and the Countryman – taller and wider. We’ve always liked the Countryman, it adds just enough usability to function like a small SUV, but still has that MINI charm. MINI points out that it’s the first model with an exterior length of …

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Will 2022 F-150 Lightning Spur A Domestic EV Truck War? What We Could See From Stellantis In Regards To A Ram EV?

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The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is certainly generating a lot of buzz for Ford, with the electrified EV pickup already generating a massive amount of interest for the Blue Oval. But it also got us thinking as well, could the Lightning start a new front in the broader war between the Detroit automakers? Also, what could we expect out of Stellantis and Ram? We did some digging, and here’s what we found out.   Auburn Hills Is Watching…And Biding Its Time With Ford’s announcement and Chevrolet rumored to be preparing an electrified Silverado in response, it should come as no …

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Mazda Cleans House, Discontinues Mazda 6 and CX-3 In The U.S. After 2021

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Rumors have swirled around the water cooler at Mazda for a while now. Still, the company has finally confirmed what many long suspected, and that’s the discontinuation of the Mazda6 sedan and the CX CUV in the U.S. after the 2021 model year concludes.   Responding To The Winds Of Change While Mazda stated in its press release that “It’s proud of the performance, design, quality, and safety they contributed” to the company as a whole, the firm is making its decision to align itself with current consumer demand. In the case of the Mazda6, it will be another casualty …

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