Crossovers and SUVs are the focus of this month’s roundup of new vehicle announcements, and like January’s headlines, nearly all of those new models incorporate electrification. Among mainstream automakers, Mazda and Toyota are ready to roll out their newest mid-size, three-row crossovers, both of which will offer hybrid powertrains, while Volkswagen and Subaru have revised
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Brand Loyalty—J.D. Power
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you may wonder what, if any, industry awards and certifications you should consider. Companies like J.D. Power provide unbiased rankings on how various automakers stack up against their competitors to help consumers make informed decisions about their next ride. What Is J.D. Power? J.D. Power and
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Gas vs Electric
The more the electric vehicle marketplace grows, the easier it gets to find exactly the type of EV you want. While the segment started out small with compact cars like the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric, you can now choose battery-powered mainstream and luxury SUVs, small and mid-size cars, and even a full-size pickup
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February 2022 News Updates
February 2022 brought news of several significant new plug-in models, a redesign for one of Canada’s most desirable sport compact cars, and a brand-new compact SUV with off-road aspirations. Kia’s latest electric vehicle is the EV6, which promises to be its most driver-centric battery-powered model yet. Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo revealed details of its first-ever plug-in
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Used Compact Luxury Hatchbacks
Subcompact cars are common in today’s luxury car marketplace, conceived by upscale automakers to foster brand loyalty among drivers who are younger and less-affluent than the traditional luxury-car buyer. While today’s entry-level luxury offerings are mostly a mix of small sedans and crossovers, many early upscale subcompacts for North America were hatchbacks. Those are the
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Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Trailblazer
by Chris Chase The market for luxury vehicles is stronger than ever, thanks to upscale automakers expanding their lineups to appeal to a wider range of buyers. It’s a wise strategy. In the past, upscale brands competed against one another for the attentions of vehicle shoppers seeking a certain level of performance or to project
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2020 Models Least Likely to Cause Buyers Remorse
By Chris Chase J.D. Power has named Porsche and Dodge the industry’s top brands in the 2020 version of its annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. The APEAL survey measures which vehicles are most likely to make their owners feel good about their purchase. It’s a less tangible thing than the organization’s initial
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How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Vehicle
Despite their high profile in the media, electric vehicles make up a small percentage of vehicle sales. For the most part, that’s because many drivers aren’t sure if an EV would suit their lifestyle. But another thing that has hurt take-up is the perception that charging an electric vehicle at home would be more expensive
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ALG 2020 Canadian Residual Value Awards
By Chris Chase Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) published its 2020 Canadian vehicle residual value awards in January, naming Toyota and Porsche its top brands for this model year. These annual awards recognize the vehicles that ALG’s industry watchers predict will hold their value best as they age; the company calculates residual value (also known as
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2020 Lexus UX 250h Test Drive
by Chris Chase 3.8/5 stars The Lexus UX is a subcompact crossover made by Toyota’s luxury brand. Introduced for the 2019 model year, it’s the least-expensive Lexus model, and the only one with a price that dips under $40,000. Based on the same underpinnings as the Toyota C-HR, the UX boasts flashier styling and nicer
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