TJ Heffner is a contributing writer for MotorBiscuit.
When the subject of luxury cars comes up, BMW is inevitably mentioned. But even as sedans and coupes have become less popular, BMW remains a part of the conversation with its luxury SUVs. In fact, not only have critics begun to rank the BMW X5 over the popular Porsche Cayenne, but BMW’s entire SUV lineup …
A perennial favorite on the luxury sedan list for a long time, BMW is turning heads in the luxury SUV market as well. A top performer on BMW’s 2021 SUV lineup, which has gained considerable attention among auto critics is its midsize offering, the BMW X5. While working to top the midsize luxury SUV list …
Few luxury SUVs meet discerning, thrill-seeking owners’ expectations better than the Porsche Cayenne. However, most consumers and critics place Lexus and BMW at the top of the midsize luxury SUV reliability list while giving a less enthusiastic nod to the Cayenne. This could have something to do with issues Cayenne owners have endured before their …
Few other vehicles produce the level of off-roading satisfaction as a Jeep. For more than 20 years, the Wrangler has been the most recognizable and popular model in the brand’s lineup. Though several issues continue to dog the Wrangler, few other rides boast this iconic SUV’s longevity on the road, off the road, or anywhere …
When someone brings up the subject of electric cars, it is impossible to leave Tesla out of the conversation, but the Tesla Model 3 is not usually mentioned when discussing luxury sedans, until now. In spite of the fact that the Tesla Model 3 seemed to lack standard features in previous years, the all-electric sedan …
The competition among compact sedans is tighter than ever. And the 2021 Honda Insight is pushing its way to the top of the heap. Impressing eco-friendly consumers, the hybrid Insight boasts motorcycle-like fuel efficiency without sacrificing the attractive styling other hybrids lack. Those benefits, plus a lower sticker price, have propelled the 2021 Honda Insight …
Topping the full-size SUV segment requires a delicate balance of features and sticker price. One competitor scrapping its way to the top is the 2021 Nissan Armada. The redesigned SUV got a face-lift and some much-needed interior upgrades to compete with rivals. But it appears Nissan has upset the delicate feature/sticker price balance. It’s prompted …
Driving a two-ton motor vehicle carries inherent risks of serious injuries or fatalities. But with every generation, automakers strive to improve car safety by providing more innovative features and technology in their vehicles. Simple distractions, like listening to loud music or driving aggressively, increase the odds of deadly car crashes. Despite fewer vehicles on the …
Classed as a wagon, midsize crossover, and two-row SUV, the Subaru Outback continues to demonstrate its diversity and consumer appeal. The 2021 Outback, along with the Forester and Crosstrek, are getting a serious off-road upgrade, attracting the attention of car experts who really like the Outback as the “black sheep” of midsize crossovers. The 2020 …
Truck buyers have certain expectations that any truck must live up to. In the truck market, marking all the boxes on the checklist is what determines whether a truck rises to the top of the list. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator meets a lot of those expectations with some significant towing upgrades and the option of …
Is it really possible to combine a muscle car with an SUV with an EV? The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an attempt to achieve the impossible. Critics have a favorable view of the Mach-E’s interior, described as an improved copy of the Tesla Model Y. The Mustang Mach-E has made quite an impression on …
Arguments about whether American muscle cars or European supercars are better has been ongoing for decades. A standard Ford Mustang, even with plenty of growl in the pipes, can’t compete with the likes of Lamborghini. But the Shelby GT500 is hardly a standard Mustang. The 2020 Shelby GT500 has the horsepower to demand respect from …
For those without the down payment for a larger RV or the space to park one, camper vans are a great way to get started with camping. There are many factors involved in making the right selection and avoiding wasting your money on van life scams. One way to avoid camper-van build mistakes is to …
The competition among two-row midsize SUVs includes an extensive field of contenders striving to take over the top spot. Hyundai maintains a position near the top of the heap with its 2021 Santa Fe. Upgrades to this year’s Santa Fe were minimal, including a new exterior design and some engine upgrades, as the carmaker took …
When the first IS series cars from Lexus hit U.S. showrooms in 2000, they made a splash with younger buyers interested in a sportier look. But for many car enthusiasts, Lexus has lagged behind the competition when it comes to keeping the 350’s look relevant. Billed as an affordable thrill ride, the 2021 Lexus IS …
The SUV has captured most automakers’ imagination, but sedans and sport sedans continue to attract car buyers’ attention. Sedans such as the Audi S4, the sports car people keep the longest, refuse to pass silently into the night. Sport sedans continue to endure for their ability to raise heart rates through higher performance capabilities while …
If you live near a body of water, a boat is a great way to spend some quality family time. Because of their resale value, buying a boat can also be a decent investment. However, you should be prepared to put a decent amount of cash into your boat, because it never pays to be cheap. Protecting your investment …
Surprising news from Toyota continues to stir up automobile lovers in just about every class. Those in the large luxury SUV class were shocked to learn that the automaker will discontinue the Toyota Land Cruiser in 2022 after keeping it in production since 1951. Don’t fret too much if you already own an earlier model; keep in mind that longevity has …
Because pandemic lockdowns have eliminated the use of beachfront hotels and resorts, many families have turned to a more traditional form of vacation; the camper. However, the costs of maintaining an RV, especially as new regulations force manufacturers to modify their engines, can cause unwanted stress when you are supposed to be relaxing. The less-than-stellar fuel economy of RVs …
Those shopping for a family car often place safety ratings very high on their list of priorities when choosing a new car. Though safety ratings include the efficiency of lighting, driver assist features, driver and passenger restraint systems, and braking and handling features, a primary focus of auto safety ratings include crash test ratings, carried …
Kelley Blue Book described the 2020 Nissan Rogue as very “vanilla” in spite of its position as a top-seller among Nissan’s offerings, and especially when compared with Toyota’s RAV4. Whether KBB’s comments motivated Nissan to revitalize Rogue for 2021 or a significant refresh was already in the works is difficult to tell. However, given comments …
Where the GMC Canyon stands within the midsize truck market has raised some questions about the automaker’s production strategy in this vehicle class. Canyon sales have been low since the UAW strike of September 2019 and recovery has lagged. However, GMC’s recent production move of adding an available diesel engine option to the 2021 Canyon …
The 2020 Santa Fe was mentioned among the most reliable and fuel efficient two-row SUVs by Consumer Reports. In addition to the Santa Fe, Hyundai’s 2020 Kona crossover and EV variation rank well among 2-row SUVs and you cannot ignore Tucson, which was in a six-way tie with some heavy hitters on the U.S. News …
The good news for those considering the Infiniti QX80 is that their choice of a luxury SUV is getting much-needed changes to the 2021 model. Car critics identified some standard safety features absent on the 2020 QX80, which kept it from topping the list of 3-row luxury SUVs. It appears that Infiniti listened to the critics’ input and made the recommended …
The 2020 Dodge Durango might have finally turned itself around. What about the newest Durango left critics actually impressed?
Midsize SUVs represent a leading segment for overall sales. Toyota produces two of the perennial leaders of this class, the 4Runner and the Highlander. The 2020 Toyota Highlander provides surprising luxury, though priced a little above its competitors, but maintains an excellent track record for reliability. However, the 2020 Subaru Ascent is mounting a significant challenge to this long-time …
In recent years, automaker Hyundai has pushed the envelope to become more competitive with each automotive sector’s leaders. Hyundai’s 2020 Sonata Hybrid is a perfect example of their capacity to compete with Honda and Toyota. In a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the Sonata is a champion to keep sedans into consideration. Though the 2020 Hyundai Sonata presents no over-the-top …
It seems that Toyota has a few more tricks up its sleeves in 2021. Although it appeared the Toyota Venza was to fade away into automotive history, the automaker revived the Venza nameplate for 2021 as a hybrid crossover with aggressive lines and some impressive interior features. As critics respond to the move, most have …
Among America’s favorite ways to “get away from it all” is off-roading. There are plenty of classic vehicles that have played the off-roading role for decades, and several modern additions to the list of off-road worthy vehicles will surprise you. However, one vehicle added to the list is that will make you think of Tim …
Mercedes-Benz has represented the gold standard of interior luxury for decades. Despite being a luxury crossover, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 has nothing to apologize for as a representative of the brand. As the automaker introduces the roomier GLE class crossover in 2020 and the sportier GLB luxury subcompact crossover turns heads, the GLC300 has taken a backseat in the commotion. Though competing …
Green Car Journal awarded the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the Family Green Car of the Year. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was not without accolades, tagged as the Number 1 Best Hybrid SUV by Kelley Blue Book. As Mitsubishi and Toyota roll out their 2021 versions of each SUV, shoppers and critics alike wonder if the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will compete …
The Ford F-150 has dominated the full-size truck market for more than 30 years, ticking off all the items on the list of priorities for truck owners. Affordability is one of the features that buyers check on their list every time. Kelley Blue Book gave the 2020 F-150 their “best buy” ranking for the sixth …
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 has received mixed reviews from automobile critics. In spite of the fact that many suggest that you can do a lot better than the XT5 for a midsize luxury SUV, sales of the 2020 XT5 have remained steady. These statistics could reflect the exterior improvements and selection of quality engine choices, …
As the pandemic loosens its grip, auto enthusiasts are anxious to get out to a local showroom and get up close and personal with the new 2021 offerings. Though the 2021 BMW 5 Series doesn’t differ drastically from 2020 models, it has undergone enough of a refresh to meet the needs of BMW fans without …
While the 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman is beginning to draw much of the attention from the sports car set, those set on the luxury SUV market can keep their focus on another Porsche offering that continues to thrill the SUV set while maintaining its value. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne is still a top-rated luxury SUV, ranking number one atop Consumer Reports Top Five …
Automobile safety and convenience are among the areas that apply technological innovations. Some manufacturers include features like backup cameras as standard features while some keep costs down in base models and provide advanced technologies as added features. Because technology continues to advance in the automotive industry, a wide range of futuristic trends are the norm, …
SUVs, cars, and trucks are evaluated by how they compare to their competition. This is true of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 and the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, which critics compare to the best selling crossovers in their class. Each of these SUVs is making a unique impression. The CX-5 has critics talking about how this compact crossover is fun to …
Dominating brands in the midsize luxury sedan market include brand names like BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes as expected. However, the Genesis G80, a relative newcomer to the class made a significant move toward the top in 2020, providing potential buyers with a lower-priced luxury option. Those who purchase the G80 in 2021 will have to pay more, but they’ll receive a …
Regardless of class, seating capacity is among the most common critical features to check off on the SUV buyers’ list. There are plenty of options among midsize and full-size luxury SUVs like the BMW Alpina X7, the Lexus LX470, or Mercedes-Benz GLS to name a few. Though luxury SUVs don’t have to cost more than $50,000, you will pay significantly more to drive …
Known for his obsession with power on Tool Time, even Tim Allen was impressed by the incredible power of the 2018 Dodge SRT Demon present in Jay Leno’s Garage. Touted by Leno as “the most powerful muscle car on the planet,” the Demon’s rule of the streets has ended. A June 2019 announcement of the Demon’s discontinuation made by the …
Parents who dread the process of teaching a teen how to drive a car with a manual transmission should prepare to do their happy dance. Other than the 2021 Ford Bronco, select SUVs, and several sports cars, it appears that the manual transmission is dying. What reasons are behind manual transmissions dying out, and what will kill them off completely? …
The Toyota Tacoma has earned a place in the spotlight among compact trucks by meeting the needs and expectations of its owners. To keep up with compact truck owner demands, Toyota made some significant changes to the 2020 Tacoma that were not present in the 2019 model. These improvements provide potential owners with a broad …
Whether shopping for a teen who just got their driver’s license or searching for a replacement for an existing family vehicle, many buyers place safety at the top of the list right beside affordability. Automakers like Toyota and Honda have a reputation for providing a wide range of sedans to vans and safety features at a price you can …
Most car critics have been less than complimentary when discussing the price and available features of the 2020 Porsche Macan. Have car critics given the Macan a fair shake? Car and Driver have a difference of opinion with the auto critics crowd, placing both the Porsche Macan at the top of its Best Compact Luxury SUVs list for 2020. However, buyers …
Buyers have to be careful when shopping for a luxury SUV because a lot of automakers cut corners and sell an inferior product at a luxury price. Mercedes-Benz has cut back on passenger car production and transferred its trademark for gold-standard luxury and superior engineering to the more popular and lucrative SUV/crossover market. Though no one is complaining about …
Chevrolet struggled in the first quarter of 2020 due to COVID-19 woes. However, there were two bright spots among its 2020 line of cars. In spite of a less-than-favorable critique from Consumer Reports, one of Chevy’s cars that produced first-quarter sales was the Chevy Spark. Looking at the production of 2021 cars, Chevrolet looks to …
Consumer Reports placed the 2020 Buick Enclave atop their list of large luxury SUVs, basing their claim on its road-test performance, predicted reliability, and predicted owner satisfaction. However, mediocre overall reliable scores in the model years from 2017 to 2019 leave many critics wondering if the higher-priced Enclave is any better than its two closest competitors Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot. …
The 2020 Chevy Traverse has made a significant impression on Consumer Reports automotive critics. In contrast, its classmate, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder missed out on much of the praise the SUV has enjoyed in the past. Due to affordability and their three-row layout, both are good candidates as reliable family transportation, but which one is …
The price for a gallon of gas in 1935 was 19 cents, the average house cost a little more than $4,000, and the sticker price on the average car was $760. Into this world where a dollar went a lot further, Chevrolet introduced their Suburban Carryall with a $675 price tag. The world has seen …
To the surprise of many auto critics, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade shook up Hyundai’s closest rival by topping the Kia Telluride. The automaker’s new midsize SUV accelerated to the top of its class, stacking up awards and turning heads away from some of the segment’s most sought after models. Hyundai refuses to back off the …
Subaru automobiles rank among the most dependable on the road, recognized for longevity, low cost to own, and maintaining their resale value. With Subaru models like the Forester and Crosstrek securing places among the top SUVs in 2020, it is rather inconvenient that the automaker has to endure another recall issue – this time a …
