TJ Heffner

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 …