According to announcements on the brand's social media channels, Rivian will debut its smaller, more affordable second model lineup on March 7th. Rivian will likely target a price point of around $40,000, though no concrete details on pricing have been announced. Moreover, it appears Rivian will not be using the R2 moniker for a single model. Rather, the R2 name will be for a range of vehicles, just as the brand’s R1 nameplate is. In this sense, there will be two models from Rivian at a lower price point than the R1 lineup, both a pickup and an SUV.

In 2023, Volvo Cars marked an increase in annual revenue and variations in operating income and EBIT margins. The year also witnessed a significant growth in the sales of fully electric cars.

A winch is a fantastic tool for off-roaders to get themselves unstuck, and it can also be used as a tool by those who need a device for pulling on something with force. However, winches are inherently dangerous due to the pressure created by the line when under tension, so avoiding this danger is best done by use of a winch blanket damper, also known as a winch dampener or simply a winch damper, which is a safety device used in conjunction with a winch during vehicle recovery operations. It is designed to enhance safety by minimizing the risk of injury or damage in case of a cable or rope failure during winching.

A study from USC's Keck School of Medicine has investigated the advantages of electric vehicle (EV) utilization. Published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, this research provides evidence of how electric cars contribute to diminishing air pollution and reducing health problems. The study states there is a significant role for electric cars in enhancing public health and protecting the environment.

Welcome to the fourth episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we discuss the all-new Mazda CX-70, as well as take a drive in the Lexus GX and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss.

Polestar’s first SUV, the all-electric Polestar 3 will be hitting the US with a $7,500 purchase incentive in the US for lessees. In addition to the incentive announcement, Polestar has also released pricing for the lineup. The Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor trim starts at $85,900 MSRP including $1,400 in destination charges. The only other available trim is the Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack, which starts at $91,300 MSRP. Notably, the Polestar’s $85K starting price point disqualifies it from the $7,500 federal tax credit, which requires a car to be priced under $80K to qualify.

Just announced, Ford is offering a new charging solution for its customers. This initiative involves providing free adapters, enabling Ford EVs to access Tesla's Supercharger network. This strategy is part of Ford's broader effort to enhance the convenience and appeal of its electric vehicles, particularly for Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E owners.

Radio-controlled vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, and the mini and micro class of rock crawler is one of the fastest-growing segments inside the hobby. Everything from 1/18 to 1/32 machines fit this class, with varying degrees of realism and performance. The FMS FCX24 Power Wagon might not be the most realistic machine, but some special goodies like a 2-speed gearbox and portal axles help it stand out. How does it fare in the real (scale) world?

In the landscape of automobile reliability, certain brands have distinguished themselves through consistent performance. Consumer Reports has published a comprehensive analysis of the latest brand rankings, offering insights into which car manufacturers are leading the pack in terms of reliability.

The Grand Wagoneer burst onto the scene last year, ready to stake a claim in the jumbo luxury SUV marketplace. This is the segment of traditional, body-on-frame behemoths meant to transport large quantities of people, cargo, and trailers, in complete lavishness. It’s the domain of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator – two well established players.

The North American Charging Standard (NACS), formerly exclusive to Tesla, has been integral to electric vehicle (EV) charging since 2012. Known for its versatility, NACS supports both Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) charging through a compact plug design. This system allows up to 1MW of power for DC charging, making it a robust solution for EVs.

Off-roading enthusiasts often find themselves facing situations that require specialized equipment to traverse challenging terrain and get themselves unstuck from circumstances which immobilize their vehicle. Traction boards, such as the eponymous Maxtrax, have become increasingly popular among off-roaders as essential tools for overcoming obstacles in mud, sand, snow, and other challenging conditions. In this article, we will explore the reasons why traction boards are considered helpful for off-roading and whether they are a necessity for enthusiasts.

Patent filings from Ferrari reveal the brand is working on an interesting method of shifting the driver over in its cars. Under the filings, Ferrari is working on a movable driver’s seat, wheel, and up to three pedals that will shift on a track towards the middle of the car, resulting in a McLaren F1-style center-seat driving experience. Alternatively, the vehicle could be piloted from off-center, as in existing Ferrari road cars. Information found by AutoGuide in the patent seems to indicate that this will, unlike some center-seat vehicles, not fit three passengers. Ferrari’s patent filing states that “a side door can be… opened and closed to allow a driver to enter the passenger compartment.” If anything, this suggests there may be room for a single one, likely to the driver’s right as in conventional cars. Still, it isn’t entirely clear, as other diagrams leave no room for a passenger.

The AcuraLink app assists Acura owners interacting with their vehicles. This advanced technology enables you to connect with your Acura model using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, providing a range of cloud-based services.

The morning of February 1st, rumors surrounding 7-time F1 world champ Lewis Hamilton began to swirl. A few hours later, and both Mercedes-AMG Petronas and Scuderia Ferrari confirmed the same thing: Lewis Hamilton would be driving for the Scuderia in 2025, replacing Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc.

Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance safety and convenience on the road. These systems, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning, have become increasingly common in today's automobiles. However, a recent study conducted by AAA sheds light on an important aspect often overlooked by consumers – the repair costs associated with these sophisticated technologies.

As fun and exciting as it is, off-roading does pose inherent risks to a vehicle’s body panels and mechanical wellbeing alike. The method to help prevent this from happening is to add protective armor to the 4x4. This commonly comes in the form of skid plates and steel bumpers, but rock sliders (also known as rock rails) are the best way to help rocker panels and doors from sustaining damage, while helping improve off-road performance in the process.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has a boxier shape overall. The front, sides, and rear all appear to have relatively flat surfaces. But the looks are deceiving. The new Santa Fe is quite slippery in the wind.

Volkswagen has recently announced that its MY23 ID.4 models with SK On battery components and the upcoming MY24 ID.4 models will be eligible for the full $7,500 Federal Tax Credit when placed in service in 2024. This move significantly enhances the affordability of these electric SUVs. While the MY24 ID.4’s eligibility is based on current battery supply and may change, Volkswagen remains optimistic about its qualification throughout 2024.

When I first laid eyes on my Chevrolet Colorado tester, I thought this is not a vehicle for blending in.

For 2025, BMW will offer the Z4 M40i with a manual transmission. To row your own, BMW will charge a $3,500 premium over the automatic model, bringing the MSRP to $69,950. However, the stick Z4 doesn’t come without its own set of improvements to help justify the cost.

Straddling the line between mainstream and premium puts the mid-sized Mazda in a unique spot.

Indoor and small-scale rock crawling have taken the radio-controlled (RC) world by storm, and after a long bout of few models in the space, Traxxas finally stepped up and launched the TRX-4M. Arriving in 2022 in both Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender form, the 1/18 scale truck quickly gained extreme popularity. The scale machine not only looks great, but performs well out of the box, too. And yet, it’s not perfect; then again, no machine truly is. But is it fun?

Honda will roll out a new dealer-installed software update that allows 2018-2022 model year Accords to run Android Auto and Apple Carplay wirelessly. It’s worth noting the sedan already features both projection software, albeit with a required wired connection. Honda, strangely enough, bills this as a “sustainability effort,” saying that the brand is doing this to “maximize the lifetime value of in-market Honda vehicles by offering upgrades and new digital services.”

During an episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors, we got to sit down and talk to Mike Evanoff, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America. The center of our discussion is the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Mazda has just revealed the brand’s newest SUV model, the CX-70. As the name suggests, this is a mid-size SUV that slots between the CX-50 compact and the three-row CX-90.

Honda has introduced pricing for the brand's new all-electric SUV, the 2024 Prologue.

The Mazda CX-50 continued what the CX-30 started, ushering in a new generation of sleeker, more upscale SUVs for the brand. Designated by adding a zero at the end of the name, the new models are tasked with transforming Mazda into more of a premium auto manufacturer. After the CX-50, the CX-90 arrived, and then the CX-60, released in other markets. By the time you read this, the CX-70 will also have debuted.

“If we’re the only one on the planet making a V8 affordable sports car for everyone in the world, so be it." Per Motor1, Ford CEO Jim Farley said these words to journalists at a media event last week. Farley said that thanks to EVs like the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lighting, Ford is able to offset the emissions of its V8-powered vehicles so that it can keep making them in perpetuity. Or at least, so long as Ford’s EVs continue to offset the V8’s emissions and satisfy legislative requirements.

Welcome to the third episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we discuss a comparison of two very different small hatchbacks, preview the new Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac CT5-V, and speculate on a new baby Acura SUV.

In the realm of automotive advancements, electric and autonomous vehicles often dominate the conversation. However, the development of safety systems for gasoline vehicles is equally vital. Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is a prime example of such technology, which plays a crucial role in driving safety and the overall driving experience.

Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has recently introduced an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technique aimed at augmenting the capabilities of vehicle designers. This approach allows designers to incorporate initial sketches and engineering constraints into their creative process. The technique effectively reduces the number of iterations required to balance both design aesthetics and engineering necessities.

All Mazda has really done since the ND-generation MX-5’s debut is hone the tiny sports car’s edge. It’s all it's ever needed, and for 2024, the edge gets even finer with an updated infotainment system, a new limited-slip diff, and more. However, at least one thing isn’t changing about the Miata, which starts at $29,460 including destination for 2024. The entire lineup is still powered by the brand’s Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque routed through a six-speed transmission (manual or automatic).

A few months back, we put out a request to YOU the viewers to submit questions about the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. We took the best questions and traveled to beautiful Utah to put some miles into the new LC and answer them as best as we can! 

When asked if the ZDX was ahead of its time, Acura product manager Jonathon Rivers takes a long pause before responding.

The oil life percentage on your Honda's dashboard is a crucial tool for maintaining your vehicle's health. It measures the quality of your engine's oil, rather than the oil level. This means that the display does not necessarily indicate a need to add oil. Instead, it functions as part of a maintenance minder system designed to optimize the timing of oil changes, benefiting Honda owners in terms of both convenience and cost.

The long-awaited continuation of Porsche’s electric lineup is finally here. The all-new, all-electric Porsche Macan starts at $80,450 for the Macan 4, and $106,950 for the Macan Turbo (which is the range-topper, for now). This puts the Macan 4 roughly on the same plane as the gas-powered $73,000 Macan S, despite its vastly different look and higher price.

Hyundai has introduced the pricing details for its 2024 Santa Fe range, starting with the base model at $33,950. The lineup comes standard with a 2.5L Turbo engine across most models, paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission, and the option of either FWD or AWD drivetrains.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is part of the performance brand’s foray into the world of electric vehicles. Available with up to 677 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time in the low three second range, it has plenty of power. But this AMG is also quite the showman.

In this post we hope to help navigate you through Honda's Maintenance Minder System.

Volvo’s electric car is even more likeable for 2024—but not without faults.

According to report by Research and Markets, the global smart rear-view mirror market is projected to grow significantly, reaching a market size of USD 12.46 billion by 2030. This growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2023 to 2030, is primarily driven by the rising demand for luxury vehicles and the need for enhanced comfort in automotive design. The integration of advanced safety features in rear-view mirrors by automotive OEMs, aiming to improve visibility and reduce accidents, is a crucial factor contributing to this growth.

It’s no secret that Acura’s first ever electric car isn’t all Acura. Or is it?

Jeep will offer a new Xtreme 35 Tire Package for the two-door Wrangler Willys and Rubicon. Initially introduced in 2021 for four-door models, it adds a “best-in-class breakover angle of 32.4 degrees” and huge 35-inch off-road tires. The $4,495 package feels directly in competition with Ford’s $8,160 Sasquatch package for its similarly priced Bronco. Put a Jeep Wrangler Willys 2-door side-by-side with a 2-door Bronco Badlands, and the two are within a few thousand dollars before options.

Aggressive driving, often known as road rage, is a growing concern across the globe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) characterizes it as the commission of multiple traffic offenses that endanger other individuals or property. Examples include behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals. Recognizing the breadth of this problem is essential for promoting safety on the roads.

When asked what my favorite, all-around vehicle currently on sale today is, the answer almost always reverts to the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. It has aggressive, but restrained styling, Cadillac comfort and luxury, a glorious supercharged V8 engine, and even a six-speed manual transmission. Thankfully, it’s sticking around for the 2025 model year.

Volkswagen has a new GTI. Not a totally new GTI, but a significant refresh of the current 8th-generation model. Changes are sweeping, both in and out, and many of them remedy customer complaints surrounding the MK8 GTI, like physical buttons on the steering wheel and illuminated climate and volume controls. Others update the vehicle with aesthetic changes like new lights, and mechanically with a power bump. However, Volkswagen appears to have killed the manual GTI. Press materials list both an updated power output for the GTI of 262 horsepower and a sole transmission option: a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The oil light in your Honda vehicle plays an important role in maintenance. It doesn't indicate a mechanical issue, but rather serves as a reminder for regular oil level checks. Inspecting the oil level becomes essential when this light is on.

Welcome to the second episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we discuss if the EQE SUV is worthy of an AMG badge. Kyle tests a rear-wheel drive Volvo, and a favorite luxury compact is updated.

Electric cars have received their fair share of bad press over the past year, from delayed deliveries, to slumping sales and disappointed consumers. And while that last item might be the most critical to EV adoption, the final word on consumer sentiment hasn’t yet been written.

Acura's SH-AWD, or Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, is a technology designed to improve traction and enhance the dynamic performance of a vehicle. This system actively distributes power not only from front to rear but also from side to side. It's available in two forms: one for Acura's gas-powered cars and another for its electrically enhanced hybrids. The SH-AWD technology aims to provide a more confident and controlled driving experience.

Chevrolet took the wraps off the all-new 2025 Equinox, complete with new styling, technology, and a first-ever Activ trim.

Don't worry, it (probably) won't look like this.

Size is the immediate takeaway from a first glance at Ford and Lincoln’s new Digital Experience. The two brands’ new 4k-resolution infotainment unit spans 48 inches across the dash of a vehicle and is powered by an Android-based operating system. Apple users needn’t worry, as Ford, unlike other OEMs, has promised not to gatekeep buyer’s preferred method of phone projection.

The global electric vehicle (EV) market is set for significant growth in 2024 according to Bloomberg, with sales of passenger EVs expected to rise by 21% to 16.7 million units. This growth comprises both battery-electrics and plug-in hybrids, with a forecast of 70% being fully electric vehicles. This increase indicates a continued upward trajectory in the EV sector, despite various market dynamics and policy changes.

The formula for achieving high owner satisfaction appears simple: deliver on the promises made to consumers. Consistently, vehicles that meet or exceed their manufacturers' claims tend to top owner satisfaction rankings. This pattern highlights the importance of fulfilling consumer expectations in the automotive industry. Consumer Reports unveils their survey that shows the 10 least satisfying cars and SUVs based on survey results.

Toyota pairs GR with GT, but what could it mean?

In late December last year, reports surfaced that Ford would cut F-150 Lightning production. That day has come, with Ford cutting Lightning production down to just a single shift at the Michigan Rouge Electric Vehicle Center as of April 1. In October, the Blue Oval had three full shifts dedicated to Lightning production. However, Ford puts a positive spin on the news, saying that despite the cuts, demand is still there: “ F-150 Lightning is America’s best-selling electric truck with sales up 55% in 2023 and further growth forecast for 2024.”

According to McKinsey & Company, autonomous driving (AD) is forecasted to be a major economic force, with the potential to create $300 billion to $400 billion in revenue by 2035. This significant financial impact reflects the growing interest in and potential of AD technologies in transforming the auto industry and consumer experiences.