Austin Lott
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Writer, People Leader, Video Content Producer - Automotive Media
Articles by Austin Lott
NISMO Frontier vs. Tacoma Trailhunter: Build it or buy it?
A NISMO-equipped Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and a Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter approach the same question from different directions: should you build the truck you want, or buy the factory package? I compared these 2026 pickups at the Texas Truck Rodeo, and the answer depends as much on your willingness to install parts as it does on the window sticker. The Frontier has the lower starting point and a naturally aspirated V6.
10 Budget-Friendly Used Alternatives To A Toyota RAV4 Original
If you've spent much time driving lately you're likely to have seen one of Toyota's best-selling models: the RAV4. Those things are everywhere — especially once you start counting. In fact, Toyota sold 479,288 of them in 2025! And a tick over 475,000 the year before. Keep going back and you keep seeing huge sales numbers.
10 Budget-Friendly Used Alternatives To A Toyota RAV4
tesla robotaxi 12 hours ago Musk explains why Tesla Robotaxi is not running at night, and lidar is the answer Electrek - Fred Lambert • 12h Elon Musk says the main thing holding back Tesla Robotaxi’s night hours is that the cars have a hard time seeing pets in the dark.
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer First Drive Review
Our auto expert shares new photos and opinions on the refreshed and streamlined Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is big on power and size. May 18, 2026 | 4 min read Austin Lott Pros: Whether you get the base trim, or a lavishly equipped Summit Reserve, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is roomy, powerful, and capable.
2026 Toyota bZ Woodland First Look
Toyota added a new outdoors-oriented SUV to its lineup of battery electric vehicles. Jun 6, 2025 | 2 min read Toyota Toyota is expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup for 2026 with a new SUV called the bZ Woodland. It's designed for outdoors enthusiasts such as campers and mountain bikers. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland.
2026 Toyota RAV4 First Look
Toyota redesigns its bestselling SUV, with new powertrains, fresh tech, and a whole new look. May 30, 2025 | 4 min read Toyota When Toyota announces a redesign for the RAV4, it's a big deal — not only is the five-passenger SUV the automaker's bestselling model, it's been the bestselling SUV in the United States for eight years.
2026 Lexus RZ First Look
Lexus is refreshing the battery-electric RZ model lineup with improved range and performance for 2026. May 23, 2025 | 3 min read Lexus The Lexus RZ is getting a significant mechanical refresh for 2026. The updated model, which shares a platform with battery-electric Toyota vehicles including the bZ, bZ Woodland, and new C-HR, comes with a new larger battery and more powerful electric motors.
2026 Toyota bZ First Look
Toyota's electric crossover gets more range, better charging, and a refreshed exterior for 2026. May 21, 2025 | 3 min read Toyota For 2026, Toyota is updating the bZ crossover, including a name change: goodbye bZ4X, hello Toyota bZ. The headline change is a new lithium-ion battery that increases capacity to 74.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) — which Toyota estimates will be capable of 314 miles of range.
2026 Toyota C-HR Battery Electric Vehicle First Look
Toyota brings the battery-electric version of its popular crossover to the U.S. May 19, 2025 | 2 min read Toyota Toyota is expanding its battery-electric lineup with the introduction of the new 2026 C-HR battery electric vehicle (BEV). Missing from the U.S. market since 2022, the small crossover will return with electric power and its signature sporty four-door coupe profile sometime next year.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross First Look
Toyota's popular crossover gets a mild refresh with a new look and new tech. May 8, 2025 | 3 min read Toyota Four years after launching in the United States, Toyota's Corolla Cross is getting a mild mid-generation refresh for 2026, including new exterior styling that differentiates between the hybrid and gas models. The changes are rounded out with new options and new standard features across the lineup.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review and Test Drive
Toyota's bestselling SUV remains competent and efficient. May 2, 2025 | 6 min read Austin Lott | Capital One The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the most popular SUV in the automaker's lineup. Not only that, it's the bestselling Toyota SUV in the U.S. market. Why is it so popular? The compact RAV4 features great fuel economy, a well-rounded suite of safety tech, and plenty of room for cargo. The RAV4 is an SUV that does the job without fuss or fanfare.
CarPro EliXir Quick Detailer Is Great For In-Between Washes
If you’re looking to take care of the paint on your car, you’ve no doubt read our guide on how to not only wash your ride but also how to wax it. Great, you’ve got that out of the way, but what about in-between washes? If you don’t have time for the whole shebang, a quick detailer might be the right product to use. Similar to waterless car washing products, but with an eye towards getting your paint to really shine. That’s where CarPro EliXir quick detailer comes into play.
Griot’s Garage Best of Show Spray Wax Will Extend Your Time Between Wax Jobs
You know you should be waxing your car, right? But if you’re anything like me, it’s hard to keep up with all that life throws at you and still carve out time to just wash the car, much less to wax it. When my father taught me the art of waxing, I learned that it took a great deal of effort and time. Sure, the results were fantastic — and my E36 never looked as good as after a wax — but many years (and vehicles) later, I just don’t have the time I used to.
Mothers Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Wax Offers Wax-Like Familiarity
When it comes to taking care of your car, one of the time-honored traditions is the wax job. Sure, you lovingly wash your car to keep it clear of dirt, sap, and bugs, but the next step is protecting it with wax or a coating. Unless you have some power tools to make it a bit faster, the task can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. I learned to apply wax with my dad, the little foam applicator pads, and a tin of carnauba wax. We’re talking wax on, wax off.
Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax Is an Easy Way to Shine Your Ride
Chances are good that if you made it here to The Drive, you like your car. If you’re just getting the hang of how to keep it looking good, read our guide on how to wash your car, then how to wax it. These regular rituals don’t have to cost you a fortune — power tools are cool, but you don’t need them — and they don’t have to take a full day out of your weekend every week of the year. Unless, of course, you’ve got some time to kill. Then wax away.
Online Auto Auctions Are Here to Satisfy Your Workday Boredom
Being able to browse classifieds online was the first step in the inevitable march toward a completely online car-buying process. Online auction sites officially surpassed traditional live auctions for collector cars last year, and there are plenty of signs things will only continue in this direction. As with so many changes brought on by the pandemic, the inability to hold a live auction likely helped push more people to online platforms.
Keep Your Ride on the Trail With these All-Terrain Tires
Our Methodology To choose the best all-terrain tires on the market, we employed a comprehensive research methodology. We evaluated dozens of tires before choosing the top contenders. Although we haven’t personally tested all of these products, our selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and our institutional knowledge of the automotive industry.
Austin Lott, Automotive Journalist at Edmunds
Toyota is making a handful of minor changes to the 2022 Toyota Camry in hopes of expanding the popular midsize sedan's appeal. Here's what we know about what's new for 2022.
IIHS Safety Ratings 2021
Every year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates the crop of new vehicles, rating them against a battery of tests to determine their safety. Basically, these people crash shiny new cars for a living. They crash new model year vehicles in six different tests and measure the results. If the vehicle offers automatic braking systems, they run those through tests.
Best Engine Degreasers: The Best Cleaners to Keep Your Engine Sparkling
If you own a newer vehicle, it’s easy to walk past the engine degreaser and think that it’s just for people with old cars. Dust, dirt, and mud can get on any engine, and when it leaks you get a nasty caked-on mess in a hurry. The first things you’ll often see are smaller leaks. If you’ve ever discovered an oil leak many miles later, you’ll know the frustration of trying to scrape, wipe, and wash that baked-on gunk from the engine. That’s where engine degreaser comes in.
2020 Diesel Heavy Duty Truck and Van Buyer’s Guide
Well, everyone, the day has finally come: 1,000 lb-ft of torque can be had straight off the showroom floor, and two out of the three -ton pickups achieve an astonishing 30-plus-mpg rating from the EPA (one is pending but likely to hit that number as well). For 2020, there is a diesel-powered pickup truck for nearly every possible experience level.
2003 BMW M3 - Kean as Mustard
Kean Suspensions has been around since 2008, and its known all around Europe for, you guessed it, exceptional suspension work. The name Kean is a combination of the brothers/cofounders Kenny (KE) and Andy (AN) Neirinck. We featured their gorgeous Ferrari 308 GTB earlier this year in our first-ever Euro issue, but they've also got a few other tricks up their sleeves to showcase their handiwork, like this '03 BMW M3, for example.
2020 Diesel Light Truck and SUV Buyer’s Guide
Things have changed a lot over the past year in the diesel segment, as 2020 is the first period in quite some time when new cars with diesel engines are not available in the U.S. That crossover and SUV future is now, folks. This year, there's a total of eight new crossovers, SUVs, and light pickup trucks available with an oil-burner under the hood.
Formula D Champ Brings Skills to Pikes Peak
Whenever you go racing there are absolutely no guarantees. No matter how well you prepare, just like any other sport, the result is anything but certain, even for a driver as accomplished and talented as Dai Yoshihara. On June 30th, after months of preparation, Dai competed in the 98th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The result wasn't what anyone hoped for: a DNF—Did Not Finish, due to mechanical failure.
1992 BMW 320i - Too Nice To Drift
View Photo Gallery | 17 Photos Sometimes you have it all figured out from the beginning. The project car goes from idea, to purchase, to vision in a linear fashion. Niels Christiaens started off building this '92 BMW 320i into a drift project, but when things went sideways, it wasn't as literal as he had planned. "After some serious mods, I decided the car was too expensive of a build to drift it!" he tells us.
1990 BMW 318is - Drift Dreams Reincarnated
When Sven Bengtsson picked up this '90 BMW 318is three years ago, he didn't plan to build one of the wildest E30s in Australia. It just happened. Photo 28/28 | 1990 BMW 318is - Drift Dreams Reincarnated View Photo Gallery (28) Photos A little backstory... Sven has always been an aspiring pro-am driver and has had a few different drift cars; however, his favorite was a 325i, also an E30. "It was my daily driver," he explained, "but I learned how to properly drift in that thing in my early twenties.
2013 Scion FR-S - Nowhere to Go But Up!
Daijiro Yoshihara is no stranger to driving the FR-S/BRZ chassis around a twisting course; however, later this month, he'll be stepping out of the more familiar Formula DRIFT tracks to take on the 97th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The 12.42-mile course sits just outside of Colorado Springs and features a dizzying 156 turns as it climbs 4,720 feet to the 14,115 ft. finish line.
2017 Diesel Car and SUV Buyer’s Guide
For the 2017 model year, diesel-powered cars and SUVs have moved upmarket, with several all-new models and many of the remaining models available receiving subtle and/or significant updates. Although the industry was rocked by the Volkswagen diesel-emissions scandal, diesel isn’t gone, not by a long shot. For 2017, there are 15 new vehicles to choose from in the U.S. that offer the superior efficiency, driveability, and refinement of a diesel engine.
2005 Honda S2000 - Tag No Sponsor
View Photo Gallery | 16 Photos Want to know what the downside is to those sponsorships everyone seems to be getting on Instagram? Strings. Sometimes you're reppin' stickers or posting ridiculous hashtags, and other times you're building a car around parts you've been given, not the parts you truly want. Jean-Francois Boucher (who goes by "JF") doesn't have that problem. "I built this car alone and for me," he tells us.
2012 Subaru WRX STI - ART in Motion
View Photo Gallery | 24 Photos If you want something done right, you usually have to do it yourself. After owning Subaru's "Bugeye" WRX for years, Thai Quan (known by many as ART) wanted a project car with a more modern appeal. He had already fallen in love with Subaru's all-wheel-drive performance, so he decided to stay loyal when it came time for a change. He switched to this third-generation WRX STI in hatchback form, then set out to build something unique that he would feel proud driving.
1995 Eagle Talon TSi - The Eagle Has Landed
If you're wondering why this Mitsubishi Eclipse isn't wearing a trio of diamonds, that's because it's an Eagle Talon. Now, if you're wondering what an Eagle is and why people call it a DSM, you're not the only one. Alex Ruiz, owner of this '95 Talon, gets those questions a lot.
1995 Eagle Talon TSi - The Eagle Has Landed
A DSM finally lands on the pages of <em>Super Street</em>—and it's a sweet one! If you're wondering why this Mitsubishi Eclipse isn't wearing a trio of diamonds, that's because it's an Eagle Talon. Now, if you're wondering what an Eagle is and why people call it a DSM, you're not the only one. Alex Ruiz, owner of this '95 Talon, gets those questions a lot.
1995 Eagle Talon TSi
1995 Eagle Talon TSi - The Eagle Has Landed A DSM finally lands on the pages of Super Street—and it's a sweet one! Austin LottWriterDax RodriguezPhotographerJan 08, 2019 If you're wondering why this Mitsubishi Eclipse isn't wearing a trio of diamonds, that's because it's an Eagle Talon. Now, if you're wondering what an Eagle is and why people call it a DSM, you're not the only one. Alex Ruiz, owner of this '95 Talon, gets those questions a lot.
1995 Eagle Talon TSi - The Eagle Has Landed
A DSM finally lands on the pages of Super Street—and it's a sweet one! Austin LottWriterDax RodriguezPhotographerJan 08, 2019 If you're wondering why this Mitsubishi Eclipse isn't wearing a trio of diamonds, that's because it's an Eagle Talon. Now, if you're wondering what an Eagle is and why people call it a DSM, you're not the only one. Alex Ruiz, owner of this '95 Talon, gets those questions a lot.
1989 Toyota MR2 (AW11) - Ahead of the Curve
Luis Alvarez has quite the stable of classic Japanese cars. In addition to this '89 Toyota MR2, he also owns a pair of Datsuns—a 1974 260Z and a 1972 510. The Z is all original while the 510 is dropped on coilovers with aftermarket wheels; very impressive considering he's only 21-year-old. Luis is a self-employed college student who manages a few social media influencer accounts when he's not in class; however, his ultimate goal is to become a paralegal and eventually a lawyer.
Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign Shown in Production Form
Nissan revealed the production version of the GT-R50 by Italdesign, and sure enough, it stays true to the concept. Orders have begun, but only 50 copies will be sold. The concept had a gray and gold exterior, but customers can specify whichever color combination they'd like on their own model. As our friends over at sister pub Motor Trend learned while driving the prototype, all 50 copies will feature a different design so that no two are alike.
Koenigsegg Will Sell You a Regera Made from Naked Carbon Fiber
Koenigsegg builds some of the fastest, rarest cars in the world. They're also mechanical marvels that feature innovations such as the gearless hybrid powertrain found in the Regera. As you can imagine, they're also incredibly expensive. But if you happen to be wealthy enough that a regular Regera isn't rare or expensive enough for you, Koenigsegg may have a solution: naked carbon fiber. Koenigsegg announced that it has built the first car ever finished in its version of naked carbon fiber.
2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition is Brand's Second Most Powerful Model
Toyota will debut the Supra at the Detroit auto show, and it turns out Lexus has a treat for us as well. The 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition will also make its way to the show in January. Despite what the name suggests, the RC F Track Edition is a purpose-built vehicle, not an accessory package. It will join the lineup in "very, very limited production," according to Robert Carter, executive vice president of sales for Toyota Motor North America.
2019 Hyundai Veloster N - First Drive
When Hyundai introduced their N brand of vehicles, they promised performance-oriented track-ready cars. Europe would get two iterations—the i30 N sedan and a five-door hatchback. For us here in North America, we're treated to the three-door Veloster N hatch. Last October, we were invited to the U.S. launch of the Veloster N at the notoriously challenging Thunderhill Raceway in California.
1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) - The Rotary Made Me Do It
The third-generation (FD) Mazda RX-7 is one of the most popular vehicles to modify among performance car enthusiasts. We've seen just about every shape and form, from drift and time-attack examples to countless V-8 swaps. In fact, it almost feels rare to find an FD without an LS these days! Despite the push for pushrod power, there are still a handful of people appreciating the joys (and woes) of the twin-turbocharged rotary Mazda intended for the RX-7...people like Ranj Jaaf.
2019 Diesel Truck and Van Buyer’s Guide
Change comes to the front of the light-duty pickup game for 2019, as not one, but two trucks are shaking up the segment long defined by Ram and recently entered by Nissan. Both Ford and Chevrolet are offering turbodiesel six-cylinder versions of their popular light-duty rigs. If you’re looking for a truck or van, you’ve got options that cover all the bases between efficiency and big-power capability.
2019 Diesel Truck and Van Buyer’s Guide
Change comes to the front of the light-duty pickup game for 2019, as not one, but two trucks are shaking up the segment long defined by Ram and recently entered by Nissan. Both Ford and Chevrolet are offering turbodiesel six-cylinder versions of their popular light-duty rigs. If you’re looking for a truck or van, you’ve got options that cover all the bases between efficiency and big-power capability.
2019 Diesel Truck and Van Buyer’s Guide
Change comes to the front of the light-duty pickup game for 2019, as not one, but two trucks are shaking up the segment long defined by Ram and recently entered by Nissan. Both Ford and Chevrolet are offering turbodiesel six-cylinder versions of their popular light-duty rigs. If you’re looking for a truck or van, you’ve got options that cover all the bases between efficiency and big-power capability.
2019 Diesel Truck and Van Buyer’s Guide
Change comes to the front of the light-duty pickup game for 2019, as not one, but two trucks are shaking up the segment long defined by Ram and recently entered by Nissan. Both Ford and Chevrolet are offering turbodiesel six-cylinder versions of their popular light-duty rigs. If you’re looking for a truck or van, you’ve got options that cover all the bases between efficiency and big-power capability.
East Coast Defender - Custom British Classics
There's something about rugged four-wheel drive capability paired with leather-bound luxury that's appealing. Just look at half the vehicles Land Rover sells, and the fact that the Mercedes G-Class didn't change for years. The recipe is simple, but the truth is, they don't make 'em like they used to. So, your options have typically been to settle and get something new that comes close, or to get something used.
1946 Willys Jeep (CJ-2A) - Thrilla From Manila
Why is there a Jeep in Super Street? To understand, you have to take a peek into the modified car scene halfway around the world—specifically, 7,000 miles away, in the Philippines. Joel Tan grew up there and got his start messing with a Jeep just like this one when he was 16 years old. Joel explained that in his hometown of Manila, the Willys Jeeps are a starting point for most young car enthusiasts. They're practical, cheap, and simple enough that engine swaps are common.
1946 Willys Jeep (CJ-2A) - Thrilla From Manila
A post-WWII civilian Jeep infused with Japanese parts and Filipino flavor Austin LottWriterZack WilliamsPhotographerOct 11, 2018 Why is there a Jeep inSuper Street? To understand, you have to take a peek into the modified car scene halfway around the world—specifically, 7,000 miles away, in the Philippines. Joel Tan grew up there and got his start messing with a Jeep just like this one when he was 16 years old.
1946 Willys Jeep (CJ-2A) - Thrilla From Manila
Why is there a Jeep inSuper Street? To understand, you have to take a peek into the modified car scene halfway around the world—specifically, 7,000 miles away, in the Philippines. Joel Tan grew up there and got his start messing with a Jeep just like this one when he was 16 years old. Joel explained that in his hometown of Manila, the Willys Jeeps are a starting point for most young car enthusiasts. They're practical, cheap, and simple enough that engine swaps are common.
1946 Willys Jeep (CJ-2A) - Thrilla From Manila
A post-WWII civilian Jeep infused with Japanese parts and Filipino flavor Austin LottWriterZack WilliamsPhotographerOct 11, 2018 Why is there a Jeep inSuper Street? To understand, you have to take a peek into the modified car scene halfway around the world—specifically, 7,000 miles away, in the Philippines. Joel Tan grew up there and got his start messing with a Jeep just like this one when he was 16 years old.
1973 Datsun 240Z - Modern Nostalgia
When Daniel Ojeda first saw this '73 Datsun 240Z, it was at a car meet in Houston where he met the owner, Edgar De La Fuente. Daniel, who was driving a second-gen Toyota MR2 at the time, was drawn to the classic. The Z was sporting a different body kit but the same engine: a twin-turbocharged VQ35 from a Nissan 350Z. It's the sort of thing we'd be drawn to as well, so we can't blame him.
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