Jim Travers
Verified- Automotive Journalist, Blogger, Photographer, and Editor, Freelance
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Articles by Jim Travers
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Trax a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
The Chevrolet Trax was treated to a transformation for 2024; its frumpy and uninspiring predecessor was replaced with a stylish, well-equipped and affordable subcompact that packed a lot of value into a small and easy-to-handle package. The improvements were enough to earn the Trax Cars.com’s Best Car of 2024 award. In addition to improved styling, the update brought a new turbocharged powertrain, added passenger room, and additional standard safety and convenience features.
Is the 2026 Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid a Good Car? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
The Porsche Panamera has long been something of an outlier in the performance brand’s lineup, offering buyers a luxurious and lively driving experience wrapped in a sleek sedan body style with seating for four. The addition of available Active Ride adaptive suspension takes the Panamera to a new level of sophistication, delivering improved handling and impressive body control without sacrificing ride comfort.
Is the 2026 Ford Ranger a Good Pickup Truck? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
In the fiercely competitive world of mid-size pickup trucks, the Ford Ranger stands out with a comfortable ride, smooth available V-6 and by offering some unique features not found with competing body-on-frame trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado , GMC Canyon , Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma — just be careful with options, because the Ranger can get pricey fast. Like those alternatives, the Ranger has been treated to a recent redesign to keep it competitive.
Is the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit a Good SUV? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
A mid-cycle update brought some notable changes to the mid-size Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV for 2026, some of which we like better than others. Cabin updates include a revised multimedia system and added new tech features, along with improvements to what was already a very nice interior rivaling those in domestic competitors and even some imported luxury brands.
Are the 2026 Lexus RX 450+ and 500h Good Luxury SUVs? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
Lexus makes the popular RX luxury SUV available in several flavors, including versions with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and conventional gasoline powertrains. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and 500h hybrid sit at the top of the RX lineup, and both are good options. But the two deliver a very different driving and ownership experience, as evidenced by our recent comparison test.
Is the 2026 Ford F-150 King Ranch a Good Pickup Truck? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
Pickup trucks with serious off-road chops — raised suspensions, oversized wheels and knobby tires — are more popular than ever. But the open secret is that most buyers rarely, if ever, venture off-road, making the Ford F-150 ’s luxurious King Ranch trim a better pick for many, offering a quieter cabin and more comfortable ride on pavement while still providing lots of capability.
Is the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker a Good Mid-Size Crossover EV? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker joined the carmaker’s growing lineup of electric vehicles and is the closest thing to an Outback EV yet with similar dimensions and genuine capability on- or off-road. Like the smaller Subaru Uncharted, the mid-size Trailseeker is part of a joint effort with Toyota and is virtually identical to the bZ Woodland aside from styling tweaks and mild differences in equipment.
Is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline a Good Pickup Truck? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
The Honda Ridgeline stands out among mid-size pickup trucks with its unibody design shared with the Honda Passport and Pilot SUVs rather than the body-on-frame construction typically found in other pickups. The result is a more carlike driving experience, with a more comfortable ride and better handling on pavement in exchange for less towing and hauling capability than alternatives like the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger.
Is the 2026 Audi A6 a Good Sedan? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
A dramatic new dashboard features an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster that flows seamlessly into a 14.5-inch center infotainment touchscreen, with another 10.9-inch available display to keep the front passenger entertained. Other new standard features across the board include adaptive cruise control, wireless device charging, a power trunk lid, ventilated front seats and an electrochromic panoramic moonroof that can be darkened at the touch of a button.
Is the 2026 Honda Pilot a Good 3-Row SUV? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
Honda has upped the Pilot’s tech with a new standard infotainment system for all trims. In place of the old 7- or 9-inch touchscreens, there’s a significantly larger 12.3-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google Built-In functionality. With an interface and menu structure much like the old system, the new one is just as easy to use and quick to respond. Additionally, the driver now enjoys a new 10.2-inch digital instrument display.
Is the 2026 Honda Prelude a Good Car? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
Beneath its attractive profile, the sole powertrain is a four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid shared with the Civic hybrid. While it delivers excellent fuel economy, the hybrid just doesn’t deliver the acceleration, engagement and response advertised by its looks. An aggressive $43,195 base price (all prices include destination) leaves the Prelude with few front-drive competitors but puts it above certain configurations of the Ford Mustang and Toyota GR86.
These SUVs Have the Best MPG for 2026
What Car Shoppers Need to Know Hybrid SUVs often achieve combined fuel economy in the mid-40 mpg range or better. Plug-in hybrids are even more impressive, with some returning more than 50 mpg combined. The most fuel-efficient models are compact or subcompact, yet they offer spacious interiors. If you’ve been thinking it’s time for a new SUV but are concerned about rising fuel costs, we have some good news.
Is the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
What Do We Like About the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback? The standard powertrain consists of a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. GT-Line Turbo trims get a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine good for 190 hp and 195 pounds-feet of torque; it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic. No manual transmission is available.
Is the 2026 Mazda3 a Good Compact Sedan? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
What Do We Like About the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan? The Mazda3 easily outguns competitors with its standard 186-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, down from the 2025’s 191-hp rating but still considerably above the norm of 150-160 hp for the category. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the result is lively and entertaining performance combined with a pleasant and refined soundtrack.
Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder a Good 3-Row SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
What Do We Like About the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder? A new 12.3-inch touchscreen sits prominently in the center of the dash, in place of the considerably smaller 8- or 9-inch screens available with the 2025 model. The larger size makes the screen much easier to see and operate, and the menu structure is simpler and better organized. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are part of the package, and wireless phone pairing is quick and easy.
The 1966 Chevrolet Electrovair II helped pave the way for modern EVs
In 1966, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. was about 30 cents, which is about $3.10 per gallon today. The muscle car wars were in full swing; power was going up, as was engine displacement. Against this backdrop, General Motors opted to roll out the experimental Electrovair ll, a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair four-door hardtop converted to run on electric power.
Is the Dodge Charger Daytona a Good EV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
With its large footprint, chiseled styling and bright color palette, the Charger Daytona is likely not a top choice for wallflowers and traditional EV buyers alike. The Daytona is focused less on efficiency and more on performance, with a potent powertrain, quick acceleration and impressively nimble handling for its size. Direct competitors are few, but the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N come closest.
Are the 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-Tron Good Electric SUVs? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
Combining impressive driving dynamics with plenty of power, decent range and quick charge times, the Q6 and SQ6 e-Trons have a lot of what first-time EV buyers are looking for, wrapped up in a more conventional and user-friendly package than competitors like the Mercedes-EQ EQE. Sharing a platform and underpinnings with the excellent Porsche Macan Electric, the new Audis are among the first to use the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric architecture.
What You Need to Know About 0% Financing
What Car Shoppers Need to Know Zero percent financing eliminates thousands of dollars normally spent on interest. Qualification is strict, generally requiring excellent credit. The goal should be minimizing total out-of-pocket cost through a combination of low rates and other incentives, including rebates and cash back.
Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee a Good SUV? 6 Pros, 2 Cons
To simplify ordering and lower production costs, Jeep has reduced the Cherokee lineup to just four trim levels and offers just one powertrain and few stand-alone options. Base trims carry a higher starting price than some competitors but include standard features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, AWD and active-safety features that aren’t always found with entry-level models from other manufacturers.
Is the 2026 Nissan Armada a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
The redesigned Armada is the latest model to ditch an aging V-8 for a more potent and fuel-efficient V-6 — in this case, one with twin turbos and good for 425 horsepower and an impressive 516 pounds-feet of torque. That works out to an increase of 25 hp and a notable 103 pounds-feet of torque compared to the old V-8. The NISMO further ups the ante for a total output of 460 hp.
See Every Photo We Took of the New 2026 Mazda CX-5’s Interior
What Car Shoppers Need to Know The Mazda CX-5 is completely redesigned for the 2026 model year. Larger footprint yields more rear-seat and cargo room New multimedia system uses Google Built-In Combining compact SUV practicality with a sporty driving experience and a more upscale interior than typically found in the category, the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 gets some much-needed improvements without losing its core appeal.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
The same 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found in the old CX-5 soldiers on with the new version, but it feels more peppy and responsive than its relatively modest output might suggest. In normal driving, the engine delivers smooth and lively acceleration, making for easy merging and passing in spite of the redesigned CX-5’s larger footprint.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC350e a Good PHEV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
With an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 54 miles on electric power, some GLC350e drivers may be able to avoid burning any gasoline at all. That’s more than double the range of an Audi Q5 e and almost 20 miles more than the NX 450h+. To maximize efficiency, its default is to stay in EV mode as long as the battery is sufficiently charged, all the way up to a maximum electric speed of 87 mph.
Is the GMC Hummer EV SUV a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 4 Cons
The Hummer EV SUV powertrain combines a 170 kilowatt-hour battery paired with either one motor for each axle in 2X versions, or with one motor up front and two in the rear like our 3X test vehicle. 2024 2X versions were good for 570 horsepower, while 3X models cranked out 830 horsepower. Driving range was similar, at up to 303 miles for the 2X and 314 for the 3X. All-wheel drive was standard either way.
Is the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons | Cars.com
There’s nothing that compares to the feel of a sports car combining relatively light weight, a balanced chassis and a relatively straightforward design that emphasizes the driving experience without relying entirely on electronic aids. The 718 Boxster excels at delivering precise yet predictable handling, aided by nicely weighted electric steering and excellent brake response and feel.
Is the 2025 Audi Q7 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
The optional turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 in our test vehicle isn’t as powerful as comparable engines in either the X5 or GLE450, but it has more than enough grunt to hustle this hefty SUV up to speed. With 335 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque, the Q7 accelerates smoothly and quickly after slight turbo lag from a stop, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is well matched with the engine. All-wheel drive comes standard.
Is the Kia Sorento a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
The Sorento’s base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 191 horsepower and 181 pounds-feet of torque that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims get the same engine with a turbocharger, which adds a notable boost in muscle to 281 hp and 311 pounds-feet of torque; it’s paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Is the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid a Good SUV? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
Like the gas version, the CX-50 Hybrid offers surprisingly lively handling, with the kind of buttoned-down body control and excellent steering feel you might expect in a sports sedan rather than an SUV. Its firm suspension can make for a choppier ride than some drivers might like around town, especially with the optional 19-inch wheels and tires like those on our test vehicle, but the payoff is a lot more enjoyable driving in the twisties.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB250 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
One advantage of the GLB’s upright shape is a relatively spacious interior with decent front and rear legroom and headroom. The interior design is clean and modern, with a look and feel similar to other models from Mercedes-Benz even if it isn’t quite as upscale. Physical controls for the climate and audio functions are welcome because they’re much easier to live with than the touch controls found in the automaker’s other models.
Is the Lucid Air Sapphire a Good Car? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
There are few visual cues separating the Sapphire from lesser trims, but numerous upgrades help get all that power to the ground. Rather than a conventional limited-slip differential, Lucid makes extensive use of proprietary software to keep traction control, torque vectoring and stability control in check. A variety of drive modes allow for further customization and include options for track use.
Is the 2025 Lexus LS 500h a Good Car? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
The LS takes a more traditional approach to luxury than most competitors, which offer a more modern look. Its interior is well equipped and attractively designed, with quality materials and solid assembly throughout. The posh leather seats are big and comfortable, with plenty of power adjustments and good support, and front and rear legroom is generous even if the cabin is not as spacious as some others.
Is the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
The Coupe’s base engine is the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that’s optional in the GV80 SUV. With 375 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet of torque on tap, the engine delivers more than adequate power. Our test vehicle had the coupe-only e-Supercharger option, which adds a 48-volt electric supercharger to the V-6, raising output to 409 hp and 405 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
Is the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS a Good Car? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
Some might be disappointed that Subaru has forgone going with a turbo for the tS or giving it any kind of additional motivation. Instead, the tS uses the same 228-hp, 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine found in every other BRZ. But with 184 pounds-feet of torque at just 3,700 rpm, the engine provides plenty of low-end grunt to hustle the lightweight coupe along, with a linear power delivery throughout the rev range all the way to its 7,000 rpm redline.
Is the 2025 Aston Martin DBX707 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
Aston Martin has done a commendable job of adapting the brand’s signature styling cues to an SUV shape, something not all luxury brands have been able to do. The DBX707 is not only instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin, it is well proportioned and drop-dead gorgeous. With the update, all DBXs now get the upgraded powertrain that was previously reserved for the 707 version, prompting the name change.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
The heart of the Z06 is its potent and sophisticated mid-engine powerplant, a technological tour de force — especially when compared to the pushrod V-8s that powered Corvettes for decades. The Z06 gets a naturally aspirated, dual overhead camshaft, 32-valve, 5.5-liter LT6 V-8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. The result is 670 hp and 460 pounds-feet of torque, delivered smoothly while screaming all the way to a redline of 8,600 rpm.
Is the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz a Good Minivan EV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
A cavernous and cleverly designed interior is the ID. Buzz’s strong suit, with plenty of room to stretch out regardless of row. Headroom is better than in any other minivan, while large windows and an available electrochromic glass roof panel add to the open, airy feel. An abundance of thoughtful storage solutions include various shelves and nooks throughout the cabin, along with the Buzz Box, a removable center console with assorted drawers and compartments.
Is the 2025 Subaru WRX tS a Good Car? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
Combining desirable bits from other trims with unique upgrades of its own, the tS gets STI-tuned electronically adjustable shocks, and there’s a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and unique trim inside. But under the hood is the same powertrain shared with other WRX variants, resulting in a horsepower deficit compared to the competing Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla.
Is the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Car? 6 Pros, 3 Cons
Jetta buyers have plenty of flavors to choose from, including five trims ranging from basic to the sporty GLI. The base S trim is the value leader, which is nicely equipped and has a competitive starting price of less than $25,000. The Sport, SE and SEL trims add features as you go, with few stand-alone options available. All share the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission; the GLI gets its own engine, suspension and distinctive trim.
Is the 2025 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works a Good Car? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
Much like the rest of the Mini lineup, the Countryman has grown a little less mini with each generation. The third-generation Countryman is no exception, getting a more spacious interior along with styling tweaks and added tech. While it thankfully retains the fun-to-drive demeanor Mini is known for, the latest Countryman is closer in size to an Audi Q3 or BMW X1 than a Mini of old.
Is the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid a Good Minivan? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
The new hybrid powertrain adds to the Carnival’s value equation with dramatically increased fuel economy. Combining a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and 1.49-kilowatt-hour battery, the hybrid is good for an EPA-estimated 34/31/33 mpg city/highway/combined. That’s a big improvement over the 3.5-liter V-6, which is rated at 18/26/21 mpg.
Is the 2025 Buick Enclave a Good 3-Row SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
The redesigned Enclave is offered in three trims, all of which are luxurious and nicely equipped. The base Preferred trim includes niceties like a heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera system and premium audio. Stepping up to the ST gets blacked-out trim instead of chrome for a sportier look, while the top Avenir trim pulls out all the stops with a panoramic moonroof, head-up display and rich leather upholstery.
Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks a Good Subcompact SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
More than a simple refresh, the redesigned Kicks is now a stylish and easy-to-live-with alternative to worthy competitors like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross. It’s also a solid value, particularly if you steer clear of the base version and go with one of the still reasonably priced (but more nicely equipped) upper trims. Though the Kicks continues largely unchanged for 2026, the base trim gets a tech upgrade that addresses one of our concerns.
Is the 2025 Rivian R1S a Good 3-Row Electric SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
The previous R1S was no slouch gathering speed, but the 2025 version really ups the ante with new oil-cooled motors. The Dual Max Performance trim like our tested vehicle gets the largest battery available, which is paired with one motor driving each axle for a total of 665 horsepower and 829 pounds-feet of torque. A 0-60 mph acceleration run takes just 3.4 seconds, according to Rivian, which is pretty impressive for a 6,500-pound vehicle.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
Hybrid models still use the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine as before, but it is now paired with a more powerful 47.7-kilowatt motor that brings the total system output to 231 horsepower. While that’s only 5 more ponies than before, the added boost provides a bit more oomph while also allowing a bit more driving range on electric power. With no significant mechanical updates beyond the new motor, the 2025 Tucson Hybrid feels much the same as before from behind the wheel.
Is the 2025 Volvo EX90 a Good Electric SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
The EX90 is offered with a choice of two dual-motor electric powertrains that pack all-wheel drive. The base powertrain gets a total of 402 horsepower and 568 pounds-feet of torque, while the Performance trim cranks out a juicy 510 hp and 671 pounds-feet of torque. Both have a maximum charging capacity of 250 kilowatts and use a 111-kilowatt-hour battery, which Volvo says allows the base version to travel up to 308 miles on a charge or a still respectable 296 miles with the Performance variant.
Is the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling a Good SUV? 3 Pros, 3 Cons
The Bronco Sport’s interior room is decent upfront, with an open and airy feel aided by a rotary shifter mounted low and out of the way. The SUV’s upright shape and large glass area make for good visibility all around, and the boxy profile helps make for decent cargo room. There’s plenty of head and shoulder room in both rows, too, but rear legroom is not as generous as upfront.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox a Good SUV? 6 Pros, 2 Cons
Along with the stylish new look that keeps it more in line with current Chevrolet design themes, the 2025 Equinox has grown wider and more spacious while gaining added safety features and a nicer interior. All of that should help keep the Equinox on buyers’ radar in the face of worthy competition from the Ford Escape (soon to be discontinued), Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and others. The Equinox continues for 2026 with no major changes.
Living With a 2025 Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 AWD — Wait, a What? | Cars.com
So, it seems to be a useful, thoughtfully made commercial van with good electric range, plenty of room in back and decent driving dynamics, but that still doesn’t explain why you’re driving it. I’m driving it because anyone can buy one now at their local Chevy dealer, and there are definitely good reasons to be interested in one. My first thought on driving the thing is that it would make an absolutely stellar recreational vehicle, and it seems that there’s at least one company doing that with it.
Is the 2025 Genesis G80 a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
In an era when many luxury brands seem to confuse luxury with advanced technology, the G80 manages to integrate modern tech and still coddle passengers in an inviting, comfortable cabin. In addition to a generous list of standard equipment, the interior includes soft-touch surfaces with a quality feel, contrasting stitching, and attractive upholstery patterns and color combinations. A new dash design features a 27-inch screen encompassing both the instrument panel and infotainment display.
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