Robert Duffer
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Articles by Robert Duffer
2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Proves Its Off-Road Ability
Honda wants you to know it’s serious about off-roading. On an aggressive off-road course hosted by Overland Experts in the hills of North Carolina last week, Honda proved that its commitment to off-roading is real, and it’s spectacular. Just 20 months after Honda redesigned the 2026 Honda Passport, its engineers significantly updated the suspension of the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport. But why change 70% of a vehicle’s suspension just one year after a redesign?
On the Road with the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor
Tremor replaces the Timberline trim in Ford’s off-road SUV lineup. Standard upgrades include all-wheel drive (AWD), a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. The 2026 Tremor costs $51,210, so it’s $6,735 more than Active with AWD. What is the Ford Explorer Tremor? This was the question a relative posed on a 3.5-hour road trip through the Rocky Mountains. The short answer is it’s the new off-road trim of the Explorer 3-row SUV.
2027 BMW iX4 Cuts a Neue Line in Electric SUVs
2027 BMW iX4 sports a curving roofline with better aerodynamics and performance than the related iX3. The iX4 M60 model arriving in 2027 will have a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.7 seconds. The iX4 50 xDrive will cost $67,350 when it goes on sale early next year. BMW on Wednesday pulled back the curvy curtain on its newest SUV, the 2027 iX4. Mechanically related to the iX3 electric SUV but with a sleeker roofline, the 2027 iX4 debuts as the more performance-oriented version.
Subie Specials Attract Fans With Limited Edition WRX, BRZ
2027 Subaru WRX GD25 limited to 350 units. 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 limited to 300 units. Both anniversary models celebrate the of Subaru’s sports car heritage with unique accessories and colors. If you’re into chassis codes and model anniversaries, then Subaru has two limited-edition models for you. The 2027 Subaru WRX GD25 and 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 debuted this week as callbacks to the past, with modified sports cars angling into the near future.
The Most Dependable Car In America Runs A 12-Year-Old Engine – On Purpose
Every other luxury sedan is chasing turbocharged engines and hybrid systems, yet the most dependable car in America just received a meaningful update — and it still runs the same naturally aspirated V6 it always has. In an era when automakers treat powertrains as disposable, Lexus is making a compelling case that the best engine for the job is the one that already works. Far from being lazy, Lexus is being deliberate — and the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study keeps proving them right.
A Subaru Ascent, 2,200 miles and an empty nest
Every year, Georgia families load SUVs for Athens, Macon, Statesboro, Atlanta — or colleges hundreds of miles from home. The destination changes; the ritual doesn’t. Neither does the strange quiet when the trip home begins with one fewer passenger. On a 2,200-mile college road trip from the Chicago suburbs to Massachusetts, I had time to process my new role as an empty nester in my now-empty Subaru Ascent. The numbers were easy: seven states, four nights, three cars, two colleges, two kids.
Redesigned 2027 BMW 3 Series Gets Potent Gas and EV Options
2027 BMW M350 uses a 437-horsepower inline-6 to top the performance end of the line. The i3 50 xDrive electric variant has an estimated range of up to 468 miles. Pricing starts at $51,250 and climbs to $67,250, with destination fees. BMW has pulled the covers off the redesigned 2027 3 Series and, in so doing, showed off the next era of EVs with the second iteration of the i3.
Nissan Z Kaze Concept Turns Back Clock on T-Tops
Nissan showed off a concept car evoking the 1990s 300ZX and its t-top removable roof panels. The Nissan Z Kaze Concept is a retro take on the 400-horsepower Z sports coupe. Other retro tuner elements include flared fenders, 18-inch forged NISMO wheels wrapped in wide tires, and a teal coat. Nissan peeled back the roof on the Z Kaze Concept car on Wednesday in Phoenix, Arizona.
Back To School: Subaru Ascent Helps a Family Get Along
2026 Ascent 3-row SUV packs off two kids to college across the country. The Ascent eases a 2,200-mile trip over seven states, four nights, three cars, two colleges, two kids, one dad. The $52,615 Touring trim netted 24.2 mpg. Parenting advice comes in as many varieties as car models.
IRS Finalizes $10,000 New Car Loan Interest Deduction
The finalized rule allows people with a new car loan to deduct up to $10,000 in interest payments annually. The rule applies only to loans from the start of 2025 through the end of 2028 on new passenger vehicles with a final assembly in the U.S. The finalized rule addressed public comments to the Treasury Department since January. The IRS and Treasury Department detailed the final ruling on the Car Loan Interest Deduction this week after processing nine months of public comments.
2028 Volvo XC40 Refreshed With New Tech, New Wheels
The 2028 Volvo XC40 small SUV sports new ends but the same 4-cylinder engine and the same dimensions. Upgrades include new cameras and sensors, as well as new software for more advanced driver assist systems. The XC40 skips the 2027 model year. Volvo on Thursday unveiled the refreshed 2028 XC40 small SUV, sporting more streamlined ends, new light and wheel designs, and upgraded safety and infotainment technology. The powertrain and proportions remain the same.
Volvo EX40 Discontinued, Refreshed XC40 Skips 2027 Model Year
The XC40 small SUV is refreshed with new ends and a new interior for the 2028 model year. The EX40 electric variant will stay on sale as a 2026 model, but it will not return as a redesigned 2028 model, for now. Volvo shook up its small SUV lineup on Thursday by debuting a refreshed 2028 XC40 and a new EX40 electric variant. Both the current XC40 and EX40 will have long runs as 2026 models, but the EX40 will not return to the U.S. for the 2028 model year, Volvo confirmed.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC EV Nets 350 Miles, Costs $64,950
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic Electric gets up to 350 miles of range. The electric version of the GLC starts at $64,950, including the $1,450 destination fee. The GLC Electric costs about $9,000 more than the 2026 GLC 300 4Matic with the 2.0-liter turbo-4. The fully electric version of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a range of up to 350 miles and a starting price of $64,950 including destination fee, Mercedes announced Tuesday.
2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Leans Into Off-Road Side
Redesigned 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport off-road model gets a suspension lift and more off-road ability. Passport TrailSport has 9.65 inches of ground clearance and a more macho look. Heated steering wheel and surround-view camera system are now standard on the Passport TrailSport. Honda is giving the 2027 Passport TrailSport a lift.
2027 Kia Telluride, Tesla Model Y Earn Top Safety Pick+ Ratings
Redesigned Telluride 3-row SUVs made after June qualify for the industry’s top safety award. Redesigned Tesla Model Y EV earned top ratings as well from the IIHS. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit safety agency funded by the insurance industry. Two of the most popular vehicles in their segments earned top safety honors, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced Thursday.
Honda Models Get Extended Warranty Over Head Gaskets
Engines of certain 2016-2026 Honda and Acura vehicles get an extended cylinder head gasket warranty. The warranty extends to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original date of purchase. 2016 models get until May 31, 2027. Honda has doubled its engine warranty for some of its most popular models due to cylinder head gasket issues, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported last week.
Envious? 2027 Lexus IS Special Edition Wants You to Be
2027 Lexus IS Special Appearance Package builds off the 350 F Sport with an exclusive “Envious” green paint. The IS compact sedan defies rumors of its discontinuation and carries on for another model year. The limited-edition model will be capped at 350 units, and on sale later this year. Lexus wants car shoppers to be green with envy, based on a limited-edition run of the 2027 Lexus IS compact sedan.
Used Car Shopping? Hertz Offers 3-Year, 100K-Mile Warranty
Used cars sold by rental car company Hertz are eligible for a 3-year, 100,000-mile warranty on top of the existing automaker warranty. The limited powertrain warranty applies to used vehicles purchased via Hertz Certified, which is like a dealer’s CPO program. The warranty is limited to vehicles up to five years old with fewer than 75,000 miles. Used car shoppers seeking peace of mind may want to check out a new 3-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty offered by Hertz.
Lincoln Corsair Returns for 2027 as $48,790 Hybrid
Lincoln revived its entry-level SUV as a conventional hybrid with standard all-wheel drive. After shutting down production of the Corsair and related Ford Escape in Kentucky last year, the redesigned Corsair will be imported from China. Despite importing the Lincoln Nautilus and now Corsair, Ford still plans to end China imports by 2030. The 2027 Lincoln Corsair returns less than a year after it was discontinued, but this time it will be a standard hybrid and it will be imported from China.
2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Upland Rounds Out SUV Lineup
Jeep’s bestseller gets a new Upland trim with all-terrain tires and recovery tow hooks for $5,000 less than a forthcoming Trailhawk. The 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $41,515, which is $600 more than the revised 2026 model. Pricing for the Overland is $57,895, and $54,995 for the Trailhawk. Jeep is expanding the Grand Cherokee lineup again. In June, it resurrected the Overland and Trailhawk off-road models for the 2027 Grand Cherokee.
Why Rivian Made Less-Efficient Tires Standard on the 2027 R1T
The 20-inch wheel package standard on the 2027 R1T pickup cuts range by 29 miles. The 22-inch wheel package, standard last year, is available for $1,000. New wheel package provides more off-road capability, better range than the optional All-Terrain combo. Relationships require compromise. That’s as true in marriage as it is for Rivian and its customers. Among the updates to the 2027 Rivian R1 lineup announced this week was a new standard wheel and tire combo on the 2027 R1T pickup truck.
Electric vehicles: An abrupt end or a new beginning?
The market for electric vehicles is at another inflection point. More than a dozen electric vehicle models have been canceled after only one or two model years, yet new electric vehicles continue to debut. The shifting geopolitical landscape and volatile energy prices have created a complicated EV outlook. Honda, for instance, canceled both the Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue developed in partnership with GM, and delayed plans for its Honda-developed 0 Series SUV and Saloon.
2027 Nissan Kicks Rocks the Creek on Small SUV
Nissan’s smallest SUV gets the rugged Rock Creek treatment. The Kicks Rock Creek comes with AWD, distinct trim bits and wheels, and a roof rack. The Rock Creek is the most expensive Kicks, costing $30,385, including destination fee. Nissan is putting a little more leg into the 2027 Kicks with a new Rock Creek edition, the brand announced today. The Rock Creek trim is a cosmetic off-road package first offered on the Nissan Pathfinder 3-row SUV and Rogue compact SUV, which is the Nissan’s bestseller.
2027 Rivian R1S Gets Captain’s Chairs, Max Pack on Base Models
2027 Rivian R1S 3-row electric SUV can be had with second-row captain’s chairs for the first time. 2027 Rivian R1T pickup now comes with 20-inch wheels as standard. 2027 Rivian R1 base models can be equipped with the 140-kWh Max pack for the first time. You asked, Rivian has answered: Let them have captain’s chairs! For the first time, the Rivian R1S can be had with second-row captain’s chairs in the 2027 model, converting its bestseller from a 7-person to a 6-person 3-row SUV.
Average New Car Price in July Hits 2026 High
On average, Americans paid $49,855 for a new car in July, marking the highest level so far this year. Incentives offered by automakers and dealers declined for the second straight month. Pickup trucks remain the most expensive new vehicle segment, averaging $66,980. New car shoppers looking to beat the heat on rising prices might have to wait for them to cool, according to the latest monthly sales data from Kelley Blue Book.
2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee Takes Sting Out of Bygone V8
Dodge reintroduces the Super Bee name to the 2027 Charger. It’s the first Super Bee without a V8. The 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee uses larger turbochargers to help the inline-6 generate 600 horsepower. You still can’t get a V8 in the reincarnated Dodge Charger, but Dodge is taking a half-step by introducing the 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee performance model.
Our 3 Favorite Things About the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse flies under the radar of edgier — and boxier — 3-row SUVs, yet it stands out where it matters most to many shoppers of family vehicles: It’s one of the largest, roomiest midsize SUVs available. Its understated attributes don’t end there. It offers some of the most seamless and intuitive infotainment systems, yet it still retains climate control buttons and dials.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-Door Coupe Debuts
The entry-level version of Mercedes-AMG’s electric tourer hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The 800-volt architecture enables fast DC charge times. Range from the 106-kWh battery pack estimated at over 400 miles. Mercedes-AMG’s electric future just got more accessible. The 2027 AMG GT 53 4-Door Coupe debuted today, following the launch of the GT 55 and GT 63 in May. As the oxymoronic name implies, the redesigned grand touring car has four doors, which means it’s not a coupe.
EV Sales Hit Record High, Just Not in U.S.
EV sales hit record highs in 50 countries in the second quarter of 2026. EV sales are expected to account for 29% of all new vehicle sales globally. A global energy crisis triggered by the Iran war is cited for the surge in demand. Electric vehicle (EV) sales hit record highs in dozens of markets in the second quarter of 2026, according to a quarterly report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) released Friday.
Land Rover to Discontinue Discovery Sport SUV
Land Rover will cease production of its compact SUV; rumored Defender Sport could come next. Land Rover is paring its lineup before a product onslaught for North America. Jaguar is making no new cars right now. The Land Rover Discovery Sport will be discontinued after the 2026 model year, a spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover confirmed to Kelley Blue Book today.
What the Fed’s Latest Rate Decision Means for Car Shoppers
The Federal Reserve had a divided vote to hold interest rates flat despite inflationary pressures. Affordability remains an issue for car shoppers. The Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate near 3.6% — as it has the entire year — despite economic uncertainty related to the Iran war and inflationary pressure.
Study: Small Cars Top Deadliest Car List; SUVs Least Deadly
Small cars have the highest death rate, according to a triennial report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Luxury SUVs have the lowest driver death rate. Large SUVs and trucks cause the most driver deaths in vehicle crashes. Size matters, especially when it comes to vehicle safety. Small cars and sports cars have the highest death rates, according to a triennial report issued today from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2027 Audi Q9 Stretches into Full-Size SUV Space
Audi’s newest and largest vehicle can seat six or seven passengers. The new Q9 has a 429-horsepower twin-turbo V6, while the SQ9 has a 591-hp twin-turbo V8. The Q9 is nearly 10 inches longer than the Q7 3-row SUV. The Q9 starts at $89,095, including destination fee. The SQ9 starts at $119,395. Audi has right-sized its 3-row SUV lineup. The new 2027 Audi Q9 stretches nearly a foot longer than the redesigned Audi Q7, which had been the brand’s only 3-row SUV, until the world premiere on Tuesday.
2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV Doubles Down on Charge Doors
Mitsubishi’s newest model follows the path of the related Nissan Leaf by having two EV charge ports. A NACS port on the passenger side enables DC fast charging at Tesla Supercharger stations. A J1772 port on the driver side allows for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. When the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV arrives this fall, it won’t look too much like the related Nissan Leaf, except for one uncommon feature: dual charging doors, one one either side of the car.
BMW Expands Engine Fire Recall to Over 318,000 Vehicles
The starter can overheat and catch fire in the engine bay. The recall encompasses 10 models, including the Toyota Supra. The expanded recall marks BMW’s third action for this issue. BMW is recalling 318,495 newer cars and SUVs due to an increased risk of engine fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed recently. The engine starter may malfunction due to “unexpected wear,” which could lead to the engine not starting or a fire happening on start-up or during operation.
2027 Volvo EX60 Rated at 330 Miles of Range
Volvo’s newest vehicle and longest-range EV was originally estimated to have 322 miles of range. The EPA certified 330 miles of range for the EX60 P10 AWD with 20- or 21-inch wheels. The EX60 is the first Volvo with a native NACS port. The 2027 Volvo EX60 electric SUV netted an official EPA certification of 330 miles of range, Volvo announced Thursday. Volvo’s most significant new vehicle exceeded original estimates of 322 miles of range.
Study: Waymo Driverless Cars Safer Than Human Drivers
Waymo driverless cars crashed at a rate of 68% lower than human drivers. The percentage of driverless crashes is likely lower because up to half of human driver crashes are unreported. The study analyzed 50 million miles of Waymo driveless operation. Machines are safer drivers than humans. That’s the conclusion of an in-depth study of Waymo driverless cars published today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Mercedes Enriches 2027 Maybach GLS SUV
Ultraluxe SUV updated with a more powerful V8 and more ride comfort. Subtle but significant exterior changes uphold the Maybach luxury details. Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 rivals other luxurious SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga and BMW Alpina XB7. The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 rolls into the new model year in rarefied air, with a more refined interior and a more potent V8 engine, Mercedes announced tonight.
Honda Prologue Joins Growing List of Canceled EVs
The Honda Prologue won’t be made in 2027. Honda has canceled all its EV plans in the U.S. The Honda Prologue electric vehicle (EV) has been discontinued after a brief 3-year run, Honda confirmed Thursday. “Production of the Prologue will end at the completion of the 2026 model year,” Honda spokesperson Chris Naughton confirmed to Kelley Blue Book via email.
Average Used Car Price Tops $27,000
The average used car price climbed to $27,027 in June, which is a 6% increase from last year. The average used car price last hit $27,000 three years ago. The average used car price exceeded $27,000 for the first time in three years, according to data provided by car dealers to Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book. The average used-vehicle listing price was $27,027 in June, up 6% from a year ago. Used car prices increased each month during the second quarter.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Gets $6,300 Price Cut
The performance version of the Ioniq 5 EV costs $61,500, including destination fee. Last year’s model was priced at $67,800. The standard Ioniq 5 also benefited from a big price cut this year. The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N performance electric vehicle (EV) returns, and Hyundai is slashing the price by $6,300 compared to last year’s model, the brand announced today.
Kia Telluride Recalled Again Over Front Seat Fire Risk
Kia has recalled 462,869 Telluride SUVs because a motor could catch fire under the front seats. The recall attempts to fix a prior recall for the same issue issued in June 2024. Kia urges owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures. The Kia Telluride is being recalled for a front seat motor that can overheat and increase the risk of a fire, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2027 Toyota Highlander EV Delayed as Hybrid Sales Surge
Expect the all-electric version of the Highlander to be delayed at least until the first quarter of 2027. Toyota confirmed “additional adjustments” are being made, but didn’t specify those adjustments. Gas and hybrid versions of the Highlander 3-row SUV continue to be made and sold. Toyota has delayed production of the 2027 Highlander EV due to “additional adjustments” to the brand’s first electric 3-row SUV, a Toyota spokesperson confirmed to Kelley Blue Book today.
Our 3 Favorite Things About the 2026 Acura MDX
The 2026 Acura MDX mostly carries over after last year’s refresh, which righted one of the biggest wrongs about this premium 3-row SUV. However, the new infotainment system and user-friendly interface are not the only things gracing Acura’s best-selling model. A potent V6, versatile seating, and a sharp style that cuts a more distinctive edge than boxier SUVs add up to give the MDX another edge over rivals. Here are a few of our favorite things about the 2026 Acura MDX.
Honda Recalls Odyssey Minivans Over Rearview Camera — Again
The recall attempts to fix a previous recall over a potentially faulty rearview camera. The new recall encompasses 325,588 Odysseys from the 2018 to 2020 model years. The 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey minivan has been recalled to address shortcomings of a fix on a previous recall, Honda disclosed Wednesday. The issue covering 325,588 Odyssey models is a rearview camera that can fail to project an image when the minivan is in reverse.
2026 Subaru Ascent vs. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Comparison
The 3-row SUV is one of the most popular new car choices, and brands such as Hyundai make two different ones of different sizes that may better accommodate families even if it confuses shoppers. Subaru’s largest vehicle, the Ascent, is a 3-row SUV that’s much more straightforward. Hyundai redesigned the 2026 Palisade and made its largest vehicle even larger in the process.
CPO Spotlight: 2023 Genesis G70
Original starting price: $40,525 (including destination fee) Class: Compact luxury sedan Seating capacity: 5 Fuel economy: 25 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive (RWD); 23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive (AWD) Used 2023 Genesis G70 Prices $40,525 $29,730 $46,025 $34,050 The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
What Is a Torcal? Bentley’s First Electric SUV
Bentley released the name of its fourth model, Torcal, to be revealed Sept. 23, 2026. The Torcal is believed to be Bentley’s much-anticipated electric SUV. Expect the Torcal to be smaller than the Bentayga. Bentley revealed the name of its newest model, the Torcal, which is expected to be the brand’s first electric SUV. The Torcal SUV will be revealed Sept. 23, 2026, Bentley announced Monday. It’s not every day that the bespoke British automaker reveals a new nameplate for a new model.
Mitsubishi Teases Return of Montero SUV
Known as the Pajero in markets except for North America, the reborn SUV debuts this fall. Mitsubishi discontinued the Montero in the U.S. in 2006, and the global Pajero in 2019. The Multi Meter displays three off-road gauges, including an altimeter and pitch and roll meters. Mitsubishi teased another image of the reborn Pajero SUV planned for its global return this fall.
BMW Reveals All-New 2027 X5 and All-Electric iX5 SUVs
Fifth-generation BMW X5 offers multiple powertrain variants, including a BMW-first all-electric iX5. The iX5 shares much with the iX3, and has an estimated 435-mile range. The redesigned X5 40 xDrive goes on sale this October for $73,550; the iX5 follows early in 2027 for $81,250. BMW unveiled the redesigned X5 midsize SUV and its all-new electric variant, the iX5, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, today.
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