Sami Haj-Assaad
Verified- Freelance Writer, Freelance
- Host, Unnamed Automotive Podcast
- None, Freelance, Unnamed Automotive Podcast
Hamilton, Toronto
As seen in:
Unnamed Automotive Podcast,
MSN,
MSN Canada,
The Toronto Star,
TechSpot,
The Drive,
Calgary Herald,
Automotive News Canada,
O Canada,
The StarPhoenix,
Yahoo Autos
and
Freelance Writer and contributor: @autotrader_ca, @CARandDRIVER, @drivingdotca, @ElectricAutonmy, @techspot, and @nuvomag. Writing about autos, tech and gaming.
Articles by Sami Haj-Assaad
2026 Subaru Trailseeker Review
Subaru used to have a slim electric vehicle (EV) lineup consisting of just the Solterra, but the situation has changed rather quickly. For starters, the automaker significantly updated the Solterra with more power and range. Next, Subaru introduced the smaller Uncharted and larger Trailseeker. In terms of size and price, the Trailseeker is a bit like the Outback — and indeed, it’s called the E-Outback in other parts of the world.
2026 Land Rover Defender Octa Review
Super sport utility vehicles didn’t make much sense to me until I drove the 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa. For years I wondered who would be interested in a high-performance version of a vehicle with inherent compromise. Because SUVs are typically heavy and have high centres of gravity, traits that aren’t conducive to speed or agility. They’re usually designed to emphasize practicality and can be engineered to excel off-road, which has long been the case with this Land Rover.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs Kia Sportage PHEV | Reviews
Breadcrumb Trail Links Home Reviews Comparison Tests Vehicle types Family Vehicles Hybrids 2026 Mitusbishi Outlander PHEV vs Kia Sportage PHEV Photo by Sami Haj-Assaad Our long-term tester, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, has impressed us over its first few months in service, offering plenty of all-electric range and featuring a surprisingly eye-catching cabin. But in order to see just how competitive it really is, we need to line it up against an established competitor.
5 Great Car Features That Can Be Frustrating
Modern cars are loaded with features that help them stand out. Some features, like blind spot monitoring and massaging seats, are designed to enhance safety or comfort, while others, like automatic parking systems or adaptive cruise control, help make certain operations easier or more convenient. Some offerings, like the ability to adjust how the engine sounds from the inside of a car or change the mood lighting, are just fun gimmicks.
SUV Review: 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Reviews
Breadcrumb Trail Links Home Reviews Road Tests Vehicle types Luxury Vehicles 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Photo by Sami Haj-Assaad When the Jeep Grand Wagoneer arrived on the scene a few years ago, the rugged brand set its sights on a new tier of luxury SUV buyer, one that could spend over six figures on a leather-laden, screen-filled, tech-loaded three-row. However, it was met with a muted response, as it just missed the mark with shoppers and critics.
SUV Review: 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Reviews
Even with a new, lower asking price, the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is here to impress, with tonnes of screens, a fancy, spacious interior, and a punchy six-cylinder—how does it fare? 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Photo by Sami Haj-Assaad Article content When the Jeep Grand Wagoneer arrived on the scene a few years ago, the rugged brand set its sights on a new tier of luxury SUV buyer, one that could spend over six figures on a leather-laden, screen-filled, tech-loaded three-row.
SUV Review: 2026 Lexus TX 350 | Reviews
Breadcrumb Trail Links Home Reviews Road Tests 2026 Lexus TX 350 Photo by Sami Haj-Assaad Ferrying seven people isn’t a luxurious experience, yet automakers try their best to smooth out all the wrinkles that come with family hauling. I had a week with the 2026 Lexus TX 350 and found the best way to thoroughly test the Japanese luxury crossover was to host some friends from across the ocean. Here’s how it fared, and what we all thought of Lexus’ most family-friendly vehicles.
2026 Lexus TX Review
Finding a truly family-friendly vehicle isn’t easy — especially if you happen to have a flair for the fancy. There aren’t any luxury minivans out there, at least not in this market, and whether or not they’d sell particularly well in this part of the world remains to be seen. That’s left families with little choice but to turn to big and bulky SUVs, or slightly more compromised crossovers to do the job.
SUV Review: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas | Reviews
We take one last look at VWs three-row before it gets a big redesign 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Volkswagen is just readying a new version of its three-row Atlas, and since I’ve been in and out of so many family haulers lately, it made sense to see how this current model fares before we switch things up into the next generation version. The 2026 VW Atlas Execline we have on hand features seating for seven with captain’s chairs in the middle row.
Driving Editors' Picks: 10 best cars for new families for 2026
Skip to Content Kid on the way? Here are some of the best family cars to suit your needs and budget A mother plays with her young son while preparing for a road trip Moving from a two-person household to one with kids can really change your car needs, as babies and toddlers need a lot of accommodations. There are special safety seats (which may not always fit in compact cars or sedans) and all kinds of other stuff that come with kids, like diaper bags, portable potties, strollers, and more.
Driving Editors' Picks: 10 best cars for new families for 2026
Kid on the way? Here are some of the best family cars to suit your needs and budget • • A mother plays with her young son while preparing for a road trip Moving from a two-person household to one with kids can really change your car needs, as babies and toddlers need a lot of accommodations. There are special safety seats (which may not always fit in compact cars or sedans) and all kinds of other stuff that come with kids, like diaper bags, portable potties, strollers, and more.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Palisade Hybrid | Reviews
Hyundai offers multiple three-rows with multiple powertrains: which one is best for you? 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid We’ve got a pretty good handle on our long-term tester, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, and have come to appreciate its spacious interior, smooth acceleration and all-electric range. However, with the seasons turning, we’ve noticed a few limitations, and we’re wondering if this EV makes sense for the average family compared to a hybrid-powered three-row.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Palisade Hybrid | Reviews
Hyundai offers multiple three-rows with multiple powertrains: which one is best for you? • • 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid We’ve got a pretty good handle on our long-term tester, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, and have come to appreciate its spacious interior, smooth acceleration and all-electric range. However, with the seasons turning, we’ve noticed a few limitations, and we’re wondering if this EV makes sense for the average family compared to a hybrid-powered three-row.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Palisade Hybrid | Reviews
Hyundai offers multiple three-rows with multiple powertrains: which one is best for you? • • 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid We’ve got a pretty good handle on our long-term tester, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, and have come to appreciate its spacious interior, smooth acceleration and all-electric range. However, with the seasons turning, we’ve noticed a few limitations, and we’re wondering if this EV makes sense for the average family compared to a hybrid-powered three-row.
Minivan Review: 2026 Toyota Sienna AWD | Reviews
Inspired by the bullet train, this minivan hauls people with efficiency 2026 Toyota Sienna Imagine my surprise when I learned that the exterior design of the 2026 Toyota Sienna was inspired by the iconic Japanese bullet train known as the Shinkansen. I did an immediate double-take and had to make sure Toyota Canada was talking about the same Shinkansen we all know. Let’s look up the Shinkansen: it’s a sleek-looking train with optimized aerodynamics. Now look at this 2026 Toyota Sienna.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Reviews
These crossovers deliver the best efficiency, space and features 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Minimizing gas costs isn’t always a cheap process, as plug-in hybrids and full electric crossovers have yet to come down in cost. Fortunately, if you stick to ‘old-school’ gas-electric hybrids, there are a few solid choices that can help stay within a budget.
Meilleur véhicule hybride rechargeable 2026 : Toyota Prius PHEV
La Toyota Prius est sans doute l’une des appellations les plus influentes de l’histoire automobile récente, elle qui a popularisé le concept de la voiture hybride essence-électricité lors de son lancement, il y a environ un quart de siècle. Aujourd’hui plus aboutie que jamais, la Prius impressionne suffisamment pour remporter pour une troisième année consécutive le prix AutoTrader 2026 du Meilleur véhicule hybride rechargeable (PHEV).
2026 Best Overall Truck: Ford Maverick
When it comes to trucks, full-size pickups tend to grab all the headlines, but shopping habits are changing for Canadian buyers. With an emphasis on affordability and capability, smaller trucks are becoming more popular, and the Ford Maverick leads the pack. In addition to being voted by our experts as the Best Compact Truck in the 2026 AutoTrader Awards, it also won as the Best Overall Truck, marking a repeat win in both categories.
Ask AutoGuide: Why Won't My Car Start?
1.1K Views Just about every vehicle owner dreads the moment when their car, truck or SUV won’t start. What should you do? Who should you call? Can you fix it yourself? Here’s a list with ten common reasons why cars don’t start up and what you can do about it, all backed up by an expert from the Universal Technical Institute. “The first step is to define the no start” said Joe Spadafora, certified instructor at Universal Technical Institute’s Exton, Pennsylvania campus.
2026 Toyota bZ Review
Detailed Review Formerly known as the bZ4X, the updated 2026 Toyota bZ boasts several significant changes. With a bigger battery, more power, a new charging interface, and other enhancements, the bZ seems to rectify the deficiencies of old. However, its rivals have also gotten better since this electric vehicle (EV) first launched, making the hill it has to climb even steeper than before.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Review
Detailed Review The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offers plenty of features, a huge cargo area, and low fuel consumption, placing it among the top choices in the segment. Considering the average purchase price of a new vehicle is hovering around the $60,000 mark, the mid-range N Line trim — which happens to be the cheapest way to get this hybrid powertrain — is significantly cheaper.
Drive Modes are Getting Weird, and Not in a Good Way
There’s a driver out there who wants to make every driving experience the best possible. “Oh yeah,” he says while he approaches the sole corner in his daily commute. “This calls for sport mode.” He flicks the switch on his car, and the lights inside turn red. Obviously, red represents raw emotion, and this 150-metre, slightly curving patch of pavement calls for emotional synergy between man and machine. The car becomes noisier when sport mode is engaged.
Minivan Review: 2026 Chrysler Pacifica | Reviews
Chrysler's spacious three-row is beginning to show its age 2026 Chrysler Pacifica You can count the number of minivans available on the market on one hand, which means that shoppers really need to be educated about their options before making a final (potentially expensive) decision. This week, we’re studying the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica, a minivan that first arrived on the scene in 2017.
Minivan Review: 2026 Chrysler Pacifica | Reviews
Full Screen is not supported on this browser version. You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. Even cooler, this model has optional bins that can be placed in the Stow ’n Go holds, helping parents organize the clutter that can accumulate in a family vehicle. Behind the third row, there’s 900 litres of cargo room, which is more than you’d find in three-row crossovers like the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Why Car Touchscreens Are Becoming a Problem for Drivers
Almost every new car sold today has a touchscreen, and large displays have become a common selling point among higher-end vehicles. It makes sense: we’re told big screens are great in our living rooms for sports, movies, and video games. This applies to phones, computers, laptops, and tablets, too — bigger is better. But a vehicle’s main function is transportation, which must be done safely, and larger screens can be a distraction.
2026 Family Vehicle Preview: 9 new cars for hauling kids
Skip to Content If wondering what's coming up in the people-mover segment, we've got SUVs, three-rows, and even a wagon* to look forward to 2025 Toyota Urban SUV Concept (European market) We all know by now that SUVs are big business, and three-row, family-oriented rides are no exception.
2026 Family Vehicle Preview: 9 new cars for hauling kids
If wondering what's coming up in the people-mover segment, we've got SUVs, three-rows, and even a wagon* to look forward to Published Dec 20, 2025 • Last updated Dec 20, 2025 • 6 minute read 2025 Toyota Urban SUV Concept (European market) Photo by Toyota Article content We all know by now that SUVs are big business, and three-row, family-oriented rides are no exception.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Kicks | Reviews
The Japanese manufacturer's Kicks has grown up, but is it mature enough yet to take on the Korean carmaker's Kona? 2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Hyundai Kona Sami Haj-Assaad: It wasn’t long ago when you could get a cheap-and-cheerful Nissan Kicks for $20,000, but these days, the 2026 Kicks has grown into something more refined and more expensive.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Kicks | Reviews
Advertisement oop Skip to Content The Japanese manufacturer's Kicks has grown up, but is it mature enough yet to take on the Korean carmaker's Kona? • • 2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Hyundai Kona Sami Haj-Assaad: It wasn’t long ago when you could get a cheap-and-cheerful Nissan Kicks for $20,000, but these days, the 2026 Kicks has grown into something more refined and more expensive.
SUV Comparison: 2026 Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Kicks | Reviews
Advertisement oop Skip to Content The Japanese manufacturer's Kicks has grown up, but is it mature enough yet to take on the Korean carmaker's Kona? • • 2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Hyundai Kona Sami Haj-Assaad: It wasn’t long ago when you could get a cheap-and-cheerful Nissan Kicks for $20,000, but these days, the 2026 Kicks has grown into something more refined and more expensive.
Jeep Finds Itself in Europe and Its EV is a Huge Hit Over There
Can you imagine what four metres looks like? How about in the context of a car? One of the last subcompact cars you can buy in Canada is the Nissan Versa, and it’s about four and a half metres long, yet halfway around the world, Jeep has a crossover that’s surprisingly smaller than that. Called the Jeep Avenger, this little crossover has been a success in Europe, selling over 200,000 units there in just two years.
2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV Review - Reviews
Range Rover tries its hand at delivering a track-oriented super SUV, with interesting results It takes just under four seconds for this 2025 Range Rover Sport SV to hit 100 km/h, which means you should warm up and stretch your neck so you’re ready to say “Whoa!” “Holy!” “Did you see that!” as your head whips back and forth at the passing scenery.
EV Review: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is one of our favourite subcompact crossovers, but we're most familiar with its gas-powered form. It's noted for its performance, efficiency, space and pricing, but how much of that changes when the ICE is not in the equation? Quite a bit, and maybe not all those changes are a net positive THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
EV Review: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric | Reviews
What happens when one of our favourite subcompacts switches to electrons? Article content The 2025 Hyundai Kona is one of our favourite subcompact crossovers, but we’re most familiar with its gas-powered form. It’s noted for its performance, efficiency, space and pricing, but how much of that changes when the ICE is not in the equation?
SUV Review: 2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid | Reviews
Is a lack of competition holding the XC90 PHEV back from greatness? Article content “A button for the trunk release!” I shouted with glee upon climbing into the refreshed 2025 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid.
Sports Car Review: 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T | Reviews
Not stripped down like past Carrera Ts, but rather a focused trim for enthusiasts Article content Every year, we see the same thoughts on the Porsche 911: it’s brilliant, refined, fast, fun and customizable. Sure, it’s pricey, but that’s the ticket to a practically flawless rear-engined performance machine. And every year, Porsche has the seemingly impossible task of making its sports car more desirable.
Sports Car Review: 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T | Reviews
Advertisement oop Skip to Content Advertisement 1 Not stripped down like past Carrera Ts, but rather a focused trim for enthusiasts • • Article content Every year, we see the same thoughts on the Porsche 911: it’s brilliant, refined, fast, fun and customizable. Sure, it’s pricey, but that’s the ticket to a practically flawless rear-engined performance machine. And every year, Porsche has the seemingly impossible task of making its sports car more desirable.
First Drive: 2026 Audi Q3 | Reviews
Fancy headlights are the highlight of this high-end crossover Article content When the 2026 Audi Q3 arrives on our roads next year, it will be lighting a path that the competition will be forced to follow. Stylish, loaded with technology and fairly responsive on the road, I adored the compact crossover’s unique light show that’s enabled by the Digital Matrix LED headlights.
First Drive: 2026 Audi Q3 | Reviews
The interior of the 2026 Q3 also receives a significant redesign and represents a few new standards for Audi. For example, the gear selector has been moved up to a column-mounted switch, which takes a bit of getting used to, but works fine as a result. The result of this change is additional storage space between the front seats and a snug spot for a wireless phone charger. There’s a new ambiance in the cabin, with plenty of lighting and a refined mix of materials.
First Drive: 2026 Audi Q3 | Reviews
Advertisement 1 Fancy headlights are the highlight of this high-end crossover • • Article content When the 2026 Audi Q3 arrives on our roads next year, it will be lighting a path that the competition will be forced to follow. Stylish, loaded with technology and fairly responsive on the road, I adored the compact crossover’s unique light show that’s enabled by the Digital Matrix LED headlights.
EV Review: 2025 Cadillac Optiq | Reviews
Cadillac's entry-level electric SUV does it all (and better than the competition) Article content It’s easy to write off General Motors as an automaker that had plenty of chances. Through safety concerns (“Unsafe at Any Speed,” anyone?), plant closures, and bail-outs, there have been several opportunities for General Motors to re-orient itself, and in 2025, it’s fair to say the company has a pretty strong lineup across several segments and brands.
Do Engine Start-Stop Systems Actually Work?
Many new cars come with automatic engine start-stop. These systems are designed to save the fuel wasted at idle by turning the engine off when you come to a stop. These systems are becoming more and more common in cars and trucks. Even the Ford F-150 is arriving with this system as standard equipment, promising more MPGs. But the fuel spent during idle seems insignificant, right? Even the EPA’s fuel economy tests seem to downplay the significance of these systems.
EV Review: 2025 Volvo EX90 | Reviews
Beautiful and smooth driving EV unravels, thanks to its unintuitive user interface • • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article content The 2025 Volvo EX90 is a vulnerable vehicle, representing the best and worst of current automotive trends of the 2020s. It delivers a fantastic driving experience wrapped in a smartly designed package, but the downsides arrive with its showcase of modern technology.
Ontario's Pandemic-Era G Driver’s Licence Test Changes Are Here to Stay: Is That a Good Thing?
Driving instructors typically tell novice drivers this important advice when changing lanes: check, signal, check again, then change lanes. Double-checking is important for safe driving, which is important to the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), but with the government agency changing the way it conducts driver’s licence testing, it appears that safety and double-checking might have taken a back seat to efficiency.
2025 BMW X3 M50 | SUV Review - Reviews | Driving
The 2025 BMW X3 M50 arrives with tons of power, tech and high-end appointments, but one trait convinces us that BMW is on the right path moving forward • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article content It wasn’t long ago that you could call BMW a conservative automaker, as each of its cars iterates over the next in predictable ways.
How Do You Teach Your Teen About Responsible Driving?
Getting a driver’s licence and being able to drive independently is a defining moment in many teenagers' lives. But it’s also an important moment for parents, too. It signals a degree of trust and responsibility between the guardian and ward. That level of trust doesn't come easily, and parents have to do their part in helping kids understand the responsibility involved when driving a car with other motorists.
Hot Hatchback Review: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla | Reviews
Now with one less pedal! • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article content It’s not every day my fabulous bosses at Driving.ca ask me to test drive a performance car, so you can understand my excitement when I picked up a gorgeous red 2025 Toyota GR Corolla.
Hot Hatchback Review: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla | Reviews
Advertisement 1 Now with one less pedal! Article content It’s not every day my fabulous bosses at Driving.ca ask me to test drive a performance car, so you can understand my excitement when I picked up a gorgeous red 2025 Toyota GR Corolla. However, things deflated quite a bit when I saw it featured two pedals instead of three, signalling that this is the new-for-2025 automatic-equipped model rather than the six-speed manual model that earned so much praise in the past.
2025 Honda Odyssey Review
The minivan market may be small, but there's often a tit-for-tat in the segment that sees automakers offering more features to one-up their competition. For example, the Toyota Sienna used to be the only conventional hybrid in the segment, and then along came the Kia Carnival and its optional gas-electric powertrain.
Cars That Have a Different Names in Other Countries
What's in a name? Seemingly quite a lot if you ask an automaker. Many recognizable and popular cars we know and love have different names around the world, leading us to ask: Would you still purchase a vehicle like the Ford F-150 if it was called the Lobo? Here’s a quick list of well-known cars that go by different names in different countries.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Sami
Contact Sami, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack