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The 2026 Lexus ES takes a noticeably different approach than many modern luxury sedans. Instead of chasing sharper handling or a sportier personality, Lexus leaned further into what the ES has traditionally done best: comfort, quietness, and ease of use.

The current Civic Type R continues a long line of unique and/or performance versions of Honda's compact car.

There are 14,575 versions of the 2025-2026 Tesla Model Y now under a new recall. The need for this recall has to do with a certification label that may not have been installed. If it is missing, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."

The 2026 Lexus ES takes a noticeably different approach from many modern luxury sedans. Instead of chasing aggressive performance or pretending to be a sport sedan, Lexus leaned further into comfort, quietness, and refinement. Recently, contributor Kyle Patrick took a first drive of a few 2026 Lexus ES models and found that the latest ES feels bigger, smoother, and more technologically advanced than before, while still staying true to the relaxed personality the model has always been known for.

Hyundai has issued a recall for 3,493 versions of the 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The issue has to do with the driver's air bag inflator that may rupture during deployment, thus not properly inflating the air bag.

Mattel is expanding its Mattel Brick Shop lineup for 2026 with seven new vehicle-themed building sets, along with plans to branch into other categories, including Masters of the Universe sets.

A lot of vehicle purchases are made based on passion.

Ford is recalling just over 200 examples of the 2026 Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs. The concern is around the integrated park module that may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. If it does fail, the vehicle is at risk of rolling away and is a safety hazard.

Last fall, I had the honor and privilege to attend a first drive event for the Lamborghini Temerario in the car’s hometown of Bologna, Italy. The plug-in hybrid supercar impressed me with its style, performance, and surprising livability. But I was in the beautiful foothills surrounding the brand’s head office, driving picturesque roads with countless Italian citizens cheering me on as I passed by. How could I not be dazzled and mesmerized by all this?

It’s amazing what a new set of tires will do for your car or truck. As rubber ages, it can harden, changing a vehicle’s handling characteristics for the worse. As mileage climbs ever higher, tread blocks wear down, which can lead to increased noise and longer stopping distances, neither of which is good. Old rubber can also impact ride quality, degrading it noticeably compared to fresh tires. The factory rubber installed on my 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback was far from worn out, the odometer registers just 25,000 miles, but a fresh set of BFGoodrich’s new g-Force Phenom T/A tires completely changed the car’s character, a difference that is as noticeable as it is impactful.

LA JOLLA, California—With the latest generation of ES, Lexus is taking big swings again.

The 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ doesn’t fit neatly into one category. It blends luxury SUV comfort with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that works differently than most rivals, and that gives it a distinct personality. Recently, Managing Editor Mike Schlee spent a week with the 2026 Lexus NX450h+. During his time behind the wheel, he found that while the NX 450h+ delivers strong efficiency, premium comfort, and impressive technology. But, some parts of the driving experience don’t quite match the polished luxury feel Lexus is aiming for.

With a twist of the key or poke of its start button your vehicle’s engine should fire up with the urgency of a physician responding to a code blue.

Lotus has revealed the new Emira 420 Sport, a higher-performance version of the Emira aimed at both road and track driving. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it produces 414 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Lotus says the car can reach 62 mph from a standstill in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 186 mph.

The 2026 BMW M2 CS takes the standard M2 formula and pushes it further. BMW didn’t simply add more power and a few badges here. The car receives substantial upgrades to the engine, suspension, chassis, aerodynamics, and interior, resulting in a sharper and more focused performance coupe that still manages to remain comfortable enough for daily driving. Here are five standout aspects of the new M2 CS.

This week, we talk to David Thomas from CDK about why Chinese cars may not be as affordable as some people think. We discuss the barriers and cost issues that surround the North American automotive market compared to other regions.

The car business is one that’s in constant flux; people, nameplates and even brands change with practically every season. There’s no guarantee that what’s here today will still be available tomorrow.

MINI cars are meant to be fun. That may not have been the original premise of the car when first launched several decades ago, but it didn’t take long for these diminutive hatchbacks to charm their way deep into owners’ hearts.

No matter how carefully you drive, you’ll have to deal with the hassle of a flat tire sooner or later. Here’s how to properly change one.

Hyundai is recalling nearly 55,000 versions of the 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid sedan. The problem has to do with the hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly that may overheat during driving.

VinFast has revealed an updated version of its VF 8 electric SUV, bringing a long list of changes aimed at improving ride quality, comfort, technology, and day-to-day usability.

BARCELONA, Spain—Smart seatbelts, smarter pricing, and… a crab bucket?

The rate in-which electric vehicles (EVs) are evolving is exceptional.

It’s no secret new cars are expensive these days. The average cost to purchase a new vehicle continues to increase, prompting many folks to keep their current cars a little longer. But the older a car gets, and the more it’s driven, parts begin to wear out and need replacing. Parts like a vehicle’s tires. 

Ram is catering directly to traditional muscle enthusiasts by skipping eTorque mild-hybrid or stop/start technologies across the entire Rumble Bee family. Instead, buyers can choose between three distinct levels of pure V8 displacement:

Ford has put out a recall for 16,200 versions of the 2021-2022 Bronco SUV. The issue has to do with both 3-door and 5-door hardtop roof panels that may have been manufactured improperly. This can lead to sections of the outer roof panel separating and detaching from the vehicle while driving.

Jeep has issued a recall for 61,711 versions of the 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee. The issue has to do with the power transfer unit (PTU) that may fail. It will render the vehicle powerless and could cause a rollaway.

Ram has confirmed a new lineup of 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee trucks in a short film titled “Muscle Runs Deep,” hosted by Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands, SRT Performance, and North America Marketing at Stellantis.

Getting a flat tire on the road can be a scary experience, but what you do in the moments after a tire loses pressure is very important. Here’s why you really shouldn’t drive on a flat tire.

BMW’s M lineup of vehicles is iconic. It’s the high-performance standard in which most other performance luxury sub-brands are compared. The brand has built a solid reputation and fan base over the decades by offering the right blend of performance, luxury, and refinement.

In case any of the multiple trims and/or limited editions of the Ford Bronco don’t quite meet your needs, there’s good news. Another special edition is on its way.

Welcome to our latest mega comparison brought to you by Weathertech. Rugged is the new cool. That’s the case at least when it comes to crossovers and SUVs. It seems every major automaker is launching some form of rugged, off-road ready sub-brand. Names like Tremor, TrailSport, Wilderness, and AT4 are just a few examples.

Dash cams started off as simple things. A basic camera that would automatically recorded video footage onto an internal memory storage device. They were nothing more nor nothing less. Just an easy way to have video footage proof of an incident should the unfortunate occur.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 144,049 versions of the brand's 2024-2026 AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL-Class, CLE-Class, and GLC-Class vehicles. The issue centers around the infotainment control unit that may reset while the vehicle is in motion. If this happens, the instrument panel display will go blank, causing a safety hazard.

Tesla is recalling nearly a quarter of a million vehicles over a rear camera issue. The affected vehicles include certain 2017 Model 3, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The problem has to do with operating software version 2026.8.6. With this software, the rearview camera image may be delayed in showing on the screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

The annals of American history are full of truck-based sport utility vehicles like the Dodge Ramcharger. Today, traditional body-on-frame SUVs have lost favor in the face of stiff competition from car-based crossovers, but there are still some rough-and-tumble trucky SUVs on the market.

Audi is recalling 7,425 versions of the 2025 Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback SUVs. The reason for the recall has to do with the driver and front passenger seatbelts that may have been manufactured incorrectly, which could cause them to fail to properly restrain occupants during a crash.

The 2027 Nissan Frontier adds a new Sport Edition package aimed at drivers who want a more off-road-focused look and added capability without stepping all the way up to a PRO-4X model. The package brings yellow accents inside and out, along with all-terrain tires and extra skid plate protection.

There is a specific, gut-level anxiety that accompanies the first time you drive past the tech-inspection tent and toward the hot pits on your debut track day.

Volkswagen is recalling just under 39,000 versions of the small 2025-2026 Taos SUVs. The issue involves the fuel pressure sensor that may dislodge or separate from the fuel tank in the event of a rear-end crash. If this occurs, the Taos would no longer be compliant with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

With the latest generation of MINI vehicles, we continued to get a funky, small car, available in an array of body styles that charm us to bits. But there has been one key element missing from the various Coopers we've tested, even the more performance-oriented S models: any sort of way to control the gears.

There’s nothing like hitting the great outdoors for a relaxing adventure.

I didn’t cry. But I was close.

Tesla is recalling 173 examples of the brand's 2024-2026 Cybertruck; specifically, those that came equipped with 18-inch steel wheels. The problem has to do with the brake rotor stud holes, which may crack and allow the stud to separate from the wheel hub. Losing a wheel and brake assembly is never ideal.

When the off-road team at the Overland Expo needed a truck for its annual “Ultimate Build,” it chose the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X as the starting point. This year’s build turns the midsize pickup into a dedicated overlanding rig with a long list of aftermarket upgrades aimed at off-road travel and camping.

Audi is recalling nearly 19,000 of the brand's all-electric vehicles for a faulty fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster. The affected vehicles include some 2019-2023 Audi e-tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi e-tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron, SQ8 e-tron, and SQ8 Sportback e-tron vehicles. If the fastener fails, the brake pedal could detach from the brake booster, which is less than ideal.

Hyundai is recalling just under 3,000 versions of the 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The recall focuses on the B-pillar impact sensors, which may have been misassembled, thus delaying air bag deployment.

Stellantis, or more specifically Dodge and Jeep, are recalling 20,271 versions of the 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger electric vehicles. The problem has to do with the display screens. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail, which causes a bunch of non-compliances with federal safety standards since so much of a vehicle's functionality is tied into display screens these days.

Locking differentials are a type of differential used in vehicles to improve traction and handling, especially in off-road or challenging terrain conditions. The purpose of a locking differential is to ensure that both drive wheels opposite one another across an axle receive equal power, even if one of them is slipping. This is extremely beneficial when a suspension system is articulated and when one tire begins to lose traction, as is common in mud, steep rocky climbs, snow, and many trail wheeling circumstances. Luckily, many vehicles have these straight from the factory, though they can be added in the aftermarket as well.

Winter is over, and soon the rain will take the place of snow and sleet.

Mitsubishi is recalling 108,046 examples of the 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The recall has been announced to correct an issue where the liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure. If this happens, it's possible for the gas spring cylinder to rupture and/or for the liftgate to fall unexpectedly.

Ford is issuing a recall for nearly 5,000 versions of the 2021-2025 Bronco SUVs. The problem centers around the joint that connects the transmission to the transfer case. It may be misaligned from an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to excessive wear on the transmission, specifically the output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is recalling 170,169 vehicles across the company's various brands. Affected units include the 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs.) The problem has to do with the DC-DC converter that can fail due to an internal fault in the boost control microchip. If this failure occurs, the result is a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.

After finding my driving skills no match for the capabilities of Cadillac’s flagship performance machine, it was time to see what it could really do in the hands of a professional.

Automobili Lamborghini has introduced a new limited-production model called the Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster. Production will be limited to 15 units, and each one uses a V12 hybrid powertrain producing a combined 1,080 CV (~1,065 hp), making it the most powerful open-top Lamborghini the company has built so far.

Ford is recalling close to 180,000 versions of the 2024-2026 Ranger pickup truck and Bronco SUV. The recall centers around the front seats, where there may be a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.

Ram is recalling 12,736 versions of the heavy-duty 2023-2026 Ram 2500 pickup truck. The problem has to do with a software error in the powertrain control module that will allow the truck to reach speeds that exceed the tire speed rating. This could lead to a lot of bad things, including losing control of the truck.

This week Mike talks to Nissan about the challenges behind making a smaller, more affordable car like the 2026 Sentra, achieve a top safety rating. We discuss the process of designing a car right from the ground up to excel at all the current crash tests as well as including the latest technology to avoid a collision altogether.