For years, I’ve watched car enthusiasts obsess over machines they can’t legally own yet. Not because they’re rare, fragile, or unobtainable, but because they’re too new. In the States, some of the most exciting vehicles to ever hit the market are locked in a bureaucratic time capsule known as the 25-Year Rule. If you’ve ever […]
Don’t look now, but the race for the industry’s best subcompact crossover just got a whole lot tighter. The segment has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years as drivers gravitate toward the smaller end of the SUV spectrum, and Kia has capitalized on this with the Seltos. First introduced in 2021, the Seltos has quickly […]
With a legacy spanning more than a decade of balancing comfort and capability, the Subaru Crosstrek has earned a reputation for excellence. Though it’s the smallest entry into Subaru’s off-road capable SUV lineup, the compact crossover offers the same benefits of bigger vehicles, such as a spacious and versatile cabin, and an easy-access cargo area. […]
Ford shocked the automotive world in late 2025 when it announced that its groundbreaking F-150 Lightning would abandon the EV approach in favor of a new, more hybrid-like extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) design. It’s an unexpected move from Ford, but the Lightning’s cancellation is just one part of a massive organizational shift that’s seeing the […]
As the late 20th-century poets Smash Mouth once said, “the years start coming, and they don’t stop coming.” It’s easy to get a little overwhelmed by the never-ending march of time, but as 2025 recedes into the rearview mirror, we thought we would take the opportunity to catch our breath and look back on some […]
Ford snuck a lump of coal into the auto industry’s collective stocking in late December with a shocking pre-holiday announcement: the F-150 Lightning would not be returning for the new year, at least in its current EV form. After just four years on the market, Ford is ending production of the market’s first all-electric pickup […]
From Paris and Geneva to Detroit, Chicago, and New York, the annual “Big Five” auto shows act as a sort of gas-powered Fashion Week, allowing brands to give drivers a sneak peek at upcoming vehicles and stir excitement for the coming year. While many of these models may eventually make their way into the market […]
Luxury midsize SUVs represent a growing segment of the U.S. auto market, as their combination of large SUV capability and small SUV efficiency and maneuverability has made them quite popular. For drivers seeking a high-end midsize SUV option, the Cadillac XT6 has been an appealing choice. Despite its popularity, Cadillac discontinued the XT6 following the […]
If anything, we can thank the EV era for bringing innovation to the forefront. The rise of independent manufacturers has demonstrated that money truly can buy just about anything in the automotive world and that, in matters of taste, the people holding that money are always right. When drivers customize their muscle cars, it’s considered […]
Segment sizes can be tricky business. Why opt for a subcompact when you could spend a little more and achieve the same fuel economy in a compact? Why opt for a midsize when you could get more power and towing from a three-row? Or why opt for a three-row when you could get more cargo […]
The automotive world is increasingly focused on efficiency, and this priority, combined with growing consumer demand, has led to a rapid expansion of hybrid and electric vehicles over the past decade. Following these trends, Toyota introduced a straightforward and effective response to rising EV demand in the 2023 model year, debuting the Toyota bZ4X to […]
There’s a subtle strategy shift within one of America’s preeminent automakers, and it’s one that you won’t likely notice when you visit your local neighborhood Ford dealer. It’s happening behind the scenes as the company refocuses its structure and strategy while seeking to leverage success in the commercial vehicle sector to increase profits and market […]
The luxury EV sedan market is getting crowded. Along with Tesla, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and other established luxury automakers, new kids such as Lucid and Polestar have challenged the status quo. Another name is about to join the scene. The AFEELA 1 will arrive in mid-2026 and is promising to reinvent the experience of […]
From its introduction in the 1990s, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has established a reputation for itself, thanks to its off-road capabilities, a wide variety of trim levels and associated features, and elevated amenities that distinguish it from its Cherokee namesake. For many, the Grand Cherokee was the preeminent all-terrain capable two-row SUV of the era, […]
The best word to describe the current state of the U.S. EV market is “uncertain.” After near-constant growth throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, sales and market share plateaued from late 2023 to mid-2025. Despite a significant surge in Q3 of 2025, which was largely artificial, the lull caused many automakers to reconsider their […]
For over a decade, the Mazda CX-5 has been a top choice in the compact SUV segment. It’s compact enough for city life, roomy enough for families, and unique enough to stand apart from the other compact SUVs in its class. With the arrival of the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 for sale, the brand’s third […]
Mazda has long earned a reputation for cars that are fun to drive, reliable, and innovative, while remaining affordable to reach a wider range of drivers. In recent years, Mazda has also been trying to position itself as a budget-friendly luxury brand. Call it entry-level or near-luxury, if you will, for drivers who want a […]
Over its 30-plus history, the Toyota RAV4 has become more than a vehicle: it’s a symbol of how 21st-century North American automotive tastes have evolved. This compact SUV was the top-selling model in 24 states in 2024, and as of now, it remains the best-selling non-truck of 2025, with more than 350,000 units sold. Along […]
Safety is all the rage in the automotive industry—and why wouldn’t it be? If a vehicle is as safe as possible, it means fewer accidents, injuries, and huge expenses that can significantly disrupt your life. Safety remains a top concern for many drivers, who are increasingly seeking vehicles equipped with advanced features to protect themselves […]
Spooky season might be in the rearview mirror, but we’re still feeling a bit macabre over here at AutoInfluence. As the jack o’lanterns rot on the front porch and the kids start to ask where all of their Halloween candy disappeared to, we thought it would be a good time to pay our respects to […]
