Research – Page 3 – Car-ED.com

First Impressions: 2018 Nissan Frontier Midnight

2018 Nissan Frontier Midnight This compact truck gets a little extra edge. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | June 2018 Tucked among the hundred or so vehicles available to drive at the 2018 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, the Nissan Frontier Midnight wasn’t hard to spot. It’s hard to picture a compact pickup truck compared to a full size pickup — or even a full size SUV — until they’re right there in front of you, but then it becomes clear: Yes, this truck really is small. However, the Midnight Edition package gives the Frontier a distinctive look and feel, particularly compared to the bright and bold colors on most other vehicles in attendance. Can this special edition help the Frontier truly stand out from the crowd? Since the Midnight Edition is mainly an appearance package, let’s start there. The package is available on three exterior colors: white, gray, and black. It adds exclusive 18-inch black alloy wheels, body color bumpers, and black front grille, step rails, side mirrors, door handles, and Midnight Edition badges. Since the Frontier is a pretty understated truck to begin with, the Midnight Edition elements add visual interest without overdoing it. Our driving impressions of the Frontier Midnight Edition were solid. It’s known for being one of the older trucks in the segment, but in some ways, that works in its favor. For example, the simplicity [...]

Cherise Threewitt2018-10-09T13:43:24-04:00Sep 2018|Car Reviews|

2018 Kia Niro PHEV

2018 Kia Niro PHEV This subcompact crossover helps take plug-ins mainstream. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | August 2018 What is this vehicle? The Niro is a subcompact SUV that was added to the Kia lineup for 2017. The first Niro to roll out featured a super efficient hybrid powertrain, and this year, Kia added the PHEV plug-in hybrid model to the Niro family. There isn’t anything quite like the Niro PHEV on the market right now, but it’s fair to expect that rivals might follow suit in the near future as small crossovers continue to dominate the market and automakers invest more in electric and hybrid technology. The Niro is an affordable and practical path to better efficiency. Who is this vehicle for? Take a look at the Niro PHEV if you want a new, modern subcompact crossover with great technology features and excellent efficiency. The Niro does have some drawbacks, namely that it is not available with all-wheel drive and that it isn’t especially fun or interesting to drive. However, if those factors don’t matter to you, the Niro PHEV could be a very good choice for a subcompact SUV or crossover. Furthermore, not all potential buyers will necessarily see a benefit from the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, because the hybrid Niro is already super efficient. Why is this vehicle important to you, the buyer? Plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming [...]

Cherise Threewitt2018-09-24T17:36:50-04:00Sep 2018|Car Reviews|

The Art of the Sub-Brand: Eco-Friendly

The Art of the Sub-Brand: Eco-Friendly Eco sub-brands may be the new competitive battlefield By Randy Lioz, Editor, Car-ED.com | September 2018 When Toyota built the Prius into an entire sub-brand unto itself, it cast a green glow over the mothership. Now others are trying similar, yet distinctive, strategies in the alternative powertrain market. They range from creating different variants of a single model to planning the build-out of entire lineups. Here we'll take a look at what's out there right now and how things may develop in the future. Where did the trend start? 1st-generation Prius The Honda Insight may have beaten the Toyota Prius to the punch, as the first hybrid vehicle introduced in the United States, by seven months. But the Prius, particularly in its second incarnation, went on to become not just the most successful electrified vehicle in history, but one of the most successful single models of any type, selling over four million copies so far. Toyota realized the gold it had on its hands, not just as a financial success, but as a green halo for the entire brand. So it took the Prius nameplate and expanded it to a larger lineup, from the compact Prius c hatch to the Prius V tall wagon. It has since renamed its plug-in model the Prius Prime, seeking to further differentiate it from the plug-less hybrid, but still [...]

Randy Lioz, Editor, Car-ED.com2018-09-12T17:00:17-04:00Sep 2018|News, Research|

First Impressions: 2019 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX The fully redesigned RDX marks the start of the compact luxury SUV’s third generation. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | June 2018 We got a sneak preview of the vehicle at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and were pretty impressed by the experience. Every RDX comes powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 272 horsepower, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, though we suspect most buyers will upgrade to all-wheel drive, as is common with crossovers. The all-wheel drive system features torque vectoring, which means that the system can send extra power to the rear wheels, which helps with maneuvering. Our test course consisted of winding country roads around a sparkling lake on a gorgeous sunny day, and the RDX seemed eager to show off these capabilities. The system seems to be a good match for the peppy and enthusiastic engine. The centerpiece of the interior is a floating center console that arches up from the gearshift area and meets the dash, creating a storage nook. This idea isn’t entirely new (it reminded us of the Volvo C30) but it’s unlike anything else out there right now and has the visual effect of carving out separate nooks for driver and front passenger. The gear selector, by the way, consists of buttons rather than a physical shifter. The [...]

Cherise Threewitt2018-09-04T22:42:06-04:00Sep 2018|Car Reviews|

2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited

2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited One of the best values in the compact car segment. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | June 2018 What is this vehicle? The Hyundai Elantra is a well-equipped compact car that is available as a sedan and a hatchback. The Elantra is one of the least expensive vehicles in the segment, starting at just several hundred dollars more than the segment’s cheapest car, but bucks expectations by providing good value. According to J.D. Power and Associates, which tracks vehicle reliability, the Elantra is one of the most dependable models in this segment. Furthermore, Hyundai backs the Elantra with a class-leading warranty. These two factors should help you feel confident that the Elantra is a smart and responsible way to spend your money. Who is this vehicle for? The Hyundai Elantra is a good choice for savvy shoppers who like to get a lot for their money, especially those who are satisfied with a comfortable, but not especially sporty driving experience. The Elantra might not be as stylish or as fun to drive as some of its competitors in the compact car class, though it is generally pleasant to drive. Even then, there are few competitors that can provide a significantly more enjoyable driving experience while coming close to matching the Elantra’s reliability, practicality, efficiency, and long list of standard features. Why is this vehicle important to you, [...]

Cherise Threewitt2018-09-04T22:39:29-04:00Sep 2018|Car Reviews|

Test Drive: 2019 BMW X3 M40i

2019 BMW X3 M40i BMW takes the art of the SUV to another level with the X3 M40i By Nick Kurczewski, Contributor, Car-ED.com | August 2018 BMW engineers the ideal vehicle for when your heart yearns for a sports car, but reality demands the practicality of a SUV. What is this vehicle? The 2019 BMW X3 M40i is a luxury sport-utility that has the soul of a sports car. As the range-topping model in the X3 range, the M40i represents the best of BMW power and performance, combined with the cargo-toting and passenger-hauling capability of a SUV. While it's easy to fall for for 355-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine and silky-smooth 8-speed automatic, it's the M40i's dynamic balance that truly sets it apart from not only rival SUVs, but even some of BMW's popular sport sedans. This could be the SUV to seduce some of BMW's most diehard fans. Given it's starting price of $55,645, the M40i isn't short on gadgets, comfort features, and technology. But unlike so many of today's luxury cars and SUVs - including a few BMW products - unlocking the available performance doesn't make you feel like you're writing computer code before every drive. Leave this BMW in Comfort mode, one of four available drive settings, of course, and be done with it. The inline-six delivers immediate power, the handling is sure-footed all the time (and at some serious speeds), [...]

Nick Kurczewski2018-08-31T17:42:56-04:00Aug 2018|Car Reviews|

Test Drive: 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Dodge summons the spirit of the Demon in this ferocious muscle car. By Nick Kurczewski, Car-ED.com | August 2018 With the 840-horsepower Demon now gone from its lineup, Dodge finds a way to translate that car's drag-strip performance into this new Camaro and Mustang-baiting muscle machine. What is this vehicle? The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye has a whole lot of attitude and horsepower to go along with its very long name. For simplicity, let's simply refer to it as the Redeye. And just in case you're wondering, this brand new muscle car has not been named after an early-morning flight option. If you look closely at the Hellcat logo placed on the front fenders, you'll see the growling kitty now sports a set of red eyes. Unbelievably, that's one of the few visual cues that this Dodge has close to 800 horsepower under its heavily-sculpted front hood. Other than the red beady eyes, the Hellcat logo changes from silver to black and, in the case of our test car, you can also choose to add the wide-body exterior treatment, which adds fender flares and bigger tires at the front and rear. Then again, this design flourish is also available on less powerful versions of the Challenger, too. So is this what we'd call an under-the-radar kind of sport machine? Well, the answer is 'yes'...until you get [...]

Nick Kurczewski2018-09-12T14:58:52-04:00Aug 2018|Car Reviews|

2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD

2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD Hyundai puts other small crossovers on notice. By Cherise Threewitt, Contributor, Car-ED.com | August 2018 What is this vehicle? The Hyundai Kona is a new addition to the Hyundai lineup for 2018 and it quickly established itself as a leader in the subcompact SUV and crossover category. The Kona is available with a wide range of options, from reasonably affordable to relatively opulent, but at every step of the way, you get modern styling, a fun attitude, and Hyundai’s excellent warranty and reputation for reliability. The Kona succeeds in making a name for itself in the already hyper-competitive subcompact crossover market. Next year, Hyundai will introduce a fully electric version of the Kona. Who is this vehicle for? Take a look at the Kona if you’re shopping for an affordable small crossover, and even consider branching out if you are looking for a small car. The entry-level Kona great choice for buyers with tight budgets; though you’ll spend several thousand dollars more on a base Kona than you will on a bottom-of-the-barrel small car, Hyundai makes it worth your while by providing plenty of value. If you’re considering a mid-range or top-tier Kona trim, you’ll be right in line with its toughest competitors in the subcompact and compact SUV categories. Why is this vehicle important to you, the buyer? Hyundai is a disruptor when it comes [...]

Cherise Threewitt2018-09-24T17:33:16-04:00Aug 2018|Car Reviews|

Test Drive: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon The Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate affordable off-road SUV. By Nick Kurczewski, Contributor, Car-ED.com | August 2018 What is this vehicle? Driving a Jeep Wrangler reminds you why this square-edged SUV has remained popular for so many years. A modern powertrain and numerous luxury touches make it far from being the bare-bones, rough-and-tumble truck it was decades ago. But there's a very simple and timeless core message that comes with the Wrangler. It was built to be rugged and to venture off-road, and no amount of marketing hype or commercialization can take away from the central charm of this solid-axle, square-edged sport-utility. Getting behind the wheel of a 2018 Wrangler Rubicon, the most adventure-loving trim level of an already very adventurous vehicle, shows how Jeep engineers have adapted the company’s most beloved model for life in the modern world. There are plenty of SUVs that handle better, stop faster, or accelerate harder than the Wrangler. It's true - sorry Jeep fans. There are also plenty that get better gas mileage, or offer fancier cabins with more space for passengers and cargo. Yet, at the end of the day, the Wrangler’s attributes – and if we’re being frank, also its negatives – place this Jeep in a field with no true direct competitors. It's a one-of-a-kind vehicle that, in a world of hashtags and trending topics, feels refreshingly individualistic. [...]

Nick Kurczewski2018-08-28T05:33:11-04:00Aug 2018|Car Reviews|

2018 Tesla Model 3

2018 Tesla Model 3 The claimed "Car of the Future" is finally here By Randy Lioz, Editor, Car-ED.com | August 2018 The Tesla Model 3 has been one of the most eagerly anticipated cars in recent memory. After steadily building demand (and excitement) for its high-dollar electric vehicles, like the Model S and Model X, Tesla is attempting to put into place the next step of Elon Musk's grand plan to electrify the automotive world, an "affordable" EV that can be had for less than the average transaction price for a new car in the U.S. market. That day has finally arrived...sort of. What is this vehicle? The 2018 Tesla Model 3 is the car that, in theory, finally gets us to the holy grail of EVs: an attractive, feature-filled car with long battery range and at a price accessible to the proletariat. The Model 3 takes many of the aspects that Model S and X owners love about their cars and packages them in a smaller wrapper, with innovations aimed at making it cheaper to build, but that still please most customers. The size and price of the Model 3 puts it in class with such compact luxury sedan stalwarts as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, stiff competition that has perfected the formula over several decades. But it also goes up against an array of electrified vehicles already on the [...]

Randy Lioz, Editor, Car-ED.com2018-08-10T23:00:02-04:00Aug 2018|Car Reviews|