en Latest news, reviews, and more from around the The Car Connection https://static.thecarconnection.com/website/tcc-logo-rectangle.png https://www.thecarconnection.com Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:26:00 -0400 The Car Connection https://www.thecarconnection.com 2024 Kia Carnival acts as transporter, living room, and sanctuary on the road Covering 700 miles, averaging 26.2 mpg, the Carnival impresses, even before the 2025 hybrid arrives National Parks, dolphins, and an Army duffel bag bind a father and son before college starts When my automotive friends heard that my son and I would be driving down U.S...]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:26:00 -0400 https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1144106_kia-carnival-road-trip-test-drive https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1144106_kia-carnival-road-trip-test-drive news@thecarconnection.com (Robert Duffer) https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1144106_kia-carnival-road-trip-test-drive#comments Robert Duffer 2024 Kia Carnival acts as transporter, living room, and sanctuary on the road Covering 700 miles, averaging 26.2 mpg, the Carnival impresses, even before the 2025 hybrid arrives National Parks, dolphins, and an Army duffel bag bind a father and son before college starts When my automotive friends heard that my son and I would be driving down U.S...]]> U.S. spec is 3-row, 10 in. longer than Euro version out two years ago Larger 91-kwh battery pack, higher-power rear motor EPA range up to 234 miles, 10-80% in 26 min. Starts at $61,545, spans to $71,545 for top 1st Edition AWD VW’s electric Bus reboot is finally arriving in the U.S.. And by design, it’s hard to imagine a better way...]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:46:00 -0400 https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1144782_2025-volkswagen-id-buzz-test-drive-review https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1144782_2025-volkswagen-id-buzz-test-drive-review news@greencarreports.com (Bengt Halvorson) https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1144782_2025-volkswagen-id-buzz-test-drive-review#comments Bengt Halvorson U.S. spec is 3-row, 10 in. longer than Euro version out two years ago Larger 91-kwh battery pack, higher-power rear motor EPA range up to 234 miles, 10-80% in 26 min. Starts at $61,545, spans to $71,545 for top 1st Edition AWD VW’s electric Bus reboot is finally arriving in the U.S.. And by design, it’s hard to imagine a better way...]]> Mild design tweaks don’t change the off-road Ram trucks' capabilities Ram Power Wagon still has no direct competitor 2025 Ram Power Wagon costs $74,235 and Rebel HD costs $70,740 The competition woke up and realized there’s room to play in the heavy-duty off-road sandbox. But Ram doesn't want to give an inch of a segment it has defined...]]> Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:12:00 -0400 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1146014_2025-ram-power-wagon-rebel-hd-test-drive-review https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1146014_2025-ram-power-wagon-rebel-hd-test-drive-review news@motorauthority.com (Joel Feder) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1146014_2025-ram-power-wagon-rebel-hd-test-drive-review#comments Joel Feder Mild design tweaks don’t change the off-road Ram trucks' capabilities Ram Power Wagon still has no direct competitor 2025 Ram Power Wagon costs $74,235 and Rebel HD costs $70,740 The competition woke up and realized there’s room to play in the heavy-duty off-road sandbox. But Ram doesn't want to give an inch of a segment it has defined...]]> What’s in a name? The Escalade IQ is smarter, it turns out A big battery delivers 460 miles of range Cadillac delivers a big price, too: $129,990 For all its red-carpet appearances and secret-service duties over the past generation, the Cadillac Escalade has not been particularly cutting edge. It’s prospered in a prosperous world where...]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2025 12:19:00 -0400 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145998_test-drive-review-2025-cadillac-escalade-iq-iql-ev https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145998_test-drive-review-2025-cadillac-escalade-iq-iql-ev news@motorauthority.com (Martin Padgett) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145998_test-drive-review-2025-cadillac-escalade-iq-iql-ev#comments Martin Padgett What’s in a name? The Escalade IQ is smarter, it turns out A big battery delivers 460 miles of range Cadillac delivers a big price, too: $129,990 For all its red-carpet appearances and secret-service duties over the past generation, the Cadillac Escalade has not been particularly cutting edge. It’s prospered in a prosperous world where...]]> Sierra EV Denali stands out with a GM-estimated 460 miles Midgate setup allows flexibility for items nearing 11-feet long Versatility from air suspension, rear-wheel steering, Super Cruise “I’ve been on that route, and it’s not one for a full-size pickup—let alone one weighing nearly 9,000 pounds.” That was what I...]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:03:00 -0400 https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1145063_2025-gmc-sierra-ev-test-drive-review https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1145063_2025-gmc-sierra-ev-test-drive-review news@greencarreports.com (Bengt Halvorson) https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1145063_2025-gmc-sierra-ev-test-drive-review#comments Bengt Halvorson Sierra EV Denali stands out with a GM-estimated 460 miles Midgate setup allows flexibility for items nearing 11-feet long Versatility from air suspension, rear-wheel steering, Super Cruise “I’ve been on that route, and it’s not one for a full-size pickup—let alone one weighing nearly 9,000 pounds.” That was what I...]]> The Sorento Hybrid AWD averaged 32.7 mpg during one Rocky Mountain vacation A center locking differential and Snow mode eased the anxiety of a snowy descent SX Prestige trim handles the altitude better than at least one human If I were to die today, my teenagers might scrawl an epithet that reads, “Drink more water.” It’s my most...]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:05:00 -0400 https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145498_first-drive-2025-kia-sorento-hybrid-first-drive https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145498_first-drive-2025-kia-sorento-hybrid-first-drive news@thecarconnection.com (Robert Duffer) https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145498_first-drive-2025-kia-sorento-hybrid-first-drive#comments Robert Duffer The Sorento Hybrid AWD averaged 32.7 mpg during one Rocky Mountain vacation A center locking differential and Snow mode eased the anxiety of a snowy descent SX Prestige trim handles the altitude better than at least one human If I were to die today, my teenagers might scrawl an epithet that reads, “Drink more water.” It’s my most...]]> Mazda CX-50 Hybrid cribs the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain CX-50 Hybrid lives with compromised packaging 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid costs $35,390; undercuts Honda CR-V Hybrid The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is what happens when you take the soul of an unexciting Toyota and shove it into an already mildly compromised Mazda. Consider us...]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:04:00 -0400 https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1146029_2025-mazda-cx-50-hybrid-test-drive https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1146029_2025-mazda-cx-50-hybrid-test-drive news@thecarconnection.com (Joel Feder) https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1146029_2025-mazda-cx-50-hybrid-test-drive#comments Joel Feder Mazda CX-50 Hybrid cribs the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain CX-50 Hybrid lives with compromised packaging 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid costs $35,390; undercuts Honda CR-V Hybrid The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is what happens when you take the soul of an unexciting Toyota and shove it into an already mildly compromised Mazda. Consider us...]]> Acura’s newest SUV comes up only a couple inches shorter than the RDX ADX small crossover is priced about $5,000 less than rivals such as the Lexus NX ADX uses a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo-4 with a CVT and available all-wheel drive I didn’t have many expectations for the new 2025 Acura ADX. Built off the Integra sedan but positioned like...]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145977_2025-acura-adx-test-drive-review https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145977_2025-acura-adx-test-drive-review news@thecarconnection.com (Robert Duffer) https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145977_2025-acura-adx-test-drive-review#comments Robert Duffer Acura’s newest SUV comes up only a couple inches shorter than the RDX ADX small crossover is priced about $5,000 less than rivals such as the Lexus NX ADX uses a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo-4 with a CVT and available all-wheel drive I didn’t have many expectations for the new 2025 Acura ADX. Built off the Integra sedan but positioned like...]]> 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR W 196 S served as a development car for sports car racing Junkyard 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL roadster sold for $1.19 million 1997 Renntech E60 RS was owned by Jerry Seinfeld 2009 Mercedes-McLaren Stirling Moss Edition hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds Ask the head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage what the heritage of the brand is and...]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:06:00 -0500 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145933_1957-mercedes-benz-300-sl-2009-mercedes-mclaren-paved-way-for-today-s-amgs https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145933_1957-mercedes-benz-300-sl-2009-mercedes-mclaren-paved-way-for-today-s-amgs news@motorauthority.com (Kirk Bell) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145933_1957-mercedes-benz-300-sl-2009-mercedes-mclaren-paved-way-for-today-s-amgs#comments Kirk Bell 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR W 196 S served as a development car for sports car racing Junkyard 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL roadster sold for $1.19 million 1997 Renntech E60 RS was owned by Jerry Seinfeld 2009 Mercedes-McLaren Stirling Moss Edition hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds Ask the head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage what the heritage of the brand is and...]]> Toyota brought back the Land Cruiser, kind of The Land Cruiser’s coarse, cheap, unrefined, and poorly packaged America deserves the real Land Cruiser, known as the 300 Series Enthusiasts bemoaned the death of the Toyota Land Cruiser in 2021. We then rejoiced upon its return in 2024. Disappointment has ensued for many, though not all, that...]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:04:00 -0500 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145898_2025-toyota-land-cruiser-test-drive-review https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145898_2025-toyota-land-cruiser-test-drive-review news@motorauthority.com (Joel Feder) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145898_2025-toyota-land-cruiser-test-drive-review#comments Joel Feder Toyota brought back the Land Cruiser, kind of The Land Cruiser’s coarse, cheap, unrefined, and poorly packaged America deserves the real Land Cruiser, known as the 300 Series Enthusiasts bemoaned the death of the Toyota Land Cruiser in 2021. We then rejoiced upon its return in 2024. Disappointment has ensued for many, though not all, that...]]> GMC’s full-size SUV gains a new flagship off-road trim All Yukon models get a new dash with a massive central screen Air suspension convincingly hides the Yukon’s trucky platform In its new AT4 Ultimate trim, the 2025 GMC Yukon tries hard to do a lot of things, many of which seem to cancel out one another. Meaty all-terrain tires wrap...]]> Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145855_2025-gmc-yukon-at4-ultimate-test-drive-review https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145855_2025-gmc-yukon-at4-ultimate-test-drive-review news@motorauthority.com (Andrew Ganz) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145855_2025-gmc-yukon-at4-ultimate-test-drive-review#comments Andrew Ganz GMC’s full-size SUV gains a new flagship off-road trim All Yukon models get a new dash with a massive central screen Air suspension convincingly hides the Yukon’s trucky platform In its new AT4 Ultimate trim, the 2025 GMC Yukon tries hard to do a lot of things, many of which seem to cancel out one another. Meaty all-terrain tires wrap...]]> XRT increases Ioniq 5’s ground clearance and rides on all-terrain tires Dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain makes 320 hp Ioniq 5 XRT gets more cladding, no skid plates Driving on a silty, sandy, rocky trail at Metate Ranch in Indio, Calif., I really want to treat this like a rally stage, but I’m worried the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT...]]> Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:46:00 -0500 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145775_2025-hyundai-ioniq-5-xrt-test-drive-review https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145775_2025-hyundai-ioniq-5-xrt-test-drive-review news@motorauthority.com (Kirk Bell) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145775_2025-hyundai-ioniq-5-xrt-test-drive-review#comments Kirk Bell XRT increases Ioniq 5’s ground clearance and rides on all-terrain tires Dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain makes 320 hp Ioniq 5 XRT gets more cladding, no skid plates Driving on a silty, sandy, rocky trail at Metate Ranch in Indio, Calif., I really want to treat this like a rally stage, but I’m worried the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT...]]> The Subaru Outback stands alone as the last mainstream wagon The next-generation Outback arrives for 2026 The 2025 Outback costs $30,430 Buyers wanting a mainstream wagon better head to their Subaru dealership soon. The 2025 Subaru Outback is still a high-riding wagon with great packaging, a comfortable ride, and a smooth powertrain. As the...]]> Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145748_2025-subaru-outback-test-drive https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145748_2025-subaru-outback-test-drive news@thecarconnection.com (Joel Feder) https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1145748_2025-subaru-outback-test-drive#comments Joel Feder The Subaru Outback stands alone as the last mainstream wagon The next-generation Outback arrives for 2026 The 2025 Outback costs $30,430 Buyers wanting a mainstream wagon better head to their Subaru dealership soon. The 2025 Subaru Outback is still a high-riding wagon with great packaging, a comfortable ride, and a smooth powertrain. As the...]]> BMW's Heart of Joy consists of four integrated control modules at the heart of every Neue Klasse EV The Dynamic Performance Control module integrates acceleration, braking, handling, and steering dynamics The systems were tested to the limits in BMW's Vision Driving Experience, nicknamed "The Beast" Pushing a vehicle to its limits is the essence...]]> Sun, 16 Feb 2025 18:01:00 -0500 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145756_ride-along-bmw-s-heart-of-joy-control-module-pumps-thrills-into-evs https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145756_ride-along-bmw-s-heart-of-joy-control-module-pumps-thrills-into-evs news@motorauthority.com (Robert Duffer) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145756_ride-along-bmw-s-heart-of-joy-control-module-pumps-thrills-into-evs#comments Robert Duffer BMW's Heart of Joy consists of four integrated control modules at the heart of every Neue Klasse EV The Dynamic Performance Control module integrates acceleration, braking, handling, and steering dynamics The systems were tested to the limits in BMW's Vision Driving Experience, nicknamed "The Beast" Pushing a vehicle to its limits is the essence...]]> Maserati gave the GT2 Stradale lots of the GT2 race car’s visual DNA The GT2 Stradale is less tunable than a 911 GT3 RS and quieter than an Artura The GT2 Stradale arrives in the U.S. in August and costs $311,995 Maserati’s going back to its racing roots. Or at least it’s trying. The storied Italian automaker out of Modena...]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:59:00 -0500 https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145759_2025-maserati-gt2-stradale-test-drive-review https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145759_2025-maserati-gt2-stradale-test-drive-review news@motorauthority.com (Joel Feder) https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145759_2025-maserati-gt2-stradale-test-drive-review#comments Joel Feder Maserati gave the GT2 Stradale lots of the GT2 race car’s visual DNA The GT2 Stradale is less tunable than a 911 GT3 RS and quieter than an Artura The GT2 Stradale arrives in the U.S. in August and costs $311,995 Maserati’s going back to its racing roots. Or at least it’s trying. The storied Italian automaker out of Modena...]]>