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Preview: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Gets a New Face and New Controls

Volkswagen has given the 2025 Tiguan SUV a new look, a more powerful engine, and a new infotainment system. However, we fear that the updates to this popular model could be a case of “good news, bad news.” CR's Take. Outside. Inside. What Drives It. Active Safety and Driver Assistance MORE ON SUVS Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead. .Roomiest, Most Comfortable Compact SUVs. .Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs....
Posted:Wed Nov 20 20:00:01 EST 2024

How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack

While some folks are lucky enough to be able to go on a good bike ride straight from their house, many others—especially those who live in busy urban or heavily built-up areas—don’t have that opportunity.. They have to transport their bikes to a more suitable recreational riding location. You might be able to squeeze one bike into your vehicle, but trying to fit two adult bikes into a car or a smaller SUV can be a real chore, and ...
Posted:Wed Nov 20 14:41:51 EST 2024

First Drive: 2025 Nissan Kicks Grows Into Feature-Rich SUV

The redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks is larger, more powerful, and for the first time, offered with all-wheel drive. Plus its suite of active safety and driver assistance features is quite robust. This versatile hatchback has grown up and is kicking higher.. Its length has increased by about 3 inches, its wheelbase is up about 2 inches, its height gained an inch, and its width grew almost two inches. These changes benefit passengers and car...
Posted:Tue Nov 19 11:22:28 EST 2024

Gifts for Car Lovers That Promise Convenience, Fun, and Safety

There are many gimmicky gifts available for car lovers. Sure, an air freshener, “Back Off” mud flaps, or a bumper sticker may be fun, but there are far more practical ways to treat the auto enthusiasts on your shopping list. . The Cars team at Consumer Reports has pulled together a list of suggestions to turbocharge your holiday shopping. These products were chosen based on our trials and testing. Most can improve the driving exper...
Posted:Tue Nov 19 09:29:34 EST 2024

Best Bike Racks

Just as with bicycles, the landscape for bike racks has changed considerably in recent years. There are now many choices available in roof-, trunk-, and hitch-mounted racks, with models spanning from low-priced to premium. And pickup truck owners have the option of using what’s known as a tailgate pad. With so many choices, it can be difficult to determine which is best for your bike, vehicle, and budget. . Because we have several cy...
Posted:Tue Nov 19 06:02:58 EST 2024

2025 Kia K4 First Drive: A Desirable New Car for Under $25,000? Yes, Please.

After we fully test the 2025 Kia K4 sedan we just purchased, we’re going to end up with a whole lot of numbers. We’ll measure its fuel economy, how fast it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, how many feet it takes to stop in a panic-braking situation, and the highest speed it can achieve while swerving to avoid an obstacle in the road. Our testers will rate how comfortable we find it, how pleasant it is to drive, and how effective its...
Posted:Mon Nov 18 14:00:43 EST 2024

How a Car Battery Charger Can Keep Your Vehicle Ready to Go

All car batteries lose power over time. This isn’t a factor when the car is driven regularly, allowing the alternator to replenish the battery. But if the car is parked for an extended period, such as for winter storage or while working at home, it is wise to trickle energy into the battery so that it is ready to start the car when you need it. This can be done without removing the battery.. Many modern cars have significant draws on ...
Posted:Sat Nov 16 06:00:13 EST 2024

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits

If you’re thinking about buying an electric car or a plug-in hybrid, you should be aware that the incoming Trump administration has proposed getting rid of a federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500, according to a report from Reuters—a change that could make new and used EVs and PHEVs more expensive for consumers.. "It will likely take some time for policymakers to repeal or limit these incentives, but if you’re looking to buy an EV...
Posted:Fri Nov 15 15:02:20 EST 2024

How to Get the Used EV Tax Credit

Buyers of used electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have been eligible for a tax credit of up to $4,000 since the passage of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). However, sources in the incoming Trump administration told Reuters they plan to end the EV tax credit program, which could make some new and used EVs more expensive for consumers. How Much Is the Tax Credit?. Who Qualifies? . Which Cars Qualify?. Do You Have to ...
Posted:Fri Nov 15 13:14:14 EST 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Leasing an EV or PHEV

Many shoppers have taken advantage of lease deals on electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) that factor in a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Now that the Trump administration is planning to get rid of that credit, according to reports from Reuters, those in the market for a new EV or PHEV will have a limited time to act if they still want to save. More on EVs The EVs With the Longest Ranges. .EVs and PHEVs That Qualify fo...
Posted:Fri Nov 15 12:08:22 EST 2024

Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Diesel SUVs and Pickup Trucks Recalled for a Transmission Issue

General Motors is recalling over 460,000 SUVs and pickup trucks with a diesel engine because their rear wheels could lock up while driving, causing a crash. The recalled vehicles are:. • 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV SUVs• 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs• 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks• 2021 Chevrolet Suburban SUVs• 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs• 2020-2022 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, ...
Posted:Thu Nov 14 17:50:08 EST 2024

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid First Drive: Power Couple or Odd Couple?

Felix and Oscar. Bert and Ernie. Grace and Frankie. There’s a reason why odd couples are such a popular sitcom trope. At their best, these unlikely pairings demonstrate what’s possible when two people build a common strength out of their individual differences. It’s also what makes the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid such an interesting vehicle.. Although it wears a Mazda badge, the CX-50 Hybrid has the heart of a Toyota. The handling, styling...
Posted:Thu Nov 14 16:57:23 EST 2024

Preview: 2025 Acura ADX Compact SUV Targets Younger Buyers

With the 2025 Acura ADX, Honda’s luxury brand is selling a more affordable model to grab more market share among compact luxury SUVs. It’s basing the newest model on a platform that underpins several Honda and Acura vehicles, though the announced dimensions and provided images line up closely with the existing Honda HR-V subcompact SUV, giving the brand good bones to start with. 2025 Acura ADX. CR's Take. Outside. Inside. What Drive...
Posted:Thu Nov 14 09:00:01 EST 2024

Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango Recalled for ABS Problem

Jeep and Dodge are recalling over 206,000 SUVs to fix a safety issue that could allow vehicles to roll away when parked or disable the ABS or electronic stability control (ESC) while driving. Drivers may also notice that their brake lights are lit even if they aren’t stopping. MORE ON car RECALLS Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 With Diesel Engine Recalled for Stall Risk. .Car Recall Guide: Your Questions Answered. .Jeep Grand Cheroke...
Posted:Wed Nov 13 13:23:33 EST 2024

Best All-Season Tires for Winter Driving

Cooling temperatures are a clear signal that it’s time to inspect your tires and make sure you’re ready for winter weather.. Tread depth is a key factor in how well tires can resist hydroplaning and sliding in snow. Tires are considered worn out when the tread is down to a 2⁄32-inch depth. But for winter, it’s wise to start shopping at a 4⁄32-inch depth.. If you need tires, fall is the best time to buy. This is when tire retai...
Posted:Wed Nov 13 10:22:49 EST 2024