Model tested: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD Wagon Hybrid Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4, plus two electric motors Transmission: 8-speed automatic, full-time four-wheel drive Horsepower: 326 Torque: 465 lb.-ft. EPA ratings (mpg): 22/city, 25/highway, 23/combined Base price: $61,950 As tested: $71,534 Overview: Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary name in the 4-by-4 SUV game. Land Cruisers […]
automotive
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF — Small and Mighty (Fun, That Is)
Model tested: 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Grand Touring 6MT Engine: 2-liter I-4 DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive Horsepower: 181 Torque: 154 lb.-ft. EPA ratings: 26/city, 34/highway, 29/combined Base price: $37,010 As tested: $38,925 Overview: The 2024 Mazda MX-5 (commonly known as the Miata) RF is a classic example of “if it ain’t […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe — Beauty and Brawn in a Highly Refined Coupe
Model tested: 2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe Engine: 5-liter V8 Transmission: 10-speed manual, rear-wheel drive Horsepower: 471 Torque: 398 lb.-ft. EPA ratings: 16/city, 24/highway, 18/combined Base price: $97,700 As tested: $107,105 Overview: The 2024 Lexus LC 500 Coupe isn’t a car you need — it’s a car you want. It’s a piece of rolling art. […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2024 Honda Civic Type R — A Four-Door Go-Kart
Model tested: 2024 Honda Civic Type R Hatchback Engine: 2-liter I-4 turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive Horsepower: 315 Torque: 310 lb.-ft. EPA ratings: 22/city, 28/highway, 24/combined Base price: $44,795 As tested: $45,890 Overview: Most people associate the Honda Civic with a sensible compact sedan that’s been winning praise since its 1973 stateside introduction. […]
Posted inAuto Talk
How to Prepare Your Vehicle and Secure Your Home for a Summer Road Trip
As peak summer travel season approaches, the cost and stress associated with road trips are top concerns for many travelers. With 43% of households planning road trips as their top travel plan this year, proper preparation of both your vehicle and home is essential. Mercury Insurance offers important tips to ensure your vehicle is road-ready […]
Posted inAuto Talk
Four Questions to Ask before Going Electric
The “electric vehicle (EV) boom” is upon us. Americans purchased nearly 300,000 EVs in the second quarter of this year, over 48% more than in 2022. To drive the trend even further, new data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index survey suggests that more than 1 in 3 drivers (34%) plan to own or lease a […]
Posted inAuto Talk
5 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
If you ask anyone you know about purchasing their first car, chances are they’ll be able to recount every detail (good or bad) about the car and the process of how they got those keys into their hands. Purchasing a car is oftentimes one of the first major decisions for young adults. That said, car […]
Posted inAuto Talk
Staying Safe on the Road When Driving with Distracting Furry Friends
Summer road trip season is in full swing. Whether your vacation plans include national parks, sandy beaches or major metropolises, you may be thinking of bringing the entire family along, even your four-legged companions. While we love having them near, dogs aren’t always safe passengers. A recent poll commissioned by Selective Insurance, a leading home, […]
Posted inAuto Talk
Summer Safety Tips for Young Drivers
Many young people who have recently received their driver’s license look forward to getting behind the wheel and driving to visit friends, attend events and travel in general throughout the summer. However, this time of year is when accidents on the road are more likely to occur. The 100 deadliest driving days of the year […]