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Articles by Alan Rider
Test Drive: Road To Adventure
Getting up, going to work and coming home to get lost in your smartphone isn’t living, it’s existing. So get a little mud on your boots and have yourself an adventure once in a while. Here are two models designed with that in mind.
Where to Today? – Honda Passport/Subaru Outback
Our vehicles are always ready to take us beyond the everyday, and these two new models are especially well-suited to do so.
Maximum Fun Allowed by Law – Mazda Miata RF/Alfa Romeo Stelvio
We recommend rolling down a curvy stretch of road in one of these beauties.
Get to Work! – Ram Heavy Duty/ GMC Sierra 1500
Our work helps to give our lives purpose. So any vehicle that enables us in this noble calling is worth a closer look.
No Bad Days – Volkswagen Jetta GLI/Honda Civic Si
Everyone has a bad day occasionally. Everyone, that is, except those lucky enough to park one of these in their garage.
Where the Pavement Ends – Toyota RAV4/Subaru Ascent
Experience life firsthand with the help of these remarkably user-friendly crossover SUVs.
Big Fun – Nissan Kicks/Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
These two models are virtually guaranteed to produce smiles.
Mileage or Smile-Age? – Toyota Corolla Hybrid/Genesis G70
Folks who wring the maximum MPG out of a fill-up want something distinctly different than those who love to hustle down a curvy stretch of road. These two new models cover both ends of the spectrum.
Upscale, Downsize – Lexus UX 200/Volvo XC40
These two new models prove that upscale and downsize are not mutually exclusive concepts.
High-Tech, To Go – Acura RDX/Volvo XC60 Hybrid
Explore cutting edge technology with these two newly updated crossovers.
Middle of the Road – Nissan Altima/Mazda6
New midsize sedans offer more options, safety features and comfort.
A Place for Your Stuff – Volkswagen Golf SportWagen/Mazda3 Hatchback
Whether it’s moving boxes or a run to the store, you’ll eventually need a vehicle that can haul your stuff. Here are two appealing candidates.
Getting It to Go – Kia Soul/Jeep Gladiator
These two models are designed to let you take people – and cargo – along for the ride.
Smooth Operators – Genesis G90/Lincoln Continental
Across town or cross-country, driving a sophisticated automobile will make the trip significantly more enjoyable. These are two smooth sedans.
Keep on Truckin’ – Ram 1500/Honda Ridgeline
Large and in charge. That’s how you’ll feel behind the wheel of the all-new Ram 1500 pickup. There’s just no other way to say it: This full-size truck is big, both physically and in terms of its capability. On that last point, it can tote more than a ton of cargo (2,300 pounds, to beRead More
A Tale of Two SUVs – Jeep Wrangler/Volkswagen Atlas
A poseur. That’s what virtually every other SUV on the market looks like compared to the Jeep Wrangler. While plenty of competitors put out a rugged vibe, the all-new Wrangler is the real deal. Simply put, it is designed and built to go places that would stop those wannabes in their tire tracks. This impressiveRead More
Is ‘Sporty SUV’ an Oxymoron? – Jaguar I-Pace/BMW X4
Sport-utility vehicles used to project a rugged vibe. Now, new models that put the ‘sport’ in ‘sport-utility’ have become a thing.
Practical-y Perfect – Hyundai Kona/Honda Fit
While many daydream about driving a sports car, reality eventually calls. Two remarkably sensible new models meld sport and style.
Pavement, Shmavement – Jeep Compass/Volvo V90 Cross Country
Like the Mach 5 in its day, crossovers have developed a legion of dedicated fans. But I predict the Jeep Compass will be sought-after for more than just its body style. Take the midrange Trailhawk model I drove. Simply put, it is the only affordable compact SUV I can think of that will take youRead More
Hot Hatchbacks – Toyota Corolla Hatchback/Honda Civic Hatchback
Sexy: There’s a word you don’t generally apply to affordable cars. And yet, it’s an apt description of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Granted, it’s not bright-red Ferrari kind of alluring. Just the same, this all-new hatchback offers a lot more style than just about any other four-door compact you can name, starting with its distinctlyRead More