Vehicle Research

Nissan announced changes and pricing for its 2013-MY Nissan Frontier pickup truck. The automaker said it improved fuel economy for the Frontier by 2 mpg by reducing engine friction and enhancing aerodynamics.

Tags: Pickup trucks, 2013-MY, Nissan Frontier

This score for the luxury crossover SUV adds to its 2013 Top Safety Pick rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Tags: airbags, NHTSA, Buick, five-star ratings, Buick Enclave, 2013-MY

Hyundai announced MSRP and other details for its 2013-MY Sonata Hybrid, which features a larger but lighter lithium polymer battery pack, improved hybrid architecture, and better fuel efficiency.

Tags: hybrid, Hyundai, 2013-MY, Sonata Hybrid

The automaker announced pricing and fuel economy for its all-new compact cargo van.

Tags: Cargo Vans, Nissan, 2013-MY, Nissan NV200, Chicago Auto Show

The 2013-MY Santa Fe is set to arrive in Hyundai dealerships by the end of February.

Tags: Hyundai, vehicle pricing, 2013-MY, Hyundai Santa Fe

The automaker is pricing the new model at a starting MSRP of $33,445 (including the $895 destination and handling charge).

Tags: BMW, 2013-MY, BMW 3 Series, BMW 320i

The 2013 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid received the top Overall Vehicle Score in NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

Tags: Ford Motor Co., Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hybrid, NHTSA, five-star ratings, 2013-MY

Nissan is updating its Leaf electric vehicle for model-year 2013 with a number of enhancements, including improved aerodynamics, energy management, a wider range of regenerative braking, a new on-board charger, and a new, lower priced entry-level Leaf grade.

Tags: Nissan, electric vehicle, Nissan LEAF, 2013-MY

A high intensity discharge headlamp system (HID) now comes standard on the 2013 F-150 Platinum and Limited editions and is available as an option on the FX2, FX4, Raptor, Lariat and King Ranch models.

Tags: Ford F-150, 2013-MY, Headlights, Ford Motor Co., HID, OSRAM Automotive Lighting

The more compact, lighter weight system’s flexible vent reduces the risk of inflation-induced injury by allowing the driver’s forward momentum to effectively push the air out and away, GM said.

Tags: Chevrolet, 2013-MY, Chevrolet Cruze, General Motors Corp., air bags

Toyota said its 2013-MY Avalon will be the first vehicle in the world to offer in-console wireless charging for mobile phones and other devices capable of charging via the “Qi” system.

Tags: Toyota, wireless services, Toyota Avalon, vehicle wireless technology, 2013-MY, Denso

Fuel economy for the new vehicle is 24 city, 31 highway mpg. The fourth generation of Toyota's SUV goes on sale in January.

Tags: Toyota, Toyota RAV4, 2013-MY

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests how vehicles perform in front and side crash tests, and evaluates vehicles for their rollover resistance.

Tags: Audi, NHTSA, 5-star rating, 2013-MY, Audi A4, Audi S4

The editors chose the Ram 1500 for its air suspension, its choice of engines, its variety of trim levels and its towing capability.

Tags: award, Ram, 2013-MY, Ram 1500, Motor Trend

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Fiat showed its new 500e small electric car and its new four-door, five-passenger 500L.

Tags: Fiat, Fiat 500, 2013-MY, LA Auto Show, Fiat 500L, Fiat 500e

The Fusion competed among finalists including the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero, Ford C-MAX, Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV and the Toyota Prius c.

Tags: Ford Fusion, Green Car of the Year, Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2013-MY, Ford Motor Co., LA Auto Show, Ford Fusion Energi

The 2013 Ram 1500 is already being shipped to dealers.

Tags: Mopar, Accessories, 2013-MY, Ram 1500

For the 2012 Miami International Auto Show, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was given the 'Utility Vehicle of the Show' title by a panel of automotive journalists. The category included SUVs, pickup trucks and crossovers.

Tags: Hyundai, award, auto shows, 2013-MY, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The award is part of the magazine's annual Auto Excellence Awards, in which 10 vehicles are chosen as the top vehicles for the year.

Tags: award, Ford Escape, Hyundai Elantra, 2013-MY, Ram 1500, Cadillac ATS, Toyota Prius c