Editorial archive

March 2023

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV — Luxury to the extreme

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Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 19, 2023) After diving full scale into the electric vehicle segment with the 2022 EQS sedan, Mercedes takes its first all-electric crossover utility to the U.S. up to a new level of luxury with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. It comes in three spectacular versions with the EQS 450+ followed by the EQS 450 4MATIC and the top-of-the-line EQS 580 4MATIC, which this review is based on.

Study finds drivers unaware of how drowsy they really are

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(March 18, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s something that most drivers experience but may not realize until it’s too late — feeling drowsy — which plays an under-appreciated role in traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths. Although underreported in government statistics, previous research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has estimated that 16% to 21% of all police-reported fatal vehicle crashes likely involve drowsy driving. 

Gas prices hold steady amid economic turbulence

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(March 17, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite the sour economic news roiling the stock and oil markets, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline had a calm week, remaining at $3.46. Meanwhile, the global oil price plunged into the low to mid $60 per barrel, a level not seen since August 2021.

Why millions of Americans aren't buying electric vehicles

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By ValuePengiun
Part of the LendingTree Group

(March 16, 2023) From a rise in affordable options to Tesla's recent recall, electric vehicles (EVs) have been making headlines lately. But despite the stir, many Americans aren't ready to make the switch — and price is a particular concern. ValuePenguin asked more than 2,000 U.S. consumers about their attitudes toward EVs. In addition to going over consumers' top reservations, stick around for tips on deciding whether to make the switch — including how going electric may affect your auto insurance rates.

Key findings

Rear passenger protection falls short in most midsize SUVs

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(March 14, 2023) Most midsize SUVs offer inadequate front crash protection for passengers seated in the rear, the latest crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show. “All these vehicles provide excellent protection for the driver,” said IIHS President David Harkey, “but only a handful extend that level of safety to the back seat.”

Study reveals 74% of Americans have become more conscious of gas prices

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(March 13, 2023) DALLAS — Average gas prices in the U.S. reached a new record of over $5 per gallon last year, and it’s no wonder that drivers have become more price-conscious at the pump. According to GasBuddy’s annul Pump Habits study, 74% of Americans have become more price-conscious at the pump during the last year. However, most drivers are still making crucial mistakes, which can cost them hundreds of dollars per year.

Distinctive looks, abundant power set Alfa Romeo Stelvio apart

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Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 12, 2023) With its distinctive Italian styling and lively performance, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers an attractive alternative for those shopping in the compact luxury SUV market. It is especially appealing to those who want to get away from the “cookie-cutter” design that prevails in the very competitive segment dominated in 2022 by Tesla’s Model Y and imports from Germany.

Current gas price hike may be short lived

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(March 10, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline increased nearly a dime since last week to $3.46. However, this price pop could be short-lived, as demand and the global cost of oil have fallen recently.

As heavy EVs proliferate, their weight may be a drag on safety

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IIHS discovers some new EVs
may be so heavy they create safety
risk for other vehicles on the road

By Raul Arbelaez 

Vice President
Vehicle Research Center, IIHS

(March 10, 2023) How safe are electric vehicles? It’s a question that keeps coming up in different ways in my role overseeing our vehicle crashworthiness evaluations. When we first started testing electric vehicles in 2011, the question referred to fire risk. When damaged, lithium-ion batteries can ignite, and the fires can be extremely hard to put out. As a result, we have special procedures for EV testing, including monitoring the battery’s voltage and temperature and asking our local fire department to be on site

New-vehicle prices trend downward as incentives rise

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(March 9, 2023) ATLANTA — The average transaction price (ATPs) of a new vehicle in the United States declined in February to $48,763, a decrease of 1.4% ($705) from an upwardly revised January reading of $49,468. Transaction prices last month were up 5.3% ($2,466) from year-ago levels, according to data released today by Kelley Blue Book. Meanwhile, incentive spend rose to 3.0%, averaging $1,474, a level not seen since March 2022.