February 2023

2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport — Aging QX50 has appeal and likability



But fresher competitors make
it an SUV that's hard to love


By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 27, 2023) The Infiniti QX50 is a five-passenger compact crossover utility vehicle that was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year and continues as a predominantly carryover vehicle for 2023 with few changes and mainly adding more standard features and some updated visual options such as available new appearance package and select trim levels that receive interior enhancements over the years.

2023 Cayenne Turbo GT — Is this SUV Porsche’s 911 GT3?



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 26, 2023) With no less than 14 model variants of the Porsche Cayenne SUV there’s a new range-topping Turbo GT that’s the most ultimate Porsche Cayenne ever and is the closest to a Cayenne GT3 as Porsche has ever built. 

IIHS strengthens requirements for Top Safety Pick awards



(February 24, 2023) The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is strengthening the requirements for its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2023, demanding better side crash protection and improved pedestrian crash prevention systems and eliminating subpar headlights from the field of qualifying vehicles.

Pump prices drop on lower oil costs


AAA photo

(February 24, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas fell three cents since last week to $3.39. The main reason is the oil price, which fell into the mid $70s per barrel, nearly $5 cheaper than a week ago. “The cost for oil accounts for 55% of what we pay at the pump,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, “so higher or lower oil costs will play a major role in the price we pay when fueling up.”

Tesla recall highlights more widespread issue



IIHS Editorial

(February 21, 2023) Tesla’s recall of nearly 363,000 vehicles equipped with what the company calls “Full Self-Driving” last week highlights a more widespread issue with the ways that partial automation systems are designed and advertised, IIHS President David Harkey said.

New Sport trim replaces Essence model in Infiniti's QX50 lineup for 2023



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 24, 2023) Infiniti introduces a new model for its second-generation QX50 SUV. A new Sport trim replaces the Essential trim that had debuted at the top of portfolio in the 2019 makeover but quickly gave way to Sensory and Autograph models in recent years.

Mustang Mach-E puts Ford among leaders in EV sales in U.S.


Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 19, 2023) It probably comes as no surprise to you that the sales leader in electric vehicles in 2022 was Tesla, which accounted for 65 percent of EVs sold in the U.S., according to the website electrek.com. But the runner-up may take some guessing. I’ll save you time. It’s Ford.

Gas prices mostly flat week-over-week



(February 17, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas posted a lackluster week, dipping a mere penny from the previous week to $3.42. Slack demand for gas and waffling oil prices are the primary reasons the national average is stuck in neutral.

2023 Chevrolet Equinox RS — Just 'OK' Equinox fails to inspire



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 17, 2023) The Equinox is Chevrolet’s second most popular vehicle outsold only by the Silverado pickup. After a mild refreshening for 2022 with a new updated grille design, distinctive headlights, and updated front and rear bumpers Equinox sees only minor changes for 2023 including a small 5 horsepower bump for the 1.5-liter turbo engine — now up to 175 ponies, and three new paint colors.

IIHS — Crash avoidance features improve safety, but complicate repairs



(February 16, 2023) Crash avoidance features have proven safety benefits, but some vehicle owners report problems with the technology following repairs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety surveyed owners of vehicles equipped with front crash prevention, blind spot detection or rearview or other visibility-enhancing cameras. Among those who reported that at least one of those systems had been repaired for any reason, about half said they had issues with the features after the job was completed.