Automotive Reviews

Car Camping Under the Stars with the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness stands as a capable refuge for those seeking to car camp off the beaten path. Its interior design and robust roof rails transform it into a mobile basecamp, ready to deliver you to remote forests and mountain valleys. With the rear seats folded flat, the cargo area opens to 69.1 cubic feet of usable space. That’s enough room for an under-6-foot adult to stretch fully while the rigid frame and reinforced structure keep you secure. The roof rails, designed to support rooftop tents with an 800-pound static load capacity, add another dimension to adventure. While I utilized the spacious cargo bay on my trips, other Forester owners in the community have successfully mounted lightweight rooftop

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How to Set Up Your 2025 RAM ProMaster 2500 for Work: Shelving, Tie-Downs & Upfit Guide

A flooring contractor with 30 years in the trade calls the ProMaster “by far the best vehicle I’ve had for work.” A mobile mechanic who has run every type of van over four decades says nothing matches it for cargo access. A plumber at 6’3″ walks the center aisle without ducking. These aren’t marketing claims. They come from owners who load these vans heavy, six days a week. The ProMaster’s advantage is structural: front-wheel drive eliminates the driveshaft tunnel, so the cargo floor is flat from wall to wall. The 21-inch load floor sits seven inches lower than the Ford Transit’s. The 75-inch interior width fits standard pallet racking. These dimensions shape every upfit decision, from shelf depth to partition

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2025 RAM ProMaster vs Ford Transit vs Mercedes Sprinter: Which Cargo Van Should You Buy?

Three vans dominate the North American full-size cargo market, and each one reflects a different engineering philosophy. The RAM ProMaster prioritizes cargo width and low loading height. The Ford Transit has the broadest powertrain range. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bets on diesel efficiency and longevity. I spent a week with the 2025 RAM ProMaster 2500 High Roof, loading paddle boards and a steel workbench. The cargo versatility and parking-lot agility impressed me. But the Transit and Sprinter answer questions the ProMaster can’t, and whether that matters depends on your routes, your cargo, and your budget. This comparison covers 2025 models, all in High Roof configurations. Prices and specifications reflect base models before options and destination. Key Takeaways At a Glance: Three

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2025 RAM ProMaster 2500 Review

The ProMaster 2500 is the middle child in RAM’s commercial lineup, between the lighter-duty 1500 and the heavy-hauling 3500. The one I’m reviewing: High Roof, 159-inch wheelbase. That’s the configuration most buyers choose for its balance of standing room and cargo length without the extended-wheelbase overhang. Base price is $50,860. This one hit $63,225. The SLT Plus Package ($6,995) adds LED headlamps, a 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen with navigation, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, power-folding heated mirrors, remote start, and a 220-amp alternator. The Advanced Safety Group ($1,795) brought surround-view cameras, automated parking, lane centering, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. RAM also fitted the optional wood cargo floor ($495), upper and lower side-wall paneling ($590), and a Class IV receiver hitch

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2025 Lexus UX 300h Review: for the Commuter, Small Crossover, Big Efficiency

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h represents continual evolution in the subcompact luxury crossover segment. This model year brings an entirely new hybrid powertrain that delivers more power while maintaining the fuel efficiency Lexus hybrids are known for. Finished in Eminent White Pearl with a Palomino NuLuxe interior, the UX 300h demonstrates how Lexus positions its entry-level crossover against established German competitors. Lexus equipped the 2025 UX 300h with its fifth-generation hybrid system, shared with the redesigned 2024 Toyota Prius. The 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine produces 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque on its own. Combined with two electric motors in front-wheel-drive configuration, the system generates 196 horsepower. This is a 15-horsepower increase over the previous UX 250h. The new

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2025 Best of the Bay

For 2025 Best of the Bay, Northern California’s top automotive journalists gathered in Petaluma, California, to drive and review 14 vehicles in a fast paced, real world environment, voting for the best vehicles across 5 different categories. Driving conditions ranged from urban streets to winding roads through wine country. Each vehicle received a 40 minute evaluation before journalists moved on to the next one. Categories voted upon included: Vehicles entered into the event: These 14 vehicles represent distinct visions of what driving should become, exploring both their standout characteristics and advanced technology. Whether that’s electrified muscle, luxury, or hybrid capability wrapped in off-road armor, each model tells a story worth understanding, creating unique positions within their respective segments. 2025 Acura

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