Cherise Threewitt

1 month ago | cars.usnews.com | Jasmine Sayles |Mark Hayes |Tony Markovich |Cherise Threewitt

SAVANNAH, Ga. — I stood there, waiting my turn to hop inside the 2025 Mini John Cooper Works (JCW). Everyone around me was going on and on about the specs and features, excited to get their hands on the wheel. But as I stood there, I couldn’t help thinking, “Is it really that great?” Sure, it looked good, but would it truly be good? I had already driven the Mini Cooper S and enjoyed it, but surely, the JCW couldn’t be that much more of a showstopper … surely.

1 month ago | cars.usnews.com | George Kennedy |Warren Clarke |Cherise Threewitt

Prices for new cars seem to be climbing higher every year. Combine economic influences with the fact that modern vehicles are packed with more safety tech and convenience features than ever before, and it’s the perfect storm for rising prices. But don’t lose hope just yet—there are still budget-friendly options available. Some automakers continue to offer compact (and subcompact) cars and crossovers that deliver solid value without sacrificing quality.

1 month ago | cars.usnews.com | Kristen Hall-Geisler |Warren Clarke |Cherise Threewitt

A decade ago, we were promised self-driving cars, and while we're a long way from that dream, we are getting some very sophisticated hands-free systems in more kinds of vehicles. Ford BlueCruise is one such system. It allows drivers to completely remove their hands from the steering wheel under particular circumstances so the car can take over what are usually the most boring parts of a long drive. Key Takeaways BlueCruise is a hands-free driving system that works on most highways.

1 month ago | cars.usnews.com | Alex Kwanten |Cherise Threewitt

CreditAlex Kwanten | U.S. News & World Report First Impressions: 2025 Subaru Forester HybridOn the outside, just three little badges are all that distinguish the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid from its gas-only sibling. Behind the wheel though, the differences are instantly clear. Freshly redesigned this year, the regular 2025 Forester is as capable and family-friendly as ever, only now it’s prettier and more refined.

1 month ago | cars.usnews.com | Zach Doell |Tony Markovich |Mark Hayes |Cherise Threewitt

CreditZach Doell | U.S. News & World ReportFirst Impressions: 2026 Honda PassportSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — "There's no way I'm getting up this hill," I kept thinking to myself. All I could see from the driver's seat was a rutted dirt path that led from the rainforest to the clouds. As I eased into the climb, the scenery tapered off, and only the clouds remained. But the Passport's capability never faded. I made it up and over this hill, the next, and every climb after.