John Stein

5 days ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a very interesting vehicle that delivers value along with a very comfortable SUV. Make no mistake, this midsize SUV focuses on comfort, along with recognizing that safety is a primary concern for young families. What’s the trade-off, you ask? The 2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum I tested had an impressive all-wheel-drive system, and all the creature comforts you might want on your Rogue, though it lacks performance chops.

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 Coupe is a striking blend of athleticism, luxury and practicality. This high-performance compact SUV has a base price of $72,900, and my test model landed at $79,985 after several optional upgrades, which is not bad given the high levels of luxury and performance. On the outside, the exterior design remains polarizing. As a coupe-style SUV, the GLC 43 leans heavily into style over utility.

3 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish my Corolla sat a little higher and had all-wheel drive,” Toyota has your answer: The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. This crossover enjoys Corolla DNA paired with a fuel-efficient hybrid system. It’s not thrilling, but it gets the job done with competence, comfort and just enough flair. Under the hood, the Corolla Cross HV uses Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. It combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 196 horsepower.

1 month ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

First impressions mean a lot. When the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS landed in my driveway, the impression was immediate – a stylish, small SUV with a stunning Lakeshore Blue exterior was not going to struggle to turn heads. Another first impression: the 19-inch aluminum wheels were the perfect addition to the sporty good looks of this all-wheel-drive compact SUV. I tested the RS trim, which gives drivers a mixed bag of performance, practicality, and premium perks, along with a few quirks.

1 month ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

Hyundai’s midsize SUV lineup gets a bold refresh this year and nowhere is that more apparent than in the top-tier 2025 Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD Hybrid. I recently tested this new addition to the capable Hyundai stable of vehicles. With its squared-off stance, luxury appointments, and a hybrid powertrain, the Santa Fe Calligraphy aims to straddle the line between family practicality and upscale appeal.