Chrysler refines Pacifica and Grand Caravan as buyers return to practical family hauler

BURLINGTON, Ont. — The mighty minivan — relegated to the scrap heap by the rush to crossovers and SUVs — is making a comeback, and Chrysler hopes to lead the way with its top-selling, Canadian-made Grand Caravan and Pacifica models.

While many manufacturers — Mazda, Ford, GM, Hyundai and Nissan — abandoned the once-popular family hauler, Chrysler has continued to play in the segment since it was launched by Lee Iacocca in 1983.

For 2027, the Pacifica gets a cosmetic refresh and the Grand Caravan is a holdover, but new this year are price savings of up to $7,200, Chrysler product planner Mike Szymkiewicz told journalists assembled here for the launch of the two vehicles.

“It’s primarily that we’re taking less margin, but we’re also adding content,” he said. “So less margin but we hope more volume.”

Museum’s ‘Knight Rider’ replica car got a speeding ticket. It hasn’t gone anywhere in years

It's a mystery on the streets of New York City. What traffic law violator with unpaid fines is driving a black Pontiac Trans Am that looks like the car with the talking computer from the 1980s TV series “Knight Rider" — and even has the same license plate?

Grand enhancement for Jeep

For 2026, and the vehicle that arguably launched the luxury SUV segment — the Jeep Grand Cherokee — it’s what you can’t see that makes the biggest difference.

Under the hood, the venerable Pentastar V-6 engine continues, but expanding the list of powertrain options is a new Hurricane 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine.

It would be easy to see that change as a step backward. If four cylinders are good, six are better, right?

Not so fast. The new engine is the high-output option, offering more power, more torque and better fuel economy than its six-cylinder stablemate.

Five of the best used EVs you can get for dirt cheap, according to Edmunds

With volatile gasoline prices rising in recent weeks, Edmunds has seen increased shopper interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. If you’re thinking about going 100% electric, there’s a way to save even more money: Buy used. While new EVs are more expensive than similar gas-powered vehicles, steep depreciation can actually make a 3-year-old EV more affordable than its gas counterpart.

This price downturn doesn’t just apply to outdated EVs either. Some of Edmunds’ favorite models can be found for cheap on the used market. We included the average pricing of 2022 to 2024 models to give you an idea of what you might have to pay. Note that the range figures listed below are for when the vehicles were new. Maximum range decreases slightly as an EV’s battery is used over time.

Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV

If affordability is your top priority, then you might not need to look any further than the Bolt EV and its SUV-inspired sibling, the Bolt EUV. They are the best used EVs you can get for a killer price. It’s also a great value considering the Bolt’s generous list of tech features, spacious cabin and easy-to-park size. The Bolt EV gets up to an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range on a full charge, while the EUV can go up to 247 miles.

The advantage of buying a used luxury car rather than a new non-luxury car

For about the same price of a new mainstream car, you could get a used luxury car instead. But is buying a used luxury vehicle a smart choice?

Drivers wonder if they should go electric as the war spikes gas prices

When Kevin Ketels bought an electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer last year, he wasn't thinking about the cost of gas. He just thought EVs were better and “wanted to be part of the future.” Now that the Iran war is spiking prices at the pump, the Detroit man is happy he is no longer filling up his 11-year-old gas-powered SUV.

“Electricity can go up, but it won’t go up nearly as much as gas will and it won’t go up nearly as fast, either,” said Ketels, 55, an assistant professor of global supply chain management at Wayne State University.

Experts say prolonged high gas prices may drive some EV interest and sales, especially if drivers assume their electricity prices won't be affected by the crises.

But many factors influence consumer EV purchases — and electricity rates.

2026 Jeep Cherokee makes an electrifying return

Aside from light-duty pickup trucks, no automotive segment in Canada is bigger than the compact SUV — dominated by such nameplates as Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and others.

Trade deal opens door to Chinese EVs, but appetite for adapting to Canadian regulations is unclear

When Canada opens the door to Chinese EVs, expect a trickle, not a flood.

The limit is 49,000 for the first year, or 2.6 per cent of Canada’s total market (1.9 million vehicles sold), so don’t expect to see Chinese EVs dominating local dealer lots anytime soon. If those vehicles were distributed equally to Canada’s 3,783 dealerships, that’s 12 each.

A lot must happen before the first Chinese EV arrives: Canada has committed to working with manufacturers for certification to Canadian safety standards, but that won’t be immediate and will be expensive.

Assuming this opens the door to vehicles we haven’t seen yet — the Volvo EX30 is built in China, as are some Teslas and Hyundais — the brand with the most interesting prospects might be Leapmotor. It already has an extensive dealership network in Canada: it only needs to add its name beside signs for Dodge, Ram, Chrysler and Fiat. Leapmotor is associated with the current owner of those brands, Stellantis, which has 440 dealerships in Canada.

Mustang GT convertible gives snowbound Manitobans something to look forward to

It’s January, when a motoring enthusiast’s fantasies turn to convertibles cruising through the crisp, spring air.

When snow is on the ground and no imminent decision is required it might be the best time to plan a purchase. You can kick tires, virtually and literally, safe in the knowledge you can shut down a persistent salesperson with, “Look, it’s not like I’m ever putting winter tires on it, so I’m in no rush.”

It’s with that tempered expectation I look back at my time with the 2026 Mustang GT Convertible, my steed for travelling from Toronto to Hockey Valley Resort for the 2026 Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards TestFest event.

Several times, particularly when leaning into the V-8 connected accelerator and hearing one of the world’s perfect exhaust sounds, the words of Will Smith in Independence Day came rushing to the fore: “I have GOT to get me one of these!”

Gallery: A vintage car graveyard in western Germany

Michael Froehlich's classic-car graveyard features 50 cars manufactured the year he was born, including a Jaguar XK120, a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and a Porsche 356.

Edmunds small SUV comparison: New Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V

If you’re considering buying a new small SUV, there’s a good chance you’ll consider the Honda CR-V. The CR-V is among the most popular-selling models in the United States, and there are good reasons why. It’s practical, comfortable and quite good at getting you where you need to go with minimal fuss. But it’s not the only small SUV vying for your attention.

Volkswagen, for its part, hopes you’ll check out its new Tiguan. Redesigned for 2026, the Tiguan gets a fresh look, updated technology and more power without a boost in price. Each model represents its brand’s best-selling model, but which one is the best choice for you? Edmunds’ automotive experts compare them to find out.

Performance and fuel economy

The redesigned Tiguan dropped weight and added power, which is always a good thing. Every Tiguan comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower. In Edmunds testing, the Tiguan needed 8.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. That’s decent, but the Tiguan can feel sluggish to respond when you first push on the gas. The automatic transmission’s shifts aren’t particularly quick, either.

Edmunds small SUV comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson are two popular choices for shoppers looking at small SUVs. They’re also notable for their recent updates. The Equinox’s 2025 redesign ushers in more squared-off styling, technology and safety-related upgrades, and a new rugged-looking Activ trim level. The Tucson’s updates are milder but include refreshed styling and new tech features.

You could make a case for either model if you’re looking to buy a sensible SUV this fall. But which one is better? Edmunds’ automotive experts compare the key differences below.

Fuel economy and performance

The Chevrolet Equinox employs a 175-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s adequate for routine driving, but passing moves and quick merges onto the highway will require some patience while you get up to speed. In Edmunds’ testing, an all-wheel-drive Equinox needed 8.7 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph. The EPA estimates that the Equinox can get 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving with front-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers the combined figure just a bit to 26 mpg.

Edmunds SUV test: The new Nissan Armada takes a run at the Chevrolet Tahoe

Fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers are quite popular these days, but there’s still a need for a full-size SUV that can carry up to eight passengers and tow a heavy load. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada are among a small selection of models that can handle the assignment. Both have truck-based designs that provide plenty of muscular capability.

Redesigned for 2025, the Armada has fresh styling, a new turbocharged V6 engine and an updated interior. For its part, the Tahoe could easily be considered a benchmark. Its robust V8 power and capability have helped it earn its place in plenty of American driveways over the years, and the 2025 Tahoe features revised styling and new technology features. Which of these full-size SUVs is the better buy? Edmunds’ automotive experts compared them to find out.

Performance and fuel economy

The Armada has a new turbocharged V6 that cranks out 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This is plenty for both high-speed cruising power and ample low-end thrust. That tops the Tahoe’s standard V8, which makes 335 horsepower and 383 lb-ft, as well as the optional V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. The Armada’s power advantage showed up at the Edmunds test track. It sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. A Tahoe with its base V8 is considerably slower, needing 7.7 seconds to get to 60 mph, though the more powerful V8 helps close the gap.

Edmunds: How to get the best auto deals this Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend has long been one of the busiest times of year for car dealerships. Many car shoppers decide to pull the trigger on that long-considered purchase because of the major sales promotions and the symbolic start of summer. But things are a little different this year.

Because of tariffs on offshore-built vehicles and components, confusion is setting in. Shoppers are rightly wondering: Will prices go up? Are the deals real? Should I buy now or wait?

Here’s some good news. With a little strategy and timing, you can score a great deal this Memorial Day weekend and avoid potential price hikes in the months ahead. Here are five tips from the experts at Edmunds that will help you decide and get the best deal.

Prioritize U.S.-assembled vehicles

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid combines the best of Mazda, Toyota engineering for fuel-efficient fun

Mazda’s newest hybrid — the CX-50 Hybrid — is its best-driving, thanks to a partner with the most experience in building hybrids.

The CX-50 Hybrid powertrain is Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, and it arguably is more fun to drive than the CX-50’s hybrid stablemates CX-70 and CX-90. Toyota has been refining the Hybrid Synergy Drive since the mid to late 1990s, having launched the first Prius in 1999.

The CX-50 is smaller and lighter than the other two, so it’s more nimble. The planetary gearset transmission transfers energy more efficiently, it seems, than the eight-speed automatics in the 70 and 90. Acceleration is direct and immediate, and it pulls hard — thanks to the electric assist from the hybrid system.

Sure, it’s still a CVT, something a Mazda chief engineer once swore it would never do, but it’s also the best in the business. So while it will still do that annoying thing CVTs do — run the engine to a certain R.P.M. and stay there during acceleration — it doesn’t seem as droning and annoying as other CVTs.