Author: Tabitha

The automaker has created a radically different-looking compact utility vehicle that launches in early 2022. Design elements include an aggressive-looking grille that resembles those attached to the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra sedans. The rest of the bodywork has plenty of crisp creases that finish with a knife-edge ridge across the liftgate. The Sportage’s interior is equally dramatic, with a large curved-glass dashboard that houses the gauges and infotainment screen. Rotary dials for the shifter and multi-mode drive selector dominate the floor console. There’s no official word on powertrains, but both four-cylinder and optional hybrid power systems are likely. The new…

The Airstream name has been synonymous with classic and classy travel trailers, highlighted by their distinctive rounded aluminum bodies and wraparound windows. One of the company’s least expensive models that embodies this style is the Caravel. The 16-foot version — the smallest of four sizes that range up to 22 feet — provides enough room for two happy wanders and comes with a dining area (converts to an extra bed), double bed, kitchen, combination toilet/shower and stowage cabinet. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, gas furnace, small fridge, microwave, flat-screen TV and WiFi. Among the options is a 90-watt solar-panel system.…

Bugatti partnered with watchmaker Jacob & Co. to create a timepiece that pays homage to the $3-million Chiron hypercar. The centerpiece is a scaled down version of the car’s 1,500-horsepower 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine, which displays 16 miniature pistons that are attached to a tiny steel crankshaft. At the touch of a button they scurry up and down in their correct firing order within the replica engine block. A total of 578 parts make up this watch and the action is clearly visible through a sapphire crystal window. Oh, and the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon watch also tells the time. Order for…

The third-generation of the automakers full-size pickup is expected to debut later this year as a 2022 model. The Tundra will be built on a new chassis that will underpin future 4Runner and Sequoia utility vehicles plus the midsize Tacoma pickup. Although powertrain details haven’t been confirmed, it’s rumored that the Tundra’s 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 will be replaced with a twin-turbocharged V-6 with more horsepower and torque. A hybrid power system — either standard or possibly plug-in — is also likely. The Tundra’s styling will be influenced by the Hilux pickup that’s sold elsewhere around the world. The redesigned Toyota…

The automaker’s bread-and-butter lineup gets the upgrade treatment for the 2022 model year. The redesigned compact C Class will be the first to arrive and will be lengthened by 2.5 inches, with an inch between the front and rear wheels. It will also sit about a half-inch lower. At launch, the C300 will use the current 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive will also be available. Design-wise, the C Class will more closely resembles the larger E-Class sedan, especially at the front. Both coupe and convertible variants of the C Class are expected…

Aligning your tow vehicle’s hitch with a trailer can be challenging and often requires another person to provide guidance while backing up. The iBall Wireless 5.8-GHz Trailer Hitch Camera should make the process much easier. The key components consist of a 3.5-inch color monitor that plugs into a 12-volt power outlet, plus a rechargeable lithium-ion-battery-powered all-weather camera that mounts behind the hitch ball. According to the manufacturer, the iBall will help you line up with both standard and gooseneck trailers. Purchase for $170 from www.iballhitchcam.com.

A park, campsite, or parking lot can become your hot-meal dining spot with the HitchFire Forge 15 hitch-mounted propane grill. The unit comes with two 7,500-BTU burners and 355 square inches of cooking surface. The Forge 15’s articulating swing-arm, which attaches to a standard two-inch hitch receiver, can be pivot outward up to 180 degrees or detach from the arm for setting up elsewhere. Twin foldout side tables that come with the grill are stored inside the unit when not in use. A 16-ounce propane canister (not included) attaches to the underside of the grill. Order the Hitchfire Forge 15…

The electric hatchback sedan, which goes on sale in early 2022, recently made its debut in New York City. The car comes with a battery pack positioned between the front and (optional) rear electric motors. It will also share its battery-electric platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV (Kia is part of the Hyundai family). The base rear-wheel-drive model will generate 167 horsepower, with a 218-horsepower version available. Additionally, an all-wheel-drive EV6 with front and rear electric motors is rated at 313 horsepower. Arriving in late 2022 is the EV6 GT (also all-wheel-drive) with 576 horsepower. Kia claims the GT…

Whether Ford was sandbagging all along, it recently announced revised performance numbers for both base and available powerplants for its more rugged companion to the Bronco Sport. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder is now officially rated at 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, which is up from the originally stated 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The optional turbo 2.7-liter V-6 is rated at 330 horses and 415 pound-feet (originally 310/400). Note that premium fuel is required to enjoy the added power, otherwise the lower values will likely prevail.

The compact and relatively affordable QuickJack hydraulic car lift consists of two frames (one for each side of the vehicle), a power unit that pumps hydraulic fluid to both frames, and a hand-held controller to raise and lower the frames. When not in use, the QuickJack stores vertically for a small footprint. The entry model (one of six available) costs $1,340, is claimed to have 3,500-pound-capacity and can raise the vehicle 21 inches in less than 30 seconds. It’s also available for 110 or 220 volts AC, or 12 volts DC. At the top end, the 6,000-pound-capacity QuickJack sells for…