Wednesday, 02 July 2025
Matt M. Myftiu

Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

 

Even as all the buzz in the auto industry continues to focus on EVs and going all-electric, hybrids remain a key part of the eco-friendly solutions being offered to car buyers.

Take, for example, the Kia Niro, a compact SUV that’s been around a few years and fits a niche in the hybrid world where there are few competitors.

This tech-savvy model is larger than popular hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq, but also smaller and more affordable than hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Venza and Ford Escape. For 2021, the Niro lineup boosts the quality and quantity of its tech and safety offerings, including inclusion of wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

I recently spent time in a Kia Niro and I’m back with a full report.

When the Toyota Corolla first went on sale, Lyndon Baines Johnson was president. In the 55 years since, the vehicle has sold more than 45 million units worldwide. That’s quite a run, one of the best ever in fact, and there is no end in sight, with the Corolla selling over 237,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020.

Those are impressive numbers considering how the pandemic hit the industry last year, and are helped by the fact that the vehicle got a sharp redesign for 2020. Even more positive are the numbers in 2021 so far, with the Corolla on track to far exceed last year’s total.

I recently spent some time in a 2021 Corolla, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up in the small car segment.

Straddling the line between more modest SUVs and the luxury world, the Buick Envision finds itself in an interesting position in this vast SUV landscape.

For the 2021 model year, Buick has redesigned this midsize, five-passenger SUV, aiming at those who want something a bit fancier, but without going full luxury in terms of design and price tag — something between a Toyota RAV4 and a Audi Q5.

The Envision sits in the middle of the Buick SUV lineup, between the smaller Encore and larger Enclave. Among the highlights of the redesign are an improved infotainment system, a boost in the number of safety features included, and an updated engine.

I recently spent time in a 2021 Envision, and here is a full report.

A mention of the Toyota Camry is not usually accompanied by excitement. Sure, a ton of them are sold each year, and people view it as a safe and reliable vehicle for family travels and getting from point A to point B, but it’s not a ride that people are generally thrilled to get behind the wheel of.

To change that perception, though, let me introduce the Toyota Camry TRD, a model that soups up the traditional family vehicle to appeal to driving enthusiasts. I recently spent time behind the wheel of a 2021 Camry TRD, and I’m back with a full report.

One of the biggest headaches from vehicle owners is the dreaded warning lights that let you know something is wrong, but not exactly what is wrong. That usually leads to a trip to the mechanic, paying an inspection fee, and then what it costs to repair the offending system.

However, there are tools available to help people who do not want to rely on an outside opinion, and have the savvy to do some repairs themselves.

One concern has generally been the high cost of such diagnostic equipment, but there are some products that are emerging which have a much more reasonable cost. 

One such product that DIY mechanics can pick up is the Topdon ArtiDiag500 (AD500), which I recently had the chance to test out. With a price under $200, this item can pay for itself very quickly by removing the step of getting to a mechanic and seeking outside diagnosis.

 

When the word hybrid comes up, it’s generally associated with efficiency and strong fuel mileage, but rarely is paired with the word fun.

One vehicle trying to change that is the Lexus NX 300h, a luxurious compact crossover hybrid that has the rare combination of being a ride you can enjoy driving while also appreciating its looks and green credentials.

A brand new redesign is coming for 2022, but for now I tested the 2021 model of the NX 300h, and I’m back with a full report.

Compact, nimble and affordable.

Those are the three words that best describe the 2021 Hyundai Venue, a relatively new subcompact SUV offering (it debuted in 2020) that’s a strong fit for city dwellers and those who don’t want or need a larger vehicle.

I recently spent time in a Venue and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up to the growing number of mini-SUVs on the market right now.

Without a properly functioning battery, the vehicles we drive, on land or on the water, can put us in some difficult situations. The best way to avoid these concerns, in addition to proper overall vehicle maintenance, is to have the tools to test battery life to remove any doubts about their capabilities and lifespan.

For a very reasonable cost, there are products available to the everyday person, whether they are DIY mechanics or just regular vehicle owners, that can help ease they mind and limit worries about being stranded due to battery issues. It’s also not a bad idea to have a tool like this available in your vehicle if you do get stranded, as it can help diagnose your problem, and it is also an affordable option for garage owners who regularly test batteries.

StradVision, a pioneer in AI-based vision processing technology for Autonomous Vehicles and ADAS systems, will introduce its deep learning-based object recognition software SVNet and its latest advancements to potential customers and investors at the 5th edition of VivaTech, from June 16th to 19th. Vivatech is the largest event for startups in tech in Europe, and takes place in Paris in 2021. 

At the Korean Mobility Startups’ Pitching hosted by Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) on the 18th of June, and its online booth available from the 16th to 19th of June, StradVision will showcase its camera perception software SVNet and its latest features, which are adopted by major OEMs and automotive parts suppliers worldwide.

Wagon devotees are a committed bunch, perhaps reminiscent of their times touring the country in the old wood-paneled wagons of decades past. But their numbers are no longer massive, as SUVs have taken over the automotive world.

Still, there are a few automotive brands who remain dedicated to keeping wagon lovers happy. On the nonluxury side of things, Subaru’s Outback is the most popular option, and in the luxury realm, both Audi and Volvo remain active in the wagon world.

Today, we’ll be talking about the Volvo V60 Cross Country, the type of quality vehicle you would love to take the family out in for a long, ‘Vacation’ style road trip — minus some of the more dangerous high jinks of course.

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