WHAT IT IS: Kia has a multistage strategy for capturing a large slice of the EV market across several tiers, and the Kia EV5 SUV is the next step in the automaker’s master plan. The company revealed the EV5 concept in March with the promise of being the brand’s next “true” electrified SUV. It will be less sporty than the performance flagship EV6 and not as massive as the upcoming EV9 three-row SUV.
WHY IT MATTERS: The real battle for SUV market share happens in the midsize category—three-row SUVs are great for cargo and extra passengers, but most families opt for two-row models. This means the EV5 is critical in Kia’s battle against the likes of Tesla’s Model Y, Chevrolet’s Blazer EV, Volkswagen’s ID4, and other contenders.
PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: Like the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 will be built on the E-GMP platform Kia shares with Hyundai. Thanks to its modular design, the platform will be adapted for the EV5’s intended footprint. We expect the EV5 to use the same 76.1-kW battery that will come standard in the EV9, and it should make its debut with a single motor that will produce roughly 215 hp.
Three people were injured when an SUV crashed into a home in Alburtis Wednesday afternoon.
Mayor Kathleen Palmer said a woman was driving an SUV north on Franklin Street onto Main Street when her vehicle crashed into the home at 128 S. Main St. about 3:30 p.m.
The driver, along with a woman and child in the home, were injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. No one else was in the vehicle at the time.
“They will all be OK,” Palmer said Thursday morning.
The Red Cross has been contacted to assist those displaced in the crash.
The mayor said neighbors “sprang into action,” the instant the vehicle struck the home. They checked to see if they needed to get people out, and to see if there were any gas leaks.
“They ran in there to get people out,” Palmer said.
Fire crews arrived shortly after.
“Our fire department was on scene so quickly, it was amazing,” the mayor said.
Main Street between Front Street and West Second Street will remain closed while police continue to investigate and borough officials assess the home’s stability.
Palmer said engineers will be meeting Thursday morning to asses if the building needs to be demolished or not.
A vehicle crashed into a house Wednesday, July 19, 2023, coming to a stop in the living room at 128 S. Main St. in Alburtis. One person was in the house, but was rescued quickly.
All-wheel drive (AWD) has evolved from a feature exclusive to off-road vehicles and trucks to a common option in everyday cars. This shift is evident as even basic hatchbacks now offer AWD capabilities. With the rise of this technology, it’s worth exploring which all-wheel-drive vehicle stands out as the best of all time.
Exploring the Best in AWD: Your Opinion Matters
With countless AWD options ranging from rugged Subarus to high-performance Ram TRXs and luxury Range Rovers, the choice can be overwhelming. Though the distinction between all-wheel and four-wheel drive exists, for this discussion, both are considered interchangeable. Personally, the Ram TRX stands out as an exceptional choice for its sheer power and presence, with the Jeep Wrangler also being a strong contender due to its off-road prowess.
Share Your Thoughts
Now it’s your turn to weigh in. What do you think is the greatest all-wheel-drive vehicle ever made? Share your top pick and join the conversation about the ultimate AWD experience.
More than 100 people gathered Wednesday to celebrate businesses and individuals the community voted ‘Best of the Best’ in dozens of categories.
LocaliQ and The Times Herald held the third Best of the Blue Water Area Awards Gala on Wednesday evening at the Blue Water Convention Center, located at 800 Harker St. The community was given the opportunity to nominate their favorite businesses in 108 categories for the award ceremony. Each category saw two finalists and one winner. LocaliQ Regional Director of Sales Lori Gougeon said the gala aims to recognize all of the finalists and celebrate the winners.
“The annual Community Choice Awards are 100% reader driven and this year there were over 67,000 votes cast by over 4,000 readers,” she said.
The winners will be announced in a special section in the Sunday edition of The Times Herald. They will also be posted online on Monday at https://thetimesherald.gannettcontests.com/2023-Best-of-the-Best-Greater-Blue-Water-Winners/.
Gougeon said the gala is an exciting event that gives the community a voice in recognizing local businesses. She said a total of 324 businesses are recognized across the 108 categories. She said the awards make a proud moment for local businesses.
“It scales across multiple categories and shines a spotlight on local business in our area,” she said. “It carries with it a lot of excitement from both consumers and the businesses that are recognized for their importance to our community and the consumers that help to stand up these businesses each day.”
Jonathon and Jessica Anderson were at the gala because their business, Sarenity Tattoo, was nominated for Best Tattoo Shop. They said they were nominated at the 2021 gala and won in their category. However, this was their first time attending a gala because the 2021 ceremony was virtual due to COVID-19.
“It’s nice to dress up and get out,” Jessica Anderson said.
Nora Arnold, Kathy Baker and Lisa Beedon were representing Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home. Arnold said it was something new and exciting that she has not done before. All three agreed the gala is a great way for the community to get together.
“It’s great for our staff to get recognition in this way,” Beedon said. “I believe they work very hard, so to be recognized by the community and Best of the Blue Water Area has made a huge, positive impact on the employees.”
Brandon Clarkson and Mike Cataldo represented St. Clair Chrysler, which was nominated for Best New Car Dealership, Best Used Car Dealership and Best Service Department. Clarkson was also nominated for Best Salesman.
“This is an awesome event,” Clarkson said. “It’s my first time being here, and first time being nominated, so it’s an honor.”
Cataldo said it was the second time he has been to the gala. He won in the Best Service Department category last year and he said he was hoping to win again this year.
“I’m having a blast,” he said.
John Mowinski was supporting two salespeople from Moran Chevrolet. He said the gala allows the community to give back and recognizes local businesses. He said it’s nice to see the community show its immense support.
Toyota, Kia, Honda, and Buick models dominate this list.
There’s a strong mix of sedans, SUVs, and even trucks on the “most reliable” list.
A reliable vehicle will last longer, break down less, and even be worth more when it comes to resale value.
The 2023 model year stands to bring some exciting innovations to the world of passenger vehicles. Yet, good old-fashioned quality continues to rank as a critically important factor for new car buyers. According to market research published by Automotive Management, nearly two-thirds of consumers single out reliability as the most important factor.
Modern vehicles rely on all sorts of high-tech features to improve their drivability. Even so, reliability is a different question, and it is not equal among manufacturers and models. If you’re in the market for a reliable new car, these 2023 vehicles rank among the model year’s strongest options. Here they are, grouped by manufacturer and presented in no particular order.
Toyota Prius
First introduced in 1997, the Prius was the first mass-market gasoline-electric hybrid in automotive history. This eco-conscious, fuel-friendly vehicle has gone on to become one of Toyota’s most popular products.
The 2023 version builds on the vehicle’s strong reliability record. Reviewers have named it one of the world’s most dependable vehicles for several years running. Generous warranties back up outstanding fuel efficiency. The 2023 Prius models have fuel efficiency ratings as high as 58 miles per gallon.
Source: Toyota
Toyota Tundra
Pickup truck enthusiasts have long embraced the Tundra. The vehicle has a track record of topping lists of the most reliable vehicles in its class. The 2023 model is poised to continue that string of excellence without sacrificing its signature power.
The Tundra features a potent engine that generates up to 437 horsepower. Its towing capacity extends to a whopping 12,000 pounds. Impressive multimedia and comfort features complement the truck’s brute strength.
Source: Toyota
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has long been praised for its reliability. And that reputation carries over into the 2023 model year. For instance, J.D. Power gives it an impressive 84/100 score for quality and reliability.
While you might think of the Camry as a typical sedan, the Toyota mainstay recently got a new look that’s very sleek. So, you don’t have to sacrifice style to gain reliability. Consumer Reports says the new Camry is snazzier and nimbler.
Source: Toyota
Kia Sportage
With an industry-leading warranty and complete safety features, the Kia Sportage delivers excellent value. The 2023 edition is also poised to continue its long run of dominating reliability ratings in the crossover SUV class.
Kia refreshed the Sportage’s exterior and souped-up its driver-assist tech features. The only big knock against the Sportage is its mediocre fuel efficiency rating. It otherwise earns top marks for both reliability and performance.
Source: Kia
Kia Rio
Buyers in the subcompact category need look no further than the 2023 Kia Rio for class-leading reliability ratings. Its comprehensive warranty includes 10-year, 100,000-mile coverage for powertrain components. The basic warranty protection covers five years or 60,000 miles.
The vehicle offers decent power for its size, with its 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine generating up to 120 horsepower. Drivers also love its strong fuel economy and bumper-to-bumper dependability.
Source: Kia
Kia K5
Kia unveiled the K5 in 2021 as a replacement for its outgoing Optima model. The K5 picks up where the Optima left off in terms of reliability. The mid-size sedan may not be the most agile in its class, but reviewers praised its overall value.
The K5 has a lot to offer buyers seeking a combination of luxury, affordability, and dependability. Its interior is particularly stunning for the vehicle’s accessible price, which starts at $25,290 (MSRP).
Source: Kia
Honda HR-V
The 2023 Honda HR-V turns heads with a sleek, stylish design and impressive interior. This popular mid-size crossover SUV also earns top marks for fuel efficiency and cargo space.
Yet, the feature many HR-V owners appreciate most is the vehicle’s outstanding dependability. Like most Hondas, the HR-V tends to significantly outlast its expected lifespan and only rarely requires service when properly maintained.
Source: Honda
Honda Accord
Much like the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord has long been heralded for its reliability and practicality. For example, J.D. Power awards the Accord with a great 83/100 score for quality and reliability.
And the 2023 model even gets a handsome new styling. The latest model isn’t a massive overall, but as Car and Driver puts it, “Why fix what’s not broken?” This evolution of the mainstay is a more refined version of the vehicle so many already like.
Source: Honda
Hyundai Tucson
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV with some of the industry’s most impressive reliability ratings. J.D. Power & Associates gives the Tucson an overall score of 78/100 for reliability, quality, driving experience, resale, and dealership experience.
The strong performance carried over to enthusiastic reviews of the model year. The Tucson isn’t just reliable: it’s also stylish, practical, and fun to drive. Buyers in the compact SUV market will have a hard time finding a more dependable alternative.
Source: Hyundai
Hyundai Elantra
The iconic Hyundai Elantra returns in 2023 with an impressive lineup of performance specifications complementing its legendary reliability. Owners can get up to 43 miles per gallon and 201 horsepower for an MSRP starting at $20,500.
Some reviewers are divided over the Elantra’s curvaceous, futuristic styling. However, they are agreed in their enthusiasm for the vehicle’s practicality and dependability.
Source: Hyundai
Lexus GX
The 2023 Lexus GX is the most reliable SUV, according to Consumer Reports. So, it should definitely be on any car shopper’s radar this year. J.D. Power also gives it a sparkling 86/100 score for quality and reliability.
In addition to its high marks for reliability, the Lexus GX manages to be incredibly luxurious and off-road capable. As a result, it’s a versatile vehicle that has something to offer everyone. It could be the right call for your family.
Source: Lexus
Buick Envision
Longtime General Motors (GM) brand Buick surged to the top of reliability ratings in recent years. The automaker’s current lineup appears headed in the same direction. The 2023 version of Buick’s popular compact Envision SUV is one of the model year’s most dependable American mass-market vehicles.
The Envision earned glowing reviews from professionals. Multiple reviewers singled out its practicality, which is rare for a car competing for market share in the luxury class.
Source: Buick
Research Tips for New Car Buyers
When researching new cars, consumers should cross-reference reviews and recommendations using multiple sources. Particularly reputable industry publications include sites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and online magazines like Motor Trend and Car and Driver. You can trust these publications to deliver honest, unbiased information based on expert opinion.
J.D. Power & Associates is another high-profile provider of reliable information. The respected consumer analytics firm specializes in long-term vehicle dependability research. Its reviews and opinions carry high levels of authority within the automotive industry.
The Pedaling Energy Recovery System (PERS) uses an algorithm that sends power to the back wheel.
We recently talked about so-called Digital Drives in the world of electric bicycles, and how they could shape the future of two-wheeled mobility. Essentially, these types of electric drives eliminate the need for a physical connection between the pedals and the wheels, and make use of complex systems – sometimes even AI – to tailor power delivery to the wheel.
That said, one of the biggest names in the world of cycling has just introduced its own digital drive tech. Look Cycle, a prominent French brand in the world of cycling, has teamed up with French active mobility specialist Cixi, for what it’s calling the PERS system. The Pedaling Energy Recovery System (PERS) is designed to replace a traditional gear and chain/belt setup, and makes use of cutting-edge technology to provide a seamless and efficient ride. Here, a complex algorithm will analyze each and every pedal stroke, and send power to the electric motor while taking other variables (i.e., terrain, incline, and speed) into account.
At the level of the motor, the system will incorporate a continuously variable hub, so no gears will be necessary. Even more interestingly, the system is said to be able to deliver power to the motor even with an empty battery, so long as the rider keeps pedaling – though I’m not entirely sure how that’s going to work. Unsurprisingly, the PERS will be linked to a proprietary mobile app that allows riders to further fine tune the system’s performance through a selection of ride modes. It also incorporates regenerative braking to provide extra range on longer rides.
At this point, we’ll have to make a distinction between what can actually be produced in the real world, as the jargon-filled word salad surely makes a lot of promises. To show proof of concept, Look and Cixi presented the Rover 45, an electric bike featuring the PERS technology. As its name suggests, it’s a pedelec that can hit speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour). Here, the PERS is mated to a 700-watt-hour battery pack housed in the seat tube, while the generator is housed in the bottom bracket, sending power to a rear hub motor.
Thanks to this setup, the bike can take on a variety of shapes and configurations, though the Rover 45 looks more like a standard commuter e-bike. Look and Cixi point out that the PERS transforms your bicycle into a maintenance-free mobility option, as you’ll never have to worry about repairing or lubricating a chain, adjusting your gears, or replacing worn out belts.
As I stated in my previous article about Digital Drives, this tech instills quite a sense of skepticism in me, and presumably, in a lot of other people. Eliminating a physical connection between the pedals and the wheels certainly has its applications in certain bikes, but for the most part, I’m sure most cyclists would rest easy knowing that pedaling their e-bike home like a regular bike is the worst-case-scenario in the event of an electrical malfunction.
The 2023 Nissan Sentra remains a fixture in the compact car market, but it struggles to make a significant impact. Despite its reliability and modest starting price, the Sentra hasn’t seen much in the way of updates since its last major redesign in 2020. In a segment bustling with innovation, its lack of fresh features and performance enhancements makes it seem like it’s lagging behind the competition.
Features and Performance: A Closer Examination
Standard features of the 2023 Sentra include the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, its engine, producing only 149 horsepower and paired with a CVT transmission, delivers average performance and fuel efficiency at best. Unlike competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the Sentra lacks a sporty variant or hybrid option, which might be a turn-off for those seeking more excitement or eco-friendly alternatives.
Value and Market Position
Although the Sentra’s starting price is attractively low, positioning it as a budget-friendly choice, it faces stiff competition from newer models offering advanced features and performance. For buyers valuing affordability over excitement, it remains a viable option, but those seeking cutting-edge technology or dynamic driving experiences might find more appealing choices in the market. To stay competitive, the Sentra could benefit from a refreshed powertrain or an electrified version to add more allure to its practical value.
Three suspect were arrested after a stolen car crashed into another vehicle in Grand Rapids Thursday morning, though deputies were still looking for two more.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office said deputies got a report of a stolen car around 6:30 a.m. Thursday. Someone had left the keys in a black Ford SUV on Village Spring Drive SE north of Ada Drive in Ada Township and it was stolen.
Around 7:15 p.m., a deputy saw that SUV on Lake Eastbrook Boulevard near the Shops at CenterPoint. Dashboard camera released by the sheriff’s office shows the driver took off and turned north onto the East Beltline. The deputy gave chase. The Ford ran one red light and then, while running another at Burton Street SE, it collided with a westbound car. The car rolled over into the median.
“Oh, bad crash,” the deputy who was chasing the SUV reported of his radio. “Start medical. Rollover.”
The five people inside the SUV took off, the dashcam video shows.
Deputies hurried to help the people in the car. The sheriff’s department said the driver, a 25-year-old from Grand Rapids, was treated at the hospital and was expected to be released quickly.
Deputies called in dogs to track the suspects down. The search prompted Calvin University to temporarily lock down campus Thursday morning. The lockdown had been lifted as of 2 p.m.
One of the suspects was caught by a passing civilian and then turned over to police. Two others were later found by police; one had a loaded handgun, deputies said. The three people arrested were ages 14, 15 and 18.
Deputies did not release descriptions of the two remaining suspects.
The sheriff’s department said it has investigated 187 stolen car reports so far this year. That figure was 178 during the same period last year.
“We continue our attempt to curb these thefts and bring resolution to the many victims of these crimes,” the sheriff’s department wrote in a release. “Please help us out by keeping your cars locked and keys inside your home.”
If you guessed that popular models like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Maverick are leading the charge in used truck price hikes, you’d be mistaken. The real surprise is the used Nissan Frontier, a truck that’s not usually in the spotlight. Despite often being overlooked in rankings, the Frontier’s prices are on the rise, defying the broader market trends.
Factors Driving the Price Increase
Recent data shows that while the average price for a used Nissan Frontier in June 2023 was $30,097—an increase of 4.3% or $1,248 from the previous year—the Honda Ridgeline, known for its value, saw a price drop. This unusual trend could be attributed to supply constraints: sales of the Frontier plummeted by 24.5% year-over-year, leading to fewer available models. With reduced inventory, prices naturally climb, but the question remains: is there growing demand for the Frontier?
Is a used Frontier worth buying?
Evaluating the Nissan Frontier’s Value
The used Nissan Frontier stands out in the crowded truck market due to its relatively recent redesign and modern features. With a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, it offers impressive standard power compared to its competitors. The Frontier also benefits from a high reliability score of 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power, indicating it’s a solid choice for buyers looking for a dependable used truck. As the market shifts, the Frontier’s modern amenities and robust engine make it a compelling option for those seeking a newer feeling truck at a used price.
Source: Toyota
Source: Toyota
Source: Toyota
Source: Kia
Source: Kia
Source: Kia
Source: Honda
Source: Honda
Source: Hyundai
Source: Hyundai
Source: Lexus
Source: Buick