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Senior Research Editor

Damon Bell

Senior Research Editor Damon Bell has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, beginning as an Engineering Graphics researcher/proofreader at model-car manufacturer Revell-Monogram. From there, he moved on to various roles at Collectible Automobile magazine and Consumer Guide Automotive before joining Cars.com in August 2022. He served as president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association in 2019 and 2020.

The gasoline-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack is slated to launch in the second half of 2025. How will its turbocharged straight-six engines compare to the departed (and possibly soon to return?) Hemi V-8?
The Tesla Cybertruck seems designed to polarize: Its radical styling is great at turning heads, but its everyday functionality is compromised by its outlandish, wedge-shaped form.
The Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle is returning in the near future. Here’s what it needs to have to be competitive in the current EV market.
Two three-row SUVs — the redesigned Palisade and the all-new, all-electric Ioniq 9 — are Hyundai’s headliners for 2026, but most of the rest of the lineup sees updates, too.
Acura’s sporty compact hatchback gets a standard-equipment upgrade, three new paint colors and cosmetic tweaks for the 2026 model year.
The Ford Maverick Lobo’s street-performance mods make it a capable handler for a pickup truck, but they don’t deliver hot-hatch levels of handling.
The Volkswagen Tiguan gets a nicely executed redesign for 2025 that gives it a bit more horsepower, lots of new features and curvier styling that picks up VW’s latest design cues.
In its top-line trim, the Mazda CX-30’s zippy turbocharged engine and classy cabin make it an intriguing alternative to European luxury-brand subcompact SUVs while still undercutting them on price.
As part of its 2025 redesign, the Mini Countryman gains its first all-electric version, the SE All4, and though its estimated driving range and charging speeds aren’t outstanding, it delivers smooth, zippy acceleration along with a distinctive character.
Toyota’s full-size pickup gets a TRD Rally Package for 2025 that adds distinctive appearance touches inside and out — as well as upgraded interior features and off-road hardware that doesn’t upset the truck’s on-road composure and tractability.