2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Video

The changes are few, but their impact is great. Cars.com reviewer Joe Bruzek says the subtle precision of improvements to the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have made a good SUV a great one. Perhaps the biggest strides were made in tech upgrades — Chrysler's responsive, easy-to-use 8.4-inch touch-screen multimedia system and a configurable instrument cluster are high points. Another is an eight-speed automatic transmission that makes the Grand Cherokee both quicker and more fuel efficient. Watch the video above.

Related
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and SRT Grand Cherokee: First Drive
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Photo Gallery
More Jeep Grand Cherokee News on Cars.com

U.S.-Built Nissan Leaf Gets Mileage, Sales Jolt

Nissan is getting a lot of mileage out of its decision to move production of the 2013 Leaf to the U.S. from Japan — not just in terms of fuel economy improvements but in sales figures as well. The EPA has given the electric vehicle's 2013 version a 16-mpg bump in its mileage ratings thanks to enhancements made following the move stateside. Meanwhile, a price reduction helped propel the Leaf to its best sales month ever in March, bringing total U.S. sales to 25,000 since the car debuted.

The EPA now rates the Leaf at 129/102/115 MPGe city/highway/combined compared with its previous rating of 106/92/99; that amounts to a combined-mileage increase of 16 mpg. According to Left Lane News, a more aerodynamic front fascia and a 129-pound weight savings thanks to a new charging unit made the mileage boost possible.

Inside the IIHS' Crash Tests: Video

You're probably familiar with how front, side and rear crash tests work, but what about the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's newest and toughest test — the frontal small-overlap evaluation? Small-overlap crashes account for nearly a quarter of frontal crashes that result in serious or fatal injury, the agency reports. The test is meant to mimic when a vehicle's driver-side front end crashes into a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph … but what does that look like and how does it affect the occupants inside? Check out the video above for a breakdown of the crash and a look inside the different types of dummies that IIHS studies. (embed video above)

Related
Several Compact Crossovers Fail IIHS' Small Overlap Test
Tougher IIHS Crash Test Could Mean Fewer Top Safety Picks
More Safety News

2014 BMW 5 Series: What's Changed

• Most significant changes: New diesel engine and standard navigation
• Price change: Most 5 Series are up $1,200 to $1,700 compared to 2013
• On sale: August 2013
• Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? Those who want navigation can get it slightly cheaper on the 2014 528 and 535 sedans 

BMW expands its diesel engine offerings with the addition of a 5 Series diesel in a mildly refreshed 2014 model. Along with a more-efficient diesel engine, the refresh adds minor front and rear styling tweaks as well as new standard features such as navigation, larger center console storage compartments and cupholders.

The diesel-powered 535d sedan's turbocharged six-cylinder makes 255-horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque. BMW says the diesel will have "substantial fuel economy gains over its gasoline-fueled counterpart," though official EPA figures won't be available until closer to the car's August on-sale date. The 535d's available all-wheel drive puts it in a rare class of diesel, all-wheel-drive sedans along with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Bluetec — surprisingly, we're asked frequently about diesel, all-wheel-drive sedans at Ask.cars.com.

Why I Drive the 2013 Honda Civic Like a Hybrid

Our long-term Honda Civic has only been in our fleet for a few months, but I've already racked up several weeks' worth of drive time in it. Besides the fact that it is a very capable commute car with a nice stereo and comfortable seats, I've found myself driving this car differently than I expected. I drive it like a hybrid.

Follow Our Long-Term Fleet

When I test hybrids I generally don't employ hypermiling techniques to rack up impressive mileage figures, but I do drive the cars "smarter" while still keeping up with traffic. That means accelerating smoothly without hammering down the gas pedal, coasting when possible and when in heavy traffic leaving room between the car in front of me to reduce braking.

The other day I realized I was doing all this in the Civic too.

2013 Toyota Corolla: Car Seat Check

For 2013, Toyota's compact sedan gets a new grille and more chrome trim outside. Despite its modest dimensions, the Corolla's backseat was roomy enough to hold two child-safety seats in comfort. The sedan's accessible Latch anchor and flat seat bottom cushion made installation a breeze.

Under-Floor Storage Keeps Clutter to a Minimum

Whenever I get a test car, I always lift the cargo-floor flap just to see if it's there — the under-floor storage tray, which always confounds me.

What can someone do with the partitioned, shallow foam tray besides look at it and wonder what will fit in there? It's not big enough to house dirty shoes or jugs of windshield washer fluid. So, what does fit then? I usually ignore the trays in my test cars, but I've learned from others that to do so is to eliminate a serious tool from our bag of storage tricks.

AAA: Fear of Unknown Fuels Aversion to EVs

If U.S. car shoppers were more informed about the capabilities and advantages of electric vehicles, they'd be more inclined to buy one, according to AAA. Despite technological advancements and thousands of available charging stations that make EVs far more practical than before, an AAA survey showed that eight out of 10 adults are still either unsure about or unlikely to buy one.

Mileage limitations were the top concern for 30% of surveyed drivers who were uncertain about buying an EV. AAA contends that such fears are largely unfounded, as modern EVs have a driving range of 60-100 miles compared with the average commute of 16 miles one way. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 5,800 EV charging stations are now available for public use across the nation. Moreover, AAA noted that it is now testing specially equipped roadside-service vehicles capable of providing EV charging to stranded motorists in 15 minutes for 10 miles of driving.

Cars.com Reviews the 2013 BMW 135is

With the 135is, BMW took a less-is-more strategy — and to good effect. The compact coupe delivers an entertaining driving experience with refreshingly few frills, says Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley. Its potent turbocharged inline-six engine and slick-shifting six-speed manual make it engaging; its simple interior layout and gadget-free control system keep the focus on the driving.

2013 BMW 135is Review

Hyundai Plans Tucson Fuel-Cell for 2015

Automakers have been making and breaking fuel-cell vehicle promises for years, and now Hyundai is jumping into the fray with the Tucson Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle. The automaker is joining the Energy Department, gas suppliers, hydrogen and fuel-cell businesses and other automakers with the goal of solving infrastructure and resource challenges in order to bring an FCEV to market.

Hyundai has a 2015 target for the Tucson fuel cell and a goal of 1,000 units. It's not the first automaker to launch a fuel-cell vehicle — in fact, we've even tested Chevrolet's Equinox FCV — but it claims to be the first to mass produce one. "One of our biggest FCEV differentiators for us is that Hyundai is the first automaker to launch assembly line production of a fuel-cell vehicle," Derek Joyce, Hyundai's manager of product public relations, told Cars.com.