New Vehicle Infotainment Systems Create Increased Distractions Behind the Wheel

Washington, D.C. – New vehicle infotainment systems take drivers’ eyes and attention off the road and hands off the wheel for potentially dangerous periods of time, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Drivers using in-vehicle technologies like voice-based and touch screen features were visually and mentally distracted for more than 40 seconds when completing tasks like programming navigation or sending a text message.

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Consumer Reports finds redesigned Toyota Rav4 is Solid Choice, but Falls Short of Top Small SUV

Mazda CX-5 inches past RAV4 in ranking

Yonkers, NY – Redesigned for 2013, the new Toyota RAV4 performed well in Consumer Reports’ tests—and achieved a “Very Good” overall score. But the RAV4’s performance wasn’t enough for it to reclaim its top spot among small SUVs.

The RAV4 now ranks, behind the Consumer Reports’ 2013 Top Pick Honda CR-V and the latest Mazda CX-5, equipped with a new 2.5-liter engine, for small SUVs. The race is very tight, only one point separates the CR-V from the CX-5, and the CX-5 from the RAV4.

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Family-Friendly Honda CR-V Narrowly Outpoints Mazda CX-5 in Consumer Reports’ Small SUV Tests

Pricey Mercedes-Benz ML 350 and BMW X5 midsize SUVs improve, but fall short of class leaders

Yonkers, NY – With its large back seat, easy access and ample cargo space, the family-friendly Honda CR-V narrowly topped the Mazda CX-5 in Consumer Reports’ latest head-to-head small SUVs tests.

On paper, the redesigned CR-V and new CX-5 appear very similar. Both can accommodate five passengers, have comparable dimensions, are available with front- or all-wheel drive, and are priced about the same. They also finished very close in CR’s overall road-test scores—with a 77 and a 75, respectively—just under the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. [Read more]