Aaron Turpen

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Aaron Turpen is an automotive writer and reviewer living in Wyoming, USA. A life-long off-road and mechanical enthusiast, Aaron has had a varied career in vehicles. Aaron grew up with home mechanics and maintenance on tractors, trucks, and cars as well as small engines and devices. At any one time, he's worked as an automotive disassembler (aka "junk yard parts puller"), shade tree mechanic, over-the-road truck driver, and more. Aaron's interests include family-oriented vehicles, off-roading, and anything fun involving tires and steering. With most of his life having been in rural America, Aaron understands pickup trucks and SUVs, winter weather hazards, and what life is like where phrases like "Just down the road" mean "within 100 miles." Aaron's automotive writing career has included outlets such as Carfax, CarTalk, NewAtlas.com, and many others. He's appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, on various YouTube channels, and on several podcasts. Aaron also operates a couple automotive sites: EVmeme.com and Drivemodeshow.com

Posts by: Aaron Turpen

Best AWD Vehicles: Hybrid SUVs [Top Ranked Models]

Best AWD Hybrid SUV

Hybrid options in sport utilities and crossovers have become more common today than they were just five years ago. But while there are plenty of options on the market, these efficient SUVs are still relatively rare. In this roundup, we’re listing the best hybrid SUVs available with all-wheel drive (AWD).…

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SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage [Top Rated Models]

Most Fuel Efficient SUVs

For those shopping for an SUV that isn’t a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery-electric, what’s the best option for maximizing fuel economy? We’ll look at compact, midsize, and full-size options and rank them by fuel economy, along with a few other metrics for further comparison. After all, gaining one…

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Best SUVs for Off-Roading [Top Rated Models]

Best SUVs Off Roading

Adventure comes in many forms, and one of the most popular is off-roading in a vehicle. With off-roading becoming more and more popular today, we thought that looking at the best off-road SUV options on the market would be prudent. It’s not likely that the Jeep brand dominating our list will be a surprise…

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Best Full-Size SUVs [Top Rated Models]

Best Full-Size SUVs

On this list are some strong contenders for the full-sized SUV category. We’ve test-driven every one of them, using them as a daily family drive and workhorse. All of our picks are large, three-row sport-utilities with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive as an option. Every one of them has a tow rating, is…

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Best SUVs for Towing [Top Ranked Models]

Best SUV for Towing

There are several options when it comes to towing, including pickup trucks, sport utilities, and crossovers. Even most minivans and cars have some sort of tow rating. But when it comes to sport utility vehicles, towing is one of the top criteria for owning one. All of the vehicles we’ve chosen are midsize…

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Best Trucks for Towing: Which Has the Highest Towing Capacity?

Best Trucks for Towing

One of the reasons to buy a truck is to have the potential for towing, after all, and it’s integral to their design. Our list here will include towing capacities as both a maximum towing capacity if the truck is configured for that and an average for the rest of the models in the pickup’s…

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Toyota Highlander: Top Competitors & Alternatives for 2024

Toyota Highlander Alternatives

The Toyota Highlander continues to be a popular choice in the midsize SUV segment thanks to its reputation for reliability, contemporary design, and versatile interior. However, the Highlander faces stiff competition from models like the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride.…

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Ford Explorer: Top Alternatives for 2024

Ford Explorer Alternatives

The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize, three-row sport utility with a long history on the market. As times have changed, so has the Explorer, always keeping with consumer trends and remaining popular. Known for style, spaciousness, and capability, the Explorer is a top seller in the utility market. Read…

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Honda CR-V: Top Alternatives for 2024

Honda CR-V Alternatives

The Honda CR-V has long enjoyed the top sales position in compact crossovers. The CR-V was one of the founders of its segment and has usually been the benchmark for the market since. Compact crossovers are noted for their small size, versatility, and accommodating interiors. And while the CR-V has remained a…

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Honda Pilot: Top Alternatives for 2024

Honda Pilot Alternatives

The Honda Pilot is a popular three-row SUV known for its robust nature and thoughtful interior. It resides in a segment that is full of top-shelf rivals with excellent merits of their own. Each alternative to the Honda Pilot brings its strengths to the table: the Pilot and Telluride offer a good balance of…

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