May 18, 2018 鈥?Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 9,800 vehicles equipped with "Active Curve" systems that may leak oil onto hot surfaces and cause engine compartment fires. Mercedes says the combination of oil levels below minimum and certain driving conditions can cause the Active Curve oil reservoir to start foaming oil that can leak through the vent holes of the cap. The oil can spray onto hot surfaces and cause an engine compartment fire, which is what led the automaker to discover the problems. In July 2017, Mercedes received a fire report with a 2015 model that showed local "thermal" damage in the engine compartment, causing engineers to open an investigation. First results of the analysis indicated leaking oil from the oil reservoir of the Active Curve system through the vent holes in the sealing cap of the oil reservoir. Engineers were able to cause oil in the oil pump to foam up under certain driving conditions, a problem blamed on the low oil level in the Active Curve system. Mercedes-Benz isn't ready to perform the recall just yet, so owners should watch for initial recall notices in June 2018. The automaker will send second notices when dealers are ready to make the repairs. Dealers are expected to correct the oil levels and replace the reservoir sealing caps.

May 18, 2018 鈥?Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 9,800 vehicles equipped with "Active Curve" systems that may leak oil onto hot surfaces and cause engine compartment fires. Mercedes says the combination of oil levels below minimum and certain driving conditions can cause the Active Curve oil reservoir to start foaming oil that can leak through the vent holes of the cap. The oil can spray onto hot surfaces and cause an engine compartment fire, which is what led the automaker to discover the problems. In July 2017, Mercedes received a fire report with a 2015 model that showed local "thermal" damage in the engine compartment, causing engineers to open an investigation. First results of the analysis indicated leaking oil from the oil reservoir of the Active Curve system through the vent holes in the sealing cap of the oil reservoir. Engineers were able to cause oil in the oil pump to foam up under certain driving conditions, a problem blamed on the low oil level in the Active Curve system. Mercedes-Benz isn't ready to perform the recall just yet, so owners should watch for initial recall notices in June 2018. The automaker will send second notices when dealers are ready to make the repairs. Dealers are expected to correct the oil levels and replace the reservoir sealing caps.

Sum Up: Colorado and Tacoma get a midsize challenger that鈥檚 a bit different. Minor: The three-row Hyundai Santa Fe gets a refreshed face with LED daytime running lights that matches the smaller Santa Fe Sport鈥檚. SE and Limited trims come with 7.0-inch touchscreen, and the Ultimate has a larger 8.0-inch unit. Android Auto integration is now standard on all three-row Santa Fes. Optional active safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop-start function, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Look For: Second-row captain鈥檚 chairs on the Ultimate trim for comfortable long-haul accommodations. Sum Up: Hyundai鈥檚 family hauler gets an infusion of active safety tech. Major: For 2017, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport receives revised engines, which are now more fuel efficient, and revised exterior styling with a more aggressive lower front fascia. Android Auto compatibility and a new version of Hyundai鈥檚 Blue Link telematics services are now standard on higher trim levels and optional on the base Santa Fe Sport.

Look For: Active safety features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with start-stop function, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection as optional extras. Sum Up: Slight tweaks keep the Santa Fe Sport looking fresh. Minor: After receiving a full redesign for 2016, the Hyundai Tucson isn鈥檛 expected to receive a substantial update for the 2017 model year. However, it鈥檚 possible that its infotainment system will receive Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration like most of the Hyundai lineup. The 1.6-liter turbo-four should remain the engine to pick in the Tucson because it provides the best combination of power and fuel efficiency. Avoid: The base 2.0-liter I-4 because its less efficient and has less power than the 1.6-liter turbo-four. Sum Up: An upscale alternative that gives you major bang for your buck. All-New: Infiniti鈥檚 new entry-level luxury crossover, the QX30, is here thanks to some help from Mercedes-Benz. The attractive GLA-based compact comes in two front-drive configurations, the base QX30 and the sportier QX30S, which gets cross-drilled front brake rotors, 19-inch wheels, and performance tires.

Those needing more traction must opt for the QX30 AWD. Cool Fact: The Infiniti QX30 AWD has a slightly higher ride height to accompany a few 鈥渞ugged SUV鈥?styling accents. Sum Up: Infiniti finally gets a new entry-level product. Unchanged: After getting a much-needed 3.2-inch wheelbase extension, the QX50 rolls into 2017 with revised package content and a new 19-inch wheel and tire package. 40,000 luxury crossover class. All QX50s are powered by a 325-hp, 3.7-liter V-6. Cool Fact: The QX50 offers a large coat hanger that folds out of the back of the driver鈥檚 seat head restraint. Sum Up: The value-priced QX50 no longer serves as Infiniti鈥檚 entry crossover. Minor: Revised inside and out last year, the QX60 gets a power boost for the 2017 model year. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 now makes 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, and the lower-volume hybrid model is still available, offering a decent increase in city fuel economy.

Also new is a motion-activated power liftgate that will make loading cargo a bit easier when your hands are full. Cool Fact The QX60 offers a second-row seat that can be moved forward with a child seat in place while passengers enter the third row. Sum Up: Newly refreshed and updated with nearly 300 horsepower. Minor: The boldly styled QX70 continues for 2017 with a new Limited package that adds a unique front fascia, LED daytime running lights, and unique 21-inch wheels. The interior is distinguished by a two-tone Graphite and Stone interior with partial quilting on the seats. The Limited model will also have open-pore wood trim with aluminum flake accents. Two new colors join the QX70 lineup this year. Look For: Any QX70 when you鈥檇 rather have something other than the more common (and modern) luxury crossovers. Sum Up: We鈥檙e ready to discover what a next-gen QX70 looks like. Unchanged: The QX80, which seats up to eight, gets packaging changes this year.