Robert Duffer, Senior Editor

Robert Duffer is an award-winning writer, editor, teacher, automotive journalist and the Senior Editor for The Car Connection. As the former autos editor for the Chicago Tribune, Duffer reported on stories of national and local significance, and his syndicated auto review column appeared in hundreds of publications in print and online. He has written for Forbes.com, Cars.com, US News Autos and other publications, ranging from the New York Times to Canadian Builders Quarterly. A master’s graduate of Columbia College Chicago and Skip Barber Racing School, Duffer believes in the Oxford comma, electrified powertrains, and the minivan as the greatest utility vehicle. His most enduring automotive lesson was imparted by his father, who would speed up to nice cars and say, "Don't look. Don't give the jerk the satisfaction." The elder Duffer is the jerk driving the ‘68 Mustang convertible. Duffer is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

Articles

EQXX sets record, Polestar 5 confirmed, wireless EV charging makes sense: The Week in Reverse Robert Duffer June 25, 2022

Why does wireless charging matter for electric cars?

What key ingredient is missing from making the redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V a great crossover?

This is our look back at the Week In...
Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra recalled for loose wheels
A wheel bolt could loosen, possibly allowing a wheel to break free on the Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra EV SUVs.
Robert Duffer June 23, 2022

First drive review: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning revolutionizes the pickup truck
The F-150 Lightning outdoes its gasoline counterpart in many respects—and charts new territory as a power broker.
Robert Duffer May 11, 2022
Test drive review: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid makes the most sense
The first Sportage hybrid proves to be the best Sportage, and is a better value than compact crossover rivals.
Robert Duffer May 2, 2022
First drive review: 2023 Subaru Solterra sheds Toyota’s skin off-road
Subaru's first electric vehicle breaks from the related Toyota BZ4X once it leaves the pavement.
Robert Duffer March 18, 2022
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe likens the R1T to Rocky Road ice cream
We interview members of the Rivian team, led by founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, during the first drive for the 2022 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck.
Robert Duffer October 6, 2021
How to buy an R1T: Rivian adds Membership to the Tesla model Robert Duffer October 1, 2021

Rivian wants owners of the 2022 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck to be part of a network of eco-conscious adventure seekers. The startup carmaker’s own network spreads from its Florida roots,...

First drive review: 2022 Rivian R1T shines as the North Star of utility vehicles
While we didn’t test the R1T’s 314-mile range, its combination of on-road and off-road performance plus off-the-grid sensibilities is unprecedented.
Robert Duffer September 28, 2021
GM recalls Chevy Bolt again, Aston Martin plans EV sports car, US makes most EV batteries: Today’s Car News
A daily roundup of EV news that covers the good, the bad, and the exciting.
Robert Duffer July 23, 2021
Electric payload: These 5 trucks will change America
A set of fully electric pickups arriving in the next few years will wage a quiet coup over the V-8 truck status quo in America.
Robert Duffer February 4, 2020
Petition alleges widespread unintended acceleration in Tesla vehicles
NHTSA has said that it will investigate claims of unintended acceleration that extend to the Tesla Model 3, Model X, and Model X.
Robert Duffer January 17, 2020
Why Norway leads the world in electric vehicle adoption
Incentives, tax breaks, and more breathing room are part of it, but oil wealth leaves the nation with an odd relationship to some of the top-level sustainability questions.
Robert Duffer May 20, 2019