Welcome to Rides Ranked
What We Are
Buying or choosing a car is one of the larger financial decisions most people make—and the information landscape around it is crowded with content that quietly serves someone else's interest. Manufacturer press releases dressed up as reviews. Comparison articles that conveniently point to a sponsored result. Advice that sounds balanced but leans.
Rides Ranked was built as a deliberate alternative to that. We write for the driver—the person trying to figure out whether a hybrid actually makes financial sense for their commute, whether the new safety tech on a mid-range sedan is worth the trim upgrade, or whether two similarly priced SUVs actually perform differently in ways that matter.
Our Focus
Driving Tips
Practical knowledge for the road—fuel efficiency habits, safety techniques, maintenance awareness, and the kind of driving intelligence that most people don't learn until something goes wrong. We cover it before it does, clearly and without condescension.
Auto Innovations
The automotive world is moving fast—EVs, driver-assist technology, new powertrain options, connected car features. We cover what's genuinely changing the driving experience, explain what the technology actually does, and help you understand whether it matters for your situation right now or later.
Smart Comparisons
Side-by-side analysis built around the decisions real buyers are making. Which trim level is worth the step-up? How does a two-year-old certified pre-owned compare to the equivalent new option? We run the comparisons that answer the questions people are actually asking.
Drive Better Decisions
Rides Ranked is built for drivers who want to buy well, drive well, and stay ahead of the changes happening across the automotive landscape.
What We Measure
The factors that consistently determine whether a vehicle delivers on its promise over real-world ownership—and the ones Rides Ranked weights most heavily in its rankings and comparisons.
Total Ownership Cost
Purchase price, depreciation, insurance, fuel or charging, and servicing—the full financial picture over a realistic ownership period.
Safety Performance
Independent crash test ratings, ADAS availability and real-world efficacy, and the safety features that demonstrably reduce accident risk.
Real-World Efficiency
Independently verified fuel economy and EV range figures that reflect mixed driving rather than optimized test conditions.
Environmental Impact
Lifecycle emissions data, real-world carbon comparisons between drivetrain types, and the sustainability claims worth taking seriously versus those that don't hold up.
Our Team
At Rides Ranked, our team is fueled by a shared love for cycling and the open road. Our diverse group of enthusiasts, from competitive racers to leisurely weekend riders, is dedicated to bringing you the best insights and resources. We are here to share our wealth of knowledge and help you pedal your way to new adventures.
Lance Regence
Senior Automotive Affairs Editor
Automotive journalist and former industry analyst with 15 years covering the consumer vehicle market across both editorial and research contexts. Lance has evaluated several hundred production vehicles and developed a deep familiarity with how manufacturer positioning diverges from real-world ownership experience.
Automotive journalist and former industry analyst with 15 years covering the consumer vehicle market across both editorial and research contexts. Lance has evaluated several hundred production vehicles and developed a deep familiarity with how manufacturer positioning diverges from real-world ownership experience.
France Hissrich
Tech & Innovation Writer
France focuses on the evolving relationship between people and transportation. His work explores emerging vehicle technologies, electric mobility, and the innovations shaping the future of driving. She has a background in transportation journalism and enjoys translating technical developments into practical insights for everyday drivers.
France focuses on the evolving relationship between people and transportation. His work explores emerging vehicle technologies, electric mobility, and the innovations shaping the future of driving. She has a background in transportation journalism and enjoys translating technical developments into practical insights for everyday drivers.
Cole Thornton
Consumer Comparisons Editor
Cole specializes in side-by-side vehicle comparisons that highlight the differences drivers actually care about. He has always been fascinated by how two similar-looking cars can offer very different ownership experiences once you look closer. His comparisons aim to answer the questions car shoppers naturally ask when choosing between models.
Cole specializes in side-by-side vehicle comparisons that highlight the differences drivers actually care about. He has always been fascinated by how two similar-looking cars can offer very different ownership experiences once you look closer. His comparisons aim to answer the questions car shoppers naturally ask when choosing between models.
Tom Birch
Driving Experience Writer
Tom approaches vehicles from the perspective of the driver. Having spent years reviewing cars and working with automotive media outlets, he’s especially interested in how different vehicles feel on the road and how those differences affect everyday driving. Tom focuses on ride quality, usability, comfort, and the small details that shape the overall ownership experience. His writing helps readers picture what it’s actually like to live with a vehicle day to day.
Tom approaches vehicles from the perspective of the driver. Having spent years reviewing cars and working with automotive media outlets, he’s especially interested in how different vehicles feel on the road and how those differences affect everyday driving. Tom focuses on ride quality, usability, comfort, and the small details that shape the overall ownership experience. His writing helps readers picture what it’s actually like to live with a vehicle day to day.
Get Involved
If you're facing a car purchase decision and can't find a clear answer, if you've spotted something we should be covering, or if you have data or driving experience that would sharpen what's already here—we want to hear from you.