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Justin Banner

Staff Editor

Biography

Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.

Articles

Tesla Deletes “Standard” From Its Cheapest Models, Adds Model Y Variant

Tesla Deletes “Standard” From Its Cheapest Models, Adds Model Y Variant

Justin Banner | Feb 4, 2026

Lucid’s Next Move: Nvidia-Powered EVs That Can Truly Drive Themselves

Lucid’s Next Move: Nvidia-Powered EVs That Can Truly Drive Themselves

Justin Banner | Jan 8, 2026

2026 Subaru Uncharted Price vs. Gas SUVs: Does Subie's EV Reach Cost Parity?

2026 Subaru Uncharted Price vs. Gas SUVs: Does Subie's EV Reach Cost Parity?

Justin Banner | Dec 10, 2025

Mouse in the House: Fiat’s Cutest Car, the Topolino, Is Coming to the U.S.

Mouse in the House: Fiat’s Cutest Car, the Topolino, Is Coming to the U.S.

Justin Banner | Dec 10, 2025

Big Game: The Ineos Grenadier Game Viewer Is Almost Ready to Take People on Safari

Big Game: The Ineos Grenadier Game Viewer Is Almost Ready to Take People on Safari

Justin Banner | Dec 8, 2025

Tested: The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss Midnight Edition Lights the Way

Tested: The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss Midnight Edition Lights the Way

Justin Banner | Dec 5, 2025

Tech Upgrade: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Boasts Gemini Hands-Free Controls and Much More

Tech Upgrade: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Boasts Gemini Hands-Free Controls and Much More

Justin Banner | Dec 2, 2025

The FBI Has Seized an Ultra-Rare 2002 Mercedes CLK-GTR Roadster Worth $13 Million Tied to Ryan Wedding

The FBI Has Seized an Ultra-Rare 2002 Mercedes CLK-GTR Roadster Worth $13 Million Tied to Ryan Wedding

Justin Banner | Nov 26, 2025

The 2026 Ford Transit Is Made for Vanlife Adventures and Jobsite Work

The 2026 Ford Transit Is Made for Vanlife Adventures and Jobsite Work

Justin Banner | Nov 26, 2025

Could It Be? Is This 2027 World Rally Car the Next Toyota Celica?

Could It Be? Is This 2027 World Rally Car the Next Toyota Celica?

Justin Banner | Feb 27, 2026

The 2029 Nissan Pathfinder Will Share the Xterra’s Body-on-Frame Chassis, Report Says

The 2029 Nissan Pathfinder Will Share the Xterra’s Body-on-Frame Chassis, Report Says

Justin Banner | Feb 27, 2026

Lincoln Reportedly Developing Ford Bronco–Based SUV to Rival Mercedes G-Class

Lincoln Reportedly Developing Ford Bronco–Based SUV to Rival Mercedes G-Class

Justin Banner | Feb 26, 2026

Love or Hate? The New-Look 2027 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan Is Revealed

Love or Hate? The New-Look 2027 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan Is Revealed

Justin Banner | Feb 26, 2026

Tesla Looks to Enhance Grok AI as It Battles California Regulators

Tesla Looks to Enhance Grok AI as It Battles California Regulators

Justin Banner | Feb 25, 2026

2026 Mini Cooper JCW 1965 Victory Edition Honors a Monte Carlo Legend

2026 Mini Cooper JCW 1965 Victory Edition Honors a Monte Carlo Legend

Justin Banner | Feb 25, 2026

2026 Jeep Gladiator Whitecap Adds Retro Two-Tone Style for $495

2026 Jeep Gladiator Whitecap Adds Retro Two-Tone Style for $495

Justin Banner | Feb 25, 2026

The Cheaper Nissan Leaf Has Been Delayed Indefinitely

The Cheaper Nissan Leaf Has Been Delayed Indefinitely

Justin Banner | Feb 25, 2026

What the Frunk? Ford Now Charging Buyers For 2026 Mustang Mach-E’s Front Trunk

What the Frunk? Ford Now Charging Buyers For 2026 Mustang Mach-E’s Front Trunk

Justin Banner | Feb 23, 2026

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