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  • Explore The Top 3 Luxury Car Interiors of 2021

    Explore The Top 3 Luxury Car Interiors of 2021

    Every year luxury car makers develop a bevy of new solutions to provide you with a better driving experience. There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a new car. That’s why we’ve put together a simple list of the top 3 affordable luxury car interiors coming in 2021.

    2021 Audi A4

    Audi virtual cockpit

    For 2021, Audi focused on improving everything about its infotainment system. They’ve ditched the 8.3-inch display from the previous system in favor of a new 10.1-inch display that’s perched on top of the dashboard along with a 12.3 inch driver information display. The infotainment system provides you with acoustic feedback on all its functions. They’ve completely ditched the rotary knob in place of the customizable Audi virtual cockpit. The virtual cockpit offers you the ability to customize the display to focus on your most urgent need. It’s laid out in a way that’s meant to be intuitive, useful and a pleasure to operate.

    Pre sense®

    Audi’s goal is to raise the bar on the driver’s experience – and awareness. The A4 is equipped with pre sense® to protect the vehicle in unusual or emergency movements as an effort to increase the drivers’ awareness and help prevent accidents. It will help to detect other cars or pedestrians while automatically initiating the emergency breaks at up to 52 mph!

    Easy on the eyes

    Sporting high-quality leather upholstery, the A4 comfortably seats up to five people. In addition to comfort and support, the seats are ventilated and heated in both the front and rear, setting this 5-star vehicle up for success during any time of the year!

    2020 BMW X3

    Technology meets performance

    BMW is known for using ultra high-quality materials in their vehicles. For the 2021 model X3, BMW decided to wrap the X3 cabin seats in Vernasca leather, trim the cabin with high-grade aluminum and offer a variety of other customizable options.

    BMW has also decided to upgrade the navigation system to better integrate with the mechanical components of the M3. The onboard computer can optimize the motor’s performance and fuel consumption based on the route set in the navigation system. It does this by doing things like switching to all-electric mode when the car enters a low-speed school zone or expending the battery on a long uphill climb in anticipation of a long downhill stretch to recharge the battery.

    Prioritizing safety

    BMW has elevated its console to the next level of safety. With the 2021 model, they’ve introduced multiple options to increase safety by keeping the driver’s attention on the road. For example, they’ve rolled out gesture controls to operate some of the most common functions of your entertainment system. You can change the volume of your music, answer calls and set a range of other touch-free functions. They also feature a heads-up display that discreetly projects itself on your windshield. This feature allows you to get from point A to point B without having to take your eyes off the road. They also have standard emergency braking , lane departure warning and available adaptive cruise control.

    2021 Volvo XC90

    Upgraded base options

    This year Volvo designers decided to embrace a stately 12.3-inch touch screen in place of a physical gauge cluster. They’ve also added a luxurious nappa leather interior option for those who don’t prefer traditional leather seats. The material has an upscale look and feel along tension point massage front seats. It has a quality comparable to the Kvadrat textile offered inside certain Land Rover models.

    Smart steering wheel

    For the 2021 model, Volvo’s improved their wide range of new safety features centered around the steering wheel. They’ve integrated haptic feedback to their suite of electronic safety systems like pilot assist adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.


  • 2020 Chevy Corvette: A Real Corvette Under $60,000?

    2020 Chevy Corvette: A Real Corvette Under $60,000?

    Corvette: the name alone conjures up images of low-slung, aggressive performance vehicles. Clean body lines, aggressive tuning, monstrous acceleration. Corvette. The last thing you think of when you hear the name Corvette, though, is “under $60,000,” unless it’s 1978 and we’re not adjusting for inflation. Believe it or not, though, Chevy has delivered on their promise: the base trim of the 2020 ‘Vette comes in at a cool $59,995, including the destination fees.

    Keep in mind that this doesn’t include taxes or fees, which will inevitable bump the price up above that $60,000 mark. But, to Chevy’s credit, this is a Corvette, and it’s coming off the showroom floor for less than $60,000. That’s impressive, to say the least. But, what are you getting for your money? Is this a water-down car with the ‘Vette emblem slapped on it, or a refined and distilled version of the much-vaunted performance vehicle?

    Drivetrain

    The most important part of any Corvette is under the hood. In the case of the 2020, all trim levels benefit from the same beautiful 6.2-liter V8 that pushes out 490 horsepower and rips 465 pound-feet of torque. If that isn’t enough power for you, every trim level can opt for the $5,000 “Performance” package to get 495 horses and 470 pound-feet. No matter which engine you go for, this thing can fly.

    If you were worried that the lower price tag on the base trim meant it would be getting a half-baked version of the “main” engine, fear not. That 6.2-liter V8 is running under the hood of the base trim, too, and it can punch out some serious power. If you’re looking for a car to make some noise and haul some boogey, the 2020 ‘Vette has you covered at all trim levels.

    Interior

    Tons of interior options are available on the 2020 Corvette. These include six different interior schemes, along with six distinct seatbelt colors. Your ‘Vette will feel unique and distinct from any others you see on the road: there are even two optional upgrades for the seats, of which you have the choice between three different styles. It’s unlikely you sit in any Corvette that looks just like yours after you pick all of your favorite customization options.

    If you opt for the 2LT trim, which starts at $67,295, you get a ton of interesting upgrades in the cab. These include wireless charging for your devices, a color heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, navigation and satellite radio. On the safety side, this trim level also packs blind-spot monitoring, a backup cam that can be displayed on the rearview mirror, and even a front-facing camera to keep you from biting the curb and scuffing the paint.

    Standard Equipment

    If you’re not interested in picking up the 2LT trim level, however, you still get a ton of bang for you buck at the base trim level. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, an 8-inch infotainment screen and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other great amenities include a killer Bose sound system, power seats with tons of maneuverability and even two-zone climate control to help with picky passengers.

    As for standard safety equipment, the 2020 Corvette will come complete with rear parking sensors standard. Other fun standard features include a 12-inch gauge display, keyless entry and keyless start, a powered-adjustable steering wheel, an HD backup cam and even a 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot. In short, even when you’re getting the base 1LT trim, it’s hard to call this a “watered-down” anything. This is a full-fledged, comfortable, exciting and blisteringly-fast Corvette, through and though. It just happens to have a much more wallet-friendly sticker price than it used to. We call that one a win!


  • Mazda CX-5: A Crossover Contender?

    Mazda CX-5: A Crossover Contender?

    The Mazda CX-5 is a big contender in the world of crossovers. It’s positioned right between being a mainstream, everyday vehicle at its lower trim levels and a serious example of luxury in its high-end Signature trim level. Is it a worthwhile purchase for your family, though? Let’s take a closer look.

    Mazda CX-5

    Design

    Crossovers need to look like they’re a few feet off from being actual sports cars, and the CX-5 doesn’t miss that mark. Where many competitors have bland and boring designs on their crossover SUVs, the CX-5 looks athletic and ready to pounce. The design is simple and straightforward, not drawing too much attention to itself while still looking stylish enough to impress. The massive grille and interestingly-smooth body make for a distinct appearance that doesn’t distract from the important design elements.

    Oddly, the Signature trim doesn’t get a lot of visual distinctions from the rest of the range. The 19-inch wheels on the Signature are a dark silver color, which differs from the lower entries, though that’s the only difference aside from the discreet “Sg” badge. That badge is easy to miss, and, unless you know what you’re looing for, could be overlooked altogether. However, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

    Interior

    If you opt for the Signature upgrade, you get everything. Literally every option available for the CX-5 is on if you get the top trim level. This includes everything from a unique heads-up display, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bose sound system and more. The seats get Nappa leather for the upholstery, you get slick ambient lighting all over, and even a sleek leather wrapping for the steering wheel.

    What is notable, of course, is the lack of a few features we’d expect on a trim level set to be competing with luxury rivals. There’s no wireless charging for cell phones, no remote start option, and no automated hatchback that you can swing your foot under to open. That said, there’s a lot to love in the interior of the vehicle for those looking for serious luxury.

    Tech

    When you’re shopping for a nice, new SUV, the tech on display is a huge consideration. The Mazda CX-5 offers up some great tech, but it’s a bit sluggish in places. For instance, the infotainment system is wonderful, with a big and bold 7-inch display. However, it can take a long time to boot up, and it’s a bit slow to react to inputs or connect to Bluetooth.

    Additionally, as soon as you’re in motion, the touch screen is locked and you have to use the rotary dial on the center console; this only adds to the frustration of using the system. That all being said, the screen looks great and the sound system, especially in the Signature trim level, is exemplary. Thankfully, the system also incorporates both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is a much-needed feature in 2019.

    Engine

    Under the hood, the CX-5 is rather impressive at the Signature trim level. The turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four is a bit of a beast, rocking 250 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque. It goes zero to sixty in only 7.3 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV. This all means that you can actually get up and go, accelerating ahead in traffic and navigating crowded highway traffic more efficiently. No one likes getting left in the dust, so this is a welcome update.

    Bottom Line

    While the CX-5 technically starts at $24,350, we recommend the Signature trim level highly. If you’re in the market for a more budget-friendly crossover, the Honda CR-V is probably a better bet. That said, if you want a compromise between budget and luxury, the Signature trim level, which goes for $37,885, is what you’re looking for. In that configuration, it’s a pretty solid vehicle.


  • 2020 Hyundai Palisade: A Refined SUV

    2020 Hyundai Palisade: A Refined SUV

    For those looking to cart a whole bunch of kids and adults all over town, having a three-row SUV is a must. However, most three-row SUVs are a little boring in appearance and a lot boring to drive. That’s why the newest offering from Hyundai, the Palisade, is exciting: despite being a massive SUV that can seat the whole family, it’s also got tons of luxurious tech and a great ride. Let’s take a closer look at the newest family-mobile from Hyundai.

    2020 Hyundai Palisade

    Design

    Much like other new Hyundai models like the Kona and Santa Fe, the Palisade features and unusual front grille and some strange body lines. It looks decidedly strange at first glance, and hardly fits the mold of most modern SUVs. However, this isn’t to say it looks unappealing: it’s a rather intriguing design, with top-mounted headlights, a tapered, stair-step grille and a general “folded” feel in the design.

    It’s also worth noting that this car is a gigantic beat. It’s actually the biggest Hyundai to ever come off the production line: it’s a solid four inches longer and three inches wider than the Santa Fe XL. As it turns out, the Palisade is taking over for the retiring Santa Fe XL, as it does the latter car’s job significantly better. The enormous size comes into play in a big way when you see the ample space and leg room for pretty much every seat.

    Under the Hood

    The Palisade is no race car, but it does offer some excitement under the hood. The 3.8-liter engine is a V6 with a surprisingly attentive eight-speed transmission. The engine will surprise many drivers with its 291 horses and 262 pound-feet of torque, offering up smooth and responsive performance. Acceleration is ample but not jarring, offering a smooth ride that keeps the kids in the back from feeling like they’re on a rollercoaster when you need to get up to highway speeds.

    As you’re likely not interested in burning up the roads in the Palisade, this is likely all good news. The smooth performance from the engine feels like it was tailor-made to keep spills and motion sickness in the back to a minimum. While the Palisade is significantly more stylish and fun than a minivan, it clearly knows its place in the world as a kid-friendly family-wagon. It gets a respectable 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, making it pretty standard for a “mid”-sized SUV.

    Interior Comforts

    One of the most important things when it comes to a three-row SUV is the comfort level. The cabin needs to not only be comfortable for the driver, but also the passengers. While the kids need tons of room for all their toys and car seats and whatnot, the driver also wants a suitably peaceful and comfortable cabin for when they’re dealing with all the kiddos. That’s where the luxury of the Palisade comes in.

    If you opt for the Limited trim, you get quilted Nappa leather, though all trim levels get heated first- and second-row seats. The second row is elevated for better visibility, which is great for kids who can get car sick to be able to look straight ahead. All in all, the Palisade punches way above its weight class in terms of cabin comfort. While this isn’t priced or marketed as a luxury vehicle, it does sport luxury-feeling materials, especially at the limited trim level.

    Bottom Line

    If you’re looking for a kid-hauling family SUV that feels luxurious without a luxury price tag, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a fine vehicle. Between the stylish design, smooth engine performance and gorgeous interior, it’s hard to go wrong if you’re looking for a good way to schlepp the kids around town.


  • Top 3 Affordable Luxury Car Interiors in 2019

    Top 3 Affordable Luxury Car Interiors in 2019

    You spend a lot of your time inside your car and we know the impact the interior has on your overall driving experience. Luxury car interiors have shifted gears and broken barriers in comfort and technology during the past decade. But just how nice of a car can you get for your dollar? We have the scoop.

    1. Audi A4

    Source: Audi USA

    Starting at $39,200

    Cutting-Edge Technology

    While the Audi has always offered an exceptional interior experience, the A4 takes luxury interiors to the next level. They offer cutting-edge technology, starting with virtual cockpit set in a whopping 12.3-inch display. Here the driver can customize information, such as navigation, radio, and even Google Earth imagery.

    MMI® touch

    An amazing detail that many competitors at the A4’s price point do not offer is the available 8.3-inch center display. This includes MMI® touch with handwriting recognition technology which allows drivers to write their destination quickly without distractions rather than trying to navigate the screen using their finger on the touchpad.

    Pre sense®

    Audi’s goal is to raise the bar on the driver’s experience – and awareness. The A4 is equipped with pre sense® to protect the vehicle in unusual or emergency movements as an effort to increase the drivers’ awareness and help prevent accidents. It will help to detect other cars or pedestrians while automatically initiating the emergency breaks at up to 52 mph!

    Easy on the eyes

    Sporting high-quality leather upholstery, the A4 comfortably seats up to five people. In addition to comfort and support, the seats are ventilated and heated in both the front and rear, setting this 5-star vehicle up for success during anytime of the year!

    2. BMW X3

    Starting at $42,450

    Passion for performance

    BMW owners are notorious for their loyalty to their luxury vehicles. The X3 is a cost-effective model that includes all the luxury touches that are non-negotiable for BMW drivers. With technology such as rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, automatic emergency breaking and driver drowsiness monitoring, the X3 is crafted to sharpen the driving experience.

    Distinctive design

    Hop inside the X3 and revel in the high-quality materials used throughout the modern interior. The X3 seats up to five people across two surprisingly spacious rows dressed in upscale leather. With intelligent connections the X3 offers a seamless interface to include the latest version of iDrive that responds to touch, voice commands, and even gesture detection technology.

    Heads-up display

    Another key feature that helps this luxury vehicle stand out from the competition within its price point is the Heads-up Display. This feature offers holographic projection on the drivers windshield that provides vital driving information such as speed limits, navigation guidance and emergency warnings all while keeping your eyes on the road.

    Stay connected

    Always one step ahead BMW has included wireless charging and a wifi hotspot that allows your passengers to connect at ease. To put the cherry on the cake, the X3 includes a 3D Surround View App that lets you remotely view it from every angle, from anywhere. This feature is meant to give you peace of mind by allowing you to make sure your X3 is safe – and right where you left it.

    3. Volvo XC90

    Starting at $47,000

    Scandinavian design & Swedish craftmanship

    Volvo doesn’t shift gears very often, but when it does, it makes it count. The XC90 breaks barriers with its cutting-edge safety and timeless design. This luxury SUV is crafted with clean, minimal Scandinavian designs as genuine walnut wood inlays and seats that even offer massage and ventilation options!

    A place to relax

    With word-class legroom, the X90 accommodates all your passengers in luxury and comfort with seven standard seats. Similar to a movie-theater design, the third-row seats are raised to give its passengers a better view. They can even be folded from the trunk with just a simple touch of a button.

    The power of touch

    The technology in the XC90 has been crafted to keep you in control all while making your life easier. Volvo wanted to display the most important features right at your fingertips by including their Digital Driver Display behind the steering wheel. This feature automatically adjusts the brightness according to the surrounding outdoor light and even projects a hologram with vital driver information on the windshield.

    Get a better view, all around

    The 360 Surround View Camera that gives you a bird’s eye view of the XC90 and its surroundings. Connection is made easy in the XC90 so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to Apple CarPlay and Android audio quickly and easily, every time. Use your voice to turn your XC90 into your personal assistant with capability to access your music, send messages or take calls.


  • 2020 Toyota Tacoma: First Look

    2020 Toyota Tacoma: First Look

    If you’re in the market to buy a pickup truck, your cup runneth over with options. From new vehicles like the Jeep Gladiator and returning favorites like the Ford Ranger to old stalwarts like the Ford F-Series and the Toyota Tacoma, it’s hard to make a decision. The new 2020 Tacoma wants to make that decision a little more clear-cut with a glut of new features that make the quality-of-life with this truck that much nicer without completely redesigning the vehicle.

    2020 Toyota Tacoma: First Look

    What’s New?

    All trim levels excepting the base SR trim are getting a new 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The SR trim keeps the old 7-inch screen, but that’s to be expected. While the rest of the car world has been quick to pick up Android Auto and Apple Carplay, this is the first time the Tacoma has sported these features. It’s better late than never, though! Also new to the 2020 model is the inclusion of Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice controls out of the box.

    Other big additions are outside the cab, such as the new LED headlamps, a new grille design and some slightly altered taillights. In short, many of the exterior design changes are aimed at making the vehicle look that much more modern and newer. This includes three-dimensional looking sequential turn signals, a few updated body lines and a more modern-looking front grille.

    Quality of Life

    The addition of a power driver seat in all but the SR trim is a welcome one. Additionally, the comfortable design of the seats makes the ride quality that much nicer, even when taking the truck off-roading. Terrain-select features are far from the norm in the truck world, so it’s great to see the feature on display here. The TRD and TRD Off-Road trims offer a terrain-select feature that includes options for rock and dirt, loose rock, mud and sand and more.

    Also on display in the TRD and TRD Off-Road is an active multi-terrain monitor that helps you keep an eye on what’s happening beneath the wheels. This is great, since it’s often hard to tell where your wheels are in the massive Tacoma, what with its giant hood in the way and the high driving position you’re in. In short, if you’re looking to take a truck off-roading, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is going to be a solid choice in the TRD and TRD Off-Road trims.

    Under the Hood

    The base SR trim sports a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with only 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which isn’t exactly great for heading off-road. If off-roading is your thing, both TRD trims offer a great engine for doing just that. The engine on display under the hood of these trim levels is a 3.5-liter V6 engine sporting 278 horses and 265 pound-feet of torque.

    With the right equipment, the Tacoma can haul 1,600 pounds in the bed, or tow up to 6,400 pounds. While that’s not the best-in-class when it comes to hauling or towing, it’s impressive when you look at the frame the Tacoma sits on and the age of the base build. Whether or not this is a dealbreaker, of course, depends on how much you plan to tow.

    Safety Features

    The tech running in the 2020 Tacoma is impressive, to say the least. Driver safety features like automatic emergency breaking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control will all be shipping standard on the Tacoma line. Rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot alerts will also be shipping standard on TRD Pro and Limited trims, as well as being available on the other two trims as options.

    In short, this is the same Tacoma you know, now with even more great technology running under the steering wheel. It’s hard to go wrong with the new Tacoma if you’re interested in off-roading!


  • Kia Seltos First Look: A New Crossover Niche for Kia

    Kia Seltos First Look: A New Crossover Niche for Kia

    It would be a serious understatement to say that SUVs are red-hot right now. Where once sedans were the workhorse car for the family, SUVs are now the go-to for a busy family with lots of driving to do. Among carmakers, Kia is one of the best for lovers of crossovers and SUVs: the Sorento, the Sportage, the Telluride; the list goes on. With the new Kia Seltos, that list is about to get even longer.

    Kia Seltos First Look

    The New Niche

    Kia just lit up competition like the Traverse and Atlas when it released the massive Telluride SUV recently, but now it’s gunning for some very different SUVs. The Seltos is more of a crossover SUV, a bit smaller and sportier, and is looking to compete with vehicles like the Honda HR-V. Ostensibly, this puts the Seltos as being a bit beefier than the Soul, but a bit slimmer than the Niro.

    To back up those “crossover” claims, the Seltos will have options for center locking differential and all-wheel drive, all while looking the part. The design is active and sporty, with a tall nose and some smooth lines around the body. The recognizable Kia “tiger-nose” grille is here and is as complex and busy as ever, complete with a fascinating stacked-LED headlamp design. In short, this car looks weird, interesting, and, most importantly, cutting-edge.

    Drive Quality

    The Seltos sports another tried-and-true Kia design: the rock-solid 1.6-liter, 175 horsepower engine you’d recognize from other Kia SUVs. While this engine won’t be winning any street races, it’s still a solid drive train for your daily driver, offering good acceleration to keep up with highway traffic. Power is smooth and pulls evenly, while the transmission shifts evenly when you’re asking it for more power.

    The ride quality is also stellar. Between the smooth suspension and clean handling, this is clearly a vehicle for people who need to do a lot of driving. For a busy person with a family who needs to drive around town a lot, these are some pretty great features. All of this goes hand-in-hand with a comfortable interior that is amply stocked with tech and safety features.

    Interior

    The materials on display in the Seltos’ interior are simple and straightforward, which all works well for the vehicle. Despite a more measured appearance than an SUV like the Telluride, the Seltos still manages to come across as refined and nice, if not exactly luxurious. There’s a lot of black plastic on display, but it all looks reasonably nice.

    A 10.2-inch touchscreen pulls infotainment duties, doing a good job of running Kia’s UVO infotainment OS. The interface is snappy, quick to respond and easy-to-use. As you might expect from a tech-focused company like Kia, the Seltos’ infotainment system is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing you to use your smartphone’s features through the robust in-car system. The best thing about this interior, though, is the full complement of safety features.

    Safety Features

    Six airbags might sound like a lot, but you’ll be glad to have them if you get into an accident. Options for automatic braking in an emergency are available, as is rear cross-traffic alerts and pedestrian detection. There’s also an impressive and comprehensive suite of lane-keep assist technology. Kia’s marketing claims this feature is robust enough to keep you in your lane even when you’ve got your hands off the wheel. This system works in tandem with an adaptive cruise control to allow you to somewhat automate highway driving.

    The 2020 Seltos isn’t confirmed to be coming stateside just yet. However, given how impressive the little crossover looks, we’d be surprised if we didn’t see it here very soon.


  • Toyota 4Runner Review: Most Rugged Mid-Size SUV?

    Toyota 4Runner Review: Most Rugged Mid-Size SUV?

    Toyota is a company known for making family-friendly vehicles that are reliable, if a little plain. One of their most well-known SUVs, the 4Runner, is a favorite among those looking for a rugged-but-practical vehicle. It’s great for going around town, going to soccer games and going on trips. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the design and features of the 4Runner to help you decide if it’s the right vehicle for you and your family.

    Toyota 4Runner

    Design

    The 4Runner has a very angular, boxy design that looks right at home among the rugged designs of companies like Jeep or GM. It’s a far cry from the softer, smoother appearance of Toyota’s Corolla or Prius models, and it stands apart thanks to its large front grille, high wheel arches and rectangular headlamps. The design is a bit divisive: some people love the rugged look, while others prefer the softer appearance of competitors’ SUVs.

    It’s worth noting that the rugged look of the 4Runner is more than just an appearance. It’s actually a rather sturdy vehicle, with body-on-a-frame design that allows it to go off-roading with no issue. If you spring for AWD, this SUV is a great choice for straying far from the beaten path. Thanks to the ample interior room, you’ll also have tons of space to haul your camping or fishing supplies, too!

    Interior

    Speaking of the interior, the 4Runner is a bit of an odd vehicle when you’re in the cabin. It’s a little lacking on the tech side, offering a slightly outdated-feeling infotainment system with a small touch screen and a low screen resolution. The infotainment system’s interface is a bit sluggish, and it can take some time to connect to Bluetooth devices like smartphones.

    However, the ride is comfortable, and the seats are cozy. The suspension allows for a smooth ride even over rough terrain, which is great for a vehicle you’ll likely be taking off-roading. This makes for a great experience riding around town, too, as the vehicle handles even poor-quality roads well while you’re commuting. This is all bolstered by the great cargo space. You can even lay the back seats down to increase the amount of storage space, making the 4Runner a good choice for people who love going camping.

    Engine

    The engine, like much of the 4Runner, is old-school and tried-and-true. It’s sporting a 4.o-liter V6 with a 5-speed transmission, the same engine that was first seen back in the 4Runner in 2004. However, Toyota seems to be sticking to a strategy of “don’t fix what isn’t broken”, as this vehicle’s engine works great for what it wants to do. The acceleration and handling are nothing to write home about, but they feel nice on a vehicle of this size.

    The power response from the engine is very smooth, and the ride stays nice and relaxing even when you’re getting up to highway speeds. This solid engine offers a great amount of power for what you need it to do, though it won’t be winning any drag races. That said, the engine is a bit of a gas-guzzler, drinking down a gallon of gas to go only 17 miles in the city, or 21 mpg on the highway.

    Bottom Line

    The 4Runner is an old-school vehicle. It sports designs that date back over a decade, and it shows in the fuel economy and lack of tech in the cabin. However, for the starting price of $34,810, it offers a very rugged driving experience to those who want a straightforward and pure drive. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want bells and whistles, just a solid vehicle with solid construction, you can’t go wrong with the Toyota 4Runner.


  • 2020 Cadillac XT6: Better than the Escalade?

    2020 Cadillac XT6: Better than the Escalade?

    How long ago did Cadillac first roll out the Escalade? If you remember all the way back to 1998, that was the first year Cadillac put that monster of an SUV on the market, for the 1999 model year. It was the first time Cadillac had really dipped their toes into the SUV market, and the results were unpredictably successful for the luxury carmaker. However, the 2020 model year is packed with a number of luxury SUVs all competing for the same buyers. It’s time for something new.

    Enter the 2020 Cadillac XT6. The newest vehicle from Cadillac is expected to be a fierce competitor in the full-sized luxury SUV world. The enormous unibody design and the transverse-mounted engine are actually shared with the likes of the Buick Enclave. Today we’re breaking down the newest luxury SUV from Cadillac. Is the XT6 better than the Escalade?

    Design

    This sure is a full-sized luxury SUV. 21-inch tires, a huge footprint, a nearly 16-foot long body and a very high seating position make this a natural fit in the category. The narrow, nearly “squinting” headlights also add to the look of a giant vehicle trying to squeeze into a non-imposing profile despite its size. Soft curves along the back and sides of the SUV also help it to look “squeezed” down to a smaller appearance than its actual dimensions.

    If you’re a fan of Cadillacs, the trademark look is here in force. The large, black front grille with the iconic Cadillac emblem stand out on the front of the vehicle, as does the smoothly-sweeping design along the side of the vehicle. This is, visually, a fit successor to the Escalade.

    Under the Hood

    This isn’t a sports car by any measure, but it drives well for a huge SUV. Despite being three rows and sporting a massive footprint and huge wheels, the XT6 handles rather well around town and on the highway. It’s not going to be winning any races, of course but it’s nice to drive as a daily driver.

    The AWD present in some options is powered by the GKN twin-clutch system, which is also seen on the Audi TT-RS and Ford Focus RS. Essentially, this gives the vehicle a great deal of control over its yaw, allowing the torque to be actively moved from side to side in order to keep the body roll to a minimum. It makes for a great-feeling ride, along with the quiet cabin and smooth transmission.

    Infotainment

    This is, in every way, a luxury vehicle. The new rotary jog wheel allows for control of the infotainment system that doesn’t require you use a touch screen. It’s much safer to not take your eyes off the road when you’re driving, so an option for controlling a touch screen without touching it is stellar. Of course, if you’re at a stop or riding passenger, you can still use the touch screen as per normal.

    Pricing and Bottom Line

    The XT6 is available at two trim levels. The first is the Premium Luxury trim, which comes in at $52,695, and comes standard with front-wheel drive, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and more. The Sport trim, on the other hand, which comes in at $57,095, which comes with AWD, a more aggressive suspension and tighter steering. Both have numerous options available across the vehicle’s numerous add-ons.

    This is a solid SUV, a good replacement for the Escalade and likely another big success for Cadillac. If you’re in the market for a huge SUV with a great ride, comfortable cabin and stylish design, then the 2020 XT6 is the car for you.


  • 2019 Honda CR-V: How Does it Stack Up?

    2019 Honda CR-V: How Does it Stack Up?

    The 2019 model year CR-V is upon us, and Honda’s best-selling car looks pretty solid. Is it a worthy competitor to the Toyota RAV 4, though, or does Honda’s biggest rival take the small crossover top spot this year? Today we’re taking a closer look at the 2019 CR-V to answer just that.

    2019 Honda CR-V

    What’s New?

    There’s actually very little that’s new in the 2019 CR-V when compared to the 2018 model. This is the same fifth-generation CR-V we’ve been seeing for the last few model years. That being said, it sports a great suite of technology still and the styling is still modern and sleek. As for brand-new features, the only notable option is the new white paint scheme.

    As for things you won’t find this year, a trim level has been deleted from the roster for 2019. The more simplified range is a good thing for this more budget-level small SUV: as one of Honda’s mainstays and a great practical car, it’s not exactly competing with BMW or Tesla. We appreciate the more concise model range with a simpler statement of purpose: this is a practical car for working families.

    Design

    Much like last year, the fifth-generation CR-V looks great. The styling is modern and slick, and we love the black-painted touches on the rims. Other neat flourishes include the rear taillight molding that gives a 3D effect, the chrome, black and grey plastic finishes all add together for a modern and clean look. Style lines across surfaces like the door panels, framing the grille and across the hood give the car a lot of visual coherency.

    The interior is similarly modern and feels clean and stylish without looking gaudy. We love the soft-touch materials over most major surfaces, as well as the tasteful wood grain finish in some of the panels. From the driving position, the layout is smooth and draws the eye to the infotainment system, which we’ll get to in a moment. From the passengers’ positions, the car’s surroundings are comfortable and calming.

    Interior Tech

    About that infotainment system: the screen is large and bold, and the touch controls are responsive. Honda’s proprietary display-audio system is at work here, and it’s great. The image resolution looks solid, and, while not being the most impressive on the market, works well for what this car is trying to do. Oddly, there’s no wi-fi hotspot option for this vehicle. This is an odd touch for an otherwise modern car.

    That being said, modern touches are also here: the Display Audio system has functionality for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which both allow you to sync your smartphone with your car’s infotainment system. The Display Audio system is also easy to learn and navigate if you’ve not encountered it before. All in all, this is a solid suit of tech for an SUV of this class.

    Practicality

    The interior storage space and drive train are as you’d expect from a CR-V. It can carry tons of stuff, making it a great grocery-getter, and it drives fine. It’s neither fast nor slow, sporting its 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque in all trim levels but the base LX. It’ll get you on to the highway and around town, but it won’t do so with any panache.

    The ride is smooth and comfortable, much like the interior of the vehicle. Even on a rough road with many bumps and ruts, you’ll likely feel fine as the vehicle just trucks along. From its starting price of $24,450, it’s a great deal for anyone looking for a good daily driver. We’re happy to report that the 2019 CR-V is still on top when it comes to small SUVs.