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  • Is the Honda CR-V the Best Mid-Sized SUV?

    Is the Honda CR-V the Best Mid-Sized SUV?

    If you’re in the market for a new car and wondering which SUV is right for you and your family, look no further! Today we’re breaking down some of the best SUVs on the market today and what makes each special. Important aspects, like price and average gas mileage, are high on our list of priorities. We’re also looking for SUVs with great comfort that offer a ton of bang for your buck. Let’s talk about some practical, comfortable vehicles.

    Honda Passport

    When you hear the word Honda, the first thing that comes to mind is usually “reliable.” The Honda Passport is no exception: reliable, comfortable and affordable, Honda’s midsize SUV is well worth your attention. The Passport starts at $31,990 for the base trim, though you’ll likely opt for the higher trim levels for even more cabin amenities, a stronger engine and a more robust safety suite.

    The vehicle gets an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway, making it pretty standard among SUVs of its size. Even the base trim offers a pretty solid engine, ponying up 280 horses, making this vehicle fun as well as practical. The interior has a lot of cargo space, and seating for five. Thankfully, all five people get ample leg room and tons of soft-touch materials, making the cabin a peaceful and quiet space for long car rides.

    Toyota Highlander

    Another respected name in the automotive industry, Toyota’s Highlander is another solid midsize SUV you should consider. The cabin is one of the best in the class, offering up a ton of interior comfort for much less than higher-end competitors. Soft, sleek leather seats and a very upscale infotainment system make this SUV feel like it should be $20,000 more expensive. Thankfully, it starts at only $37,170 for the base trim.

    We highly recommend the hybrid version of the Highlander, as it offers a fantastic 30 MPG in the city, though this also means it gets only 28 on the highway. That said, this hybrid still packs a ton of power, bringing 306 horsepower to bear. It’s not exactly light or agile, though, so expect to take turns a little wide. However, this remains a great option for families, offering great cargo space, tons of legroom and a quiet, comfortable ride. Not to mention its stellar suite of safety features and great safety ratings!

    Kia Telluride

    The Korean carmaker has long been considered a leader in SUVs, and the Telluride’s 2020 model is here to continue that tradition. The Telluride is aptly named: riding in this vehicle is downright peaceful. The cabin is quiet and meditative, perfect for getting you through hectic morning commutes or back and forth dropping kids off at school. The suspension is incredibly smooth, the cabin is stylish and likable, and the engine is sufficiently powerful.

    Also making the vehicle appealing to families is the safety software suite. Emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, backup cams and more all make the Telluride a modern and easy-to-drive vehicle. Starting at $31,690, it’s also quite affordable for being a new (and luxurious) midsize SUV! As for the cost to own, it sports an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.


  • What’s the Best SUV for 2020?

    What’s the Best SUV for 2020?

    If you’re in the market for a new car and wondering which SUV is right for you and your family, look no further! Today we’re breaking down some of the best SUVs on the market today and what makes each special. Important aspects, like price and average gas mileage, are high on our list of priorities. We’re also looking for SUVs with great comfort that offer a ton of bang for your buck. Let’s talk about some practical, comfortable vehicles.

    Honda Passport

    When you hear the word Honda, the first thing that comes to mind is usually “reliable.” The Honda Passport is no exception: reliable, comfortable and affordable, Honda’s midsize SUV is well worth your attention. The Passport starts at $31,990 for the base trim, though you’ll likely opt for the higher trim levels for even more cabin amenities, a stronger engine and a more robust safety suite.

    The vehicle gets an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway, making it pretty standard among SUVs of its size. Even the base trim offers a pretty solid engine, ponying up 280 horses, making this vehicle fun as well as practical. The interior has a lot of cargo space, and seating for five. Thankfully, all five people get ample leg room and tons of soft-touch materials, making the cabin a peaceful and quiet space for long car rides.

    Toyota Highlander

    Another respected name in the automotive industry, Toyota’s Highlander is another solid midsize SUV you should consider. The cabin is one of the best in the class, offering up a ton of interior comfort for much less than higher-end competitors. Soft, sleek leather seats and a very upscale infotainment system make this SUV feel like it should be $20,000 more expensive. Thankfully, it starts at only $37,170 for the base trim.

    We highly recommend the hybrid version of the Highlander, as it offers a fantastic 30 MPG in the city, though this also means it gets only 28 on the highway. That said, this hybrid still packs a ton of power, bringing 306 horsepower to bear. It’s not exactly light or agile, though, so expect to take turns a little wide. However, this remains a great option for families, offering great cargo space, tons of legroom and a quiet, comfortable ride. Not to mention its stellar suite of safety features and great safety ratings!

    Kia Telluride

    The Korean carmaker has long been considered a leader in SUVs, and the Telluride’s 2020 model is here to continue that tradition. The Telluride is aptly named: riding in this vehicle is downright peaceful. The cabin is quiet and meditative, perfect for getting you through hectic morning commutes or back and forth dropping kids off at school. The suspension is incredibly smooth, the cabin is stylish and likable, and the engine is sufficiently powerful.

    Also making the vehicle appealing to families is the safety software suite. Emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, backup cams and more all make the Telluride a modern and easy-to-drive vehicle. Starting at $31,690, it’s also quite affordable for being a new (and luxurious) midsize SUV! As for the cost to own, it sports an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.


  • 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.


  • Best Midsize SUVs: Riding in Comfort and Style

    Best Midsize SUVs: Riding in Comfort and Style

    While there was once a time when the sedan was the king of the road, the midsize SUV now stands as the most popular type of car for daily driving. And who can deny how great SUVs are for getting around town? The high driving position, the wide wheel stance and the sheer practicality make SUVs a great choice for any modern family.

    If you’re in the market for a new car and wondering which SUV is right for you and your family, look no further! Today we’re breaking down some of the best midsize SUVs on the market today and what makes each special. Important aspects, like price and average gas mileage, are high on our list of priorities. We’re also looking for SUVs with great comfort that offer a ton of bang for your buck. Let’s talk about some practical, comfortable vehicles.

    2019 Honda Passport

    When you hear the word Honda, the first thing that comes to mind is usually “reliable.” The Honda Passport is no exception: reliable, comfortable and affordable, Honda’s midsize SUV is well worth your attention. The Passport starts at $31,990 for the base trim, though you’ll likely opt for the higher trim levels for even more cabin amenities, a stronger engine and a more robust safety suite.

    The vehicle gets an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway, making it pretty standard among SUVs of its size. Even the base trim offers a pretty solid engine, ponying up 280 horses, making this vehicle fun as well as practical. The interior has a lot of cargo space, and seating for five. Thankfully, all five people get ample leg room and tons of soft-touch materials, making the cabin a peaceful and quiet space for long car rides.

    2019 Toyota Highlander

    Another respected name in the automotive industry, Toyota’s 2019 Highlander is another solid midsize SUV you should consider. The cabin is one of the best in the class, offering up a ton of interior comfort for much less than higher-end competitors. Soft, sleek leather seats and a very upscale infotainment system make this SUV feel like it should be $20,000 more expensive. Thankfully, it starts at only $37,170 for the base trim.

    We highly recommend the hybrid version of the Highlander, as it offers a fantastic 30 MPG in the city, though this also means it gets only 28 on the highway. That said, this hybrid still packs a ton of power, bringing 306 horsepower to bear. It’s not exactly light or agile, though, so expect to take turns a little wide. However, this remains a great option for families, offering great cargo space, tons of legroom and a quiet, comfortable ride. Not to mention its stellar suite of safety features and great safety ratings!

    2020 Kia Telluride

    The Korean carmaker has long been considered a leader in SUVs, and the Telluride’s 2020 model is here to continue that tradition. The Telluride is aptly named: riding in this vehicle is downright peaceful. The cabin is quiet and meditative, perfect for getting you through hectic morning commutes or back and forth dropping kids off at school. The suspension is incredibly smooth, the cabin is stylish and likable, and the engine is sufficiently powerful.

    Also making the vehicle appealing to families is the safety software suite. Emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, backup cams and more all make the Telluride a modern and easy-to-drive vehicle. Starting at $31,690, it’s also quite affordable for being a new (and luxurious) midsize SUV! As for the cost to own, it sports an average of 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.


  • The Safest SUVs: Keep Your Family Safe on the Road

    The Safest SUVs: Keep Your Family Safe on the Road

    Why do you buy an SUV? Is it the large interior, with the ample leg room and big infotainment screen? Or do you buy SUVs for their smooth rides, quiet cabins and easy time going around town? No, it’s much more likely that you prefer SUVs for one big reason: safety. You want to keep yourself and your family as safe as possible in the event of an accident. Today, we’re looking at some of the safest SUVs on the road today.

    Safest SUVs

    2019 GMC Acadia

    The 2019 GMC Acadia is the first on our list, and a notable entry for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has earned five stars in several crash ratings, including front and side crash tests, from the NHTSA. Overall, it nets a four-star crash rating, making it high on the list of overall safest SUVs. Further, it received “good” ratings in every category from the IIHS, a high mark for GMC’s SUV.

    The drawbacks have to do with trim levels. Standard safety features leave a bit to be desired, as the base version of the GMC Acadia comes only with Rear Seat Alert, Teen Driver System and a backup camera. That’s not terribly impressive, but you can upgrade at higher trim levels. For instance, you can opt for upgrades to receive adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alerts, which make the SUV more desirable for safety.

    2019 Subaru Ascent

    Our next entry, the 2019 Subaru Ascent, impresses in a number of ways. Firstly, the Ascent is turning heads as a new SUV in the midsize market by coming out of the gate with strong safety ratings. Sporting a “superior” rating in front crash tests by the IIHS, and it sports a glowing five-star rating from the NHTSA. If those stats alone don’t impress you, maybe some of the safety features will.

    Notably, the Ascent comes standard with the EyeSight suite. This suite of safety features, offered by Subaru, includes a number of must-haves like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, for those looking for even more safety and peace of mind can upgrade to higher trim levels to get access to reverse automatic braking and blind spot monitoring, which are invaluable in heavy traffic conditions.

    2019 Volkswagen Atlas

    What’s not to love about the Atlas? Firstly, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas offers great safety ratings, sporting a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Likewise, the IIHS gave the vehicle a “good” rating in all of its crash tests, marking this as a very safe vehicle to take out around town or on long road trips.

    Volkswagen’s Atlas SUV line has been solid for years, but this year marks a new safety high for the German automaker. The 2019 Atlas is sporting a number of safety features now standard, making it a very responsible choice for families. These safety features include the must-have pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring. Also found standard is emergency braking when the vehicle detects an imminent crash. Higher trims get access to even more safety features, including parallel park assist.

    2019 Kia Sorento

    Kia’s Sorento SUV line never fails to impress with the safety ratings and features. The 2019 model is no exception, bringing in five stars from the NHTSA and an overall “good” rating in all categories from the IIHS. The vehicle is replete with standard safety features, too, and even more are available at higher trim levels.

    Adaptive cruise control comes standard, as well as parking sensors and 360-degree-view cameras to help other systems keep you safe and aware of your surroundings. Importantly, the Sorento has a lower intro price than the Subaru Ascent, and even offers more standard safety features, making it the best SUV on this list for safety.

  • Nissan Rogue: Is it the Right SUV for You?

    Nissan Rogue: Is it the Right SUV for You?

    The Nissan Rogue has a big reputation for being a great compact SUV. Is it the right SUV for you and your family? To help you answer that question, we’re taking an in-depth look at the 2019 Nissan Rogue and giving you our take.

    Between the new features, returning favorites and price tag, is the Nissan Rogue the right car for you?

    2019 Nissan Rogue

    Design

    As a compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue doesn’t pack a lot of surprises into its design. Largely, it looks like every other compact SUV, with a few notes of Nissan flair to set it apart. The angular front grille is noteworthy, giving the vehicle a somewhat sporty and “mean” appearance.

    This is offset by the smooth curves and soft lines elsewhere in the body. Largely, the Rogue is an SUV that manages to look both responsible and somewhat cool, a line that most compact SUVs are doing a good job of walking today.

    Engine

    The 2019 Nissan Rogue sports a respectable fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. The trade-off is the somewhat wimpy engine, coming in at 170 horsepower. At higher speeds, the engine struggles noisily to maintain its pace. If you’re a fan of a fun drive, the Rogue is probably not the right car for you.

    It’s worth noting that the handling is middle-of-the-road, behaving neither sluggishly nor with agility. The powertrain is rather noisy, as well, making what would be an otherwise luxurious cabin somewhat grating. In short, the Rogue is a poor pick for those who are often on the highway.

    Interior

    The interior is high-quality and very well-made. The materials are premium and the cabin feels nice to ride in. There’s plenty of room in the cargo area, making it easy to carry all of your stuff with you. There’s ample room for passengers, too. However, the Rogue, as a compact SUV, only seats 5.

    There are tons of standard safety features to keep you and your family safe. Automatic emergency braking, lane-assist and blind spot monitoring are all available and help you with peace of mind.

    Bottom Line

    The Rogue is a fine vehicle for those who want an upscale interior and don’t mind a weak, noisy powertrain. If you’re often on the highway, the Rogue is a poor pick. For getting the family back and forth to school and the grocery store, however, it makes a fine vehicle.

    The 2019 Nissan Rogue starts at $24,920, and options can get that price as high as $32,740.

  • Should You Buy an Acura RDX? Our Take

    Should You Buy an Acura RDX? Our Take

    Acura is a big name when it comes to luxury. For those looking to find the best of luxury SUVs, the Acura RDX is high on the list of potential vehicles. If you’ve been looking for a good vehicle for your family that combines luxury and cargo space, you might have been considering and RDX.

    Today we’ll give you our take: should you buy an Acura RDX?

    Acura RDX: Should You Buy?

    Overview

    There’s a lot to love with the Acura RDX. The 2019 model is a winner across the board, bringing ample luxury and style to go with its smooth ride and spacious interior. Let’s get into what makes it such a great pick.

    Whether you’re trying to get your family to the grocery store and back or taking a trip to the beach, comfort is key. Acura knows that, and that’s why the RDX is such a smooth, comfortable ride. The engine is quiet and responsive, giving the driver tons of control on the road.

    Interior

    Ample tech features come standard on the RDX, and the interior will impress even the most discerning tastes. The cab is spacious, luxurious and comfortable. Finishes are top-notch, the seats are soft and cozy and there’s tons of leg room. The design is altogether impressive, on a holistic level.

    This all goes hand-in-hand with the ample cargo space. When you need to haul a ton of stuff with you, you’ve got room to stash it all. This doesn’t come at the expense of passenger comfort, either, which is a huge plus.

    Engine

    The drivetrain, which is smooth and quiet, offers 272 horsepower, making it modestly impressive. The engine also gets a respectable 22 miles per gallon in the city, and 27 on the highway. The acceleration won’t blow you’re mind, but it’s solid enough to be impressive. In all, this is exactly the kind of engine you’d expect from a luxury SUV.

    Bottom Line

    With some minor exceptions, there’s little to criticize in this high-end luxury SUV. If you’re looking for a roomy, comfortable ride with a great engine for your family, the Acura RDX is a great pick. Our only minor nitpick is the infotainment system, which carries a bit of a learning curve to figure out.

    The only other minor sticking point could be the price. For those on a budget, the intro price of $37,400 might be a bit steep. However, for those able to swing it, this is a stellar vehicle.