For the past several years, I’ve called the Genesis an upstart in the luxury vehicle category, as they continued to drop solid vehicle after solid vehicle to take on the luxury mainstays who had long dominated their segment.

At this point, I’m dropping the upstart label, and instead just telling it like it is — the Genesis brand is one of the best options in the luxury market right now, period, and will continue to be so for a long time.

The latest Genesis vehicle I had a chance to experience is the GV70, a powerful and sporty compact SUV that comes in both gas and EV versions (I tested the gas-powered GV70).

The GV70 has been a strong competitor in the segment since debuting in 2022, shining straight out of the gate; and it hasn’t lost its luster despite tough competition growing every year in the sector.

Specifically, I drove the 2024 GV70 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige, a trimmed-out version at the top of the GV70’s lineup that delivers bold looks, lots of power and cutting-edge technology.

The GV70 has some tough competition — including Mercedes-Benz GLC, Acura RDX, Jaguar F-PACE, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60 — so it’s got to come strong if it’s going to attract buyers.

The 2024 model year mostly carries over from the previous year’s GV70, but there are upgrades to the wheels and brakes, some upgraded safety features, and additional creature comforts on some models such as ventilated front seats. 

Read on for my take on the GV70 and how it holds up in the cut-throat world of luxury SUVs.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

 

 

With SUVs being the go-to for most car buyers these days, a brand has to have every angle covered in their SUV lineup.

This remains true in the luxury space, and Lexus decided to fill out its lineup for the 2024 model year with a brand new offering — the Lexus TX.

One way to think of the TX, a three-row model, is that it's the luxury version of the similarly sized but less upscale Toyota Grand Highlander SUV.

Another way is to think of it as one step up from the long-popular Lexus RX, but using a crossover design instead of the large, truck-based GX and LX models — which are built less for comfort and more for utility and towing ability.

Any way you describe it, one thing’s for sure: This is a large, roomy, classy, tech-savvy three-row SUV option that will be appreciated by any families that decide to take one home.

Competition is fierce, with strong three-row crossovers available from Audi, Acura, LIncoln, Volvo and other luxury leaders, but it definitely holds its own even as a first-year model.

Multiple versions of the TX are offered, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. and I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS
Sunday, 11 February 2024 16:42

2024 Acura MDX: 5 Things To Know

In the midsize luxury SUV category, there are many strong choices that are worth considering, so each entry in this category must present its own unique character.

I recently tested one of those options, the 2024 Acura MDX, which has a lot to offer to the SUV buyer — even against strong competition from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Cadillac and other key luxury players.

Between its athletic drive quality, striking design and affordable nature compared to most luxury rivals, it’s an SUV that should strike a sweet spot for many car buyers.

Read on for 5 key things to know if you’re considering the 2024 Acura MDX for your next vehicle.

1. Unique, bold Acura design   

Though the look of the 2024 MDX carries over from the most recent redesign in 2022, it remains one of the standout exterior designs in the segment.

The front end features a muscular-looking grille and unique lighting design that won’t be confused with any of its luxury rivals, the rear features a dual exhaust setup, and the overall design is sleek and eye-catching.

19-inch wheels are standard, but you can upgrade to 21-inch wheels. You also get a panoramic sunroof and power liftgate.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

With the respect BMW has earned over nearly a century of making automobiles, it’s no surprise that many luxury buyers want to get behind the wheel of one of their current-day offerings.

But as a luxury ride, the price often presents a major barrier to access, leading potential buyers to explore some of BMW's smaller offerings as potential entryways into the brand.

One such vehicle is the BMW X1, the brand’s smallest crossover SUV offering, which got a full redesign for 2023 that carries over into the 2024 lineup.

This little ride packs a lot of features into a small package — including strong overall design, an upscale interior, a performance boost over past models, and updates to safety and tech features.

I recently tested a 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i model, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up in a crowded luxury crossover segment that features strong offerings such as the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40 and more.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

Big. Beautiful. Bold. Beast. 

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2023 BMW X7 M60i, and all these words apply to this luxury SUV.

The X7 is the biggest vehicle in BMW’s SUV lineup, and comes equipped with loads of power that make it a front-runner despite stiff competition from SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator.

Updates have been made to both the exterior and interior of the X7 for the 2023 model, further solidifying its status as a segment leader.

Read on for a full evaluation of how the X7 holds up in the competitive world of three-row luxury SUVs.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

Three-row crossovers are consistently a big hit with buyers, and in the luxury SUV segment there is a crowded field of contenders from all the major luxury automakers — including Lincoln, Acura, Audi, Genesis and many more.

Infiniti, the luxury brand from the Nissan camp, puts up the 2023 Infiniti QX60 in this category — in essence, offering a more upscale version of its Nissan Pathfinder model.

Fresh off a 2022 redesign, there are only minor changes for 2023, and the QX60 remains a likable luxury ride that holds its own in the segment by offering a quality design both inside and outside the vehicle, plenty of standard features, as well as strong safety systems.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

In roughly six years, Hyundai has done the unimaginable with the lineup of its luxury Genesis brand.

Viewed at first as an upstart with little hope of competing with Lexus, Cadillac, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Acura, Infiniti, and other longer-standing luxury vehicle lineups, the consistently high quality of Genesis’ offerings quickly has gained devotees in a category that is difficult to crack.

Genesis' move into the SUV category began with the GV80, their flagship SUV offering which was launched a few years ago and continues to shine in 2023.

I recently tested the 2023 Genesis GV80 (specifically, an all-wheel drive version with the 3.5-liter engine and 20-inch wheels), and I’m back with a full report on this SUV that is clearly a contender and far from a pretender in the luxury SUV world.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

As automotive brands make their transitions into offering exclusively EVs, a transition that will take many years, the role of plug-in hybrids will continue to be important for many automakers.

Volvo’s current plug-in hybrid offerings include the 2023 XC60 Recharge, a mid-size SUV that delivers in design, performance and safety, and competes well against other plug-in hybrid offerings from brands such as Lincoln, Lexus and Porsche.

This Swedish beauty may have an argument for best in class, and offers both increased power and increased range for 2023.

Read on for a full breakdown of what the XC60 Recharge has to offer to buyers looking for a ride that is both green and enjoyable.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

In the stratosphere of the automotive world, you will find a small number of extra large land yachts also known as three-row luxury SUVs.

These flagship offerings from the biggest luxury names battle head-to-head to be chosen by elite buyers willing to shell out well into six figures for the latest and greatest luxury rides. In the Lexus lineup, the vehicle battling in this class is the LX 600, which was fully updated for the 2022 model year, then saw some minor changes for the 2023 model year.

Holding from four to seven passengers, depending on configuration, it battles heavy hitters in the segment including the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Range Rover, and Lincoln Navigator.

WIth a body-on-frame design that boosts its off-road prowess, sharp design inside and out, and much-improved tech offerings, the LX stands out as a leader in a segment where a vehicle must do everything right to be successful.

I recently tested a Lexus LX 600 F Sport, and I’m back with a full report on how well it competes.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS

As the number of SUVs continues to expand in a seemingly exponential manner, it’s sometimes difficult to classify where certain vehicles compete.

One vehicle battling in a unique area that fends off competitors on multiple sides is the 2023 Buick Enclave, one of the most intriguing three-row midsize SUV offerings from the U.S. Big Three automakers.

An upscale offering from GM, the Enclave is high-brow enough to battle with names such as Volvo and Acura, but it’s simultaneously fending off competitors from brands like Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Ford, which are traditionally not viewed as luxury offerings.

It’s an introduction to the world of the more upscale SUV, without fully diving into the luxury lifestyle to keep pricing more realistic.

The 2023 Enclave sees little changes from the 2022 model, which underwent some major design and tech transformations that are carried over.

Buick’s goal with the Enclave is to deliver a strong overall vehicle — impressing through its design, tech, safety features and drive quality — that will pull potential buyers from either the lower-end or higher-end options into the seat of the Enclave.

With extensive cargo room, a smooth driving experience, and truly impressive technology offerings, it does that to a great extent.

Read on for a full breakdown on how the 2023 Enclave compares to its many competitors in this very popular vehicle segment.

Published in SUV / TRUCK REVIEWS
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