Wednesday, 06 December 2023
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The interest in Hyundai’s SUVs has seen a resurgence in recent years due to some high-profile new models including the popular Palisade, but the brand’s SUV history started way back in 2001 with the introduction of the Santa Fe SUV.

Still around decades later, the Santa Fe is now considered the midsize SUV offering from Hyundai — slotting in between the smaller Tucson and the larger Palisade — and remains a stout competitor in a massive sea of crossovers that dwarves what was available two decades ago.

I recently spent some time beyond the wheel of a 2023 Santa Fe Calligraphy model, the final year of the current look before an anticipated 2024 redesign,  and I’m back with a full report on how this family 5-seater measures up in this busy SUV landscape.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Price as tested $45.255 (starts around $30K)
  • Best feature Bold performance from turbo engine, sharp interior, excellent tech setup
  • Rating 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Families seeking a strong SUV with sharp looks, power and tech
Posted On Monday, 12 June 2023 01:59 Written by
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In the world of SUVs, Volkswagen is well represented. Their lineup includes a variety of options, including the Taos, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and ID.4 EV.

One other option they have — slotting in above the subcompact Taos and midsize Atlas — is the Tiguan, Volkwagen’s compact SUV offering, which manages to present a strong argument for itself even though it’s battling some very tough rivals from Honda, Toyota, Ford and beyond.

I recently drove a 2023 VW Tiguan, which has minor updates after a more involved refresh came with the 2022 model, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • Price as tested $38,615 (Starts around $28K) 
  • Best feature Roomy and classy interior, smooth ride, excellent safety and tech offerings
  • Rating 4 out of five stars    
  • Who will want this vehicle? Compact SUV buyers seeking a roomy ride with a three-row option and upscale European styling
Posted On Monday, 29 May 2023 15:22 Written by
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Three-row SUVs don’t have to be boring. And the Mazda CX-9 is Exhibit A in this argument.

I recently tested a 2023 Mazda CX-9, which faces a ton of solid competition including the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer. But I was pleased to find that the CX-9 holds up very well against all opponents.

Mazda recognizes how popular the midsize crossover has become, and has kept everything from styling to technology up to date so they don’t lose a step.

And at the heart of it all is what makes Mazda tick … that zoom zoom mentality that always keeps in mind the importance of a quality driving experience, even on its larger models like the CX-9.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2023 Mazda CX-9
  • Price as tested $50,330 (Starts around $40K) 
  • Best feature Tremendous driving experience, near-luxury level design
  • Rating 4.5 out of five stars    
  • Who will want this vehicle? SUV buyers who want classy design and an truly enjoyable ride  
Posted On Wednesday, 24 May 2023 01:40 Written by
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As Toyota continues to redefine its lineup in a variety of vehicle types (ICE, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, full EV), the RAV4 crossover remains a key element in their portfolio.

One of the more popular compact SUVs on the market every year, the RAV4 comes in multiple formats, including a traditional hybrid model, plug-in hybrid and standard ICE.

The RAV4 hybrid competes directly against a handful of hybrid SUV rivals from Hyundai, Honda, Ford and Kia.

I recently spent some time in the 2023 Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which debuts a brand-new Woodland Edition trim level for 2023 with a more rugged design and off-road capabilities, and I’m back with a full report.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2023 Toyota RAV4 hybrid   
  • Price as tested $35,604 (starts around $32K) 
  • Best feature Fuel mileage, smooth ride, off-road friendly Woodland Edition   
  • Rating 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Compact SUV buyers looking to stretch fuel mileage and get Toyota reliability 
Posted On Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:46 Written by
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Like most automakers, Volkswagen — one of the largest global OEMS — is fully embracing the arrival of electric vehicles.

While a bunch more EVs are scheduled in the near future (including the long-anticipated ID Buzz van), the one that they have put out as their opening salvo is the Volkswagen ID.4, a compact crossover that debuted in the 2021 model year. It houses five passengers comfortably and features a futuristic design and a respectable range per charge, plus solid tech and safety features.

Competition is stiff, as everyone from Hyundai and Kia to Ford and Chevy are putting out EVs in this size and category. But VW is committed to the EV space in the U.S., even building the ID.4 at its Chattanooga, Tennessee facilities.

I recently drove a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S model, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up in the growing world of EV options.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
  • Price as tested $52,590 
  • Best feature Decent range, sharp interior design, safety features 
  • Rating 4 out of five stars    
  • Who will want this vehicle? EV buyers seeking a futuristic and well-designed compact crossover  
Posted On Monday, 17 April 2023 01:19 Written by
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