Wednesday, 13 November 2024
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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.

Posted On Sunday, 11 February 2024 16:42 Written by
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The debate over whether fully electric vehicles are the best answer for most car buyers, or if hybrids and plug-in hybrids better fit our lifestyles, rages on.

Volvo has covered all angles with its largest SUV offerings. For those ready to make the leap, they have just unveiled the brand new EX90, a cutting-edge, fully electric, three-row SUV that is starting to make waves.

But they also recognize that not everyone is ready for that big of a leap, and still offer their XC90 three-row offering in a plug-in hybrid option, called the XC90 Recharge.

I recently tested a 2024 XC90 Recharge, which fills an important role in the Volvo lineup and is a great middle ground for buyers who aren’t on board the full-EV train yet.

Read on for full details on how the XC90 Recharge measures up to rival luxury SUVs from Genesis, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge
  • Price as tested $87,495 (starts around $73K)
  • Best feature Stylish design, roomy and versatile interior, safety features   
  • Rating 4.5 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Families seeking a fuel-efficient, classy, roomy, and safe luxury SUV
Posted On Thursday, 08 February 2024 21:33 Written by
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The road to an EV-focused lineup is going more smoothly for some automakers than others, and one of those having a strong performance as of late are the Hyundai-Kia family of EVs.

Both brands are seeing strong demand for their recent EV offerings, and I recently spent some time behind the wheel of one of the most impressive options, the Kia EV6 GT. (Note: I tested a 2023 model of the EV6, but the 2024 model sees no major changes)

After the EV6’s initial debut in 2022, it was time to ramp up the power for 2023 and beyond, and that’s what the GT model does, unleashing a massive 576 horsepower to deliver massive acceleration and a driving experience you won’t be able to equal in most cars on the road — EV or otherwise.

Competing most directly in the EV space against Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y (as well as its in-house rival, the Hyundai Ioniq 5), the EV6 GT is a force to be reckoned with. Read on to learn more about how it stands up against the EV competition.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle Kia EV6 GT
  • Price as tested $62,865 
  • Best feature Powerful GT driving mode, sharp design 
  • Rating 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Electric SUV buyers looking for a sporty alternative
Posted On Saturday, 06 January 2024 16:12 Written by
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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.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2023 BMW X1 
  • Price as tested $47,895 (starts around $39K) 
  • Best feature BMW’s unique and smoothly powerful drive quality, strong fuel mileage
  • Rating 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Car buyers who want to enter the luxury class, and get a solid all-around vehicle without breaking the bank
Posted On Friday, 29 December 2023 20:34 Written by
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Among the most interesting conversations in the automotive world right now is that EV demand appears to be down, yet buyers still seek strong fuel economy.

For those buyers, there’s no better option than a hybrid vehicle. Buying a hybrid allows them to achieve their goal of saving on fuel expenses, while also not relying on the electric grid to power their vehicle. Get a hybrid now, and you can wait until EV prices go down and become more realistic for the average buyer to afford.

And since you’ll visit the gas station much less than with a traditional ICE vehicle, hybrids are still a green offering.

Kia expanded its hybrid offerings for the 2023 model year with the introduction of the Kia Sportage hybrid in the popular compact crossover segment. The Sportage was completely redesigned for 2023, and the 2023 hybrid carries over to 2024 without any major changes.

The Sportage is now offering a diverse lineup, with everything from an ICE version, to the hybrid powertrain, to a plug-in hybrid offering.

The latest version of the Sportage has grown in size from the previous generation model, and has upgraded its technology features. In terms of Kia’s hybrid lineup, it fits in size between the Kia Niro and the Kia Sorento, and it’s a close relative of the Hyundai Tucson hybrid. 

Read on for a full breakdown of how it measures up against other leading compact crossover hybrid offerings.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2023 Kia Sportage hybrid  
  • Price as tested $38,000 
  • Best feature Fuel mileage, unique design, spacious interior, lots of cargo space 
  • Rating 4 out of five stars    
  • Who will want this vehicle? Buyers seeking an compact crossover with better fuel mileage than traditional ICE offerings
Posted On Monday, 25 December 2023 18:53 Written by
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