Category: Automotive

Since the early stages of the automotive age, Volkswagen has manufactured dependable car after dependable car. With a proven track record over many decades, it comes as no surprise to see Volkswagen’s latest iteration — the 2020 VW Passat — having a ton of buzz. Simply put, it’s one beautiful mid-size vehicle.

There are four configurations of this car: 2.0T S ($22,995), 2.0T SE ($25,845), 2.0 T R-Line ($28,645), and the 2.0T SEL ($31,095). A 4-year/$50,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty is something offered when purchasing the vehicle. This is a major boon for a car of this stature.The five-seat Sedan has been revamped in a way that makes the car look more stylish. From a color scheme standpoint, prospective customers are able to choose from Tourmaline Blue Metallic, White, Platinum Gray Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Aurora Red Metallic. The car itself has defined lines, smooth finishes, and a refinement not often seen in a typical Sedan.

Besides the aesthetics of the vehicle, we must talk about economic value of gas mileage. Simply put, the 2020 VW Passat is spectacular in this capacity. On average, the vehicle gets 23 miles-per-gallon in city driving, and 34 miles-per-gallon on the highway. In total, an average of roughly 27 miles-per-gallon is quite good from a fuel economy standpoint.

This version of the Passat is only equipped with front-wheel drive. There are no options including all-wheel-drive or a V-6 engine. However, the car does boast a 2.0-L turbo-four engine with 174 HP. This power package might not allow for high-level off-roading — though it transports a family quite comfortably (especially with a spacious interior cabin). The key thing to remember here is that this car is built for efficiency rather than unabated power.

There are some attractive bells and whistles from within the cabin. Heated front seats are now something that’s available. Duly, there are two rear USB charging ports, improved legroom space in the back row, and Climatronic dual-zone climate control. A sunroof is available for specific packages — as is keyless action with a push-button start.

The IIHS gave the 2020 Passat ‘GOOD’ scores for every major safety category. Duly, the NHTSA frontal crash test ratings gave the ’20 Passat a four out of five star rating.

Simply put, the 2020 VW Passat is a very solid vehicle. The price point is tremendous — as is the the stability and efficiency coming with this car. One would be very wise to look into purchasing/leasing it — particularly if on a budget.

Image Source: MotorTrend

Is there anything more American than a Ford pickup truck? The iconic company has long been producing quality automobiles within the United States. The pickup truck in particular has been an immensely popular model. Not only is it an efficient and practical vehicle, but it also exudes power, performance, and off-roading capabilities. As is the case every year, Ford recently came out with its 2019 version of the F-150. While somewhat similar to past models, there are a few unique tweaks solely geared towards next year’s model.

The base engine for the 2019 F-150 is an EcoBoost 3.5-Liter V-6. However, there are also turbo iterations of the V-6 which offer exceptional overall performance. Duly, one can opt for a V-8. The twin-turbo V-6 pumps out 450 HP and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Across the board, Ford also developed a dual exhaust system. This fits neatly into the rear bumper cutouts. For virtually every option underneath the ’19 F-150 umbrella, the customer can receiver 10-speed automatic transmission.

Available options include XL, Limited trim, King Ranch, Lariat, LXT, and Platinum. Depending upon the chosen model, the customer can choose a car with rear-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive.

The interior cabin of next year’s model is quite impressive. Not only is it roomy, but Ford has taken the measure to cool the cabin considerably. This comes in the form of larger holes within the micro-perforated leather. For some models, gradated ash swirly wood trims encapsulate the dashboard. The interior is also efficient in terms of small storage spaces and enlarged touchscreens. Early returns have the XL and XLT trim featuring ample head/leg room. This is perfect for someone commuting back and forth from a work site on a daily basis.

From a safety standpoint, Ford took the utmost precaution in producing a quality vehicle. The NHTSA offers a 5-star overall grade for collective safety. The IIHS gave “GOOD” marks in virtually every category. Enhanced safety measures come with elevated model choices. For more expensive versions (Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited), the customer can opt to include specific alterations (inflatable rear seat belts, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking).

Without question, the 2019 Ford F-150 appears to fall in line as yet another dynamic pickup truck option. Those in search of a pickup should certainly do their due diligence in researching this fantastic vehicle. There’s a lot to like about the overall package presented by Ford.

Crossover SUV’s are among the most versatile vehicles on the entire market. These platforms offer the potential buyer sensibilities found in passenger vehicles — combined with the sleekness and style of a SUV. This perfect marriage of features truly illustrates the popularity emanating from crossover SUV’s. In terms of quality options, here are 10 worthy choices for prospective buyers to look in to:

1. 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a potential game-changer within the market. While most crossover SUV’s offer seating for five, the Atlas is constructed with a spacious third row. The overall room in the interior cabin makes this vehicle a perfect choice for a large family. This premise is enhanced even further by the panoramic sunroof and the litany of connectivity facets for one’s smartphone. A maximum space of 96.8 cubic-feet in the cargo area enables much in the way of flexibility when transporting items on a potential road trip.

2. 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is an affordable option for those highly invested in the technological side of things. The base model (roughly $25,485) will be equipped with a six-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch display screen. These facets aren’t always found in a competitor’s base model. It offers a respectable 24 MPG within city driving, and 28 MPG on the highway. From a safety standpoint, the Santa Fe received 5-star ratings across the board on crash categories.

3. 2018 Mazda CX-5

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 offers much in the way of performance. Equipped with a turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine, the vehicle gets terrific acceleration. Duly, this model gets an estimated 24 MPG within city driving, and 31 MPG on the highway. A revamping of the interior cabin has given the Mazda CX-5 a regal appearance. In addition, the considerable cargo space is perfect for those transporting business materials and sporting equipment.

4. 2018 Ford Edge

Much like the Volkswagen Atlas, the 2018 Ford Edge provides consumers with a spacious interior cabin. It also is considered a very effective model from a safety standpoint (especially pertaining to crash test ratings). A potential buyer is also given the ability to individually choose an engine based upon personal preference. The base model gets 17 miles-per-gallon in city driving, and 24 miles-per-gallon on the highway. A twin-turbo V-6 engine in the sport model specifically gives this vehicle highly potent acceleration.

5. 2018 Toyota Highlander

Fuel economy is the name of the game for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle gets approximately 21 MPG in city driving, and 27 MPG within highway driving. Duly, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine offers much in the way of efficiency. Safety features include aspects such as pedestrian detection, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the cargo capabilities are considerably large — even with a third row of seating. Starting price for the 2018 Highlander registers at $31,030.

6. 2018 Honda CR-V

The 2017 Honda CR-V checks many of the proverbial boxes when searching for the ideal crossover SUV. Space isn’t an issue — as both the back-seat legroom and spacious cargo area makes for a comfortable and efficient journey. The CR-V is also excellent in terms of gas mileage. Drivers will get an estimated 27 MPG on city driving, and 33 MPG on the highway. The 2018 Honda CR-V got the highest rating possible by both the IIHS and the NHTSA.

7. 2018 Hyundai Tucson

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson offers the buyer a very reasonable option price-wise — as the starting model registers at approximately $23,595. Despite the smaller price tag, the Tucson is a roomy vehicle with stylish aesthetics and a great safety rating. The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is a top safety pick for IIHS — as it includes lane-departure warning and pedestrian detection. The standard engine comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder package. It offers 164 HP and 151 pound-feet of torque — which is fantastic for a base engine.

8. 2018 Kia Sorento

The 2018 Kia Sorento is perfect for those equipped with a family. The cabin size is both roomy and spacious. Duly, the quality of the interior is among the best in its class. Crash-test scores on on the higher end when compared to competitors. In addition, the safety technology embedded within the vehicle is superb. A base model will come with a 2.4-liter engine — though a turbo-4 and a V-6 are offered with enhanced models. Starting prices generally range at $25,800.

9. 2018 Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango has been ranked consistently as one of the most reliable options within the SUV demographic. A robust V-8 engine is made available — which allows for considerable towing capabilities. Its expansive interior cabin makes it one of the roomier models on the market. This model in particular is highly accommodating for an individual constantly needing to utilize storage. Overall, all-wheel versions of the vehicle will net the consumer 18 miles-per-gallon in city driving, and 25 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

10. 2018 Nissan Murano

The 2018 Nissan Murano most definitely has a focus on a refining the aesthetics of the vehicle — both within the interior cabin and the exterior appearance. The seating itself within the Murano has more space when compared to past makes. Technologically, the base Murano model includes advancements in safety features — which include lane departure warning, blind spot warning, parking assistance, intelligent cruise control, and emerging automatic braking.

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