Category: Cars

With the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment continuing to dominate the auto world, many of the cars you see on the road belong to the group. But even though that is the case, it’s not always easy to pick which style and model of SUV is best for you.

So we’re here to help you along in that tough decision. We already ranked the top compact SUVs for those looking for a smaller ride. Now, we’re back to break down the top five SUVs in the midsize segment. Check them out via U.S. News and World Report right here:

5. Kia Sorento:

The Sorrento is lauded for its luxurious interior that seats several full-size adults and boasts solid tech features. It’s also known for a comfortable ride. All of that comes for a price that’s beyond competitive for its class as well. Kia has added an S class option for the 2020 model year. However, it does draw some negative marks for its overall blandness and a lack of cargo space.

4. Mazda CX-9:

The CX-9 is normally a strong competitor in the midsize SUV segment, and 2020 is no different. This current model also draws high marks for its interior style. As for its performance, the CX-9 is lauded for its powerful engine that still maintains good gas mileage. The car comes with several standard features drivers want overall. Yet it does lack in some features drivers may want for a midsize SUV such as its smaller cargo capacity and weak tow rating.

3. Kia Telluride:

The Telluride comes in a brand-new model for 2020. The total package is an effective one, as Kia’s midsize SUV has an attractive interior that houses passengers for a comfortable ride. The Telluride is also noted for its many safety features and a generous amount of cargo space.  It doesn’t have too many downsides, but its main knock is that it may not handle quite as well as other SUVs on this list.

2. Hyundai Palisade:

Like the Kia Telluride before it, the Palisade comes in a new model for 2020. The SUV boasts a great overall package that begins with three rows of comfortable seating, a luxury for a midsize model. It also has a luxurious interior that comes with a host of attractive options. In terms of safety, the Palisade comes standard with many state-of-the-art features that drive it to the top of this class. If there’s a knock on the Palisade, it’s that its acceleration isn’t the best for the class.

1. Hyundai Santa Fe:

Not to be outdone by its stablemate the Palisade, the Santa Fe ranks at the top of the best midsize SUVs to buy in 2020. It excels in all the major areas with strong gas mileage, a great interior cabin that provides a comfortable ride, and several accessible technology features that help both driver and passenger. Some may argue the standard engine is less powerful than they want, so they choose an upgrade in that area. The Santa Fe has been knocked for its handling compared to other midsize SUVs as well, but that’s not enough to stop it from being the top-selling midsize SUV in 2020.

The Chevrolet Equinox has long been a stellar piece of the crossover industry. In fact, it was one of the first crossover models to be offered by GM. The Equinox has changed a lot over the years as a model that was originally a replacement for the Tracker. Where the Equinox is appealing to potential consumers is its compact interior and exterior size.

Choosing between compact sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) can be a challenge because there are so many choices. GM has continued to innovate with the design and the value of the Equinox. We broke down what the 2020 model year has to offer in terms of features and pricing below.

Overview:

The Equinox is an entry-level compact SUV offering a plethora of features. The first thing that you’ll notice about the Equinox is the affordable base 1.5-liter model. This model comes with all of the standard safety features you’d come to expect out of a crossover. There are also enhancements such as a revised infotainment system and lane departure warning systems.

The upmarket model features a 3,500-pound tow rating, impressive for a vehicle in this segment. That means that the Equinox can safely pull a lightweight camper or trailer for a weekend of camping fun. There is only one transmission to choose from, a 9-speed automatic. Performance-wise, the Equinox provides a kick where other crossovers provide a rather bland driving experience.

Interior Quality:

GM has made great strides to enhance interior quality in the last decade. There was a time when GM cars were equated with cheap plastic and faux leather, but the quality is now there. Take one look inside the Equinox and you’ll be greeted by something that more resembles a Buick than your run-of-the-mill Chevrolet. Because of this increase in quality, GM has won many JD Power awards for quality.

The passenger volume of the Equinox is also much larger than you’d expect. Four full-size adults can ride in this SUV with minimal discomfort. For children, there is also an optional rear entertainment center and the Equinox has built-in Wi-Fi internet. There’s no doubt about it, the Equinox is quite the technologically-advanced family SUV.

Compared To Other Models

The marketplace for crossovers is crowded to be sure, but the Equinox offers a compelling package overall. The compact design is ideal for urban areas where parking is at a minimum. However, with the Equinox, you’re not sacrificing the versatility of an SUV. The high towing rating is a huge advantage for a segment that isn’t generally known for towing capacity. A comfortable interior with high-quality features makes the Equinox a pleasure to live with, coupled with the turbocharged engine for added performance.

The Equinox offers a more well-rounded package for the average consumer, with a high-quality interior and loads of power. There are very few crossovers that offer the same type of quality and value as the Equinox does. With a starting MSRP of $23,800, the Equinox is customizable and affordable with varied trim packages to choose from.

Source: Edmunds

The Chevy Tahoe has had a long, successful run in the full-size SUV segment. Some would even say that the Tahoe was responsible for the consumer shift to full-size SUVs during the ’90s. The current model has advanced a lot from the earlier days of the Silverado-based SUV, and now the Tahoe has its own identity.

As all SUV models trend upmarket the Tahoe is following suit as well, and the High Country is the top trim level. Notable for its rich interior materials and the technology that follows, the High Country is ideal for anyone who wants a bit more out of their Tahoe’s interior. Let’s take a look at three of the things that we love about the High Country’s interior.

Roominess From Front to Back:

There’s no denying that the Tahoe is a big SUV, and the interior is a mirror image of that. Not only do you get a lot of interior volume in the front seats, but the passenger seating is well -ppointed and comfortable as well. In the High Country, the upscale interior is a primary selling point. The next-generation Tahoe has an abundance of interior room, including a usable third-row seat. If you remember the third-row seating in the previous generations of the Tahoe was barely usable for an adult. But this is not the case anymore.

If you think you’d lose cargo space because of the third-row seat, you’d be mistaken. The Tahoe boasts 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, which is more than the model has sported in the past.

Attention To Detail:

If you’re lucky enough to opt for the High Country trim package, you’ll immediately notice that the quality to detail is there. You won’t be finding cheap plastic in the High Country’s cabin, and GM has put every bit of detail into it. From the stitching along with the dashboard and door panels to the stitching along with the leather seating. The interior of the High Country is on par with GMC Denali models and many other high-quality luxury SUVs.

The interior is also different in its design than the Silverado, which is a first for the Tahoe line. Traditionally these SUVs have been based on the Silverado but now GM is attempting to differentiate the brand.

High Tech Design:

Nowadays, the automotive industry has shifted toward a high-tech future. All new cars and trucks incorporate some type of technological advancements. The Tahoe High Country is no different, from advanced safety features to the infotainment system. There’s a lot of current technology that has gone into developing the interior of the Tahoe.

The High Country even has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which is great to have during those long family road trips. With a high level of comfort and technology, the Tahoe High Country is an exceptional choice and the interior is one of the best in the segment.

Source: Cars

The Ford Fusion in its current form has been on the market for a while now and provides buyers with an exceptional bargain. Ford is the company that innovated the family sedan market throughout the ’80s with the iconic Taurus, and the Fusion carries on this legacy.

The Fusion blends the driving characteristics of a sports car with a sleek profile to make a compelling family sedan. Ford offers the Fusion in a few different trims and there is sure to be one that will fit your needs. We went in-depth to examine why the Fusion is the best midsize sedan on the market right now.

Value:

Look let’s face the facts, family sedans nowadays can be quite expensive. But this isn’t the case with the Fusion, as the car has five different trim levels to choose from. The main trim level is the Fusion SE, a value-packed blend of performance and technology features. The Fusion was one of the first cars to incorporate the Microsoft Sync system into it. Aside from that, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a decent 175 horsepower. Even the top-of-the-line V6 engine is still a bargain and all of the engine choices make the Fusion a stellar family sedan.

Style:

The Ford Fusion is a very stylish car, and its exterior styling is especially effective. This car is going to look good for a while after a buyer’s initial purchase. The included alloy rims make things look a whole lot better and the LED lighting on the outside of the car is nice and bright. If you opt for a higher trim package, you can get optional fog lights to help with visibility. The Fusion also has an optional sport package. No matter which trim package you choose, the Fusion is going to look great and perform well.

Resale Value:

Unlike many of the sedans in its segment, the Fusion holds its value on the resale market. Part of the reason for this is the stellar design. Consumers want a comfortable family sedan that looks good too. The Fusion not only looks good but it also drives well, which makes for a pleasurable ownership experience. The reliability of the Fusion is also highly ranked which means that you’ll spend less time in the shop. When it comes to making a good investment, the Fusion is one that you can be proud of in the long term.

How It Stacks Up:

The marketplace for family sedans is not what it used to be, and the Fusion is a standout choice. When it comes to choosing a car that will make you comfortable, the Fusion is at the top of the list. Ford has included many different features that bring the Fusion into the 21st century in terms of technology. Safety is also important when it comes to a family car and the Fusion has it covered. Drivers want to feel comfortable in your vehicle purchase and the Fusion stylishly makes this possible.

The market for family sedans has dwindled dramatically in the last couple of years. Nevertheless, Kia is working on keeping consumer interest high with the brand new K5. If the sedan looks familiar, that’s because the general design is an upgrade over the outgoing Optima.

Kia decided it was time to retire the Optima nameplate and go for something new and edgy, thus we have the K5. This is not your average family sedan, and it’s also not the Stinger. The K5 is the car for those who want a Camry or Accord with a little more excitement and value added to it. Kia continues to be on a roll with improved quality and performance, and the K5 is at the top of the list.

Styling:

The styling on the new K5 is all-new and looks great. Sharp lines contrast the front and back of the vehicle. This is about as sleek of a sedan as you can get, and with its affordable price, it becomes even more shocking. Kia investing a great deal of time into the lines of the car, coupled with the chrome trim and alloy wheels the K5 is a stylish sedan. To top things off a nice set of factory dual exhaust pipes complete the look with an added tone. The Pirelli P Zero summer tires add to the upscale look of the sedan. Kia has been on a strong run of styling as of late and the K5 is a beacon of stellar design and ingenuity.

Performance:

Kia has made great strides to increase the performance of their passenger cars, and the K5 is no different. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque is a stellar powerplant. There’s no doubt the K5 will handle differently than any family sedan you’ve driven before. Step up to the GT model and you’ll get a sport appointed interior and features like sport shifting. The upgraded 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 290 horses and 311 lb-ft. Kia has attempted to make the family sedan exciting again and the K5 does this well. No matter which powerplant you opt for the Kia K5 performs quite well and a lot better then you’d expect for a family sedan.

Interior Comfort:

As with most any other Kia, you’re swaddled in luxury appointments if you drive a K5. A large infotainment center greets the driver and passengers with easy-to-use controls and comfortable seating. There’s ambient interior lighting, a unique feature for a family sedan, and the colors can be changed and controlled. The ambient lighting can also follow the music that is playing inside of the vehicle. Overall, the interior fit and finish of the K5 are among the best that Kia has done thus far, and all of the cars are improving in terms of quality. Seating is more than comfortable enough for five passengers, even teenagers will do fine with the K5 backseat area.

Sources: Car & Driver, Motor 1

There was a time when the Buick brand was just another car brand in the crowded GM portfolio. But the company has seen a resurgence in popularity and quality, Buicks are no longer just another badge-engineered vehicle.

There are many benefits to owning a Buick, such as luxury and the abundance of safety features. As the brand continues to evolve, its cars are continuing to take up a portion of the consumer marketplace. The brand has seen tremendous success and will continue to see it in the future. Here are the benefits of owning a modern Buick.

Luxury Features:

Let’s face it, you’ve probably thought of a Buick as your grandfather’s retirement vehicle. But that’s no longer the case as the brand has come a long way. Buicks offer a plethora of quality woods and leathers in the interior. GM has also come a long way with the safety and infotainment systems in these vehicles. You can expect your Buick to be connected just like the rest of your technology is. If you want to go for the ultimate combination of luxury and performance you can go for the Avenir models, which are Buick’s upscale line of vehicles.

Performance:

The Buicks that you see nowadays are designed to provide a luxurious driving experience. You can expect to get a turbocharged motor as well as efficiency. Innovative features such as slap shifting and a sport mode make Buick models a blast to drive. Buick cars will wrap you into a cove of luxury while also driving like something much more expensive. If you want to experience the best that the domestic automakers have to offer you’ll feel right at home in a Buick.

Resale Value:

Buicks hold their value according to the Kelly Blue Book. If you decide to trade in or sell your Buick down the road, you’ll still get a good deal of residual value. This is important when it comes to buying a new vehicle, especially in today’s automotive landscape. Buick also caters to those who don’t wish to be attached to a car payment and there are attractive lease options. Owning a Buick is not only a great driving experience but its also an investment when you compare it to other vehicle makes.

Choice:

The Buick lineup has an option for just about every consumer, whether you want a compact crossover or a sporty wagon like the Regal Tour X. The choice in Buick vehicles has come a long way from a few years ago. As luxury features, progress and GM pours more resources into the brand you could see Buick begin to take a foothold on the luxury market. The quality has come so far in the last few years that the choice is simple when it comes to a Buick.

Service and Reliability:

Buicks have come a long way in terms of reliability just like the rest of the automotive market. Buicks are routinely scoring high when it comes to customer satisfaction surveys. If you get a Buick, the large GM dealership network means that you can get servicing just about anywhere. With the recent reliability ratings, you can drive a Buick comfortably knowing that it should be able to last for quite a bit.

2021 promises to be a wild year for the automotive industry, with plenty of new models on the horizon. Cars are becoming more autonomous than ever before and with this boost in technology, prices will go up as well. Ford and GM are both going to be making waves and this includes the rebirth of the Bronco and the Hummer brand.

But Dodge is also on the forefront with a revised Dakota mid-size pickup truck that’s slated for production as well. Read on below as we take a look at what the year has in store for auto enthusiasts around the world.

Cadillac Celestiq

Although it was believed that Cadillac was going to exit the sedan market that doesn’t appear to be the case. Instead, the brand is looking to take Tesla head-on with the Celestiq luxury sedan. This beautiful and electric powered sedan is slated to hit production sometime this year. Featuring fast-charging Ultium batteries and a hand-built interior, this is going to be one of the most advanced Cadillac sedans to date. Only time will tell what the brand has to offer after this car hits the market, so watch out Tesla.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Not to be outclassed by Tesla or anybody else, Mercedes is also going to jump back into the fray with the S-Class sedan. The interesting sedan is already the flagship of the brand. The large body is going to be fairly similar to the model that we’ve got now, albeit with some modifications to increase the comfort and luxury. The S-Class will be getting an updated interior and hybrid system. Code-named W223, the new S-Class platform is going to have a lot of new features.

Subaru WRX and WRX STI

Still, the fun-loving performance sedan of legends the WRX is going to be getting a major redesign. Subaru is not fond of dressing the WRX up and as such much of the sedan will keep the bare-bones design. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to love about the WRX as it’s one of the least fun-to-drive cars that you can get. The 400-hp variant of its 2.4-liter will still be the powerplant of choice. Not much has changed for the car, but it has enhanced the value quite a bit over all these decades.

Toyota GR86

What we have right here is pretty much dubbed the “baby Supra”. The car will still be developed in conjunction with Subaru and a lot of the car will remain intact. The revised 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is rumored to be the new powerplant. The underpinnings will be shared between both cars with subtle exterior changes marking the outside. For the life of these cars, they have been mocked for lacking personality, which is going to change.

Mazda6

Mazda is going to be changing all the rules when it comes to the 6 sedans. The new sedan is going to be showcased by a beautiful new exterior styling and a rear-wheel-drive design. There is no doubt that this is going to be one of the top family sedans on the market. The new turbocharged engine coupled with the rise in technology will make this sedan stand out from the crowd. Mazda is also looking to incorporate a Mazda Speed edition as well.

Source: Motor Trend

The Mazda brand has always been a niche automaker for those that enjoy the experience of driving. While the Miata is by far the most popular Mazda ever made, quite a few models are challenging its dominance. The 2021 model year is going to be quite different for the Mazda brand as a lot of new cars are going to make their appearance.

As with most mainstream automakers, Mazda is going to be making a push toward electrification as well. Most new Mazda models will feature some sort of new green technology to make them more fuel-efficient and easier to drive. With these updates, the lineup has never looked so good, so we’re going to dive in below.

2021 Mazda MX-30

As previously stated, Mazda is going to be making the move into electric cars and the MX-30 is going to be its valiant first attempt. With the popularity of their smaller vehicles, the MX-30 is sure to make a splash with loyalists. The performance will be a focal point for the car as Mazda has generally focused on this aspect of vehicle ownership. Nevertheless, the MX-30 will still be a capable and functional crossover for the mainstream market. You can expect the styling to stay true to the current Mazda design language, although that will change shortly into the future.

2021 Mazda CX-5

Things have gone well for the CX-5 as the car manages to still be a sales success for the Mazda brand. As with such a notable achievement, the brand is not going to differentiate too far from that original formula. You can still expect to find an off-road capable crossover that focuses on style and substance to get the job done. You can also expect to see a hybrid-electric drivetrain this time around for one of the options. There are also going to be new safety features that are incorporated as with the rest of the automotive industry. Overall, the CX-5, in its next iteration, looks to be a promising ride.

2021 Mazda MazdaSpeed3

If there is one immensely popular car it was the original MazdaSpeed3. The hot hatch took the Mazda compact to the next level and the brand is looking to bring it back. Naturally, a car like this will have increased completion from Subaru, but the MazdaSpeed3 looks to be a welcome surprise in a crowded marketplace. The performance will either be turbocharged or rotary-powered although all the details haven’t come to light yet.

A Hybrid Mazda MX-5 Miata

There has also been talking of a hybrid Mazda MX-5 Miata in the works. The car will no doubt have a lot of fanfare waiting for it if this is true. The current MX-5 is growing a tad bit long in the tooth, although still immensely popular with enthusiasts. For the most part, these Mazda models are increasingly popular with a new generation of drivers. The cheap design and lightweight make the car a breeze to modify and add power to. There is no denying that the Miata will continue to live up to the hype as an affordable open-air roadster with a lot of personalities.

Sources: Autowise

Acceleration is definitely one of the most important aspects of a performance car, and the main reason why people will spend hundreds of thousands for the best. With the rise in electric powertrains and new engine technology performance has begun to reach the pinnacle. The world’s fastest production vehicles come in several shapes and sizes, and 2021 is going to be a stand out year.

We’re going to take a look at some of the performance-hungry vehicles hitting the market in 2021. Exotics are going to be evolving significantly in the coming year and performance cars will never be the same.

Ferrari F8 Tributo

When it comes to outlandish performance, there should be no surprise in Ferrari being featured on this list. The F8 Tributo can do 0-60 in an astonishingly fast 2.9 seconds. With a top speed of 205 MPH, this is far from your average grocery getter. Ferrari has added the usual touches to the interior that make things comfortable. Overall, buyers will receive a solid experience in a sports car that can handle just about anything that the driver is willing to dish out.

McLaren 620R

Although Ferrari is getting a lot of the spotlight to start 2021, McLaren is not far behind. The company was able to create the 620R which is also one of the fastest cars in the world. It has been said that there are going to be only about 325 of these made for the 2021 model year. The car is hand-built and gives up a lot of creature comforts to achieve faster lap times. Of course, you generally aren’t getting a supercar like the 620R to go grocery shop. Instead, the car is a focused piece of machinery that can handle just about anything that you throw at it.

Lamborghini Huracán Evo

You’re not truly breaking any land speed records until you drive a Lambo. A true authentic vehicle makes all the difference and the Lamborghini Huracán Evo is one of the fastest on the road. The 5.2L V10 is an amazingly powerful engine, staying true to the Lambo formula that has worked out for all these years. In addition to that, the Huracán Evo has an updated exterior styling that looks unlike anything else on the market. Lamborghini was going for a unique look when the car was designed and the final result stands out from the crowd for sure.

Hennessy Venom GT

Oftentimes, it seems like Hennessy is just having fun. Building an insanely fast vehicle seems like a good profession to have, especially if you enjoy it. The Venom GT will take you from 0-60 in a rapid 2.7 seconds, a speed that is almost unheard of. The rest of the car is beautiful to look at as well, but most buyers are seeking out the Venom for pure exhilaration. The design hasn’t changed much over a decade, and that’s okay. Because the general design of the car makes it a well-warranted treat for anyone who loves performance exotics and a wild price tag.

Source: AutoCar