New Outlander good, but doesn't raise SUV bar Mitsubishi doesn’t sell many models in the United States, so when it re-launches one, as with the new 2016 Outlander, it had better be good. The Outlander is good, but it sets no new bar for small sport-utilities, or crossovers. Yet it does raise the bar considerably... Continue Reading →
2016 Kia Sorento SX Ltd. AWD
Kia Sorento, a crossover that will haul seven people            Kia’s Sorento is a fine crossover that will haul up to seven folks and look good doing it. The 2016 model is the continuation of a revamp from a couple years ago and the tested pearl “snow white” test vehicle was the top-level SX Limited... Continue Reading →
2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription
Volvo XC90 not mainstream, not good with details Volvo has never been mainstream and it’s not about to start now. Its new XC90 crossover that replaces a quite dated crossover of the same name is a high-end luxury vehicle that offers typical Volvo safety and substance, but drops the ball on a variety of details. First,... Continue Reading →
2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport
First Lexus turbo turns up the juice in angular NX F Sport If I were selecting a smallish sport-ute solely on looks Lexus’ NX would be my first choice. I like its angular lines, its exciting sporty appearance, its 3D taillights and its front lights that appear to be large checkmarks laid sideways. I like the... Continue Reading →
2015 Nissan Rogue SV AWD
Rogue grows to happy medium in SUV/crossover market Nissan restyled its entry-level crossover, the Rogue, last year to give it a less trucky appearance and smooth its ride along with its appearance. It works and offers a little more interior room and overall length than most small SUVs, like Toyota’s RAV4 and Ford’s Escape. Rogue... Continue Reading →
2015 Dodge Durango R/T Blacktop AWD
Durango R/T is SUV that looks like a racy minivan            Dodge generally doesn’t try to blend in as a brand, favoring bolder styling than most competitors. That’s what some of us like about Dodge. Dodge’s Durango though is a bit different in that it stands out from other large SUVs, especially with its wide... Continue Reading →
2015 Toyota Sienna XLE Premium AWD
2015 Toyota Sienna XLE Premium AWD Minivans are wonderful for families, no other vehicle is more practical. But in saying that, I know I’ve scared off at least a sizeable portion of my readers. Hear me out, Toyota’s Sienna is a fine people and cargo hauler and get this, it offers all-wheel-drive. It’s the only... Continue Reading →
2015 Lincoln Navigator 4×4
Lincoln Navigator a restyled Expedition for a lot more Back-to-back test drives of Ford’s Expedition and Lincoln’s Navigator proved both are extremely comfortable, luxurious large sport-utility trucks, but also highlighted the folly of marketing. These were close to identical trucks, both loaded with technology and luxury touches, the Ford being the near top-end King Ranch edition.... Continue Reading →
2015 Ford Expedition King Ranch 4X4
Ford's Expedition King Ranch a big, luxurious hauler            More than 10 years have passed since I last reviewed a Ford Expedition, which tells you something about how little Ford’s biggest sport-utility truck changes. Like the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon it competes with, the Expedition is a steady Eddie. It’s truck-based and... Continue Reading →
2015 Chevrolet Trax LT AWD
Trax AWD offers high value for young SUV buyers            As Millennials and Gen-Xers battle for jobs and income in a challenging work environment it seems natural that small cars and small sport-utility vehicle sales would blossom. Affordability and a high degree of usability would seem to be just what the new car/ute buyer would... Continue Reading →