Whatever it is, little Lexus hybrid is a cute mileage champ ... Determining if a vehicle is a hatchback or a crossover can sometimes cause consternation. Take the case of Lexus small hatch/crossover, the UX. That name provides no clue as to what this is, other than there’s an X in the name, so the... Continue Reading →
2019 Nissan Altima Edition One
Altima's engine main difference from Maxima … Outside of engines there’s not much difference between Nissan’s Maxima, tested a few weeks back, and the latest version of Nissan’s Altima. The sedans are nearly identical in size now, the Altima actually having a longer wheelbase than Maxima, which used to be the larger of the two.... Continue Reading →
2018 Infiniti QX80 4WD
Infiniti QX80, when only BIG will do … Big counts for something sometimes and if you need to haul seven people, a big SUV is likely what you need, or a minivan. My son’s family was visiting so the Infiniti QX80 was a good bet for hauling us around southeast Wisconsin when grandparents, kids and... Continue Reading →
2018 GMC Terrain AWD Denali
Terrain redesign lightens the load; Denali model adds luxury ... GMC redesigns its Terrain crossover for 2018 to make it lighter and a bit smaller, fighting all industry trends to add weight and length. Mostly, it’s a success. Terrain is virtually the same vehicle as Chevrolet’s Equinox with a bit boxier styling, but much improved... Continue Reading →
2018 Audi Q5 2.0T quattro w/Prestige
New Audi Q5 remains smooth, luxurious … Evidently once a smooth operator, always a smooth operator. Audi’s new Q5 compact luxury crossover/sport-ute carries on its tradition of smooth, sporty performance with luxury ladled on for good measure. It’s a bit larger than its predecessor and slightly more fuel efficient too. This is an all-around winner.... Continue Reading →
2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL w/4Motion
VW goes big into the SUV market with Atlas ... There are no awards for being late to the party, but VW is hoping sales are its consolation prize for finally creating a large SUV, the Atlas. It won’t win any styling awards (can you say big and boxy?), but it’s certainly stout and a... Continue Reading →
2017 Dodge Durango GT Blacktop AWD
Outlier Durango delivers function and style ... Dodge’s Durango is an outlier of sorts. It features function and style while many of the better selling large SUVs maintain a staid look, favoring square exteriors and overly manly interiors with oversized gauges, knobs and air vents. Durango though likes to spiff itself up, like it’s saying... Continue Reading →
2017 Volvo S60 T5 AWD Dynamic
Volvo S60 OK, but doesn't distinguish itself ... Volvo’s S60 is a fine, but underwhelming, compact, entry-level luxury car. The S60 is nice looking and has all-wheel-drive, which will make it more useful to drivers in northern climes. It performs well, although its ride is rough, yet nothing really stands out. Some will argue that its safety... Continue Reading →
2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Premium
Hybrid Avalon comfy big sedan, easy on the gas ... Sadly big comfortable sedans are about as popular these days as a new Nickelback album or The Dixie Chicks at a Texas veterans fundraiser. Too bad because as passé as big sedans are, they can move a family of five in smooth, quiet comfort and also... Continue Reading →
2017 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country
Volvo 's V60 Cross Country touts pizzazz, not smooth ride ... Volvo’s V60 Cross Country wagon/crossover wisely borrows some styling pizzazz from the likes of Mazda, then goes about saturating the vehicle with its usual core competency, safety. Pretty nice combo, but it ladles on enough luxury to push the V60 to luxury-level pricing, but without... Continue Reading →