The Optima is Kia’s midsize sedan. It’s available with a traditional gas-powered engine and also as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. No matter what power train you choose, the Optima gives you a big bang for the buck and should be on your list to test drive if you’re looking for a midsize sedan. The…
The Subaru Impreza gets a makeover for the 2017 model year. It’s the cheapest car available in the U.S. with standard all-wheel-drive, and also delivers a spacious interior and many features for the money. The five-passenger Impreza is available as a sedan or hatchback in 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Limited trims.…
The BMW 530e is a plug-in hybrid, the first for the 5 Series, and the most fuel efficient BMW ever introduced. You can drive up to 31 miles with the electric engine; after that, the gas engine kicks in. Total range is 404 miles. The 530e is available with rear-wheel-drive or BMW’s all-wheel-drive system,…
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf has only been around for a couple of years but already gets refreshed for the 2017 model year. The most noticeable improvements are a 50-percent jump in range, increasing from 83 to 125 miles, and more power. The e-Golf comes in three trims: SE, Limited Edition and SEL Premium.…
The Hyundai Ioniq is available as a hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid. The Korean automaker says it’s the first time any automaker has offered one model with three electrified low-and-zero-emission powertrain choices. Hyundai has made electric and plug-in hybrid versions of other models before, but the Ioniq is only available as an EV or hybrid,…
Small sedans are cheapest, pick-ups the most expensive PORTLAND, Ore., – Owning and operating a new vehicle in 2017 costs an average of $8,469 per year or $706 per month according to AAA’s 2017 Your Driving Costs study. Small sedans are the least expensive to own and drive at $6,354 per year while pick-ups cost…
The Acura TLX is not the best luxury midsize sedan out there but it does give you a lot of bang for your buck. For 2018, the TLX gets refreshed with a more aggressive exterior and an upgraded infotainment system. The five-passenger TLX is available in six trims: 2.4L, 2.4L with Technology Package, 3.5L,…
When you think of a luxury SUV, Mazda is not the first brand that comes to mind. But the CX-9 Signature may change that. It’s very upscale with features normally found on much pricier luxury vehicles. Mazda introduced the CX-9 for the 2006 model year and it got redesigned for 2016. For 2017, Mazda’s…
The Nissan Armada took a year off in 2016 and was reintroduced for 2017. It’s the largest vehicle in the Nissan line-up with seating for seven or eight passengers. The Armada is available in SV, SL and Platinum trims. Starting prices range from $44,900 to $60,490 which is lower than many competitors. Rear-wheel-drive is…
The Volkswagen Tiguan is all-new for 2018. It’s taller, wider and longer than the outgoing model and offers an optional third row. VW hopes this new roomier Tiguan will appeal to the American market. The old Tiguan will now be called the Tiguan Limited, so VW will have four crossovers/SUVs: the two Tiguans, the Touareg…