| : A total redesign for 2023 brings the Kia Sportage its first-ever crossbreed and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. We checked a mid-line Hybrid ex lover version geared up with the ex lover Premium Package. I was charmedby its pleasant driving behavior, vivacious 226-hp
gas/electric powertrain, and generous level of typical equipment. I can’t state I’m
totally comfy
with the outside designing– I’m a little weirded out by front ends in which the fronts lights are overpowered by the daytime running lights and various other design aspects– however I assume the Sportage’s appearances are expanding on me. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse And also, the Sportage’s inside is excellent– in maintaining with the non-traditional exterior, it’s obtained cool style touches such as the unusually designed door pulls as well as HVAC vents, yet I discovered the control layout to be ergonomically reasonable total. I also liked the slim strip of touch-sensitive virtual buttons that toggles between sound and also environment controls at the touch of a switch. Both passenger space and cargo room go over for the Sportage’s reasonably tidy exterior measurements– I had better legroom in the Sportage’s rear seats than I performed in the Lexus LX 600’s. The” SynTex”faux-leather upholstery had a respectably upscale look and feel, and the ambiance was additionally improved by the standard fully electronic scale collection, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, warmed leather-wrapped steering wheel, and also warmed pole positions. I’ve driven lots of mainstream-brand compact SUVs in the past pair years that approached(or perhaps gone beyond)the$40K mark, so this Sportage’s bottom-line sticker price of$33,860 struck me as a particularly good deal. Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover John Biel: Now that Kia has a hybrid version of its Sportage portable SUV, just how does it act? The gas/electric powerplant provides efficiently perky acceleration around community. It likewise cruises the highway conveniently– however rather noisally. Responsiveness of the 6-speed automatic transmission is pretty good. This chauffeur videotaped 33.97 mpg after placing 94 miles– with 31 percent in city-type operation– on the examination vehicle.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover In terms of on-road dynamics, the ’23 Sportage deals with easily, with a little lean in edges, and it flights pleasantly. Nonetheless, braking deals with a little of the sluggishness that frequently afflicts crossbreeds as they capture power for battery regrowth during stops. Travelers will certainly discover the bigger, new-generation car extremely roomy in both seating rows. There’s excellent back legroom as well as good headroom even under the sunroof when so equipped. Back seats have some backrest adjustment. Examination Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
![]() 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover The Sportage’s brand-new dimensions also have an impact on the cargo location. It’s large and also obtainable through a vast tailgate
opening. The 60/40-split seats fold nearly
flat. Under the flooring there’s some unguarded perk room around the extra tire, however there are a pair cubbies for incidentals in the much edges down there. Examination Drive: 2022 Ford Escape Titanium PHEV 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse As for environments, the EX features perforated SynTex furniture that has a nice look. Soft surfaces adorn the upper dashboard, armrests, door centers, and also tops of the front doors. Unified screens for driving control and infomercial have an innovative high-tech look but there’s nothing overwhelming regarding them. Audio inputs are very easy to make on the touchscreen. Climate controls exist on a separate touchscreen however with handy physical knobs for temperature level choice. Examination Drive: 2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX Cabin storage is just all right. There’s a halfway decent sized handwear cover box yet the console box is tiny; front-door pockets are moderate and back pockets are barely bottle owners; bags are discovered behind both front seats; and bag hooks sprout from the front seats. Mug holders are offered in the console as well as pull-down center armrest. Overall, the 2023 Sportage ex-spouse crossbreed looks like a good value for the price. Spin: 2023 Mazda CX-50< img course="wp-image-98690" src=” https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-1024×526.jpg”alt=”2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX” size =”725″height =”373″ srcset =”https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-1024×526.jpg 1024w, https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-300×154.jpg 300w, https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-768×395.jpg 768w “sizes =” (max-width: 725px)100vw, 725px”> 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse Gallery Click below for bigger pictures. Test Drive: 2022 Ford Escape Titanium PHEV Cars And Truck Stuff Podcast Composed by: The Daily Drive team on September 22, 2022.
2024 Ford Mustang![]() Good information for followers of America’s most-popular pony vehicle: Ford’s renowned Mustang returns for a 7th generation, and also the words crossbreed as well as electric are nowhere to be located. The brand-new’Stang, which includes updated styling, a modernized cabin, and the promise of more power,
arrives for the 2024 design year. Extra Mustang enjoyable Ford defines them as new, Mustang’s familiar 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder and also “Coyote” 5.0-liter V8 return as the auto’s only engines. Those powerplants will certainly be supplied in returning EcoBoost and also GT versions respectively. A 6-speed guidebook transmission returns for the V8, though it is vague if the EcoBoost will still be paired with stick shift. A 10-speed automated will be offered with both engines. Ford assures even more power from both powerplants, but has actually not launched specific numbers. For 2022 the Ecoboost engine is rated at 310 horse power and the Coyote V8 450.
2024 Ford Mustang will once more be available in coupe and also convertible body designs. Updates to the cabin are substantial and also welcome. For those thrilled by numbers, the brand-new Mustang control panel checks in at 12.4 inches, while the console touchscreen stretches 13.2 inches. The total look is tidy and also efficient.
Forgotten Concept: Ford Mustang RSX
2024 Ford Mustang The new Mustang comes requirement with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto compatibility, also Amazon Alexa. Audiophiles will certainly value the schedule of premium Bang & & Olufsen audio. 2 brand-new shades will certainly be included in the Mustang pallet for 2024: Vapor Blue (seen above and listed below) as well as Yellow Splash. The brand-new Mustang is scheduled to get here in display rooms the summer of 2023 and will be built at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.
CG Says:
We doubt how new the 2024 Mustang really is, yet can not say with the modifications. The updated cabin and also new sheet steel look amazing, as well as we’re constantly ready to enjoy extra power. The subplot below, and subject of much chat-room conversation, is whether or not we’re looking at the last-ever gasoline-powered Mustang. If so, the seventh-generation Mustang is a lot more special than it seems. Long live the Mustang.
Muscle-Car Face-Off: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 vs Shelby GT500
2022 BMW i4 M50 in Brooklyn Grey Metallic(a$550 alternative) 2022 BMW i4M50 Course: Electric Vehicle Miles driven: 276 Battery capacity: 80.7 kWh EPA-estimate MPGe: 79 city/80 hwy/80 combined EPA-estimated driving range: 227 miles Consumer Guide vary estimate(suitable problems): 237 miles
|
| CG Report Card Space as well as Comfort B-Power and Performance A |
| Fit and Finish |
A- |
| Gas Economy |
A |
| Worth |
B |
|
|
| Report-card grades are stemmed from an agreement of test-driver examinations. All qualities are versus various other cars in the same course. Value quality is for certain trim level evaluated, and may not mirror Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. |
|
|
| Big & & Tall Comfort |
|
|
| Big Guy |
B- |
| High Guy |
B- |
|
|
| Big & & Tall comfort ratings are for pole positions just. “Big” score based on male tester evaluating around 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based upon 6’6″-tall male tester. |
|
|
| Drivetrain |
| Engine Specs |
536 horsepower |
| Engine Type |
Electric motors |
| Transmission |
Automatic |
| Drive |
All-wheel drive |
Base rate: $65,900 (not consisting of $995 destination cost)
Options on test lorry: Brooklyn Grey Metallic paint ($550); Drivers Assistance Pro Package ($1700); Parking Assistance Package ($700), Premium Package ($950), High Performance Package ($2500), Icon adaptive LED fronts lights with Laserlight ($1000), wireless gadget charging ($200), personal eSIM 5G WiFi hotspot ($300), BMW Curved Display with head-up display screen ($1000), Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo ($875)
Price as tested: $76,670
Quick Hits
The wonderful: Invigorating acceleration; legitimate high-performance EV feeling; cargo flexibility of hatchback car body style
The excellent: Sophisticated, high-tech cabin; perfectly balanced ride and taking care of
The not so excellent: High-performance tools– especially the upsized wheels as well as tires– takes a significant toll on driving range; thrifty rear-seat headroom and also legroom; polarizing front-end styling
More i4 cost and also availability information
John Biel
When it comes to amazed vehicles, it shows up that BMW has actually decided to exchange wacky for quick. The interested dice that was the i3 hatchback is out, replaced for 2022 by the i4, a smooth 4-door hatchback sedan with a much more conventional profile however an available twin-motor setup that can put a real shock in your drive.
The i4 is just one of 2 pure electrics making a debut in BMW showrooms, the various other being the iX premium-midsize SUV. It is a low-roof 4-door “coupe” with the vital kind of the redesigned gas-engine 4-Series Gran Coupe that go back to the line after avoiding the 2021 model year. 2 i4s are offered: a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive eDrive40; as well as the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive M50 that Consumer Guide had the opportunity to examination.
< img class="wp-image-97735"src="http://vinnysmotorcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/examination-drive-2022-bmw-i4-m50-1.jpg"alt="2022 BMW i4 M50 "width="725
“elevation =”437″ srcset =” http://vinnysmotorcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/examination-drive-2022-bmw-i4-m50-1.jpg 1024w, http://vinnysmotorcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/examination-drive-2022-bmw-i4-m50-5.jpg 300w, http://vinnysmotorcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/examination-drive-2022-bmw-i4-m50-6.jpg 768w “dimensions=” (max-width: 725px)100vw, 725px”> The BMW i4 debuts for 2022 as a pure-electric variation of the redesigned-for-2022 4-Series Gran Coupe. Far, the i4 M50 is as close as BMW has come to making a full-fledged high-performance M design from one of its electrified lorries.( Currently there is no iX counterpart to it but an M-influenced SUV is anticipated in 2023.)Along with offering it even more power as well as 2 extra drive wheels than the eDrive40 has, BMW also bestows the M50 with an adaptive suspension; bigger, staggered-width wheels and tires; and bigger M Sport brakes. With distribution, the M50 starts at $66,895– a $10,500 jump from the 1-motor i4. An alternative lots that consisted of all 4 significant bundles detailed for the M50 increased the price of the examination cars and truck to $76,670.
Peak outcome from the twin motors works out to 536 horsepower and also 586 lb-ft of torque. The producer claims that’s adequate oomph to launch the M50 from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The massive, always-there torque emitting through the single-speed drivelines makes for instant standing-start launches along with startlingly responsive as well as rapid velocity out on the freeway, whether in “Sport” or “Comfort” driving setting. As relocations your right foot so moves the cars and truck.
Examination Drive: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited
The optional BMW Curved Display upsized digital instrument panel/infotainment touchscreen tacks on another$1000, but makes the currently sophisticated cabin really feel much more reducing edge, though discovering all the nooks as well as crannies of the infomercial system can be daunting. The facility console houses the start/stop switch, infotainment control user interface, drive-mode selector buttons, and digital parking brake switch.
The giveback for this kind of efficiency is taken out in range. There’s only one kind of battery for the i4 line, an 80.7-kWh system. Sipping from it, the tamer eDrive40’s EPA-projected variety is 301 miles with common 18-inch wheels however 282 miles with 19-inch wheels. The more requiring M50 has a 270-mile variety on base 19-inch wheels that falls to a moderate 227 with the 20-inch edges from the extra-cost High Performance Package added to CG’s tester.
Buick Brings Back Electra Name; Wildcat EV Concept Forecasts Design Direction
There’s respectable room for front-seat occupants on comfortable, encouraging seats
, however the rear seat is constrained for adults in terms of both headroom as well as legroom. The perforated Tacora Red leatherette furniture looks excellent. Of what it’s worth, this motorist got the automobile credited 74 percent with a 177-mile indicated array, then burned off 58 percent of the available fee as well as 59 percent of the variety during a 96.6-mile job with majority city-style driving. Charging it– fitfully– on Level 1 home existing (“inadequate grid power” maintained disrupting the effort) increased the cost from 31 to 46 percent as well as suggested variety from 73 to 108 miles. A subsequent drive of 28.8 miles nearly equally split in between city and freeway speeds eaten 22 percent of this fee but simply 16 percent of presented range. Driving and outdoor-charging temperature levels were in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. A 240-volt Level 2 gadget can finish a full fee in under eight hrs; a direct-current “rapid charger” can provide the i4 approximately 90 miles of variety in 10 minutes. A faucet left or exactly on the gear-selector bar on the console summons one or the other of the regenerative-braking designs: a more unwinded (and apparently random) “adaptive regeneration” or a maximum-drag initiative that makes it possible for one-pedal driving.
Test Drive: 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
The i4 acquires its versatile hatchback setup from the 4-Series Gran Coupe. The cargo-area aperture is charitable, and also the rear seats fold almost flat to produce a spacious tons flooring. A knapsack is consisted of for the charging wire. Chassis-wise, the test cars and truck did a satisfactory audition for the role of M car it wishes to be. The electronically regulated dampers efficiently stressed out most bumps for a great flight that firmed up in Sport. Body control around corners is good. The variable electric power steering made the M50 easy to handle, even with a better Sport feel, albeit without the abrasive feeling of feedback from the sidewalk that lover drivers like. The suspension as well as tires are quiet however BMW pumps in degrees of “IconicSounds” operating sound– primarily a varying-volume electronic hum developed to fluctuate with the rate and also power demand of the vehicle. (You can turn this feature on as well as off as you such as.) Braking is far more direct and natural at the pedal than you may expect from an amazed automobile.
CES 2022: Chrysler Airflow Concept
The i4 M50 flaunts an outstanding 536 horse power from
its dual-electric-motor powertrain, as well as it feels equally as fast as that ranking suggests. The optional 20-inch wheels ride reasonably well, but take a toll in driving variety. A $ 1000 payment to the Brooklyn Grey Metallic test car’s complete rate was the gently curved unitary display screen for driving and infotainment controls. It’s striking and vibrant to see however can be made complex to utilize with BMW’s penchant for screen food selections for every single possible impulse, and it is linked to an iDrive remote console controller. (Note that the common dual-zone climate control is handled on display and also not by means of separate physical handles and switches.) The display is a touchscreen for those who prefer even more direct get in touch with.
Guests resolve onto supportive perforated “SensaTec” leatherette seats. The same product covers the dash, which is further highlighted with a mesh-style aluminum trim. Front passengers have good head- and legroom. Back passengers will have good area for legs under the majority of scenarios however the style-driven roof covering slope takes a toll on headroom– there’s 1.6 inches much less of it than in front. There isn’t all that much area for their things, either. The glove box and console cubby aren’t particularly big. Neither are the map pockets in the front doors. A little cabinet to the left of the guiding column offers the vehicle driver, and a covered container ahead of the console has cup holders and space for the optional cordless charging pad. Net bags are on the backs of the pole positions and also pop-open cup holders remain in the center-rear armrest.
2021 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2023 Fisker Ocean
For better or even worse, relying on your perspective, the i4 doesn’t divert far from the styling of the 4-Series Gran Coupe. Cargo area is likewise somewhat limited. The rear seats do fold up in a 40/20/40 split and decline flush with the freight floor– which helped this tester obtain a half dozen sacks of yard compost house when they wouldn’t all healthy side-by-side in between the wheelhouses.
Essentially, the i4 M50 looks and imitates a traditional sport sedan. Its powerplant may be a departure for BMW but the remainder recognizes region.
Vintage Car Ads: Electric Cars
The BMW i4 M50 does not shout”electrical automobile,”and that might be a large part of its appeal to premium-brand performance-sedan shoppers. Though its driving variety isn’t impressive against the most recent rival EVs, the i4 M50’s acceleration is seriously quick, as well as it looks and feels like a real BMW inside and out.
Take a look at the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
2022 BMW i4 M50 Gallery
(Click below for enlarged images)
2022 BMW i4 M50
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“> 6 Cool Things regarding the 2021 BMW M5 Competition 2022 BMW i4 M50 Car Stuff Podcast Composed by:
The Daily Drive staff on July 25, 2022.
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line in Aruba Green
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line
Class: Midsize Crossover SUV
Miles driven: 200
Fuel used: 8.8 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 22.7 mpg
| CG Report Card |
|
|
|
|
| Room and Comfort |
B+ |
| Power and Performance |
B- |
| Fit and Finish |
A- |
| Fuel Economy |
B- |
| Value |
B+ |
|
|
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. |
|
|
| Big & Tall Comfort |
|
|
| Big Guy |
A |
| Tall Guy |
A |
|
|
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. |
|
|
| Drivetrain |
| Engine Specs |
281-hp 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type |
Turbo 4-cyl |
| Transmission |
8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive Wheels |
AWD |
Driving mix: 75% city, 25% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21/28/24 (mpg city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $42,590 (not including $1170 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: X-Line Rust Interior Package ($200), carpeted floor mats ($210), carpeted cargo mat with seat-back protection ($115)
Price as tested: $44,285
Quick Hits
The great: Comfortable, spacious cabin for passengers and cargo within smaller exterior dimensions than other three-row midsize SUVs; generous list of comfort and safety features; redesign brings broader model range and available hybrid powertrain
The good: Nicely finished interior; distinctive touches of X-Line trim level
The not so good: Shifts from dual-clutch automatic transmission can feel abrupt; third-row seat is best suited for kids; limited cargo room behind third row
More Sorento price and availability information
John Biel
With the new-generation Kia Sorento that has come out for 2021, the South Korean automaker seems to be admitting that while the idea of 3-row seating in a midsize sport-utility vehicle is a benefit, the reality of it isn’t always so rewarding.
As Consumer Guide’s First Spin report on the fourth-generation Sorento pointed out, the fully updated SUV grows no bigger in total but its wheelbase is stretched by 1.4 inches. The result is to expand second-row legroom by 2.3 inches at the expense of approximately two inches of legroom in the third row. If middle-row passengers in adjustable seats are willing to share this “windfall,” they can liberate enough legroom for average-sized adults to sit knees up in the third row. It’s not an appealing prospect for a trip of any great length, and even getting to or from the hindmost seats can be a chore. The middle-row captain’s chairs that were in the SX Prestige X-Line that CG tested track forward to create access to the third row, but the path is pretty narrow and hard for a grown-up to navigate.
The SX Prestige X-Line is the top model in the redesigned-for-2021 Kia Sorento lineup. The off-road-focused X-Line additions include a slightly raised ride height, a bridge-type roof-rack system, and unique front and rear fascias with better approach and departure angles for climbing over obstacles and rough terrain.
This is why a number of manufacturers now have two midsize SUVs, a “small” and a “large” (in Kia’s case the latter is the Telluride, a CG “Best Buy”), and some don’t even try to put a third row in the junior job.
Our first full test of the new Sorento was at the top of the 5.5 gas-engine trim levels. (There also are two gas-electric hybrids, Sorento’s first such.) We say “5.5” trim levels because the SX Prestige is restricted to front-wheel drive while the tested SX Prestige X-Line is confined to all-wheel drive and sells for $2000 more. Base price with AWD is $43,760 (including delivery), but the test vehicle had an additional $525 in options.
First Spin: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The new Sorento’s dashboard layout is attractive and easy to use, and the SX Prestige naturally comes loaded with features–such as heated and cooled seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The redesigned Sorento is a by-the-book crossover: Its new platform—which Kia says is lighter and stronger than the previous model’s—is shared with the brand’s K5 midsize sedan. Gas-engine models get new powerplants, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower in lower-line models or—with turbocharging—281 horsepower in higher-grade versions like the one CG tested. The naturally aspirated engine is now hooked to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the turbo is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Quick Spin: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp
The first and second-row seats offer excellent space for adults. Upscale leather upholstery comes standard in the SX Prestige–choosing the X-Line model makes the $200 Rust Interior Package mandatory. (The upholstery color looks more like “Caramel” or “Butterscotch” than “Rust” to our eyes, but it’s attractive nonetheless.)
The 2.5 turbo delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. of torque. When allowed to, this engine provides good power and cruises easily and moderately quietly. In default “Comfort” drive mode, upshifts from the dual-clutch automatic feel abrupt and a little jerky in standing-start getaways as it hastens through the gears to get into higher, more economical ranges, so power delivery feels choppy as a result. It’s almost more pleasant to click into “Sport” mode, where gear changes are put off until the engine revs a little higher. (“Smart,” “Eco,” and—with AWD—“Snow” modes are also accessible from the same console dial.) EPA fuel-economy estimates for this powerteam are 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 combined. This driver’s 69.4-mile stint, with 67 percent city-type operation, showed 20.5 mpg.
The off-road-flavored X-Line has 8.2 inches of ground clearance, 1.3 more than the rest of the Sorento lineup, and SX Prestiges roll on 20-inch alloy wheels (with a matte-gray finish on the X-Line). The test truck’s ride was not terribly upset by uneven pavement. Steering was responsive and not too light. Torque vectoring in the AWD system not only distributes power between the axles but also applies braking to inside wheels during cornering in pursuit of better stability. There is a good sense of body control in the new model. A center-locking differential is also part of the AWD driveline.
Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature
The second-row seats tilt and slide forward to create a small passageway to the third row–which is best suited for kids.
The SX Prestige comes off as fairly plush. Comfortable leather-upholstered seats are heated and ventilated in front. The steering wheel is heated, too. Soft and padded surfaces are broadly distributed—even on the tops of the rear doors. Overhead there’s a panoramic sunroof; in back the power liftgate is hands-free. In addition to all-wheel drive, the X-Line has its own front- and rear-bumper fascias, and a raised bridge-type roof-rack design.
There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Navigation, UVO link remote services, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity are among the tech features. So are a wireless charger, USB charge ports in all three rows, and keyless entry and starting. A Bose premium audio system with satellite radio is included as well. The system is easy to use, with external tuning and volume knobs and easy-to-reach function buttons. The dual-zone climate system has a few plainly marked function buttons, with repeated-push levers for temperature settings as the only small quibble we could have with the arrangement. Entering Sport mode changes the instrument-panel graphics.
Quick Spin: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum
There’s 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the Sorento’s third-row seats–enough for a small grocery run, but that’s about it. Fold the third row, and the cargo volume grows to between 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet, depending on the position of the second-row seats. With both the second- and third-row seatbacks folded, cargo space grows to 75.5 cubic feet.
A package of Kia Drive Wise driver-assist features consists of automatic emergency braking with junction-turn and cyclist detection, blind-spot detection, Safe Exit Assist, rear cross-traffic alert and avoidance, lane keeping and following, Highway Drive Assist light-autonomy function, adaptive cruise control, and rear-occupant alert. A surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor (that shows in the instrument cluster on the side where a turn signal is activated) round out the safety enhancements.
Interior storage is excellent with a large glove box, sizable covered console box with an organizer tray, an exposed tray/wireless charging pad under the device inputs at the front of the console, net pouches on the backs of the front seats, door pockets with bottle holders in the front doors, and bottle holders in the rear doors. Cup holders are provided in the console, high on the rear doors, and in the sidewalls next to the third-row seats.
First Spin: 2021 Kia Sorento
SX Prestige models are powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 281 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. X-Lines get 20-inch matte-finished alloy wheels.
With all seats up, rear cargo space is very limited. There is hidden storage in a bin under the floor panel. Handy pulls on the back of the 50/50-split third-row seats retract them into the floor, and with the seats down there’s almost four times as much flat-floor load space. Drop the second-row seats and up to 75.5 cubic feet of load space is available, though not flush with the rest of the cargo floor and, of course, there are gaps in between the individual seats.
Kia certainly has made a better midsize SUV out of the Sorento. It just can’t make it any more than a kiddie-hauler 3-row ute.
Quick Spin: 2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS
The Kia Sorento’s impressive redesign for 2021 brings lots of great new features, and the fashionable new SX Prestige X-Line trim level adds an extra degree of off-road/rough terrain capability without compromising the on-road ride.
Follow John on Twitter
Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line Gallery
(Click below for enlarged images)
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Episode 57; 2021 Consumer Guide Best Buys
2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line
Written by: The Daily Drive staff on July 12, 2021.on July 13, 2021.
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2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD F Sport in “Iridium” silver (a $425 option)
2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD F Sport
Class: Premium Compact Car
Miles driven: 375
Fuel used: 18.0 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 20.8 mpg
Driving mix: 80% city, 20% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 19/26/22 (mpg city/highway combined)
| CG Report Card |
|
|
|
|
| Room and Comfort |
C+ |
| Power and Performance |
B+ |
| Fit and Finish |
A- |
| Fuel Economy |
C+ |
| Value |
B- |
|
|
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. |
|
|
| Big & Tall Comfort |
|
|
| Big Guy |
C- |
| Tall Guy |
C |
|
|
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. |
|
|
| Drivetrain |
| Engine Specs |
311-hp 3.5L |
| Engine Type |
V6 |
| Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels |
AWD |
Fuel type: Premium gas recommended
Base price: $44,900 (not including $1025 destination charge)
Options on test car: Intuitive Park Assist with Auto Braking, Rear Pedestrian Detection, and Panoramic View Mirror ($1400); F Sport Dynamic Handling Package ($3800); triple-beam LED headlamps ($1250); Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio Package ($2750); Premium Paint ($425); power tilt-and-slide moonroof ($1100); illuminated trunk sill ($450); rear bumper applique ($85); illuminated door sills ($425); all-weather floor liner and trunk tray ($290); door-edge guards ($140)
Price as tested: $58,040
Quick Hits
The great: Satisfying acceleration; athletic handling; cabin looks and feels sporty and high-end
The good: Improved infotainment interface for 2021; all-weather capability of AWD
The not so good: Small door openings; limited rear-seat passenger space; despite nicely executed updates, some limitations of the aging basic design and powertrain show through
More IS price and availability information
John Biel
If Lexus is just marking time in the premium-compact class, at least it’s doing so with a new watch. The IS sedan is redone—to a degree—for 2021 in ways that make what’s down deep an aging car into one that Lexus hopes will represent the brand well for at least a few more years.
With all the hot action in compact vehicles taking place in the crossover segment, it’s hard to justify a sizeable investment in a fresh platform or powertrains for a sedan. Lexus didn’t do that with the IS. But it has refined body and chassis construction, revamped the infotainment system, and reduced the model lineup.
The Lexus IS lineup undergoes a heavy refresh for 2021. Among the updates are a fortified body/chassis structure for extra rigidity, updated suspension components, and a full styling revamp that includes a sleek full-width taillight.
For this test, Consumer Guide drove an IS 350 F Sport with all-wheel drive. That alone touches on one thing that’s new for ’21. All 350s, whether rear-drive or AWD, now come with F Sport equipment—there is no non-F. Conversely, the F Sport version formerly available for the IS 300s has been dropped. That’s how the product line was trimmed by half. The test car started at $45,925 with delivery but the sticker blossomed to $58,040 with copious options.
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The basic dashboard layout is carried over from 2020, but a new and improved touchscreen infotainment system is a key upgrade. It includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, and offers an available 10.3-inch widescreen display (shown here). The console-mounted touchpad infotainment interface remains as well.
Our First Look and First Spin reports on the 2021 IS have documented the appearance and dimension modifications made to the car, as well as the chassis tweaks in pursuit of greater rigidity with less weight. The new thing that will be in drivers’ faces every time they slip behind the wheel is the altered multimedia unit. The system newly incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility to go with Amazon Alexa functionality. Just as significantly, display and operation are now on a touchscreen—though the console touchpad that used to be the sole control method remains active and at the disposal of masochists. The screen now sits more than 5 inches closer to the driver to facilitate direct, easy fingertip input, including pinch and zoom capability. Standard are an 8-inch screen, 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and Wi-Fi hotspot, but CG’s test car was built with a $2750 option package that included a 10.3-inch screen, 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio, and navigation.
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The IS has never been particularly generous in terms of passenger space. The front seat is cozy, especially for big and tall occupants, and the rear seat is best suited for kids. Circuit Red upholstery makes for an extra-sporty ambiance.
In another tech upgrade, the standard Lexus Safety System+ goes to version 2.5 with the addition of low-light pedestrian detection, daytime bicyclist detection, Intersection Turning Assist, Emergency Turning Assist for the existing collision-mitigation system, lane-tracing and road-sign assists, and curve-speed reduction for the adaptive cruise control. These are in addition to the existing lane-departure alert with steering assist and automatic headlight high-beam control.
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Trunk space is 10.8 cubic feet–not great, but on par with most premium compact car class rivals. An all-weather trunk mat is an extra-cost accessory.
The IS 350 F Sport looks the part of a sport sedan with its own blacked-out version of the spindle-shape grille, front bumper with aerodynamic enhancements, specific rear bumper, and rear lip spoiler. The 19-inch alloy wheels (a gain of one inch for ’21) have a dark-metallic finish. Inside are heated and ventilated specially bolstered front sport seats with 10-way-driver and 8-way-passenger power adjustment, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, geometric-pattern interior accents, and pedal faces trimmed in aluminum. A circular sliding-bezel instrument display changes with the driving mode. A cool-air intake (with sound generator), specific exhaust, and distinct suspension tuning round out the picture.
For a look and feel that are sportier yet, there is the $3800 Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive variable suspension and enhanced Drive Mode Select. The adaptive suspension incorporates sensors to monitor G-forces and adjust damping in turns for improved body control. The mode selections include a second “Sport” setting—“Sport S+” that firms the suspension to better resist body lean—and programmable “Custom.” Other items in the group are matte-black BBS wheels, carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and ash trim for the steering wheel and cabin accents.
With less unsprung weight to wrestle thanks to the changes in chassis components, the IS F Sport improves on what already was sharp handling paired with the added benefit of enjoyable ride. Even in base “Normal” mode ride stays composed without resorting to sponginess, and bump absorption is good. The all-wheel-drive system can push front-wheel torque distribution from 30 percent to a maximum 50 percent as conditions dictate.
As always, a 3.5-liter V6 is under the hood of the 350s, still at 311 horsepower. Acceleration is good, just not great, so it helps that the 6-speed automatic transmission kicks down quickly to assist highway passing. (Rear-drive ISes use an 8-speed trans.) Paddle shifters are included for those who seek a little more engagement. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the test car’s powerteam are 19 mpg in city driving, 26 mpg in highway use, and 22 combined. This tester’s 64.4-mile stint with 45 percent city-style operation averaged a commendable 24.4 mpg.
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IS 350s are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 311 horsepower and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission in AWD models (rear-drive models get an 8-speed automatic). It’s one of the oldest powertrains in the premium compact car class, but it provides smooth, respectable power nonetheless. F Sport models equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package get exclusive BBS-brand 19-inch lightweight wheels in a matte-black finish.
The IS cabin is nicely put together with good distribution of soft-touch materials, though “NuLuxe” leatherette is the only available upholstery material. A lot of buttons and repetitive-push temperature controls are required for the dual-zone climate system. The sport seats place a good grip on front passengers. With a core design that dates to 2014, the story hasn’t changed for passenger room since then: Only big or tall adults riding in front may find things a little close but anybody will be squeezed in back if the front seats need to be tracked back to any great degree, and tight rear footwells don’t make exits easy.
Storage in the cabin is limited, with modest glove and console boxes and no pockets in the rear doors. The 10.8-cubic-foot-capacity trunk narrows considerably between the wheel houses. Rear seats are split 60/40. When retracted, the seat backs rest flat but at a level well above that of the trunk floor.
Time is money, it is said. By updating the timeworn IS design Lexus is still able to offer a premium-compact sedan at a competitive price.
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Newer-design rivals offer more up-to-date powertrains and available technology features, but given the age of its basic platform, the Lexus IS stacks up better overall than you might think–and its numerous upgrades for 2021 give it a more finely honed look and driving feel at a lower price point than most comparably equipped German rivals.
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2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Gallery
(Click below for enlarged images)
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport
First Spin: 2021 Lexus IS
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport
Written by: The Daily Drive staff on June 21, 2021.
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