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My One-Day Sneak Peak in 2022 New Models at WAPA’s Car Rally

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The annual car rally, hosted by the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA), is the highlight of my year. It is the one time I get to experience many of the latest new vehicles in one day. This year, more than 30 of the new 2022 models were on-site to drive on the western shores of Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.

Out of the 30 new 2022 vehicles at the annual rally held on Thursday, October 2, 2021, I got a chance to test-drive about 20 new models at 15 minutes intervals each. Some of which are not available for sale until later this year.

I was impressed by the diverse choice of models on hand, including the newest electric sedans, trucks, and SUVs on sale for the 2022 model year.  

If you’re in the market for a safer and modern vehicle to protect your best asset – your body – then visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com for the latest reviews on 2021 and 2022 models. I’m looking forward to week-long test drives for all 30 of the new models at the rally.

The Maserati Ghibli is plush with Italian design and top-of-line luxury materials. In addition, it is highly refined and has twin-turbo power that gets 345 to 580 horses, depending on the trim.

2022 Maserati Ghibli

The 2022 Subaru BRZ is super sporty and Subaru safe. It will start arriving at dealerships in November. It is a fast and lightweight sports coupe powered by a DOHC 4-cylinder 2.4 Boxer engine that generates 228 horsepower.

2022 Subaru BRZ Sports Coupe

The 2022 Lexus IS300 F Sport is undoubtedly quiet, luxurious, and fast, generating 241 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine.

2022 Lexus IS300

Completely redesigned for the 2022 model year, the 2022 Lexus NX Plug-In-Hybrid is smooth, beautiful, and more fuel-efficient.

2022 Lexus NX

The all-new 2022 Genesis GV70 is a fun-to-drive SUV, powered by a 3.5-liter, turbocharged engine with 375 Horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque.

2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is sporty, adventurous, with an open pickup truck bed and the versatility of an SUV.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size SUV with three rows and seven seats. Ideal as a limousine vehicle or for a large family, it’s powered by a 6.4-liter V-8, generating 471 horsepower, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Mazda’s first all-electric MX–30 is a stylishly designed sports SUV that goes on sale in California this year and later expands to other states. The electric range averages 100 miles per charge. A plug-in hybrid is in the works.

2022 Mazda MXNo key or push-button start is needed. Instead, just sit down in the Polestar, step on the brake, and put it into gear to power the vehicle. The Polestar 1 takes off like a jet. The electric Polestar brand, which started under Volvo, is an independent Chinese-owned company. It has an electric range of 265 miles with a starting price of $47,200 MSRThe all-new 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro is the second fully electric vehicle by VW. The ID.4 averages 334 miles per charge from a 77kWh battery and a 204ps motor. The ID.4 even looks like it’s fun to drive, and it is.

No key or push-button start is needed. Instead, just sit down in the Polestar, step on the brake, and put it into gear to power the vehicle. The Polestar 2 takes off like a jet. The electric Polestar brand, which started under Volvo, is an independent Chinese-owned company. It has an electric range of 265 miles with a starting price of $47,200 MSRP.

2022 Polestar 2

The all-new 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro is the second fully electric vehicle by VW. The ID.4 averages 334 miles per charge from a 77kWh battery and a 204ps motor. The ID.4 even looks like it’s fun to drive, and it is.

2022 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X rejoins the pickup truck race with a new modern and bold design. Its powerful six-cylinder engine generates 310 horsepower on the streets and plenty of features for off-roaders.

2022 Nissan Frontier

The complete list of vehicles at the rally included:

Mazda MX-30 SUV, Volkswagen ID.4, Polestar 1, Audi Q5, Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Sport, Genesis GV70, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Infiniti QX60, grand Wagoneer, Kia Sorento, Kia Carnival, Lexus NX, Mazda MX-30, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Outback Wilderness, Toyota RAV4 Prime, Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Frontier, Honda Civic, Mazda Miata, Subaru BRZ, Genesis G70, Acura TLX Type-S, Audi SQ5 Sportback, Lexus IS500, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo, and the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

 

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2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Sporty Midsize SUV

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

As long as SUVs are outselling sedans in the United States, automakers like Volkswagen will continue introducing new models to meet consumer demands. It is the reason Volkswagen decided to assemble the midsize Atlas at its manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a smaller version of the midsize Atlas SUV launched in twenty-seventeen. It is two inches shorter and has five seats, instead of seven in the Atlas. They both expand VWs reach into the popular midsize SUV segment.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport is identical to its sibling except for a more sporty roofline. It has the same interior and engine as the Atlas. Despite the shorter trim and removal of the third-row seats, the Cross Sport has plenty of passenger and cargo space.

Built on the same 117.3-inch wheelbase as the Atlas, the Cross Sport has 111.8 cubic feet of passenger space, including 40.4 inches of rear legroom. There are 40.3 cubic feet of luggage space behind the sliding second-row seats and 77.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The Atlas and the Cross Sport have the same engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets 235 horsepower or an optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder generating 276 horsepower. Both versions have an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport, designed for the American market, is among Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicles. Last year, it sold over 80,000 Atlas SUVs in the U.S., which influenced its decision to expand the model range. Together, the Atlas, with its best-selling midsize Tiguan crossover SUV, accounted for 53% of VW sales. At the same time, SUVs made up 52% of all vehicle sales in the U.S.

The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport, built on an SUV platform, is fun to drive and performs like a crossover on urban streets and freeways. The lower roofline and smaller trajectory reduces overhand in the front and rear and adds to its charming look.

Now that the 2021 models are going on sale at dealerships, you can probably get a good deal on a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. That’s if you can still find one.

The starting priced on the base front-wheel-drive model is $30,545 MSRP. The combined EPA fuel rating on the smaller engine is 22 mpg. The all-wheel-drive version averages 20 mpg, while the larger engine averages a combined 19 mpg. The price goes up to $35,000 MSRP for the top-of-line SE Technology model.

.For more news on the latest new car and truck reviews, features and prices, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

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2020 Lexus NX 300h Reviews, Price and Features

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

I started writing about new automobiles in 1992 when the World Wide Web was in its infancy stage. The Internet and cars of today were unimaginable back then. I suppose Henry Ford could not have envisioned today’s modern vehicles either.

Those were my thoughts when I had the opportunity to test drive the 2020 Lexus NX 300h. Magnificently designed and engineered, it’s one of the hottest-selling compact luxury crossover SUVs in the segment, loaded with the latest electronic and safety technology.

Lexus entered the small crossover SUV market in 2015 with the NX model, which is now the hottest segment in the U.S. Lexus is not alone; today, almost every luxury brand now has a compact five-seat crossover SUV. These smaller SUVs bring the luxury class within reach of more buyers, who prefer them over sedans. They offer more versatility, plusher interiors, advanced safety technologies, and standard or available all-wheel drive.

Today, one of every four vehicles sold in the U.S. is a compact crossover SUV, which makes up 24.2% of the total U.S. car market. The luxury compact crossover sales represent 13.3% of the compact crossover market.

The Lexus NX 300h, positioned between the mid-size RX and the subcompact UX, is the luxury hybrid class leader. Starting at $39,420 MSRP, it gets 33 mpg city and 30 highway. Other lineup models include the base NX 300 AWD starting around $38,270 and averaging 22 city/28 highway; The NX 300 F Sport AWD begins at $40,510 and averages 22 city/27 highway. The front-wheel-drive F Sport is about $1,000 less.

Standard equipment includes the Lexus Remote Touch controller, an 8-inch display, WiFi hotspot, remote start, leather upholstery/steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, a USB port, an eight-speaker stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Lexus NX also comes with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ suite. It includes a pre-collision warning and braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-trace assist, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition.

Driving is perky and smooth, and it performs like a Lexus sedan in congested city traffic and freeways. The standard all-wheel-drive feels confident in all conditions, especially on wet surfaces and handling sharp highway ramps.

The 300h gets its energy from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas and three electric engines which generate 194 horsepowers. The base NX 300 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 235 horsepower. Both models come with a six-speed continuously variable automatic transmission.

The 2020 Lexus NX 300h is a great compact hybrid crossover for performance, fuel economy, and safety in congested traffic. However, if you want more back seat and cargo space, consider the larger RX hybrid model. For buyers who wish to have more fuel economy and less space, consider the smaller Lexus UX Hybrid.

For more new car and truck reviews, go to www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network

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2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Reviews, price and features

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid will give a boost to Honda’s SUV sales with its all-wheel -drive (AWD), standard features, and two-battery hybrid system. The CR-V Hybrid, which went on sale in China and Europe last year, is Honda’s first electrified SUV in the United States. Introduced to the U.S. in 1997, the base model Honda CR-V is now in its fifth generation.
The CR-V, which has had a long-run as one of the top-selling SUVs in its class, retains a 45.2% resale value after the first place, Subaru Forrester, according to Kelly Blue Book. Competitors include the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Nissan Rogue Hybrid, and its chief rival, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD.
Toyota’s best-selling hybrid, the RAV4, is the closet competitor with AWD. However, the 2020 CR-V offers competitive pricing and more standard features. The 2020 CR-V Hybrid starts at $28,870 for the base LX trim, slightly less than a base LE RAV4 Hybrid at $29,470 MSRP.
The CR-V Hybrid does lag slightly behind its two main rivals on fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. The all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 is rated at 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway, while the Ford Escape Hybrid front-wheel-drive averages 44 mpg city/37 mpg and 43 mpg city/37 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive option.
The new Honda CR-V Hybrid has an EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg city/35 mpg highway, compared to the standard gasoline-powered CR-V AWD, which gets 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
The CR-V Hybrid shares a retuned version of the two-motor hybrid propulsion system from the Honda Accord Hybrid, but with improved efficiency and performance. Sitting underneath the hood is a 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that generates 212 horsepower, and a small 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that is quiet and smooth.
The CR-V Hybrid uses an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and can run at higher speeds on electric power for an extensive period before the gasoline engine kicks in. Additionally, the transition from gasoline to battery power is seamless.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid, which operates in four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, and EV, can run on all-electric in the EV mode at lower speeds. It also becomes very assertive in the sports mode.
Regenerative braking is an essential factor in electric vehicles because it helps recharge the battery. Honda did a great job of improving the smoothness and effectiveness of braking in the CR-V Hybrid. Coasting and braking during stops are less intrusive than in many other Hybrids I’ve driven.
The Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist features come standard in the CR-V Hybrid, which includes collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping alerts, and departure assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian sensing, and adaptive cruise control.
Become decisive in your auto buying decisions! Visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com for a free subscription to my auto blog. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network

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The Upgraded 2020 Range Rover Sport SUV

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The 2020 Range Rover Sport HSE is the athletic version of Land Rover’s Range Rover luxury SUV. In a class of its own, this review explains why the Range Rover SUV invokes the aspiration of those who associate it with luxury and status, as well as, on- and off-road performance.

First introduced in 2005, the 5th generation 2020 Range Rover Sport model which was launched in 2014, now comes with a range of gasoline, diesel, plug-in or mild-hybrid powerplants. They all ride on Land Rover’s four-wheel-drive and eight-speed automatic transmissions platform.

I had the pleasure of test driving the 2020 Range Rover Sport HSE model. However, if you are seriously considering the Range Rover Sport, there are several trims, price ranges, engines, and features to choose from.

The base model comes with a 355-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder that includes a mild-hybrid for faster acceleration and increased fuel economy. A 395-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder and two eight-cylinder engines that generate 518- and 575-horsepower are also available. The plug-in hybrid model generates 398 horses and the average fuel MPG varies depending on the engine type.

The 2020 Range Rover Sport, which has a lighter frame and improved fuel economy, includes several other additions from the previous model year. Some include: a standard mild-hybrid drive-train, a plug-in hybrid, a supercharged eight-cylinder, a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel, optional third-row seating, and the high-performance SVR model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all vehicles.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, low-speed emergency braking, parking sensors, and lane departure assist and warnings. Other standard and optional performance and safety technology depends on the model.

Price ranges for the 2020 Range Rover Sport starts at $68,650 MSRP for the base SE model and $74,250 for the HSE. The SE and HSE can be upgraded with the optional turbodiesel engine for $750; or the plug-in hybrid for $4,750 MSRP. The plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter 296 turbocharged Si4 gas engine and a high capacity 141 horsepower electric motor to deliver a total of 398-horsepower.

Other models in the Range Rover Sport lineup includes the HST for $82,950 MSRP and the high-performance HSE Dynamic for $86,500 MSRP. It has the same features as the HSE and comes with the 518-horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged eight-cylinder engine.

Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic starts around $88,990 and offers a choice between three diesels, a mild-hybrid or a gasoline engine. The top of-the-line SVR starts at $114,500 and comes with the 575 horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged eight-cylinder engine, electronic air suspension, sporty styling and a list of other luxury features.

Subscribe to my auto blog for more new car and truck reviews at www.randolphp.sg-host.com

Randi Payton

Decisive Media Network

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2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT Tech Savvy Plug-In Hybrid

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a five-passenger SUV that was introduced in Europe in 2012 and later in the U.S. It is the top selling PHEV SUV worldwide and offers the benefits of electric fuel efficiency with the roominess of a crossover SUV.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes in two trim levels: SEL and GT. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two 60-kilowatt electric motors on the front and rear axles. The combination gives the Outlander PHEV all-wheel drive with a total system output of 190 horsepower. Electrical power is stored in a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The Outlander averages an all-electric driving range of 22 miles on a full charge with 74 MPGe from a gasoline powered generator and a 12-kilowatt-lithium-ion battery pack that powers the two electric motors.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes fully loaded with advanced safety and tech features that includes DC fast charging. A PHEV goes beyond standard hybrids by offering the option to charge the battery on an electrical source. Once the battery power runs out on a standard hybrid the vehicle operates on gas, whereas the PHEV gives you the option to recharge the electric motor instead of using the engine and brakes to charge it up.

Unlike standard hybrid vehicles, the Outlander also comes with advanced hybrid and EV technologies that gives the driver more control over the gas, electric and hybrid functions. The need to stop for gas or plug the vehicle in depends on your driving style and distance traveled, since the built-in technology can also help to recharge the vehicle for you.

The driver has the choice between three different modes to help maximize energy efficiency: Eco Mode to reduce fuel and electricity usage; Battery Save Mode which activates the engine’s generator for  increased battery charge; and Battery Charge Mode that allows the engine to charge the battery whether the vehicle is sitting still or driving.

In addition, the hybrid system in the Outlander has an advanced drivetrain that automatically adjusts between three different driving functions to help increase energy efficiency. The system combines the electric motors in the front and rear and a generator integrated into the gasoline powered engine that switches between three modes for optimal performance and efficiency: EV Drive Mode, two electric motors that supplies energy from the battery for all-electric driving; Series Hybrid Mode helps charge the lithium-ion battery and sends power to the twin electric motors for increased acceleration; and Parallel Hybrid Mode which uses the full power of the gasoline engine and electric motors for high speed cruising, long-haul distance, and uphill driving.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, which has sold more vehicles worldwide than any other PHEV SUV, now faces stiff competition from the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Prime, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the Subaru Crosstrek PHEV.

The base MSRP for the Mitsubishi Outlander is $36,095 before any federal or state tax credits. I tested the GT model with the Premium Luxury Package that was listed at $41,495 MSRP.

There are also reporting that the new generation 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will launch in the U.S. later this year. It will be built on a new Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance platform, and come with a more powerful engine and greater EV capacity.

For more reviews on new cars and trucks, subscribe to my blog at www.randolphp.sg-host.com.

Randi Payton

Decisive Media Network

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New Lexus UX 250 Hybrid F Sport Affordable Subcompact Luxury SUV

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

Following last year’s introduction of its first subcompact SUV, Lexus added the all-new Lexus UX Hybrid to the model lineup for 2020, to appeal to eco-centered younger customers who want a smaller, more affordable premium luxury SUV with good fuel economy and a high resale value.

The entry level Lexus UX nameplate completes the brands full lineup of SUVs. The UX starts at $32,00 for the base model and goes up to $39,550 for the top-of-line UX 250h Luxury model. Not only does the UX come with many of the luxury conveniences we expect from Lexus, but it is one the most affordable premium subcompact SUVs in the segment.

The all-new 2020 Lexus UX Hybrid is also competitively priced at $34,350 MSRP. As a sibling in the Lexus family, the UX inherited a resale value of 54 percent after 36 months, according to Kelly Blue Book.

The baby Lexus UX models are available in two versions: the front-wheel-drive (FWD) UX 200 is powered by a high-efficiency 2.0‑liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 169 horsepower. It is paired to a 10-speed Direct Shift Continuously Variable Transmission (DCVT).

The UX 250h gets 181 horsepower from a higher-efficiency version of the 2.0‑liter gas engine, and a Lexus engineered fourth-generation hybrid drive system. The power control unit in the Lexus UX is also 10 percent lighter and 20 percent more powerful than the previous Lexus hybrid system.

The Lexus UX Hybrid is built on an all-wheel-drive (AWD) platform and delivers an impressive 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, making it a leader in the hybrid crossover SUV category. The AWD system in the UX 250h uses a separate, dedicated electric motor-generator with 7 horsepower output integrated into the rear differential.

The Lexus UX 250h F Sport Luxury that I drove for a week started at $36,000 MSRP. It included the optional F Sport package for $2,890 and another $2,200 for the 10.3-inch multimedia display with navigation and other features.

Lexus vehicles are known for their quiet and smooth ride and the 2020 Lexus UX 250h F Sport continues that heritage by adding exhilaration, sportiness, and a fun-to-drive experience. It was built with Urban professionals in mind.  The idea, according to Lexus, was to “Infuse it with a dynamic attitude…. to make it a unique entry in the luxury compact crossover segment.”

The optional F Sport package offers the ability to enhance the look and performance of all UX models. F Sport includes a sport tuned suspension, and 18-inch, five twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Additional features include a mesh front grille, front bumpers, LED fog lamps, and L-shaped chrome moldings with black trim that give the UX a more aggressive, sportier look.

To see more of my new car and truck reviews, go to www.randolphp.sg-host.com.

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