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2020 Toyota Sienna Reviews, Price and Features

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

When the end of the year and the end of a vehicle life cycle coincides, it doubles the chances for price discounts. The Toyota Sienna minivan, which has been a popular choice for families since 1998, has reached the end of its 6thgeneration. The completely redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna, built on an all-new platform, will go on sale later this year.

The new 2021 Sienna will only offer a hybrid model that generates 243 horsepower. Although the Sienna received upgrades every year, in 2017, Toyota gave the Sienna a fresher appearance, modern features, and performance and safety technology.

However, the 2020 model is still a good buy, and now is the best time to buy one. The Sienna had consistently sold more than one hundred thousand vehicles a year, until the last few years when sales dropped to around seventy-five thousand.

Toyota of Bowie, in Prince Georges County, MD, home to the most affluent African Americans in the U.S., says it sells a lot of minivans to families. Today is the best time to get a good deal on the 2020 Sienna before we get the newly redesigned 2021 model, said Tim White, sales manager at Toyota of Bowie. “We only have eight left.”

The 2020 Toyota Sienna is an excellent minivan with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes in front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). It still offers many modern features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, smartphone connectivity, three-zone climate control, moonroof, and more.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna comes in seven or eight seats with a powered or manual third-row that goes into the floor for more cargo capacity. It also includes the Toyota Safety Sense system that provides collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and driver-assist features. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity are also available.

A J.D. Power study for vehicle quality, dependability, performance, depreciation, and ownership experience placed the 2020 Toyota Sienna number one over the Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, and the Chrysler Pacifica. The J.D. Powers 100-point score “is based on hundreds of thousands of independent and unbiased opinions of verified car owners.”

There are five trim levels and price points for the 2020 Toyota Sienna: The L starts at $31,415; LE at $35,330; while the SE, XLE both start around $38,660, and the Limited model that I tested goes for $50,285 MSRP. Before you run out to buy one, check the KBB.com on the fair purchase prices in your area. The Sienna has won many awards from Kelly Blue Book for Best Resale Value in its class.

The EPA fuel economy rating is 19 city/26 highway for the FWD, and 18 city/25 highway for the AWD version. For more new car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. By 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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2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Reviews, Price and Features

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

A recent test drive of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was my first invitation to a live automotive event since COVID-19 shuttered auto plans and forced automakers to cancel live vehicle launches. However, now that new sales are back up,  auto companies are eager to get realtime reviews from auto journalists. Some automakers and hotels have adopted safer practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at live events.

During the event, face masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizing were reinforced, which is now the new normal.

Subaru, which has sold all of its 2020 vehicles, was eager to introduce the upgraded Crosstrek, its best selling vehicle. Launched in 2012, the Subaru Crosstrek also has the best resale value in the subcompact SUV class, according to Kelly Blue Book. The Crosstrek has a 50.4 percent resale value after five years of ownership and has been upgraded every year based on customer feedback.

A group of unaccompanied journalists, like myself, drove the paved and gravel backcountry roads around Middleburg, Virginia, in the new Sports versions of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, powered by Subaru’s new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 182 horsepower. It is paired with a six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) with incline start assist.

The sumptuous feel inside the 2021 Crosstrek and its powerful on and off-road performance are characteristics that cannot be described by attending a virtual Zoom press launch.
It was fun and meticulous in navigating the narrow winding roads around Middleburg thanks to the CVT All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with an electronically controlled variable hydraulic transfer clutch, AWD stability traction control, and four-wheel independent suspension.
Subaru labels the Crosstrek subcompact crossover a Sport Utility Vehicle; however, the Sport model is new for 2021 and includes a dual function X mode, advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, new wheels, and upgraded coil springs and dampers for improved ride comfort.

Most of the content inside included environmentally and pet-friendly materials. Except for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, there is no PVC or chlorine in the material. Yellow stitching alines the dashboard and smooth and comfortable seats made from recycled material that is softer than leather and doesn’t include any animal content.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport starts around $26,495 MSRP and averages a best-in-class 27 mpg city and 34 highway.

You can find more new 2021 car and truck at www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton
Decisive Media Network

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2020 CLS450 4Matic2020 Mercedes CLS450 4Matic2020 New Cars and TrucksAutomotiveBest new carsDecisive MediaDecisive Media Networkmid-size sedansNew CarsRandi PaytonResale value

2020 Mercedes CLS450 4Matic Coupe Adds Looks and Performance

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The beautifully designed 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 4Matic is not just a work of art, but a combination of advanced performance, safety tech, and luxury conveniences that gives it a powerful and smooth driving experience to match its plush exterior and interior design.

Introduced last year, the 2020 Mercedes CLS450 4Matic, which is lavishly designed both inside and out, drives like it looks – swift and powerful. From start to stop, it is propelled by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that is aided by a 48-volt hybrid-assist system called EQ Boost, which uses an electric motor-generator to add torque to the wheels, recharge the small hybrid battery, and restart the gas engine during stop-starts.

The Mercedes CLS450 does not hesitate to take off again after idling at a stop light. The six-cylinder engine, which generates 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, goes from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

The nine-speed transmission can be customized for five different driving preferences: Standard, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual mode. The 4Matic is an all-wheel drive system that combines a four-link front and five-link rear suspension.

The 2020 Mercedes CLS450 is a four-door five-seat sedan with the characteristics of a coupe and is marketed as one. Despite its charming design, trunk space is smaller than many of its competitors and its sloping roof line compromises backseat headroom.

On both crowded urban streets and freeways, the CLS450 was smooth and powerful. Always eager to take on sharp corners and to change lanes. More importantly, the lavishly equipped cabin includes all the comfort and conveniences you would expect in a $70,000 Mercedes-Benz.

Standard features includes leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation with real-time traffic, WiFi hotspot, a head-up display, wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ambient lighting, LED headlights and taillights, key-less entry and start, an electric trunk closer, paddle shifts, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The latest safety and driver assist features includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and active steering assist. The latest GPS-derived technology will steer the car, reduce speed for corners and even help the driver make emergency evasive maneuvers.

The estimated fuel economy of the 2020 Mercedes CLS450 4Matic averages 24/30/26 mpg city/highway, according to the EPA. The MSRP in the test vehicle started at $72,450 and was $81,575 with options and destination charges.

To view more of the latest new car and truck reviews, check out www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

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The 2020 Acura MDX Defines Space and Comfort

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The 2020 Acura MDX, which is the first three-row luxury SUV to enter the market, continues its reputation for reliability and high resale value. The 2020 Acura MDX family of vehicles offers a host of design, technology and safety packages for its gas and hybrids models.

The 2020 Acura MDX, which was the first luxury SUV to offer seven-passenger seating, also holds the lead as the top selling three-row luxury SUV of all-time

Since 2001, the Acura MDX has been earning customer loyalty for its comfort and performance. It has held on to its competitive advantage over the years by adding the newest safety, technology, and design features. The third generation MDX, which was introduced in 2014, has expanded that list of configurations and options.

Consumers can now choose between five different types of MDX packages, which are named MDX Standard, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, or Entertainment. The Standard, Technology and Advance come standard with front-wheel-drive (FWD). All models can be equipped with Acura’s Super-Handling all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD), which significantly improves handling on all types of road conditions. The Technology and Advance versions can be equipped with a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.

I tested the 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec model that included the Tech package. The A-Spec, which was introduced at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, includes the Super Handling AWD suspension, and design enhancements.

The exterior has a more aggressive look that includes black and chrome accents, redesigned front bumpers, LED fog lights, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was given new gauges, sport seats, carbon fiber trim, sport pedals, and a thicker steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The Tech Package includes voice navigation, AcuraLink Communication System, HD radio, remote engine start, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, traffic detection monitors and parking sensors.

The Acura MDX offers two engine types: The Standard and Technology comes with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder that generates 290 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Sport Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and an electric motor that gets 257 horsepower. It uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The price range for the 2020 Acura MDX starts at $44,500 and tops out at $60,150 MSRP. The estimated fuel averages are 23 mpg on the FWD models, 22 mpg on the SH-AWD, and 27 mpg combined on the Sport Hybrid. The A-Spec version started at $54,900 with a $995 destination charge.

For more reviews on the latest new cars and trucks, go to www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network

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The Upgraded 2020 Lexus GX460 Luxury

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The 2020 Lexus GX460 enters its second generation with some new upgrades to help retain its place in the mid-size luxury SUV class as the leader in residual value and price.

First introduced in 2009, the second generation GX, received several modifications over the years. This time however, the 2020 Lexus GX460 adds an aggressive new exterior front-end, tech, safety, and performance features.

The Lexus GX continues to enjoy a reputation for residual value and reliability. The average resale value of the Lexus GX averages 73 percent of its original cost, which is the highest residual value in its class. Dependability is a huge factor and it may be the reason why Lexus owners tend to hold on to their vehicles longer.

Starting at a base price of $53,000 MSRP, the 2020 Lexus GX460 comes with a long list of standard features, including dual-climate controls, 10-way power seats, wood trim, power moonroof, and tilt/telescope power steering to name a few.

Exterior upgrades include a new spindle front grille that gives it a more aggressive look that distinguishes it from the crowd, triple-beam LED headlamps, a sport design package, a matte black exhaust tip and new taillights.

The 2020 Lexus GX offers three available trim levels, including the base GX460, GX460 Premium, and GX460 Luxury. All models come with a 4.6-liter eight-cylinder engine that generates 301-horsepower. It is paired with six-speed automatic transmission that can be driven in auto, manual, or utility mode for hauling.

The Lexus Safety System is standard on all models which includes a suite of driver-assist programs like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping alerts.

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to drive it off-road, the GX comes with many of the same on-and off-road suspension capabilities as the Jeep and Range Rover SUVs. The GX460 Luxury offers an off-road package for various terrains, and cameras to see around and under the vehicle. In addition, it has a kinetic dynamic suspension system that adjust the throttle and brakes for better control over different surfaces.

Other off-road abilities include crawl control, adaptive suspension, downhill- and hill-start controls, active traction, and stability controls.

Prices start at $53,000 for the base GX460 and goes up to $64,265 for the GX460 Luxury, which I tested. The price as tested was $64,266 MSRP. The total cost came to $71,240 with options that included $2,020 for the sports package, $1,985 for a dual screen rear-seat entertainment system, $800 for the panoramic view multi-terrain monitors, and a $1,025 destination charge. Randi Payton  at www.randolphp.sg-host.com

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