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

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

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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Review of the 2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 Coupe

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

Hoping to satisfy the enormous appetite for Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV) in the U.S, Mercedes-Benz introduced an AMG version of its popular GLE class. The 2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 is a powerful, customized upgrade to the newly redesigned GLE class, but with a hybrid powertrain.

The Mercedes AMG GLE 53 Coupe, which is now available in U.S. dealerships, includes a sophisticated AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter Inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine with EQ Boost. The combination generates 429 horsepower with 384 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged six-cylinder features a 48-volt motor-generator that gives a quick and effortless lift of power to the nine-speed automatic transmission upon take off from a stop.

The 2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 adds another dimension of luxury and engineering to the redesigned GLE Class, which includes the GLE 350, GLE 450, and the high performing GLE 580 that generates 504 horsepower from a 48-volt hybrid and twin-turbo 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine.

Produced by independent engineers and contractors in Affalterbach, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, AMG vehicles are recognized by two digits, as in GLE 53, rather than the three numbers, GLE 350, on the base Mercedes models.

The creation of the 2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 crossover to the model line-up is sure to win the hearts of younger SUV buyers who want attention, sportiness, and style. The target customer includes both men and women who consider themselves enthusiasts, according to Mercedes marketing representatives.

The GLE 53 Coupe I tested started at a base MSRP of $76,500 and included an extensive list of options that brought the sticker price to $105,324, including a $995 destination charge.

The 2021 AMG GLE came with a broad list of luxury and performance features. You couldn’t help but notice the sparkling red cardinal metallic paint job. Once inside, the interior is plush with Nappa diamond-stitched leather, natural oak wood trimming, contour front massage seats, and an instrument cluster with two infotainment screens: a 12.3- inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch widescreen digital instrument display. There are several ways to execute commands, including a touchpad, waving your hand, steering wheel push buttons, or voice commands. Like Alexa or Siri voice commands, in the GLE, you can say “Hey Mercedes” and then state your request.

Performance and safety options include 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels and high-performance braking and exhaust pipes. Other options contain a technology package that includes a head-up display, video navigation, parking assist, AMG night package, acoustic comfort, and a host of other driver-assist and safety technologies.

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

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2020 Lexus NX 300h Reviews, Price and Features

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

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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2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Reviews, Price and Features

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

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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The 2020 Mercedes GLB250 Luxury, Versatility, Capacity and Price

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

When you thought Mercedes-Benz sold every size and type of SUV here in the U.S., along comes the all-new compact GLB-class that squeezes tightly between the GLC-class and the GLA-class

Introduced in 2020, the GLB-class has available third-row and seven-seats, which gives Mercedes eight SUV categories, starting at $36,230 for the smallest GLA class and up to $130,900 for the top-of-line G-Class SUV.

The new GLB is a compact luxury SUV that is reasonably priced and offers the seating compacity and versatility for large families. The optional third-row seating makes it more versatile than the GLA-class and the GLC-class.

The GLB-class competes in the crossover SUV class against Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar F-Pace, Mazda CX-9, and the Volvo XC60. The Land Rover Discovery Sport, which starts around $37,800 MSRP, also offers an optional third-row seat.

The 2020 GLB250 base model starts at $37,595, while the GLB250 4Matic adds all-wheel drive for $39,595 MSRP. A 221 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine seats under the hood, and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with either front or all-wheel drive.

The advanced Mercedes transmission includes a choice of automatic or paddle-shifting with four drive modes that include Eco/Comfort for daily driving, Sport for power and performance, Off-Road, and Dynamic Select that adapts the steering, suspension, and drivetrain to suit your preference.

The GLB250 is ideal in dense urban streets and congested freeway traffic. The twin-scroll turbo makes it quick on its feet and highly responsive when passing, taking on sharp curves, or changing lanes.

Interior conveniences include ergonomic front seats in various upholstery options, dash and door trim in natural wood grain, and aluminum accents. The GLB offers the Mercedes available LED ambient lighting in 64-colors and hues to change the vehicle’s atmosphere to soothe your mood.

The GLB also comes with Mercedes dual 7-inch or 10-25-inch high-resolution displays that allow customization of the instruments and multimedia to match your preferences.

Say “Hey, Mercedes,” and the GLB can hear your commands and change the climate, navigation, and other cabin features. Other high-tech features include a mobile application that will lock/unlock doors, check vehicle status, or schedule service. WiFi is available with a monthly subscription.

The GLB also has many smart safety and driver assistance features found in higher priced luxury vehicles.  It can change lanes by tapping the turn signal, hands-free parking, and the adaptive cruise control to steer and maintain a safe distance behind upfront traffic. It even slows the vehicle down on offramps.

Go to www.randolphp.sg-host.com for more new 2020 and 2021 car and truck reviews. By Randi Payton Decisive Media Network.

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Car Buying During COVID-19 and 2020 Reviews

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

The fall season marks the end of the year for 2020 vehicles, the time period when the new 2021 model year vehicles start going on sale. Because dealerships are eager to offer big discounts to make room in their showrooms for the new vehicles, this is the best time to strike a good deal on the 2020 models.

This year, the COVID-19 health crisis has made car buying more convenient and less expensive. Initially, many believed the automotive industry would finally go bankrupt when new vehicle sales took a nosedive after shelter-in-place and stay-at-home declarations shuttered dealerships and forced manufacturing plants to close.

Instead, the pandemic forced dealerships to find new ways to sell vehicles and offer huge discounts and incentives. Dealerships were caught off guard with an oversupply of vehicles due to the shutdown, until they changed their strategies, making it easier and safer for consumers to purchase a new vehicle without leaving their homes.

Despite the current uncertainty with the pandemic and the economy, automobile manufacturing plants are back in production and consumers are catching up on their pent-up demand for new vehicles. Now that auto sales have picked back up, many dealers are still offering huge discounts, 0% financing, cash back, deferred payments, huge manufacturer incentives, and home deliveries.

 

The way we buy cars may have changed forever, making it easier to negotiate a better price and have vehicles delivered to your door.

To get the best vehicle for your taste and budget, begin your research online, or call one of the car buying services that either sells vehicles or works with a national network of dealerships to manage virtual sales and home deliveries.  Begin by visiting one of the consumer auto buying websites like www.consumerreports.org, www.edmunds.com, www.nadaguides.com, www.Carvana.com, www.autotrader.com, www.Carmax.com, www.Truecar.com, or www.Vroom.com.

Since test driving before you buy is limited in many areas, consider companies that offer a return policy, which gives you time to drive the vehicle before making a final decision.

To find dealer discounts and manufacturer incentives, visit their websites or go through a car buying service.  A few of the latest new or upgraded 2020 vehicles on my list include:

The New 2020 Subaru Outback

If you have good credit and are eligible to finance through Subaru Motors Finance (SMF), you can defer payments for up to 90 days and get 0% financing for 63 months when purchasing the redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback.

The new-generation Subaru Outback wagon improves on all the things that made it popular, including safety features like driver distraction monitoring, 11.6-inch touch-screen infotainment system, premium luxury materials, more roominess, and cargo capacity.

The 2020 Outback is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepower and a forced induction 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that gets 260 horsepower. Both powerplants are paired with a variable automatic transmission.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on the base 2020 Outback starts at $27,655, including the destination charge of $1,010. The Premium model goes for $29,905, the Limited trim costs $34,455, and the Touring runs for $38,355 MSRP.

The 2020 Audi Q3

Some of the most popular selling SUVs like the 2020 Audi Q3 may not offer major incentives, but by going through one of the car buying services, you can still get one for thousands of dollars below the MSRP.

Redesigned last year, the 2020 Audi Q3 is a compact luxury SUV that looks and feels charming.  It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 228 horsepower. The Q3 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that executes seamlessly and is quick on adapting to changing road conditions.

The standard all-wheel drive system on the Q3 is responsive, firm, and comfortable. Advanced safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Other driver assist features such as blind spot, lane departure, and rear cross-traffic warnings are available. Prices start at $28,625 and end up around $35,100 MSRP.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator

One of the sharpest looking luxury SUVs on the streets, the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator, should be on your shopping list if you’re in the market for a premium midsize SUV. The Aviator combines style, technology, and luxury with a powerful performance.

The Aviator has three rows, which makes it roomy enough to carry up to seven passengers on long road trips. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine provides plenty of power, while a 10-speed automatic transmission produces a sporty and smooth ride on highway and city roads.

The new Lincoln Aviator is loaded with advanced technology and safety features, including a 360-degree camera, various drive modes, lane keeping assist, pre-collision assist, blind-spot detection, and more. The base model starts at $51,100 and tops out at $87,800 MSRP.

The 2020 Mazda6

The 2020 Mazda6, which was redesigned in 2014, continues to look and fell fresh and new. It received major upgrades each year, and in 2019, it took on new front and rear ends. The Mazda6 is more luxurious than its price suggests.

It offers five different trim levels that include the base Sport and the Touring, which are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower.  The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Reserve offer more upscale material and premium features, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 250 horsepower.

The Signature is the top-of-the-line model that comes fully loaded with a bigger information display, luxury trim, integrated navigation, and advanced safety technology. Additional features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, keyless entry, 11-speaker Bose sound system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Prices for the 2020 Mazda6 range from $25,045 to $36,345 MSRP.

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The Upgraded 2020 Range Rover Sport SUV

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

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 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Continues to Evolve

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

Looks can be deceiving, especially when it comes to the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Named after a desert, it remains true to its military design and rugged terrain capabilities. Redesigned for 2020, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara has been upgraded with modern on-road features, while maintaining its off-road heritage.

Decades of experience have gone into today’s Jeep since it was first introduced for the military during World War II. The Jeep SUV has continued to evolve to keep pace with the latest on- and off-road suspensions, engineering, luxury features and technology. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler models come in two and four doors, short- and long-wheel base, gas and diesel, and mild-hybrid versions. The 2020 four-door Unlimited Sahara is a stretched long-wheel-base version of Jeep Wrangler.

All Jeep Wranglers continue the open-air hardware capability that its loyal customers depend on, which includes removable doors, removable roof, fold-down windshield, roll cage, tricky access, high ground clearance and rear swing gate and hatch.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler lineup comes with three powerplant options:  A 3.6-liter Pentastar six-cylinder (ESS or mild-hybrid) which delivers 285 horsepower with 260 lb-ft of torque; a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder (ESS or mild-hybrid) that generates 270 horsepower; and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder EcoDiesel eTorque that gets 260 horsepower with 442 lb-ft of hill and rock climbing torque. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is optional on most models and eTorque assist can be added on the Sahara.

A new eight-speed automatic transmission is standard and is engineered to handle the increased torque output as well as producing smooth and a prompt throttle response. A six-speed manual transmission is also available. For the first time, Jeep Sahara drivers can now engage automatic full-time four-wheel-drive.

I tested the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel engine with ESS that was paired with an eight-speed transmission, and heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks.

Additional features included LED lights, 7-inch display, SiriusXM traffic plus, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, GPS navigation, Uconnect which connects smart phones to Apple CarPlay and Android auto, and leather trimmed seats, knobs, and handles.

Safety features included electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, emergency call assistance, rear view auto dimming mirror, blind-spot and cross-path detection, rear park assist, adaptive cruise control with advanced stop braking, and collision warning.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara starts at $38,645 MSRP. The test vehicle was $55,125 with all the bells and whistles added.

For more reviews on the latest new cars and trucks, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com.

by Randi Payton

Decisive Media Network

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New Lexus UX 250 Hybrid F Sport Affordable Subcompact Luxury SUV

by Decisive Media
written by Decisive Media

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.

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