SUVs

2022 VW Taos SEL FWD review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new VW ID.4 EV SUV and came away impressed. VW is on a roll. So, we were equally excited to test the all-new Taos, their smallest SUV that slots below the Tiguan. And since the automaker no longer is going to sell a Golf TSI hatchback, the Taos is your go-to for affordable and capable VW-ness. Let’s see if VW has another hit, or a sophomore slump. Family Resemblance Well, the exterior is clearly VW. And in the case of Taos, it’s a big player – it is almost as large as its big brother Tiguan, …

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Electrification Coming To Grand Cherokee, Jeep Confirms 4xe Model And Confirms Other 2022 Grand Cherokee Details

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When we last saw the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it was in its stretched L form, which brought three-row seating to the GC for the first time, made the Dodge Durango instantly irrelevant, and promised to be the best one ever made by Jeep. However, the giant elephant missing in the room was the standard-sized Grand Cherokee with Jeep repeatedly saying that it was still undergoing development. Thankfully, the wait is almost over, with Jeep confirming that it will be unveiling the short-wheelbase version and the 4xe model on September 29th.   A Return To Form For Jeep’s Bread And …

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Ford Confirms Rumored Bronco Raptor Model, Will Appear In 2022

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We should’ve known that Ford would have a huge surprise in its bag of tricks when we listened eagerly to the brand’s announcement of the 2022 Expedition lineup. What seemed like the typical conclusion of a press conference diverted in an exciting direction when Ford reps revealed that not only is the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor a production reality. But that we wouldn’t have to wait very long for it either, with the beefed-up Bronco expected to make its appearance sometime in 2022. Brief Teaser Provides A Literal Glimpse Of The Bronco Raptor And Not Much Else While our glimpse …

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2021 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the all-new VW ID.4 EV and loved a lot about it. But there’s part of us that still loves the sound and feel of a good old gas engine. Is there a best of both world’s vehicle? Well, we just tested the Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid to find out if we can have our EV thrills and conventional engine cake all in one bite. Let’s look. Fresh Face For 2021 Audi has freshened the looks of what was already a handsome SUV. Up front, you’ll see the octagonal Singleframe grille is thinner and wider, with taller side …

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Ford Unveils Refreshed 2022 Expedition, New Trim Levels And Technology Form Bulk Of Changes

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The current generation Ford Expedition is entering its fourth model year of service. But while the big utility is still a top go to for family buyers, some aspects of its game were starting to age badly in the face of relentless competition. Ford has taken note, and has given the family hauler a light refresh for 2022 that aims to sharpen its resolve while also allowing it to stay on the curve with rivals like the Chevrolet Suburban and the Jeep Wagoneer family.   Light Exterior Refresh Nips And Tucks The Expedition’s Functionality At first glance, the exterior revisions …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Hyundai Venue Denim – As Capable And Value Filled As A Pair Of Slick Jeans

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The sport utility market seems to be at its breaking point when it comes to the sheer number of offerings that are available in the market today. From big to small, it’s apparent that the world’s automakers are trying to fill every possible niche in the battle for SUV dominance. The Hyundai Venue is one of those that are trying to make its mark in the compact SUV segment. But does the Venue still have what it takes to bring it to competitors looking to trounce it on value? And why does our tester look like a pair of blue …

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Ford Brings Green To Crimefighting With Creation Of Mach-E GT Police Interceptor Concept, Will Enter MSP Trials

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Fighting crime is tricky for many police departments, and it’s natural to assume that electrification and green motoring might not fit into the script at first glance. However, while the bulk of the spotlight is focused on creating EV entries for the civilian market, Ford wanted to cover all angles and unveiled an all-new Mach-E Police Interceptor, which will be spending some time with the Michigan State Police Department.   Mustang Mach-E Will Have Very Formidable Shoes To Fill The latest Mach-E Police Interceptor concept will have two sets of shoes to fill if it gets full approval for police …

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2021 VW ID.4 PRO S review by Ben Lewis

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We really admire VW. After the Dieselgate trauma, the brand was really on the ropes, especially here in the U.S. We wouldn’t have been surprised if the German brand would have pulled out of the US market. But they didn’t. Instead, the fixed what was wrong with the Diesels, and started building exciting new models, like the all-new GTI and the Jetta GLI. VW also threw itself into being one of the leaders in EV tech. The first offering we saw was the E-Golf that we really enjoyed, but like many other carmakers, it was taking an existing vehicle and …

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Mazda Unveils Updated 2022 CX-5, Tweaked Styling Promises To Elevate Elegance And Sportiness

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The Mazda CX-5 is one of the few in the utility vehicle segment that has managed to nail the perfect balance of sport-inspired performance and value-focused luxury that can actually blur the line between mainstream and luxury when equipped properly. But even the ultimate jack of all trades needs to be refreshed once in a while, and the company has unveiled the updated 2022 CX-5, which follows closely on the heels of its recently unveiled Chinese market cousin.   Subtle Evolution Focuses On The Essentials The exterior styling of the 2022 CX-5 shares a lot of its basic traits with …

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Toyota Announces Official 2022 Corolla Cross Pricing, Sales Start In October

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The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was initially an international market-only model, but the Japanese car giant unveiled the U.S. spec version of the model back in June. We had some questions about where the Corolla Cross would fit in the company’s utility lineup. Still, the Japanese auto giant has dropped a hint with Toyota reps revealing the official pricing ladder for the Corolla Cross before it goes on sale in October.   Value-Conscious And Proud Of It The Corolla Cross helps Toyota fill a budget-sized void in its crossover lineup. Base models start at $23,410 when you include the $1,215 …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner Debuts Wild Lime Rush Color, Adds New Model And Safety Tech Too

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The Toyota 4Runner has been a rugged off-road warrior for Toyota over the years. While the current generation 4Runner is long overdue for a redesign, the current generation model is still a popular choice among off-roaders. The Japanese auto giant has revealed some notable updates coming to the 4Runner for the 2022 model year.   Lime Rush Adds Boldness To Color Pallette   A big change that many buyers might notice on the TRD Pro model is the all-new Lime Rush exterior color. This hue first made its appearance on the Tacoma TRD Pro, and the vivid green is one …

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Cadillac Aims Higher With 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, Musical Moniker Is More Than A Gimmick

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When Cadillac unveiled the 2023 Lyriq EV SUV, it promised that the model would elevate the levels of luxury that a Cadilac model could provide while also serving as an elegant example of its Ultium technology in action. The Lyriq certainly appears to have the goods to pull it off and it even looks elegant in pictures, but how does it measure up in the real world? Cadillac invited us to GM Tech Center to spend some time with the Lyriq in-person to see some of its inner workings in person.   Near Production Exterior Radiates With Lighting, State Of …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge – Rolls Makes A Performance SUV And The World Takes Notice

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Rolls Royce is rolling the dice in the SUV segment with the 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge. When The Cullinan first appeared in 2019, it rewrote the definition of the pinnacle in luxury automobiles. It wasn’t long ago that owning a Phantom or even a Ghost sedan signified that you made it in the world. Still, with SUV demand rising globally, the British ultra-luxury carmaker knew it had to adapt to rapidly changing times. Our initial taste of the Cullinan was brief, with our 30-minute encounter doing little to answer how the large SUV would fare in long-term ownership. …

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2021 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring review by Ben Lewis

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Sometimes you wonder about something that’s a best-seller. Are they really good, and everybody knows about it? Like all those Marvel movies. Or maybe they’re just cheap and convenient. Like convenience store coffee from the pot that’s been there since the Clinton administration. So, here we have the 2021 Honda CR-V, Honda’s best-selling vehicle, and one of the best-selling vehicles of any kind. But what do those numbers really mean? Is this a superhero you can cheer for, or a nasty cup of joe that’s going to take a whole lot of sweeteners to get down? Let’s look. Clean and …

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Road Test Review – 2021 BMW Alpina XB7 – An X7 M In A Fine Velvet Suit

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BMW usually has a pretty consistent game plan when it comes to making performance models. It’s willing to sprinkle the vaunted M badge on all kinds of models, but it leaves the largest models (X7 and 7-Series) alone. Those models get a special trip to BMW tuner Alpina where they are transformed into exceptional performance luxury specials. Alpina is making history in 2021 by unleashing the Alpina XB7 onto American shores for the first time. But can Alpina’s first U.S. bound SUV entry to shake up the ultra-luxury performance SUV segment? Alpina Exterior Touches Transform XB7 The BMW X7 is …

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Whoops, Subaru Canada Unveils Beefier Forester Wilderness Model Early

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The Subaru Forester has managed to carve a very compelling niche for itself in the utility vehicle market. With a combination of quality, capability, and in recent years, standard equipment, the Forester has always risen to the occasion time and time again. But there’s always room for growth, and thanks to an ill-timed reveal by Subaru of Canada, we now get to see that the Forester will be the latest Subaru model to earn the Wilderness badge for the new model year.   Forester Bulks Up In Wilderness Trim While Subaru’s plans for an epic surprise rapidly turned into dust …

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Subaru Teases 2023 Solterra EV, Latest Fruit Of Partnership With Toyota

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The Toyota bZ4x teased a glimpse into what an electrified future could look like at Toyota. It would come with a very odd moniker and also bring some slick green vehicle technology to green vehicle buyers. With the Japanese auto giant’s partnership with Subaru going well, it should come as no shock to hear that Subaru will be getting a version of their own. It lurked in the shadows for a while, but Subaru finally released the first teaser images of the upcoming Solterra EV SUV.   Exterior Styling Is 100% Subaru. Before we dive deep into what makes the …

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2022 Kia Niro Hybrid Gets Revamped Badge, Tweaked Pricing Ladder

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As a wise man once said, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It appears that the folks at Kia took this lesson to heart when it came to the 2022 Kia Niro and as a result, it appears to be fundamentally unchanged from the outgoing model. However, look closer and you’ll see that Kia made some minor revisions to the Niro which allow it to march in unison with the rest of the updated Kia lineup.   New Badging Is Sole Update In 2022 Niro When we said minor revisions, we’re not kidding in that regards with Kia designers …

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Hyundai Releases 2022 Kona Pricing, Base Model Starts At $23,375

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Hyundai promised bigger and better things from the 2022 Hyundai Kona when the Korean car giant first unveiled it some time ago. We got to see all the changes that Hyundai made to the exterior and the interior of the revamped compact CUV while also learning that a fire-breathing Kona N would also be joining the family for performance-seeking buyers (this author included.) But amid all the extra horsepower and technology, Hyundai forgot to disclose just how much of your hard-earned money would be needed to add a Kona to your garage? The wait is over on that, with Hyundai …

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2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Review by Ben Lewis

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We’ve been looking forward to the review of the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo for some time. As part of the Mazda 3 chassis family, we’ve enjoyed the Mazda 3 Sedan and Mazda 3 hatchback immensely. And when Mazda started squeezing the 250-horsepower 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder in these models (as well as the CX-5), we have hoped for a thrill machine like the old MazdaSpeed 3. Close, but no cigar. While the turbo motor does make these mounts quite quick, it seems that Mazda was leaning much more towards sophistication. Nice cars. But they didn’t get your blood up. Well, we …

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Comparison Battle – 2021 Ford Bronco Manual vs Bronco Automatic – Which Flavor Of Bronco Is Best?

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The 2021 Ford Bronco is shaping up to be a huge thorn in the side of the Jeep Wrangler. While the hardtop versions are currently being held back by the company to address lingering quality issues, the soft top models are slowly making their way into dealer lots. Along with the choice in tops, the Bronco also offers buyers either a seven-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic. This presented a very compelling question for us, which transmission choice is better? We were eager to find out.   Manual Equipped Bronco Does A Good Wrangler Impression While the crowded streets …

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2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line Brings Sporty Looks Without the Hardware

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Beauty, it seems, is sometimes in the eye of the beholder, and while having a performance-focused car is the dream of every enthusiast, sometimes the full package can be out of reach for buyers. Ford has thought of this with the ST-Line package, which brings the performance looks without the increased price of the associated hardware. This trim has been a staple in Europe, but it has had a decidedly subtler run in the U.S., with the axed Fiesta ST-Line and the recently launched Edge variant being the lone entries. But Explorer buyers will soon get in on the act …

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Car Shopping: What You Need to Know About Vehicle Depreciation

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When it comes to significant purchases, apart from a home, they don’t tend to get more significant than a new vehicle. However, unlike a home, a vehicle is a depreciating asset, which means that it will lose, not gain, value over time.    That’s why, if you’re planning to buy a new vehicle any time soon, you should know a bit more about depreciation and the factors that affect it.   What is vehicle depreciation? Vehicle depreciation normally refers to the drop in value between the time that you purchase the car and the time that you come to sell …

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Lincoln Brings Enhanced Luxury, Style, And Technology To 2022 Navigator, Debuts ActiveGlide Technology

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The Lincoln Navigator has arguably re-emerged as one of the biggest sales successes that the brand has seen in recent years. Once relegated to being a mere afterthought behind the Cadillac Escalade, the current generation Gator proved to be a solid full-size luxury SUV contender, and we even had the chance to take one for an adventure in northern Michigan a few years ago. But evolution is useful for any model, and Lincoln has given the 2022 Navigator some new tricks and improvements for the new model year.   A Nip And A Tuck Defines Navigator Exterior Updates The exterior …

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Ford Bronco Riptide Concept Hits The Sand, Is All About Summertime Fun

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When the Ford Bronco was revived, the Dearborn auto giant made it pretty clear that it aimed to take on the Jeep Wrangler in every possible sector of the off-road market. But while the launch has been hobbled by recent issues with the Bronco’s hardtop roof, the company is still eying a strong profit in offering custom accessories (long dominated by the fore-mentioned Wrangler.) Over 200 accessories have already been confirmed, but Ford has unveiled the all-new Bronco Riptide concept to help bring some of these options to life.   Stylish One-Off Has The Beach In Its Sights The Bronco …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus NX 300h Black Line Edition – A Sporty Send Off Before The Next Gen Arrives

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Lexus is preparing a new iteration of the urban-centric NX CUV, but before that model arrives, the Japanese luxury giant has unleashed one last sporty surprise into the marketplace with the 2021 NX 300h Black Line Edition. Black Line Edition models blend sporty styling cues with an interior that puts distinction and refinement in the driver’s seat. The RX Black Line Edition has been a success for Lexus so far, but can some of this sales magic translate into a smaller CUV?   Black Line Edition Adds Depth To NX Range That depth starts on the exterior of the NX, …

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2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the Lexus GX460, and found its luxury, combined with impressive off-road equipment made it one of the most capable off-road luxury SUVs. Like the Lexus, the Toyota 4Runner finds itself in a specialist segment of the SUV market. Most buyers want car-like comforts, safety equipment and thoughtful utility. But actual go-for-it, extreme all-terrain capability is low on the list of people who will challenging the mall or Home Depot. A smaller group, though, still lives for what an SUV can do, where it can take you, and how it will get you back. For that crowd, Toyota …

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Kia Catches A Wave With Soul EV Boardmasters Edition, One-Off To Headline British Surfing Event

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Remember back when dune buggies and other beach-focused rides dominated the coastlines and beaches of the world? While the 1960s may be long gone, Kia wanted to try and channel some of these vibes into a vehicle that could not only be at home on the beach but also have the ability to plug in and charge. I thas done so with the Soul Boardmasters Edition, which will help organizers of the 2021 Boardmasters surfing competition in Cornwall, England. Suspension Lift Enhances Soul Concept’s Off-Road Capability An immediate change that buyers will notice when they look at the concept is …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited – Radical Refresh Puts Tucson In Step With The Times

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When Hyundai revealed plans to radically update the Tucson, they had a hefty order on their hands. The Tucson is one of the most popular SUVs that the company sells, and Hyundai engineers knew that they couldn’t drop the ball when designing this latest chapter of the SUV. But does this futuristic SUV finally take the Tucson name into more premium territory? Or is it still a step short in accomplishing all of its objectives?   Futuristic Styling Pushes Tuscon’s Modern Design Into The Spotlight To find out, Hyundai allowed us to spend a few days with the Tucson, and …

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Lexus RX To Receive Black Line Edition Model For 2022, Will Join RXL In Offering Sporty Styling Package

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When Lexus first revealed that the RX lineup was to receive the Black Line Edition treatment, the package was originally limited to the RXL extended-wheelbase model, which is the company’s half-baked attempt at creating a three passenger CUV for minimal investment. That announcement left us wondering about the standard RX and whether the Black Line would migrate to that variant of RX? Lexus revealed that it’s bringing things full circle and will introduce the Black Line Edition to those models for 2022.   Darkened Styling Adds Substance To RX’s Styling This version follows the path set by other models equipped …

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2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC Review by Ben Lewis

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Who doesn’t love a good comeback story? The movies are full of them – our star gets knocked down, struggles, and makes an epic comeback. Well Mitsubishi is sort of like that. For a while with vehicles like the rugged Montero SUV, the high-performance 3000 GT and Eclipse and (heavenly halo, please) Evo rally-car for the street, it was a niche player with a big following. Sort of like Subaru is now, when you think of it. Then our hero got knocked to the ground. The models in the lineup were tame, and lack of funds meant that many of …

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Hyundai Unveils 2022 Santa Fe XRT, Appearance Package Adds Rugged Look To Family Hauler

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The current trend in the world of SUVs has seen many automakers add various styling touches to select models in an attempt to make them look more rugged and trail-ready. Typically that means splashes of black-colored trim and perhaps a few other minor tweaks to help make them look the part. Hyundai is the latest automaker to jump onto this trend and has unveiled the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, which aims to blaze a trail of its own into this growing fad.   Santa Fe XRT Looks The Part The 2022 Santa Fe benefitted from a mid-cycle refresh last …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 – Private Jet Luxury For The Open Road

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Ever wondered what would happen if you took a private jet, sliced off the wings, and infused all of its luxuries into a large SUV? The idea of a luxury-laden large SUV is nothing new. Still, ultra-luxury automakers’ current push into this once unoccupied space is a recent development with Bentley and Rolls-Royce all entering the fray. With these big British luxury names throwing their hats in the ring, it only fits that Mercedes-Benz wanted a slice of the pie for itself and has created the all-new 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. But can this first-ever Maybach SUV lure buyers away from …

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2022 Kia Carnival EX review by Ben Lewis

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Kia’s been giving us a lot of great vehicles lately, from the 3-row Telluride SUV, to the brilliant K5 sedan, to fun and chuckable Forte GT. Rhe vehicles have great looks, high equipment levels and real value. So, when it came time to replace the aging Sedona minivan, Kia created the all-new Carnival to take on the big players, including the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Does Kia’s charmed lineup carry on in the minivan segment? Let’s take a look! The Real Swagger Wagon Remember that Toyota ad campaign a while back – calling their Sienna the “swagger wagon”? Well, …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus LX 570 – Trail Slaying Veteran Can’t Shake Modern Rivals

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The 2021 Lexus LX 570 certainly feels like it’s a stand-in in a Jurassic Park movie when you see it in person. Based on the recently axed Toyota Land Cruiser and created in an era where off-road prowess and four weather capability trumped any notion of fuel economy and pavement friendly handling. The LX 570 was the answer to a simple question, what would happen if you took the rough and tumble Land Cruiser and swapped out its khaki shorts and T-shirt for a formal tuxedo. But the segment has flipped in terms of what people want, and hauling the family …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Buick Envision Avenir – Envisioning Higher Sales For Buick

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In a segment where Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are the undisputed kings of the segment, the 2021 Buick Envision Avenir lies in a very interesting place in the pecking order. On the one hand, it’s expected to compete with these makes, but at the same time, it also has to appeal to a wider pool of mainstream luxury SUV buyers. That’s an unenviable position for any model, but Buick is confident that it can maximize Envision’s potential with buyers. The first generation model scratched the surface, but it lacked some of the precision needed to make the Envision a proper …

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS Review

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS While not much has changed for 2021 on the Blazer vs the 2020 there is one major difference. The Blazer Premier no longer has the dual clutch rear differential, leaving the RS as the only Blazer equipped with this feature. Exterior Many are lamenting that the new Blazer isn’t anything like the K5 Blazer of yesteryear. However, if you think of it more as the S10 Blazer it’s not as hard of a pill to swallow. While the Blazer is attractive overall, the RS trim adds many appearance features for a sportier, more athletic look. In particular …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Genesis GV80 Prestige – The Budget Bentley Of Your Dreams?

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The Bentley Benntayga is easily considered by many to be one of the pinnacle entries in the luxury SUV segment. Besides its sky-high price tag, the Bentayga also brings world-class luxury and performance to buyers. But what if your someone that wants some of the good life, but you don’t have the checkbook to bring home a Bentley? Genesis thinks it might have just the thing for the budget-conscious luxury SUV buyer with the Genesis GV80 but is it really a good budget alternative for luxury buyers looking to get the best of the high life?   GV80 Shares Family …

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2022 Jeep Compass Gains Tech And Poise In Windy City Debut

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The 2022 Jeep Compass might have made its debut all the way back in 2020, but the U.S. market has an insatiable appetite for CUVs, and Jeep knows that it has to stay ahead of the game when it comes to winning over buyers in this country. As such, it has chosen to bring the updated model stateside finally, and it appears that Jeep could be onto something here.    Jeep’s Compass Points More Confidently With New Exterior Styling  Buyers looking to spot any differences in the 2022 Jeep Compass will be forgiven if they can’t really tell it apart …

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First Look – 2022 BMW i4 and 2022 BMW iX – These Are The Electric BMWs To Watch For

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BMW is typically known for having a lineup of vehicles that try to be the “Ultimate Driving Machine” for consumers. But did you know that the company is also trying to create the Ultimate Green Machine? While the BMW i8 and the i3 were glimpses into the novel engineering techniques that the company was capable of in this segment, they were crude, and the pair were sales flops to boot. This time though, BMW is taking a more dedicated approach to creating an electric vehicle and recently unveiled a small glimpse of the future with the 2022 BMW i4 and …

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2021 Lexus NX300h Black Line Special Edition Review by Ben Lewis

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So, this is always a tough thing to do – a review of an existing model when an all-new model has been previewed. Well, that’s the problem here – an all new 2022 Lexus NX is waiting in the wings, so the question is should you wait, or plump for the 2021 NX? Let’s take a drive in the current model and find out! Blue Thunder The NX hasn’t changed much visually since it got a refresh in 2018, but that’s okay, it was a stunner then, and it is still a bold, strong presence. Up front, you get key …

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Jeep Shows Off 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe, Confirms Big Plans For The Future

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Stellantis’s EV Day 2021 could perhaps go down in history as one of the biggest information dumps concerning green technology that we have seen in recent memory. Dodge and even Chrysler are getting into the EV race, and Jeep used its slice of the broader presentation to unveil not only the Grand Cherokee 4xe but also some of the bold plans and initiatives that it aims to introduce to consumers over the next few years.   Grand Cherokee 4xe Brings Electrification To Popular Family Model Before we get into some of the more ambitious plans that Jeep laid out today, we …

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Mysterious Chrysler Concept Shows That Brand IS Far From Dead, Could Hint At New Direction

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Stellantis’s EV Day has been a literal treasure trove of information concerning Stellantis’s EV moves moving forward. There are plenty of teasers, and we are still processing it all, but an early surprise for us is that there could indeed be a future for the Chrysler brand, with the company rolling out an all-electric Chrysler badged concept during a portion of its presentation.   Chrysler Concept Signals New Life For Troubled Brand Before the appearance of this latest concept, Chrysler was in proverbial and perhaps literal limbo. Once a strong cog in the broader sales machine long before Stellantis was …

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2021 Subaru Forester Limited Review by Ben Lewis

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Subaru’s are like old friends. Even when you haven’t seen them in a while, you feel immediately at home and comfortable. Good to be around. The Forester is certainly like that – we’ve recently been in a host of Outbacks, Crosstreks and WRXs, all great cars. But we miss our old buddy. Now friendship is one thing, but in the hyperventilating, ever-changing world of SUV’s you gotta keep up, too. So, is the Forester as good as we remember? A Familiar Face It’s no secret that the Outback and the Forester fight in the same arena for not-quite traditional SUV …

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Hyundai Promises A Track Focused Surprise, What Could It Be? The Elantra N?

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Hyundai is promising a big surprise on July 14th with the company releasing a brief teaser video that draws us to the fabled Nurburgring race track in Germany. The company might not be ready to reveal the full details just yet, but it appears that the Kona N and the recently teased Elantra N are involved.    What We Know So Far, Will We See The Elantra N? Hyundai’s teaser video does not reveal too much, with the bulk of the video featuring a computer-generated pen vigorously drawing the fore-mentioned track on a sheet of paper. After the pen performs …

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2022 Acura MDX A-Spec review by Ben Lewis

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If there’s one brand that’s working hard to reboot itself right now, it’s Acura. Honda’s luxury brand, it’s been cranking out impressive new products for the last year or so, starting with the excellent RDX and even more impressive TLX sedan. Of course, the big money currently is in the 3-row SUV segment, so when we got the new MDX to test we were excited. Let’s see if Acura keeps those fires burning! Bold New Style Like the RDX and TLX, the MDX is sharp, aggressive, and eye-catching. It looks bigger and more powerful, sitting on a wheelbase that’s 2.8-inches …

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Maserati Shuffles Trim Lineup For 2022, Adds GT And Modena Models

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Maserati‘s three-model lineup is soldiering on for 2022. Still, the Italian luxury carmaker chose to go in a unique direction for its updates this time around and has actually done some quick housecleaning to simplify the trim ladder for buyers, with the GT and Modena trims being added into the mix for the new model year.   So What’s Being Replaced? In this instance, the outgoing GranLusso and GranSport monikers were a prominent part of the brand’s identity for the past few years. In theory, they were supposed to project a higher identity in the minds of buyers, but they …

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Jeep Escalates The Tire Wars With Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package, Features 35-inch Tires

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The war between the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco is heating up, especially as the Bronco finally makes its way to dealerships. The Bronco made waves with its optional Sasquatch package, which equipped the off-roader with 35-inch off-road tires as well as a slight suspension lift. Naturally, that put the Wrangler at a disadvantage with such a combination only being offered in the aftermarket. Jeep aims to fix that and has unveiled its entry in the tire wars, the Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package.   Xtreme Recon Package Targets Sasquatch With Massive Tires Look at the Xtreme Recon Package, and …

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Infiniti Reveals Shapely 2022 QX60, Vastly Improved Inside And Out

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When we last checked in on the 2022 Infiniti QX60, it first appeared as a thinly veiled concept that made its virtual debut last September. The concept looked very slick, but it did not do too much to answer our questions about what the production version would bring to the table. Fast forward to today, and we finally get to see the revamped 2022 QX60, which aims to re-establish itself in the luxury SUV ranks.   Show Car Styling Mixes With Pure Functionality Unsurprisingly, the 2022 QX60 SUV retains much of its show car personality, which is good news for …

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2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Review by Ben Lewis

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The Hyundai Santa Fe is a familiar name on the SUV landscape – it’s been around awhile, and has always stood for great value, room and style. But that landscape hasn’t sat still. With new players including bigger sibling the Hyundai Palisade and super popular Kia Telluride, can the Santa Fe Keep up with the big boys? Fresh New Look Hyundai has been on a roll lately, and it’s become a bit of style breakout. The Santa Fe has gotten a nice makeover that makes heads turn. Like almost every new model, a large grille is the way to go, …

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Ford Officially Starts Ford Bronco Production, Follows Series Of Delays

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It has been a long and obstacle-filled journey for the 2021 Ford Bronco. When Ford first announced that it was reviving the off-road icon, the model was looked at by many as one of the most important launches that the Dearborn-based automaker had ever done. But the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the ripple effects it generated derailed Ford’s original timeline of production, and the Bronco remained a common sight in the hands of engineers all over the Metro Detroit area. But at long last, production has formally begun with the Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP), finally assembling Broncos for consumer …

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2022 Subaru Forester Goes To The Gym, Debuts Chiseled New Styling In Japan Home Market

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First launched back in 2018, the fight generation Subaru Forester was designed to help the hot-selling utility catch up to the times in terms of styling and technology. The Forester is a hot selling model for the Japanese automaker and has become a must-have transportation tool for many families. But it never hurts to stay fresh, and the company has unveiled the refreshed 2022 Forester in Japan.   Fine Tuning The Forester Essentials Compared to some of the other updates that we have seen with some of its rivals, the Forester’s suite of changes is relatively minor. The front fascia …

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2022 Jeep Wagoneer Lineup Redefines The Delivery Experience, Here’s Three Key Ways It Does So

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With all the luxury, capability, and poise that the 2022 Wagoneer family brings to the table, a thing that is often overlooked is how Jeep will have dealers go through the formal process of delivering a Wagoneer to consumers, which not only goes in a noticeably different direction from other Jeep models but also serves as an example of Jeep marketers making a note of current sales techniques.   Taking Inspiration From European Rivals Before the arrival of the 2022 Wagoneer, the delivery experience for many Jeep models roughly reflected what you would see in a typical and trope-filled buying …

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2022 Lexus NX Goes For Maximum Styling, Debuts New 450h+ Model

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The Lexus NX is the Japanese luxury brand’s entry for city-dwelling millennials and Gen Z buyers looking for a utility that not only delivers the goods in terms of luxury appointments but is also compact enough to zip its way through city streets. While the NX proved to be popular with buyers, Lexus admitted that the outgoing model wasn’t perfect and has attempted to fix all of its shortcomings with the 2022 NX.   Slicker Styling Aims To Turn More Heads And Project A Sportier Image The exterior styling of the outgoing NX was, for better or for worse, a …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo – Cute Ute Gains New Muscle For The New Model Year

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When we first sampled the Mazda CX-30, it certainly came with a lot of promise and helped fill a void in Mazda‘s lineup. The one key problem was that the CX-30 lacked raw power, with the wheezy engine being a notable detriment to the CX-30. But Mazda isn’t one to rest on their laurels and wanted to give the 2021 CX-30 Turbo the chance to live up to the Japanese automaker’s legendary reputation for performance. It intends to do this by giving it a turbocharged alternative to its naturally aspirated ways, but is more boost the answer to its lagging …

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2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature vs 2021 Ford Escape Titanium – Which Mass Market Luxury SUV Is Best?

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Luxury, it seems, is becoming more of a factor in the world of utility vehicles. Once considered a backburner item in the minds of mainstream utility buyers, the ability to have more coddling features has rapidly morphed into a key SUV keystone. But which SUV can play the role of value-focused luxury entry best? To find out, we picked two SUVs (the 2021 Ford Escape Titanium and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature) and put them through a battery of tests to try and find out which one reigns supreme? Both have benefited from minor updates since their last battle, and …

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Toyota Unveils 2022 Land Cruiser, Brings New Styling And Technology To Global Market

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Out of all the major launches that automakers are preparing for 2021, one of the most important is undoubtedly the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser. An off-roading icon and the counterculture T-shirt wearing equivalent to the cardigan-wearing Land Rover family. The current-generation Land Cruiser has been on the scene for several years now, but it’s starting to get long in the tooth, especially in the face of tightening fuel economy regulations and evolving rivals. As a result, Toyota has unveiled the 2022 model, bringing newfound vigor and new technology to the venerable full-size trail buster.    Bigger And Better Land Cruiser …

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Dodge Reconsidering Hornet Nameplate? New Rumors Suggest It’s Happening

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It has been a very long time since we heard anything about the Dodge Hornet. The Hornet concept first appeared in 2006, with the euro chic concept dusting off the moniker from the ashes of the long-defunct AMC corporation. But factors beyond the company’s control delayed a production model before it was ultimately scrubbed. But is it coming back after all? A new batch of rumors suggests that’s indeed the case.   Same Name, Different Outcome? If the basic idea of the concept has been revived according to rumors published by the Italian website Passione Auto Italiane, the Hornet will …

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2022 Buick Enclave Brings New Styling, Enhanced Standard Equipment To Buyers

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When we last met the 2022 Buick Enclave, it was back in January when the brand slipped two photos of it to the assembled press during a broader event starring the smaller Buick Envision. The duet of pictures highlighted revamped exterior styling but did little to answer our questions surrounding the new interior. Nevertheless, Buick has lifted the veil of secrecy and has shed new light on what consumers can expect from Buick’s rebooted flagship.   Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder One of the most significant changes that the Enclave received for 2022 is all-new exterior styling. …

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Toyota Expands Its CUV Footprint With 2022 Corolla Cross, Could It Be The End Of The CH-R?

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Toyota‘s CH-R CUV has had a rather rocky sales career, with this last remaining relic of Scion being eclipsed by some of its rivals. However, it would seem that Toyota is out to change the narrative and has unveiled the 2022 Corolla Cross, which will be coming to the U.S. for the first time.   Familiar Name Crosses The Pond While this is the first time U.S. buyers have laid their eyes on the Corolla Cross, the model has been an international exclusive for a while now, with the model debuting back in 2020. Like its global cousins, the U.S. …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner Keeps The Show Going With All New TRD Sport Trim

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The Toyota 4Runner has always been a fascinating case when it comes to the world of off-road SUVs. It has aged with the grace and dignity of a typewriter (or a pioneer-era hornbook), yet it still manages to deliver the goods when it comes to sales and performance. Toyota, however, is focusing on pavement-based adventures this time around, with the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport.   A Beast Of Burden For The Road Commonly Traveled As the name implies, the TRD Sport goes in a different direction when compared to its siblings. Whereas the rest of the trim ladder (SR5 TRD …

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2021 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select Review

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Infiniti QX80 Premium Select 4wd The current generation Infiniti QX80 has been around for a decade now, yet it remains a strong seller for the brand. For 2021 improvements are minor, as is expected for year to year updates. The main focus for 2021 is more standard driver-assistance features. Exterior The exterior of the QX80 was last updated in 2018 and no major changes have taken place for the 2021 model year. It’s a sleek design that makes the massive SUV appear muscular and sporty. The Premium Select trim has dark chrome appearance features which work very well with the …

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 Coupe Review by Ben Lewis

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So, here’s a challenge to many manufacturers – with SUV’s being so popular, how do you keep things fresh? One trend we’ve seen are the “coupe-like” SUV’s, which trade off some of the utility (and headroom) for a racy profile. It’s especially popular with the Europeans, with everything from VW’s Atlas Cross Sport to BMW’s X4 and X6. Mercedes won’t be left out either, so we’re now enjoying GLE Coupe. But with a coupe, you’re driven by passion, so we were especially excited to get our grabby little hands on an AMG GLE 53 Coupe. Big vehicle, larger-than-life performance. This …

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Jeep Releases Full Pricing For 2022 Wagoneer Lineup, Base Model Starts At $69,995, Grand Version Tops Out At $111K

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When the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer made its splashy debut back in March, the off-road brand talked about creating the most luxurious model it has ever done while also reviving an icon at the same time. But like the Sumatran Tiger or the Snow Leopard, the big three-row Jeep disappeared from the broader radar with our appetite being somewhat satiated by occasional sightings in the wild (especially here in Metro Detroit.) But Jeep wants you to keep the Wagoneer family fresh in your mind and has unveiled the full pricing ladder for the Wagoneer family head of its dealership rollout, be …

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2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Review by Ben Lewis

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There have always been a percentage of people out there who love the MINI Cooper’s bulldog looks, cheeky attitude and British persona (although BMW has owned them since 2003)  but just found the diminutive hatch a little too small. And MINI has been busy bringing in a variety of models, including the Clubman – longer and wider – and the Countryman – taller and wider. We’ve always liked the Countryman, it adds just enough usability to function like a small SUV, but still has that MINI charm. MINI points out that it’s the first model with an exterior length of …

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Markup Watch – Kia Dealership Bewilders With Massive Markup On Telluride SUV

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Mark-ups are nothing new when it comes to buying a car. Many dealerships see the hype surrounding the launch of a potentially desirable model and try their best to get a bigger slice of the profit pie. But when does this go from being a minor annoyance to something totally egregious? A Kia dealership apparently thinks that the popular Telluride SUV is worth its weight in gold and has given it quite the markup to match.   It’s How Much? First appearing via Reddit before being spotted by our friends at Motor1 the dealership in question has added quite a bit …

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Ford Details Pre-Wired Upfitter Switches For Bronco, Aims To Take The Hassle Out Of Customization

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The 2021 Ford Bronco is shaping up to be a very potent off-road offering and could perhaps be the most serious threat that the Jeep Wrangler has faced out on the trail. Ford knows that its customers will customize their Bronco purchase at some point during the ownership experience. They might do it immediately or prefer to wait till later, but regardless of the timeline, the Bronco is always a blank canvas 24/7. That’s why Ford is preparing for the inevitable wave of modifications by shedding some new light on the pre-wired up fitter switches that will be equipped to …

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Ford Goes To The Backwoods With 2021 Explorer Timberline

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The Ford Explorer is rapidly morphing into a jack of all trades. While the Explorer has always had this trait for the duration of its life, it’s hard to argue that things really accelerated when the current generation Explorer appeared. The recently launched King Ranch model offered a very compelling luxury alternative in the lineup, but what if your a buyer that does not need all the frills and instead prefers something that can bring the fight to the Jeep Cherokee as well as the recently unveiled Outback Wilderness. Ford is keenly aware of this and has unleashed an all-new …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Aston Martin DBX – One Small Step For SUVs, One Giant Leap For Aston?

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The allure of SUV sales is a potent perfume, and it’s slowly drawing in more companies. This includes those that might have otherwise been known for producing purely car-based lineups. Bentley, Lamborghini, and even Rolls Royce have all thrown their collective hats in the ring, eager to seize a slice of this new frontier for themselves. Aston Martin might have been a bit late to the party, but it intends to place its battle flag on the segment with the 2021 Aston Martin DBX. But can the DBX stem the sales decay that once defined the brand while also putting …

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2021 Kia Telluride SX V6 AWD Review by Ben Lewis

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When we first tested the Telluride in 2019 we said Kia was on a roll. And honestly, that was the tip of the iceberg – everything from the fun Forte GT sedan and Soul SUV to the new K5 have wowed us. So, when we had the opportunity to re-visit the full-size 3-row SUV that really has been one of the brand’s biggest (figuratively and literally) success stories, we were thrilled. Was Big. Now Big and Bad. The big truck has had few changes for 2021, which is fine – this is one of the most handsome vehicles in its …

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2021 Ford Bronco Sport Proves Its Chops, Crushes Crash Tests With Perfect Rating

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Sibling rivalry is everywhere these days, and that includes the automotive industry. With its big brother being delayed by multiple COVID-19 related delays, the smaller Bronco Sport has risen to the occasion and has played a big role in Ford expanding its efforts to transform the Bronco nameplate into a lifestyle brand. The Bronco Sport has just begun filtering its way into dealerships. Ford is now revealing that the small SUV managed to achieve a big milestone when it comes to safety, with the off-roader getting a perfect crash-test score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS.)    An …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum – The Perfect Escalade?

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Progress can be a potent symbol of just how far one has come in one development. A case in point is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade which is the most promising version of Cadillac‘s full-size luxury SUV. But it wasn’t too long ago that the model started as nothing more than a lightly dressed-up GMC Yukon with a Cadillac badge. The Escalade rapidly cleaned up its act and is now a segment benchmark. But the rest of the competition is evolving too, and we wanted to know. Can the 2021 Escalade evolve enough to not only retain its status in the …

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Performance For The Whole Family, Hyundai Unveils 2022 Kona N, Promises To Take Fun To The N’th Degree

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When we first had the chance to sample the Veloster N, we fell in love with its simple mixture of performance, style, and value. However, we will admit that a spunky three-door hatchback is not the most practical choice in the world for many performance buyers. Hyundai understands this and has formally unveiled the 2022 Kona N, which aims to shock the system in the CUV market.   Taking Performance To The N’th Degree To say that the Kona N is a disruptor in the segment will be a very massive understatement, with the Kona N perhaps being one of …

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Volkswagen Releases Official Pricing For 2022 Taos, Starts At $24,190

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The compact SUV market is exploding in popularity right now, with many new entries emerging on the scene to tale their respective slice of the broader sales pie. Volkswagen is poised to make a surgical strike on the segment with the 2022 Taos. While it has been a while since its unveiling, Volkswagen has formally revealed pricing for the Taos, and it’s clear that it’s aiming to put the squeeze on some of its rivals.   Making A Name For Itself The 2022 Taos is replacing the Golf lineup here in the U.S. (enthusiasts can still buy the GTI and …

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Cadillac Unveils Production 2023 Lyriq, Keeps Show Car Flair And Technology

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When we got our first glimpse at the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, it was a pure concept, and Cadillac representatives made it clear that there was still work that needed to be done to make it production-ready. The exterior styling was obviously focused on drawing stares, and the lack of side mirrors would have certainly drawn the attention of the nearest NHTSA official. But after a short wait, Cadillac has finally unveiled the production version, which retains a lot of the show car mystique but with some minor changes to help the formula work better.   Lyriq Exterior Styling Still Looks …

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2022 Mercedes EQB Is The GLB’s EV Brother, Mixes Utility With Zero Emissions Driving

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Mercedes’s EQ brand aims to shake up the electric vehicle segment, and the company knows that for EQ to succeed through its growing pains, it needs more models to reach out to a wider swath of buyers. While the EQS flagship sedan is a glitzy showpiece of technology, SUVs are currently the must-have commodity. EQ will achieve this with their latest utility offering, the 2022 EQB EV SUV.   GLB Heritage With EQ Styling The EQB is closely related to the GLB SUV, and as a result, the EQ version shares some of its most basic body lines with its …

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Aston Martin Debuts Pastel Collection, Limited To California Market

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Summer is rapidly approaching and that means adding some lighter colors into your closet to help prepare for the sunnier side of the year. But what if you want to add some extra color to your garage and have the checkbook required to do it? If this is you and you happen to live in California Aston Martin might just have a fashionable solution to your summertime fashion worries with an all-new Pastel paint collection.   Five Flavors of Summer Style The infusion of color comes courtesy of Aston Martin of Newport Beach (one of the biggest Aston dealerships in …

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2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI Review by Ben Lewis

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When we used to go to movie theaters (and we can’t wait to go back!) they had a selection of sizes on the popcorn, and we liked the largest one – mostly because they unapologetically put the motto “Big is More” right on the tub. Yes, a tub. And the same is true of SUV’s – big is more. And if you need three rows of Audi SUV goodness, you can stop right here at the beautiful Q7. With some major improvements for the new Q7, it’s more than before. Let’s take a look. Big and Beautiful This is a …

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Hyundai Teases Kona N, Confirms More Will Be Revealed April 27th

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Long teased and the subject of numerous rumors around the world, Hyundai revealed that it plans to pull the cover off of the 2022 Kona N on April 27th with the Kona’s appearance also serving as a launching point for some of the sub-brand’s other upcoming models too as it looks to become a legit competition to the likes of the M, and AMG models.   2022 Kona N Promises To Be A Potent Hauler Before we pull out the crystal ball on N’s other models we might as well focus on the present and talk about the 2022 Kona …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport – New Technology And Tweaks Spice Up Family Hauler

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Keeping things fresh can be hard in the automotive industry, especially if you’re a car company. Lexus designers faced this prospect when they went about updating the venerable Lexus RX SUV for 2021. The RX lineup is the bread and butter for Lexus’s coffers, and as a result, it’s essential to retain the core fundamentals that Lexus buyers love about the RX while making enough changes to help it stay fresh. Did Lexus succeed? We were keen and eager to find out.   Aging Exterior Styling Losing Ground To Rivals The exterior styling of the 2021 Lexus RX 350 is …

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2021 Lexus UX 200 F SPORT Review by Ben Lewis

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In marketing terms, UX is the shorthand for “User Experience”. So, it seems a natural question, does Lexus’ smallest Crossover/SUV give you the user experience luxury buyers expect? Let’s take a look. Familiar Sporty Style Look at the UX and you can see the family resemblance with the larger NX and RX crossovers. That’s a good thing – Lexus has really crafted its own style now, and these vehicles are modern and sporty with sharp angles and aggressive lines. Like our recent review of the Lexus ES250 AWD, the front end has that massive spindle grille, but like the ES, …

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Honda’s New Trailsport Logo Revealed In Patent Filing, Suggests Off-Road Models Are Coming

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While Honda‘s reputation for creating strong selling vehicles with high build quality is pretty much undisputed, the Japanese car giant has never been known for venturing too far into the off-road segment. This is partly due to the company not offering formal body-on-frame models like an SUV or pickup that could take the punishment often associated with going off the beaten path. However, a leaked patent filing suggests that Honda is eying the trail very seriously with a new Trailsport moniker and is perhaps eying the bigger sales that come with it.   What Could Trailsport Bring To Honda? Our …

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Ford Explorer Platinum Gains RWD Variant For 2021, Also Goes Green With Hybrid Model

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With the 2021 Enthusiast ST stealing the show in regards to the Explorer’s 2021 updates, Ford wanted to ensure that no stone was left unturned and has revealed that the range-topping Explorer Platinum will also receive some new additions for 2021 with the trim now adding a rear-wheel-drive option and even a hybrid flavored model for fuel-conscious buyers.   Rear Wheel Drive For The Jet Set Sets Explorer Platinum Apart In its base form, the $54,480 Explorer Platinum is a very potent statement of luxury with perforated leather seats, warm wood accents, and standard all-wheel-drive to buyers looking to have …

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Ford Enhances Explorer ST Bang For The Buck With All New 2021 Enthusiast ST Package

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The current generation Ford Explorer is proving to be a very profitable cash cow for the Dearborn-based automaker, with the recently launched King Ranch variant adding a new dimension of luxury to the model. However, the company is also listening to consumer feedback and is using the opportunity to address a potential roadblock for Explorer ST buyers, the price. It plans to achieve this with the introduction of the all-new Explorer Enthusiast ST.   Lowering The Cost Of Explorer ST Admission When the standard Explorer ST model appeared on the road, it promised to be a true performance offering for …

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GMC Goes Full Circle With Hummer EV SUV, Brings Zero Emissions To Family SUV

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When GMC first unveiled the Hummer EV pickup, the brand neither confirmed nor denied plans were in the works for an SUV version. Fast forward to the 2021 March Madness tournament, and GMC officially confirmed that the Hummer SUV is for real and that it will be officially bringing the revived moniker full-circle in its quest to achieve true redemption in the eyes of a fuel-conscious world.   The Ultimate Zero Emissions Family Vehicle As the name and basic look imply, the 2024 Hummer EV SUV is the marriage of the truck’s EV technology with an SUV body. The exterior …

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Ford Leaves Its Mark At Easter Jeep Safari, Shows Off Five Custom Bronco Builds

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The Easter Safari event has been one that has always been synonymous with Jeep and some of the wild custom creations that the off-road brand would show to eager attendees. Ford wants a slice of the action and has revealed its plans to invade the 2021 Easter Safari with five different custom Broncos that aim to show Jeep that it’s serious about bringing the fight to the brand in the quest to achieve true off-road supremacy.   RTR Leads The Charge To help facilitate this ambitious plan, Ford teamed up with RTR Vehicles (a firm better known for its Mustang-based …

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2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Adding the Hellcat Durango to the list in Dodge’s 700+ horsepower stable, and dropping the Journey and Grand Caravan, Dodge now offers a hellcat in all of their current production vehicles. Exterior The exterior of the Hellcat Durango, as with the SRT, is subdued yet powerful. The hood contains two functional vents and a hood scoop. The bumper is more aggressive than the standard Durango, and a little lower. From the side the Hellcat Durango is very similar to other Durangos. However, there is a noticeable bulge in the hood, the splitter on the front bumper …

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2021 Toyota Venza Limited Review by Ben Lewis

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Toyota likes to offer something for just about everybody. That’s what makes them consistently in the top two (sometimes 1st, sometimes 2nd to VW) manufacturers in the world. So, let’s say you have your heart set on a new SUV. Perhaps the RAV4 feels too small, and the Highlander too large. No worries! Introducing the all-new 2021 Toyota Venza, as they say in the three bears…this one’s just right. Sleek and Sophisticated One look and you know this isn’t your Auntie’s Venza! (That model went away in 2015). While the Venza shares a chassis with the RAV4, it looks entirely …

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE63 S Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE63 S The Mercedes AMG GLE63 S lives in a market segment we don’t fully understand. What we do know, is that we love the absurdity of it. Exterior From the outside the GLE63 is a little deceiving. From some angles it appears much smaller than it actually is, but not from the front. The grill is large, but the gigantic outboard bumper openings are what really draw attention. With the massive Mercedes tri star emblem in the center of the grill, there is no question who makes the GLE. There are very bright LED headlights with …

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Jeep Wrangler Magneto Headlines Easter Jeep Safari, First Wrangler BEV Establishes Off-Road Chops

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When Jeep first teased the Magneto, we had no idea what exactly Jeep had up its sleeve. FCA/Stellantis was always behind the eight ball when it came to developing battery technology, and we weren’t too sure if the Magneto would be a pure electric offering or if it would be some sort of hybrid offering. But as it turns out, Jeep engineers did have a green surprise and revealed that the Magneto will be the first BEV Wrangler ever made.   Electrifying The Trails For the moment, the Magneto exists as a one-off concept creation, but as the name implies, …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury – An Aging Veteran In A Digital World

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The pace of change can be a tough mistress to keep up with sometimes. Technology has been on a nitrous-powered rocket as far as progress is concerned, with the amount of evolution here being very noticeable over the last few decades. But while some automakers have made the art of luring customers with the next big thing an art form. What if you’re a consumer that prefers to hang on to old technology and prefers to own a tool that’s reliable and proven? Lexus might have the thing you’re looking for with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. But can the …

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Jeep Wagoneer Family Vs Ford Expedition How Does It Measure Up?

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The dust is still settling off of Jeep‘s unveiling of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer family. We went into depth on the duo here, but we wanted to dive deep and see how the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer measure up against a key rival, the 2021 Ford Expedition. The big Ford is arguably one of the most popular family haulers in the market today and will undoubtedly be a potent measuring stick for the Wagoneer. Check out how the tale of the tape measures up below.   The War Of Styling Favors Wagoneer When it comes to aesthetics, we think …

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Jeep Unveils 2022 Grand Wagoneer & Wagoneer Models, Luxury Meshes With Proven Performance

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It has been a long time coming, but Jeep has finally taken the veil off of the 2022 Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer models. The duo signifies that the SUV brand is taking a serious approach to the full-size SUV market and is a grand departure from the failed Commander of the early 2000s. But buyers will be interested to know what the revived off-road icon is packing under the hood and some of the exotic luxury features that can be found inside the Grand Wagoneer? We have the answers, and here are some key things to know about Jeep’s rebooted …

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Jeep Teases Wrangler Easter Safari Concepts, Confirms Magneto Nameplate

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The annual Easter Jeep Safari is rapidly approaching, and despite the pressures of a pandemic, the off-road gods have found a way to soldier on with this time-honored tradition. It’s also a busy week for Jeep, which has been on a blitz when teasing new models. Yesterday was our latest glimpse at the 2022 Grand Wagoneer, and now the brand confirms that the Magneto nameplate is coming to a Wrangler concept that will be making its debut at the event.   Put Down Your Comic Books This Is Indeed Happening When Jeep first teased this mysterious concept, we initially thought …

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2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime XSE AWD Video Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Rav4 Prime Overview The Rav4 Prime is Toyota’s plug in hybrid version of the Rav4. It has the most horsepower and torque and is the quickest Rav4 we’ve tested. Our test model was a Rav4 Prime XSE AWD. The base price is $41,425, but our tester was nicely equipped with premium audio ($1,650), Weather Package (375), Special Color ($425), Premium Package ($3,765), and a few other minor things totaling $731. Throw in the $1,120 destination charge and the total MSRP of our tester was $49,461. The Rav4 Prime has impressive driving chacteristics and is fun to drive. We enjoyed …

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2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander Models Embrace Summer Vibes

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The snow is melting and for many parts of the country, it’s getting a bit warmer. While summer is still a few months away, that didn’t stop Jeep from revealing its newest crop of special edition models the 2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander models. Like other special edition models, this island-themed duo aims to bring younger buyers to showrooms while also adding some spice to the lineup at the same time.   Renegade Islander Catches Some Rays With Islander Package Before we get into the Wrangler, we might as well start things off with the tiny Renegade crossover which receives …

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2020 Mazda CX-9

Road Test Review – 2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature – The Ultimate Signature of Luxury?

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In a world where many CUVs appear to have been crafted out of soulless toasters and dryers, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 has emerged as a very vibrant exception to the rule. The exterior styling looks like it was lifted from a sports car, and the interior blurs the line between mainstream and luxury. But in a segment where the pool is rapidly becoming a very crowded place, Mazda’s biggest utility offering needs to be sharper than ever. But does it succeed in drawing attention to itself? Or does it miss the mark in other regards?   Sultry Exterior Styling Makes …

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Land Rover Ups The Insanity With All New 2022 Defender V8, Last Hurrah For Eight Cylinder Fun?

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When we had the chance to review the revived Land Rover Defender, we liked how it managed to add a new twist to an endearing icon. But while the turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six is a welcome slice of power, it was quite obvious that the platform was capable of handling much more power. Land Rover engineers have apparently heard our musings and unleashed the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8.   Muscular V8 Transforms The Defender V8 Into a Beast It’s not very often that we highlight the performance hardware first, but in this case, the Defender V8 is all about promoting …

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Ford Brings Wild West Luxury To 2021 Explorer King Ranch, Rear Wheel Drive Comes To 3.0 Liter V6

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When Ford first teased an all-new King Ranch model was on the way, the company initially was vague on what model will be adorned with the wild west theme. We initially suspected the Explorer, but the brief teaser video was lacking in detail. As it turns out, we were on the right track with the Blue Oval officially unveiling the 2021 Explorer King Ranch.   Light Exterior Tweaks Define King Ranch Transformation Like other King Ranch models in the fold, the Explorer King Ranch brings several unique touches inside and out. But before we get into the good stuff inside, …

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