Model Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo Engine: 2-liter direct injection, 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 21/city, 26/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $32,500 As Tested: $34,000 Overview: The compact SUV segment now leads the U.S. automotive market, so automakers have to … read more
Models Tested: 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h Crossover SUV Engines: 3.5-Liter V-6 and Hybrid Synergy Drive Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: RX 350 FWD – 20/28/23; AWD – 19/26/22 RX 450h FWD – 30/31/30; AWD – 30/28/30 Base Price: Unavailable As … read more
Model Tested: 2016 Kia Optima SX LTD Engine: 2-liter turbo gas direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic with active eco function EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $35,790 As Tested: $36,615 Overview: The Optima — Kia’s game-changer — is all-new for 2016. … read more
Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring All-Wheel Drive Engine: Skyactiv-G 2-liter 4-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed, sport mode automatic EPA Ratings: 27/city, 32/highway, 29/combined Base Price: $23,210 As Tested: $26,050 Overview: The Mazda CX-3 is an all-new SUV-like subcompact crossover. Despite its basic crossover-type … read more
Political correctness has obligated every auto manufacturer to have at least one electric vehicle (EV) in its lineup. The Cadillac ELR is General Motors’ (GM) luxury entry into the fray — it’s second. While most automakers sell either battery only, plug-in vehicles like … read more
There’s more than one reason the 2015 VW Golf is the North American Car of the Year — not to mention earning a few other honors as well since its debut late in 2014. The seventh generation of the most successful European car … read more
We heard mixed reviews about the Cadillac ATS from other auto journalists when the sedan version debuted a couple of years ago, but didn’t have occasion to actually drive one until this past summer at the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) Run To … read more
