In this review, Aaron shows off the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer in its RS package. In about five minutes, you’ll find out what the Trailblazer is all about, some of its best features, and how it competes in this new and fast-growing compact segment of crossover-SUVs. Check it out!
The Cadillac XT6 is the 3-row crossover from Caddy, with all the family friendliness that implies. It’s big, it’s luxurious, and it’s beautifully comfortable. Kristin walks us through the big crossover and talks about its features, it’s good points, a few low points, and her overall impressions of this lux vehicle.
In this review, Aaron takes a look at the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, the new two-row version of the big Atlas. The newest VW has a lot to offer those who don’t need three rows of seating and is still HUGE on the inside and capable on the outside. Is this the right option for your needs?
In this review, we look at the all-new Hyundai Venue, a subcompact crossover that fits just underneath the Kona as an entry-level option for the segment. Aaron finds himself impressed with the car, given what it is, though it does have a few flaws to think about. Here’s the rundown.
In this informative review, Kristin looks at the 2020 Toyota Highlander and talks about her experience with it, its good and bad points, and why she likes it. Watch and learn!
The Toyota Venza returns as a 2021 model in an all-new design. Aaron is glad to see the wagon-like Venza look more appealing and Kristin likes that it’s a hybrid by default. The new Sienna minivan was unveiled at the same time, sharing the same drivetrain and with a surprise nudge-nudge finger point towards Chrysler in its announcement. Both of these are a big deal for Toyota, whose losing ground in the smaller two-row midsized crossover segment and whose minivan has become aged against newer competition. Both of these seek to rectify those shortcomings and are definitely on point towards doing so. Find out what we know and what we think about the new 2021 Toyota Venza and the 2021 Toyota Sienna.
A choice of four affordable trims
The 2021 Kia Seltos is the latest vehicle to join the Kia lineup. This new crossover slots between the smaller Kia Soul and larger Kia Sportage with an affordable price point and sizing that’s ideal for city dwellers.
Available in four trims, the base LX starts at $21,990 with standard all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It has 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. If you don’t want all-wheel drive, the Seltos does offer front-wheel drive, but only on the S trim, which is one step up from the base LX.
Those who want a more responsive ride will appreciate the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that’s available on the S at $25,490 and standard on the top SX with pricing of $27,890. It jumps to 195 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque and is paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
A small car doesn’t need a big engine, even for merging into high-speed highway traffic, but having one does make things a lot more fun. We spent a week with the SX and its peppy turbocharged engine and found it a happy little ride to sling through the corners.
Enjoy the quiet
It’s also worth noting that the Seltos is quiet. The thing with many of the vehicles in this class and at these price points is that they’re loud. They’re not intended to be luxury cars with supremely quiet interiors, which is fine, but no one wants to feel like they’re riding with the windows down when they’re quite firmly closed.
The Seltos offers an impressively quiet ride, even at high speeds. There’s minimal road and wind noise and an unexpected thunderstorm that drenched the roads in rain and surprise puddles still wasn’t enough to make the interior loud. It’s something you’ll appreciate during long commutes or that multi-state road trip.
Along with being quiet, the Seltos has a comfortable interior with room for five passengers. Those up front will find plenty of space even if they’re on the tall side, but the back seat isn’t exactly spacious. It’s great for two adults, although it will seat three. We’d only do three passengers for quick trips. On longer trips, even two will want to be swapping with those up front to stretch out a bit.
Fully-featured at every trim
Adding to the appeal of the Seltos are its standard features. There’s an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker audio, and automatic cruise control as standard features. The SX sees the addition of a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and Bose premium audio.
All but the base trim also gets a suite of safety features that includes forward collision avoidance assist with car and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane following assist, and lane keep assist. That’s a wide range of features for a vehicle that tops out at $27,890.
It’s also easy on the budget with good fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and up to 27 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
Room for your stuff
Finally, the Seltos blends passenger comfort with cargo versatility. There’s 26.6 cubic feet behind the second row with 62.8 cubic feet behind the first row. It’s not as roomy as a large SUV, but it easily manages the family’s luggage or supplies for the latest home improvement project.
The 2021 Kia Seltos is a strong offering in a crowded segment. An attractive and comfortable interior, affordable pricing, and a choice of responsive engines make it a top pick for crossover shoppers.
The Chevrolet Traverse is an excellent three-row family machine with a lot of nice bonuses built in. Driving long distances? Got a lot of stuff? Need to tote friends and family around? Here you go. Kristin gives the details, including info for the new High Country trim.
In this quick review, Aaron looks at the new 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, one of the best-selling two-row crossovers on the market. Its turbocharged engine returns good MPG results and it has the interior this vehicle has been known for. Here’s a quick rundown of the Equinox.
Aaron gets cleaned up and talks about a Lexus NX and why the F Sport model is probably worth skipping. The NX is Lexus’ aim towards small families and single parents and it hits the mark very well. Most of the time. Find out what Aaron thinks and what’s up with this luxury crossover.
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