2014 Lexus GX 460 Luxury

Overview

The 2014 Lexus GX sees a number of changes, which include a 8-inch touch-screen display, 8th-generation infotainment system, standard LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring system, and revised front and rear bodywork.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The 2014 Lexus GX 460 has the exterior design of being ready to travel off road. The GX 460 ride is smooth and has a formidable 301-horsepower V8, which is very responsive. The drivetrain is mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The GX can tow up to 6,500 pounds. The GX 460 has “Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System” that decreases body lean. The GX handles well on the road, in tight turns or driving around town.

Under the Hood

The GX 460 has an all-aluminum 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift mode.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the GX 460 is luxurious with impeccable Lexus touches. The GX 460 has comfortable and supportive seats for up to seven adults. A 40/20/40-split second-row seat, combined with a convenient power fold-flat third-row seat, provides a variety of configurations for people, and cargo. The 2014 GX 460 is loaded with technology and creature features listed below.

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

Memorized settings

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

The exterior of the GX460 is highlighted with the new Lexus spindle front grill. The GX 460 has standard running boards with integrated courtesy lights. The design of the GX is ready for a redesign.

Summary

If you are in the market for a large luxury SUV with exceptional off-road capability visit your local Lexus dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

• Exterior Measurements

• Interior Measurements

• Weights and Capacities

2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD 5.0

Overview

The luxurious Genesis sedan has been completely updated inside and out for 2015. The interior is roomier and there are a host of tech gadgets at your fingertips.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The new Genesis is a driver’s Mecca , has very responsive steering and is fun to drive. The Genesis has a new chassis, which gives the car superb handling.

The Genesis is definitely a contender with the Audi A6 ad the BMW 5 Series. The Genesis feels and drives like a luxury car. The 420 horsepower motor is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This luxury sedan is very responsive and a pleasure to drive in the city or on the open road.
 

Under the Hood

The V8 engine has direct injection and is powerful off the line and great for passing on the highway. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.2 seconds,

Engine & Performance

Inside

Hyundai Genesis interior is luxurious and the amenities are endless. The use of quality materials is used through out the cabin. The use of real wood and metal accents is icing on the cake for this elegant interior. The use of soft-touch materials and attention to detail is seen everywhere the seats are supportive and controls is all centrally located and easy to understand.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

Memorized settings

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

The Genesis design is unique and the bodylines are elegant. The Genesis sports a massive imposing grille. The Genesis has distinctive lines that make a statement of quality and refinement.

Summary

If you are in the market for a luxury sedan, then visit your Hyundai dealership and test drive the all-new 2015 Genesis.

Specifications

• Exterior Measurements

• Interior Measurements

2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5

Overview

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 has a few updates for the model year including a new front fascia. Interior upgrades include soft-touch materials and Entune Audio Plus multimedia on the SR5

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The 4Runner 270-horsepower V6 engine has a 5-speed automatic transmission that shifts smooth and effortlessly. It is definitely one large SUV, that has the driving dynamics of a truck. The steering and the brakes are adequate for city or highway driving. The 4Runner sits extremely high so your visibility is excellent. Acceleration is very good off the line and you have ample power for passing on the highway.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner has a powerful and adequate 270-horsepower V6 motor that can tow up to 4,700 pounds.

• Engine & Performance

Inside

Inside the 2014 4Runner has plenty of room and is very versatile. Large dials and buttons highlight the dash and the center console has a 120V AC power outlet for IPads or IPhones. The front seats are supportive and very comfortable. The back seats are 40/20/40 and can hold a ton of cargo or passengers. If you fold the rear seats down you can accommodate up to 90 cubic feet of cargo space.

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Interior Options

Outside

The 2014 4Runner has a rugged and aggressive appearance highlighted with slanted headlights. This large SUV has a rugged and boxy appearance.

Summary

If you are in the market for a large SUV then visit your local Toyota dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Weights and Capacities

Overview

The 2015 Mazda 3 Grand Touring 5-door has some updates for the model year. The standard unique Mazda Connect infotainment system has a 7-inch screen and is now standard on all but the basic sedan.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The sporty 2015 Mazda3 is an impressive vehicle to drive that is fun and fuel-efficient. The Mazda 3 has a powerful engine and has responsive steering.

The ride is comfortable yet has a sporty feel. The 6-speed manual transmission adds to the flavor of this sports sedan. The Mazda 3 gives the feel and appearance of being in a sports sedan and has superb handling.

Under the Hood

My test drive had the 2.5-liter that had 184 horsepower. The 2.5-liter had a 6-speed manual transmission

2.5-liter inline-4
184 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
185 lb-ft of torque @ 3,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:
Sedan: 25/37 (manual), 28/39 mpg (automatic), 29/40 mpg (automatic w/i-Eloop)
Hatchback: 26/35 (manual), 27/37 mpg (automatic), 28/39 mpg (automatic w/i-Eloop)

Inside

Inside the 2015 Mazda3′ the cabin is laid out very well. The front seats are comfortable and contour to your body. There was a dash-mounted 7-inch touch-screen display that is controlled by a rotary dial between the front seats. All controls are well positioned and easy to use. Rear-seat legroom is tight, but can seat 2 average size adults. The rear seats are 60/40-split folding. Cargo space is over 47 cubic feet of room with seats folded.

The list of creature features is endless (see below)

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Exterior Features

Roof and Glass

Outside

The Mazda 3 5-door stands out with its knockout styling and the new Mazda DNA. Up front, the recast grille has a unique character, and the A-pillars improve the driver’s forward sightlines.

Summary

If you’re seeking a fuel-efficient sporty compact hatchback that is fun to drive then visit your local Mazda dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Overview

The 2014 Kia Optima EX Hybrid has a few new styling, technology and mechanical improvements for the model year.

Safety Features

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Engine immobilizer
• Front fog/driving lights
• Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
• 2 front headrests
• 2 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Tire pressure monitoring

Driving Impression

The 2014 Kia Optima is easy to maneuver and effortless to handle. The Optima Hybrid is capable of 0-60 in eight seconds. The Optima is smooth and quiet on the highway with virtually no wind noise. The Optima Hybrid comes with Kia’s Brake Assist System (BAS) that includes power-assisted disc brakes with ABS, which are adequate for stopping at any speed.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid has a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC, gasoline-powered in-line four-cylinder engine and a 74-kW electric motor with a lithium polymer battery. The combined power has an output of 199 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. The optima has a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is rated at 36 city/40 highway with a combined of 38 mpg.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX came nicely equipped with a host of creature features.

The Optima’s interior is luxurious from its leather seats to its heated steering wheel.

The seats were comfortable and supportive. The driver’s seat was power eight-way adjustable (with memory) for the driver and four-way for the passenger, the passenger front seat should have a power up & down control as the seat sits very low. The front seats were heated, air cooled and ventilated and the 2 outside rear seats are heated.

The Bluetooth system was easy to pair to my IPhone. The auto-dimming rearview mirror has Homelink and the voice command system for telephone and navigation were easy to program.

The gauges are well positioned with easy access and the steering wheel has audio and phone controls.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

Memorized settings

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside
The Kia Optima is one of the best looking cars in its category. The 2014 Optima Hybrid EX has a dramatic front and rear end that has a fluid design. The Kia has unique LED rear lights that accent the rear and have a dramatic look.

Summary

If you are in the market for a Hybrid sedan then the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid is well worth taking a test drive at your local Kia dealer.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2014 Lexus ES 300H

Overview

The 2014 Lexus ES 350H gets a couple of added technology upgrades for the model year, which includes an interior bamboo trim option.

The 2014 Lexus ES 350H now has LED fog lamps with high-intensity discharge headlamps.
Safety

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The ES 350 Hybrid has very smooth acceleration from a dead stop and has excellent responsive steering.

There are several driving modes on the 350H which are: Eco, Normal and Sports.

The car handled superbly and the brakes were excellent for stopping in any situation.

Under the Hood

The Lexus ES 300h hybrid has a 156-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motors, 245-volt NiMH battery pack and a CVT transmission.

The EPA mileage estimate is .(CTY/HWY) 40/39 mpg

• Fuel

• Engine & Performance

Inside

My ES 300h had the optional Premium Package, which included bamboo wood trim.

The front bucket seats are very comfortable, and were very supportive. The backseats were very comfortable and had plenty of room for six-footer.
The ES 300h’s trunk has 12.1 cubic feet of space, which is enough for any family trip you will be going on.

A host of creature features my test drive had are listed below

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

* Feature available with a subscription to enform

Interior Options

Outside

The Lexus ES 350H has the new Lexus design DNA with the new identifiable family grille.

Highlighting the grille are lights that sweep rearward with fog lights in chrome bezels.

The rear end is highlighted with a spoiler and the ES 300h has hybrid badges.

Summary

The Lexus ES350H is a great vehicle with excellent fuel economy. If you are in the market for a luxury Hybrid Sedan you should stop by your local Lexus dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring PRHT

Overview

The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a true 2-seat sports car that’s fun to drive on the street or at a racetrack.  The MX-5 gives you a complete sports car driving experience with excellent performance and handling.
 

Safety

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The MX-5 is a testament to Mazda for developing and maintaining the MX-5 sports car DNA. With the top down and once you start shifting gears you get an instant adrenaline rush.

The 2.0- four-cylinder engine that powers this sports car has enough power to accelerate you to any speed that the road has to offer.

The car handles superbly around turns and the brakes are really solid when coming to a stop from any speed.

Under the Hood

The Mazda MX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 167 horsepower /140 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy EPA-estimated 22/28 mpg City/Highway.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The MX-5 interior has a sports car appearance with excellent fit and finish. The materials used are very nice and look expensive.

The MX-5 is roomy and the leather seats were very supportive.

A single set of power window controls are located on the center console and the center stack hosts controls for stereo and /heat air conditioning controls. A power outlet is located at the base of the center stack for your mobile phone.

The gauges are analog, with a large, round tachometer and speedometer located in front of the steering wheel.

Water bottle holders are molded into the space between the speakers and the door pulls/armrests. There’s a

The retractable hard top does not lose any trunk space, which can accommodate groceries or small amount of luggage. The trunk’ has 5.3-cubic-foot capacity.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

Mazda MX-5styling is reminiscent of the original 1990 model.

The MX-5 has sharp sculpted wheel flares with the total Mazda design DNA.  This MX-5 has an athletic stance, which makes it look very aggressive.

Summary

If you are in the market for a fun sports car then go to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive. For a real ZOOM ZOOM experience drive the MX-5

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

2014 Hyundai Azera Limited

Overview

The 2014 Hyundai Azera is stylish, fuel efficient, roomy, and has a very impressive power train. Add to that an endless list of standard features, upscale interior and you have a class vehicle.

Safety

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The 2014 Hyundai Azera has great acceleration, and the six-speed automatic transmission provides effortless shifting. The Azera is only available with the 3.3 V6 engine.

The Azera has a unique tuned suspension, which gives you a very comfortable in the city or on the highway. The Azera handling is excellent in any turn and is a fun vehicle to drive.

Under the Hood

The Azera has a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of

Fuel economy is excellent at 23 mpg combined (19 city/29 highway).

Inside

The interior design is highlighted with sumptuous standard leather upholstery, which gives the interior a luxury look and feel. The standard touchscreen is easy to use and responds to commands instantly.

The interior’s endless standard luxury features are listed below, and the seats are very comfortable. The trunk is very large and has 16.3 cubic feet of storage space, which is one of the largest in its class.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

Memorized settings

Telematics

Outside

The outside of the 2014 Azera is highlighted with a unique chrome grille with jewel headlights. The Azera has a nice unique belt-line that runs from the headlights to the taillights.

The rear of the Azera has very clean lines with integrated chrome exhaust tips. The Azera has a very unique design, which is unique to the entire Hyundai line.

Summary

The 2014 Azera is worth going for a test drive at your local Hyundai dealer if you are in the market for an all around sedan.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Engine & Performance

Suspension

Warranty