2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD 

Overview

The exciting all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3.is here and this sub-compact crossover is a real head-turner. The CX-3 is maneuverable like a car and has all the features of a crossover. Mazda has created one of the nicest vehicles in this new class. 

Safety Features

Safety Features

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 handling is exemplary with its responsive and precise steering. The 146-hp engine has acceptable- acceleration mated to its six-speed automatic transmission.

The CX-3’s Grand Touring ride is exceptional with its low-profile 18-inch tires.

Under the Hood

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 146 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy is good 29 mpg combined (27 city/32 highway) with standard all-wheel drive on my test drive Grand Touring test drive

. Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 CX-3’s cabin uses high-quality materials and has a very unique dashboard. The Grand Touring’s large central tachometer has a integrated digital speedometer and is easy to read. There is a heads-up display to show you how fast you are going.

The front seats are comfortable and are very supportive. The rear seats can 2 adults, but adding the third passenger would be a stretch.

Cargo capacity is 12.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 44.5 cubes with the rear seatbacks folded down.

Front Seats

The CX-3 has highly sculpted fenders and doors that convey movement. The front styling has the DNA of Mazda and the CX-5. Highlighting the rear end of the CX-3 is the dual exhaust.

Summary

If you are in the market for a compact CUV loaded with amenities then go down to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

• Exterior Measurements

• Interior Measurements

2016 Lexus RX 350AWD F Sport

Overview

The all new 2016 Lexus RX 350 is highlighted with an exaggerated signature spindle grille. The all-new RX also has all new extensive sheet metal that has creases and sharp lines similar to the NX styling. This midsize crossover has an exciting design for the rebirth of this model.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Power is impressive in the RX 350 and the steering is extremely responsive. The RX 350 Sport suspension is dynamic and the ride is very comfortable.

The RX 350 F Sport steering can be switched to two Sport modes. The F Sport’ also has adaptive suspension. The RX’s body is more controlled when driving over bumps, yet the ride remains extremely comfortable.

Under the Hood

A 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque powers the 2016 Lexus RX 350. The motor is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes standard on the Sport and has AWD.

EPA- 19-city/26 highway, and an average 22mpg 

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The seating in the 2016 Lexus RX 350 Sport is exceptionally comfortable with its heated and cooled seats. The interior design is exceptional with the use of quality materials.

There’s plenty of headroom in the cabin and the sliding and reclining backseat is very comfortable. There is plenty of legroom for tall passengers in the back seat.

Cargo capacity is 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Below is a complete list of feature, that were on my test drive:

Front Seats

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Outside

The new 2016 RX has a dramatic spindle grille in the front that is highlighted with the “triple-L” headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The Rx has a floating roof that tapers near the back with flared rear fenders The RX is definitely a head-turner that has all the design elements of the NX

Summary

The RX is definitely worth a trip to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive if you are in the market for a luxury mid-size CUV.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Toyota Corolla S Premium

Overview

The 2016 Corolla gets an updated Entune audio systems and my test drive was the S Special Edition model, which has a number of minor cosmetic upgrades.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The 2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8-liter engine is more than adequate for normal city and highway driving. The steering was very responsive and the handling was engaging for a sedan its size. Acceleration was adequate and the CVT transmission made driving this sedan a pleasure.

The Corolla S is simply a car that’s all about comfort, that is highlighted with an exceptionally quiet ride.

Under the Hood

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque.

• Engine & Performance

Inside 

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2016 Corolla S cabin is stylish with a unique dashboard, sport steering wheel and a unique shifter surround. The audio has knobs for volume and tuning and a 6.1-inch touchscreen. My S had the Entune App Suite, which integrates smartphone-connected services from Bing, Facebook, Yelp and Pandora.

The Corolla’s seats are very comfortable and supportive and hold you in place when making turns. The Corolla has more rear legroom than most small sedans have. The wide trunk has 13 cubic feet and facilitates loading and unloading.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

 Outside
The 2016 Corolla S sedan’s styling has folded edges, big wheels and tires. The car looks good in my test drive color of Classic Silver Metallic.

Summary

If you are in the market for a sedan that is moderately prices then go down to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

Overview

The exciting all new Mazda MX-5 Miata has recreated itself for 2016 . The MX-5 design says it all -ZOOM, ZOOM.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s on the road is an exhilarating and exciting experience. The Miata’s has superb visibility and the suspension and the handling are exceptional. The Miata is a Sports Car with a capital S C and it engages the driver and makes you feel like you want to go ZOOM, ZOOM. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder has ample power to let you have great acceleration. Just put the top down and enjoy the true roadster experience.

Under the Hood

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 155 hp and 148 pound-feet of torque powers the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. My test drive came equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata Club with the manual transmission can do zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Fuel economy was 30 mpg (27 city/34 highway), which is not bad for this roadster.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s interior definitely say sports car with its seating and gage layout. The Miata has very limited head- and legroom. The seats are very comfortable and hold you in place when making hard turns. The use of upgraded materials through out the cabin is prevalent.

The MX-5’s controls are strategically placed and are easy to use. USB connectivity and Bluetooth) now come standard along with a host of modern conveniences listed below.

The manual convertible top is exceptionally easy to use and the trunk has minimal storage with 4.6 cubic feet.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Outside

The exterior of the Miata says it all ZOOM, ZOOM with its new updated modern design. The exterior says excitement is ready for the taking.

Summary

Go to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive of the MX-5 today for your ZOOM, ZOOM experience.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

Overview

The new 2016 Kia Optima has again raised the bar as did it predecessors with a fresh new model.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression 

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is a powerful yet fuel efficient drive train, which is mated to a six-speed transmission. The Optima is exciting to drive at any cruising speed.

The steering can be set to several modes and I found the sport mode to be very responsive especially when making hard turns.

The ride was excellent and I hardly felt any road imperfections when driving in the city or on the road.

Under the Hood 

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine t produces 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is capable of zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Fuel economy was decent at 33mpg (28 city/39 highway)

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 Kia Optima is spacious and luxurious for the model year. The layout is very functional and accessible. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and are very supportive.

The rear-seat has excellent head, leg and shoulder room for passengers of any size. The panoramic sunroof lets you view the surroundings from either the front or rear seats.

Below is a list of all the features that were on my test drive.

Outside

The 2016 Optima’s exterior is

slightly longer, wider and taller than the car it replaces, Styling for the Optima is still a head-turner, but you will notice only subtle differences from the 2015 model.

Summary

If you are in the market for a moderately priced sedan then go to your local Kia dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Overview

The 2015 4Runner TRD Pro comes with the Trail Premium equipment, which is highlighted with special off-road tires, automatic headlights, a TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate, Bilstein shocks, upgraded front springs, a higher ride height, a unique black front grille and TRD upgrades.

Safety Features

Standard safety features on the 2015 Toyota 4Runner include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and active front head restraints. Highlighting the safety equipment on the TRD is an off-road traction control system known as A-Trac that helps keep you moving on slippery terrain by redirecting engine torque to the wheel(s) that have traction and a rearview camera.

Safety Features

The Toyota 4Runner is a true off road vehicle, which can also serve as a daily driver. The rugged suspension and big tires create a hard ride and you can still maneuver on the road and off road. The 4Runner’s steering is very responsive in any driving condition.

The 4Runner’s V6 engine is adequate and the automatic transmission is smooth shifting. The 4Runner is fun and exhilarating to drive. 

Under the Hood

The Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. My test drive TRD Pro had 4WD.

Mileage was acceptable at 18mpg (17 city/21 highway)

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2015 Toyota 4Runner instruments and controls are well laid out and easy to use. The quality of the 4Runner’s interior is good using durable materials giving it a rugged appearance.

The 4Runners come with a touchscreen audio interface using Toyota’s Entune. suite,

The 4Runner accommodates 5 passengers comfortably. The seating is supportive and comfortable. The rear seat is reclining 40/20/40-split- configuration.

The 4Runner has excellent cargo space with 47 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats, and 89.7 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded down.

Below is a list of the many features found on my test drive: 

Outside

The 4Runner had a styling update for 2015, with new angles. My test drive was black-on-black TRD Pro model, which had no chrome. My test drive was highlighted with black wheels. The 4Runner has a new front, a higher stance, aggressive off-road tires and flat-black wheels,

Summary

If you are in the market for a large SUV then go to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive of the Toyota 4Runner.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Lexus LS 460 AWD

Overview

The 2015, Lexus LS 460 features new software for its navigation system. Also new is the Lexus Enform Remote app enabling owners to control some vehicle functions through their smartphones and the rearview camera gains dynamic grid lines to assist you during parking. 

Safety Features

The 2015 Lexus LS 460 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. Lexus Safety Connect, which includes automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button, enhanced roadside assistance and a stolen vehicle locator, is also standard on all LS 460 models.

Safety-related options include lane keeping assist, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision system that preps various vehicle systems when it detects a possible collision.

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The 2015 Lexus LS 460 is a very impressive car to drive and is ultra quiet on the highway. The V8 engine has impressive power and pick up when you push down the accelerator. The LS460 has an eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly,

The steering is responsive and handles well in turns. I found the LS460 very impressive in maneuverability.

Under the Hood

The 2015 Lexus LS 460 AWD has a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel economy for the AWD LS460 is 18mpg (16/23).

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the Lexus LS 460 is elegant, which features the use of high-end materials. Materials like supple leather and unique vinyl, which are highlighted with elegant stitching throughout the cabin. Accenting the cabin is Wood trim to make the LS460 a true ultra luxury vehicle.

Seat comfort, is outstanding in the front, with sculpted, multi-adjustable front bucket seats. The seats are supportive and there is plenty of room for 5 adults to sit comfortably.

Trunk space is ample can accommodate18 cubic feet.

Below is a list of the many features the Ls460 has for 2015:

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Outside

The LS 460 exterior is highlighted with the Lexus signature spindle wide grille, elevated hood and distinctive rear end. The styling of the LS460 definitely has the Lexus DNA, which makes this vehicle distinctive.

Summary

If you are in the market for a ultra luxury sedan then go to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive today. 

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE

Overview

For 2015, the Toyota RAV4 is unchanged with the exception of some new options and features. My test drive was a XLE, which had the new standard wheels.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment on every 2015 Toyota RAV4 includes antilock disc brakes, a rearview camera, stability control, traction control, whiplash-reducing front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A driver knee airbag and a rearview camera are also standard equipment.

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving the Rav4 with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is more than adequate and very fuel-efficient. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and handles most road conditions well.

The steering was fairly responsive and the acceleration was good. My RAV4 was a FWD and handled well on the highway and in the city. 

Under the Hood

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque powers the 2015 Toyota RAV4. The average mileage was good at 26mpg (23-city/31 highway.

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2015 Toyota RAV4 features a streamlined and modern-looking dash. The RAV’s design and materials are little above average and the layout of controls is well thought out.

I found the seats supportive and was fairly comfortable. All the conventional controls in the 2015 RAV4 are easy to use and accessible.

The rear seat has enough room for 3 passengers. The rear seats were comfortable and have a recline adjustment.

The cargo area can accommodate 38.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the rear seats down there is 73.3 cubic feet available. That’s one of the largest capacities in its class.

Below is a list of all the features, that came on my test drive:

Outside

The 2015 RAV4 has sharp crisp lines and has added a swing wing-up rear door instead of the swing-out design on previous versions.

Summary 

If you are in the market for a 5 passenger SUV then you should go to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive of the RAV4 

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements