2015 Lexus ES 350

Overview

For 2015 the Lexus ES 350 gets a standard touchscreen, “Display Audio” tech interface and all new interior material to highlight this unique and stylish sedan.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving the 2015 Lexus ES 350 is an exceptional driving experience that is highlighted with a powerful V6 engine. The motor is both smooth and responsive.  The ES350 glides over bumps in the road without even noticing them. The steering is very responsive for a larger sedan.

Under the Hood

The 2015 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The ES350 is FWD and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 is capable of 0- 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21city/31 highway for an average of 24 MPG.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The 2015 Lexus ES 350′ interior is as modern and stylish as the exterior. The analog clock located in the center stack is unique and timeless. The leather materials used in the cabin are elegant and the build quality is excellent.

The climate controls and the upgraded Lexus Remote Touch system are both easy to use.

Interior space is plentiful and a 6-footers will be comfortable in the front seats. Rear-seat legroom is impressive and the trunk holds an impressive 15.2 cubic feet of space.

Below is a list of amenities featured in my test drive.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Packages

Exterior Options

Interior Options

Outside

Highlighting the ES350 is the Lexus-signature spindle grille flanked by L-themed LED daytime running lights. This gives the ES 350 an unmistakable style with its coupe-like profile.

Summary

If you are in the market for a luxury grade sedan then visit your local Lexus dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport

Overview

The exceptional 2015 Lexus NX 200t.F Sport is as exciting on the outside as it is on the inside. The NX has a distinctive look that brings excitement to the Lexus lineup of vehicles.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving the 2015 Lexus NX 200t is a pleasant surprise with its superb handling both on the road and in the city. The ride is firm, the steering is responsive and the body motion is very controlled when driving around turns. The F Sport has a tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and has a mellow sound via Active Sound Control that pumps artificial engine noise into the cabin.

Under the Hood

A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque powers the NX 200t. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. My test drive had AWD and hugged the road in any weather condition.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The NX’s interior is dynamic with the use of an array of high quality materials. The interior is totally modern and unique compared to any of its competitors. The workmanship is high end, with materials that look and feel rich. Every detail has been thought of from the contrast stitching, wood trim and an analog clock to make the NX a first class vehicle.

Rear passengers have plenty of room but cargo space is tight. The NX’ has 54.6 cubic feet of total volume and just 17.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats.

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

Interior Features

Standard seating shown. Other seating may be available as optional equipment.

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

The NX has a very unique exterior with the current Lexus signature features. On the front is the familiar Spindle Grill, which is part of current Lexus DNA.

Highlighting the NX are the unique LED daytime running lights featured on the front end and the ultra modern rear taillights highlight the rear end of this unique CUV

Summary

The NX is a unique CUV and has many attributes that are worth going to see at your local Lexus dealer. So why not go today for a test drive so you can see for yourself.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Toyota Camry XLE V6

Overview

The 2015 Toyota Camry has the same under pinning’s as the 2012-2014 models. The 2015 Camry now features some new sheet metal and an updated interior. The Camry is better handling then its predecessor.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The 2015 Camry XLE has revised steering, braking and suspension from previous models. The Camry has a more responsive feel and handling on the road. The V6 is very responsive and has respectable gas mileage of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Under the Hood

The 2015 Camry XLE has a potent V6 that is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Below are the specifications on the V6.

Engine

Inside

The interior of the 2015 Toyota Camry uses upgraded materials, new interior design and has new technologies. The new Camry feels more contemporary than its predecessor.

Below is a list of the amenities that were on my XLE.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

The 2015 Camry has a bold front end and a nicely detailed rear end. The new look makes a styling statement and stands out from other cars in the segment.

Summary

The 2015 Camry XLE is definitely worth a test drive if you are in the market for a family sedan. So go to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Kia Soul EV

Overview

The 2015 Soul has created a EV version, which has a very impressive driving range. In my drive report I will let you know if the estimated driving range of 93 miles is reality.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The Soul EV handles very well on the highway and has excellent pick for an EV. When taking turns you feel like the wheels are glued to the road and the maneuverability is exceptional.

Driving the Soul EV is exceptionally quiet and peaceful experience. There is absolutely no whining noise during acceleration.
The Soul EV has two drive modes: D for drive and B for more aggressive regenerative braking.

Under the Hood

• 109 HP
• 210 Pound-feet of torque
• 27 kWh lithium polymer battery pack
• Target range of more than 120 miles (expect 90 or so for an official EPA rating)
• Recharge in under 5 hours on 240 volt or in 25 minutes via quick charge (likely CHAdeMO, though Kia doesn’t specifically mention this)
• 0 to 62 MPH in less than 12 seconds
• Top speed of 90 MPH

Inside

The interior of the Soul EV is well laid out with a gauge cluster highlighted with an estimated-range meter, a battery-charge percentage meter, a speedometer, and a reconfigurable display in the middle. The seats are comfortable and supportive. A host of amenities were included on my test drive, which are listed below.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

Outside the Soul EV looks just like the standard Soul. The grill has been redesigned and is now used as the cover for the charging ports. Other changes include new alloy wheels, different badges and some unique color options.

Summary

The Soul EV is an environmentally friendly vehicle that has a lot going for it. The driving range and performance make the Soul EV a class leader. If you are in the market for an EV you should got to your local Kia dealer for a test drive.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Mazda3 Touring 4-Door

Overview

The styling of the 2015 Mazda 3 Touring 4-door is unique for the compact car segment. The Mazda 3 ride and handling makes it a class leader for this  vehicle.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression
The Mazda 3 has superb cornering and handling on the road. The Mazda 3 suspension is stiff, but gives the car a sports car feel.

The Mazda 3 is fun to drive and with the excellent gas mileage as a bonus when taking long road trips.

Under the Hood

Mazda 3 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. My test drive had the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter engine has excellent fuel economy 28-city/39 highway for an average of 32MPG.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior styling duplicates the new Mazda6 with a distinctive look and feel.

The Mazda3’s redesign has a new instrument cluster, a new dashboard with secondary controls in the center stack, and upgraded use of quality materials. The front seats are sporty and supportive and hold you in place in any driving condition. Below is a list of the many features my test drive had.

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

The 2015 Mazda3 stands out from other compacts in its segment with its stand alone styling. The new grille with its distinguished design and repositioned A-pillars make the Mazda3 unique to the compact segment.

Summary

When you’re shopping for a compact sedan, that features fuel economy, reliability and overall value then the Mazda3 is the vehicle for you. Go to your local Mazda dealer for test ride today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2015 Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Overview

The 2015 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is an exciting sport car sedan, that highlights the Lexus lineup of vehicles. The words that describes this vehicle are superlative and exciting..

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving the IS 350 F Sport is exciting and a unique driving experience. The drivetrain produces decent fuel economy of 19 city 26 highway/ 21 combined.

The suspension of the IS 350 F Sport gets high marks as it has wider and larger diameter wheels and tires. Maneuverability is excellent both on the road and in the city.

Under the Hood

Under the hood of IS 350 F Sport is a 3.5-liter motor that produces 306 horses and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. This V6 engine that features direct and port injection with dual Variable Valve Timing and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Just press the ignition button and motor elicits a rumble, saying that it’s raring to go.

Inside

The interior of the IS 350 F Sport is impressive and luxurious. The leather is soft and luxurious and used everywhere in the interior. The front seats are supportive and are comfortable.

The interior is well laid out and has some very impressive tech features. The long list of amenities are listed below.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

The 2015 IS 350 F Sport has a unique front bumper, which is highlighted with the Lexus signature spindle grill. The F Sport has badges on the front fenders, along with the larger gun metallic gray F Sport wheels. The F Sport is finished off with shapely rear end with a pair of tail lamps with L-shaped LED patterns.

Summary

If you are in the market for a unique Sports sedan then go to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive. The IS 350 F Sport will not disappoint you.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

Weights and Capacities

2015 Toyota Yaris 5-Door SE

Overview

For 2015, the Toyota Yaris gets a unique and distinctive front and rear styling update.

My test drive was an SE, which had 16-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, and a rear spoiler

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The SE had a potent 106 hp drive train, which superb handling and was fun to drive. The SE was excellent on the highway for both comfort and fuel economy.

The SE had an out of date four-speed automatic transmission, which should have been fitted with a more updated CVT transmission.

The Yaris has a reasonably smooth ride and has a sporty feel when taking turns.

Under the Hood

The 2015 Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which has 106 hp and 103 pound-feet of torque.

EPA fuel economy 32 combined (30 city/36 highway).

Engine & Performance

Inside

The Yaris’ interior is well laid out and all controls are easy to locate and use. The gauges are mounted directly in front of you and are easy to read. The seats are comfortable and are high-mounted for good sightlines. There is plenty of interior room in the front seating area is ample and there is adequate rear-seat legroom. The 2015 Toyota Yaris SE has unique seating material. The car comes standard with all of the basic tech features you’re likely to want, including a user-friendly touchscreen interface, Bluetooth with streaming audio capability and a USB input.

The four-door Yaris has 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Rear Seats

Power Features

Instrumentation

Convenience

Comfort

In Car Entertainment

Telematics

Outside

Toyota Yaris is highlighted with its new large grille highlighted with black plastic.

The 2015 Yaris has its own DNA in a very crowded segment of the market. The Yaris is not a trend setter for design and has lackluster design.

Summary

2015 Toyota Yaris is worth a test drive if you are looking for a compact sedan.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements