2019 ACURA MDX QUICK TAKES

The 2019 Acura MDX has arrived boasting upgraded interior fitment, new available premium exterior colors, drivability and dynamics enhancements, and an A-Spec sport appearance package. The 2019 MDX with standard AcuraWatch® technology and available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) carries a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $44,300 (excluding $995 destination and handling) while the new MDX A-Spec starts at $54,800 with standard SH-AWD®. The 2019 MDX lineup is further strengthened by the arrival of the 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid.
With nearly a million units sold since its inception, the MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time2. It is the only three-row luxury SUV in segment with six straight years of more than 50,000 sales3, and is the #1 retail-selling three-row model in segment year-to-date.

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2019 KIA SORENTO QUICK TAKES

Refined, rugged and roomy, Kia Motors America’s (KMA) best-selling Sorento SUV remains as capable as ever for the 2019 model year, touting a number of visual and feature enhancements, inside and out.  Aside from new front and rear fascias, which help it achieve a more sophisticated appearance, the cabin is now decidedly more upscale and integrates newly-added technology, including available Driver Attention Warning,4 Lane Keep Assist1 and QuantumLogic™2Surround Sound. In addition, the Sorento now pairs its available 3.3-liter V6 with a newly available 8-speed automatic transmission for an even smoother and more seamless driving experience.

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2019 TOYOTA RAV4 REVIEW

The RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in America and has even usurped the Toyota sales thrown from the Camry. And this all-new RAV4, designed with a higher level of athleticism and charisma, is a bolder, tougher SUV ready to go beyond the mall parking lot.

MSRP as-tested: $39,479

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2019 FORD EDGE ST REVIEW

This 2.7-liter engine is the real deal. Making 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque it’s a huge upgrade over the standard Edge’s 2.0-liter engine and gives real credence to the ST badge.  You’ll feel the steering wheel tug a little on full throttle, what’s referred to as torque steer, before the all-wheel drive system helps rein it in.  When driving for the thrill of performance, it’s all about pressing the S in the center of the rotary dial.  You can also put the traction and stability control system in a sport or full-off mode but there’s seemingly little difference in the handling when you do.  The ST sticks pretty well no matter what.  Ford’s  all-wheel drive utilizes a disconnect feature to save gas, letting the front wheels do the all of work without parasitic losses until more grip is needed.  You can view the torque bias right here in the gauge display.  Unlike the Raptor though, another Ford Performance truck, the Edge’s sport gauges are minimal in scope, dated and small.  There’s also no heads-up display which is particularly helpful in a faster drive like this.  The 8-speed auto is smart in keeping the revs where you want them but the paddle shifters are hugely disappointing…way to slow to react to your input, especially upshifts.  Another sign of age is the lack of drive modes – there’s only normal or sport.

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2019 Mazda CX 9 Review

The family’s growing. The kids have friends and sports no longer have an off-season. You’re in the market for a 3-row SUV. Sure, the neighbors all have Pilots and Highlanders but you go your own way. And that’s where Mazda fits in with the CX-9; a distinctly unique take on the family mobile.

MSRP as-tested: $49,230

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