2021 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid TEST DRIVE

Toyota considers this XSE Hybrid the RAV4’s flagship model. It features a sport-tuned suspension, racier styling and a standard 2-tone paint scheme. So if you’re shopping for a small SUV that delivers fun and frugality, put the XSE Hybrid on your short list. The RAV4’s redesign has been a runaway success for Toyota, partially because they’ve done such a good job at offering it in multiple flavors. From a very capable TRD Off-Road model to plug-in hybrids and everything in between, there’s likely a RAV4 that’ll specifically fit your small SUV needs. And this one here is the sportiest one you can buy without a plug; the XSE Hybrid.

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2021 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN TEST DRIVE

If you want the biggest SUV on the market with better fuel efficiency than a Honda Pilot, the Suburban diesel is in a class of its own.
Here we are with the 2021 Suburban and indeed this aluminum, 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel is an attractive option for high-mileage drivers.  Equipped with 4-wheel drive, this Suburban is rated at 20mpg city and 26mpg highway.  And as is the case with these types of engines it’s all about the torque and this one produces the same 460 pound-feet as the mighty 6.2-liter V8 but does so beginning at only 1,500RPM.  It’s even paired with start/stop engine technology that’s as smooth as butter.  And you can barely even tell that it’s a diesel under the hood.           

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2021 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD

The Sorento is one of Kia’s best-selling nameplates.  It arrived in 2002 and has since grown into a 3-row segment heavy hitter, battling the likes of the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder.  But with this all-new 4th generation model, Kia is giving the Sorento a fresh perspective.  The V6 is gone, a pair of hybrids is in and this hero model takes the Sorento in a more premium yet rugged direction.   

This X-Line SX-Prestige gets the “off-road look” with exclusive bumpers, unique 20” wheels and a bridge-type roof rack.  There’s also a 1” increase in ride height, standard all-wheel drive with a center locking differential and hill decent control.  So this is the Sorento you want if you have a more adventurous family.

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FIRST-EVER GENESIS GV70 DEBUTED

The new Genesis GV70 represents an athletic, yet versatile option in Genesis’ emerging lineup of SUVs
Inspired by the design philosophy of “Athletic Elegance”, GV70 features a sporty and dynamic appearance
First-ever GV70 U.S. deliveries in calendar year 2021
Genesis launched GV70, a dynamic SUV, representing the fifth model and second SUV in the Genesis lineup. The debut was conducted via worldwide broadcast of its cinematic launch film entitled “GV70: A Travelogue”.

“Genesis has been striving to build a strong product lineup complemented by a curated purchase and ownership experience, focusing on design, product development, service, all centered on our customers’ lifestyles,” said Jay Chang, Global Head of the Genesis brand. “With the debut of GV70 today, Genesis will continue to provide models aimed at connoisseurs around the globe, delivering a tailored mobility experience based on our customer-centric philosophy.”

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2021 BENTLEY BENTAYGA V8 TEST DRIVE

At some point you’ve fantasized, like me, about owning a car you can’t afford. Perhaps a Bentley. Thanks to my job, I’m lucky to have driven many of these British-born beauties over the past 20 years, but never did I imagine way back at the beginning while driving around in an Arnage that Bentley would ever be involved in the SUV game. But here’s the Bentayga — on the market for 5 years, but have you ever seen one in the wild? With a starting MSRP of $180,000, they are rare but Bentley has sold more than 20,000 of them during that span. And now for the 2021, it’s been given the once over inside and out and this one with nearly $60,000 in options is tagged at $238,870.

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