TDN NEWS: LEXUS INTRODUCES ALL-NEW ES AWD & BLACK LINE SERIES
The Lexus ES family is expanding this year with two new variations of the signature sedan. The all-new 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD will offer better traction when driving in inclement weather, and the 2021 ES 350 Black Line Special Edition brings a sporty, sleek look with the limited series. Luxury, F SPORT and Ultra Luxury ES grades will be equipped with Standard Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. With the added variety, Lexus guests can choose the ES that fits their lifestyle and climate. The enhanced 2021 ES lineup will begin arriving at dealerships in early fall 2020.

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2021 ACURA TLX TO ARRIVE AT DEALERSHIPS LATE SEPTEMBER. The 2021 Acura TLX is set to launch nationwide September 28th as the quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sedan in the brand’s 35-year history. Built upon a model-exclusive body structure and chassis architecture, the 2021 TLX 2.0T will carry a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,5001, an increase of $1,300 over the outgoing 3.5-liter V6-powered TLX. Acura’s torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system is available on all trims for an additional $2,000. The TLX Type S, with Acura’s new 3.0-liter V6 Turbo and standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, arrives next spring well-equipped in the low to mid $50,000s.

2020 Toyota Avalon TRD Test Drive & Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. When you think of an Avalon, the last thing that comes to mind is a sports sedan, right? Well, hold on for a minute. The 2019 redesign did away with its AARP Card requirement by taking Toyota’s flagship sedan in a decidedly sportier direction. And now, the Avalon has gone full on TRD to produce something surprising and a little naughty.
MSRP as-tested: $45,835 

2020 Mazda3 Hatchback Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes. When I drove the Mazda3 sedan last year, I came away disappointed. Gone was the fun-to-drive little car that used to put its competitors to shame, replaced by a more premium model that had more annoyances than I could take. But a lot of you pointed out that my opinion ran contrary to most of my peers – which I always relish, by the way – so I figured I’d take a second look, this time with the AWD hatchback.

MSRP as-tested: $31,470

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Quick Takes TestDriveNow.
The all-new 5-seater Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport takes the winning formula of the 7-seater Atlas—ample interior space, plus a host of comfort and technology features at an attractive price—and adds bolder design, as well as advanced connectivity and new driver-assistance features. Assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas Cross Sport combines hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, setting it apart from the competition.
The Atlas Cross Sport hosts the latest driver assistance technologies offered by Volkswagen. The next-generation Car-Net® telematics system is fitted as standard, with five years of Remote Access services at no additional charge, and in-car Wi-Fi capability is offered across the lineup when you subscribe to a data plan. Additionally, Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display are available for the first time on a U.S. Volkswagen model.
Two powerful engines are offered, the 235 horsepower 2.0-liter TSI® inline-four cylinder (achieved with premium fuel), and a 276 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6®. Every Atlas Cross Sport features an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and can be optioned with Volkswagen 4Motion® all-wheel drive.
As the newest member of the Volkswagen SUV lineup, the midsize Atlas Cross Sport offers flexible passenger and cargo volume, as well as everyday usability and utility. The Atlas Cross Sport is available in eight trim levels—S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line.