2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT Review By Auto Critic Steve Hammes. The Outback and Crosstrek are Subaru’s all-stars; a pair of all-wheel drive wagons that have carved out a niche among granolas and those living in the sticks. And this week I’m testing their all-new Paul Hogan mobile – updated but very familiar. All told I like the new Outback – its larger, sharpened appearance catches my eye and I appreciate its adventuresome spirit despite some of its shortcomings.  
https://testdrivenow.com/2020-subaru-outback/

2020 Hyundai Accent First Look By Auto Critic Steve Hammes. At $16,125 including destination the Hyundai Accent is one of the most affordable new sedans on the market and for the 2020 model year it’s also much more fuel efficient. 

When equipped with the optional continuously variable transmission, MPGs in combined driving jump from 32 to 36 over the previous car’s 6-speed automatic.  Smartstream is the name Hyundai has given to this new powertrain, which still uses a 1.6-liter 4-cylidner engine but one that curiously reverts back to port injection from direct injection to produce a little less power but also saving the typical owner $150 per year at the pump. 

Paired to Hyundai’s in-house developed CVT they call an Intelligent Variable Transmission or to the standard 6-speed manual available only on the base model, output is rated at 120 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. 

I’ve driven other models with the company’s IVT and it’s extremely well done with more of a traditional automatic feel. 

Duking it out with the likes of the all-new 2020 Nissan Versa and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, the Accent includes a standard Rearview camera and a 5” color touchscreen while higher trims like the Accent SEL and Limited can be optioned with goodies like heated seats, push button start, auto climate control, a bigger display audio system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay and the segment’s first Hands-Free Smart Trunk Release. 

And on the safety front, the Limited trim, which is priced at just over $20,000, even comes with Forward Collision-avoidance Assist.

Volvo’s latest generation of vehicles showcases a turning point for the Swedish automaker, highlighted by captivating design, high technology and an aspiration of electric motoring. And this all-new, American-made S60 is just another example of Volvo throwing down the hammer. Volvo has crammed all the goodies into this chic cabin and combined them with a relaxing yet spirited drive wrapped in a gorgeous Scandinavian body.     

Looking more like a baby Maxima, Nissan’s bread-and-butter midsize sedan has recaptured its mojo to once again become an alluring choice for those still not enamored with the pivot towards crossover SUVs. Is the Altima a better car than the Accord?  No.  The Camry?  Very close.  Either way, they’re all solid selections and your decision will likely come down to intangibles and what you prioritize in a car.  MSRP of my tester is $38,840. https://testdrivenow.com/2020-nissan-altima/

Look at Lexus’s current vehicle offerings and like every automaker you’ll find standouts like the LS, LC, ES and then some real dogs like the GX, LX and well should we put the IS in that category too? Last redesigned for the 2014 model year it remains the cheapest way to get into a new Lexus sedan with a starting price of around $40,000. And in F SPORT livery it’s still turning heads! No saggy skin or bald spots, 6 years later and the IS looks as spry as ever. But appearances can be deceiving and as a long gaze turns into meaningful conversation the IS effuses a much different vibe.
Lexus states that this is a true sport sedan in every sense of the term with exhilarating performance – that I can guarantee you it is not, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed.