2020 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. New for the 2020 model year is a 7” touchscreen on specific trims such as this higher end XLE model, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration on all grades as well as putting the Toyota Safety Sense P system in all cars.  The all-wheel drive option comes in 2 trims: LE and like here XLE.  Pricing starts at around $28,000 while this one with the Advanced Technology Package including a heads-up display and swiveling headlamps, checks in at $31,429. So in 2020 is the Prius still relevant?

2020 LEXUS RC 350 F SPORT AWD REVIEW BY TESTDRIVENOW CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. The RC possesses that unique blend of Lexus luxury in its ride quality with a spirited character that’ll have you seeking the long way home.  Coupe owners, obviously, crave fun and driving precision and the RC provides that without any white knuckle drama as it sticks to the road with all-wheel drive grip and the benefit of the F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension.  Dial into the highest Sport S + drive mode and gear shifts happen faster, the steering is firmer, and the suspension less yielding.  But to get the most out of the experience, use the paddle shifters otherwise the 6-speed can feel tardy.  And even though from out here the RC doesn’t sound like much, Lexus has created a convincing soundtrack for those inside…it really works quite well.  All-season tires make sense on this trim I suppose, but a more aggressive set of rubber would help scrub out some of this understeer as you attack a corner.    

2020 AUDI Q7 55 REVIEW BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. It’s no surprise; Audi sells far more SUVs these days than cars. And its largest has just been updated with modern tech and a new engine. This is the family-friendly, 3-row Audi Q7.
With a starting price of $55,795, admittedly the family has to have some money in the bank, but that being said this is the only Audi with seating for up to 7, standard all-wheel drive and 7,700 pounds max towing. Mine is the top-of-the-line Q7 Prestige, certainly well-equipped but not fully loaded, with an as-tested price of $76,040.

2020 Genesis G90 AWD 3.3T Premium Review By Car Critic Steve Hammes.
Though it left the Hyundai nest 4 years ago, the Genesis brand and its wing-type emblem are still a bit of an enigma. I can tell from the stares that people aren’t quite sure what they’re looking at. And with a thoroughly reworked body and head-turning wheels, the refreshed G90 is a curiosity worthy of attention.
Loaded with modern safety tech with some brief hands-off driving capability, everything on this Genesis G90 AWD 3.3T Premium is standard with a very becoming MSRP of $75,695, especially when you consider the no-cost valet services and Genesis’s 4th consecutive 1st place finish in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study.  If you’re not a slave to the badge, the G90 is a smart alternative to the expensive stalwarts.  

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Quick Takes. Volkswagen brand’s best-seller will now not only feature a sharper exterior design, the vehicle will also come with a host of technical innovations: The different powertrain options have an array of sustainable innovations. New control and assist systems guarantee even more convenience and the Tiguan brings a wide range of online-based services and functions on board thanks to the next generation of Infotainment system (MIB3). Four engine and gearbox combinations are initially available to order for the new Tiguan.
• The 2020 Tiguan is offered in five trims—S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line.
• In a modest value realignment, Tiguan models have standard Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert on all models.
• In addition to the newly standard driver-assistance features, all models are equipped with the next-generation Car-Net® telematics system as well as in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Wireless charging is available, starting on the SE trim.
• The new Tiguan SE R-Line Black trim features 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, black-accented R-Line® bumpers and badging, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear Park Distance Control, and a black headliner.
• The Tiguan SEL model adds upscale features like a heated steering wheel, auto- dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers.
• The SEL Premium R-Line adds a new heated wiper park, standard R-Line content, and 20-inch wheels.