2019 HONDA PASSPORT QUICK TAKES

The all-new 2019 Honda Passport is designed for adventure-seekers who want the superior off-road capability of Honda’s available i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the power and towing capability of its 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V6, and the more personal and rugged character of a five-passenger SUV. Within the Honda SUV lineup, in size and price, it slots between the refined and compact-size CR-V and the larger, three-row family-focused Pilot.

The 2019 Passport is based on Honda’s reinforced unibody midsize light-truck platform, featuring a fully-boxed floor structure, the latest generation of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a sophisticated fully independent suspension offering exceptional on- and off-road driving performance.

Passport’s rugged yet modern exterior styling comprises standard 20-inch wheels, aggressive black grille, and increased ride height with more athletic proportion and stance compared to the three-row Pilot. Inside, Passport offers best-in-class passenger space and total interior volume and features a large “basement” cargo area ideal for storing dirty gear or keeping valuables out of sight.

Powering the new Passport is a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected V6 engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain connected exclusively to a second-generation 9-speed automatic transmission. Opt for all-wheel drive and Passport gains Honda’s torque-vectoring Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™) all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Traction Management – with Snow, Mud and Sand modes — allowing the driver to optimize Passport’s tractive and dynamic performance based on terrain and weather conditions. With 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, Passport offers top-class standard horsepower, brisk acceleration and up-to 5,000-pound towing capacity.

With Passport, drivers also benefit from the latest technology, including standard Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Additionally, all Passports come with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera system, while EX-L, Touring and Elite models come with Honda’s blind spot information system. Additional premium technologies available on Passport include in-vehicle Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, an 8-inch Display Audio system, wireless phone charging and more.

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2020 Hyundai Palisade Review

2020 Hyundai Palisade Review. Remember the Veracruz? That was Hyundai’s first attempt at an upscale 3-row crossover. And now look how far they’ve come; this is the first-ever 2020 Palisade. Hyundai is going to sell a lot of these. It’s a stellar product at an even better price.  MSRP as-tested: $43,205 https://testdrivenow.com/2020-hyundai-palisade/

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2019 SUBARU FORESTER QUICK TAKES

The all-new 2019 Forester, the fifth generation of the best-selling SUV, introduces the roomiest, most capable and most versatile Forester ever made and also features groundbreaking new safety technology.
The 2019 Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform to deliver significantly higher levels of driving pleasure, agility, crash protection, ride comfort and quietness. The all-new Forester will be available in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and new Sport trim levels. All are powered by an enhanced direct-injection, 182 hp 2.5- liter four-cylinder BOXER engine featuring Auto Stop/Start and paired with a standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Also standard on all trim levels is Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

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2019 CADILLAC XT4 QUICK TAKES

Cadillac’s first-ever XT4 is an all-new compact SUV tailored for the next generation of luxury customers.
Developed on an exclusive compact SUV architecture, Cadillac’s entry in the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment delivers expressive design, confident performance, spacious accommodations and new technologies.
The XT4 also debuts Cadillac’s new global “Y” trim strategy, with distinctive Premium Luxury and Sport models built on the well-equipped Luxury (base) trim. Specific content and styling cues tailor the Premium Luxury and Sport trims to different customer tastes and preferences.
XT4 Sport models feature a gloss black mesh grille inspired by Cadillac’s high-performance V-Series models, gloss black window moldings and specific Sport alloy wheel choices. Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature grilles with bright metallic accents, satin aluminum window moldings and satin chrome-accented door handles.
All models feature advanced LED lighting technology, front and rear, with front LED low- and high-beam headlamps and an LED-illuminated light blade for the daytime running lamps. Cadillac’s vertical L-shaped lighting signature is stretched horizontally, emphasizing the XT4’s confident stance.
Inside, a bold, refined and spacious cabin echoes the exterior design themes, offering a great balance of style and comfort. It also integrates Cadillac’s latest user experience system1 to make it among the most connected vehicles in its class. With intuitive, smartphone-like functionality, it’s a dynamic platform that leverages the cloud to adjust personalization, navigation and other features over time to meet the changing needs of the owner.
An all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine drives all models.

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2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport Review

While the Germans are boring us to death with their spiritless designs, the Asian automakers have become a bastion of audaciousness.  Now, you’re not going to like them all but give credit where credit is due for originality.  However, this one from Infiniti is inarguably gorgeous.  The Q60 Red Sport 400 is as sexy a coupe as you’ll see on the road today. I’ve often said that I don’t spend a lot of time on design in my reviews because you like what you like and vice versa so who cares but with an enchantress like this, attention is required. Thirteen-year-old me would have picked up this poster at Spencer Gifts back in the day it’s that worthy.  And there are some real great reds on the market right now from Mazda, Ford and Land Rover but this Dynamic Sunstone Red from Infiniti doesn’t play second fiddle to any of them.  It’s a head turner with sporty elegance.  Bolt on the optional sport exhaust and you’ve also got one of the snarliest sounding rides going.  The Q60 Red Sport is beautiful, it’s fast and it’s loud and that combination can overcome just about any warts.
With options like blind spot warning, an around view monitor with dedicated switch, cargo package and copious amounts of carbon fiber, this Q60 Red Sport 400 AWD stickers for $65,628.  On premium gas, mileage is about 21 mpg.
So for those who yawn at the sight of another BMW, Infiniti’s Q60 Red Sport is a 2-door ready to please.

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