A significantly updated, body-on-frame, 3-ton SUV that prefers premium gas and nets 15mpg. Meet the new 2021 Armada. I really like what Nissan has done with the updated styling and the new badges and Armada lettering look great. And I watch enough Kids Baking Championship to actually understand this beautiful color’s name: Coulis Red Pear. This big touchscreen with its crisper graphics, wireless phone projection and over the air updates immediately adds some much needed modernity. Likewise, the driver display has been updated and this rear view camera mirror is best I’ve ever seen – so big and crystal clear.
It’s stout, refined and quiet – all traits you’d expect in a luxury SUV. It doesn’t feel trucky at all – the ride is smooth and the handling is more than competent despite the big weight it’s managing – all without any trick suspensions or drive modes which is both impressive and outdated at the same time. MSRP as-tested is $71,250 and that doesn’t get you LED interior lighting or a hands-free liftgate; the latter unavailable at any price. If you can live without some of the newness and unavailable features and aren’t scared off by the gas mileage it’ll save you thousands when compared to a comparable Chevy Tahoe.

Toyota’s infamously long product cadence has caused the Sienna to slide all the way to the 4th spot in minivan sales. That may not sound bad until you realize there are only 5 of them on the market. But going on sale this November is an all-new 2021 Sienna Toyota hopes can challenge the segment-leading Chrysler Pacifica. How will it accomplish this? Well, though they no longer own the market with it the Sienna continues to offer all-wheel drive – a big plus in the snowbelt – but here’s the headline: all models will be hybrids. Not a plug-in like the Pacifica, mind you, but a battery-motor- engine deal nevertheless. 245 horsepower and 36mpg is the hook Toyota hopes can reel you in. with this new model strategy. It’s an all-new vehicle from the ground up, elevating the Swagger Wagon look with a fresh design and new features Toyota says make this the most sophisticated, versatile and enjoyable Sienna ever. Engineers focused on reducing noises in the frequencies where conversation takes place, while also mitigating the feeling that you’re driving a bus by using what they call the Bridge Console, ergonomically positioned high with lots of storage, helping to alleviate stress and boost driver comfort. And then there are a host of other convenience features that have become minivan staples such as kick open and close sliding doors, sliding 2nd row captain’s chairs, modern connectivity but not wireless phone projection, Driver Easy Speak, and a vacuum. Above and beyond good stuff like a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, bird’s eye view camera and a refrigerator give the Sienna some distinction. Pricing for the very base FWD Sienna LE with its 8 passenger seating and stowable middle seat starts at $35,635 including delivery while a 7-seat AWD Platinum checks in at $51,635.

Mazda’s engineers could have left well enough alone for their award-winning family vehicle but instead continue to make meaningful improvements to benefit drivers and passengers in all three rows. Among the updates are a refined, retuned suspension that offers a smoother, quieter and more natural ride and greater sound suppression by way of a thicker headliner and thicker floor mats, which aid in ease of conversation and enjoyment.

So you’re in the market for a minivan. And let me guess; you’re debating between the Honda Odyssey and the Chrysler Pacifica. Both are excellent choices but I prefer the Pacifica; it has superior styling, a smarter interior and a plug-in option, how cool is that? I last reviewed the Pacific Hybrid a couple of years ago when it first hit the market but here’s what’s new and what you should now before purchase.

2020 Chrysler Pacifica Red S Edition First Look By Auto Critic Steve Hammes.
The ‘S’ can now be colored red at Chrysler. The best minivan on the market has just received an infusion of Dodge attitude. While Toyota claims they have the “swagger wagon” this new for 2020 Pacifica Red S Edition is clearly the winner with soccer dads and kids alike. The S Appearance Package introduced 3 years ago is an option chosen by one out of every three Pacifica owners but Red S is like sneaking into Spencer’s without your parents. For $3,995 it features Rodèo Red soft Nappa leather two-tone seats accented by Light Diesel Grey stitching and piping and a “S” logo on the seatbacks. Silver Metal Brush trim dresses up the instrument panel and door trim. Riding on 20s, there’s a Red S liftgate badge and Black Chrysler wing badges with Velvet Red inserts. Safety features also get a boost and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system can drown out the screaming. https://testdrivenow.com/2020-chrysler-pacifica-red-s-edition/