Genesis is practically daring you to trade in your German badge. Formerly known as the Hyundai Genesis the 2017 G80 was one of 2 cars that launched the Genesis brand. And now 4 years later it’s been completely redesigned into a sexier sedan with new engine options and a thoroughly reworked interior. This one is the G80 2.5T RWD Advanced Package priced at $53,725. The full-sized G90 was thoroughly updated for 2020, the compact-sized G70 will be freshened this year, and then there’s this all-new G80; the car that started it all. This Tasman Blue example is the ultimate expression of the brand’s aptly named Athletic Elegance design philosophy because it exudes equal amounts of both traits. The Quad Lamps, the Crest Grille, the mesmerizing 19” alloys; this is one fine looking automobile. Like the entire Genesis lineup, it’s underpinned by a rear-wheel-drive architecture with optional all-wheel drive.

TOYOTA AVALON TRD 2020 QUICK TAKES
The Avalon TRD model is designed to stand apart with striking aero elements, edgier design and aggressive stance. Red pinstriping, red-painted brake calipers, and red TRD badging complete the road-hungry look. The Avalon TRD is available in Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic. Its cabin features Black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultra-suede inserts and red accents. Every TRD edition vehicle is also committed to authentic performance improvement. Powered by Toyota’s renowned 301 horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed to an 8-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and paddle shifters. The V6 exhales through a specially tuned TRD cat-back dual exhaust, giving both models a throatier idle and acceleration sound. Now, TRD is challenging established sports sedans with the 2020 Camry and Avalon TRD models.

Think of the Bronco Sport as the Escape’s country cousin. Built South of the Border upon a unibody, front-wheel drive platform that’s significantly shorter than the Escape’s but about 3” taller, the Bronco Sport is equipped with standard 4-wheel drive and carries a starting MSRP of just over $28,000. Ford has given the trim levels cool names like Big Bend and Outer Banks but it’s this Badlands model that they deem the pinnacle of off-road performance. So if you want the more powerful engine, the better 4-wheel drive system, the differential lock, more drive modes, all-terrain tires, off-road tuned suspension, an extra inch of lift and more aggressive off-road geometry, then this is the only model for you. $34,315 is where the pricing starts and this one with the amenity-laden Badlands Package and Co-Pilot360 Assist + driver tech checks in at $37,705; slightly less than a loaded Jeep Compass Trailhawk which serves a similar purpose in life and about $12,000 less than a comparable Bronco Badlands.
The best part of the Badlands is that it kicks butt off-road while providing a really, sophisticated, softly-sprung ride on-road. And the cabin’s quietness adds to the sense of it being more substantial than the price would indicate. The turbo’s strong too and Ford has made it sound good from in here. I’m less impressed with the heavy dose of Escape interior bits which felt old and less-than right out of the gate when it was last redesigned. But all told the Sport makes for an excellent, more affordable companion to its bigger brother. And those who choose this Badlands model are getting one tough little SUV.

The GV80 is a reality with its concept look very much intact. It’s exciting that I get to drive a first-ever model from a relatively new brand. And though there are some familiar parent company bits in here, this GV80 truly feels like a Genesis and not just a premium-level Hyundai. It’s exhilaratingly fresh in every way and for those who play close enough attention to: 1) Even know what Genesis is? And, 2) Where to find a dealer? Discovering the GV80 will be automotive bliss.
When you drive the GV80 it feels as though you’re behind the wheel of something even more expensive. For instance, the shocks are fed information from the forward-facing camera which previews the road ahead so that the GV80 can preemptively keep the ride comfortable. And even without the noise cancellation feature, this is one quiet SUV. It drives beautifully in all situations backed by an engine that delivers its turbo power with maturity. For $66k, this is very hard to beat.

Honda’s refresh of the Accord has it looking better than ever at a very affordable price point. Hybrid makes for a very accommodating family car. The hybrid system itself is excellent though providing more pure EV driving, even at speed, than expected with nearly seamless transitions between EV, Hybrid and Engine drive. In Sport, it’s also a fun car to drive. That prowess is best on display in Sport mode which heightens the hybrid’s performance characteristics and imbues this car with sports sedan attitude. So for those who want an added dose of sportiness and a little bling to go with their Hybrid, it’s worth a test drive.