The RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in America and has even usurped the Toyota sales thrown from the Camry. And this all-new RAV4, designed with a higher level of athleticism and charisma, is a bolder, tougher SUV ready to go beyond the mall parking lot.

MSRP as-tested: $39,479

Don’t let its diminutive dimensions fool you – the hatchback, in either SE or XSE grades, is all about making a huge impression. With its lengthy list of standard features that includes Entune 3.0 with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa Connectivity; a revised sport-tuned suspension and new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform; and the first North American application of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, Corolla Hatchback strikes a resounding chord with drivers who value authenticity, utility, practicality, and style.
There’s no shortage of entertainment and connectivity capability inside Corolla Hatchback either. For SE, standard Entune 3.0 Audio includes 8-in. touchscreen; six speakers; Apple CarPlay compatibility; Amazon Alexa; Entune 3.0 App Suite Connect; Safety Connect; Wi-Fi Connect; Scout GPS Link Compatible; Siri Eyes Free; Auxiliary audio jack and USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control; AM/FM; MP3/WMA playback capability; Voice Recognition training and tutorials; Hands-free phone capability; voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth; Customizable Home Screen; and Weather/Traffic info via Entune 3.0 App Suite.

Entune 3.0 Audio Plus, which is standard on XSE and optional on SE CVT, adds HD Radio and Weather/Traffic info; SiriusXM with Cache Radio; Entune 3.0 Connected Services; Service Connect; Remote Connect. Topping the range is Entune 3.0 Audio Premium that’s optional on XSE CVT. The system includes a JBL 8-speaker 800-watt system with Clari-Fi; Dynamic Voice Recognition; Dynamic Navigation; Dynamic POI Search; and Destination Assist Connect.

The JBL audio experience with Clari-Fi – having such a complete orchestration of advanced power output, hardware, structure, and software – is engineered to impress even the most perceptive audiophile.

This 2.7-liter engine is the real deal. Making 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque it’s a huge upgrade over the standard Edge’s 2.0-liter engine and gives real credence to the ST badge.  You’ll feel the steering wheel tug a little on full throttle, what’s referred to as torque steer, before the all-wheel drive system helps rein it in.  When driving for the thrill of performance, it’s all about pressing the S in the center of the rotary dial.  You can also put the traction and stability control system in a sport or full-off mode but there’s seemingly little difference in the handling when you do.  The ST sticks pretty well no matter what.  Ford’s  all-wheel drive utilizes a disconnect feature to save gas, letting the front wheels do the all of work without parasitic losses until more grip is needed.  You can view the torque bias right here in the gauge display.  Unlike the Raptor though, another Ford Performance truck, the Edge’s sport gauges are minimal in scope, dated and small.  There’s also no heads-up display which is particularly helpful in a faster drive like this.  The 8-speed auto is smart in keeping the revs where you want them but the paddle shifters are hugely disappointing…way to slow to react to your input, especially upshifts.  Another sign of age is the lack of drive modes – there’s only normal or sport.

As one of Kia’s best-selling models the Forte compact sedan and hatchback play a key role for the Korean brand. It’s situated in the highly competitive segment that includes the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but that’s OK because this all-new 2019 model has evolved into a much more sophisticated car delivering a decidedly upscale experience.

This is one of the most impressive new cars I’ve driven in some time. It’s tastefully styled, brimming with features and a joy to drive.  Just about everything about it belies its low sticker price.  It plays with the compacts but it’s actually a midsize and its new powertrain delivers vastly improved efficiency.  Engine output is the same as before, but with an over 20% increase in mpgs and a larger gas tank, the Forte’s driving range has added over 100 miles, to 476 in total.  Rated at 30mpg city/40mpg highway, the Forte is neck-and-neck with the all-new Corolla as the segment’s mileage leader.

But this isn’t a story about a car that’s put fuel efficiency above all else. This range-topping EX trim, priced from just under $23,000, is a car you’ll be proud to own and enjoy driving.

Not even Kia could have foreseen the runaway success of this little runabout when it was introduced in 2009, but shoppers quickly took to its combination of quirky styling and practicality to catapult it to one of the brand’s best-sellers. And now the next generation is here – immediately recognizable as a Soul but with numerous enhancements to keep the masses satisfied.

While its similarly boxy competitors have been relegated to the automotive graveyard, the Soul has not only endured, it has thrived. And the changes Kia has made to this all-new 2020 model are well-received.  It’s a high value proposition with captivating design and that’s a winning formula.

So to an unseasonably cold San Diego we go to get fully immersed in the Soul’s rock and roll lifestyle. Though it comes in 6 trim levels Kia has us focused on the 2 new kids on the block; the GT-Line and X-Line.  If you’re a passionate driver who is attracted to bits such as a sport-tuned suspension, chrome-tip center exhaust, larger brakes, and sporty styling then the Soul GT-Line is for you.

Or perhaps you’re more of the off-road type who’s into the rugged look with more body cladding, bigger fenders, 18” wheels, and an optional 2-tone paint job – well, if that’s you then it’s the X-Line you’ll want.