Cars

New Breed in Town: Buick's 2020 Encore GX

New Breed in Town: Buick's 2020 Encore GX

It’s rare that I step into a vehicle and immediately think to myself, “This car feels more expensive than it is.” In most instances, there’s a bit of sticker shock and while in some cases I can justify the cost of entry (see my review of the 2020 Mercedes GT 53 AMG HERE), most often I’m perplexed by the cost of entry versus the end result. Not so with the 2020 Buick Encore GX. This is a car that might very well be one of the best bargains for the buck I’ve driven thus far.

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Grand Touring Redefined: 2020 Mercedes GT 53 AMG

Grand Touring Redefined: 2020 Mercedes GT 53 AMG

As I approached a near 90 degree curve with the exhaust note howling from Mercedes’ AMG GT 53 in Super Sport mode, it was as if the car knew my adrenaline was pumping and felt obliged to keep it that way. Upon exiting the curve, I gleefully paddle-shifted into third, then fourth, and I couldn’t help but grin at the refined, luxurious driving experience the 2020 Mercedes GT 53 AMG delivers. All this while my seat’s massage mode worked my lower and upper back.

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Driving with Soul: Kia's 2020 Soul GT-Line 1.6 Turbo

Driving with Soul: Kia's 2020 Soul GT-Line 1.6 Turbo

Introduced in 2008 but not arriving stateside until 2010, the Kia Soul has spent the last decade leading the way in the subcompact crossover arena. Now, for 2020, the third generation of the Kia Soul has arrived and it’s undoubtedly the best iteration yet.

Kia’s Soul has been synonymous with a young, hip crowd looking for a fun vehicle at an attainable price. For 2020, Kia has expanded the Soul line-up with the GT-Line, a peppy 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo version that’s sporty, fresh, and overall a joy to ride.

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Beyond the Backcountry: Subaru's 2020 Outback Limited

Beyond the Backcountry: Subaru's 2020 Outback Limited

Over the last decade, I’ve traveled all over North America and in areas that are adventure havens for outdoor recreationalists. On each of these trips, I could always count on spotting scores of Subaru Outbacks and Foresters loaded up with mountain bikes and hiking gear, heading to the nearest trail head off the beaten path...and for good reason. Their all-wheel drive prowess and indomitable reliability are tried and true platforms for adventure seekers everywhere, as well as those who want a solid vehicle to get them from point A to point B. The 2020 Subaru Outback Limited is no exception.

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Something to RAV about: Toyota's RAV4 Limited

Something to RAV about: Toyota's RAV4 Limited

There’s a reason the Toyota brand has consistently been the largest auto manufacturer in the world. Their products excel in comfort, driveability, and build quality. So much so, my own garage features a 2003 Land Cruiser I’ve driven all over the continental United States and performs just as well now as it did when it rolled off the assembly line.

Toyota’s 2016 RAV4 Limited continues this heritage in a smaller package that’s been slightly updated on the exterior that’s attractive yet not too bold. I’ve found the RAV4 Limited to be comfortable and an excellent platform for those seeking a smaller SUV with plenty of cargo space and features that compliment around the town driving or cross-country roadtrips.

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