SUV Archives - Travelgirl

BMW M440i has it all

travelgirlinc — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:27:31 +0000

There are few absolutes in this world, but the 2022 BMW M440i is one of them. It is absolutely a fantastic car. No ifs, ands or buts.
   It has it all, does it all and makes the experience magnificent. Coming in at $56,700, the M440i feels, looks and drives like a much more expensive car. In fact, we had to look twice at the price before we believed it. This sleek coupe has a new grill that initially looks a bit off but the look grows on you.
   The car just oozes elegance. The leather surfaces are supple, warm and welcoming, but unlike some luxury vehicles, this coupe does not sacrifice function over form. There are door panels with lots of space, including for a cup holder and another under the armrest for purses, wallets and small bags. To make the ride more comfortable, there is multi-zone Climate Control including micro-filter and automatic air recirculation as well as automatic dimming interior rear view mirror and driver’s side exterior mirror. While the back seats were decent size for adults, extra space is provided with a 40/20/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats.
   The fun was driving this car. With a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve 382-horsepower engine that goes from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Even those who have a light foot on the gas pedal will take it up a notch and test the engine. The engine wins! The ride is smooth, precise and floats on the road like a flying carpet. Bumps, pot holes and windy roads are nothing to this vehicle. It wins every time.
   This car has it all with lots of standard equipment ranging from variable sport steering, Dynamic Stability Control, M Sport Suspension, LED headlights and front and rear Head Protection System. It gets 28 miles per gallon city/highway.

To say we’re a fan is an understatement and we weren’t alone. We had several people admire the car, including a valet at a fancy hotel. He said that, while he parks upscales cars for a living, this BMW is the one he would buy. Quite a compliment and we would agree.
bmwusa.com

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Kia’s Carnival SX Prestige brings prestige and value

travelgirlinc — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:27:46 +0000

In a world where it is easy to get jaded, it’s nice once in a while to have a shock to your system — a pleasant shock, that is. And, that’s exactly what happened when we stepped into the driver’s seat of the 2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige.
Why a surprise? Well, for starters, we don’t like to think of ourselves as SUV drivers. Even in our soccer mom phase, we didn’t drive an SUV. Plus, they look big and bulky and usually the ride is a slow, uneven one that doesn’t handle well on the highway nor maneuvers around pot holes easily.
   Wrong! Carnival SX Prestige is divine! First off, the styling is a knockout. In fact, at first glance it looked more like an SUV than a minivan with a stylized new front and trim body. This vehicle as an edge that borders on being cool.
   The inside was a dream — all three rows. The front seats were large, comfortable and even opulent with bucket seats in the front and back with beautiful leather interior and cool chrome trim with diamond designs worthy of a New York City loft.
The SX Prestige feels and looks upscale. The seats are large and the 12.3-inch screen gives you all the information you need — and more. We were thrilled with the second row that featured powered captain’s chairs with arm rests and two large televisions. For sleepy kids, the relaxation mode puts the seats in full recline mode and the power foot rests raise up to make the nap even more comfortable.
The family drama of long car rides is made easier and more reassuring to parents by two cool features. The passenger view with night vision allows parent to check on passengers in the two and third rows with ease, even in the night, and the two-way intercom systems allows the front row to communicate with passengers in the other two rows clearly and without distraction, amplifying voices through the speaker system.
The Slide-Flex seating for eight passengers can be refigured in multiple ways, including a sliding second row center seat that, when in the forward most position, lets the front passenger easy access to those in the back. It also turns into a table, perfect for eating. The third row seats fold into the floor, allowing for lots of cargo room. In some models (not the SX Prestige) the second row seats fold down as well.
   The 3.5 liter gas direct injection V6 Engine with 8-speed automatic transmission handled the road like a pro. We felt at home the second we started the engine and thoroughly enjoyed every ride. It maneuver easily around curves, had quick highway acceleration and we didn’t worry once backing out of parking spaces.
The SX Prestige gets 22 miles per gallon combined. The MSP was $46,100 and the one we drove was an additional $495, bring it up to $47,770. Honestly, this SUV is loaded with standard equipment found in the most luxurious cars and it’s worth every cent — and more. kia.com

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Hyundai’s Santa Cruz Limited AWD: A Sport Adventure Vehicle

Mary Welch — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 17:15:55 +0000

Is it a truck or a car? Like the mythical centaur, which was half man, half horse, a first glance at Hyundai’s Santa Cruz looks like it’s two separate vehicles joined in the middle. But don’t be fooled, the 2022 Santa Cruz Limited AWD is all truck. But it is decidedly smaller than its rivals, which gives it several advantages. Its one-size-fits-all crew cab and short-bed body are perfect for hauling things, towing things and driving around town while also easily maneuvering parking lots and suburban roads.
It’s a functional pick-up that is able to go from the city to the country with ease — and a sense of style. Yes, it’s a bit shorter than most midsize or full-size trucks but it brings enough towing, hauling and off-roading capabilities for most folks. It fits into a niche that Hyundai may have discovered. It’s a truck for those who want a truck but don’t need a truck. And, the ride, thanks to its car-like construction, is a lot more comfortable.
Hyundai dubs it a true “Sport Adventure Vehicle,” and we can go along with that. It has a sophisticated design, a powerful engine and open-bed flexibility. Let’s be honest. Sometimes we’re carrying gear and equipment that is better suited for an open bed than a typical SUV. We discovered that after a particularly successful shopping spree at the Container Store when our shelves wouldn’t have fit into the back of an SUV, especially with the seats up. No problem with the Santa Cruz.
The Santa Cruz has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain that brings about 191 horsepower, but there is also an upgraded turbocharged engine that produces 281 horsepower thanks to a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine. It was developed with a focus on enhance driving dynamics and responsiveness that works well in urban settings as well as needed agility in off-road terrain.
Luckily for those days when you just want a comfortable ride, the Santa Cruz delivers the best of Hyundai with a 10-inch infotainment screen, lots of in-cabin storage and ambient lighting. The Limited, the most expensive version, featured leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof and a front-seat experience that was a delightful (and comfortable) blend of a car and the gravitas of a truck. It was the first time we used Remote Engine Start where we cooled down the interior before entering. Perfect for hot or freezing days.
The Limited AWD gets a combined 22 miles per gallon on a 17.7 gallon fuel tank. While the SE trim starts at around $23,9000, the Santa Cruz goes all the way up to $39,720 for the Limited.
It’s interesting. The Sport Adventure Vehicle is a unique concept and similar to the Three Bears, it’s not too big, not too small. It is, in fact, just right.
www.hyundaiusa.com

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Subaru Legacy: A Sedan that has it all

Mary Welch — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:35:20 +0000

There are so many Subaru Outbacks and Foresters populating car pool lanes and soccer parking lots that it’s easy to forget that Subaru also offers sedans, and the Subaru Legacy is a mighty competitor in the sedan segment.
   Subaru is known as a safe car; it’s become the de facto family vehicle. The the same reasons why Subaru’s SUVs are popular with families, are the same reasons why the Legacy should be popular for those wanting a stylish, safe vehicle that is reliable — and fun to drive.
Depending on the trim selected, the Legacy’s price can range from $22,895 and goes all the way to $36,145 for the Legacy Touring XT, which is similar to the $34,445 turbo-charged Legacy Limited XT but with a 180-degree front view monitor and a Sierra Tan Nappa leather upholstery. It’s the only vehicle in its segment to feature all-wheel drive as standard equipment. We drove the Limited XT and it was a delight; it truly represented the best of Subaru in terms of safety features, technology and style.
   The car is a looker, sleek with LED fog lights and welcoming lighting. It just gives a warm feeling when soft lights illuminate the door handles, the navigation systems and other little nooks and crannies — you really feel as if the car is saying “Hello, friend. Let’s go have fun.”
   And, fun will be had. We were cruising down the interstate when our car fanatic 28-year-old turned and said “This car is smooth.” It is thanks to its 2.4L direct injection 260 horsepower turbocharged DOHC with 16-valve boxer engine, and four-wheel independent suspension. The highway is your friend and zipping around street corners makes the trip to the grocery store even more fun.
   Aiding in the ride’s enjoyment is more legroom and seats that were well sculptured. We thoroughly enjoyed the manual thigh extension in the driver’s seat, a plus for taller drivers as well as those who need to stretch their bad knees out during a drive. Our car had a lot of luxury extras including leather seats and steering wheel and dual zone automatic climate control. One of the new fantastic features is a tablet-style 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen, the brand’s largest and most advanced system yet. The integrated center information display brings on-screen controls for audio, HVAC and vehicle settings as well as smartphone integration. Like a smartphone, the app icons can be moved around so that what you want the most is right at your fingertips.
   But as we noted, the drive is what it’s all about and the Legacy’s structure is stiffer and the strengthened suspension and lower center of gravity makes the sedan’s steering more responsive and provides for a smoother and quieter ride. Crash protection received a big boot as the new body absorbed more than 40 percent more energy in a crash.
   Many have written off the sedans as a dwindling market but dynamic sedans like Subaru’s Legacy will keep the sedan segment energized and popular. With 27 MPG and a price coming in at around $35,000 for the Limited XT, which has all the bells and whistles, the Legacy is not only a contender, but a winner.
www.subaru.com

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Kia Carnival: A Star is Introduced

travelgirlinc — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:48:34 +0000

Kia’s Sedona wasn’t exactly an exciting vehicle, and definitely needed a make-over. And, boy did it get one! The differences are so dramatic that it required a new name — meet the Kia Carnival — and it is full of excitement, energy, technology upgrades and style.
   Yes, the Carnival SX brings a lot to the table with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 290 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, more standard safety features, plenty of upgrades — everything is just better. Really better! This rather bland duck turned into a powerful, beautiful, competitive, stylish swan!
   This beauty can no longer be pegged as a bland minivan. This multi-purpose vehicle (MPF) can go anywhere and be anything! A few of its charms include hands-free Smart Power Liftgate with auto-close, Passenger Talk cabin intercom system (so you can talk to passengers with ease) and dual rear screen entertainment monitors. Another example of its flexibility is that the Carnival’s seating (dubbed “Slide Flex”) allows for multiple configurations, including a sliding second row center, making it easier for those with young children. No kids? Well, the seat can turn into a table for those who need to work from a laptop in the back seat (or do homework).
   A three-row seven- or eight-passenger MPV brings it in terms of refinement, state-of-the art technology and flexibility. It also goes to the head of the class for passenger room space (168,2 cubic feet) and cargo room (145.1 cubic feet behind the first row).
   This beauty can’t be defined or judged against its competitors. It’s in a class by itself.
The Carnival comes in four trim levels, ranging from the LX ($32,100) to the SX-Prestige ($46,100). We drove the SX, which featured surround view monitor, navigation system with 12.3-inch display (with hi res graphics)and Auto Emergency Braking with Junction Turning and Cyclist Detection.
   The ride again is a win. It offers a quiet ride that glided over the highway the way a model does the runway. It knew it was in charge and marvelous. In terms of mileage, it comes around 22 MPG, combined or 19 in the city’ 26 on the highway.
   For those looking for a new vehicle that does it all — and better than most — the Carnival is a must. Props to Kia for doing a total redesign that scores on all points.
www.kia.com

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