Entering the large SUV market with a bang in 2020, Hyundai debuted the impressive Palisade model, which has been flying from dealer lots ever since its debut. The upscale 3-row model is the largest and one of the most expensive vehicles sold by the automaker, but sales numbers remain high as it impressed straight out of the gate in looks, performance and technology.
In its second year for the 2021 model year, most of the Palisade remains unchanged. The main difference is the addition of the more upscale Calligraphy trim level, and the options packages are slightly adjusted.
I recently tested a 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy model, and I’m back with a full report.
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Most SUVs aren’t traditionally known for unique or attractive exterior designs, but the exterior of the Palisade is one that will grab your attention.
Highlights include an especially eye-catching front grille, and a sharp wheel design. My Calligraphy trim level test vehicle also featured an exclusive 20-inch wheel.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- Price as tested $49,070 (starts at $33K)
- Best feature Versatility, sharp style, safety features
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Families seeking a modern 3-row SUV that offers comfort and smart technology
While the world is becoming more equal in terms of gender equality in the workplace, in many professions it’s still very one-sided in terms of representation.
One such profession is engineering. Studies show that currently only 13 percent of engineers are women. Thankfully, many companies are working to change that, including the ARaymond Network, which manufactures assembly and fastening systems worldwide and has more than 7,000 employees.
Mareike Pollichino is an engineer who works for ARaymond in Germany as a parts designer and development engineerfor metal fasteners used in the automotive industry. She has been with the company for more than 12 years.
Pollichino says her decision to pursuing this automotive engineering as a career was a delayed decision, because initially she viewed working in the automotive field as a male profession.
“I was always curious about how things worked and was interested in the subject. But I decided very late that I wanted a technical profession in automotive. Prior to that, I had thought of other roles like media design and graphic design being for women, and automotive for men,” Pollichino said. “Thankfully my family motivated me to pursue this, including my brother who is an engineer. Through encouragement from my internship in ARaymond, I was positively surprised how open the company was to me as a young woman. After my internship, I wanted to continue my career in this field.”
You don’t get to be a NACTOY Car of the Year nominee by slouching. That’s the first hint that the Genesis G80, a relatively new vehicle getting its first overall redesign for 2021, is a luxury sedan worth noticing.
With more powerful engines offered, and more plentiful and improved tech features to enhance the experience, the G80 continues to be a surprisingly strong contender in the very stacked midsize luxury sedan segment.
While the Genesis brand — an offshoot of Hyundai — is still relatively new and lacks the cachet of many longstanding luxury brands, it’s one that continues to turn heads, and could soon find itself on the rise.
I recently spent some time in a 2021 Genesis G80, and I’m back with a full breakdown.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2021 Genesis G80
- Price as tested $60,575 (starts at $47,700)
- Best feature Powerful performance, luxurious design
- Rating 4.5 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Luxury sedan buyers seeking a new alternative that is more affordable than established brands but equally impressive
As someone who loves to drive, I’ve never truly understood why the sales charts are the way they are when it comes to nonluxury family sedans.
Far too often, vehicles that are actually fun to drive are left behind by the sedan buyer in favor of more humdrum experiences behind the wheel.
Whatever the reason, I’m happy to report that for people who are focused on stronger performance from their sedan, options still exist.
One such option is the 2021 Mazda6, a sedan that both looks sharp and drives impressively. I recently spent some time in a Mazda6 and I’m back with a full report.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2021 Mazda6
- Price as tested $36,795 (starts around $25K)
- Best feature Sporty and fun to drive, strong design, tech features
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Sedan buyers who want to skip more humdrum options and get a ride they’ll remember
In the automotive world, trucks rule the sales charts, nailing down positions 1-2-3 on the overall list of most-purchased vehicles year after year.
And while Ford continued to hold the overall lead with its F-Series once the final numbers for 2020 were tallied, there was an interesting development in the battle for 2nd place, with the Chevy Silverado passing RAM for 2nd place, with 594,094 Silverados sold vs. 562,676 for RAM. This is quite impressive, as the Silverado made up a significant gap from the previous year, and this battle will no doubt continue to rage into 2021 and beyond.
I recently got behind the wheel of a 2021 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Custom Trail Boss, and I’m back with a full report on how the Silverado measures up against its competition this year.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2021 Chevy Silverado
- Price as tested $49,785 (Starts around $29K)
- Best feature Towing and hauling capability, power
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Truck buyers seeking a powerful, capable hauler
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