Thursday, 08 May 2025
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First introduced with the 2018 model year, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is what I’ll call an in-betweener offering. Some people would call it a subcompact crossover, others a compact crossover, depending how they define the segments.

Either way you look at it, the coupe-styled vehicle derived from one of their more famous nameplates is Mitsubishi’s attempt to get in on the crossover action and take away share from the long-established crossover offerings on the market. I recently spent some time in an Eclipse Cross, and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS
Both the front and rear ends of the Eclipse Cross feature unique looks and lighting setups that stand out in the segment. Add in a sharp look on the sides of the vehicle, and this is an extremely attractive compact crossover that competes well design-wise.

Inside, the materials were not ultra high-end, but were at least equal to competitors in terms of comfort and material quality. Among the highlights are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob.

Even base models offer standard heated front seats, which is wise. Optional are heated rear seats, and speaking of rear seats, they also have a reclining feature. Note that this is a compact vehicle, so space for legroom will be limited for rear passengers. Storage room is decent for the segment.

A panoramic sunroof and roof rails are offered. The base vehicle comes with 16-inch wheels, and my test vehicle (an SEL trim level) had 18-inch wheels. The Eclipse Cross features LED low and high beam headlights, fog lights, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, LED tail lights, power folding side mirrors and front rain-sensing wipers.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
  • Price as tested $32,720 (starts around $23K)
  • Best feature Peppy ride, attractive design  
  • Rating 3.5 out of five stars  
  • Who will want this vehicle? Compact SUV buyers looking for an affordable, fun-to-drive vehicle
Posted On Sunday, 05 April 2020 01:43 Written by
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The luxury sport sedan segment is one of the most brutal in the business. Featuring strong entries from everyone from Audi and BMW to Mercedes-Benz and Genesis, success in this field requires a near-perfect effort from rival automakers.

Volvo’s entry in this category, the S60, manages to shine despite the prominent foes it is facing. I recently tested a 2020 Volvo S60 and I’m back with a full report on what stands out.

LOOKS
After a strong redesign for 2019, the look of the S60 carries over for the 2020 model.

The exterior design of the S60 is simple and elegant, yet also smooth and eye-catching, with a low design and nice side lines. It stands out in a segment known for good-looking rides.

Moving inside, Volvo really nails the luxury look and feel that’s needed to succeed in this segment. The Nappa leather seats are incredibly plush and comfortable, even on longer trips.

The R-Design trim level that I tested featured standard four-zone climate control, interior lighting and a tailored dashboard. For 2020, a virtual instrument panel is now standard for all models.

Among other features that boost the luxury in the S60 include a panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, leather steering wheel and gear shift knob, auto dimming interior & exterior mirrors and metal mesh aluminum inlays.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Volvo S60   
  • Price as tested $51,990 (starts around $36K)  
  • Best feature Sporty ride, strong safety features, stylish design 
  • Rating 4 out of five stars    
  • Who will want this vehicle? Luxury sedan buyers looking for a well-designed, safe and attractive vehicle
Posted On Sunday, 22 March 2020 03:22 Written by
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Looking at the Toyota vehicle lineup, most of it is pretty tame and domesticated. 

But there’s one item that dramatically departs from this model — The off-road star known as the Toyota 4Runner. There are few true direct rivals to the 4Runner, making it almost in a class of its own and filling a unique niche.

Amazingly, this vehicle has not been updated since 2010, an eternity in car years. Read on for a full review of how it holds up as we enter the 2020s.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Toyota 4Runner
  • Price as tested $46,942 (starts around $36K)
  • Best feature Off-road prowess 
  • Rating 3 out of five stars 
  • Who will want this vehicle? The adventure-prone SUV buyer
Posted On Saturday, 21 March 2020 19:35 Written by
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In addition to looks and performance, one of the most important elements that plays a major role in most car buying decisions is the technology, from infotainment setup to safety features.

If you’re going to use a vehicle for many years, you don’t want to get something that’s outdated and not up to snuff in terms of user experience and its ability to keep the driver and passengers safe.

This review will take a look at the tech and safety offerings on the 2020 Toyota lineup, based on my time driving a 2020 Toyota Corolla.

Infotainment controls (voice)
Voice commands are one of the best innovations that allow for vehicle safety, by freeing the driver from distractions tied to changing radio stations, fixing the climate settings, making phone calls and more.

The Corolla’s infotainment system delivered in this regard, as voice commands worked extremely well across the board. The navigation system also understood spoken addresses clearly, changing radio stations by voice was a breeze, and via Bluetooth it was also a smooth process to make phone calls by voice.

Posted On Saturday, 14 March 2020 21:58 Written by
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Volvo’s entry in the compact luxury SUV category, the XC60, is battling for buyers among the giants of the luxury world — from Acura and Audi to Benz and BMW — so the task it faces in finding an audience can be daunting.

The 2020 model maintains the look from the 2018 redesign, but the good news is this is still among the best-looking and top-performing vehicles in the class. 

Read on for my full take on how it measures up in the segment.

LOOKS
The 2020 Volvo XC60 features a unique and well-designed exterior for a luxury SUV, especially in the rear of the vehicle. Volvo doesn’t blend in with the crowd like so many competitors do.

Inside, the XC60 is extra comfy and well put-together. The brand isn’t the first nameplate most people think of when the term luxury is mentioned, but anyone who has sat in a Volvo in recent years knows that it should be top of mind.

Attractive driftwood touches highlight the front dashboard, and extremely cozy and warm Nappa Leather seating will support you even on longer rides. The XC60 makes you feel at home, like a luxury model should.

Second row seating is roomy compared to other options in the segment, and the driver and front passenger will be very comfortable.

Quality features available on the XC60 include a Panoramic Moonroof w/Power Sunshade, Keyless Entry w/ Hands Free Tailgate Opening, Rear Park Assist Camera, 4-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Heated Wiper blades with Integrated Washers, and heated rear and front seats.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Volvo XC60 
  • Price as tested $65,740 (starts about $40K) 
  • Best feature Strong safety features, extra-smooth ride, well-designed in and out
  • Rating 4 out of five stars 
  • Who will want this vehicle? Luxury buyers seeking a safe and high-quality ride
Posted On Monday, 09 March 2020 00:04 Written by
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