Model Tested: 2020 Lexus RC F 2-DR Coupe Engine:5.0-liter V-8, 472 horsepower, 395 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 16-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 19-mpg combined Base Price: $64,900 As Tested: $79,718 Performance: Impressive, exciting acceleration Beautiful engine/exhaust sounds, but not raucous Launch button for exciting starts Crisp shifting transmission Paddle shifters Powerful Brembo […]
Behind The Wheel
Each issue we feature automotive reviews of some of the latest vehicles available — see the newest cars and trucks in the West Sound. These reviews are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2020 Toyota Highlander
Model Tested: 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum V6 AWD Engine:3.5-liter V-6, 295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $48,800 As Tested: $51,112 Performance: Smooth V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission Lots of drive mode variability: mud & sand, rocks & dirt, snow, hill descent […]
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2020 Mazda CX-30
Model Tested: 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium Package AWD Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 186 horsepower, 186 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $29,600 As Tested: $31,670 Performance: Enjoyable driving experience Responsive steering Nimble size for urban traffic Solid off-road/snow capabilities Excellent fuel economy—our best was 34.9-highway Paddle shifters […]
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2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Model Tested: 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Sedan Engine:2.5-liter I-4, 208 net horsepower Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 44-mpg city, 47-mpg highway, 46-mpg combined Base Price: $32,550 As Tested: $39,766 Performance: Impressive fuel economy—50-mpg not unheard of Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and EV Smooth highway ride as well as pleasant city driving behavior […]
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2020 Honda CR-V
Model Tested: 2020 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring Engine:1.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 190 horsepower, 179 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $34,750 As Tested: $35,845 Performance: Good performance for such a small displacement engine Great fuel economy—our best was 35.9-mpg highway Pleasant highway/city ride Traditional style […]
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2020 Lexus RC300
Model Tested: 2020 Lexus RC300 F Sport AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 260 horsepower, 236 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $48,540 As Tested: $57,230 Performance: Fun to drive in a relaxed touring manner Great long distance scenic drive car Smooth, competent engine Acceleration is good, but […]
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2020 Honda Ridgeline
Model Tested: 2020 Honda Ridgeline AWD RTL-E Engine:3.5-liter V6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $42,020 As Tested: $43,140 Performance: Smooth highway ride Impressive fuel economy—we got 24.8-mpg highway heavily loaded and 26.1- mpg empty in Eco mode Lane keeper feature felt […]
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2020 Toyota RAV4
Model Tested: 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Engine:2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $35,180 As Tested: $42,507 Performance: TRD tuned suspension Falken all-terrain tires 18-inch matte black TRD wheels Hill descent control Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow Adjustments […]
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2020 Chevy Blazer — Chevy Revives an Old Favorite
Model tested: 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier AWD Engine: 3.6-liter DOHC, SIDI V6 Transmission: 9-speed automatic Horsepower: 308 Torque: 270 lb.-ft. EPA ratings: 18/city, 25/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $45,600 As tested: $49,060 Overview: In 2019, GM revived a nameplate that hasn’t been around since 2005 — the Chevy Blazer. However, the new version isn’t the rugged, […]