Model Tested: Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and Hybrid Synergy Drive Transmission: Electronically controlled continually variable transmission (ECVT) EPA Ratings: 29/city, 27/highway, 28/combined Base Price: $41,330 As Tested: $44,080 Overview: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a very smooth, midsize, three-row, front-wheel-drive crossover with available all-wheel drive. In 2017, it received […]
Lary Coppola, (in memoriam)
Having been a gearhead since he was a pre-teen, Lary's been a hot rodder, drag racer, customizer, restorer, and mechanic — as well as a nationally published automotive writer for over 25 years. In addition to appearing here, his automotive reviews are accessible at WestSound Magazine Magazine and appear in 14 city/lifestyle magazines around the country, and are accessible through the Auto Reviewers Facebook page. He is a member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association and served two terms as its President and two as its Treasurer. He is also a member of the Motor Press Guild. Follow him on Twitter at @LaryCoppola. #Larythecarguy
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Lexus LC 500 — A Concept Comes to Life in Two Versions
Models Tested: 2018 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h Engine: Gas — 5-liter DOHC, V8 Horsepower: 467 • Torque: 389 lb. ft. Engine: Hybrid — 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and 220kW permanent magnet synchronous motors Horsepower: 354 — combined gas and electric Transmission: 10-speed direct shift automatic EPA Ratings: Gas — 16/city, 26/highway, 19/combined • Hybrid […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Living Their Biggest Dream…
Two slices of pizza, a large beer, a large Sprite and a bag of peanuts, for a total of $37.50. That doesn’t count the $24.15 ferry fare each way and the minimum $20 to park, depending on how far you’re willing to walk. You’ve spent over a hundred bucks before the first pitch has even […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 VW Atlas — New Midsize Crossover a Contender
Model Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL w/4Motion Engine: 3.6-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 with FSI direct fuel injection Power: 276 horsepower; 266 lb. ft. of torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic w/Tiptronic EPA Ratings: 17/city, 23/highway, 19/combined Base Price: $42,690 As Tested: $45,235 Overview: The Volkswagen Atlas is a brand new, midsize, three-row, seven-passenger crossover SUV. Built […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 GMC Terrain Denali — AWD Comfort
Model Tested: 2018 GMC Terrain Denali AWD Engine: 2-liter DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder Power: 252 horsepower, 260 lb. ft. of torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 21/city, 26/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $39,270 As Tested: $44,370 Overview: The 2018 GMC Terrain is an all-new compact crossover, with a new powerplant, transmission, downsized chassis and new body. The […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2018 Kia Rio — More Fun than You Imagined
Model Tested: 2018 Kia Rio EX 5-Door Hatchback Engine: 1.6-liter gas direct injection 4-cylinder Power: 130 horsepower, 119 lb. ft. of torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 28/city, 37/highway, 32/combined Base Price: $18,700 As Tested: $20,225 Overview: We rarely drive this genre of vehicle, as our reader demographic is more upscale, so we weren’t exactly […]
Posted inPeople & Places
For the Love of the Game
Back in the day, when I was a moody, disagreeable, know-it-all teenager, like most kids at that age, my relationship with my parents was less than ideal. I know some of you may think I never grew out of that phase of my life, and I’ll just leave you to ruminate on that. However, no […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Mazda CX-5 — Evolving Refinement
Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Engine: Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter Horsepower: 187 Torque: 185 pound-feet Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed sport mode automatic EPA Ratings: 23/city, 29/highway, 26/combined Base Price: $30.695 As Tested: $34,085 Overview: The redesigned Mazda CX-5 crossover has evolved into something more stylish outside and quieter and more attractive inside — with so […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Nissan Pathfinder — Well-Refreshed
Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V6 Horsepower: 284 Torque: 259 pound-feet Transmission: XTRONIC continually variable automatic transmission (CVT) EPA Ratings: 19/city, 26/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $43,560 As Tested: $44,685 Overview: The midsized Nissan Pathfinder crossover SUV was redesigned for 2014, but refreshed for 2017. It boasts an improved powerplant, firmer suspension, […]