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 WestSound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!

The 2015 Nissan NV200 has dual sliding doors for easy cargo access.
Flash Drive

2015 Nissan NV200

Model Tested: 2015 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van SV Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 131 horsepower 139 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—26/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $21,710 As Tested: $24,345 Performance: Passable power Strong side winds can be problematic Smooth CVT transmission Impressive fuel … read more

The Acura TLX is all new for 2015. It replaces the TL and TSX. This is the top version with a V-6 and all-wheel-drive.
Flash Drive

2015 Acura TLX

Models Tested: 2015 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD and 2.4L Tech  Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, 290-hp/267 lb-ft torque and 2.4-liter I-4, 206-hp/182 lb-ft  Transmissions: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and 8-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 21/City—31/Highway—25/Combined (V-6) and 24/35/28 (I-4)  Base Prices: $44,700 (V-6)/$35,025 (I-4)  As Tested: … read more

The all-new 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan looks as good as it drives. The styling is crisp and contemporary.
Flash Drive

2015 Hyundai Genesis

 Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD 3.8 Sedan  Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 18/City—29/Highway—22/Combined  Base Price: $38,000  As Tested: $38,950  Performance: Strong, sports sedan performance Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Powerful dual exhaust note Crisp … read more

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Still Among the Best

Although not much changed between the 2014 and 2015 model years, I still think the family-friendly 2015 Toyota Highlander is among the absolute best vehicles in this market space. It gets impressive mileage for a midsize crossover SUV — a combined 28 city/highway, … read more

The 2015 Kia Soul EV is distinguished from gasoline models by the flush grille and flat alloy wheels.
Flash Drive

2015 Kia Soul EV

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Soul EV Engine: electric motor, 109 horsepower 210 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 1-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 120/City—92/Highway—105/Combined  Base Price: $33,700  As Tested: $34,625  Performance: Good acceleration 0-60 mph approximately 12 seconds Lots of torque 27kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery … read more

The 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata is best suited to twisty roads and sunny days.
Flash Drive

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Model Tested: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hardtop Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 167 horsepower 140 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $29,450 As Tested: $32,935 Performance: Strong engine Good acceleration Excellent gearbox, short, precise throws Good … read more

The Lexus GX460 is unchanged for 2015. It
Flash Drive

2014 Lexus GX460

Model Tested: 2014 Lexus GX460 Luxury Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined Base Price: $60,715 As Tested: $62,770 Performance: Very solid, confidence-inspiring chassis Smooth, reasonably powerful V-8 Rear air suspension with auto load … read more

The Toyota Avalon is largely unchanged for 2015, but it
Flash Drive

2015 Toyota Avalon

Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited  Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas with Hybrid Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 40/City—39/Highway—40/Combined  Base Price: $41,400  As Tested: $44,160  Performance: Seamless blend of gas and hybrid power Good off the … read more

The GMC Yukon SLT was totally redesigned for 2015. Halogen projector headlights are standard.
Flash Drive

2015 GMC Yukon

Model Tested: 2015 GMC Yukon 4WD SLT Engine: 5.3-liter V-8 gas, 355 horsepower 383 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—22/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $57,735 As Tested: $64,520  Performance: Muscular, powerful Trailer towing mode Trailer brake controller 7,300 pound GVW rating … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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