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 popular Kia Sorento, Kia’s flagship SUV, has received a major update for the 2014 model year. It could be viewed as a midcycle refresh, although Kia marketeers are careful not to use the term “all new”: The Sorento sports about 80 percent … read more
Model Tested: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse AWD LTZ Engine: 3.6-liter V6, 288-horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16-mpg city/ 23-mpg highway Base Price: $42,575 As Tested: $46,200 Performance: Trailer towing transmission mode 5,200 pound towing capacity 500-mile cruising range StabiliTrak … read more
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is all new — inside and out — for 2013. The benefits of its more aerodynamic styling are better fuel efficiency thanks to a drag coefficient of about 0.29 — among the best in the industry — and a … read more
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 260 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, All Wheel Drive, Locking Center Differential EPA Ratings: 20-mpg city/25-mpg highway Base Price: $28,400 As Tested: $32,400 Performance: Peppy turbocharged engine combined … read more
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Optima SX Limited Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 274 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 22-mpg city/34-mpg highway Base Price: $26,800 As Tested: $35,470 Performance: Turbocharged 4-cylinder has V6 power True sports … read more
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT 4-Door Hatchback Engine: 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 131 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed Automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/37-mpg highway Base Price: $19,395 As Tested: $23,015 Performance: Acceleration is adequate, but not exciting … read more
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: Honda Ridgeline RTL Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC V-6, 250 hp, 253 lb/ft Transmission: 5-speed automatic, all-wheel drive EPA Ratings: 15 city/21 highway Base Price: $37,180 As Tested: $37,990 Performance: Typically excellent Honda engine and drivetrain Smooth, car-like highway ride … read more
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 155 hp, 150 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed manual, Front Wheel Drive (AWD is optional) EPA Ratings: 26-mpg city/35-mpg highway Base Price: $20,695 As Tested: $21,490 Performance: Excellent 6-speed manual transmission and clutch … read more
By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek 4-Door Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (boxer configuration), 148 hp, 145 lb/ft Transmission: 5-speed manual, All Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 23-mpg city/30-mpg highway Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,790 Performance: Very good fuel economy(our best … read more
