Model Tested: 2016 Ford Explorer, 4WD Platinum Edition Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 Transmission: Six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 16/city, 22/highway,18/combined Base Price: $52,970 As Tested: $54,760 Overview: Think time doesn’t fly? The 2016 Ford Explorer is the 25th anniversary model. This Explorer is 24 inches longer and 620 pounds heavier than the original, delivers nearly twice […]
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Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Ford Mustang — Classic Muscle Car Redefined
Model Tested: 2016 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Engine: 5.2-liter, TI-VCT 8-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 15/city, 25/highway, 19/combined Base Price: $36,395 As Tested: $42,275 Overview: After a major remake last year, 2016 is the second year of the sixth-generation Ford Mustang. Upgrades include interior and exterior detailing; leaps in technology, electronic controls for steering, […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Nissan Altima — A Good Sedan Gets Better
Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Altima SV Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: Xtronic CVT EPA Ratings: 27/city, 39/highway, 31/combined Base Price: $25,460 As Tested: $28,425 Overview: The number of “midcycle” refreshes in the midsize sedan segment is an indicator how competitive this segment is. The 2015 Toyota Camry started the trend, followed by nearly every major […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 KIA Sportage — Bigger, Better, Bolder
Model Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo Engine: 2-liter direct injection, 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 21/city, 26/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $32,500 As Tested: $34,000 Overview: The compact SUV segment now leads the U.S. automotive market, so automakers have to bring their A-game to compete. The redesigned, fourth-generation Kia Sportage is a […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
El Sombrero — A Taste of Mexico on the Key Peninsula
The Key Peninsula has seen its share of restaurant comings and goings over the past decade. But the Mexican restaurant El Sombrero, which opened in Key Center eight years ago, feels right at home amidst the rustic charm of the Peninsula — never mind its off-the-beaten-path location. “The Hat,” as some locals have nicknamed it, […]
Posted inBest of West Sound Results, Featured
Best of West Sound Results 2016
WestSound Magazine magazine is excited to present the annual Best of West Sound results — from Bainbridge Island all the way to Gig Harbor, we’ve found the businesses and places you love. Enjoy! Best Restaurant Silver City Restaurant & Ale House A very popular local hangout, Silver City offers both great food and beer, and […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Lexus RX — Refined Yet Edgy
Models Tested: 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h Crossover SUV Engines: 3.5-Liter V-6 and Hybrid Synergy Drive Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: RX 350 FWD – 20/28/23; AWD – 19/26/22 RX 450h FWD – 30/31/30; AWD – 30/28/30 Base Price: Unavailable As Tested: Unavailable Overview: Redesigned for 2016, the fourth-generation Lexus RX crossover adopts […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 KIA Optima SX — Game-Changer Ups the Game, Again
Model Tested: 2016 Kia Optima SX LTD Engine: 2-liter turbo gas direct injection 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic with active eco function EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $35,790 As Tested: $36,615 Overview: The Optima — Kia’s game-changer — is all-new for 2016. It’s been upgraded by fine-tuning every aspect of this much-improved sedan. Styling […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Mazda CX-3 — Fun and Practical
Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring All-Wheel Drive Engine: Skyactiv-G 2-liter 4-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed, sport mode automatic EPA Ratings: 27/city, 32/highway, 29/combined Base Price: $23,210 As Tested: $26,050 Overview: The Mazda CX-3 is an all-new SUV-like subcompact crossover. Despite its basic crossover-type profile, the CX-3 offers racier looks than some sports cars, and is […]