In response to the growing popularity of crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), it’s no secret that the minivan market has shrunk considerably the past few years, and there are now three fewer minivans available. Conversely, Kia has uncovered that almost as many empty nesters buy minivans as young families. Accordingly, Kia has reinvented its venerable Sedona […]
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
2015 Honda Fit
Model Tested: 2015 Honda Fit 5DR EX-L Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas, 130 horsepower 114 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 32/City—38/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $20,800 As Tested: $21,590 Performance: Peppy performance for small engine CVT transmission worked fine Paddle shifters Eco and Regular engine mapping modes Border of speedometer glows green or blue […]
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2015 Subaru BRZ
Model Tested: 2015 Subaru BRZ Series Blue Engine: 2.0-liter flat four gas, 200 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $27,695 As Tested: $30,285 Performance: Peppy Subaru flat four engine Good 6-speed manual makes best use of power Nimble handling Assertive exhaust system Handles like an air-conditioned go-kart […]
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2015 LEXUS IS 350
Model Tested: 2015 Lexus IS350 AWD Sedan F Sport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 306 horsepower 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, full-time all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19City—26/Highway—21/Combined Base Price: $42,300 As Tested: $50,375 Performance: Strong, smooth V-6 Excellent transmission with paddle shifters Multiple modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow Snow mode makes IS350 a true […]
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2015 Ford F-150
Model Tested: 2015 Ford F-150 4×4 Supercab Engine: 2.7-liter V-6 gas, 325 horsepower 375 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—23/Highway—20/Combined Base Price: $37,005 As Tested: $43,460 Performance: Surprisingly powerful 2.7 V-6 Ecoboost engine Excellent highway fuel economy; we got over 24 mpg Dial for 2H, 4H, and 4L drive modes Tow […]
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2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD
Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 Sedan Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—25/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $40,500 As Tested: $52,450 Performance: Lots of high tech safety features Smooth engine and automatic transmission Seamless AWD application Comfortable, but not numb highway ride Sport and Eco drive modes […]
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2015 BMW M235i
Model Tested: 2015 BMW M235i xDrive Coupe Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 320 horsepower 330 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, full-time all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—30/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $44,900 As Tested: $45,850 Performance: Legendary BMW six cylinder engine Twin Power Turbo Pulls like a freight train Driving Dynamic modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport Paddle shifters All-wheel-drive xDrive […]
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2015 Lexus LX570
Model Tested: 2015 Lexus LX570 5-door SUV Engine: 5.7-liter V-8 gas, 383 horsepower 403 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 12/City—17/Highway—14/Combined Base Price: $82,930 As Tested: $90,720 Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-8 Ample torque Smooth, solid highway ride Confidence inspiring off-road capabilities Traditional body-on-frame construction Off-road crawl control Multi-terrain select capability […]
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Venerable Crossover SUV Gets a Facelift
One of my favorite small crossover SUVs — the Honda CR-V — got a facelift for 2015. Five trim levels are offered with no options, and a new, top-of-the-line Touring model debuts. The functional, compact crossover boasts room for five adults and lots of cargo. The suspension has been modified, with a wider track, and […]