Reviews – Page 2 – Latino Traffic Report

Battle of the Hybrids: 2024 Toyota Prius Limited AWD vs. 2024 Sonata Hybrid Limited

Hyundai, Reviews, Toyota Comments Off

Dec 102024

The first gasoline-electric hybrid wasn’t made by a Japanese carmaker, but by a German one, Ferdinand Porshe in 1901 when he debuted the Lohner-Porsche Mixte. That car was a little ahead of its time but fast forward to today and hybrids have established a firm foothold in the car market, making up 20 percent of all vehicles sold in 2024, a new record in 2024.

Prius front seats.

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently got to test drive two leaders in the market, the 2024 Toyota Prius and the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. With competitive fuel economy, these hybrids differentiate themselves when it comes to technology and performance.

Sonata front seats.

Named the 2024 North American Car of the Year by a jury of auto writers, the redesigned Toyota Prius stunned when it first appeared in 2023 with its innovative and progressive exterior design. LTR recently drove the Limited All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version and it impressed with its performance and elegance.

Refreshed for 2024, the Sonata’s new look could almost be called a redesign, it’s so much cleaner and refined—those upswept LED accents on the headlamps have been replaced with a linear strip from left to right. LTR recently test drove the hybrid version, specifically, the 2024 Hybrid Limited. The top-of-the line trim didn’t hold back on bells and whistles but some technology was a little quirky.

Powertrains

A 2.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive system that produces 196 horses and 152 lb.–ft. of torque powers the Prius. It has an estimated fuel economy of 49 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 50 on the highway. It was just short of that on the test drive with an average of 43.3 mpg.

While the EV mode, one of four available, helps stretch fuel economy, the Sport mode had a lot to do with the Prius’s improved acceleration and power.

The EPA estimates that the Sonata Hybrid can achieve 44 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. It averaged 44.1 mpg on the test drive.

It’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC with 150 hp and 139 lb.–ft. of torque and matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to engage the Shiftronic manual shift mode which can improve performance.

Features and Technology

Hybrids and EVs sit at the top of most model line-ups, but the Limited with AWD is at the top of the Prius lineup. As such, it was packed with fancy features and technology, as well as lots of cubbies for storage. Interior details, like the configurable instrument panel, a 12.3-inch multimedia infotainment touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats, and a split panoramic sunroof stood out on the inside. Nice touches include a light strip along the dash that flashes when the car in front at a stop starts to move.

Seventeen-inch alloy wheels come standard on the Prius but the Limited gets 19-inch alloy wheels, a power hatch lid, and a digital key that allows smartphones to open doors instead of a physical key. A must-have safety feature, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, is standard across the lineup.

Like the Prius, the test model Sonata hybrid was the top-of-the-line model and similarly, included lots of extras like a color head-up display, panoramic sunroof, cooled as well as heated front seats, smart cruise control with stop and start, remote parking assist, and a blind spot monitor with a camera view displayed in the instrument panel (IP). Adding to the camera and tonal warning, the test model also included a haptic warning that vibrated the steering wheel. A basic blind spot warning system is standard on all Sonatas.

Both the IP and infotainment touchscreen measure 12.3 inches and included striking graphics. The tan leather seating enhanced the luxury feel on the inside.

On the down side

While the Prius does include a good assortment of helpful technologies, setting the adaptive cruise control was not intuitive and struggling with it became distracting. Another feature that seems unique to Toyota products is a camera view that engages at a stop light. It does provide a view of the surroundings but it’s more distracting than helpful.

The smart regeneration feature on the Sonata may help maximize battery power when coasting but it may also startle drivers at first. The effect was a bit harsh, noticeably slowing acceleration. Luckily, it can be adjusted or disengaged, if necessary. Also, while the rear seats do fold down, the pass through to the truck was partially obstructed and the smart release on the trunk was overly sensitive. It opened on its own in a grocery store parking lot once.

Pricing for the 2025 Prius starts at $29,485, including destination fees. The as-tested price came to $39,474. Pricing for the 2025 Sonata Hybrid starts at $27,995. The as-tested price came to $37,715.

Sí: Both the Prius and the Sonata Hybrid are handsome, inside and out, and the fuel economy makes them strong competitors in the segment. The Prius, however, has the edge when it comes to power, while the Sonata excels with striking graphics on two 12.3-inch display screens and extra technology like a blind spot camera and color head-up display.

No: Some tech was not as engaging or helpful as intended. Setting the adaptive cruise control on the Prius could be more intuitive and the smart regeneration on the Sonata has a negative impact on performance.

EV Review: 2024 Honda Prologue

Honda, Reviews Comments Off

Nov 092024

Electric vehicles (EVs) may grab headlines, but they still have quite a way to go before replacing traditional, gas-powered vehicles. EVs only comprised 8.7 percent of total vehicle sales in the United States last year, according to Kelly Blue Book (KBB) but overall EV sales did see an increase of 15.2 percent and the Prologue, Honda’s first EV, helped grow those sales.

In 2024 Honda took its first step with the all-new Prologue EV. KBB sales stats place it among the top ten list of EVs sales, coming in at number seven. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently test drove the Elite trim that comes with all-wheel drive (AWD). As an EV, it has an impressive range, but the driving experience needs some refining.

The Prologue steps up on the outside with a handsome, uncomplicated design, including the newly designed Honda badge. It’s also the first Honda SUV with Google built-in on all Prologue trims, and includes apps such as Google Assistant, Google Maps to help find the nearest charging station.

The standard AWD adds a second motor and combined with the first, they generate 288 hp and 333 lb.–ft. of torque. While its acceleration is impressive, there were also two killjoys onboard— an overly sensitive rear parking sensor and Honda’s one-pedal driving feature to help extend the electric range.

The sensor made it difficult to back out of the driveway, particularly when doing so at an incline. The Prologue would stop as if it sensed the road as an obstruction. The experience was pretty jarring. Meanwhile, one-pedal driving also reduced the throttle sharply when coasting but the braking can be adjusted and if that doesn’t work, it can also be shut off.

A charge chord should be included but unfortunately it wasn’t on the test model which made charging the Prologue at home impossible. When fully charged at home or at one of Honda’s fast charging networks that include Tesla Supercharger stations as well as EVgo and Electrify America (plus their roaming partners), it should have an EPA maximum range of 273 miles (for the test model). Still, the test model arrived with 256 miles of charge that it held onto pretty impressively through a week of driving, ending with 56 miles of charge. The trim level with the greatest range is the Prologue EX with a 296-mile range.

The roomy interior—it’s about eight-inches longer and five-inches wider than the CR-V—included a colorful display in the instrument panel, including a navigation map and the infotainment system included 40 presets which was generous. Other fancy features on this top-of-the-line model included a 360-degree camera, head-up display, 11.3-inch color touchscreen, 36-month subscription to Google, Bose premium audio, leather trimmed seats with heated and cooled seats in the front, and a panoramic sunroof.

Pricing for the 2024 Prologue starts at $48,850. The as-tested price came to $59,295.

Sí: The Honda Prologue EV has an impressive range* that should encourage the manufacturer to expand its EV lineup. It also benefits from a clean, refined design.
No: Some technology, like the rear parking sensor, needs adjusting.
*In March of 2025, Honda announced that the maximum range for the Prologue has increased to 305 miles.

SUV Review: Hyundai Tucson Limited and PHEV AWD

Hyundai, Reviews Comments Off

May 132024

Tuscon PHEV

As one of the newest automotive brands in the United States car market, selling its first model in 1986, Hyundai has had to get creative regarding design and generous regarding features in order to compete—its five-year bumper-to-bumper, 10-year powertrain warranty is a worthy example. Redesigned in 2022, the Tucson compact SUV bears Hyundai’s new look but also its creativity, regarding technology and generosity, vis-à-vis standard and available features that help it stand out in its segment. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has had the chance to test drive two different Tucson models, the Limited and the PHEV plug-in hybrid.

Tucson Limited

Blind spot camera view in IP.

There was a lot to like about the Tucson Limited with AWD especially the Nixie tube display option on the infotainment system, heated and cooled seats, panoramic sunroof, a blind spot camera display in the instrument panel (IP), and an average of 31.1 miles per gallon (mpg) on the test drive. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine matched to an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters, it was slow to accelerate but the Sport drive mode (one of three) added more power and improved the response. The as-tested MSRP came to $37,454.

Hyundai elevated its low emission vehicles further with the Tucson plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), also tested by LTR. For those concerned with the environment but are still not ready to give up the combustion engine, plug-in hybrids offer a good transition because they help stretch fuel economy by offering some miles of electric-only range. In the case of the Tucson PHEV, overnight charging produced 33 miles of range, enough for a trip to the grocery store or back and forth to work, if located nearby. Also significant is that charging was done on the standard 120-volt plug when more and more electric vehicles are requiring a Stage 2, 240-outlet plug or charger for overnight charging.

Tucson PHEV dash.

During the test drive, the PHEV achieved an average mpg of 41.9 mpg and 51 mpg with the electric mileage included in the calculation.

Unfortunately, hybrids, plug-ins, and EVs remain the top-of-the-line models in any segment, which translates into a hefty price tag, and the Tucson PHEV was no exception. The as-tested price came to $46,105.

It also translates into more bells and whistles, like a panoramic sunroof, a proximity key with push-button start, heated and ventilated front seats, smart cruise control, and a 10.25-inch IP and center-stack touchscreen.

Pricing for the 2024 Tucson starts at $28,875.

Sí: Both Tucsons tested offered extra features and cool technology, plus exceptional fuel economy.

No: The Tucson PHEV is costly and the Tucson Limited’s engine was wheezy and lacked power.

EV Review: 2024 Genesis Electrified V70 AWD Prestige

Genesis, Reviews Comments Off

Apr 162024

Tesla may be losing money but that hasn’t stopped other carmakers from developing their electric vehicle (EV) lineups and Genesis is just the latest, introducing an electric version of the midsize GV70 SUV. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently test drove the 2024 Electrified GV70 AWD Prestige and like its gas-powered sibling, it impressed with its premium packaging and features, but the EV also added an impressive electric range.

When Genesis hit the auto market in 2015 as Hyundai’s premium nameplate, some could say it was a bumpy start. Its design lacked sophistication and Hyundai had already carried a Genesis model in its own lineup. It begged the question: would car buyers pay more for a fancy Hyundai? Fifteen years later, the answer, apparently, is yes.

Before driving the GV70 Electrified, LTR had the chance to test the GV70 premium SUV. Judging from the redesigned GV70’s distinctive look on the outside and its interior filled with premium features, including an Ergo Motion Seat with a massage function, Hyundai had conquered any design disadvantages. With a starting MSRP of $52,600, the test model added the Sport Advanced Package and Sport Prestige Package that included features the Genesis digital key, a panoramic sunroof, 21-inch sport alloy wheels, and the Lexicon Premium Audio as well for an additional $9,900 dollars bringing the as-tested price to $64,045. This seemed like a bargain when considering the driving experience and other details like amazing graphics in the gauge cluster and 14.5-inch touch screen.

Enter the electrified version and the EV is already sitting pretty. It included the premium features listed above plus some that weren’t mentioned like a configurable instrument panel (IP) that can display 18 functions and with a 3D affect, especially when the adaptive cruise control is engaged—you can even select a color that matches the owner’s model. Copper piping accented the seats and brushed aluminum accentuated the center console and door panels, plus a selection of mood lighting and nature sounds that enhanced the interior’s spa feel.

What’s left to consider is its electric range, its ability to hold that range as well as the ease of charging. Initially, EVs could be charged from a regular 120-volt outlet. These were much lighter vehicles but carmakers today tend to focus on producing large, premium SUVs to maximize profit. The larger they come, however, the harder they are to charge. Many need buyers to install 240-volt outlets (think clothes dryer) in the garage or invest in a portable one. In extreme temperatures, it can be more of a challenge.

On this test drive, the EV benefited from fair Texas weather charging easily on a 120-volt outlet to provide 245 miles of electric range and exceeding the estimated range of 236 miles. Genesis also placed the plug in the striking G-Matrix patterned front grille for added convenience.

Pricing for the 2024 Electrified GV70 starts at $67,645. The test model also added the Prestige Package for an additional $6,800 that included quilted Nappa Leather seating, a 12.3-inch IP, head-up display, Lexicon Premium Audio, and heated second row seats, among other features bringing the as-tested price to $75,020.

Sí: The G70 Electrified ramps up the elegance and beauty of its gas-powered sibling with the added bonus of charging easily for a 245-mile electric range.

No: As with all EVs, the price limits who can partake of the experience.

Premium Hybrid Review: 2024 Lexus LC 500h

Lexus, Reviews Comments Off

Jan 302024

Getting behind the wheel of a six-figure vehicle can be intimidating, especially if it’s not yours. When the Atomic Silver 2024 Lexus LC 500h arrived for a Latino Traffic Report test drive, it made quite an impression with its super car exterior design including hidden door handles and tail lamps that were inspired by the glow of a jet’s afterburners. Officially designated a premium touring coupe, the LC 500h offers a first-class driving experience for the auto enthusiast with deep pockets.

Lexus revealed the gas-powered LC 500 in 2016 and the 500h hybrid followed shortly after. In order to be competitive, premium coupes must check several boxes and the LC 500 ticked off most. Beyond its striking design, it promised a driving experience usually reserved for sports cars.

Less of a performance vehicle than its sibling, the 500h hybrid powertrain includes a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 295 horses and 258.2 1b.–ft. of torque assisted by two electric motors and matched to a multi-stage hybrid automatic transmission. Five drive modes, including Normal, Custom, Comfort, Eco, and Sport Plus, can be used to enhance performance further.

The EPA estimated fuel economy for the hybrid is 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The as-tested model achieved an average of 25.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Fuel economy, however, may not be what prospective buyers care most about.

Sleek and low with an aerodynamic lift in the back and sitting on 21-inch forged alloy wheels, the hybrid version shares the same head- turning exterior design of its gas-powered sibling. The interior on the test model also raised the bar for bells and whistles with opulent two-tone (white and dark blue) heated and cooled leather seats with suede accents and piping, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and suede-like Alcantara trimmed door panels. There is a back seat, but it’s nearly impossible to access, even for a diminutive adult, but it could be used for extra cargo room.

Super user friendly, particularly when setting the 20 preset channels, its infotainment touchscreen measured 12.3 inches, now standard throughout the lineup. The center instrument cluster, however, needs to be updated. Other standard premium features include a panoramic view monitor, and Intuitive Parking Assist. The test model included a few options like the Bespoke Build Package ($3,200) that allows customers to select from a mix of performance and styling components exterior/interior trim, and colors, the Mark Levinson audio system ($1,220), and the white and blue interior ($1,900).

Beautiful inside and out, the as-tested price for the 2024 Lexus LC 500h coupe came to $109,705. Pricing starts at $100,450 including destination fees.

Si: If you’ve got buckets of money, love hybrids, and want a car that turns heads, the LC 500h is worth considering.

No: While it’s as striking as its gas-powered sibling, the hybrid lacks its performance and the fuel economy was just OK, and for the price, there should be a massage function for the front seats.

Plug-in Hybrid SUV Review: 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE

Reviews, Toyota Comments Off

Nov 162023

For SUV buyers who want versatility but would also appreciate better fuel economy and premium features, Toyota has an option, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. It’s not an EV per se but it does allow owners to plug-in at home, still with a 120-volt outlet, and get 42 miles of electric range. That range enhances the EPA estimated fuel economy to an average of 94 miles per gallon (mpg) while driving on combined power. The average gas fuel economy is 38 mpg.

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently test drove the 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE with all-wheel drive. Charging at home produced a range of 43 miles, which was a little better than the EPA estimate. It also achieved an average fuel economy of 36.9 mpg during the test drive.

Some newer electric vehicles EVs require owners to purchase a Level 2 charger or install a 240-volt outlet to charge so the ability to fully charge with a 120-volt outlet added convenience to the experience. However, because the charge plug was located on the right side rather that the left, it had to be backed into the garage to charge, which was a little inconvenient.

Like all hybrids, RAV4 Prime represent the top-of-the-line trim which brings premium features to the test model like its impressive 10.5-inch multimedia display (a seven-inch display is standard) that was easy to manipulate, particularly when setting presets. The 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, however, was a little more difficult to configure and a bit plain.

Available in a choice of SE or XSE grades, the top-of-the-line XSE comes equipped with an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio including subwoofer and amplifier. The test model came with heated and cooled seats with red accent stitching, heated outboard rear seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob with red stitching, and USB A and C ports, happy news for older cell phone owners, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Any model that includes a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as a standard feature gets an immediate advantage on the competition, and that includes the RAV4 Prime. Additional safety features on the test model included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and dynamic radar cruise control, among other features.

As a RAV4 it still offers the utility expected with three drive modes, from Eco to Trail, for better versatility and 33.5 cubic feet of rear cargo room for enhanced utility.

It’s powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower and 165 lb.–ft of torque. On the road, the engine did not lag and the steering feel was tight and confident. The two-tone exterior color combination added $425 to the price and the Premium Package added $2,585 as well as a color head-up display, a panoramic roof, and a foot activated liftgate.

Pricing for the 2024 RAV4 Prime starts at $44,835. The as-tested MSRP came to $51,918.

Sí: The RAV4 Prime presents a premium option for SUV fans who want better fuel economy.

No: Placing the charging outlet on the right side made it awkward to charge.

EV Review: 2023 Toyota bZ4X

Reviews, Toyota Comments Off

Sep 172023

Toyota may have been slow to join the electric vehicle (EV) bandwagon but that’s about to change. All-new for 2023, the bZ4X starts a process at Toyota to grow its EV inventory. Toyota plans to expand to around 70 electrified models globally by 2025.

Offered in two grades, XLE and Limited, in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive (FWD and AWD), Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently had the chance to review the bZ4X Limited AWD, the top-of-the-line model. While the electric range did not meet expectations, it did offer the comfort and convenience of an SUV with added premium touches.

Toyota defines electrified vehicles to include hydrogen fuel cell electrics, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and now battery electric vehicles. According to the automaker, electrified vehicles accounted for about a quarter of Toyota’s total sales volume in the United States last year.

Size enhances the bZ4X’s capability and versatility. The compact SUV is 3.7 inches longer than the RAV4, at 184.6 inches with a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase. For added convenience, cargo volume comes to 27.7 cubic feet behind the second row, but the second row does fold flat for added cargo volume.

The bZ4X comes standard with a 12.3-inch widescreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system with a three-year trial to Drive Connect that gives access to the voice activated Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Also included as a three-year trial service, the Toyota App allows users to stay connected to their bZ4X with Remote Connect to activate headlights, unlock the rear hatch, and remote start the vehicle, among other commands and provides an easy-to-use map (essential on EVs) to find nearby charging station locations.

The test model included the available fixed panoramic roof and a power sunshade and heated and ventilated seats in the front and heated seats in the back.

Favorite standard safety features on all models include a blind spot monitor, tire pressure monitor with a view of each tire, and dynamic radar cruise control.

While the list of standard features is impressive, the bZ4X did have functional challenges, particularly regarding plug-in charging. According to Toyota, the test model should have an EPA estimated max range of 222 miles (the more basic XLE trim can reach a max range of 252), however, it only had 189 miles of range when delivered and during the weeklong test drive, the maximum range achieved from home charging was 149 miles. While it should charge with a conventional 110-volt outlet, Toyota does recommend installing a 220-volt outlet for quicker home charging. The 100-plus-degree Texas heat could also have hampered charging. Hot or cold, EVs don’t like extreme temperatures and EV buyers should take that into consideration.

Removing the charge chord required unlocking the vehicle and while this seemed bothersome at first, considering the rise in stolen charge cables, perhaps it’s worth the bother, especially for those without a garage.

For added convenience, however, Remote Charging capabilities, including checking the charge status, are also included with Remote Connect on the bZ4X and one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo-owned and operated public charging stations nationwide.

Pricing for the 2023 bZ4X starts at $43,350. The as-tested price came to $52,468.

Sí: The bZ4X comes with a healthy list of premium and convenience features.

No: The electric range is not competitive, especially when charging on a 110v outlet.

Hybrid Review: 2023 Accord Hybrid Sport

Honda, Reviews Comments Off

Jul 092023

In 2022, Honda announced that as part of its electrification strategy in North America, the company would discontinue the Insight and focus on increasing the hybrid volume of core models, specifically, the CR-V, Accord, and in the future, the Civic. Honda expects that hybrids will eventually make up 50 percent of the sales mix of the Accord and CR-V.

That can make a redesign tricky but for 2023 the all-new Accord has made a good redesign from the previous generation even better. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently got to test the new hybrid version, the Accord Hybrid Sport and it achieved an average fuel economy that should make the Accord, America’s best-selling model for the last 51 years, according to Wards Intelligence cumulative United States light vehicle sales, even harder to resist.

The eleventh generation Accord comes in six trim levels, starting with the turbocharged LX and EX and topped by the hybrid-powered Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring. The previous generation Accord achieved a successful redesign with a bolder, sleeker look than its predecessor. The all-new 2023 version refines that look even more with a longer hood and a flowing fastback roofline creating a premium silhouette. The horizontal LED taillights also highlight the Accord’s new configuration.

An all-new, fourth-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system with a pair of electric motors that are now mounted side-by-side and matched to an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection power the hybrid. The combination produces more power with increased torque output of 247 lb.–ft. of torque and a 204 horsepower.

Attention to detail distinguishes the Accord’s interior with a standard 10.2-inch digital driver configurable instrumentation display. It made some information available, like a compass or average fuel economy, but the missing tire pressure information was notable. The dash also has a mesh accent running the length of it which is a nice replacement for ubiquitous carbon fiber details.

For the infotainment system, a seven-inch touchscreen in the center is standard but the test model came with the 12.3-inch color touchscreen, standard on top trims. Hoping to be on-trend, Honda no longer offers SiriusXM satellite radio on certain models, including the Accord, opting to offer Google built-in with Google Assistant, Google Map, and Google Play capability with the latest apps and services instead. USB ports have also been replaced by two USB-C ports. Luckily, there was still a 12-volt socket that can be used to plug in an adapter to charge older phones. However, that may have been why Apple Car Play, also standard, did not present itself during the test drive. Some old tech, like a volume knob, did make the cut.

For added convenience, the 2023 Accord’s rear seats fold down to expose 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, the most cargo room in its class, according to Honda.

To test its advertised estimated fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 46 mpg in the city, a road trip seemed like a good plan. Only 54 miles from San Antonio, Bandera, TX holds a few surprises like these dinosaurs at the local natural history museum. The drive through the Texas Hill Country was picturesque, quiet, and comfy. The 48.6 average mpg the hybrid earned was an added plus, beating the estimated average fuel economy of 44 mpg.

Pricing for the 2023 Accord starts at $28,390 with destination fees. The as-tested price came to $33,445.

Sí: The all-new 2023 Accord is beautiful and the hybrid version offers amazing fuel economy.

No: Honda may regret leaping forward with new tech at the expense of older features like satellite radio.

Bumped-up Bolt, Racy Equinox Add to Chevrolet’s SUV Options

Chevrolet, Reviews Comments Off

Apr 012023

By Andy Stonehouse

I remain just a little confused about the “U” part of the new Chevrolet Bolt EUV, i.e. electric utility vehicle, the marginally enlarged new version of the existing and extremely affordable Bolt electric car. Families looking for hauling capacity are probably better served pricing out a traditional, actual SUV like Chevy’s Equinox RS—or wait a year and check out the 2024 Equinox EV, on its way.

But if you’re one of those hearty electric vehicle (EV) advocates who’d like reliable and largely domestic technology, at just over $43,000 (a price that includes the $2,200 Super Cruise package) it’s another option, with all-wheel drive (AWD) also available. More impressively, the standard Bolt now sells for about $27,000, both prices before any of the now-confusing array of EV credits.

The 2023 Bolt EUV Premier is a good indication of what GM’s emerging range of EVs will be like, both inside and out, that is, rather understated in its interior design, perhaps even sparse by other brand standards, with a very grey plastic interior, large and simple-to-read displays for your EV stats, and a slightly more versatile 56.9 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats dropped.

In terms of EV performance, it’s still pretty impressive, with an official EPA range of 247 miles on a full charge, in warm weather, on flat roads, at sea level. Your actual results will vary. During my drives, the readouts told me I got up to 4.1 miles per kilowatt-hour.

Given that it’s only 3,589 pounds, lighter than a Tesla Model 3, it also goes like hell, pretty much all of the time. There’s 947 pounds of battery (the new Hummers’ batteries are about 2,300 pounds, by comparison), but Bolt EUV can make its 200 horsepower, 65 kilowatt-hour system feel like you’re driving a go-kart, and absolutely fly.

It is not, however, imbued with performance brakes or performance suspension, and though the modified shape means taller rear seat headroom, I would keep its diminutive size in mind while attempting land-speed records. Maybe take it easy and use the easy-to-activate one-pedal driving, or yank on the left-side-of-the-wheel regeneration paddle for more electronic braking.

Charging stats suggest you’ll get up to 95 miles of range with a super-fast charger, or between 25 and 37 miles of range per hour at a Level II (220 outlet) charger, with seven to 10 hours required for a full charge there.

Meanwhile—and actually more affordable than the Bolt’s EUV version—the Chevy Equinox offers a sprightly, pleasant and more capacious experience, with a 1.5-liter turbo providing surprisingly effective motoring and an easy 30 mpg.

Assembled in Mexico, the $36,020 Equinox RS AWD is not quite as plain as GM’s even-smaller, Korean-made models, with a tastefully downsized rendition of Chevy’s SUV designs—lots of sculpted swoops, red outline stitching and the RS’s blacked-out leather seats, dark chrome and black on black everywhere else, including the wheels and roof rails. You can also go super-austere and get a standard front-wheel drive version of the car for a $26,600 starting price.

The 175 horsepower from that little turbo made for a largely pleasant weekend of 350 miles of highway driving earlier this year, with somewhat lower mileage in the uphill stretches but steady numbers in the higher 20s elsewhere. Car and Driver complained how much it missed the Equinox’s old 2.0-liter engine, as you might expect them to do. With a curb weight less than the Bolt EUV, I think budget-minded drivers might find the Equinox just right.

Space here is of course not Escalade-level but also not bad, with 63.9 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats dropped, and almost 30 cubic feet behind those seats. Rear seat room is also pleasant, with almost 40 inches of leg room.

An $895 entertainment package added a heated steering wheel, USB plugs and an eight-inch color touchscreen.

Si: The Bolt EUV offers a competitive range for an EV. The Equinox RS offers good performance for an SUV.

No: The Bolt EUV offers less utility than its name implies. The Equinox’s turbo engine lacks the power of its predecessors.

Andy Stonehouse is a guest contributor to Latino Traffic Report and a freelance automotive journalist based in Lakewood, Colorado. All photos are stock, not as-tested, and feature European models.

Premium SUV Review: Lexus NX 350

Lexus Comments Off

Mar 132023

All new in 2022, the Lexus NX 350 enters its second generation with a sharper look on the outside and advanced technology inside. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently test drove the NX, specifically the Luxury trim level. From its Circuit Red leather-trimmed quilted seats to its Lexus Interface multimedia system, the as-tested NX embraced its premium tag.

Covering all its bases, Lexus makes three versions of the NX available including a hybrid, the NX 350h, and a plug-in hybrid electric (a first for Lexus), the NX 450h+. LTR tested the gasoline-powered NX 350 with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Matched to an eight-speed transmission, the turbo-charged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb.–ft. of torque and speeds from 0–60 in 6.8 seconds. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It averaged 22.5 mpg on the weeklong test drive. Its performance was further enhanced by paddle shifters and the standard Drive Mode Select with Normal, Eco, and Sport options.

Redesigned from the inside out, the NX reflects the Lexus DNA with a “refined” spindle grille. It also adds a new block LEXUS rear badge and full-width tail lamp. The sleek exterior look is complemented by a plush interior. Standard features include a power moonroof, wireless charger, and dual zone climate control. The Luxury trim added the afore perforated leather-trimmed seating, head-up display, 14-inch touchscreen (a 9.8-inch one is standard), real wood accents, and thematic ambient lighting, among other features.

Lexus seems most proud of its new technology featured in the new NX, starting with Lexus Interface Assistant that enables a voice-activated interaction with its multimedia system, from the phone to climate control. Intelligent Assistant accesses convenience features like weather and points of interest (POI) searches with navigation. Add Wi-Fi Connect and it can access audio streaming.

The Lexus Interface Cloud Navigation system offers 100 percent cloud capability and integrated Google POI data. While this service and other connected services like Safety Connect and Service Connect, are nice, they all require a paid subscription to access them after the trial term ends.

On a more basic level, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all NX models and the radio channel preset function was simple and intuitive though 18 channels seemed to be the maximum of presets. If there was an ability to expand that number, it wasn’t apparent.

Standard on all-new NX models is the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 that includes nifty features like right and left turn oncoming pedestrian/vehicle detection and braking, dynamic cruise control, and Road Sign Assist, it doesn’t include the blind spot monitor because it’s standard.

Lexus hasn’t left off utility on the NX. With the rear seats folded, the cargo room expands by 14 percent to 46.9 cubic feet.

Pricing for the 2023 NX 350 starts at $44,665. The as-tested price came to $55,225.

Sí: The all-new NX 350 improves on looks and functionality.

No: Much of the new technology requires a subscription.