An Automotive Engineer's Point of View – News and Reviews
After the first generation missed the mark on customer preference, this all-new 2021 model confidently lands in an emerging space that prioritizes styling and design over space – and sometimes practicality. Being a Toyota, the Venza pushes the brand into new territory on several fronts.
Continue reading “2021 Toyota Venza”What a fitting name. The RAV4 Prime, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, isn’t just the best within the RAV4 lineup, it’s one of the most practical and efficient vehicles available.
The headlining advantage point for the Prime has over nearly every other vehicle available is its ability to be driven as an EV without a worry of range anxiety. It sounds cliche to use the term but if you’re looking to drive up to the mountains for a camping weekend or want to go skiing on a cold winter day, there will likely be some consideration for how long the trip will be and if there will be available charging. The Prime turns those concerns into simply curiosities.
The Prime is fitted with a larger battery pack that provides about 40 miles of electric driving – enough for most commutes – until the gasoline engine fires up to provide another 560 miles of range.
Simply walking up to the monster truck-like RAM 1500 causes goosebumps with anticipation. Its massive proportions, its 700+ horsepower engine, and its Baja-ready suspension shut out any notion of a sensible Sunday drive. It’s rowdy but professional, extreme but livable. Simply put, it’s the supercar of off-road trucks.
Minivans exhibit some of the best examples of practical engineering. Their space-efficient exterior proportions aren’t the most athletic or adventurous looking but they seem to conjure the creative spirit that leads to better solutions for everyday problems as opposed to simply new ideas. And with this model’s $51,000 price tag, there are plenty of examples of ingenuity but what better way to find out than a road trip through the southern Rocky Mountains.
Continue reading “2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD”
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is an instant classic. It’s a single-year production run of an everyday three-row crossover that’s been stuffed with one of the rowdiest and most powerful combustion engines ever produced. And as the world pushes for EV’s and manufacturers shy away from engines with monstrous fuel appetites, there’s an undeniable realization that this is not just a special vehicle, it’s also the last of its kind.
Continue reading “2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat”
The claims of Mercedes marketing of being the best or nothing at all is pretty subjective, however, there is no doubt that the refreshed E450 sedan exudes high-quality materials and the satisfaction from thoroughly engineered systems that undoubtedly place the mid-size sedan at the upper crust of the luxury car segment.
Continue reading “2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC”
There are few cars destined for such serenity as the Toyota Avalon, and for 2021, the big sedan receives all-wheel drive to carry that calming experience confidently through the winter months.
Continue reading “2021 Toyota Avalon AWD”
In today’s market where crossovers are king, every niche and market crevasse is being explored. Though no longer surprising that Kia now has three similarly-sized crossovers, do they all serve a unique purpose? This all-new 2021 Kia Seltos is pitched as a spacious and rugged crossover that slots between the urban-funky Soul and the upscale and sporty Sportage. Its adventurous looks, however, is where the excitement ends, and the Seltos simply gets by on the merits of its practicality and good value.
Continue reading “2021 Kia Seltos”It’s time to reconsider what the Hybrid badge means in today’s automotive arena. More power and better driveability are now perks of being a Hybrid – in addition to improved efficiency. In the case of the RAV4, it strengthens its weakest link for a small cost that will quickly pay for itself.
Continue reading “2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited”
The 4Runner requires a full commitment to its rough and tumble DNA. It forgoes many of the daily comforts found in today’s crossovers for the off-road capability and durability that has earned it its legendary status. For most though, the daily compromises might be more than its worth. Let’s discuss.
Continue reading “2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO”