Category Archives: fuel economy

2021 BMW X5 Drive45e – Drive Review

Posted on October 22, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

For 2021 the X5 has been updated to its 2nd-genertion PHEV with the new xDrive45e. Total system output is now 389-hp. 0 to 60 mph acceleration time is 5.3 seconds. The X5 xDrive45e delivers higher performance levels of acceleration as well … Continue reading →

Posted in all-wheel drive, automobiles, crossover SUV, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, luxury SUV, midsize SUV, new car review, Premium SUV, safety, SUVs | Leave a comment

2021 Nissan Kicks – Drive Report

Posted on October 15, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

The 2021 Nissan Kicks has been freshened with new front and rear styling, new wheels, new colors including five two-tone choices and updated and enhanced interior trim. Sales are up for the Kicks and it’s a popular choice among younger … Continue reading →

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2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid – Drive Review

Posted on September 21, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

Forty-five percent of Toyota Avalon sales are the Avalon Hybrid. For 2021 a new Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack replaces the previous Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery.  The Avalon delivers a well balanced and comfortable ride. It’s well suited for jaunts around … Continue reading →

Posted in automobiles, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, large cars, luxury sedans, new car review, Premium luxury cars | Leave a comment

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 – First Drive

Posted on July 9, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric utility vehicle (UV) and the brand’s first global battery electric vehicle (BEV). Notably, the Volkswagen ID.4 has been named “World Car of the Year 2021,” prevailing over strong global competition. About half of U.S. … Continue reading →

Posted in all-wheel drive, automobiles, compact SUV, driver-assistance safety features, electric vehicles, family cars, four-wheel drive, fuel economy, new car review, SUVs | Leave a comment

2021 Jeep Gladiator – Drive Review

Posted on March 31, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

New on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is the availability of a 260-hp 3.0-L EcoDiesel V6 with a 442 lb.ft. torque rating.  EPA fuel economy ratings are 24 combined mpg with 22 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. The V6 EcoDiesel … Continue reading →

Posted in automobiles, diesel cars, fuel economy, midsize pickups, new car review, off-road vehicles, pickup trucks | Leave a comment

2021 Subaru Outback – Drive Review

Posted on January 20, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

The Subaru Outback was all-new for 2020 and has received a few upgrades for 2021. The station wagon-like all-wheel drive Outback is very utilitarian for urban or suburban living and is also designed for off-road driving with impressive trail capability. … Continue reading →

Posted in all-wheel drive, automobiles, compact SUV, crossover SUV, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, new car review, off-road vehicles, SUVs | Leave a comment

2021 Kia K5 – Drive Review

Posted on January 7, 2021 by urbandriverchicago

The entirely new 2021 Kia K5 is the newly named Optima successor. Now available with two turbocharged engines and optional all-wheel drive. It’s longer, lower and wider and rides on an all-new platform. It has a well organized interior with … Continue reading →

Posted in all-wheel drive, automobiles, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, midsize sedans, new car review | Leave a comment

2021 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid – First Drive

Posted on November 24, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

The all-new seventh-generation Elantra compact sedan is based on a new vehicle platform with longer wheelbase, wider stance, and a lower roofline. The four-door coupe-like look follows what Hyundai calls “Parametric Dynamics” design theme. I drove the 2021 Elantra and … Continue reading →

Posted in automobiles, compact cars, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, new car review, safety | Leave a comment

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime – First Drive

Posted on September 18, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

The most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever while also being the most fuel-efficient. That’s the new 302hp 2021 RAV4 Prime. It can do 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds and drive up to 42 miles on battery power. Check out the new … Continue reading →

Posted in all-wheel drive, automobiles, compact SUV, crossover SUV, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, new car review, SUVs | Leave a comment

Make a getaway in the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica

Posted on August 18, 2020 by urbandriverchicago

My wife and I recently did what many American families are doing this summer, we drove and did not fly to a getaway vacation home.  For the six hour drive from our Chicago home to the northern reaches of Michigan’s … Continue reading →

Posted in all-wheel drive, automobiles, driver-assistance safety features, fuel economy, minivans, new car review | Leave a comment