Category: luxury SUV

  • 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel

    Mazda started talking about bringing a diesel engine to the U.S. way back in the early part of this decade. Well, it’s finally here. I’ve just driven the new 2019 Mazda CX-5 Diesel Signature AWD. The twin-turbo 2.2-L diesel develops lots of low end torque for good pulling power giving the CX-5 a 3,500 lb.…

  • 2019 Range Rover Sport HSE MHEV – First Drive

    With five different trims and as many different engines, the Range Rover Sport has something for everyone. Engine output is from 254hp to 575hp. A mild hybrid as well as a plug-in hybrid are offered. Plus there’s a diesel and a powerful V8. I spent time driving the $74K mild hybrid HSE variant. You can…

  • 2019 Lincoln Nautilus – Drive Review

    Lincoln’s entry in the premium midsize utility segment has a new name and a new look. The Nautilus for 2019 has a choice of two new turbo engines, an 8-speed automatic and a full suite of ADAS safety equipment. Priced to start from just above $40K to abound $57K, there’s a choice of options to…

  • 2019 Maserati Levante GTS -Drive Report

    The Levante GTS is powered by a 550-HP twin turbo 3.8-L V8 built at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. It’ll push the GTS to 60mph in 4 seconds flat and top things out at 181mph. It’s the same engine as used the flagship Quattroporte GTS. Driving through an 8-speed automatic, the Maserati Q4 intelligent…

  • 2019 BMW X4 xDrive 30i – Road Test

    BMW’s X4 sport activity coupe has been revamped for 2019. I first drove it last summer at the media preview program at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina assembly plant.  And I also drove it last October at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Fall Rally at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. This time around two road trips within…

  • 2019 Infiniti QX80 – Drive Review

    The QX80 was refreshed in 2018. It’s very similar to its cousin the Nissan Armada but of course with more premium features. Both are based on the Nissan Titan pickup and are body-on-frame architecture. The 2019 QX80 is offered in Luxe (two-wheel drive), Luxe AWD and a new Limited AWD model. New for the 2019…

  • 2019 Lincoln Navigator – Drive Report

    The all-new Lincoln Navigator has received many accolades including being named the 2018 North American Truck of the Year. After last year’s redesign, the 2019 Lincoln Navigator is basically unchanged. Prices start at $73,205. Four different trim levels; two different lengths; rear-wheel or all-wheel drive; 450-horsepower twin turbo 3.5-L V6; 10-speed automatic; tow up to…

  • 2019 Volvo XC40 – Drive Review

    The new Volvo XC40 small SUV has been named the 2018 European Car of the Year ahead of the Geneva Motor Show last March in Switzerland. It is the first win of this prestigious award for Volvo Cars. The XC40 is also a semifinalist for the 2019 North American Utility of the Year and a…

  • 2018 BMW X1

    The X1 is the entry to BMW’s X-series. Redesigned in 2016, it is unchanged for 2018 except for some option packaging revisions. The only power plant is a 228-horsepower 2.0-L turbocharged I-4 coupled to an 8-speed automatic. Read more on the X1 right here. @1ChicagoCarGuy

  • 2018 BMW X2 – Drive Report

    BMW added another Sport Activity Vehicle to their X-Series lineup with the new 2018 X2 xDrive28i. Based on the same platform as the more utilitarian X1, the X2 is very car-like. So much so, I want to refer to it as a 5-door hatchback. For the urban-type the X2 makes for a nice set of…