Category: Compact SUVs

Aug 19

Everything Wrong With the Cheapest Honda SUV for 2023

Honda’s subcompact SUV is its cheapest model. Here’s everything wrong with the 2023 Honda HR-V (the cheapest Honda SUV).

Honda makes some of the best SUVs in the game. Its cheapest SUV, the 2023 Honda HR-V, is finally competitive after a major redesign. Here’s what you need to know about the cheapest Honda SUV and everything that’s wrong with the subcompact SUV.

Everything wrong with the 2023 Honda HR-V

  • Seats aren’t as comfy as rivals
  • Acceleration is still slow following the redesign
  • Less cargo space following the redesign
  • Needs more powertrain options

The cheapest Honda SUV nameplate benefits greatly from its recent redesign but is far from perfect. Overall the main complaint about the HR-V is still its lack of power. Its starting price and fuel economy are both decent for its segment.

2023 Honda HR-V Specs

Starting MSRP $23,800
Engine 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder
Horsepower/Torque 158 HP/138 LB-FT of Torque
MPG 26 Miles Per Gallon in the City/ 23 Miles Per Gallon on the Highway
Trims LX, Sport, EX-L
Honda HR-V specs.

2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2022 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Honda HR-V was much less competitive than the 2023 model year. It was slower and less refined. The new HR-V’s bold redesign has reinvigorated the nameplate. Furthermore, it makes 14 more horses and 11 more lb-ft of torque. Cabin quality and exterior design have improved with the 2023 model year as well.

What’s the best 2023 Honda HR-V trim?

2023 Honda HR-V trims

  1. LX
  2. Sport
  3. EX-L

The Honda HR-V Sport is the trim to get because of its balance of affordability and great standard features. It has a standard blind-spot information system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It also includes heated front seats, smart entry with walk-away auto lock, and cruise control.

The HR-V Sport’s starting price of $25,900 makes it slightly more expensive than the LX base model but still more affordable than the average small SUV. Furthermore, it has great creature comforts for the money and decent tech features as well. The 2023 Honda HR-V Sport is the most competitive iteration of the cheapest Honda SUV the industry has seen in quite some time.

The best subcompact SUVs of 2023

Despite its major redesign, the HR-V still isn’t a leader in its segment. It’s in a better position to rival other subcompact SUVs, but two models still overshadow it.

The Mazda CX-30 is easily one of the most refined models in its segment. It offers a premium ownership experience for an affordable price. Additionally, upper trim levels offer quality reminiscent of luxury SUVs. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 starts at $22,950. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The CX-30 achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

Another notable subcompact SUV for 2023 is the Hyundai Kona. The 2023 Hyundai Kona starts at $22,140. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The subcompact SUV gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s a quirky, fun SUV that’s slightly more affordable and efficient than the Mazda CX-30. The Honda HR-V is gaining on competitors, but it still has a ways to go before rivaling the top dogs in its segment.

Aug 19

Assessing the 2024 Honda CR-V: Has It Lost Its Edge in the Compact SUV Market?

The 2024 Honda CR-V once reigned supreme in the compact SUV category, but recent evaluations suggest it might be losing its charm. Critics point out that while the CR-V remains a solid choice, it’s no longer the standout it once was in a rapidly evolving market. This shift raises questions: Is Honda falling behind, or is the competition simply accelerating?

Evaluating the 2024 Honda CR-V: Performance and Pricing

The 2024 Honda CR-V, praised for its comfort and space, continues to offer a commendable driving experience with its latest model. It features enhanced interior space due to an extended wheelbase, ensuring comfort across its three available trims: LX, EX, and EX-L. Starting at $29,500 for the LX with front-wheel drive and reaching up to $34,660 for a fully-loaded model, the CR-V maintains competitive fuel efficiency, with the front-wheel drive model achieving 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. However, adding all-wheel drive slightly reduces these numbers.

Critics like Edmunds acknowledge the CR-V’s enduring appeal but no longer see it as the top contender, now favoring newcomers like the Mazda CX-50. The CR-V’s drawbacks include limited storage for small items and a noisy hybrid model, which may deter some buyers seeking a quieter ride.

Prospects for the Honda CR-V Amidst Fierce Competition

Despite its merits, the 2024 Honda CR-V finds itself in a tougher spot than previous years, positioned in the middle tier of U.S. News’ compact SUV rankings. It faces stiff competition from the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, both of which have garnered accolades for their value and family-friendly attributes. The CR-V’s performance is reliable yet criticized for its sluggish transmission, a minor flaw that doesn’t overshadow its overall capability.

Looking ahead, the longevity of the Honda CR-V remains promising, with potential to exceed 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. Although it’s currently overshadowed by more dynamic rivals, Honda’s track record suggests that forthcoming versions of the CR-V will address any shortcomings. In a market brimming with high-quality options, the CR-V still holds significant appeal due to its blend of functionality, comfort, and enduring value. Honda continues to stick to its proven formula, ensuring that the CR-V remains a top seller, even as it adapts to a changing automotive landscape.

Jul 21

Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Seltos: Why the Kona Might Have the Edge

Hyundai Kona: A Sales Leader in the Subcompact SUV Segment

The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos both excel as subcompact SUVs, yet the Kona holds a slight sales advantage over its rival. According to GoodCarBadCar, the Kona has sold 37,925 units so far in 2023, outperforming the Seltos, which has sold 32,423 units. The Kona’s edge could stem from its more extensive dealer network and a lower starting price of $22,140 compared to the Seltos’s $23,340.

The Kona’s appeal is further enhanced by its diverse lineup. It features the high-performance Kona N with a 276-horsepower turbocharged engine and the Kona Electric with a 258-mile range, options not available with the Seltos. Additionally, the Kona’s extensive model range and attractive pricing contribute to its strong market performance.

The Kia Seltos: Rapid Growth and 2024 Upgrades

Despite the Kona’s current sales lead, the Kia Seltos is making significant strides, with a 64% increase in sales for 2023 compared to the Kona’s 15%. The Seltos benefits from a mid-cycle refresh for 2024, including updated styling, an enhanced infotainment system, and a more powerful turbo engine. These improvements may bolster the Seltos’s appeal, especially given its newer market entry in 2021 versus the Kona’s introduction in 2018.

Both SUVs are set to receive updates for 2024, with the Kona undergoing a complete redesign and the Seltos receiving a refreshed look and additional features. Choosing between these two excellent options depends largely on individual preferences, whether one values performance and electric options in the Kona or the Seltos’s roomier interior and standard all-wheel drive.

Jul 21

What to Expect from the 2024 Dodge Hornet: Pricing and Features for Every Model

Affordable Performance with the 2024 Dodge Hornet GT

Dodge is breaking new ground with its latest release, the 2024 Hornet, marking a departure from its traditional lineup. The base model, the Hornet GT, is priced at $30,735 and comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It features a striking design with arrow-shaped headlights and a robust grille, complemented by a 10.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone climate control, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an exhilarating driving experience without the luxury price tag.

Top-Tier Features of the Dodge Hornet R/T Plus

For those seeking the ultimate in performance and luxury, the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus is the flagship model, starting at $45,935. This trim introduces a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system, combining a 15.5 kWh battery with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine to produce 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 32 miles of all-electric range. The R/T Plus also boasts premium amenities like a power sunroof, wireless charging, and Brembo brakes, making it a standout option for those desiring a high-performance, eco-friendly crossover. With additional packages and options, such as premium paint and the Track Pack, the fully loaded Hornet R/T Plus can reach approximately $51,715, offering a top-tier driving experience.

Jul 21

Why the 2023 Jeep Renegade Latitude is the Top Choice for Shoppers

Overview of the 2023 Jeep Renegade Trims

The 2023 Jeep Renegade lineup includes five distinct trims, starting with the Latitude at $28,400. This is followed by the Upland, priced at $29,200, which adds stylish exterior enhancements like unique fascias and a distinctive hood decal. The Altitude, priced at $29,400, elevates the interior experience with premium cloth upholstery and advanced features such as remote start.

The Popularity of the Latitude Trim

Despite Jeep’s reputation for off-road prowess, most shoppers are drawn to the Latitude trim rather than the Trailhawk or Limited models. The Latitude offers an excellent blend of value and features, including a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This configuration provides a balance of performance and efficiency, achieving around 26 mpg combined and enabling a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

Why the Latitude Stands Out

The Latitude’s appeal lies in its practicality and cost-effectiveness. Although the Limited offers luxury and the Trailhawk excels off-road, many consumers prefer the Latitude for its blend of essential features and affordability. It offers a respectable cargo capacity of up to 50.8 cubic feet and standard tech features like an 8.4-inch touchscreen and advanced safety systems, making it a smart choice for those seeking value and functionality in a subcompact SUV.

The Latitude’s combination of affordability and a solid set of features ensures that it remains a popular choice for many buyers. This trim strikes a balance between necessary functionality and cost, making it an appealing option for those who want a reliable daily driver without the extra expense of luxury or off-road capabilities.

Jul 20

Why the 2023 Subaru Forester Outshines the Kia Sportage

Superior Fuel Efficiency

When comparing compact SUVs, the 2023 Subaru Forester stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency, setting it apart from the Kia Sportage. The Forester delivers an impressive 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, surpassing the Sportage’s 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway ratings with AWD. This difference means the Forester not only saves on fuel costs but also reduces the frequency of trips to the gas station.

Cost-Efficient Long-Term Driving

Choosing the Subaru Forester over the Kia Sportage could translate into significant savings over time. For instance, on a 500-mile trip, the Forester consumes three fewer gallons of gasoline compared to the Sportage. Over a year, this difference can add up to over $250 in savings, making the Forester a more economical choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

In addition, while the Kia Sportage Hybrid offers better fuel economy, it comes with a higher upfront cost and only starts paying off after considerable use. If immediate savings are a priority and the extra cost of the hybrid doesn’t fit your budget, the 2023 Subaru Forester is the more practical choice for efficient driving.

Jul 20

1 Lexus NX Trim Is Attracting More Consumers’ Attention Than the Rest

When it comes to luxury vehicles, most consumers turn to brands like Lexus. If they want the SUV experience, one of the best models to choose from the brand is the NX with its performance and standard all-wheel drivetrain. What can you expect from the different 2023 Lexus NX trims, and which one is the most popular?

The Lexus NX trims and what they offer

The 2023 Lexus NX comes in a handful of trims, including the Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling models. Each one has a unique set of features that makes it stand out from the rest. Each trim has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Paired with it is an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain. Here’s what you can also expect from each one:

Base

The entry-level trim starts at $43,965 and gets you a pretty decent amount of standard features. Those include 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather seating, a WiFi hotspot, a 10-speaker audio system, and a 9.8-inch infotainment screen. As for driver’s assistance aids, you get Forward Collision Warning, Lane-departure Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Luxury

One of the higher trims in the lineup is the Luxury model, which offers 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, ambient lighting for the cabin, and a 14-inch infotainment display. You’ll also get open-pore wood interior accents, cloud-based navigation, an adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a voice assistant. This trim level begins at $51,415.

F Sport Handling

With the NX F Sport Handling trim, you can expect 20-inch black wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension system, a 10-inch display, and sport-designed front seats. With only the standard features, this version starts at $49,065.

You can upgrade this model with a Luxury package, which will add items such as driver’s seat memory settings, an upgraded voice control system, and a power liftgate with a kick sensor system.

While each trim offers some pretty awesome features, none of these are the most popular trim offered, according to Edmunds.

The most popular trim many NX vehicle owners gravitate toward appears to be the Premium model, which is a step up from the base and begins at $47,015. You’d think one of the higher trims would be more appealing with top-notch luxury features like a larger infotainment screen or larger wheels, but this version seems to outshine the rest. Why is that?

One possibility is the list of extras that it offers for a more affordable price than the higher trims bring. For example, you get the same features as the base but it adds low-speed automatic braking, a sunroof, power-adjustable steering, parking sensors, and ventilated front seats.

With this model, you can opt for a 14-inch touchscreen and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system for a little more money. This way you don’t have to pay more for items you may not need in your daily driving experience.

What will the 2024 Lexus NX offer?

The 2024 Lexus NX is currently set at $44,065 to start with many of the same features as the 2023 model, including the engine specs. This version offers 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.

As for changes from the previous version, don’t expect a whole lot. The few items that are new this year won’t have any effect on its performance, they are mostly aesthetic-based.

According to Car and Driver, you can expect some new interior colors for the cabin and the brand decided to make some of the color-keyed elements to the interior as well. Lexus also added a remote parking feature to the 350h and the 450h+, while the 450h+ F Sport will now come with your choice of a regular sunroof or a panoramic one.

Cargo space on this model is pretty average with 23 cu-ft of storage behind the rear seats. The total cargo capacity is only 46.9 cu-ft of space, which should be enough to haul around groceries or a small family’s bags for trips.

The Lexus NX has a handful of trims to choose from for the 2023 version, but the Premium level is the one that stands out. While it’s not easy to say why, its list of extras and affordable pricing clue us into why it could possibly be the most popular.

Jul 12

Assessing the 2023 Hyundai Tucson’s Base Price: Is It Truly Accessible?

Initial Cost Versus Real-World Pricing

Hyundai, known for its diverse and popular vehicle offerings, introduces the 2023 Tucson with a starting MSRP of $26,900. This compact SUV, lauded for its comfort and advanced technology, is advertised at an attractive entry-level price. However, the practical cost of acquiring one typically surpasses this base figure once essential features and preferences are factored in.

Unpacking the Standard Features and Optional Add-Ons

The 2023 Tucson starts with a robust 2.5-liter engine and includes modern conveniences like an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, positioning it as a competitive option in its class. Yet, when customizing a basic Tucson using Hyundai’s online tool, the price climbs quickly. Opting for all-wheel drive adds $1,500, and selecting minimal yet practical accessories like all-season liners and an auto-dimming mirror pushes the price to approximately $30,705, inclusive of a $1,335 destination fee.

Evaluating the Realistic Cost of Ownership

While the base MSRP suggests affordability, the reality is that a moderately equipped Tucson can exceed $30,000. This exploration reveals that the initial price might attract consumers, but the final purchase price can be significantly higher, depending on choices and necessities. This factor, coupled with the range of trim levels that escalate in amenities and price, shows that the true cost of owning a Tucson can vary greatly, impacting consumer expectations and budget considerations.

Jul 12

Lexus NX Leads in Luxury SUV Resale Value

Why the Lexus NX Tops Resale Value Charts

The Lexus NX has emerged as a standout in the small luxury SUV category, primarily due to its excellent resale value. Factors contributing to its strong market performance include its reliability, the esteem of the Lexus brand, and its relatively low cost of ownership. In a recent ranking, the Lexus NX outshone competitors, retaining an impressive 66% of its value over five years, which is significantly higher than the category average.

Detailed Analysis of the Lexus NX’s Market Performance

The Lexus NX series, including the NX 350, NX 300, and NX 250, all hold their value exceptionally well. According to data from iSeeCars, the NX 350 leads with a 66% value retention, closely followed by the NX 300 and NX 250 models, each preserving nearly 66% of their original value. This strong resale value is a testament to the meticulous design and quality execution of these vehicles, which despite their compact size, do not compromise on luxury and functionality.

Long-term Benefits and Safety Features of the Lexus NX

Owning a Lexus NX is not just about luxury; it’s a wise financial decision due to its high resale value and the associated low ownership costs. The reliability inherited from its parent company, Toyota, adds to its appeal. Furthermore, the Lexus Safety System+ comes standard across all NX trims, enhancing the vehicle’s safety with features like emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. This comprehensive safety package, combined with the SUV’s proven durability, makes the Lexus NX a top pick for anyone looking for a safe, luxurious, and economically sensible vehicle.

Jul 12

2023 Kia Niro: The Most Affordable New Hybrid SUV with Impressive Fuel Efficiency

Affordable Hybrid SUV Options

Finding a budget-friendly SUV can be challenging, and the task becomes even more daunting when searching for a new hybrid model. Fortunately, the 2023 Kia Niro stands out as an exceptional choice in this category, combining affordability with outstanding fuel efficiency. Starting at just $26,590, the Niro is not only one of the most economical hybrid SUVs available but also offers remarkable gas mileage, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

Fuel Efficiency and Features

The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated 53 MPG city and 54 MPG highway, translating to a combined 53 MPG. With an 11.1-gallon tank, drivers can expect a range of approximately 588 miles on a full tank, highlighting its efficiency. Beyond its cost-effectiveness and fuel economy, the Niro Hybrid comes well-equipped with features like remote keyless entry, blind-spot detection, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard, enhancing both safety and convenience for daily driving.

Why Choose the Kia Niro Hybrid?

Kia’s expertise in delivering value shines through with the 2023 Niro Hybrid, which stands out not just for its low starting price but also for its practicality and efficiency. Ideal for those who prioritize fuel savings and daily utility over expansive cabin space, the Niro Hybrid serves as a reliable and economical alternative to larger SUVs. For drivers looking to maximize their budget while enjoying a modern hybrid experience, the Kia Niro is a worthy contender.