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Test Drive: 2022 Genesis GV70 2.5T Advanced

2022 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD Advanced in Cardiff Green (A $500 option)

2022 Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD Advanced

Miles driven: 447

Fuel used: 21.5 gallons

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B
Power and Performance	B
Fit and Finish	A
Fuel Economy	C+
Value	A

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	300-hp 2.5L
Engine Type	Turbo 4-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	All-wheel drive

Real-world fuel economy: 20.8 mpg

Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 22/28/24 (mpg city, highway, combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas recommended

Base price: $41,000 (not including $1045 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Cardiff Green paint ($500), Select Package ($4000), Advanced Package ($4150)

Price as tested: $50,695

Quick Hits

The great: Posh, comfortable cabin; quietness; long list of available comfort and convenience features

The good: Respectable acceleration from 4-cylinder engine; confident, distinctive styling; competitive pricing

The not so good: Our mediocre observed fuel economy trailed EPA estimates; some control-interface quirks

More Genesis GV70 price and availability information

John Biel

Perhaps Genesis mislabeled its brand-new premium-compact SUV by calling it the GV70. It is derived from the platform of the G70 sedan and styled in the same vein. But the available engines, rotary-dial gear selector, and console dial for the infotainment system are straight out of the midsize G80 sedan and GV80 sport-utility. Maybe the newcomer ought to really be called the GV75.

Of course, there are numbers that truly are more important to shoppers and we’ll get to them by and by. What really counts is that with the GV70 Genesis has created an excellent, value-packed entry in this busy market segment.

The Genesis GV70 launches for 2022 as the second crossover SUV in the growing Genesis-brand product lineup; in size and price, it slots in below the midsize Genesis GV80, which debuted for 2021.

Riding a wheelbase of 113.2 inches and ranging 185.6 inches from bumper to bumper, the 5-passenger GV70 is, respectively, 3.1 and 9.1 inches shorter in those categories than the GV80 that’s set up to carry seven in some models. Where the G70 premium-compact sedan offers the choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, the GV70 engines are a similarly aspirated 2.5-liter four and 3.5-liter V6.

All-wheel drive is standard in every GV70. Prices (with delivery) begin at $42,045 for the base 4-cylinder version and rise to $63,545 for the V6 Sport Prestige. Consumer Guide sampled a 2.5-equipped Advanced—it sits second from the top of four 4-cylinder models—with a starting price of $50,195. Only a spray of Cardiff Green paint nudged the final tab to $50,695.

Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Lincoln Corsair Reserve

The GV70’s interior is dazzling in terms of both design and materials. The infotainment system can be controlled via a center-console dial (which is unfortunately easy to grab when you intend to use the rotary-dial gear selector mounted just aft of it) or the extra-wide, 14.5-inch high-definition touchscreen.

Typically for a Genesis, trim levels are treated as packages added to the core model. To get two steps up from the base vehicle, CG’s tester first had to absorb Select equipment (19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker Lexicon premium audio, ventilated front seats, and brushed-aluminum interior accents). Then came the Advanced package with leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, interior trim with a “Waveline” pattern, surround-view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, front parking-distance warning, rear parking-collision avoidance, Remote Smart Parking Assist (to jockey the vehicle in and out of tight spaces while the driver stands outside), and advanced rear-occupant alert.

Test Drive: 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Advanced

There’s ample space in the GV70’s front seats, but the rear-seat legroom and headroom can be tight for adults.

All that is the frosting on the cake. It builds on GV70 basics like LED headlights and taillights, heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats with power adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate control, front and rear 12-volt power outlets, and hands-free liftgate. Tech items include an infotainment system with 14.5-inch screen, navigation, satellite and HD radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility; dual front and rear USB ports; wireless device charging; and fingerprint recognition for one-touch starting. Safety and driving assists consist of adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping and following assist, rear parking-distance warning, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring.

First Spin: 2022 Lexus NX

The GV70’s cargo volume is a bit better than most premium compact SUV rivals–there’s 28.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, which grows to 56.8 cubic feet when the second-row seat backs are folded.

The Advanced’s luxury additions fill out a cabin that’s pretty lush for the price, with lots of soft-touch material—even far down on the doors past the point at which lots of other manufacturers default to plastic. Knurled surfaces adorn the ends of the wiper and light-control stalks, steering-wheel thumb buttons, and the transmission selector dial. Metal accents brighten the doors, dash, console, and steering wheel. The big infotainment display atop the instrument panel is vibrant, easily legible, and can show two things at once (for instance radio settings and navigation map). Fortunately, it is a touchscreen, which means you don’t have to use the remote console controller—and this one reminds us a little of the Lexus Remote Touch get-up that we’ve never particularly liked. By the way, it’s uncanny how easy it is to reach this round controller when you really want the trans selector. Easy-working temperature dials mix with numerous buttons for climate control.

Quick Spin: 2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced

A 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is GV70’s base engine; a 375-hp turbo 3.5-liter V6 is also available. Choosing the Select package upgrades the standard 18-inch wheels to 19-inch alloys.

Comfortable seats welcome four adults. The front row is roomy; the second row slightly less so—but it would be wrong to call it cramped. Headroom is quite good, too, and driver sightlines are fairly unobstructed. Personal-item storage is accomplished in a large glove box, decent covered console bin, door pockets with bottle holders, and net pouches behind the front seats. Exposed cup holders are found in the console and the pull-down center armrest in the rear seat.

Overall cargo space is good, even if the rakish rear shape might stand in the way of certain loading options. The cargo bay holds at least 28.9 cubic feet of stuff. Drop the 60/40-split rear seats, which fold absolutely flush with the load floor, and a further 28 cubic feet open up.

Quick Spin: 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge

The GV70’s attractively athletic body shape is highlighted by nicely executed styling details, such as the Genesis brand’s signature shield-shaped grille and slim “Quad Lamp” LED headlights and taillights.

The 2.5 engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, is attached to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powerteam is an eminently competent pairing for moderately lively performance that gets a little zestier (and a touch louder) in “Sport” mode, with its quicker throttle response and more patient upshifts. Still, you can happily cruise all day in subtler “Comfort” mode. “Eco” and “Custom” settings are available as well. We wish the GV70 was a little stingier with gas—premium, wouldn’t you know. EPA ratings are 22 mpg in city driving, 28 on the highway, and 24 combined. When this driver put 81.5 miles on the test vehicle—with 69 percent city-style operation—it returned just 20.3 mpg.

With a suspension that’s a retuned version of the G70’s front struts and multilink rear, ride quality is luxury-brand good, with fine bump absorption and isolation from road noise. Steering is nicely weighted and responsive in the Comfort setting. Maybe the more resistant Sport-mode steering is a help on twisty roads where you wouldn’t want to overdo inputs, but in lazier urban-expressway driving it just feels heavy. Brakes are easy to modulate and predictably reliable.

The inaugural GV70 finds its strength in numbers—the number of things it does right. That would be true no matter what number Genesis assigned to it.

First Spin: 2022 Infiniti QX55

The new-for-2022 Genesis GV70 might be the Genesis brand’s most impressive vehicle so far; it delivers an athletic driving character, attractive styling inside and out, and a high level of luxury and available technology features, all at prices that handily undercut its primary European luxury-brand rivals.

Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast

Genesis GV70 2.5T Advanced Gallery

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Genesis GV70 2.5T Advanced

Meet the 2022 Consumer Guide Best Buys

Genesis GV70 2.5T Advanced

Car Stuff Podcast

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on December 22, 2021.

Test Drive: 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring in Ocean Drive Blue (a $695 option)

2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

Class: Premium Midsize Crossover SUV

Miles driven: 145

Fuel used: 3.0 gallons

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B+
Power and Performance	B+
Fit and Finish	A-
Fuel Economy	B
Value	B-

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	494-hp 3.0-liter
Engine Type	twin-turbo V6/plug-in hybrid
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 48.5 mpg on gas/electric, 21.8 mpg on gas engine only

Driving mix: 65% city, 30% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 56 MPGe/23 mpg (in combined city/highway driving)

Fuel type: Premium gas recommended

Base price: $68,900 (not including $1095 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Equipment Group 302A ($14,250; includes Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus Package, Luxury Package, Class IV Trailer Tow Package, Dynamic Handling Package), Ocean Drive Blue paint ($695)

Price as tested: $84,325

Quick Hits

The great: Satisfying acceleration with potentially excellent fuel economy; pure-electric operation for short trips; lavishly finished interior

The good: Lots of advanced comfort and convenience features; distinctive luxury personality; cushy ride

The not so good: Steep pricing; soft brake-pedal feel; plug-in-hybrid powertrain doesn’t feel particularly refined for a luxury-brand vehicle

More Aviator price and availability information

John Biel

There are premium-midsize SUVS with 3-row seating, and there are premium-midsize SUVs with plug-in-hybrid powerplants, but for model-year 2021 you could throw a fairly small net over the vehicles that are all of those things at once. That subset consists of the Volvo XC90 Recharge and the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring.

Outside of the ultra-lux Black Label models, the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid is the priciest Lincoln Aviator.

The Recharge is part of a family that impressed Consumer Guide enough to name the XC90 the “Best Buy” in the 2021 premium-midsize class for its spacious and luxuriously trimmed cabin, decent fuel economy from its 4-cylinder engines, and abundance of innovative and unconventional features. The Aviator is the newer design, having bowed for 2020 in tandem with a new-generation Ford Explorer from which it was derived. (Though greatly refreshed for ’20, the current XC90 dates from 2016.) Still, Recharges hold an advantage of eight cubic feet of maximum cargo space over the 77.7 available to Grand Touring owners, they get better gas-engine fuel mileage based on CG testing, and they’re cheaper with starting prices—including delivery—that run from $64,445 to $71,245. However, the Lincoln boasts a commanding lead in power and somewhat better all-electric driving range and towing capacity.

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The Aviator Grand Touring’s cabin is dazzling in both design and materials, particularly in optioned-up form. Ambient interior lighting includes the front and rear cupholders and cubby bin behind the center console (set to green here).

A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is the difference maker in the Aviator Grand Touring. When working in tandem with its electric motor, it produces a peak 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque—a good 94 ponies and 215 lb-ft more than the XC90 Recharge’s turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four and motor make. With its hybrid battery fully charged, the Lincoln gets a projected 21 miles of all-electric operation, a 3-mile advantage over the Volvo, and the Detroiter’s 5600-pound towing capacity is 600 pounds more than its Swedish rival can pull.

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An unconventional push-button gear selector is situated above the climate-control panel, near the center of the dashboard; we found the D (Drive) button to be a bit of a reach from the driver’s seat. The Sync 3 infotainment system has a clean, straightforward layout and the 10-inch touchscreen responds quickly to inputs.

In CG’s time with the Aviator Grand Touring, we charged the battery a couple times but let all gas use roll into a single end-of-test fill. When this reviewer had his turn in the vehicle, the initial indicated 20 miles of EV range finally zeroed out after 21.5 miles of electric driving—credit brake regeneration in the often stop-and-go evening-commute traffic for giving something back—and 23.5 miles overall, the gas engine having kicked in now and then as power needs dictated. From periods of outright EV operation and normal hybrid functioning, 55 percent of CG editors’ collective driving was electric powered. When it came time to visit the gas station after 145 test miles, it took just three gallons to fill the tank. That worked out to 21.8 mpg for miles covered by the gas engine (the XC90 hybrid was a good 8 mpg better in our 2020 test), but for all miles driven it felt like getting 48.5 mpg.

Quick Spin: 2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced

Our test vehicle wore attractive Sandstone-colored leather upholstery and was outfitted with Lincoln’s Perfect Position 30-way power-adjustable front seats. They offer an almost dizzying array of adjustments, but some of our editors wished for a bit more padding. Second-row seat space is generous.

Once the battery is depleted, it is projected to take about 3.5 hours to attain a full charge from a 240-volt source. To do so with a 110-volt feed would require almost 12 hours. The Grand Touring comes with a charging cord that can be used with either voltage, but it has a large, oddly shaped head that may not be compatible with every style of household electric outlet—it certainly wouldn’t go into a recessed covered plug on the exterior of this tester’s home.

As the numbers suggest, there’s plenty of power in the Aviator Grand Touring but of course that’s with the gas and electric sources working together. In purely electric operation, acceleration is more muted in the vehicle with a base curb weight of 5673 pounds. But bring the full powerteam (including a 10-speed automatic transmission) to bear and the Grand Touring is brisker in town and an easy cruiser on the highway. Rotate the console-mounted drive-mode selector from “Normal” to sportier “Excite” and a quicker throttle and delayed upshifts put an obvious spring in the big fellow’s step. Note that while all Aviators have five drive modes that modify suspension settings, steering, shift points, and ride height, the hybrid adds two more: “Pure EV” for all-electric driving and “Preserve EV” to selectively save stored energy for situations in which it might be most effective.

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The second-row seats slide forward to ease access to the third-row seats, which are best suited for petite passengers.

Ride and handling register on the cushy side most of the time. An adaptive suspension is standard but the test truck added the optional Dynamic Handling Package with “Road Preview” that uses a camera to read the road surface ahead and alert the suspension so that it can adjust to what’s coming, and “Air Glide” air suspension that softens the ride and makes it possible for the Aviator to raise or lower itself for easier entry/exit or to address specific driving conditions. Excite makes ride a little firmer and sharpens handling and steering but doesn’t fully stanch the inherent sponginess. Aviator hybrids come with all-wheel drive. In terms of braking, the Grand Touring displays a bit of the soft, long-travel pedal feel that afflicts many hybrids, and when it finally comes to a stop, that’s accompanied by a pitching motion.

Test Drive: 2021 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select

The Aviator offers competitive cargo room. There’s 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, which grows to 41.8 cu. ft. with the third-row seats folded and 77.7 cu. ft. with both the second and third rows folded.

The Grand Touring that CG tested started at $69,995 with delivery but topped out at $84,325 with its optional equipment group and Ocean Drive Blue paint. However, that still puts it behind the Black Label Grand Touring with a base price of $89,430. Seventy large buys 21-inch alloy wheels, bright quad tips for the dual-exhaust system, smoke-chrome grille, panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch stand-up touchscreen for the Sync 3 infotainment system, and 4-zone climate control. Leather-upholstered seating is for six with middle-row captain’s chairs and a storage console, but a bench with an additional seating position is available. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features bundles forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts.

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The Grand Touring’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 pairs with an electric motor to put out an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Our tester was outfitted with 21-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets.

Our test Grand Touring had the same levels—and quirks—of room, comfort, and functionality that were in the gas-engine Aviator Reserve we drove in 2020, and we’ll direct you to that review for details. In terms of refinement and general economy, this Lincoln might not be a better buy than the XC90 Recharge. However, it does some things differently that might make all the difference to shoppers.

Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Lexus RX 450h F Sport

The Lincoln Aviator offers a distinctive luxury look and feel inside and out, and the Grand Touring offers the rare combination of a plug-in-hybrid powertrain and three rows of seating.

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Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Gallery

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Test Drive: 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e

Car Stuff Podcast

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on October 4, 2021.

LSFest 2021 Photos: Here Is Our Last LSFest Gallery From Bowling Green. See Every Photo Right Here!

Oct 02, 2021Chad ReynoldsBangShift Galleries, CAR SHOWS, Car Shows, DRAG RACES, Drag Races, Event Coverage, Gallery, OTHER

(Photos by Wes Allison) This is it, our last photo gallery from LSFest 2021. It’s our final batch of photos from the show, where every single car is a potentially awesome LS Swap or customization. Since LSFest is the celebration of the LS engine, and anything you might want to put it in, it stands to reason that we would have a photo gallery that is nothing but ls swapped rides from the show at LSFest 2021. There are no shortage of killer installs at LSFest, in all kinds of rides you wouldn’t necessarily expect them in, along with all kinds of rides you would. But each one has something different so we decided we’d share some of the ones we spotted.

Holley’s LSFest is the biggest and baddest LS Party on the planet and we love being a part of it all. With covered grandstands, epic history, and killer staff, this is one place you just have to put on the list of places to visit. We dig it and cant’ wait to get back there again! Check out all the photos, and if you missed any of our previous galleries use the link below to check them all out.

Holley’s LSFest shows celebrate all that is LS engine related, along with their newer LT siblings, and that means not only all the late model cars and trucks that came with them from the factory but also every single swap you can imagine. And trust me, people imagine some pretty amazing things. Hell, there is a Dodge Daytona or Plymouth Superbird winged car here that is on a modern NASCAR chassis with an LS engine in it. No, seriously! It’s sitting in front of the QA1 booth looking all badass. It’s weird, and it’s cool, and it has an LS in it, which is all that matters.

Like I said, we’ll be bringing you all kinds of galleries from the event and they will include Drag Racing, Drifting, Autocross, Burnout Contest, Power Wheels Racing, and so much more. This is an event like none other and we can’t begin to tell you just how much we love it. This is the kind of event you want to be a part of. Check out the photos, and plan to be here next year!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED ANY OF OUR LSFEST 2021 PHOTOS!

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RPM Nationals Photos: If This Isn’t Hot Rodding At It’s Core, We Don’t Know What Is… Check Out These Killer Rides

LSFest 2021 Photos: Here’s Our First Gallery Of Pro Touring Machines On The Autocross At LSFest!

Sep 11, 2021Chad ReynoldsApex Event Coverage, Apex Gallery, Apex Spotlight, Autocross / Pro Touring, BangShift APEX, BangShift Galleries, CAR SHOWS, DRAG RACES, Event Coverage, Gallery, OTHER

(Photos by Wes Allison) It’s on folks! Holley’s LSFest East 2021 is in full swing as we are starting day number two right now. But we had a rip-roaring time during day one, and Wes Allison was on sight shooting a jillion photos for all of you to enjoy. We’ve got a few hundred to share from day one, with more coming from day two as well. We’ll be sharing two galleries with you today and if you miss any of them, just use the link below to check out all of our LSFest coverage.

Holley’s LSFest shows celebrate all that is LS engine related, along with their newer LT siblings, and that means not only all the late model cars and trucks that came with them from the factory, but also every single swap you can imagine. And trust me, people imagine some pretty amazing things. Hell, there is a Dodge Daytona or Plymouth Superbird winged car here that is on a modern NASCAR chassis with an LS engine in it. No, seriously! It’s sitting in front of the QA1 booth looking all badass. It’s weird, and it’s cool, and it has an LS in it, which is all that matters.

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE MISSED ANY OF OUR LSFEST GALLERIES

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Edd China’s Workshop Diaries: The Electric Ice Cream Truck Is Alive! But Does It Make Ice Cream?

A Brief History of Car Radio

By Jim Flammang

Commercial radio stations were transmitting signals to the public in the early 1920s, amplified in 1924 by the broadcast of the final campaign speech by newly elected president Calvin Coolidge. Two years earlier, outgoing president Warren Harding had installed a radio in the White House.

History of Car Radio

Guglielmo Marconi earns credit for inventing a practical radio, in the mid-1890s. By the turn of the 20th century, a handful of early adopters were transmitting signals to the few listeners who could receive them. American inventor Lee DeForest demonstrated a pioneering effort at the 1904 World Exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri.

Before long, tech-savvy innovators were experimenting with possibilities. Some pondered the idea of making radio reception portable. By the late teens, ambitious pioneers were installing radio receivers in vehicles. Early antennas were bulky and cumbersome, sometimes employing multiple lines that ran the length of the vehicle, strung between front and rear support masts.

Pioneering efforts to market car radios didn’t last long. Chevrolet offered a factory-installed Westinghouse radio for 1922, as a $200 option (about $3,075 in today’s dollars). Philco introduced a mass-produced car radio, the Transitone, as an option for 1927 Chevrolet sedans.

Early radios had demanded constant, precise adjustment of three tuning knobs. Vehicle vibrations could send the carefully set tuning into chaos. Automobile ignition systems often produced dreadful static.

Superheterodyne tuning, a vital tech breakthrough, was becoming standard by the late 1920s. Superhet radios featured single-knob tuning, along with improved sound and stability.

Just as the Great Depression was getting underway, in 1930, brothers Paul and Joseph Galvin developed the first commercially successful automobile radio. They named it the “Motorola.” At $130 (equivalent to about $2,000 today), it was shockingly expensive. After all, a 1930 Ford Model A coupe or sedan cost around $495 to start.

Paul Galvin came up with the Motorola name, blending “motor” and “Victrola” (a brand name used to designate early phonographs). Because of its aural appeal, a number of new products got names ending in “-ola,” including the Crayola crayons used by kids for drawing.

The End of Terrestrial Radio? Electric Cars and AM Radio

For the next few decades, car radios followed the same basic configuration. They had a tuning knob, a mechanically operated tuning dial, and a volume knob. Inside was a grouping of vacuum tubes. Powered by the car’s battery, the radio had to be connected to a sizable antenna.

Vacuum tubes were big and bulky. They also consumed considerable power from the car battery, while emitting plenty of heat.

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Motorola Car Radio Ad

By the end of the Depression, with World War II underway in Europe, about one in five American cars contained radios. All early radios were AM.

Blaupunkt introduced the first in-car FM radio in 1952. Becker launched its iconic “Mexico” AM/FM radio in 1953, promising premium sound quality. Operating through a higher frequency range (88 to 108 MHZ), FM radios produced better sound quality than AM.

Most drivers stuck with AM, which occupied the lower end of radio’s frequency band (540 to 1605 kHz). Initially referred to as cycles-per-second, “Hz” (Hertz) is a measure of the frequency of a radio signal. One MHZ equals a million Hertz; one kHz is a thousand Hertz.

Convoy Madness! 12 Classic CB-Radio Ads

Chrysler took an alternate path toward in-car entertainment in 1955, introducing a record player that used special 7-inch discs. The phonograph system faced a formidable challenge – keeping a needle in place along the disc’s grooves, in a moving automobile. It didn’t last long.

Transistors, invented in 1948, finally arrived in car radios during the early 1960s. Dubbed “solid state,” transistors were far smaller and more capable than vacuum tubes, drawing much less power and emitting little heat.

5 Cheapest American Cars of 1986 (With Air, FM, and Automatic)

Eight-track tape players debuted in 1965, initially offered by Ford and Motorola. Cassettes began supplanting the eight-track units during the 1970s. Stereo reception, featuring two distinct radio channels rather than one, arrived in 1969. Next up: compact-disc (CD) players, launched by Sony in 1984 and factory-installed in Mercedes-Benz automobiles a year later.

Since then, sound quality has improved steadily, claimed to be “theater” level, as amplifiers gained power and speakers grew in number and capability. Back in the 1950s, in stark contrast, step-up car audio typically consisted of adding a second speaker, likely home-installed on the shelf behind a sedan or coupe’s back seat.

The 7 Cheapest American Cars of 1972 (With AM and Auto)

Motorola Car Radio Ad

Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Radio Ad Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

History of Car Radio

The End of Terrestrial Radio? Electric Cars and AM Radio

History of Car Radio

Car Stuff Podcast

Written by: Guest Author on July 28, 2021.

Quick Spin: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line

2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line in King’s Red Metallic (a $395 option)

2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line

Class: Premium Midsize Car

Miles driven: 375

Fuel used: 17.1 gallons

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	B+
Power and Performance	B
Fit and Finish	A-
Fuel Economy	B
Value	B

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	B

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	268-hp 2.0-liter
Engine Type	Turbo 4-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed auto
Drive	AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 21.9 mpg

Driving mix: 80% city, 20% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/31/24 (mpg city, highway, combined)

Fuel type: Premium gas recommended

Base price: $43,395 (not including $1195 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: King’s Red Metallic paint ($395)

Price as tested: $44,985

Quick Hits

The great: Sleek, striking styling; ample cargo space and versatility of hatchback body style

The good: Classy, nicely equipped cabin; respectable acceleration from turbo 4-cylinder engine

The not so good: Only one powertrain is available; some finicky controls

More Arteon price and availability information

CG Says:

The Volkswagen Arteon is a nice car in search of an audience. Introduced for 2019 as a hatchback-sedan replacement for the erstwhile midsize CC “4-door coupe,” it boasted better passenger space and improved cargo versatility while maintaining the tradition of the CC’s classy surroundings. (The Arteon is the only current VW that Consumer Guide classifies as a “premium” version of its vehicle type.) None of that seems to have done the car much good with the buying public, though. According to industry journal Automotive News, calendar-year sales of the Arteon grew by a whopping 47 percent from 2019 to 2020—to all of 3602 units. It’s far and away the brand’s least popular product line sold in the U.S.

Launched as a 2019 model, the Arteon undergoes a mild refresh for 2021 that includes revised exterior styling.

Twenty twenty-one Arteons hope to move the needle further with revised styling throughout and a new infotainment system. The lineup has contracted and undergone revision as well. For this test, Consumer Guide drove an SEL R-Line with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. It is now the only trim level with the choice of front- or all-wheel motivation, with a front-drive SE below it and an AWD SEL Premium R-Line above it. All SEL and Premium models come with standard sporty R-Line appearance features.

Test Drive: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line

The Arteon’s dashboard design is as sleek and stylish as its exterior. Control-layout updates include touch-sensitive climate controls in place of the previous dial setup–a change that’s not necessarily for the better, in our book.

In terms of outward appearance, the test car had a new lower front fascia with a black surface that visually linked the cooling ducts at the far ends, and a new LED light bar integrated in the grille. (Both details kick in at the SEL level.) Inside, there was better integration of the infotainment stack into the instrument panel, and lower-profile heating/cooling vents spread across the dash. The new arrangement does away with an analog clock formerly found in the top center of the dash above the 8-inch info screen, and the handy control dials for the 3-zone climate system. All climate settings are now made through touch-sensitive controls. At least external power and tuning knobs remain to help make it easy to make audio-preset selections.

Test Drive: 2021 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury

Despite its fairly rakish roofline, the Arteon offers good space for six-footers in both the front and rear seats.

For some reason known only to the folks in Wolfsburg, selection of drive modes has gotten more complicated. There is a “Mode” button on the console that, when tapped, activates a display on the infotainment screen with touch points for available drive modes. At this point the driver has to look away from road to screen to identify the “button” for the desired mode and tap it—but don’t hit a bump at that moment or you might mis-hit! A console dial with closely grouped icons would be quicker, easier, and perhaps safer.

Test Drive: 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD F Sport

The Arteon’s slick “hidden” hatchback layout makes for much better cargo space and versatility than the typical midsize sedan. There’s 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and that number grows to 56.2 cu. ft. when the rear seat backs are folded down. A removable hard cover keeps cargo-area contents out of sight.

In other respects, the ’21 Arteon is like those that preceded it with a lively 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, effective 8-speed automatic transmission, adjustable damping for the fully independent suspension, comfortable amounts of front and rear passenger room, and a healthy 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space under the rear hatch. CG editors collectively wrung 21.9 mpg from the car in a test heavy with city miles (one even neared 23 mpg), which is similar to their experience with a 2019 SEL Premium with 4MOTION, and about in line with EPA fuel-economy estimates for this powerteam. Note that premium fuel is recommended for the Arteon.

Test Drive: 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring

The Arteon’s only engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 268 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. SEL R-Lines come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

The SEL R-Line with 4MOTION starts at $44,590 with delivery, which is $1800 more than its front-drive sibling. Only King’s Red Metallic paint, one of three extra-cost colors available, added to the bottom line of the test car. Aside from previously mentioned items, the SEL R-Line comes with the XDS Cross Differential (it uses the brakes to help maintain power to the outside wheel to improve cornering), 19-inch alloy wheels, black trunklid spoiler, adaptive LED headlights, power panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped R-Line steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split rear seat, illuminated and carpeted cargo area, multicolor ambient lighting, “Digital Cockpit” instrument display, keyless entry and starting, satellite radio, navigation, wireless charging, App-Connect smartphone integration, and VW Car-Net remote services. Adaptive cruise control with stop=and-go capability and a raft of the latest driving aids and safety monitors are included as well.

Maybe it’s because people don’t associate Volkswagen with cars that cost like an Audi, BMW, or Lexus. Maybe it’s because of the rise of SUVs at the expense of sedans. For whatever reason, the VW Arteon remains overlooked.

Test Drive: 2021 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige

American consumers have apparently decided that the Volkswagen Arteon doesn’t offer enough performance and/or luxury to be a viable rival to higher-priced premium-brand cars such as the Audi A5 Sportback, or lower-priced mainstream-brand alternatives such as the sportier versions of the Honda Accord, Kia K5, or Toyota Camry. Still, we think this unique, category-straddling hatchback sedan has enough virtues that it should sell better than it does.

Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line Gallery

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Test Drive: 2021 Acura TLX

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on July 22, 2021.

Clean Classics at the 2021 Goodguys Heartland Nationals

1975 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon

After a year of cancelled car shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s lots of pent-up energy and interest around the 2021 car-event season—car lovers are anxious to get out of the garage and back to their favorite shows and cruise nights. One of our favorite summer “super shows” is the Goodguys Heartland Nationals at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, IA. One of the longest-running events on the Goodguys schedule (this year’s edition was the 30th annual), the Heartland Nats always takes place on the weekend closest to the 4th of July, and regularly draws more than 4000 vehicles. This year’s show enjoyed record-breaking participation: almost 5000 registered vehicles filled the spacious fairgrounds facility.

As its name makes clear, the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association caters primarily to modified-car enthusiasts, but Goodguys shows typically attract lots of interesting factory stock (or close to stock) vehicles as well. Since we at Consumer Guide share an office with Collectible Automobile magazine, our focus here is on those unmodified—or at least mostly unmodified—gems. Here, in no particular order, are a few of the vehicles we spotted at this year’s show… check ‘em out! And, you can peruse our classic-car galleries from previous Heartland Nationals shows here.

Clean Classics at the 2021 Goodguys Heartland Nationals

1934 Dodge pickup

Written by: Damon Bell on July 7, 2021.

Photo Blast: More Epic Fords From The 2021 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Jun 23, 2021Brian LohnesApex Event Coverage, Apex Gallery, BangShift APEX, BangShift Galleries, BangShift News, BangShift XL, CAR SHOWS, Car Shows, Event Coverage, Gallery, OTHER, XL Event Coverage, XL Gallery

(Photos by Joe Grippo) – We have to give big ups to our man Joe Grippo for sending us loads of great images from his personal field of dreams known as the 2021 Carlisle Ford Nationals. The event was sprawling, it was fun, it was packed with stuff to see, and it was in so many ways a great return to “normal” (for the most part). He pounded the ground with his camera and the result is that you have been able to see more of this show at BangShift than anywhere else. We may have nearly come to the end of his photo contributions but we love the fact that it’s just barely summer and huge shows like this are rocking all over the nation.

The spread of stuff to see here is great. From original GT40 race cars to a host of 1970s Mustangs, Mustang II examples, and Pintos, there’s a niche profiled for every Ford lover.

We’re done yapping, here’s the good stuff!

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Best Small Crossovers of 2021

Best Small Crossovers

We don’t believe that the traditional passenger sedan is dead, but consumers have demonstrated an overwhelming preference for crossovers in recent years. Of the almost 15 million new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year, roughly half were crossovers or SUVs of some variety. Sedans–once the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. by far–accounted for around 2 million sales.

We understand this shift in consumer interest from cars to crossovers. While crossovers typically consume little or no additional garage space than similarly sized and priced sedans, they generally offer better passenger accommodations, more cargo space, a raised ride height for better visibility and easier entry/exit, and the promise of rugged go-anywhere versatility.

Here, we’re focusing on our favorite popularly priced, mainstream-brand subcompact and compact crossovers–all of the vehicles listed below were named 2021 Consumer Guide Best Buys. To check out our complete list of Best Buys, click here.

2021 Subcompact Crossover Highlights

The subcompact SUV class gains two all-new contenders for 2021: the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer slots above the Trax in Chevy’s SUV lineup, and offers a choice of two turbocharged 3-cylinder engines: a 137-hp 1.2-liter or a 155-hp 1.3-liter. Front-wheel drive and a CVT transmission are standard; all-wheel drive paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission is available on most trim levels. The Seltos fits between the smaller Soul and larger Sportage in Kia’s SUV lineup. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 146 horsepower and a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four is available. All-wheel drive is standard except for the S model, where it’s optional.

The Hyundai Venue loses its available 6-speed manual transmission, and the Mini Countryman gets minor styling updates and an available digital instrument panel. The Nissan Kicks gets an exterior styling refresh, and the Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade, and Toyota C-HR get new appearance packages. Looking further ahead, Volkswagen is preparing to introduce a new subcompact crossover called Taos as a 2022 model.

2021 Compact Crossover Highlights

The compact SUV class gains two hotly anticipated all-new entrants for 2021: the Ford Bronco and Ford Bronco Sport. The Bronco is engineered for rugged off-roading and has boxy styling inspired by the original 1966 Bronco. Two- and four-door versions are available, each with removable doors and a modular roof that can be removed in sections. The four-door-only Bronco Sport is essentially a “junior” Bronco in size, off-road capability, and price: it’s based on the basic platform of the Ford Escape and is about 17 inches shorter than the four-door Bronco.

The Nissan Rogue is completely redesigned, gaining a top-line Platinum trim level and a host of new technology and convenience features. The Jeep Wrangler lineup adds a ”4xe” plug-in-hybrid model with a 4-cylinder/electric powertrain that makes 375 hp and is capable of up to 21 miles of pure-electric operation. The Mazda CX-30 adds a 250-hp turbo 2.5-liter engine, the Subaru Crosstrek adds a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four, and the Toyota RAV4 gets a 302-hp Prime plug-in-hybrid model. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross skips the 2021 model year, but a restyled version debuts as a 2022 model. Redesigned versions of the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander also debut as 2022 models.

Meet the 2021 Consumer Guide Best Buys

Best Small Crossovers

Honda CR-V

2021 Honda CR-V

Class: Compact Crossover (see all the vehicles in this class)

Base price range: $25,350-$36,350

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 27-40

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 76

Pros: The CR-V offers excellent passenger and cargo versatility, polished driving manners, and an outstanding Hybrid model.

Cons: Acceleration with the regular gasoline engine is middling, and there are no traditional stand-alone options, so the CR-V isn’t as customizable as some rivals.

Note: CR-V Hybrids have about six cubic feet less cargo space than their non-hybrid siblings; the hybrid system’s battery is located underneath the rear cargo floor, which means it can’t be lowered for more volume.

Test Drive: 2020 Honda CR-V Touring

Test Drive: 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring

Hyundai Kona

2021 Hyundai Kona

Class: Subcompact Crossover (See all the vehicles in this class)

Base price range: $20,400-$29,350

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 25-33

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 46

Pros: The Kona matches most of its competitors in terms of driving manners and all-around practicality, and bests most of them with its peppy available turbo engine and rare-for-the-class comfort and convenience features.

Cons: In lower trim levels, the interior materials aren’t as nice as some rivals’.

Note: A pure-electric variant named Kona Electric is available in select states; it has a 201-hp electric motor and an estimated driving range of 258 miles.

Test Drive: 2020 Hyundai Kona Ultimate

Hyundai Venue

2021 Hyundai Venue

Class: Subcompact Crossover (See all the vehicles in this class)

Base price range: $18,750-$22,050

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 26-33

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 32

Pros: The Venue is one of the smallest, most affordable vehicles in the subcompact SUV class, yet it offers more passenger and cargo room than you might expect, along with an impressive list of standard and available comfort/convenience and safety features.

Cons: All-wheel drive isn’t available, the ride quality is a bit clunky, and the engine can grow noisy when accelerating.

Note: The top-line Denim model gets a number of unique trim features, including an exclusive (and mandatory) Denim interior-upholstery color and two-tone Denim/white body paint.

Test Drive: 2020 Hyundai Venue Denim

6 Cool Things about the Hyundai Venue

Kia Seltos

2021 Kia Seltos

Class: Subcompact Crossover (See all the vehicles in this class)

Base price range: $21,990-$27,890

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 25-34

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 63

Pros: The Seltos provides excellent passenger and cargo room within its tidy exterior dimensions, along with striking styling inside and out and a generous list of available features.

Cons: Some of the interior materials are just so-so, and the turbo engine’s dual-clutch transmission’s shifts are sometimes balky.

Note: The Seltos is available in eye-catching hues such as Starbright Yellow and Mars Orange, and also offers a contrasting paint color on the roof as an extra-cost option.

Test Drive: 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo

Kia Soul

2021 Kia Soul

Class: Subcompact Crossover (See all the vehicles in this class)

Base price range: $17,490-$27,550

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 25-35

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 62

Pros: Soul delivers impressive passenger room, flexible cargo space, and lots of upscale available features in a tidy, pleasant-to-drive package.

Cons: All-wheel drive isn’t available, some desirable tech and safety features are restricted to the pricier top-line models, and the turbo-engine transmission’s shifts can feel clunky.

Note: Kia is planning to offer an all-electric Soul EV version, like it did with the previous-generation Soul, in California and other select U.S. states.

Test Drive: 2020 Kia Soul X-Line

Test Drive: 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Turbo

Mazda CX-5

2021 Mazda CX-5

Class: Compact Crossover (see all the vehicles on this class)

Base price range: $25,270-$37,405

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 22-31

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 60

Pros: The CX-5 boasts nimble handling, excellent steering feel, a classy interior, and a fine selection of available features in a cohesive, well-put-together package.

Cons: Cargo space doesn’t rank with the best in the class, and some testers dislike the console-mounted infotainment-system controls.

Note: The CX-5 utilizes Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which varies engine torque in response to steering inputs for better cornering performance and ride stability.

Quick Spin: 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature

Nissan Rogue

2021 Nissan Rogue

Class: Compact Crossover (see all the vehicles on this class)

Base price range: $25,650-$36,830

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 25-35

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 73

Pros: The Rogue offers pleasant driving dynamics, a broad range of comfort and technology features, and passenger/cargo versatility that few compact SUVs can match.

Cons: Only one powertrain is available, and its passing power is only so-so.

Note: The Rogue offers the latest version of Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist feature, a driver-assist system that pairs adaptive-cruise-control functionality with automatic lane-centering steering assist (the driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel).

First Spin: 2021 Nissan Rogue

Real-World Walk-around: 2021 Nissan Rogue

Subaru Forester

2021 Subaru Forester

Class: Compact Crossover (see all the vehicles on this class)

Base price range: $24,795-$34,895

EPA fuel-economy range (mpg): 26-33

Max cargo space (cubic feet): 73

Pros: The Forester stands out as one of the most practical, spacious, versatile, off-road-capable, and easy-to-see-out-of vehicles in its class.

Cons: Acceleration is mediocre, and the engine’s fuel-saving auto stop/start system (which can be switched off) is a bit clunky and slow to engage.

Note: The specially trimmed Sport model gets sporty touches such as orange accent trim inside and out, black-finished 18-inch wheels, and steering-wheel paddle shifters.

Test Drive: Subaru Forester Touring

Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Best Small Crossovers Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

Best Small Crossovers of 2021

Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Episode 57; 2021 Consumer Guide Best Buys

Best Small Crossovers of 2021

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on May 3, 2021.