How I Would Buy It: 2020 Kia Stinger

The Stinger GT was released for the 2018 model year by Kia and features a liftback similar to an Audi A7.

Let’s flashback: The year is 2018 and the Kia Stinger has taken the world by storm, with its 365 HP TTV6 and successfully beating competitors such as the BMW 4-Series in 0-60 contests. To this day, the Stinger is still a sharp sedan, although the hype around it has seemingly cooled off. Sales are trending down, and this was BEFORE the coronavirus pandemic. A refreshed/restyled Stinger is due in 2021 with more power, but word is it’ll use the same 2.0T 4-cylinder and 3.3TT V6 engines.

Honestly, I won’t lie - I haven’t been the biggest fan of the Kia Stinger... I was hoping it’d grow on me, but it hasn’t. I like its sibling, the Genesis G70 better and would get a 2.0T version of that car ultimately. For me, the Stinger’s styling is somewhat overdone (fake vents, the long red taillight accent, etc.) and for such a large car, it feels like you get less room inside than you’d expect, especially in headroom w/the available sunroof and in cargo space. To top it off, I drove the twin-turbo V6 Stinger around a track Kia set up at SEMA in 2017 and it just didn’t blow me away… It felt too heavy in turns to be “sporty”, but it was definitely very powerful with strong brakes in a straight line. The Stinger drift competition that was held at SEMA was very cool. In contrast, the G70, which rides on the same platform, drives and handles more like a “true sports car” in my opinion. Plus, you have the added benefit of owning a “luxury branded vehicle” and all associated dealer benefits (for those of you that care). 

To the Stinger’s credit however, it’s meant to be a “GT car” - a smooth driving, stylish, long-haul cruiser type of sedan that also just so happens to handle relatively decently. Not a full-blown "sports car" per se. It’s possible I wasn’t fully aware of that definition and that has caused me to be biased against the Stinger some. When considered under the definition of a GT car, Stinger largely succeeds at its intended mission.

…But you didn’t come here to hear me talk about why I don’t care for the Stinger. You came to hear about why I WOULD get one. Its on my shopping list for 2021-2022. There’s really only a few reasons: Overall, I DO like the Kia brand, you can get Stingers for a decent deal now, it has optional AWD and it’s the “coolest Kia”. So, given that, and assuming I have a change of heart about the Stinger vs. G70, here’s how’d I’d personally buy a Stinger:

My Build

I added a few extra accessories on Kia's build tool, such as "paint protection" to equal $600, which would roughly be the price of getting my rims painted black on the Stinger GT-Line I'm guessing. Its interesting, because there are many competitive incentives available that make the Stinger a good deal now. This was NOT the case when the car came out in 2018.

-2020 Kia Stinger GT-Line AWD, 2.0T I4 255 HP 8-speed automatic

-Color: Panthera Metal (Grey), no charge; Black Leather, no charge

-Features: AWD ($2,200), wheel locks ($60), mudguards ($115), cargo tray seat back ($130), alloy door sill plate ($130), carpet floor mats ($150), remote start push ($495), black rims (~$600? - I added extra accessories for this since it's not listed on the Kia website)

Price: $38,005

I spec’d the car this way for a few reasons. I don’t normally like cars with black leather, but the only way you can get red leather on this car is to add the Sun & Sound Package for $2,900. This package also includes Harman/Kardon premium speakers and navigation among other features. However, you can only get red leather with three paint colors on three trim levels – grey, white or black paint on the GT-Line, GT or GT2 trims for 2020. Thus, you literally cannot get a Stinger with red paint and red leather (not since the 2018 model year). You also get a sunroof if you add this package, and that reduces your headroom in an already cramped feeling interior. I say skip this package, settle for black leather. You may save some weight too, allowing the Stinger to handle better - ya never know. We'll see if Kia changes this configuration up for 2021.

You don’t have to pay extra for Panthera Metal paint, and to me it’s the most interesting color between the black, white and grey hues. Snow White Pearl paint costs an extra $495. I’d black out the rims, which from what I can tell will cost about $600. I also would add a black spoiler to the car, yellow brake calipers, and would consider blacking out the roof and tinting the windows. I’m not sure what it would cost to add all these things.

One of my pet peeves with Kias is how they limit you to certain colors or packages based on trim level, even more so than other automakers. This limits the amount of customization you can really do with your Kia. But this allows Kia to keep build complexity and inventory down, especially on a low volume product like the Stinger. That’s better for dealers/profits in an era where SUVs and trucks rule supreme.

Verdict

Between the two cars, I say the G70 is the sportier pick (bottom).

The Kia Stinger remains a unique car for a unique few. The idea of a “$40,000 to nearly-$60,000 high-performance Kia that competes with BMWs, Audis and Dodge Chargers” may still make some people chuckle and roll their eyes. But Kia truly makes a variety of solid cars these days, Stinger included. If you’re craving something “different” with a moderate dash of sporty, the Stinger might be for you. Keep the price in the high $30,000 to low $40,000 range, and I think you have a nice deal. But any more than that, I say you should consider other options as well, including its sibling vehicle – the Genesis G70.

Pros: Eye-catching styling (but looks are subjective…), available AWD, price undercuts some competition, 10-year/100,000 mile Kia warranty, powerful twin-turbo V6 engine and Brembo brakes, hatchback and SUV versatility in a sedan bodystyle, you bought the “coolest and fastest Kia”

Cons: Cramped feeling interior, gets expensive, lack of color/feature customization options, competes with other luxury and sports cars with more “badge credibility” than Kia has, doesn’t drive quite as sporty as its been hyped up to be (in my humble opinion), declining sales means this car may not survive much longer… get one while you can!

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

FYI: Do Not Drive Your Jeep, Range Rover, HUMMER, or any other “Highly Capable” Vehicle Through a Big Body of Standing Water Just Because It’ll Make You Look Cool

Water is a powerful element. Do yourself and those you care about a favor and don't try to drive through deep water during flooding, even in a very capable truck or SUV.

This is what happens when you don't acknowledge

the limitations of your vehicle and heed nature's warning...

Don't be like this guy (me) a couple winters ago...

Michigan is flooding in places, particularly in Midland. But don’t be a bro. Be smart. Drowning is NOT COOL it turns out. Don’t drive your Jeep, or Range Rover, or anything else “highly capable” into a dangerous situation like a flood just because “you think its badass” or “the manufacturer said you can.” Most vehicles, even the most capable ones, can only handle up to a couple of feet of water (~30 inches) before everything goes downhill. And this water fording capability will vary based on the vehicle.

A very, very basic rule of thumb: If you can’t see the ground through the water, or if it looks like it’ll cover your whole hood (which means it’ll flood your engine) and you don’t have a snorkel, turn around. Don’t drive around barricades. And if you absolutely MUST drive thru standing water, drive steady and slow enough so you don’t cause a big wave. Check your brakes and other components after. But mostly - NEVER put yourself or your passengers in danger. 

Also, if not that, you at least don’t wanna submerge and ruin your fancy $30,000-$100,000+ SUV or truck, do you???

Range Rover (top) and Jeep Gladiator (bottom) water fording abilities.

Click for a larger image. Even the most capable vehicles have a limit. 

The flooding we're seeing far exceeds the capabilities of 

even the most capable cars. So don't try it - you're not invincible.

Your Car's Ability vs. Yours

For good reference, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator can wade in water up to 30 inches (2.5 feet). A 2020 Land Rover Range Rover can wade in water up to 35.4 inches (2.95 feet). That’s a lot of water! But guess what? There’s even MORE water than that in parts of Michigan – up to 9 feet of it I’ve heard! And some of it is rushing water! Yeah. Your Range Rover ain’t getting through that, bro. And neither are you.

So, take it from someone who’s slid their own Jeep into a ditch in a blizzard while just “having fun” and got stuck for two hours waiting for help – driving in hazardous conditions is never as cool as staying alive. Stay home (if you’re able), stay well and stay safe. Especially during this pandemic time (almost forgot about that, didn’t you?). If you must evacuate, still be careful and pack what’s needed. My prayers are with everyone affected in my home state. I’ve put links to a news story, resources for flood victims, and also on flood safety and driving below.

Links:

• https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Michigan-National-Guard-activated-to-help-with-Midland-flood-relief-570613961.html
• https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/on-the-road/flood-safety-tips/
• https://www.211nemichigan.org/covid-19.html
• https://www.abc12.com/content/news/See-how-you-can-give-to-Midland-flood-relief-get-information-on-investigation-570643401.html

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Here’s the 2021 Toyota Sienna and Venza

Hold your crossovers! Minivans aren't dead! At the top: 2021 Toyota Sienna; 

At the bottom: 2021 Toyota Venza

For 2021, Toyota is redesigning one of its old nameplates and reviving another.

2021 Sienna

Riding on Toyota’s TNGA platform, the Sienna minivan will be all-new for 2021, and I’m digging the way it looks. I’m getting “spaceship” vibes. Toyota has a history of trying to turn the Sienna into a “swagger wagon” and it looks like they’re still trying in a way. What’s noteworthy about the new Sienna is that it will only be offered as a four-cylinder hybrid model. Siennas in the past have always had a V6 engine, but of course, with high fuel economy ratings and emission reduction being the goal these days, four-cylinder engines are becoming the norm. The aforementioned engine will be a 2.5L I4 paired with two electric motors, good for 243 HP. This is a drop of 53 HP from the outgoing 3.5L V6, but with the power trade off comes a 33 MPG rating – a big improvement. AWD will be offered as well – eAWD actually, as an electric motor will be mounted to the 2021 Sienna’s rear wheels for power. A similar eAWD setup exists in the RAV4 XSE Hybrid.

It is worth noting that the only other hybrid minivan on the market is the Chrysler Pacifica, and it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). I was wondering what was taking so long for automakers, especially Toyota given their history with hybrid technology, to jump into the hybrid minivan game. Another noteworthy change about the 2020 Sienna is the second-row seats. They now include seat-mounted side air bags, so the seats are no longer removable. We’ve owned minivans in our family – a 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette and a 2006 Buick Terraza and the Terraza had seat mounted side air bags for the second row, thus meaning you couldn’t remove them. I’m personally very fond of minivans, however this seems like an oversight in functionality.

Other features standard or available on the 2021 Sienna will be four-zone climate control, power opening rear doors and rear hatch (of course – this is a must, it’s a minivan), a rear entertainment system, in-car Wi-Fi, 18 cupholders, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, an onboard vacuum and refrigerator, and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Everything you could want/need in your modern minivan. Sienna’s trim levels will be LE, XLE, Limited, a new sporty XSE trim, and finally Platinum. Expect pricing to start in the low $30,000 range and the 2021 Sienna to go on sale in late 2020 (assuming no coronavirus delays).

2021 Venza

Next, we have the 2021 Venza – a name last used in 2015 by Toyota on a midsize Camry-based crossover. It sold rather poorly, which is surprising given the whole “SUV boom” happening, so it was discontinued. Toyota has been lacking a midsize two-row SUV since then, with SUVs like the reborn Chevy Blazer and Honda Passport coming on the scene at the right time to capitalize on America’s thirst for SUVs. For 2021, that changes, as the Venza is coming back as a hybrid SUV to the Toyota lineup.

Top pic: 2021 Sienna Interior; 

Bottom pic: 2021 Venza Interior

Promising up to 40 MPG combined and also riding on the TNGA platform, the 2021 Venza is actually called the "Harrier" in Japan. A 2.5L I4 engine paired to three electric motors is standard and good for 219 HP – the same as the RAV4 Hybrid. However, this model is supposed to be slightly bigger and more luxurious than the RAV4 and smaller than the Highlander. The third electric motor is actually used to give the Venza eAWD, just like the RAV4 and Sienna – are you noticing the strategy Toyota is using here? Pricing is unknown, but standard features include a power rear hatch, power driver’s seat, and the usual driver assistance features for new cars these days (AEB, FCW, BSD, etc.). The Venza’s trim levels will consist of LE, XLE, and Limited with an on-sale date of August 2020 (again, assuming coronavirus doesn’t say otherwise I’m sure…).

A throwback pic: 2008-2015 Toyota Venza

What do you think about the 2021 Sienna and Venza? Personally, I really like the Sienna, but the Venza I’m not sure about. Toyota's and Lexus’ styling is always hit or miss for me. Also, I feel the first Venza failed because its pricing ran too high, but it wasn’t really any more efficient or useful than a similarly priced Highlander at that time. In fact, that's a problem the current RAV4/RAV4 Hybrid has I feel... $40,000+ for a loaded RAV4? Seriously??? But maybe more on that another time. This new Venza model being a hybrid is more efficient, but it's also a larger SUV with only 219 HP. So, I’m not sure how that will drive or if it'll have enough power… 

Bottom line, Toyota will have to be careful with pricing to sell the Venza in significant numbers this time around.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Opinion: Buick’s 2019 Lineup was as ‘Cool’ as Modern Buick Will Likely EVER Get; The Regal GS, TourX, and Cascada Might Become Collectibles

Buick actually had some cool models in their lineup for 2019 (top picture) and still for 2020 as well. The Regal GS is my favorite modern Buick. But for 2021, this won't necessarily be the case... It'll be interesting to see how the brand evolves in 2021 and beyond.

Buick – a brand generally synonymous with “old people”. I admit, I have a soft spot for the brand. My mother has had several Buicks in my 26 years on this Earth now, including a V8 Buick Lucerne – likely the last big V8 Buick sedan of my generation. Her other Buicks were the Terraza minivan and Regal Turbo, which we still have. My grandparents also had a 3.9L V6 Lucerne.

What has stuck with me about these cars is just how interesting they were, brand image aside. The Terraza had AWD, a DVD player and a great sound system. I remember going outside in the summer and watching movies in the back seat until the battery died. The V8 Lucerne had GM’s Magnetic Ride Suspension, Harman/Kardon audio, and enough power to make it feel like you were powering a luxury jet. The Regal Turbo also has plenty of power, navigation, Harman/Kardon speakers, an adaptive suspension and has razor sharp handling. All of them rode smooth. Very classic Buick with a modern twist.

Extra thoughts from
my Snap story haha.

That’s why whether we want to acknowledge it or not, Buick’s 2019 lineup was the pinnacle of modern Buick “cool”. Simply due to the diversity of the lineup. You could get a convertible, a station wagon, a large luxury sedan, a sport sedan, a performance luxury sport sedan, and an assortment of entry to mid-luxury level crossovers from BUICK of all brands. But from 2020 on, that’s all going to change. The LaCrosse and Cascada convertible are now discontinued, and Buick has announced that the Regal line will end production after the 2020 model year. This essentially means that from 2021 onward, Buick will be an SUV-only brand. Ford’s Lincoln brand is also poised to take a similar direction.

Consider This

Now, a couple of points are worth noting. Of course, the market is naturally shifting towards SUVs and trucks these days with gas prices low and fuel economy ratings on those models higher than ever, so it makes sense that Buick is evolving with the times. Double down on the fact that Buick says most of their vehicle sales are now SUVs. But that also makes sense, because they only sell/stock a few cars vs. SUVs on their dealer lots these days whenever you drive by one and they offer fewer sedans in their lineup. Another point is marketing. I believe good marketing and advertising can totally make or break a product/brand, and Buick’s “Experience the New Buick/that’s not a Buick/S ‘YOU’ V” campaigns do little to explain WHY people should buy a new Buick over, say, a Lexus, Audi, or even an in-house GM brand like Cadillac.

Diversity Matters

Buick in my opinion was very unique and kind of its own ‘cool’ within the GM portfolio prior to 2020. The brand combined the luxury/sport niche image well. However, for 2021 on the brand will largely become synonymous with “stuffy” as they only make the one thing EVERYONE is making these days – SUVs. And to clarify, I don’t have a problem with SUVs! I have three myself vs. one sedan. But I do have a problem with a lack in diversity. Whether it comes to society or cars.

This situation does present a silver lining in a way however for a few models in modern Buick’s lineup – the Regal GS, Tour X station wagon and Cascada convertible. I feel these cars will become collector’s items someday. This is because the Regal GS is one of the last midsized sporty sedans on the market with a V6 engine and AWD, and its not a common vehicle. Ditto the Regal Tour X and Cascada, which I only see occasionally on the road. Plus, the design of the Regal sedan (being a lift back like an Audi A5) and the niche market for convertibles and station wagons with car enthusiasts will bode well for these models as they age. Additionally, none of these cars were made for very long (three to four model years max - hardly a full product cycle) and they are actually rebranded Opels, which was sold by GM to Groupe PSA who’s merging with FCA, if you recall. Time will tell how these cars are remembered.

SPOTTED: 2021 Buick Encore GX

Moving forward, Buick’s lineup will likely consist of the Encore, Encore GX, Envision, another Envision-sized midsized SUV (likely the rumored Enspire SUV), an electric SUV or two (I’m guessing), and the Enclave. Pretty BLAH if you ask me. But it didn’t have to be this way, and up until recently, it wasn’t. Buick had a little vitality and its own swagger if you will. But people can’t get past the “old person’s” image of the Buick badge, similar to how Kia is still seen as “cheap” to some people. But if consumer’s tastes change again, maybe we’ll see some more life come back into the Buick lineup at some point.

Until then, I’m going to encourage my mother to keep her 2013 Buick Regal Turbo until the wheels fall off. Its a fantastic ride.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Here’s the Redesigned 2021 Audi A3

The 2021 Audi A3 competes with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and C-Class and BMW 2 Series and 3 Series.

The 2021 Audi A3 has been revealed and in in typical Audi fashion, the new A3 looks modern, sleek and handsome all in one package. I really like it. I’m betting the RS performance model will look even better! Inside, you can see that there’s a 10.1-inch display in the center console now, where the prior A3 had a pop-up tablet style infotainment screen (personally, not a fan of those). There’s also a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Powertrain details for the U.S. are still unknown, but word is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is possible in the future.

Do you like this new A3? I may add it to my shopping list. Since all of the major auto shows have been canceled, this is how we will have to settle for new car reveals and information for now. I can’t wait until things are back to normal again.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

New YouTube Video: In-Car Comfort & Innovations – New Tech & Mobility

With features such as a 115V power outlet in the rear seats, my 2018 Jeep Compass can really be an office on wheels. Is the the start of "future mobility"?

Cars are becoming more and more advanced. We’re moving towards autonomy and maximizing in-car convenience with each passing year. But how much technology is too much? Can there be too much innovation? Should we sacrifice our freedom of car ownership for ridesharing? New car sales are have been predicted to take a slight hit due to increased ridesharing practices, however we will see what effects this global coronavirus pandemic will have on new car sales as well now.

I’ve seen many concepts proposing in-car workstations for on-the-go businesspeople, with many luxury cars also offering refrigerators in them as well. Its not hard to imagine a day where cars may be fully autonomous rolling offices! However, we would have to have the infrastructure to support this type of transition, both on the streets and in the digital realm. I feel this is a long way away, but a move we can see happening in the semi-autonomous systems we have in cars now and the Wi-Fi hotspots that are offered in some cars as well.

This brings me to my new YouTube video. In this video, I want to facilitate some discussion on what you may think the future of mobility and in-car connectivity and innovation looks like. In my 2018 Jeep Compass, I have a household outlet and enough room to stretch out and do homework on my lunch break, as well as hang suits for business trips I may have. The only thing I’m truly missing is heated rear seats and in-car Wi-Fi.

Should we strive to innovate cars beyond this? Or is less more?

Remember to like, comment and subscribe! Link: https://youtu.be/Mxg5Sl8DlHg

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

New YouTube Video: Abandoned Pontiac Dealer Walkaround at Night - Sawyer’s Pontiac

Sawyers Pontiac was located in East Lansing, Michigan next to Michigan State University. The dealer is a modern relic and a reminder of an era gone by.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re in the middle of an economic recession if you aren’t aware of it. One that seem like it happened overnight because of… Wait for it… Coronavirus. Now need I remind you that the last recession we had about a decade ago cost us many brands and businesses, and it looks like we’re going to lose many more again. Circuit City is just one of the brands that went away last decade, alongside some car brands such as Pontiac. To me, that is one of the sadder losses of the recession of last decade. So, let us reminisce and talk about a throwback still standing.

In this YouTube video, I’m going to walkaround the abandoned Sawyer’s Pontiac in East Lansing, Michigan, right next to Michigan State University where I attended college. The old lot is now used for shuttling people to football games – which are likely a thing of the past too, at least for the foreseeable future due to social distancing.

Which Pontiac models do you wish were still around? I was always a fan of the G6 in high school. And which businesses and brands (both car brands and otherwise) do you think are in danger in this recession we’re in now?

Remember to like, comment and subscribe! See the photos of the dealer below and the link to the video.

Link: https://youtu.be/yktK5JTYcAs

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Cars I’m Considering: 2021-2022 Edition

Narrowing my new car shopping list for 2021-2022.

Its impossible to know exactly what cars will be out in the next few years unless you’re a psychic. However, you can follow the news and trends and make an educated guess with your buying decisions. Given that my Jeep Compass lease will be ending in roughly the next year, here’s what I’m considering leasing next:

1. Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio AWD

2. Genesis G70 AWD (2.0 Turbo)

3. Kia Optima (K5) GT AWD

4. Jeep Cherokee 4WD (3.2L V6 engine only)

5. Kia Forte GT

6. GMC Terrain AWD

7. Chevrolet Blazer AWD (2.0 Turbo or V6)

8. Audi A4, A5 Sportback AWD

9. Kia Stinger AWD (2.0 Turbo - GT Line)

I’ll be narrowing this list down from these picks as well. A few other vehicles that were on my 2021-2022 shopping list but that are now cut are the Jeep Gladiator, Subaru Legacy, BMW X1/X2,  Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Dodge Challenger AWD.

When I was considering getting the 2018 Jeep Compass I have now, the list of cars I was shopping (in no specific order) were the GMC Terrain, Kia Optima, Subaru Legacy, Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, and the Jeep Compass.

What cars are you interested in? I'll be highlighting on my blog how I would ideally configure some of these cars, so stay tuned.


Update 7/3/2020:

Here are a few wild card picks I'm also 'very loosely considering'. You never know, they may just win out in the end! SN: I'm disappointed Kia changed the name of the Optima to "K5" for 2021... But it looks like a very nice car still.

-2021 Kia Seltos SX AWD

-2021 Kia Sorento
-2021 Lincoln Nautilus or Corsair

-2021 Ford Explorer
-2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
-2021 Dodge Charger GT AWD

-2021 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD
-2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

-2021 Ram 1500

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Ford Escape - Throughout the Years Visual

Here's an interesting visual to see from time to time - how a vehicle has changed throughout the years. Today's vehicle: the Ford Escape (2001-2020)

The Kia Telluride Has Already Won A LOT of Awards - Now, It’s Literally the ‘World’s Best Car of 2020’

I actually didn't even know this award existed until recently. The Kia Telluride might be the best SUV EVER at blurring the lines between mainstream and luxury.

The 2020 Kia Telluride (alongside its sister vehicle the Hyundai Palisade) is a well-rounded, award winning SUV. In fact, it’s won the “triple crown” of automotive awards this year (MotorTrend, NACOTY, and Car and Driver).

For better reference, here’s a quick list. So far, it’s won:

-2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

-MotorTrend 2020 SUV of the Year

-Car & Driver 10 Best List 2020

-2020 Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Buy

-AutoTrader.com 12 Best New Cars for 2020

-Cars.com Best New Car of 2020

-Named the “CUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association - won in the “Midsize CUV” category at the Texas Auto Writer’s Association Roundup

-Edmunds Top Rated SUV 2020

...and several other awards. I’m putting a link below to Friendly Kia, where they highlight some of the Telluride’s other accolades. Contact your local Kia dealer for more specific Telluride info.

Friendly Kia: https://www.friendlykia.com/blog/what-awards-has-the-kia-telluride-won/

Now, you can add “2020 World Car of the Year” to that win list. Generally awarded at the New York Auto Show (rescheduled until at least late August due to coronavirus), the Telluride beat out the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 to be the overall winner.

Other winners include the 2020 Kia Soul EV as “Urban Car of the Year” (note - the 2020 Soul EV is not available in the U.S. yet), and the 2020 Porsche Taycan EV as “World Performance Car of the Year” and “World Luxury Car of the Year”. The 2020 Mazda3 took home “World Car Design of the Year”.

I gave this Telluride to my mother as a gift. Its been a great SUV.

Previously, I said I was going to get her a new Oldsmobile Silhouette

and then a new Saturn Outlook as gifts someday, but those brands are 

no longer around of course.

I leased the 2020 Kia Telluride S AWD for my mother last spring from Summit Place Kia Auburn Hills when I worked at Hyundai/Kia product planning and gave it to her as a gift, making good on a promise I made to her in the 2nd grade that I would help her get a car someday. I had no idea it would rack up as many awards as it has. It’s been a stellar SUV, we’ve taken it on two family road trips! Add it (and the Palisade) to your new SUV shopping list.

I haven’t talked about the Palisade/Telluride duo a lot on my blog, but I do plan to upload some other content on them and fully review the Telluride in the future, so stay tuned.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Please, Donate to Your Local Food Banks

Hello all,

Taking a break from posting about cars for a moment to encourage you to donate during this coronavirus pandemic to your local food banks while also continuing to do what you can to help "flatten the curve". Many are struggling to keep up with demand, and a record number of Americans are unemployed and depending on community food banks for assistance. You’re blessed if you’re not. Be a blessing to someone else if you’re able. Every little bit helps.

Stronger together.

-Adam

New YouTube Video: How to Change Wiper Blades - 2008 Saturn Aura

Changing wipers may seem hard, but it can all be so easy. The process varies from car to car, however.

There's a new YouTube video up on the Adam's Autos YouTube page! I demonstrate how to change the wiper blades on my 2008 Saturn Aura. Note that this wiper changing process will vary from car to car. However, in this case, this method will also apply to the 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu.

I ordered my wiper blades off of Amazon.com, which generally allows you to order an exact fit. You want to be sure that you have something that will allow you to press down on the little tab on the wiper blade to release the old blade. Then, it slides right off and the new blades can slide on. Be sure to remove the green protectant film and test the out. Also, make sure that the driver's and passenger blades are on the right sides of the car. You can see the millimeter measurements on the tip of the blade.

Here's the video link. Like, comment and subscribe for more:  https://youtu.be/eFuA3WSz7gg

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Lexus Discontinues the GS 300 for 2020; LQ Flagship SUV Is Coming (UPDATE 4/24/20: Lexus GS Is Dead after 2020 MY)

Lexus doesn't sell a ton of the GS, which is probably why the base GS 300 model is dropped now. Could this be foreshadowing the discontinuation of the entire GS line?

UPDATE 4/24/20: The Lexus GS will officially be discontinued after the 2020 model year. I had a feeling this was coming. The rear-wheel drive GS has been in a sales slump and constantly outsold by the front-wheel drive ES, which is also significantly cheaper. This, before you factor in the whole crossover SUV and truck trend we have going on. A special 2020 Black Line Edition will be offered as a send off. R.I.P. #Sedanapocalypse

For the 2020 model year, Lexus has dropped the GS 300 from the GS line. This was a base model that started at $47,885 with 241 HP. Lexus says that this model only accounted for a small percentage of GS sales, so people were going for the higher GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport models. The GS 350 starts at $52,420 for 2020 and makes 311 HP. The GS 350 F Sport rear-wheel drive starts at $53,785, and the AWD model at $55,530. The GS F is powered by a 5.0L V8 with 467 HP and 389 pound-feet of torque.

The Lexus GS sells in pretty low numbers, and if you visit a dealer, it doesn’t even look like they stock many. I noticed this at my local Lexus dealer near Ann Arbor. Its rumored that the Lexus ES may offer AWD in the future (finally) and given that both the IS and GS sedans are older designs now while the ES is all new, this could be a reason for the sales slump. The 2020 Lexus ES makes just nine HP less than the GS 350 at 302 with its 3.5L V6 and costs $7,000 less (albeit, its FWD vs. the GS with RWD). Time will tell what happens to Lexus’ sedan lineup as SUV sales continue to grow and sedan demand continues to cool off. A RWD sport sedan will likely always have a following. But something tells me the GS might be on its way out the door in the future...

Lexus LQ SUV Coming Soon?

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept - this will likely inspire the design of the upcoming LQ SUV.

In other Lexus news - it looks like there’s going to be a new top SUV coming to the Lexus lineup. The upcoming LQ will slot above the LX, which is an ancient design that competes with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. The LQ likely will be far more modern than other  Lexus SUVs, and may even make up to 600 HP. Its basic design was previewed a few years ago by the LF-1 Limitless concept from 2018, but the LQ isn’t likely to arrive until the 2022 model year with base prices starting in the $80,000 to $100,000 range.

Are you a Lexus fan and which model would you get? I’m looking forward to some new life being injected into Lexus’ lineup. Personally, I find Toyota and Lexus cars to be very practical and always reliable, but kinda boring to drive and overstyled all at the same time... Their infotainment system in their cars also needs an overhaul (in particular Lexus).

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New YouTube Video: 0-60 MPH in All of My Cars: 08’ Aura, ‘18 Compass, ‘04 Bravada, ‘13 Regal Turbo, ‘20 Telluride

A 0-60 time isn’t everything, but it can give you an idea of what a vehicle’s powertrain is capable of. 

I've uploaded a new video to my Adam's Autos YouTube page! This video features me doing a 0-60 run in all of the vehicles I have at my disposal: the 2008 Saturn Aura, 2018 Jeep Compass, 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2013 Buick Regal Turbo, and the new 2020 Kia Telluride. Can you guess which one is the fastest? 

I enjoy driving all of these vehicles when I get the chance. The Regal and Aura are quite sporty, the Compass and Telluride have a "rugged but still smooth" vibe, and the Bravada is butter smooth on the road, comfortable and luxurious while still being capable.

For more of my quick impressions on driving/owning these vehicles, visit my YouTube video and read the description box. While you're there, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for future content AND to answer the poll question I've placed in the video! Thanks for tuning in AND for the and the 50,000+ website views now! I'm looking forward to more cars and content!

Link: https://youtu.be/4mBF1Yp43w0

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.