North Iowa Spring Auto Guide
MARCH 2020 | Globe Gazette | Summit-Tribune | Press News
GOOD SPORTS
Fun to drive for under $45,000
WILL KAUFMAN | Edmunds
J
ust about every luxury automaker offers a high-performance version of one of its SUVs these days. But not everyone can afford a $70,000 Porsche Cayenne, let alone a $200,000 Lamborghini Urus. To serve more mainstream buyers, some non-luxury-brand automakers have begun to offer sporty SUVs, as well. These are the models you’ll want to consider if you want a sports car but life dictates you have to own an SUV. Edmunds’ testing and review experts have put together a list of four relatively new or recently updated SUVs with high fun potential and suggested retail pricing of under $45,000. These SUVs typically have special trim levels that have high-horsepower engines for quick acceleration and sport-tuned suspensions and gripper tires for enhanced handling potential. Pricing for the recommended trim levels includes destination fees.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $44,360 The Edge is Ford’s midsize SUV. It’s the biggest model on our list, which means it’s not as nimble or quick to dive into turns. But it’s fair to say that the Edge ST more than makes up for that deficiency. Armed with a turbocharged V6 making 335 horsepower, it is quicker to accelerate than most other rival SUVs. It also comes with a sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes and unique styling changes. Negatives include a firm ride quality and less-than-ideal outward visibility. The ST is also the Edge’s most expensive trim level. But you do get a lot of features besides the sporty upgrades, such as a hands-free liftgate, leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control and a premium sound system.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
2020 Hyundai Kona Limited
MSRP: $27,220 Subcompact SUVs are becoming more popular, but most are a bit too underpowered to be considered sporty. Hyundai fixes that problem with its 2020 Kona. Starting with the Limited trim level, the Kona comes with a strong 175-horsepower turbocharged engine and a quick-shifting transmission that help it accelerate fast. The Kona is also light and nimble when going around turns. As is typical for Hyundai, the Kona comes with a number of features for the price. On the Limited, you’ll find LED headlights, leather upholstery and a sunroof, for instance. Because it’s a subcompact SUV, the Kona has a fairly small rear seat and cargo area, but it is still a practical vehicle compared with the more typical sport sedan.
FORD MOTOR CO.
2020 Ford Edge ST
MITCHELL HUBBLE, MAZDA NORTH AMERICA
2020 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve
MSRP: $36,180 Mazda’s CX-5 is engaging and enjoyable to drive, and while it’s not quite as roomy as similar small SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, it has composed ride and handling abilities that make it fun to pilot around town as well as along a twisty road. The CX-5 is also one of the quickest small SUVs you can buy if you get the optional 250-horsepower turbocharged engine that’s standard starting on the Grand Touring Reserve trim. You don’t really need it to enjoy the CX-5’s sporty character, but if you do choose to spend more, you’ll also get an upscale, near-luxury experience. The Mazda is filled with premium materials, an excellent sound system and comfortable seats.
GUENTER SCHMIED, BMW OF NORTH AMERICA
2020 Mini JCW Countryman All4
Starting MSRP: $42,250 As with other small SUVs we’ve chosen for this list, handling is a real strength of the Countryman. In any trim, this diminutive SUV will prove adept at tackling your favorite curvy road with precision and athleticism. Notably, Mini is making the most powerful Countryman ever for 2020, offering a 301-horsepower engine. It comes in the sport-tuned John Cooper Works version. There are a few downsides. Even though it’s already bigger than you might expect a Mini to be, the Countryman is relatively small for an SUV. It also can get pricey. While prices start under $30,000, they can push $50,000 if you want a loaded-up John Cooper Works. Yet optioning up a Countryman can be part of the appeal.
Edmunds recommends five extra-small crossover SUVs This class is fastestgrowing type of vehicles in America RYAN ZUMMALLEN
Edmunds
Extra-small crossover SUVs make up the fastest-growing class in the automotive industry over the past five years, according to Edmunds data. The segment surpassed the 1 million mark in number of vehicles sold for the
first time in 2019. Consumers are increasingly attracted to these models because they’re less expensive than popular small crossover SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 but still offer drivers more cargo storage space and a higher seating height than a typical sedan. Buying an extra-small crossover SUV is not without drawbacks. They typically cost a few thousand dollars more than similarly sized sedans and get lower fuel economy on average. They also
sometimes lack features found on bigger crossover SUVs, such as all-wheel drive or power rear liftgates. Still, if you’re going the SUV route, these smaller models can be an appealing choice. These are five worthy picks for an extra-small crossover SUV, as selected by the experts at Edmunds. All prices below include the destination charge.
26-31 mpg combined The Buick Encore is a slightly altered version of the Chevrolet Trax. The two vehicles share their engine and most of their underpinnings. The Encore has several key features that set it apart, though, and only commands a small price premium. That upscale yet affordable feel is enough to earn a recommendation from our experts. 2020 BUICK ENCORE The biggest difference is the enhanced interior. The Encore Starting MSRP: $24,195 EPA-estimated fuel economy: uses higher-quality cabin mate-
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rials and more sound-deadening techniques to block out wind and road noise. You’ll have to accept sluggish acceleration and limited cargo space, but otherwise the Encore is a smart small SUV choice.
2020 HONDA HR-V
Starting MSRP: $21,940 EPA-estimated fuel economy: 28-30 mpg combined If you’re finding that other Please see SUVS, Page 8