Love it or hate it, the Urus has become Lamborghini’s most popular model. This year, the Italian automaker produced their 15,000th Urus SUV. Why do people like it so much? The Lamborghini Urus is a rather schizophrenic vehicle. On one hand, it’s brutally powerful and fast. On the other hand, it’s luxurious and spacious. It’s a supercar pretending to be a daily driver and that’s quite a feat to pull off.
In a company press release, Lamborghini’s CEO Stefano Domenicali lauded that “The Lamborghini Urus is a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics, and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments,” said the Automobili Lamborghini Chairman.
Lamborghini Urus Aerodynamic Design and Bold Style
The exterior design of the Urus SUV isn’t very distinctive. It has many of the same proportions as the Audi Q7. After all, both the Q7 and the Urus come from the Volkswagen Group. However, the Lamborghini Urus manages to cut its own cloth in several different ways.
For starters, the Urus has the best weight-to-power ratio in its class. For as much technology that the Volkswagen Group threw at the Urus, it’s not the heaviest super SUV on the market at 4,847 pounds. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT weighs 5,000 lbs. and the Bentley Bentayga weighs 5,324 lbs.
The Urus just looks heavy. The front of the Urus SUV has a grille that adds character to the vehicle. It has large slats on the sides of the nose that taper to a thin line in the middle. The hood has distinctive Lamborghini bodywork and styling. The profile has sharp angles and hexagonal symmetry that resembles other supercars in the Lamborghini stable. The roof sweeps down in a coupe-like fashion. The rear has quad exhaust ports, wraparound taillights, and a rather blunted tail end.
Performance Specs for the Lamborghini Urus
The beating heart of the Urus is a twin-turbo 4.0 Liter V8 engine. It produces 650 horsepower and maxes out at 6,800 RPMs. Now, that’s relatively tame for a Lamborghini. You’ll still enjoy a loud, distinct exhaust note, but don’t expect that many shrieks and pops. It’s a subdued Lambo, but it can still blow the doors off the competition. This SUV also has access to 850 Nm of torque that is mostly supplied to the rear wheels. The Urus travels from zero to 60 MPH in 3 seconds flat and reaches a top speed of 189 miles per hour.
The Urus employs an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. The stability and all-wheel drive capabilities of the Urus are top-notch. It comes with active torque vectoring and four-wheel steering. Each wheel can steer independently for enhanced stability.
There are seven driving modes. You can find the ANIMA handle inside the cockpit. It’s a manual control that toggles through strada, sport, corsa, sabbia, terra, neve, and ego modes. Strada mode is for daily drives and Corsa is for maximum performance. If roads are slippery, you can choose Neve. The Ego mode allows the driver to customize the traction, suspension, and steering to their own specifications.
The interior of the Urus is dominated by the center stack. It’s a delightful mix of tactile controls and touchscreen displays. Marty McFly would feel at home inside the Urus, but this SUV doesn’t need to get back to the future. It’s doing just fine as the premiere SUV supercar of the moment.
There are two main touchscreen displays. Both deliver haptic feedback when you key in different functions and settings. The menu buttons are oversized and easy to read. There’s a 21 speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system on board and the Urus also has voice recognition software.
The Urus is shockingly spacious. There are 21.75 cubic feet of cargo space and two different seating configurations. With bucket seats, the Urus fits four passengers. With a rear bench, it fits five. The materials are upscale and diverse. You can configure a Lamborghini Urus with your choice of carbon fiber, leather, wood inlays, and Alcantara.
Is it Safe to Drive a Lamborghini Urus?
Russian driver Andrey Leontyev spoke about the Urus after setting a new high-speed record across the ice, Leontyev had this to say in a press interview about the Lamborghini Urus. “I am certain that even a fairly inexperienced driver could still perform well in this vehicle if they were to step onto the racetrack. But that same person would also be able to drive the car to their summer home or to the countryside with friends.”
The Lamborghini Urus has 40-millimeter-thick carbon-ceramic brakes in the front and 30 mm thick brakes in the rear. It can go from 62 MPH to a full stop after about 37 meters. There’s adaptive air suspension onboard and the Urus has active roll stabilization technology.
As a member of the Volkswagen Group, this SUV has all the latest safety technology on its options list. Owners can choose from a number of advanced safety features in three different packages. They’re called ADAS or advanced driver assistance systems. You can equip the Urus with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, self-parking, and more.
Final Lap in the Urus
The Lamborghini Urus is popping up in suburbs all across America but that doesn’t mean it’s not a supercar. It has a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine, advanced racing technology, and the look of a Lamborghini. The Urus also has a supercar price tag. It carries an MSRP of $218,009.
The Urus is faster than the Bentley Bentayga and the Cayenne Turbo GT from Porsche. If you want to feel the thrill of having your back pressed in the seat every time you get behind the wheel, then the Urus could be your daily driver. It does have all the safety and tech features that motorists want from an SUV. Those features are just wrapped in a hulking, neon, fire-spitting frame.
It’s an exciting time to drive an SUV or crossover. There’s so much variety on the market in 2021. Some of the latest SUVs aim to wrangle in big families with top safety equipment while others set their sights on big performance numbers.
SUVs and crossovers have always provided more utility than sedans and coupes and more versatility than trucks or vans. Now, there are electric powertrains and off-road goliaths to wow potential buyers with high tech features.
Here are Some of the Best SUVs and Crossovers Hitting the Market This Year
2021 Toyota RAV4
According to global auto sales data from Focus2Move, the Toyota RAV4 is the second highest selling vehicle on the market and the highest selling SUV. One of the biggest selling points is the shockingly low MSRP. It costs just $26,150 to own a brand new 2021 Toyota RAV4. The ticket price is attractive but so are the dual chrome-tipped exhaust ports, upscale profile lines, and sporty front end.
Style isn’t the only thing that the RAV4 has going for it. Top level safety features come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. You get blind spot warnings, rear cross traffic alerts, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Toyota is willing to give away these safety features to attract buyers with families who place a high value on their road safety.
At any trim level, the Toyota RAV4 is value priced. There’s all-wheel drive, hybrid models, and nothing costs more than $38,000. That’s for the Limited Hybrid model that comes with all the bells and whistles. Although there’s only a 4 cylinder powertrain available for the 2021 RAV4 gas models, its 8-speed automatic gearbox handles acceleration like a champ.
The 2021 Audi E-Tron is a technologically advanced electrified SUV. It’s a plug-in vehicle with two electric motors and quattro all-wheel drive. If you’re in the market for an SUV or crossover with zero emissions but still want high performance, then the 2021 E-Tron can’t be ignored. It produces 408 horsepower and travels from zero to 60 in a respectable 5.7 seconds.
The 2021 Audi E-Tron excels as an electric SUV because it doesn’t look like it came from a science fiction movie set. It’s easily recognizable as an Audi from the inside out. You’ve got the upscale interior ambient lighting, the 10-inch touchscreen display, and real wood grain accents. There’s no compromising on luxury, even as the market trend is going in the direction of minimalist design.
The 2021 Audi E-Tron has three different powertrain options that give drivers flexibility on performance vs. fuel economy. At its best, the E-Tron has a driving range of 252 miles and can recoup about 80% of its power in 30 minutes with DC fast charging.
When it comes to spacious interiors, there’s no beating the 2021 Kia Telluride. It leads the segment. Three rows of seating are a hallmark feature for large SUVs. It’s rarely done properly when mid-sized vehicles attempt to jam in a third row.
The 2021 Kia Telluride is one of the only large SUVs that presents seating for 8 passengers without compromising legroom for the second row. There’s 31.4 inches of legroom there. The Audi Q7 is more luxurious, and costs more, but only provides 29.2 inches of legroom on the second row. It might seem like a small difference, but those few inches mean everything on a long road trip.
The 2021 Kia Telluride has stellar reviews and carries a MSRP of just $32,190. There are options galore spread out between four different model trims. However, the base model has plenty of standard equipment such as leather-wrapped steering wheel, rearview camera, and blind spot warnings. When wrapped in premium Nappa leather, the interior steps on the toes of Mercedes-Benz and other expensive luxury SUV automakers.
Truthfully, both the BMW X3 and the X5 could make this list of the best SUVs for 2021. Yet, the BMW X5 stands out among mid-sized luxury SUVs. It has powerful engines to choose from including a hybrid and a M-tuned V8 engine that produces 523 horsepower. It’s fast enough to go from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds and powerful enough to tow up to 7,200 pounds.
There are plenty of other performance options for the X5. You can select advanced air shocks, all-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension at your build out. You can also pick and choose some of the M features such as sport brakes and colored calipers.
The 2021 BMW X5 has an MSRP of $59,400, but that’s just the start. The X5 M tips the scales at $105,100. Even the base model has a beautiful exterior though. There’s the signature BMW kidney grille, 19-inch wheels, and an upright ride height that grants the driver with great visibility.
The amenities of the BMW X5 are most evident from the interior. There are copious amounts of woodgrain and leather inside the cabin. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are key tech features. There’s even a small third row for seating an additional couple of passengers.
If you’re looking for an affordable crossover with all-wheel drive and great gas mileage, then take a closer look at the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid. It has standard all-wheel drive, 40 miles per gallon, and attractive chrome accents all along the body.
The CR-V Hybrid has 75.8 cubic feet of cargo volume and 102.9 cu. Ft. of passenger volume. When you add the power liftgate to that equation you get an interior that is easily accessible and large enough for a full family. The interior is much larger than the Prius and the Toyota RAV4. The rear seats fold down and there’s plenty of stow-and-go compartments.
When it comes to safety features, the 2021 Honda CR-V is all aces. It comes with the Honda Sensing suite as standard equipment. That’s a bundle of safety features that includes road departure mitigation technology, collision mitigation and blind spot monitoring.
The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid isn’t the best-looking SUV on this list. None of the model trims make much of a difference in that regard. It has an MSRP of $30,560 and the low price is meant to take your attention away from the tame exterior and budget materials in the cabin. If you can get past the looks of the CR-V Hybrid, you’ll be rewarded by its thrifty nature.
The 2021 Volvo XC40 is a compact crossover that punches above its weight class. It’s a stellar all-around vehicle with advanced collision avoidance technology as standard equipment. The 2021 XC40 goes above and beyond to keep passengers safe by providing automatic braking and four onboard cameras.
The 2021 Volvo XC40 is a city dweller. It has a small footprint and an available plug-in model that boasts up to 208 miles on a single charge. The XC40 has an expressive body design with attractive lines and a panoramic glass roof. There’s leather upholstery and a 9-inch vertical touchscreen.
With an MSRP of $33,700, the XC40 cuts into the budget crossover market. Yet, this is still a luxurious Volvo with plenty of tech inside. It has a perky turbo-charged engine and can be outfitted with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. With 187 horsepower and a low curb weight, the XC40 is safe but fun to drive.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is an off-roader dream and a formidable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler. There are four model trims, all of which seek to master a unique aspect of outdoor adventuring. All of the 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles claim to go over any type of terrain.
You’d expect to pay just as much as a loaded Jeep for the Bronco Sport, but it has a starting price of $26,820. That comes with standard 4×4 capability, best in class cargo volume behind the first row, and voice activation SYNC 3 technology.
Beyond the base model, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport presents almost too many options. There are four other model trims, and the First Edition model is a rare find on any Ford lot. The Badlands model has everything Ford can throw at it for off-roading. It has a metal bash plate, beefy off-road tires, front tow hooks and a specially designed suspension system.
Even if off-roading isn’t your thing, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport will turn heads on the road. It’s an attractive throwback. It has a high roof that offers best-in-class headroom. The interior is easy to clean and purpose built. Plus, there’s wireless charging, a 10-speaker premium audio system and plenty of creature comforts for urban adventurers.
Tesla still rakes in the lion’s share of the electric vehicle market. Yet, whatever falls off the Tesla table goes to Ford and the Mustang Mach-E. According to a Morgan Stanley report, Tesla’s share of the electric car market fell to 69% and Morgan Stanley attributes the losses directly to the debut of the Mach-E from Ford.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E won SUV of the Year from the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards. Here’s why the Mach-E is doing so well. There are four different models including the suped-up Mustang Mach-E GT. It has 480 horsepower and 600 pound feet of torque; it truly lives up to the Mustang namesake.
The 2021 Mustang Mach-E has a standard driving range of 230 miles with an extended mile model traveling up to 300 miles in certain conditions. The body design of the Mach-E is a direct jab at Tesla but presents itself as a hardline departure from Mustang vehicles of the past.
The 2021 Porsche Macan Turbo is sexy and athletic. It’s a small luxury SUV that successfully matches looks with capabilities. The Macan Turbo borrows from its stablemate the Cayan in the looks department. It has broad shoulders, large wheels, and a new LED taillight strip in the rear.
The Porsche Macan Turbo is a driver’s SUV with an overdose of Porsche DNA. It leads with performance and handling. Safety equipment and creature comforts for passengers are an afterthought. It has a 2.9 Liter, twin turbo V6 powertrain. The 7-speed PDK gearbox is one of the best transmissions on the planet.
Traction management, torque vectoring, and air suspension give the Macan Turbo the handles of a sports car. With a push of a button, the Macan Turbo switches jobs and goes into Off-road Mode. It grips the road and carves out corners with ease, making even novice drivers look like pros.
The interior of the 2021 Porsche Macan Turbo is an explosion of buttons, controls, and screens. It can be a bit overwhelming. Directional sound technology amplifies the exhaust note around the cabin and the panoramic glass roof has embedded ambient lighting. Aside from a cramped rear bench, the 2021 Porsche Macan Turbo is one of the best performance SUVs on the market. Scoop up your own if you’ve got $84,600.
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G Class SUV is like a behemoth. The AMG version of the G-Wagon is a behemoth that’s nearly impossible to kill. It’s just too tough. When you combine the ruggedness of the G Wagon with the performance of an AMG, you get a monster with a six figure price tag and fire under the hood.
Most known for its boxy, iconic proportions, the AMG G63 scoffs at any inkling of a redesign. Four chrome pipes growl from the sides of the AMG G63. It intimidates other SUVs with massive 22-inch wheels and exposed door hinges.
The 2021 AMG G63 has a twin turbo, twin scroll V8 engine that produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound feet of torque. It’s best not to even think about gas mileage when you’re putting out that level of power. It’s all managed by a 9-speed paddle-shifting AMG Speedshift transmission.
Don’t forget that this SUV is meant for off-roading in the worst conditions known to man. It has three locking differentials, a 60:40 rear bias, high ground clearance, and an AMG trail package for enhanced suspension, braking and handling. Put simply, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 is peerless.
The Best SUVs and Crossovers of 2021
From thrifty fuel sippers to luxury flagships, these top-rated SUVs and crossovers have something for everyone. If you’re looking to go easy on the wallet, then the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 have some of the best standard features that don’t cost extra money after the build out. These family haulers double down on cabin space and advanced safety equipment.
When price plays second fiddle to performance, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, BMW X5 and Porsche Macan Turbo take the podium. The AMG G63 is rugged and ready for the outdoors while the M5 and Macan Turbo are poised to rip up some asphalt in style. All these SUVs carry large price tags and desirable options, so be ready to spend way over the MSRP.
Then, there are the electric and hybrid vehicles. The 2021 Audi E-Tron and Mustang Mach-E are standouts in this category. The dominance of Tesla in the electrified segment is being steadily challenged by automakers who balk at expensive vehicles with next to nothing inside them. Audi and Ford don’t sacrifice the luxury trappings that made them famous just to stretch the MPG meter.
The underdogs might be the clear winners in this race. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and the Kia Telluride promise thrilling rides with lots of value built into their platforms. These SUVs check all the right boxes and it’s clear that designers at Kia and Ford did their homework when it comes to satisfying what auto buyers want most out of their next vehicle.
There is no shortage of compact crossovers on the market today. That’s why the 2021 Toyota Venza endeavors to load-up on value. Its small frame houses electric motors and new technology but sacrifices interior space. It’s capable of traveling 40 miles on a single fill-up, but its powertrain isn’t designed for white knuckle rides.
There are 3 different model trims available for the Venza hybrid. There’s the LE base model. It comes with 5-star safety, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and LED lights. The mid-level Venza is the XLE. It builds on the LE features by adding 19-inch wheels, improved LED lights and a Smart Key system for all doors. Of course, there’s also a Limited model. This 2021 Venza hybrid showcases the best features like the panoramic glass roof, digital rearview, and bird’s eye view camera.
The 2021 Toyota Venza has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with D-4S dual-injection and dual variable valve timing. It works in tandem with electric motors to produce a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza has a 252-volt lithium-ion battery bank. The powertrain is managed by an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode.
Toyota outfitted the Venza with Independent MacPherson strut underpinnings up front and a multi-link rear suspension for the rear. The all-new Venza has an electronic on-demand, an all-wheel-drive system that gives it enhanced traction control and some light off-roading prowess. The operative word here is “light”. With only 219 horsepower on tap and 7.68 inches of ground clearance, the Venza isn’t designed to keep pace with rugged off-roaders like the Subaru Forester.
The drive mode selector toggles the Venza between Eco, Sport, Normal, and EV mode. Mastering these different drive modes can help a savvy driver make the most of the 2021 Venza’s hybrid fuel economy. It’s capable of getting 40 miles per gallon in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
2021 Toyota Venza Interior
The interior of the 2021 Venza hybrid is smartly laid out and looks more like a sedan than an SUV. The new Venza has an available Star Gaze fixed panoramic sunroof top. It’s the first vehicle from Toyota to equip this feature. The glass top is electrochromic. That means that the roof can go from frosted to clear with a touch of a button.
When compared to similar-sized crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Ford Escape, the Venza lacks some points on passenger volume. It has seating for 5 passengers and 98.3 cubic feet of passenger space.
There are 55.1 cubic feet of cargo volume in the 2021 Venza. Just as the Venza trailed competitors in passenger volume, it also loses out to competitors like the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V hybrid when it comes to cargo space.
What the Venza hybrid lacks in roominess, it makes up for in style and refinement. It easily trumps the competition, especially for the price. The 2021 Venza has attractive ambient lighting, soft-touch materials, and a futuristic dashboard layout.
The central console has a stunning 12.3-inch touchscreen display that comes with intuitive software. It’s Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatible. There’s an available JBL premium audio system with 9 speakers, amplifier, and subwoofer.
The 2021 Toyota Venza shares its base architecture with other sedans and small crossovers in the Toyota line. This design language gives it room for some added sophistication and upscale elegance. The Venza could’ve easily been lost in the Lexus lineup, but instead, it shines on the Toyota showroom floor.
The Venza shares some of the style cues of the RAV4’s front grille. It has slitted LED headlights that almost give the Venza a wide and inviting smile. It has a low roofline and a smooth, contoured profile similar to the Highlander. The Venza has an angular, almost pointed rear end, but it doesn’t draw away from the overall beauty of the exterior.
2021 Toyota Venza Safety
Toyota doesn’t hold back when it comes to safety features. There aren’t any extra packages with extra costs. You get the best safety features that Toyota has to offer as standard equipment on the 2021 Venza hybrid.
Every 2021 Venza comes with the Toyota Safety Sense package. This includes pre-collision warnings with pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, automatic high beam lights, and more. That’s not all. Blind Spot Monitoring is standard safety equipment. However, the mid-level and Limited trims get an advanced version of Blind Spot Monitoring that also includes parking assistance.
Final Thoughts on Toyota’s New Stylish Hybrid
The 2021 Toyota Venza hybrid offers a ton of technology and safety features for an MSRP of $32,470. There isn’t much of a price leap to reach the mid-grade and Limited Venzas either. The latter comes in at a starting MRSP of $39,800.
The Venza suffers a bit from a case of style over substance. It’s not a glaring margin, but it’s there. The performance isn’t punchy enough for adventurous driving. The 2021 Venza does not have a roomy interior either. It’s based on a sedan’s architecture and not a mid-sized SUV. That’s the weak link in the 2021 Venza hybrid’s chain of forward-thinking features.
Otherwise, the Venza excels. It has impressive fuel economy, luxurious style points, and the novelty of being a new Toyota vehicle. It would be wise to choose the Limited model Venza because it has the electrochromic sunroof (a Toyota first) and other high-level tech features. Plus, the Limited model costs less than a luxury sedan.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that provides 22 miles of travel on its twin electric motors. You can save money on petrol while you take advantage of the Outlander PHEV’s 4×4 capabilities. The acceleration is a bit tame, but Mitsubishi doesn’t try to market the Outlander as a performance powerhouse. It’s an electric SUV that most people can afford.
There are two models available for the plug-in electric SUV. There are the SEL and GT. There’s not much difference between them mechanically. Despite the name, the GT model isn’t faster or sportier when it comes to performance.
It’s more about style and luxury. The GT Outlander PHEV equips LED lights, GT badges, and some cosmetic upgrades to the interior. The GT model does add adaptive cruise control and a multiview camera system. So, consumers will have to decide whether those features are worth the extra $5,000 for the 2020 Outlander PHEV GT model.
The Outlander PHEV has 3 driving modes – EV, Series Hybrid, and Parallel Hybrid. The Outlander cycles through these modes to give the driver the best fuel economy. It’s perfect for daily commuters. Drive your Outlander on a city commute in EV mode and you’ll have 22 miles of all-electric driving.
When in EV mode, the Outlander PHEV utilizes its twin electric motors. If you need a recharge or want some added acceleration, the Series Hybrid mode utilizes the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. When operating in Parallel Hybrid mode, the gasoline engine takes over as a normal front-wheel-drive powertrain.
Performance Capabilities of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The twin electric motors of the Outlander PHEV are mounted on the front and rear axle. This gives the vehicle instant torque and acceleration. You can forget about the acceleration lag. Just press the accelerator and the Outlander responds with power to all four wheels.
Mitsubishi Outlander has a Super All-Wheel Control System that maximizes the Outlander’s 4×4 capabilities with enhanced traction control. There are settings for snow, gravel, normal terrain, and eco mode. Together with the electric motors, this combined 4×4 functionality makes the 2020 Outlander PHEV remarkably stable and comfortable to drive in adventurous conditions.
It has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when equipped with a towing package. So, the Outlander electric SUV is prepared and equipped for a weekend camping trip, a holiday to the beach, or any other light off-roading that you might want to do.
There are several options for charging the Mitsubishi electric SUV. You can charge it from home using a standard 120V household plug and get a full charge in 8 hours. There’s an option to have a 240V charging station installed, and that will cut your charging time in half. If you’re out and about you can visit a DC fast charging station and get up to 80% of your battery charge in just 25 minutes.
Safety Equipment from Mitsubishi
All the hybrid gains of the Outlander PHEV wouldn’t amount to much without some top tier safety equipment onboard. Most of the competitors in this arena bundle their highest levels of safety gear into pricey packages, but Mitsubishi has made most of its safety equipment standard features.
There’s a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features on the Outlander PHEV. You get Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warnings, Pedestrian Detection technology, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist. That’s an impressive set of standard safety equipment for the Mitsubishi electric SUV.
Plug-in hybrids don’t have to look like science fiction movie props. The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t follow gimmicks and trends. It’s a mid-sized crossover SUV with well-sculpted lines and plenty of stylish accents. LED fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels elevate the exterior to a modern, luxurious standard. The contrast of Ruby Black Pearl or Red Diamond exterior paint with the chrome accents in the Outlander’s front grille makes it stand out from the crowd. The interior carries on the dark, sophisticated motif. The GT model comes with an optional black console and floor panel, diamond-quilted leather seating, and a power sunroof. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid out with controls in the right places and no excess clutter.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Interior Amenities
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has seating for 5 passengers and 102.1 cubic feet of total passenger volume. There’s plenty of room to get comfortable. Front passengers have 40.9 inches of legroom and 40.6 inches of headroom. For a point of comparison, the 2021 Audi E-Tron only has 38 inches of headroom.
Leather seating is a standard feature on the Outlander PHEV and the front seats are heated. The Outlander has a customizable rear compartment for flexible storage space. You can adjust the interior to accommodate up to 66.6 cubic feet.
You’ve got plenty of technology on deck in this electric SUV. The center console has an 8-inch touchscreen display that comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity. You’ll never miss out on your digital life just because you’re heading out on a camping trip. The GT model adds 2 outlets for 1500 watt AC power.
The Mitsubishi Remote Control app helps you monitor your electric power demands and plan your next charging session. The app is easy to use with colorful displays and large icons that show valuable information about your vehicle’s electric needs.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is poised to be a serious contender in the plug-in hybrid space. It’s got utility, an adventurous equipment list, and it’s affordably priced. Being able to drive 22 miles in the city with zero emissions is a huge bonus. It has an MSRP of $36,295 with the 2020 GT model coming in at $41,695.
Sure, there are more upscale vehicles on the market, but given the current economic climate, an Outlander PHEV is worth a test drive before you shop at Audi or Volkswagen. Saving a bundle of money makes up for nearly every area where the Outlander lags behind the competition.
Elegant and trendy the 2020 Volvo V90 Cross Country is your V90 with all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, exterior cladding, higher-profile tires, and significant cargo space make the V90 CC a superb contemporary alternative to an SUV.
The 2020 V90 Cross Country can be only be obtained in a single well-equipped T6 configuration. The AWD T6 contains a supercharged and turbocharged 316-hp four-cylinder engine combined with an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and Start/Stop technology.
Standard features include a self-powered liftgate, LED headlamps, alloy wheels, and tires, adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous steering with busy lane controller, Sensus Connect, navigation, and keyless entry. Available features include heated and ventilated front seats, premium Bowers and Wilkins sound system, rear air suspension, surround-view camera, plus a head-up screen. The Volvo V90 Cross Country is a carry-over for 2020.
On the lookout for a vehicle that offers a roomy cabin, plenty of cargo space and small off-road capacity? Normally, the solution is a crossover SUV. Yet there is an alternative for the SUV and it’s the 2020 Volvo V90 Cross Country.
Together with good looks and contemporary design, the V90 Cross Country offers exceptional interior comfort and calmness, an array of technology features and Volvo’s reputation for building safe vehicles. Its bigger than Volvo’s V60 or V60 Cross Country compact wagons, which makes it perfect for the daily family driver.
For 2020, the wagon carries over mostly unchanged but has been pared down to one configuration level. There are a couple of modern safety and tech features — the car can automatically brake as it senses rear cross-traffic, for example — and a self-parking system is now available as a standalone feature.
For ultimate luxury off-roading, an SUV like the 2020 Land Rover Discovery probably makes more sense. But if your travels mostly occur on paved urban roads, with only occasional detours down a dirt path, the 2020 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a good option.
The 2020 Volvo V90 Cross Country takes the good elements of an SUV and combines them with the best facets of a luxury wagon. The end result is a slightly raised driving position, standard all-wheel drive, a great deal of cargo space, a gorgeous interior, lots of standard equipment and several safety features. To make it even better, it is all wrapped up in a package that’s pleasing to the eye.
The V90 Cross Country is a version of the normal V90 midsize luxury wagon. Not many other vehicles with scuff plates in the back and cladding along the sides offer a center of gravity that is more like a car’s than a truck. So the V90 Cross Country can tackle muddy trails and snowy conditions, while still keeping a fine control over the handling features.
2020 Volvo V90 Cross Country Configurations
The 2020 Volvo V90 is an AWD station wagon with seating for five. It’s offered in a single T6 spec level. The powerful T5 and T6 Volvo Ocean Race trim from last year have been discontinued.
Engine
The V90 Cross Country comes equipped with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque), standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 19-inch wheels and tires, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-on liftgate. Inside you will find leather upholstery, heated front seats and 9-inch touchscreen navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker audio system.
Safety Features
Standard protection features and driver assistance (Volvo’s IntelliSafe) comprise of blind-spot tracking, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, a drowsy driver warning system, and an adaptive cruise control system which forms the basis of Pilot Assist, Volvo’s title because of its self-steering, semi-automated driving system.
Packages
You can further customize the 2020 Volvo V90 Cross Country to taste with the optional Advanced and Luxury packages. The Advanced package adds adaptive headlights, high-pressure headlight washers, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a head-up screen. The Luxury package includes upgraded leather, ventilated and massaging front seats with thigh pillow extensions, front-seat position memory, heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and rear sunshades.
Options
A couple of standalone features include 20-inch wheels and tires, an adaptive air suspension, a self-parking package, a premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and integrated rear child booster seats.
Final Thoughts
Volvo added the V90 to its lineup for 2017. In 2020, this well-rounded package carries over almost entirely unchanged. It competes against the likes of the Subaru Outback and Volvo’s own V60.
V90 shoppers have the option of the entry-level model V90, a normal stylish wagon, and the Cross Country model, which benefits from a 2.3-inch lift, contrasting body cladding, and AWD.
Crossovers are helpful, but they are far from the only alternative for functional and trendy family transport. Wagons might be making a comeback, and the Volvo V90 Cross Country is a good alternative.
The 2019 Lexus RX 350 positions in the upper third of this luxury midsize SUV class. It features a slick ride, lots of standard protection technologies, and a great predicted reliability score, but its competitions possess nimbler management and more space for cargo.
You can own the 2019 Lexus RX 350 in two configurations: base and F Sport. Both trim levels come with the same engine and are available in front- and all-wheel-drive. The base 2019 Lexus RX 350 is just nice, but I’d put my cash down for the 2019 Lexus RX 350 F Sport. On top of the entry-level model’s conventional equipment, the F Sport adds an adaptive suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, and one of a kind design touches. For me, it’s worth the added cost.
The 2019 Lexus RX 350 is definitely among the most appealing luxury crossover SUV. The Lexus RX’s appeal owes partly to a large selection of configurations but also to its long list of standard features, such as adaptive cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery. There are tons of high-end features to pick from, too, like a 12.3-inch center display screen, a 15-speaker stereo, and a panoramic sunroof.
Though the 2019 Lexus RX 350 is not really built for off-road duty, Lexus raised the crossover’s all-independent suspension marginally last year, enabling it to clear more obstacles than you may think. The motor is a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 295 horsepower and matched to a discreet eight-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and – all-wheel drive is offered. There is also a 350L version this year that is longer and has a third-row seat.
The 2019 Lexus RX 350 is a five-passenger luxury crossover that can be in either a base model or F Sport versions. They both include a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower, 267 pound-feet of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional, however.
The entry-level base model comes with 18-inch wheels and tires, automatic LED headlights (with automatic high beams), rear privacy glass, a capability liftgate, keyless ignition and entrance, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split rear seat and a rear cargo cover.
Also standard is a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, Safety Link crisis communications, a package of driveway defense aids (the Safety System+ package, such as lane departure warning and intervention, in addition to forward collision warning and reduction with automatic emergency braking), Bluetooth, an 8-inch screen screen, a smartphone-integrated navigation program and a nine-speaker audio system.
Options
The Premium package can be found on non-F Sport versions and includes auto-dimming side mirrors, a sunroof, automatic wipers, driver-seat memory capabilities, leather upholstery, wood configuration, and a rear armrest storage compartment. The Luxury package (also only on base model models) comprises the Premium package items and includes 20-inch wheels and tires, a heated steering wheel, rear door sunshades, upgraded leather upholstery, and four-way lumbar adjustment for the front seats.
F Sport
The F Sport is the choice at the RX lineup, and also in addition to the conventional RX gear it features the Premium package contents, sportier exterior styling, 20-inch wheels and tires, adaptive suspension springs and shocks, increased motor audio, transmission paddle shifters, unique springs, heated and ventilated sport seats, leather upholstery and special interior spec. The F Sport can be accessible with all-wheel driveway.
Options
When you upgrade to the Navigation package, you get a navigation system, the Remote Touch technology interface, a bigger 12.3-inch screen, voice controls, the Lexus Enform App Suite along with a 12-speaker audio system.
Other options include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and automated braking, a panoramic-view backup camera, either a regular or a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding second-row seats, a towing package (with an upgraded cooling system), front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, upgraded LED headlights (with 18 individual LED accent lights), a color head-up display, a heated steering wheel and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
How Much Does the 2019 Lexus RX 350 Cost?
Beginning at $43,570, the starting price of this 2019 Lexus RX 350 is far less expensive than many other luxury midsize SUVs. The three-row RX 350L has an MSRP of $47,770, and the RX 350 F Sport starts at $49,220. This undercuts the entry-level model costs of several rivals, for example, 2019 Land Rover Discovery. All-wheel drive adds $1,400 to the cost of every model.
2019 Lexus RX 350 vs. the competition
2019 Lexus RX 350 vs. Audi Q5
The newly redesigned Audi Q5 is unquestionably a section leader one of the nicest luxury crossovers. It features a great interior, together with a comfortable street ride and lots of standard equipment. The Audi is somewhat more compact than the RX 350, meaning, less front and rear legroom, but it tops the Lexus for rear cargo space.
2019 Lexus RX 350 vs. Acura RDX
The recent Acura RDX is a far cry from the previous-generation version. Redesigned for 2019, the RDX is currently a lot more entertaining to drive. Though many of the Acura’s desirable characteristics are buried at the top configuration levels, it still offers quite a lot of gear for the money — a totally topped-out RDX is just a couple grand over an entry-level model RX 350. And compared to the RX 350, the RDX has more rear cargo space.
2019 Lexus RX 350 vs. Porsche Macan
If you’re searching for an educated, sporty driving experience on your luxury crossover, the first automobile on your list should be the Porsche Macan. Outstanding steering, handling, and on-road feel make the Macan the sports car of this luxury crossover bunch. The RX 350, however, is taller, wider and longer than the Macan. This provides the RX 350 more passenger and cargo space.
2019 Lexus RX 350 or Infiniti QX60
The Infiniti QX60 Is an Excellent luxury midsize SUV. It’s standard three-row seating and far more cargo space than the Lexus. The QX60 and the RX 350 have a great deal in common, such as V6 engines with similar horsepower ratings and fuel economy estimates. Between the two, however, the Lexus is the better choice. It’s a smoother ride and more standard security features. Lexus also provides the RX as a hybrid, but there is no hybrid QX60. Overall, you are better off using the Lexus.
2019 Lexus RX 350 or Lexus NX
It is smaller than its sibling, though it’s almost as much cargo space. Both the NX and RX offer hybrid versions, but even the nonhybrid NX will help you save money at the pump. However, the most important reason to pick the NX within the RX is cost. With an MSRP around $36,200, the NX will save you approximately $7,400 on the entry-level model RX 350. For those who have any room in your budget, however, the RX is the better SUV. It’s a softer ride, a peppier engine, and a nicer cabin with more room.
Final Thoughts
The 2019 Lexus RX 350 is a fantastic crossover SUV. Its upscale interior, ample seating space, and comfortable ride add to its allure. But, cargo space is low for the course, even when comparing the three-row RX L with the two-row versions of SUVs such as the BMW X5 or Hyundai Santa Fe. The RX is competitively priced and worth a look, but by the same token, it is worth considering a few of its rivals prior to picking this luxury SUV.
