Jerry Robbin

2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE

Overview

The 2016 Toyota recently improved the cabin quality and handling of the Camry Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid is very competitive midsize sedan in its class. The best thing about this Hybrid sedan is the excellent mileage it gets.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Acceleration and Power

The 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that generate 200 horsepower combined. A continuously variable transmission (automatic) is standard. The Camry SE Hybrid gets an impressive 40/38-mpg.

The Camry Hybrid is quick off the line and has superb gas mileage especially in the city and excellent on the road. You can hardly notice the transition between gas and electric power. The transmission has a little whine when you hit the accelerator hard.

Handling and Braking

The 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s has excellent handling and the vehicle is easy to maneuver in any situation. The Camry Hybrid’s overall ride is quiet and smooth over any pavement. 

Under the Hood

Engine & Performance

Inside

The 2016 Camry Hybrid has upscale materials through out the cabin, which makes this Hybrid standout in its class. My test drive had Bluetooth, USB port and Toyota’s Entune audio system with a 6.1-inch touch screen. Highlighting the SE Hybrid a sunroof, satellite radio, an upgraded Entune system with navigation and smartphone app integration, wireless smartphone charging, a JBL audio system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.

There are physical knobs that control the audio volume and tuner

There is plenty of room in Camry Hybrid for five adults and comes standard with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, The front and back seats very comfortable, and with plenty of legroom for adult passengers.

The trunk space is 13.1 cubic feet, and the passenger rear seat folds down to create a pass-through and more storage space.

Features

Interior Features

Outside

The Camry has a bold, eye-catching front end and a nicely detailed rear end. The styling for the Camry Hybrid carries on the DNA of the entire Toyota line

Summary

If you are in the market for a full size Hybrid Sedan then go to your local Toyota dealer for a test drive today. 

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD

Overview

The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a reliable and functional SUV. The 2016 Highlander is basically unchanged from the previous year, but has a bold exterior

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The Highlander XLE has exceptional acceleration and the driving dynamics are phenomenal for a vehicle this size. The Highlander has a controlled ride over all driving surfaces and has exceptional suspension. The Highlander is very quiet, easy to maneuver and relatively easy to park

Under the Hood

The Highlander XLE pairs a V6 engine 3.5-liter V-6, with 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque; it’s also teamed up with a 6-speed automatic

Engine & Performance

Inside

The 2016 Toyota Highlander interior uses an array of upscale materials and high end finishes. The front seats are very comfortable and a centralized multimedia screen highlights the center stack. There, you’ll find easy-to-use controls, including knobs for the main radio functions, and for the climate controls below them. A huge center console sits between the two front seats that you can store a laptop or a large IPad. There is enough room in the 2^nd row of seats for adults and kids-only third row. 

Below is a list of all the creature features on my test drive.

Front Seats

Outside

The 2016 Highlander has a bold grille opening and more sculptured rear end, it also offers a fresh face using the Toyota DNA found on other models.

Summary

If you are in the market for a full size SUV, which can haul the entire family then go to your local Toyota Dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2017 Kia Sportage SX

Overview

The fully redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage is all new and has more room in the backseat than its predecessor. The 2017 Sportage now has improved the ride to go along with its new design.

The Sportage now is ready to take on the competition is the mid size CUV class.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving Impressions

The 2017 Sportage rides and handles superbly. My test drive came equipped with the 2.0 liter SX Turbo drive train, which was surprisingly quick and agile on the highway. The Sportage was fun to drive and had great road maneuverability. Highlighting the Sportage was a six-speed automatic, which is one of the best transmissions in this segment.

Under the Hood

The SX Turbo AWD model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 hp and 260 lb.-ft.

The SX Turbo has decent gas mileage 21 mpg combined (20/23).

Engine & Performance

Inside

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2017 Sportage’s interior has been totally updated using high-end materials and the layout is definitely user friendly. The dashboard has a, upscale look and a central control layout that angles toward the driver. The 8-inch touchscreen features excellent graphics, which feature Uvo infotainment functions (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for full smartphone integration).

The Sportage’s passenger space and comfort are phenomenal for this mid size CUV. The driver and front passenger seating is excellent with plenty of head- and legroom.

Rear cargo has 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and folding down the rear seats give you 60.1 cubic feet of storage

Below is a list of all the interior features found on my test drive.

Outside 

The styling on the 2017 Sportage has the DNA for Kia with its signature grill. The Sportage has a unique stance, which is sporty and muscular looking. The wheels have the appearance of being pushed out to the corners and the sides are more deeply sculpted.

Summary

If you are in the market for a Mid-Size CUV then go to your local Kia dealer for a test drive today

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab

Overview

The 2016 Tacoma has minor changes to a hot segment with vehicles like the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado. Toyota has a reputation of reliability and definitely this vehicle lives up to that.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The Tacoma’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is smooth and quiet at any speed. Acceleration is a little sluggish, but the steering was very responsive.

The ride was exceptional for a truck over a variety of road surfaces. My test drive was a Limited model, which rode on 18-inch tires and had road-tuned suspension. The Tacoma’s has 9.4 inches of ground clearance, which surpasses GMs Canyon & Colorado.

Under the Hood

The V6’s has 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates for my test-drive 4×4 Tacoma 20 mpg combined (18/23) with the automatic.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 Tacoma has a very contemporary design from its dashboard to the materials used through out the cabin. The large touchscreen is easy to use and climate control knobs and secondary switches beneath.

The front seats are supportive and hold you in place.

My test drive was a Double Cab and the rear seat had plenty of room for adults.

Below is a list of the many features that were on my Limited test drive.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Outside 

The styling on the 2016 Tacoma has over tones of the 4Runner and Tundra. Highlighting the Tacoma is a large front grille, which is designed for improved cooling when towing.

Summary

If you are in the market for a mid size pick up truck then go to your local Toyota store for a test drive today!

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Lexus NX 200t F Sport

Overview

The 2016 NX 200t offers broader smartphone connectivity through Lexus’ Enform products, but is otherwise unchanged for the model year. The NX styling still stands out from the crowd in its segment.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Driving the 2016 Lexus NX 200t is exhilarating with its superb handling both on the road and in the city. The ride is firm, the steering is responsive and the body motion is very controlled when driving around turns. The F Sport has a tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and has a mellow sound via Active Sound Control that pumps artificial engine noise into the cabin.

Under the Hood

A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque powers the NX 200t. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. My test drive had AWD and hugged the road in any weather condition.

Engine & Performance

Inside

The NX’s interior is dynamic with the use of an array of high quality materials. The interior is totally modern and unique compared to any of its competitors. The workmanship is high end, with materials that look and feel rich. Every detail has been thought of from the contrast stitching, wood trim and an analog clock to make the NX a first class vehicle.

Rear passengers have plenty of room but cargo space is tight. The NX’ has 54.6 cubic feet of total volume and just 17.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats.

Below is a list of all the creature features that came on my test drive.

Optional Features

Packages

Outside

The NX has a very unique exterior with the current Lexus signature features. On the front is the familiar Spindle Grill, which is part of current Lexus DNA.

Highlighting the NX are the unique LED daytime running lights featured on the front end and the ultra modern rear taillights highlight the rear end of this unique CUV

Summary

The NX is a unique CUV and has many attributes that are worth going to see at your local Lexus dealer. So why not go today for a test drive so you can see for yourself.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Lexus RX 450H

Overview

The all-new 2016 Lexus RX 450h has been totally redesigned and is highlighted with a very unique exterior design. The RX new design is a departure from its old sheet metal and looks like a large version of the NX. 

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

Power is adequate for the RX 450h and better than its predecessor. This hybrid is very comfortable and extremely quiet. The RX 450h F Sport steering is responsive especially when switched into one of two Sport modes The F Sport’s adaptive suspension makes the handling more controlled when driving any road condition.

Under the Hood

A 3.5-liter V6 engine and a pair of front-mounted electric motor/generators power every 2016 Lexus RX 450h. AWD models have an additional motor for the rear wheels. (Note that there is no mechanical connection between front and rear wheels in the all-wheel-drive RX.) Total system output is 308 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque.

EPA-estimated fuel economy (30/28) with all-wheel drive.

Engine & Performance

Inside

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2016 Lexus RX 450h has lower seating position and an easy to see and use dashboard makes this vehicle more carlike than its predecessors. With this in mind you still get an elevated view that helps make this a stellar vehicle.

There’s plenty of headroom in the cabin and the sliding and reclining backseat is wide and comfortable. The front seats are supportive and hold you in place when making sharp turns.

Cargo capacity with the 40/20/40-split rear seatback doesn’t quite fold flat.

But capacity is 18 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Below is a complete list of feature, that were on my test drive:

Outside

The new 2016 RX has a dramatic spindle grille in the front that is highlighted with the “triple-L” headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. The RX has a floating roof that tapers near the back with flared rear fenders The RX is definitely a head-turner that has all the design elements of the NX

Summary

The RX450H is definitely worth a trip to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive if you are in the market for a luxury mid-size Hybrid CUV.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Lexus IS200T

Overview

Highlighting the 2016 Lexus IS 200t is a potent turbo 4-cylinder and a 8-speed transmission.

Safety Features

Safety Features

Driving Impression

The IS200T steering and handling are superlative, which gives this vehicle the composure of a sports car. My test drive had the F Sport’s stiffened suspension and was complimented by 18-inch wheels. The IS has adaptive dampers which highlight this vehicles list of performance amenities.

Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 22-mpg city/33 highway/26 combined.

Under the Hood

The 2.0 4 cylinder 241 hp is mated to an 8-speed automatic, which makes this vehicle a strong performer in its class

• Engine & Performance

Inside

The 2016 Lexus IS200T interior is one of the best in its class using high-quality materials and workmanship.
The Toyota Entune system is easy to use and one of the many features the car has to make the driving experience a pleasure. The seats are very comfortable front and back.

Below is a list of all the features found on my test drive.

Features

Interior Features

Front Seats

Outside

The IS 200t has an aggressive design highlighted with the Lexus spindle grill. The design blends angles from the side going into the rear light cluster.

Summary

If you are in the market for a luxury sedan with a performance look and feel then go to your local Lexus dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

Interior Measurements

2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD 

Overview

The exciting all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3.is here and this sub-compact crossover is a real head-turner. The CX-3 is maneuverable like a car and has all the features of a crossover. Mazda has created one of the nicest vehicles in this new class. 

Safety Features

Safety Features

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 handling is exemplary with its responsive and precise steering. The 146-hp engine has acceptable- acceleration mated to its six-speed automatic transmission.

The CX-3’s Grand Touring ride is exceptional with its low-profile 18-inch tires.

Under the Hood

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 146 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy is good 29 mpg combined (27 city/32 highway) with standard all-wheel drive on my test drive Grand Touring test drive

. Engine & Performance

Inside

The interior of the 2016 CX-3’s cabin uses high-quality materials and has a very unique dashboard. The Grand Touring’s large central tachometer has a integrated digital speedometer and is easy to read. There is a heads-up display to show you how fast you are going.

The front seats are comfortable and are very supportive. The rear seats can 2 adults, but adding the third passenger would be a stretch.

Cargo capacity is 12.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 44.5 cubes with the rear seatbacks folded down.

Front Seats

The CX-3 has highly sculpted fenders and doors that convey movement. The front styling has the DNA of Mazda and the CX-5. Highlighting the rear end of the CX-3 is the dual exhaust.

Summary

If you are in the market for a compact CUV loaded with amenities then go down to your local Mazda dealer for a test drive today.

Specifications

• Exterior Measurements

• Interior Measurements