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2020 Kia Telluride Earns Top Rated Award from Edmunds

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Edmunds, the online car sales and review site, just awarded the 2020 Kia Telluride the Top Rated Award. The Kia SUV achieved this honor with its practical features, pricing and unique style. Read more of the great highlights below that made this vehicle a winner.

2020 Kia Telluride
Kia

2020 Kia Telluride Wins SUV Category

The Kia SUV is designed and produced for the US market. With the Telluride’s eight-passenger seating, this SUV is the largest SUV ever made by Kia.

The 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 291 horsepower. It pairs to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The SUV also comes with more features like on-demand all-wheel drive and a self-leveling suspension. Therefore, the Kia Telluride makes an excellent vehicle for people with a busy lifestyle.

The Telluride for 2020 has off-roading looks and a lot of cool exterior and interior features. Also, the hood has a long and low appearance with a unique grille, an upright windshield and stacked headlights. Plus, the interior features lots of room, so your ride can be relaxing. In addition, there is a wider console made with top-of-the-line materials in the cabin.

Check out all of the cargo room included with this SUV. Behind the rear seats, occupants have access to 21 cubic feet of room. By putting down the third row, there is 46 cubic feet instead. For complete versatility, put down all of the back seats and utilize 87 cubic feet of cargo room.

How Do You Feel about the Telluride?

What do you think about the new Kia Telluride? Do you think it deserved the 2020 Top-Rated Award or do you think another vehicle should have earned the honors? Let us know in the comments below.

If you want to see more of Edmund’s featured vehicles, you can head over to their awards page. For more information about what this automaker is up to, check out the concept Kia pickup truck.

Jeep Wrangler Most Awarded Car of 2019 According to KBB

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The 2019 Jeep Wrangler just got named KBB’s Most Awarded Car of 2019. It beat out over 350 other models to win this title, but does it deserve it? Evidently, Motor Trend agreed when they labeled the Wrangler as SUV of the Year, but not everyone is raving over this latest win. Let’s take a closer look.

Most Awarded Car of 2019
Jeep

Most Awarded Car of 2019

KBB experts went through all of the 2019 awards to find the vehicles and brands that excelled. They claim they have enough knowledge from all their test drives to determine who deserves the accolades.

Some of the company’s significant awards include the Best Auto Tech, Best Buy, Best Resale Value and Brand Image. They also do a 5-Year Cost to Own analysis, 10 Coolest Cars Under $20k and Best Family Cars. They used the rankings from all of these publications to determine the overall winner.

From the KBB standpoint, the Wrangler provides superior 4×4 capability, many powertrain options, increased fuel efficiency and a new mild-hybrid option. Still, we think they might have missed one important factor – namely the death wobble.

2019 Jeep Wrangler

We believe there’s a lot to love about the Wrangler, don’t get us wrong. It does feature some superior off-road mannerisms, iconic heritage and open-air freedom, unlike anything else on the market. It also comes standard with plenty of advanced safety features (which you might need if you begin to wobble).

Rubicon models are ideal for heading off-road. They come with red tow hooks, a two-speed transfer case, Dana 44 axles, electronic sway bar disconnect, 33-inch BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires and the Rock-Trac® 4×4 system.

What are your thoughts about the recent news from KBB? Do you agree that the Wrangler should be the most awarded or do you feel another model was overlooked?

We would love to hear your thoughts.

J.D. Power Top Car Brands of 2019

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It’s time once again to check out the J.D. Power Initial Build Quality survey. It ranks the top car brands of 2019. Let’s see who came out on top this year.

Top Car Brands of 2019
Genesis

Top Car Brands of 2019 According to J.D. Power

It’s no surprise that Korean automakers topped the list once again. For this year’s survey, owners were asked, “How many problems did you have with your new vehicle?”

Then, J.D. Power ranked the data based on “problems experienced per 100 vehicles.” What’s most surprising to us is that this is the first year since 2014 where overall build quality across the carmakers did not improve.

While the companies are busy focusing on convenience features such as the infotainment system, the mechanical aspects aren’t getting the love they deserve. That leaves problems such as brake noises, paint imperfections, Check Engine lights and other complaints early in ownership.

The addition of advanced driver systems also leave the automakers susceptible to lower scores. As people try to figure out how to implement these aids, there is a lot of confusion.

Top Brands Ranked

Just like last year, the top three brands are from Hyundai.

Top Car Brands of 2019

First up is Genesis, the luxury division of the company. The G70 sports sedan allows drivers to experience luxury on a budget. From there, Kia holds onto second place with the budget-friendly lineup. In third, Hyundai offers plenty of performance and high-tech features.

Ford and Lincoln take fourth and fifth place. The debut of the Ranger and the popularity of the Fusion help this brand exceed. Ironically, the Fusion will not continue in production, despite its success.

Sadly, we have some big brands hitting the bottom of the ranks. Jaguar and Land Rover, in particular, continue to dwell at the bottom. This might explain all the financial troubles.

Is your car reliable? Do you agree with the rankings? Let us know.

2019 Wards 10 Best Interior Winners

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It’s time once again to find out what vehicles feature the best interiors. Let’s take a quick look at the 2019 Wards 10 Best Interior Winners from this year.

2019 Wards 10 Best Interior
Bentley

2019 Wards 10 Best Interior Winners Are…

  • Bentley Continental GT ($276,730) – won for its bespoke luxury and modern technology.
  • BMW M850i ($119,295)  – features a performance-focused interior and detailed stitching.
  • Genesis G70 ($44,895)  – affordable luxury with quilted door inserts.
  • Hyundai Santa Fe ($39,905) – praised for the integration of trim materials and colors.
  • Jeep Gladiator ($51,245) – features an adventure inspired interior with matte red finish.
  • Lincoln Nautilus Black Label ($67,630) – clean lines and ambient lighting make this SUV a winner.
  • Mercedes-Benz A220 ($51,935) – entry-level luxury features a hand rest and touchpad.
  • Nissan Kicks ($23,330) – comes complete with rust-colored contrast stitching and headrest-mounted speakers.
  • Toyota RAV4 ($39,565) – compact crossover offers rugged and oversized HVAC controls that set it apart from the crowd.
  • Volvo V60 ($54,690) – premium, unique feel with the textile weave upholstery.

Picking the Winners

There were a total of eight editors judging 32 vehicles. All of the models featured either all-new or significantly updated cabins. The editors test drove the vehicles this past February and March in Detroit. The scores were determined based on design, comfort, aesthetic appeal, ergonomics, materials and user-friendliness. As you can see from the list above, there was no price cap on the nominees.

Half of the list of vehicles were cars. We believe this is interesting considering how most automakers remain focused on utility vehicles right now. What’s most impressive is how a $23,330 compact CUV also made the list this year. Wards believed it competed with cars that were ten times its worth.

The winners were announced during the 2019 New York International Auto Show. Then, the automakers receive their trophy during the 2019 WardsAuto Conference held this May 9th during the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI.

In addition to this list, don’t forget to check out the 2019 Wards Best Engines list as well.

Cars.com 2019 Best of Award Winners

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Cars.com released their 2019 Best of Award winners and we’ve got the inside scoop for you. In total, they picked five winners among varying segments. This included:

  • Best of 2019: Genesis G70
  • Best Pickup Truck of 2019: Ram 1500
  • Family Car of the Year: Chrysler Pacifica
  • Most Fun to Drive Car of the Year: Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • Luxury Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Let’s take a closer look at each of these to see what they bring to the table.

2019 Best of Award
Genesis

2019 Genesis G70

The G70 is the most affordable and smallest sedan from Genesis. It comes complete with a turbo four-cylinder or twin-turbocharged V6. There are also rear- and all-wheel-drive variants. It became an award-winner because of the superior steering and excellent dynamics. The cabin is filled with luxury touches and the storage space easily embarrasses the competition.

2019 Ram 1500 Warlock
FCA

2019 Ram 1500

FCA initiated a well-timed redesign of their Ram 1500. Pickups have become one of the most competitive segments right now, so you know that the Ram needed to possess a high level of quality, unlike the competition. In the upper trim levels of this truck, the editors at Cars.com were utterly blown away over the attention to detail and quality. Aside from that, the capability, mild-hybrid powertrain and off-road options helped to clinch the winning spot.

Red 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
FCA

2019 Chrysler Pacifica

FCA took another award with the family-friendly Pacifica. There’s really no question as to why it was the winner; it merely has more appeal than any other minivan on the market. With the Stow ‘n Go fold-flat seats, rear Uconnect Theater system and Stow ‘n Vac system, you can’t compare this vehicle to anything else. It’s also the first minivan that offers a Hybrid model. It would take a lot to dethrone this beauty as a favorite.

red 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The MX-5 Miata isn’t the fastest, quickest sports car available. What it does have going for it is handling and balance. It also weighs less than 2,400 pounds, making it much lighter than the majority of sports cars. Overall, the editors chose this smaller, top-down fun-to-drive Mazda over some tough competitors such as the Type R and Wrangler.

Mercedes-AMG S 65 Final Edition
Mercedes

2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

If you want big, powerful and luxurious, there’s nothing better than an S-Class from Mercedes. Every model features cutting-edge technology and advanced safety systems. This lineup also includes the Mercedes-Maybach S plus the high-performance AMG coupe and sedan. There’s also a multitude of ways to personalize this car. Drivers can choose their own paint color, wheels, trims, upholstery plus accents.

2019 Best of Award Winners

Which of these award-winning vehicles are you most surprised about? Let us know in the comments.

2019 5-Year Cost to Own Winners Announced

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KBB released their annual 2019 5-Year Cost to Own list and some of the winners might surprise you. Here’s the complete rundown.

2019 5-Year Cost to Own Winners

5-year cost to own
Chevrolet

Cars

  • Subcompact car: 2019 Chevrolet Spark LS
  • Compact car: 2019 Kia Soul
  • Midsize car: 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid
  • Full-size car: 2018 Chevrolet Impala LS
2019 Subaru Crosstrek - right front view
Subaru

SUV/Crossovers

  • Compact SUV/Crossover: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i
  • Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport (JK)
  • Full-size SUV/Crossover: 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe LS
2018 Audi TT - left front view
Audi

Luxury & Sports Cars

  • Entry-level luxury car: 2019 Acura ILX
  • Luxury car: 2018 Audi TT
  • Sports car: 2019 Chevrolet Camaro LS
2019 Honda Odyssey - left front view
Honda

Trucks & Minivans

  • Midsize Pickup: 2019 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab SR
  • Full-size Pickup: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab
  • Minivan: 2019 Honda Odyssey LX
2019 Nissan LEAF - left rear view
Nissan

Hybrid/Electric

  • Hybrid/Alternative Energy: 2019 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid LX
  • Electric: 2019 Nissan LEAF S

What is the 5-Year Cost to Own?

Every year, KBB publishes this list. They figure out the total amount that a vehicle will cost over the first five years. This includes all out-of-pocket expense such as insurance, vehicle depreciation and fuel. Then, they name the winners in each respective class.

What We See in 2019

This year was a little shocking in some of the classes. It didn’t seem like any one brand dominated the list this year, which was refreshing. There’s a nice variety of cars for anyone to choose from. Indeed, we didn’t expect to see the Jeep or the GMC truck make the list, but obviously, we aren’t the experts.

If you want to see the KBB report for yourself, take a look at their full list. Underneath each winner are some runner-ups in each category if you prefer to look for something different that will still save you money.

We are only a little over a month into 2019 and the awards and rankings of new cars are starting to trickle through. At Car Blog Writers, we are committed to providing you updated information every step of the way. Stay tuned here for more car buying news and information.

2019 Wards Best Engines Ranked

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It’s time once again to see what made the 2019 Wards Best Engines list. It’s the first time that we see three pickup truck engines on the list alongside four electric powertrains. If you’ve ever wanted to see diversity, this is the place to do it. The list consists of a V8 muscle car, German turbocharged luxury six-cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder as well. Let’s dive right in.

2019 Wards Best Engines
Chevrolet

2019 Wards Best Engines Winner List

Here is the list of winners, by alphabetical order based on the brand.

  • BMW X5 3.0-liter DOHC turbocharged I-6
  • Chevrolet Silverado 6.2-liter OHV V8 with DFM
  • Ford Mustang GT/Bullitt 5.0-liter DOHC V8
  • Ford F-150 3.0-liter DOHC turbodiesel V6
  • Honda Accord Hybrid 2.0-liter DOHC Atkinson i-VTEC four-cylinder
  • Hyundai Nexo 120-kW fuel cell/electric propulsion system
  • Hyundai Kona EV 150-kW propulsion system
  • Infiniti QX50 2.0-liter DOHC VC-turbo four-cylinder
  • Lexus UX 250h 2.0-liter DOHC Atkinson four-cylinder
  • Ram 1500 3.6-liter DOHC Pentastar eTorque V6

Notable Points

While we are impressed with all the motors making the 2019 Wards Best Engines list, there are a few things to point out. First, did you realize that BMW has won 34 of these awards in 25 years? That puts them in a tie with Ford. 28 of their awards were for an inline six-cylinder so it didn’t surprise us to see one again this year.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado uses a small block 6.2-liter with Dynamic Fuel Management to create the most advanced cylinder-deactivation technology to date.

As far as Ford goes, their 460 horsepower powerplant is something to get excited about. They are on the list twice this year with the F-150 diesel V6 engine. This light-duty engine offers superior fuel economy while allowing for towing of heavy loads.

Next, we have the Honda Accord Hybrid which achieves 40 mpg in test drives. Then, there’s the Hyundai Nexo with its 380-mile range fuel-cell engine. They also made the list with the Kona Electric CUV with 291 pound-feet of torque.

Don’t underestimate the QX50 with its variable-compression motor. It features a patented multi-link device located between the crankshaft and connecting rods. This turbocharged engine shortens the piston stroke length which modifies the compression ratio down to 8.0:1 from 14.0:1.

Then, we have Toyota who has earned six awards from Wards for their hybrid engines. That’s more than any of the other manufacturers, so it’s no surprise we see the Lexus UX 250h crossover on the list. It’s efficient and a blast to drive.

Finally, we come to the Pentastar V6 from FCA. It’s been around for almost a decade, but the updated version made its way into the Ram 1500. It uses the new eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system to maximize fuel economy and impressive efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Which of these engines are you most excited about? We would love to hear about it.

2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buys

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Consumer Guide Automotive has once again chosen the winners for their Best Buys awards. With this in mind, the 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buys show that a lot of manufacturers came out on top. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the big winners.

2019 Consumer Guide Automotive
FCA

Picking the 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buys

The editors test drive, compare, analyze and evaluate tons of vehicles by testing every major model available in the United States. That sounds like a pretty fun job if you ask us! Not only must they be a best buy, but they need to show themselves as a better value than anything else in their class. Let’s take a look at this year’s winners.

Best Buy Winners

Family Vehicle -> 2019 Chrysler Pacifica

Subcompacts -> 2019 Hyundai Accent, 2019 Kia Rio and Soul

Compact -> 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Honda Civic and Insight

Premium Compact -> 2019 Audi A4

2019 Honda Accord - left side view
Honda

Midsize -> 2019 Toyota Camry and 2019 Honda Accord

Premium Midsize -> 2019 Acura TLX and 2019 Lexus ES

Large -> 2019 Buick LaCross and 2019 Toyota Avalon

Premium Large -> 2019 Cadillac CT6

Sporty/Performance -> 2019 Ford Mustang, 2019 Mazda MX-5 and 2019 Volkswagen Golf FTI

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - fastest corvette
Chevrolet

Premium Sporty/Performance -> 2019 Chevrolet Corvette

Subcompact Crossover/SUV -> 2019 Hyundai Kona, 2019 Honda HR-V and 2019 Nissan Rogue

Premium Subcompact Crossover/SUV -> 2019 Volvo XC40

Compact Crossover/SUV -> 2019 Mazda CX-5 and 2019 Nissan Rogue

Premium Compact Crossover/SUV -> 2019 Acura RDX and 2019 Infiniti QX50

2019 Toyota Highlander - Nightshade Special Edition
Toyota

Midsize Crossover/SUV -> 2019 Honda Pilot and 2019 Toyota Highlander

Premium Midsize Crossover/SUV -> 2019 Acura MDX and 2019 Volvo XC90

Large SUVs -> 2019 Ford Expedition

Premium Large SUVs -> 2019 Audi Q7, 2019 Cadillac Escalade and 2019 Lincoln Navigator

Minivans -> 2019 Chrysler Pacifica

Compact Pickup Trucks -> 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, 2019 GMC Canyon and 2019 Honda Ridgeline

Large Pickup Trucks -> 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 GMC Sierra and 2019 Ram 1500

Electric Vehicles -> 2019 Chevrolet Bolt

The Top Winners

At first glance, it looks like there’s a lot on the list from Chevrolet. First, both the Colorado and the Silverado made the list in their truck categories, but then the Bolt took top value for the electric vehicle. Then, we also see the Corvette in the mix as well.

Aside from that, we also see a few FCA brands, with the Pacifica taking the top spot of the entire thing. Of course, with this helpful list, it’s easy to find a new car that offers a decent value. Thanks to Consumer Guide Automotive for putting this together.

Motor Trend’s 2019 SUV of the Year is the Jeep Wrangler

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The coveted awards from Motor Trend have been released. This time the Jeep Wrangler won as the 2019 SUV of the Year. It should come as no surprise with all the publicity the Jeep brand has received recently with the Gladiator. They are literally on fire and quickly becoming one of the most coveted brands among enthusiasts.

2019 SUV of the Year
FCA

Jeep Wrangler: 2019 SUV of the Year

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler blew away the judges because of its class-leading ability to play and work hard. It’s also highly refined, full of style and comfort plus filled to the brim with the latest technology. What’s exceptional about the 2019 SUV of the Year is it’s just as practical for on the road and off-road driving.

You can hit your favorite trail or head out in any weather condition without worry. Then, FCA updated the styling plus threw in some additional safety and security features just to take things up another level. There are even several powertrains to choose from. Opt for the dependable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or try out the newest 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder for the perfect balance between fuel efficiency and performance. That’s why it continues to be the most recognized and capable vehicle in the world.

Other Jeep Wrangler Awards

It’s no surprise to anyone that the Wrangler is going to sweep numerous awards in 2019. In fact, it’s also been honored in the latest 2019 ALG Residual Value Awards. It also recently was named 4×4/SUV of the Year for the Ninth Consecutive Year at SEMA.

Let’s face it; this Wrangler isn’t going anywhere fast. Fans love it, automotive publications can’t get enough of it and they are going to zoom off the dealership in record numbers. We will be anxiously awaiting news of more awards for this fun and practical SUV. Until then, stay posted at Car Blog Writers for all the latest Jeep news.

2019 Green Truck of the Year: Ram 1500

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In the race to determine the best truck of 2019, the Ram 1500 added a new honor to its accolades. The Green Car Journal just awarded the Ram 1500 as the 2019 Green Truck of the Year. They made this announcement during the 50th San Antonio Auto & Truck Show in Texas.

2019 Green Truck
FCA

2019 Green Truck of the Year

The Green Car Journal analyzed all the truck models available in the United States. During their testing, they looked at environmental attributes and some traditional criteria as well. This included versatility, safety, capability, style and value. There were five finalists, but the 2019 Green Truck of the Year was given to the Ram 1500.

We’ve been just as excited about the 2019 Ram 1500 as the next guy. It’s a pickup that leads the competition in durability, technology and efficiency. One of the most significant aspects of this pickup is the eTorque mild hybrid system. Ram proves that this truck can contain capability and fuel economy as well.

2019 Ram 1500

The eTorque mild hybrid system is a new addition to the 2019 model year. In addition, it comes with an upgraded TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, several aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction. The eTorque system uses a 48-volt battery pack to replace the conventional alternator to provide quick stop and start function, better brake energy regeneration and additional torque.

The eTorque technology is available with the 3.6-liter V6 or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 as well. It’s one of the reasons that it won the 2019 Green Truck of the Year Award. Aside from that, it also has numerous security and safety features. The overall weight was reduced by 225 pounds while it has a tow rating of 12,750 pounds and payload of 2,300 pounds.

Inside the cabin, drivers have access to a Uconnect 4C system with 12-inch touchscreen. This includes a split-screen feature, 360-degree camera, and Sirius XM. Advanced safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.

The 2019 Ram 1500 is already on sale and has an MSRP of $31,695. We are sure this truck will continue to win awards and will be sure to fill you in as we learn more. Since the Ram 1500 won the 2019 Green Truck of the Year, we wonder if people are still giving the Ford ad as much attention as they once were. Looks like Ram wins this round.

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