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These are the 27 cars Americans are most emotionally attached to according to J.D. Power
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
The Kia Telluride is just one of the models Americans are most emotionally attached to.
Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
What drives people to a certain vehicle? Sure, it may be brand loyalty. But, it may also be the emotional appeal of a model. That's the build up. Once the vehicle reaches it driveway and it's been lived in, the owner is bound to find more ... quirks. Does this dampen their enthusiasm?
The J.D. Power 2020 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study measures a number of factors that all contribute to that emotion connection.
"Purchasing the 'right' vehicle is influenced by a variety of factors, depending on each buyer's specific tastes, wants and needs," said Dave Sargent, vice president of automotive quality at J.D. Power. "The APEAL Study measures an owner's emotional attachment to their new vehicle and in what areas that vehicle may not be delivering on all of the positive experiences that were hoped for. Understanding this is just as valuable to automakers as knowing about quality issues and owner acceptance of new technologies. The goal for automakers is to delight customers on all these dimensions. Some are better than others at doing this."
J.D. Power has been conducting the study for 25 years. It was redesigned for 2020 to compliment the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and the J.D. Power Tech Experience Index Study. The survey measured "owners' emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle across 37 attributes, ranging from the sense of comfort and luxury they feel when climbing into the driver's seat to the feeling they get when they step on the accelerator." These attributes were then aggregated to compute an overall APEAL index score measured on a 1,000-point scale.
Here are the winners.
Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations
Mazda may be best known for the Miata but their top-selling vehicle is the CX-5, a compact SUV. The CX-5 delivers an engaging drive that excels whether accelerating or cruising. Its handling is engaging and seats are comfortable. Reviewers typically say that the usability of its infotainment system is not up to par with other vehicles in its class.
Photo courtesy of Land Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover Velar carries over the high-quality cabin design and high-horsepower engines from its stablemates. Its handling is composed making it good in the city, on a trail, or cruising on the highway.
Photo courtesy of Jaguar
The Jaguar E-Pace is the little brother of the highly-regarded F-Pace. The model isn't as powerful as the F-Pace, but it has a good amount of cargo space and is agile. Adults may feel crowded in the back seat, but that's par for the course in this size vehicle.
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Honda has refreshed the looks of the Odyssey for 2021 and given it more safety features. Additionally, Honda has made the interior more upscale with updated climate controls and second-row setbacks that fold flat (making them easier to remove).
Luxury Full Size SUV: Lincoln Navigator
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Motor Company
The Lincoln Navigator is the largest SUV in the company's lineup. The full-size, three-row SUV was fully redesigned for the 2018 model year, kicking off the brand's new SUV identity and design aesthetic. It's suitably plush, seats seven, and is powered by a 450-horsepower turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The Nissan Armada is gearing up for a redesign but continues to offer comfortable accommodations, good towing capacity, and a strong engine. The SUV's lackluster fuel efficiency and poor cargo space are two major drawbacks.
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company\u200b
The Ford Escape has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year. It features a cavernous cargo area, spacious seating, and easy low-speed handling. This Escape rides better than the last and its interior has been upgraded. New powertrain options include a PHEV and there's a long list of standard and available safety features.
Photo courtesy of BMW
The BMW 7 Series features the expected roster of features and powertrains. They all function as advertised, delivering a plush, large car experience. A plug-in hybrid version is now available but Android Auto is not.
Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC
With a combination of sales from the Ram 1500 and HD pickups, Ram has found a winning formula that combines the expected capability of a truck with the refined interior more commonly found in premium or luxury SUV.
Photo by Fabian Kirchbauer Photography/BMW
The BMW X4 is a potent SUV. It delivers the engaging drive that buyers are looking for in a sloped back style that makes it more hatchback and SUV. The interior is typically BMW, which means that it's high quality and aesthetically pleasing.
The Dodge Challenger hasn't been changed significantly in a decade but Dodge continues to push the envelope with performance, introduce new variants, and updated the car's infotainment system.
GMC Sierra HD
Photo courtesy of GMC
Reviewers generally agree that the GMC Sierra has a great exterior but that its interior is lacking the refinement expected at its price point. Still, it's an incredibly capable truck, especially in its heavy-duty variants. The GMC Sierra 2500 AT4 is one of the best trucks you can buy if you want to match off-road prowess with on-road comfort and towing/hauling capability.
Photo courtesy of Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Blazer isn't the off-roader that it used to be. Now, it's akin to the Nissan Murano, delivering plush appointments and competent powertrains. Chevy just announced that a future EV will deliver Blazer-inspired design.
No. 13 - Cadillac Photo courtesy of Cadillac
The Cadillac CT6 is a comfortable large sedan. It doesn't deliver the aggressive drive you can get from German luxury sedans but it is (nearly) as stylish and stable on the road. Cadillac recently discontinued the model.
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The Nissan Versa was redesigned for the 2020 model year. It comes equipped with a capable engine and smooth CVT. Its interior is well-equipped and higher trim levels has appointments that would be mistaken for belonging in a vehicle nearly twice the Versa's price point.
Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
An all-new Hyundai Veloster rolled out last year with a refreshed design as well as other improvements. This sporty coupe continues to stand out with its unique three-door configuration: one door on the driver's side, two on the passenger side.
Photo courtesy of MINI
MINI has freshened the Countryman for the 2021 model year. The car gets a new grille with a chrome frame and standard LED headlights and fog lights up front, and newly designed front and rear bumper coverings. The Countryman will continue to be offered in a variety of models from the plug-in hybrid MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 to the high performance MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4.
The BMW X6 was completely redesigned for the 2020 model year. It continues to be offered with potent engines, a refined interior, comfortable seats, and a long list of technology as is typical for the model.
The Nissan Maxima was recently refreshed but it has few changes for the 2020 model year. The automaker's suite of safety technology, Nissan Safety Shield 360, is now standard. Its V6 is plenty strong and accommodations are roomy and comfortable.
Kia Telluride
2020 World Car of the Year - Kia Telluride Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
The Kia Telluride is the winner of the 2020 World Car of the Year award it's also much beloved by families. The three-row SUV's premium interior and unique looks are quick to turn heads.
The development sister of the Genesis G70, the Stinger is the Kia version of a sports sedan. Its interior isn't as nice as the G70's and there are some differences between the way the vehicles drive. Still, it's a really good Kia.
Photo courtesy of Genesis Motors
The Genesis G70 is a true sports sedan. It is up for enthusiastic drives and doesn't mean being pushed a little. The car's cabin is well-appointed and the infotainment system is easy to use. Plus, it's far less pricey than its German rivals.
The Honda Ridgeline has as nice of an interior as you'll find in a midsize pickup. Its engine is powerful enough and paired with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. It can tow and haul, but not as much as much of its competition. Still, its unique tailgate and in-bed trunk set it apart.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact SUV that delivers many of the qualities buyers are looking for in a grocery getter. It's not particularly powerful but it is easy to maneuver and comes standard with a long list of safety technology. Toyota refreshed the face of the C-HR for 2020.
The Nissan Sentra has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year, with its looks falling into line with the Versa and Altima. The new Sentra is a compelling choice with its high-tech features, comfortable seats, and easy-to-use infotainment system.
Photo courtesy of Audi
The Audi A3 has been a favored compact car for years. The model has been redesigned for 2021, getting a striking new looks, a high-tech infotainment system, and an electrified powertrain. Europe gets the car first then it will arrive in the U.S. later this year. Pricing is expected to stay similar to the 2020 model, which started at $33,300.
Hyundai redesigned the Sonata for the 2020 model year. It's a completely new car with fresh angles and innovative tech, yet it keeps the same spacious seating and cargo space buyers have known and loved about the midsize car.
Don't miss the J.D Power survey results that ranked the brands with the most loyal consumer base and highest quality vehicles.
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The average new car price is $40,000, here's the best ones you can get for that money
Kia is offering the Sorento SUV in a hybrid form for the 2021 model year.
New car prices keep going up so it was only a matter of time before the average new car price hit the $40,000 threshold. New quarterly analysis by Edmunds showed that the average amount borrowed for a new car in the fourth quarter of 2020 was $35,373. Buyers put an average of $4,734 down on top of that, which makes the average new car price $40,107.
Paying around $40,000 is a sweet spot in the market. It gets buyers into lower cost luxury and premium models as well as most of the mass market offerings. AutomotiveMap has put together a list of the best vehicles you can get for around the $40,000 mark.
Photo courtesy of Acura
The Acura TLX debuted as a completely redesigned car for the 2021 model year bringing with it a new sportiness and fresh styling outside and in. The TLX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its cabin is quite nice - decked out in leatherette upholstery with 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, two USB ports, a 10.2-inch infotainment touch screen, seven-inch driver information display, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto make up just some of the items on the standard features list.
Editor's Note: Acura doesn't sell the TLX in a variety of trim levels. Instead, buyers choose the TLX then can add on packages to get what they want. The model described here has no package add-ons. Pictured: 2021 Acura TLX Advance
Configure the 2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn with two-wheel drive, a crew cab, and 5'7" box to get one of the best trucks at the price point. It comes standard with Ram's tried and true 3.6-liter V6 engine, which provides a good amount of power. Cloth seating for six passengers and a five-inch infotainment screen is standard as well.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company
The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands trim is the most off-road capable version of the SUV, and it's no slouch. The model is powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, off-road suspension, advanced four-wheel drive with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit, a Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. modes, metal bash plates, Trail Control, a 180-degree front camera with washer, front tow hooks, and rubberized flooring. The SUV rides on 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 28.5-inch all-terrain tires.
2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX
The new-for-2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid comes in just two trim levels: S and EX. The upgraded EX model gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg and has 227 total system horsepower. The features list for the Sorento Hybrid EX is long and includes a power liftgate, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charger. It also comes with a host of safety and driver assist technologies like adaptive cruise control and forward collision avoidance assist.
2021 Genesis G70 2.0T
The Genesis G70 is a sports sedan you probably haven't seen that much on roads near you, but you should. They should be everywhere. For under $40,000, buyers can get their hands on a rear-wheel drive G70 2.0T with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has the buyer's choice of gray or black leatherette upholstery.
The Ridgeline might not be a typical truck in the looks category, but for the 2021 model year the Honda has gotten some aesthetic beef thanks to a design refresh. The truck continues to have a trunk in its bed and now comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assist technologies. Power comes from the truck's 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 that is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.The Ridgeline is most noted for its refined and comfortable interior that's more SUV-like than truck-like. For 2021, that has only improved. The RTL grade (Ridgeline Sport is shown above) is a step up from the base model.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Touring
The Chrysler Pacifica is presently the best minivan you can buy. Its Hybrid version (shown above in the Pinnacle grade) adds plug-in electric capability to the equation offering over 30 miles of gasoline-free driving per charge and running like a typical hybrid when the battery has been depleted or the van needs some extra oomph. With the Pacifica Hybrid Touring buyers get their choice of a number of included paint colors, 17-inch machined aluminum wheels with gray pockets wrapped in all-season tires, premium cloth bucket seats in black or cognac, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touch screen.
Acura sells gobs of RDXs and it's really no mystery as to why. The SUV is fun to drive, has abundant cargo space, and is easy on the eyes. Add in the comfortable seats that offer plenty of space, and the RDX turns into one of the best family haulers out there, empty nest or not. The 2021 RDX rides on standard 19-inch glitter silver wheels, gets its power from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 272 horsepower, and has a host of infotainment features like a nine-speaker audio system, two USB ports, HD Radio, a 10.2-inch infotainment system touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Buyers ca opt for all-wheel drive, which puts the vehicle just a tick over the $40,000 mark.
Editor's Note: Acura doesn't sell the RDX in a variety of trim levels. Instead, buyers choose the RDX then can add on packages to get what they want. The model described here has no package add-ons. Shown: 2019 Acura RDX Advance
2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited
Not only does the fanciest and most tech-forward Hyundai Sonata Hybrid you can buy get 47 mpg, it also has a solar roof. It also doesn't lack oomph, with 192 horsepower from its propulsion system at the ready. The car has a 12.3-inch fully-digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen. It also sports plenty of head- and legroom, cargo space, and forward visibility. Pricing for the sedan includes checking nearly every option box, which is standard for the Limited model.
2021 Kia Telluride EX
Kia is selling the Telluride like gangbusters and it's not hard to see why. The three-row SUV comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that supplies plenty of power. Its roster of standard features on the EX trim level includes a power liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, wireless smartphone charging, six USB ports, leather-trimmed seats, and more. Add all-wheel drive for just $2,000 more.
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GM disguises future Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC EVs but we know what they are
As part of its CES presentation, General Motors showed off its future electric vehicles.
Photo courtesy of General Motors
General Motors has made no secret of the fact that they see the future of the company is electric. Their presentation at CES this year put their future products out there for public consumption, but hidden in the shadows. Let's turn up the brightness and take a peek at what is there.
Scroll down to the bottom of this article to see a lightened, clearer view of all the models.
Front and center is the 2022 GMC Hummer EV. The Hummer EV is slated to have 1,000 horsepower, a 350-mile range, and a $112,959 price tag when it arrives at dealership lots in 2021. Other forthcoming Hummer variants are set to have unique powertrain setups and lower price points.
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq debuted in prototype form mid-2020. When it comes to market, Cadillac expects the Lyriq SUV to offer drivers 300+ miles of all-electric range, luxurious accommodations, and the buyers choice of rear-wheel drive or performance all-wheel drive. The Lyriq will come with Super Cruise, the General Motors hands-free driving system that allows for 200,000 miles of hands-free highway driving and automated lane change.
Cadillac Celestiq
In addition to showing the Celestiq here, Cadillac decided to show off its flagship electric car with some close ups. They don't give too much detail about the car, but we do know some interesting tidbits. Cadillac says that the car embodies their commitment to "reimagine what's possible in design and technology". The GM division will offer the Celestiq with a curated selection of hand-crafted materials and they've has hinted that there will be some customization options available for owners.
Chevrolet pickup
We don't yet know if it will be called the Silverado, but a Chevrolet pickup truck that runs on all-electric power is on the way. It's been confirmed that the plan is for the truck to have a maximum 400-mile range (likely when it's not towing or hauling much weight). Originally slated for a 2025 debut date, indications are that GM is pushing to get the truck to market sooner.
Buick EVs
In 2020, GM described the two new Buick models that are coming by 2023. They're both electric vehicles. The first, an SUV will be a model that offers "more conventional crossover proportion that maximizes interior space and cargo." The second is a Buick CUV that has "expressive proportions with a greater emphasis on form and athletic fashion." It looks like the SUV is on the right in the photo while the CUV is on the left.
"Mystery EV"
What is this mystery EV? We know the Cadillac XT4 is getting an electrified brother so there's a chance that this could that. Brightening and zooming in on the picture appears to reveal an SUV-like body design. We'll just have to stay tuned.
... and now let's turn the lights on.
Last year, General Motors divulged while models it plans to introduce by 2023, including a number of EVs. You can see that full list here.
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