Latest news with #familyvehicle
Auto Blog
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Want Practicality on a Budget? Here Is One Used Luxury Wagon That Costs Less Than $15,000
If you're looking for a practical car but don't want to break a tight budget, this used Japanese luxury wagon could be what you need. This Old Acura proves that wagons are cooler than you think The station wagon traces its roots back to 1910, when independent coachbuilders crafted custom bodies on the Ford Model T chassis. Back then, they were designed to shuttle passengers and their luggage to and from train stations, effectively laying the groundwork for what would become a family-friendly icon in automotive history. 0:00 / 0:09 Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? These 5 rivals might change your mind Watch More Over the decades, the wagon evolved to fit growing families and all their cargo, becoming a staple of suburban life. Iconic models like the 1949 Buick Estate Wagon, the Pontiac Bonneville Safari, the Chevy Caprice Wagon, and the AMC Eagle of the 80s reflected this shift. While the station wagon changed forms throughout time and proved to be a practical solution for the family road trip, they were historically regarded as being uncool. 2004 Volvo V70R — Source: Bring a Trailer That began to change in the early 2000s, when automakers began to blend performance and style into the long-roof formula. Models like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and the turbocharged Volvo V70 R redefined the wagon's image as they combined utility with a sleek design. In 2011, Acura joined the trend when it released the TSX Wagon, a roomier and more practical version of its popular second-generation TSX sedan, first introduced in 2009. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon The 2011 Acura TSX Wagon looked funky, but was functional At first glance, the 2011 Acura TSX Wagon looks a little funky, especially if you're familiar with the more balanced proportions of the TSX sedan. Its extended rear overhang and raked tailgate give it a European silhouette that may be polarizing to some. But underneath that unique hatch was a car that prioritized versatility without sacrificing the sportiness that Acura buyers expected. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Lift up the rear hatch, and you will be greeted with 60 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. That's more than enough space for a weekend of luggage, a bike, or a trip to Costco. The TSX Wagon had a low and flat loading floor, making it easy to get large and heavy items into its cargo area. As an added plus, the rear opening was wide, and there was also a cargo cover to keep items out of the prying view of potential thieves. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon However, the TSX Wagon wasn't only made for hauling cargo. It shared that same chassis and powertrain as the TSX sedan, which means that it had agile handling that made it fun to throw around tight corners on a back road. Under its hood sat a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission. Sadly, the TSX wagon was never available with a manual transmission or a V6 like its sedan counterpart. Still, for most buyers, the powertrain provided a good balance between fuel economy and everyday drivability. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon The TSX Wagon had a short run, but it made an impression Despite the Acura TSX Wagon's practicality and well-mannered driving dynamics, it didn't exactly fly off the dealership lots. It debuted in 2011 and was quietly discontinued after the 2014 model year, making it one of the shortest-production wagons in Acura's history. Part of the issue was timing, as most Americans were stuck on buying SUVs and crossovers in the 2010s. Crossovers, like the Honda CR-V and Acura RDX, were dominating the market, while wagons struggled to find their stride. Another setback for the TSX Wagon was that it wasn't a hit with Acura enthusiasts. The decision to not include a manual transmission, an optional V6 engine, or the brand's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system to help it compete with other European wagons turned out to be a bad move. In that sense, the TSX Wagon may have felt too restrained for some enthusiasts. However, it has aged well over the years and has even developed a bit of a cult following among wagon lovers and Honda/Acura fans. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon The Acura TSX Wagon had Honda underpinnings, which meant that it was relatively cheap to maintain and reliable to boot. Due to its short time in the market, the TSX Wagon has a rare appeal in today's used market and is quite the conversation starter in nearly any parking lot or car meet. Although Acura never built another wagon, this oddball TSX has a legacy that lives on for those who appreciate utility without the flashiness of a German badge. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Final thoughts: Should you buy one today? If you're in the market for a car that's practical, reliable, and easy to drive, the TSX Wagon is definitely worth some consideration. With its Honda DNA, the TSX Wagon is known for being dependable, and its naturally aspirated engine is strong and easy to service. That powertrain, combined with its spacious cargo area, comfortable interior, and composed ride, will give you a practical car that will make daily commuting easy, despite it being over 10 years old. That said, there are a few caveats to keep in mind when shopping for an Acura TSX Wagon, since it was sold in limited numbers. Clean examples of the car could be hard to find, and in some cases, the used price can reflect its rarity. Kelley Blue Book lists its average used price at $8,845, but that price can vary depending on the used model's condition, mileage, and location. Also, if you're expecting sporty performance or modern tech features, the TSX Wagon may not deliver, as it's more catered to being subtly sophisticated as opposed to being an outright performer. However, if you want a Japanese wagon that offers real-world utility, then the TSX Wagon delivers in spades. It's an excellent choice that rewards those who can look past its odd aesthetics by offering them a blend of comfort, function, and the type of character that's rare in today's market. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Motor Trend
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD Proves Bigger Is Better
Pros Big enough for the whole family plus friends Easy-to-use infotainment setup Useful and trustworthy hands-free driving Cons Slower than the old V-6 model Loud, gravelly engine note Plasticky interior and flat seats There's no such thing as a vehicle that's too big when you have kids. The little nuggets basically come into the world with a tiny house's worth of stuff—stroller, portable crib, car seat, highchair, play gym—that turns every road trip into a traveling circus. And where there's one kid, it's usually not long before more show up. Siblings, friends, friends of siblings, and siblings of friends, all with their own literal and figurative baggage that a parent-turned-semiprofessional-chauffeur must see to. Heaven help you if your kids (and their friends) take an interest in hockey or the upright bass. There must be some hockey dads and orchestra moms behind the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, because when it came time to redesign the three-row crossover for 2024,the designers and engineers took what was already one of the largest vehicles in the segment and stretched it longer, wider, and taller. The resulting roadgoing dirigible feels every bit as cavernous as the full-size Chevy Tahoe that it undercuts by some $18,000. A Traverse is not a Tahoe, of course, for many reasons but perhaps most significantly the engine. While Tahoes are typically powered by V-8s, the Traverse's recent refresh traded a trusty old V-6 for a turbocharged four-cylinder that's not exactly an upgrade. So where does the redesign net out? We ran the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD through our testing regimen then piled kids into the back seats for subjective evaluations to answer that question. All the Toys for Big Girls and Boys At $57,295 to start, the Traverse High Country AWD is neither cheap nor expensive, landing at a price that's fair given the long list of features. The interior taps into America's love of huge televisions with a 17.7-inch infotainment screen placed high on the dash and close to the driver, making it appear larger than it is. It runs software that feels intuitive and familiar from the first tap thanks to native Google Maps integration and the ability to download apps like Spotify and Waze directly to the vehicle. Remember, too, that GM's crusade against Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is only being carried out by/on its EVs, so Traverse buyers still have the option to mirror their phones if they prefer. We also appreciate that, while the designers easily could have done away with physical climate controls, they kept a few critical knobs and buttons, successfully capturing a minimalist look without compromising easy-to-use functionality. A 10-speaker Bose sound system delivers clear, crisp audio with help from an active noise cancellation system that quiets engine drone at cruising speeds. Some 600,000 miles of highways and two-lane roads can be handled by GM's excellent Super Cruise driver assistance system, leaving the driver's hands free for opening snacks, blindly grasping for dropped toys in the second row, or clapping along to 'If You're Happy and You Know It.' And pretty much everything inside the cabin has been electrified. There's a power tilt-and-telescope heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, plus heated second-row captain's chairs and a three-seat third row that can all be dropped at the touch of a couple buttons in the cargo hold. The only thing obviously missing from our $58,290 test vehicle was a panoramic sunroof, a $1,500 option. The Luxury of Space While the equipment list checks nearly all the expected boxes, nothing about the Traverse cabin is particularly luxurious. The plastics feel plasticky, the faux carbon-fiber trim is a non sequitur in a vehicle named High Country, and an abundance of black makes for a dour ambiance. The optional light gray seats would likely go a long way toward brightening the cockpit. In any color, all seven seats are flat and firm. They're comfortable enough in day-to-day use, but more sculpting would certainly help make road trips more tolerable. What it lacks in opulence, the Traverse makes up in sheer space. The second-row captain's chairs elevate passengers high enough to peer over the front seats and out the windshield while the tall roofline leaves ample headroom even for a 6-foot-3 adult. Second-row passengers can stay cool and connected thanks to USB-C ports, a 120-volt household outlet, and climate controls for the rear zone. Parents will appreciate the easy-to-access child-seat anchors and the one-touch tilt-and-slide action that grants passage to the third row even with a car seat installed. That mechanical ballet opens a wide passage for clambering into the third row, where the width and height of the Traverse once again pay off. The third-row seat cushion sits nice and high relative to the floor, providing a natural seating position even for adults. Outboard passengers get a cupholder and USB-C port plus an overhead climate vent, but there's some evidence of cost-cutting. The third row doesn't have child-seat anchors, and the armrests are unapologetically hard. Even with all seats occupied, there's a generous 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space—nearly as much as you get in a Tahoe—plus room to swallow large duffel bags in an underfloor bin. Total cargo volume grows to 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, which is about 10 cubes more than you'll get in competitors such as the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Only the Toyota Grand Highlander comes close to matching that. Going Backward While Going Forward Pop the hood, and the new turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four fills out the engine bay and Chevy's spec sheet like a much larger engine. With 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, it's the strongest standard engine among three-row crossovers and an improvement of 18 horses and 60 lb-ft relative to the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 that powered the previous Traverse. It also nudges combined fuel economy from 20 to 21 mpg. But what looks like a win-win on paper is actually a lose-lose when it comes to the subjective driving experience and objective performance. At the test track, the Traverse moseyed from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, 0.8 second slower than a 2019 Chevy Traverse RS AWD. The bulk of that gap opens up below 30 mph, as the four-cylinder labors to build turbo boost and put an extra 279 pounds into motion. Under acceleration, the engine grumbles like a teenager told to put the phone down and clean their room, and the more you ask of it, the louder it complains. Happily, the ruckus calms down when cruising in town or on the highway, but it takes a bunch of revs to move the 4,820-pound Traverse through traffic. Any stop-and-go action or passing maneuver will involve a noisy visit to the upper reaches of the tachometer. Thankfully, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and relatively quickly. Weirdly, though, Chevy still requires the human driver to punch a button to switch between front- and all-wheel drive, a bizarre bit of nonautomation in the age of artificial intelligence. At least the computer remembers your last setting every time you restart the vehicle. No one buys a Traverse to carve through the twisties, but maybe they should. The Traverse's steering, brakes, body control, and handling are all better than they need to be for a family hauler. The ride quality is also excellent considering the High Country sits on 22-inch wheels with low-profile tires, although there's always a sense that it could be even better if Chevy's designers would just allow its top trims to have normal-size wheels. What Parents Need The 2025 Chevy Traverse, which starts at $42,195 for the base front-wheel-drive version, gets a lot right just by virtue of its size. On top of a spacious third row and ample cargo space, High Country models take some stress out of parenting with extensive comfort features and excellent infotainment and driver assistance tech. We imagine most buyers won't mind a slightly slower Traverse, either, especially as a sub-eight-second 0–60 time isn't exactly slow. But what overstimulated, sleep-deprived parent needs more grating noise in their lives? If the Traverse did its part to bring parents closer to the peace and quiet they fantasize about, it'd have everything a three-row crossover buyer needs.
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Washington Post
Edmunds recommends these under-$40,000 SUVs for new parents
As if the impending arrival of your first child isn't stressful enough, you're undoubtedly shopping for a seemingly endless list of baby gear. Cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, sound machines and whatever the heck a MamaRoo is. You'll likely get most of that stuff from a baby registry. But the biggest baby gear item requires a more significant cash outlay: a new vehicle for your growing family.
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Edmunds recommends these under-$40,000 SUVs for new parents
As if the impending arrival of your first child isn't stressful enough, you're undoubtedly shopping for a seemingly endless list of baby gear. Cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, sound machines and whatever the heck a MamaRoo is. You'll likely get most of that stuff from a baby registry. But the biggest baby gear item requires a more significant cash outlay: a new vehicle for your growing family. We can't help you pay for that, but we can point you toward five great SUVs of different sizes that all start for under $40,000. Edmunds' car experts focused on three qualities: 1) lots of space between the first and second-row seatbacks for bulky rear-facing infant safety seats; 2) big rear door openings to make it easy to get your newborn in and out; and 3) a roomy cargo area for all of your baby gear. The pricing below includes destination fees. 2025 Volkswagen Taos Subcompact SUVs are not usually top choices for young families because of their limited space for cargo and child safety seats. The Volkswagen Taos is an exception. It's one of the roomiest models in its class and even rivals a Mazda CX-5 for all-around baby-toting usefulness. Got a rear-facing infant seat, or even a convertible seat, combined with a stroller and a travel crib? No problem — they'll all likely fit without having to slide the front seats far forward. The 2025 Taos also receives some welcome improvements such as an updated interior with a bigger center touchscreen and a more powerful engine that gets up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined. 2025 Taos starting price: $26,420 2025 Kia Niro The Niro is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicle. The hybrid comes oh-so-close to matching the Toyota Prius' fuel economy by getting up to an EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined. It also costs less than the Prius and has a more spacious back seat. The cargo area is nice-sized too. There are a lot of hybrid-powered SUVs available and the Niro is one of the least expensive. The plug-in version and the Niro Electric are considerably more expensive than the regular Niro hybrid, but otherwise they share the same family-friendly utility. 2025 Niro starting price: $28,385 2025 Honda CR-V The CR-V has long been a go-to choice for parents and rightfully so. It's an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. It has a vast back seat, so you won't likely have to move the front seats up to accommodate the infant car seat in any of the rear positions. The CR-V's rear door openings are huge, and cargo space is among the roomiest you'll find for a compact SUV. The entry-level versions of the CR-V come with a 190-horsepower engine, while the more expensive trims have a 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain that gets up to an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined. 2025 CR-V starting price: $31,495 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV The Equinox EV is Edmunds' top-rated electric SUV under $40,000. It has loads of space between its first and second seating rows for fitting a rear-facing child seat. The cargo area is also of a decent size, though ultimately you'll find more in the CR-V and other compact SUVs. Its electric vehicle credentials are also excellent. It traveled 356 miles on a full charge in the independent Edmunds EV Range Test and has enough power to zip around town without issue. Basically, the Equinox EV is a great family-friendly SUV, and a great EV, at a reasonable price. 2025 Equinox EV starting price: $34,995 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe The Santa Fe is the most expensive vehicle on our list, but it is a great choice if you foresee multiple children and want to get a head start with a slightly bigger vehicle. It has three rows of seating. That's good for future-proofing and just generally handy for those times when you're going out to dinner with the grandparents and want to take just one vehicle. The Santa Fe isn't quite as large as Hyundai's Palisade, but it's roomy enough for new families and is less expensive. It has also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award for crash test results and is available with a hybrid powertrain that gets up to 36 mpg. 2025 Santa Fe starting price: $35,775 Edmunds says These are great SUVs to start your search with. Make sure to bring along your car seat and any other baby gear on a test drive to know for sure what will work for you. _____ This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. James Riswick is a contributor at Edmunds.
