2020-05-01 Truck Trend

May 2020 COVER STORY Nine SUVs with 27 rows of seating go head to head. Which is best for your family? Tests & Drives 64 Off Limits Cars of Mexico Delicious forbidden fruit is hiding WHO MAKES THE BEST 3-ROW SUV? 28 Game Changers Chevrolet Traverse vs. south of the border. Miguel Cortina Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot vs. EXCLUSIVE Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride vs. 70 A Different Kind of M Car 2020 BMW Mazda CX-9 vs. Subaru Ascent vs. M235i xDrive Gran Coupe Part sedan, part BRING THE FAMILY! Toyota Highlander vs. Volkswagen Atlas crossover, part M car, the new 2 Series Gran The three-row midsize SUV takes its place as Coupe tries to do a lot with a little. Scott Evans ON THE COVER the modern-era family hauler. Miguel Cortina Bring the Family 72 Fighting Assumptions Nine three-row 48 The One We’ve Been Waiting For 2020 Cadillac CT5-V SUVs face off to 2021 Cadillac Escalade The interior of the Cadillac’s first determine which new Caddy flagship is revolutionary, and redefined V pummels is the ultimate in that’s a good thing. Alisa Priddle our expectations. family transport. Jonny Lieberman 56 Lächerlich Mode 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Porsche’s new Taycan may be quicker than the extant Telsa Model S, but how does it drive? Kim Reynolds 56 48 EST. 1949 MotorTrend (ISSN 0027-2094) May 2020, Vol. 72, No. 5. Published monthly by TEN: Publishing Media, LLC, 2 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Copyright© 2020 by TEN: Publishing Media, LLC; All rights reserved. Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY, and at VOL. 72 NO. 5 additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: U.S. and U.S. Possessions $18 for 12 issues. Canada $30 per year and international orders $42 per year (including surface mail postage). Payment in advance, U.S. funds only. Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: MotorTrend, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. 4 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

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MotorTrend Newsletter Sign up at MotorTrend.com/Newsletter With the 2021 Seltos, Kia introduces the fifth member of its SUV family. We hit the road for San Antonio to check it out. Departments MTGARAGE 10 Reference Mark Download the app! Arrival Kia Telluride Updates Hyundai Kona 12 Intake This month’s hot metal Jeep Wrangler • Kia Soul • Nissan Kicks • Subaru Ascent 24 Technologue Continental’s cheap solution to Toyota RAV4 • Volvo S60 Verdict BMW X3 wrong-way-driver crashes 26 Interview Chris Hoy, gold medalist, car racer, MotorTrend dreamer 86 The Big Picture General Motors: the incredible shrinking automaker 24 26 74 WATCH TOP GEAR AT MOTORTREND.COM/TOPGEAR! More than 200 hours of programming, including 170 episodes of the beloved Top Gear U.K. series, are at MotorTrend.com/topgear. 6 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

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NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP I STUFF @markrechtin Mark Rechtin Reference Mark Download the app! MotorTrend delivers a slew of spectacular new video content For less than the cost of one venti coffee, you can the real story of influential but failed automakers. We dig Faster With subscribe to the MotorTrend app and watch the up unknown details of John Z. DeLorean’s stainless-steel Finnegan, brand-new season of Top Gear America, the machine and Jerry Weigert’s Vector, not to mention the an offshoot amazing new live-drama NASCAR show All In, and bizarre tale of The Dale, from our uniquely historical, of Roadkill, tons of newly launched shows about cars and the cultural, and psychological perspective—warts and all. pits slapdash automotive lifestyle. Plus there’s an all-you-can-eat rebuilds versus buffet of the past 20-plus seasons of the notorious Top In case that’s not enough prurient content, there’s modern-era Gear and all the best of shows like Roadkill. AutoBiography Backroads, which tracks down the truth metal. behind wild automotive urban legends. Teaser: Police Yes, this is an unabashed sales pitch. But I wouldn’t pitch find a $500,000 convertible in the middle of a winter it if I didn’t believe in it. The MotorTrend app allows you snowstorm. The driver has vanished without a trace. to watch all these shows on your iPhone, Android device, What really happened? or iPad, or you can link your laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable, or you can also stream to your big-screen Bitchin’ Bootcamp, an offshoot of our acclaimed Bitchin’ television via Amazon channels, Roku, or FireTV. Rides, follows eight contestants working on crazily modified cars—with the winner getting a full-time job at the Kindig-it For those of you living under a rock, MotorTrend got the Design company featured on the flagship show. rights to produce Top Gear America, hired actor-slash-real- deal-car-guy Dax Shepard as host, along with comedian Meanwhile, you still get the great shows that viewers have Rob Corddry and legendary hot shoe Jethro Bovingdon, come to love, such as the unpredictable Road- to take the series in a whole new direction. We know past kill—where David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan iterations of TGA have been, uh, lukewarm. This is a whole create rebuilds that have as much chance of self- new deal, starting May 30. And. It. Will. Be. Awesome. immolating on the way to the dragstrip as they do of turning Lest we forget, we are the only place where you can a 10-second quarter mile. livestream the epic, historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, which While not taking those happens the weekend of June 13. incredible risks to life and limb, Why wait until spring, though? We just signed a deal Finnegan has launched the offshoot Faster with NASCAR to create All In: Battle for Daytona, which With Finnegan—where Mike finds some of profiles the seasonlong chase for the Cup, by going behind the worst junkers in the world and, with the scenes with drivers Austin Dillon, Corey LaJoie, and Tyler Reddick. You know the acclaimed football show Hard two nights of wrenching, Knocks? Think that, but at 200 mph with hot tempers. tries to beat modern-era After Dillon finished second in the Busch clash, cars on the track. followed by Ryan Newman’s horrific, miraculous crash as Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag And that’s just the start. at the Daytona 500, there will be tons of fantastic There’s more cool stuff behind-the-scenes footage you won’t want to coming in the second half of the year, which miss. (See page 12 for more details.) I can’t tell you about yet. Don’t care for NASCAR, you say? Watch one There are two ways you can subscribe: episode, and you’ll change your tune. And if make an annual payment, which comes out you do like NASCAR, then check out Blink of an Eye, our to $1.99/month, or a $4.99/month plan that exclusive documentary about two-time Daytona 500 you can cancel anytime. winner Michael Waltrip and his star-crossed friendship with legendary driver Dale Earnhardt. Did I mention there’s no advertising? Q And that’s just the start. Among the cool new shows coming this year: Ever wonder what it’s like to drive the most extreme vehicles ever built? In Dream Jobs, Le Mans LMP2 driver and six-time Olympian Chris Hoy puts you in the passenger seat as he drives everything from rallycross racers to monster trucks (see page 26). Wonder what really happened to all the automotive entrepreneurs who flew too close to the sun? Delusions of Horsepower will tell 10 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

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NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP I STUFF STREAMING NOW ON THE MOTORTREND APP Trend 5.20 NASCAR ALL IN BATTLE FOR DAYTONA With NASCAR All In: biggest race of the year, the scene occurs just 30 days shoulders as he seeks to Battle for Daytona now season-opening Daytona 500. prior to Daytona. You’ll meet push the team founded streaming exclusively Richard Childress Racing scion by his grandfather, Richard on the MotorTrend Right out of the gate, All In Austin Dillon, who explains Childress, back to the front app, there’s no better way to jumps into the lives of three the heavy expectations on his of the Cup Series field. Despite get behind the scenes with Cup drivers, their teams, and his victory in the 2018 Daytona Cup Series drivers and teams their families. Narrated by 500, Dillon also acknowledges Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons, the doubt some observers carry as they prepared for the the first episode’s opening 12 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

TREND I 05.20 NASCAR All In goes behind the scenes with drivers Austin Dillon, Corey LaJoie, and Tyler Reddick (left to right). NASCAR MEDIA: GETTY IMAGES about him—the people Go Fas Racing driver LaJoie, who say he’s only in the game meanwhile, punches a time because Childress is his grand- clock at his father, Randy’s father—as he looks for any additional ounce of motivation race-seat business, fabri- ahead of the race every team cating the buckets drivers and driver aspires to win. use from local short- track circuits all the way Dillon has a target on his to the big-boy NASCAR back and something to prove Cup Series. Randy LaJoie as a result, but there’s plenty is a successful, well-known of fun to be had, too. The NASCAR racer in his own cameras capture him at the right, but Corey isn’t funded Richard Childress Racing by deep pockets; he works 9–5 shop, where he learns he’s late in between race weekends. for a pre-Daytona strategy “I’m just a seat guy,” he says, meeting. Upon his arrival, it’s before it’s noted that if Randy fascinating to see what occurs had been a “hot dog guy,” Corey in meetings between drivers, most likely would be, too. management, engineers, and That’s the type of self-aware- mechanics as they scheme the ness that has made him a rising most effective ways to get to fan favorite, but with the small the front on race day. Go Fas team run by father/ son duo Archie and Mason St. Next up, you’ll meet Dillon’s Hilaire, nothing comes easy. In RCR teammate, Cup rookie the premiere of NASCAR All Tyler Reddick, and Go Fas In: Battle for Daytona, Go Fas Racing’s Corey LaJoie, but not lacks a Daytona 500 sponsor immediately in the way you with just 24 days to go until the would expect. Reddick has a green flag drops; the cameras reputation for being aggressive capture an inside look as on the track, but on this day, Archie attempts to negotiate an unsure version of himself a deal, another rare glimpse drives a shopping cart—and of the realities of professional he’s confounded by the racing. As a frustrated Archie available selection of diapers says at one point, “This **** for his days-old son, Beau. ain’t easy.” Becoming a father represents Plenty of additional tongue- a new responsibility that’s in-cheek humor provides added another dimension to levity—such as LaJoie using Reddick’s Daytona prep-time camshafts and other old race management, and although car parts to create a cake stand his team is happy for him, for his wife’s baby shower— there’s no mistake it’s time to but as the first episode get back to work. concludes, each protagonist focuses on the ultimate goal in their race shops and gyms. With the clock ticking closer to the 62nd running of the Daytona 500, everyone knows playtime is over. Subscribe today to the MotorTrend app for just $1.99 per month and follow along as NASCAR All In: Battle for Daytona takes you on a motorsports journey unlike any you’ve seen before. Mac Morrison MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 13

NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP I STUFF Best of the Chicago Auto Show 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Wearing a new “Desert Rated” badge, the Gladiator Mojave trades “Trail Rated” rock crawling chops for Ford Raptor–like desert running skills. The 2.5-inch Fox remote reservoir shocks and exclusive hydraulic jounce bumpers cushion whoops and bumps, and 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires provide grip in sand. Dana 44 axles (with an electronic rear locker) get 4.10 gears, which, along with the new transfer case’s 2.72 low range, allow it to hit 50 mph in four low. 2021 Mercedes-Benz Weekender The factory-built camper van returns, this time as a Mercedes-Benz Metris upfitted by Driverge Vehicle Innovations to create a pop-up camper for up to four people. The rear bench seat folds flat for sleeping, the front seats swivel 180 degrees for hanging out, there’s a pop-up table, and an auxiliary battery keeps accessories and devices charged. You can even order a pop-out kitchen, an 8-foot retractable awning, detachable bug screens, and a tent that attaches to the tailgate. 14 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Chevy’s compact crossover gets a new nose for 2021, which looks rather like it was pried off an Acura, to help keep it fresh after three years on the market. Also new is an RS trim level, which is just a styling package with blacked-out trim and badges.

TREND I 05.20 2020 Ford GT Look past the glistening exposed carbon fiber, and you’ll find the updated Ford GT now makes an extra 13 hp for a nice, round 660. Also improved are the torque band, piston cooling, ignition coils, larger intercoolers with better ducting, and a lighter Akrapovic titanium exhaust. The suspension calibration has also been updated, and a tribute Gulf livery is now available. 2021 Chrysler Pacifica All-wheel drive returns to Chrysler’s minivan for the first time in 17 years, and you can still have Stow ’N Go (but not the plug-in hybrid powertrain). Other upgrades include a new infotainment system with a bigger screen, more USB-C ports, an optional 19-speaker stereo, and new styling front and rear. A new Pinnacle trim gets an even more premium interior. 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Going over MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 15 the standard-issue 2.0-liter I-4 and six-speed auto with a fine-toothed comb then nestling them and the hybrid components under the sleek hood of the new Sonata has bumped the Sonata Hybrid from back of the class to the front. Compare the Sonata hybrid’s 45–50/51–54/47–52 mpg city/highway/combined numbers to the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s 44–51/47–53/46–52 mpg city/highway/combined and the Honda Accord Hybrid’s 48/47/48 mpg rating.

NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE Intake Chicago Auto Show The new Highlander just came 2021 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude out last year, and already Toyota is upgrading it. The sporty XSE trim Not everyone actually off-roads their Wrangler or level is available on the Highlander Gladiator. For them, Jeep now offers the High Alti- for the first time; it packs stiffer tude model with 20-inch wheels and a leather- springs, new dampers, a new rear wrapped interior. Completing the look are body anti-roll bar, a retuned steering color trim, blacked-out badges, running boards rack, and 20-inch wheels. The with steps, and full LED exterior lighting. The less 295-hp V-6 and eight-speed auto- aggressive Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tires still matic are standard; all-wheel drive get the job done off-road well enough to retain the is optional. Either way, you get the “Trail Rated” badge, which is also blacked out. more aggressive looks, blacked-out trim, and faux leather interior. 2020 Nissan Frontier Wait, that’s new? Sort of. For 2020, the 16-year-old Frontier gets a new 3.8-liter V-6 and nine-speed auto- matic transmission. Why bother, especially when an all-new Frontier is due next year? To work all the bugs out of the new powertrain before the new truck goes on sale. The upside is 310 hp instead of 261. Torque holds steady at 281 lb-ft. The four-cylinder engine is gone, so hopefully the new V-6 and transmis- sion improve fuel economy, which wasn’t available at press time. 16 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020







NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP Intake The Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos arrive to market as the small SUV segment heats up. See? We’re here to help. 2020 Mazda CX-30 responsiveness provides a sense of control, but freeway cruising can become taxing FIRST TEST as you constantly make minute adjust- ments to stay straight ahead. Lane keep Mazda doesn’t try with the CX-30— A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I-4 is assist is standard, but its intervention is it simply does. The brand’s newest shared with the Mazda3. It produces so minimal that you’ll only notice it if you small crossover, slotting between 186 hp and an equal amount of torque, drift across the line. the CX-3 and CX-5, is as light on pretense claimed by Mazda to be class-leading. At as it is in back-road-carving ability. the test track we measured a 7.8-second Let’s be clear, though: The CX-30 isn’t all 0–60 run, behind the all-wheel-drive that sporty. Yes, it’s reactive and agile, but it If the CX-30 looks like a lifted Mazda3 Hyundai Kona Ultimate’s 6.6-second doesn’t have the eagerness and excitement Hatchback, that’s because it essentially is. sprint but way ahead of the Nissan Rogue we expect in a Mazda. That’s due to the Based on the same architecture, the CX-30 Sport’s 9.8-second stroll. In the real world, somewhat relaxed power delivery, and it’s rides 1.4 inches higher and stands about 5 power feels adequate, not enough to excite not very balanced, either. Still, its figure- inches taller than its hatchback counter- yet sufficient to zip around and execute eight test result of 27.4 seconds at 0.62 g is part, but it’s 2.6 inches more compact in passes. The old six-speed automatic shifts more like what we’d expect from subcom- length. Cargo volume measures 20.2 cubic smoothly and quickly in most cases. pact crossovers a price bracket above. feet behind the second row, just 0.1 more than the Mazda3 hatch. Oddly, it has 1.9 With confident firmness and plenty of The available all-wheel drive gives more fewer cubes with the second row folded. feel, the CX-30’s brakes are well cali- confidence for driving through wet or slick brated. We recorded consistent 60–0 weather. However, ruts and dips in a dirt Like the Mazda3, style is a CX-30 selling stopping distances, its 119 feet among road start to overwhelm its suspension— point. However, outward visibility is a the best in the segment. That betters the approach real terrain with caution. drawback to those looks. The CX-30’s Toyota CH-R XLE’s 122 feet and trounces high beltline and large D-pillars conspire the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk’s 133. On city streets the CX-30’s compact to make some considerable blind spots. dimensions and nimble handling help Fortunately, blind-spot monitoring with Tiny inputs to the steering wheel result it squeeze through gaps. On congested rear cross-traffic alert is on its list of stan- in directional changes; there’s almost no highways, standard adaptive cruise control dard safety features. numbness. It might be too accurate—this takes the annoyance out of creeping along. When it’s time to park, the short over- hangs, tilt-down side mirrors, and clear backup camera make it a breeze. All the while it’s comfortable, with suspension that smooths the road without feeling soft or floaty, though it can bounce out of larger decompressions. All the while, you’re immersed in its fabulous interior. Everything looks and feels upscale, with abundant soft-touch surfaces and solid-feeling buttons. The seats are padded just enough to insulate from harshness while not feeling overly plush. Although the infotainment isn’t touch controlled, its dial makes the system easy to navigate. Two USB ports and phone connectivity are standard. At speed the cabin is quiet, with only a bit of tire roar. Between its enjoyable drive and coddling cabin, you’ll look forward to firing up the CX-30. Alex Leanse SPECS 2020 Mazda CX-30 Base Price $24,345 Price As Tested $31,965 Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engine 2.5L/186-hp/186-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 Transmission 6-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 3,356 lb (60/40%) Wheelbase 104.5 in L x W x H 173.0 x 70.7 x 61.7 in 0-60 MPH 7.8 sec Quarter Mile 16.0 sec @ 88.3 mph Braking, 60-0 MPH 119 ft Lateral Acceleration 0.83 g (avg) MT Figure Eight 27.4 sec @ 0.62 g (avg) EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 25/32/27 mpg Energy Cons, City/Hwy 135/105 kW-hr/100 miles CO2 Emissions, Comb 0.70 lb/mile

www.tirerack.com/hawk 2021 Kia Seltos FIRST DRIVE The 2021 Seltos represents the fifth I prefer the 2.0-liter for its balance, but TALON member of Kia’s SUV family and will the 1.6-liter feels far quicker. The CVT BRAKE KITS slot between the Soul and Sportage. on the base engine is quiet and refined, It offers a more conventional crossover whereas the seven-speed with the 1.6 available including High Performance design than the Soul, but it stays on the turbo is jerky at low speeds. Street 5.0, HPS, Performance Ceramic, larger end of the subcompact SUV range. or LTS pads depending on application. Regardless of engine or trim, you’ll Familiar engines are employed: a hear some wind noise at high speeds, but High performance TALON ROTORS 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 146 hp and 132 tire noise is minimal. Most folks will drive enable harder, more precise braking lb-ft of torque and a 1.6-liter turbo that’s the Seltos on pavement most of the time, for your street vehicle. good for 175 hp and 195 lb-ft. The natu- but the AWD system includes a center rally aspirated engine is coupled to a CVT; locking differential that can split the HP PLUS the turbo gets a seven-speed dual-clutch. power equally between the front and rear axles for better off-asphalt traction. AUTOCROSS / TRACK PADS What’s odd is the structure of the trims, as there are two base models—one with Inside, the Seltos is spacious for a STREET 5.0 less equipment and standard all-wheel vehicle of its size. With the driver’s seat drive and another with more features and adjusted to my 6-foot frame, there’s still HIGH PERFORMANCE PADS front-drive, but both can be upgraded. enough legroom in back. The rear seat backs also recline and can fold flat. The HP520 DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID The first thing I noticed is how well the cargo floor can be lowered about 3 inches. steering was weighted on the SX 1.6-liter 500ml $10.79 prices subject to change turbo. There’s such responsive feedback The 10.3-inch screen looks premium and balance that the Seltos can challenge for an entry-level SUV, though it’s only FAST FREE SHIPPING Mazda for the best-handling small SUV for the top-trim SX. Other trims get an title. Unfortunately, only the 1.6-liter has 8.0-inch screen with Apple CarPlay, on All Orders Over $50 that steering feeling. We had a chance to Android Auto, and SiriusXM. All Seltos www.tirerack.com/freeshipping drive the base 2.0-liter and didn’t notice models arrive with at least two USB the same kind of balance, feedback, or ports; EX and SX trims add another USB 888-372-8473 weight that we saw on the SX 1.6. port, air vents for rear passengers, and a one-zone automatic climate control ©2020 Tire Rack The Seltos keeps body vibrations to a system. A slew of active safety systems minimum. AWD adds independent rear are available. suspension, and we saw exceptional body control on the twisty parts of our drive Kia is pricing the Seltos at $23,110 for route, keeping us planted at all times. the LX AWD and S FWD base models. (FWD models come with a torsion beam.) Miguel Cortina SPECS 2021 Kia Seltos Base Price $23,110 Vehicle Layout Front- engine, FWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engines 2.0L/146-hp/132-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4; 1.6L/175-hp/195-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 Transmissions Cont variable auto/7-speed twin-clutch auto Curb Weight 3,300 lb (mfr) Wheelbase 103.5 in L x W x H 172.0 x 70.9 x 63.6 in 0-60 MPH 6.5-8.5 sec (MT est) EPA City/ Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 25-27/30-31/27-29 mpg (est) On Sale in U.S. Currently

NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP REAR VIEW Intake From the MotorTrend 2021 Porsche Cayman Archive ... GTS 4.0 FIRST DRIVE Like GTS versions of other Porsche of the cylinder banks to help save fuel. It 50 former, the Buick models, the Cayman GTS is a cleverly alternates between either cylinder bank Skylark beat the concocted mix of performance- every 20 seconds, and apart from a slight MAY 1970 AMC Rebel, Pontiac enhancing hardware and value-added change in engine note the whole process is PRICE: $0.50 T-37, and Plymouth standard equipment wrapped in signa- imperceptible to the driver. It’s a very easy Satellite, as it was ture black-themed visuals. But what has engine to live with day to day. Our cover 50 years the best all-around everyone talking is one thing only—the ago was dedicated driver despite its engine. It displaces 4.0 liters. It has six The six-speed manual transmission to the four-cylinder, slightly higher price cylinders. And there’s not a turbo to be has a lovely mechanical action. Second twin-cam, 16-valve tag. In the latter, found. Hallelujah! gear is still way too long, able to take you Indy Car engine. This the Porsche 911 to at least 80 mph, but the 4.0-liter engine issue also featured a just edged out the The Cayman GTS is powered by what is seems to cope better with it. cheap-car test and Corvette due to essentially a bored and stroked 992-series a Chevrolet Corvette higher build quality engine, minus the turbochargers. Peak The standard Cayman is a sweet, LT-1 vs. Porsche 911E and future-proof power is 394 hp at 7,000 rpm, with peak beautifully balanced car, but the GTS’ comparison. In the driving dynamics. torque of 309 lb-ft available between 5,000 standard PASM sport suspension endows and 6,500 rpm. it with more grip and precision. Espe- 30 10 cially midcorner, where the car with the MAY 1990 MAY 2010 There’s more to the Cayman GTS than standard suspension simply couldn’t PRICE: $3.25 PRICE: $4.99 the spec sheet suggests. The 4.0-liter hang with the sport suspension version, naturally aspirated engine gives the GTS the front end pushing wide if you got on Our May 1990 cover The revolutionary a deliciously nuanced top-end fluency the power too soon. went to the new Hyundai Sonata led the turbo-powered Caymans simply can’t Lamborghini Diablo. our cover a decade match. Redlined at 7,800 rpm, it doesn’t The naturally aspirated flat-six might The successor to ago. A sign of things have the unworldly top-end zing of the not have the charismatic air-cooled clatter the Countach, the to come, Hyundai GT3 engine, which spins to 9,000 rpm, of an old-school 911 engine, but it delivers Diablo marked was among the first but from 5,000 rpm up it feels joyously the same easy, elastic surge of power. Lambo’s move to forgo naturally exuberant, a driver’s delight. into the ’90s with a aspirated V-6 Pricing wasn’t available at press time, 5.2-liter naturally engines in its family For all that, the engine will pull crisply but we think $87,000 to $90,000 to start is aspirated V-12 sedans in favor of a from 35 mph in sixth gear—about 1,400 likely. Worth it? Well, if you want to drive churning out 485 more efficient yet still rpm. And on light throttle between 1,600 a modern Porsche with the emotional hp and 428 lb-ft of powerful turbo-fours and 2,500 rpm, with torque demands of 75 quotient of a pre-turbo 911 and can’t torque, and more in top trims. lb-ft or less, the computer shuts down one afford a GT3 or a GT4, the Cayman GTS is important, it had a an absolute steal. Angus MacKenzie 202-mph claimed top speed that posed a direct chal- lenge to the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959. 20 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

WON MORE TIME! BMW M8 GTE WINS ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA—AGAIN! For a second consecutive year a BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE took the GTLM class victory at the IMSA Rolex 24 At Daytona. John Edwards, Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn and Chaz Mostert raced the No. 24 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE to a thrilling victory that saw the quartet lead 428 laps PG

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NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP TREND I 05.20 Intake FIRST DRIVE MIKE CONNOR 2021 Jaguar F-Type R MT CONFIDENTIAL Many things have changed for the have also been redesigned. The rear upper Daimler is going big on screens. F-Type R, chief among them rear control arms are new, as are the upper Literally. Photos of the interior of the next suspension components. You can and lower ball joints, and the knuckles Mercedes-Benz S-Class, code-named think of it as a mashup of things gleaned are stiffer. The electric power steering W223, show the car will have a single from the previous SVR version and Jag’s has been recalibrated, the wheels get new freestanding screen in front of the driver skunkworksy Project 8. bearings, the electronically controlled for the instrument display and a central rear differential has been reworked, the Tesla-sized touchscreen in a housing The engine in the new R is the SVR stability control is revamped, and the that dramatically sweeps up from the version of Jag’s thunderous V-8: 575 AWD is more rear-biased. The rear tires center console to rest against the dash. horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The are wider (from 295 to 305), too. Word out of Stuttgart is the W223 will also transmission is the same ZF eight-speed include the next-generation MBUX digital automatic, now using the same shift logic The results? I’m impressed. The interface, which will have the highest as the Project 8. F-Type R ate up the curves. Even in a level of functionality and the broadest light drizzle, for the first time ever in range of custom screen settings yet seen The obvious squinty headlights, slightly a V-8-powered F-Type, I felt confident from Daimler. But the new S-Class, which revamped sills, a new side vent, and a going hard into a corner and getting on will make its public debut later this year, reshaped rear bumper are about the the power right before/at/after the apex. won’t be the company’s king of screens. extent of the exterior changes. Inside, Likewise, the steering feel—which was That honor, sources say, will go to the the big news is a 12.3-inch TFT screen numbed pretty badly when the R went EQS, the S-Class-sized electric-powered that replaces the lovely, deeply binnacled AWD—felt OK. sedan that’s expected to appear in 2021. analog gauges from the old car. Insiders who have seen the car say the The standard steel brakes, however, entire dash—from side to side and down Another big change for 2021 is the didn’t. Not only did the stoppers’ effective- to the center console—looks like one “more rounded, more mature” exhaust ness seem worse than it should have been, large screen. Whispers from VW Group note. The (admittedly) juvenile noise has but the pedal itself was also vague and hint at ongoing arguments over the been declawed, and the R’s glorious cold squishy. Worse still, under heavy braking relevance of Audi’s MLB architecture, start has been (partially) neutered. “Quiet” the R’s back end dances around. which packages a longitudinally mode is the default, even when you start mounted engine ahead of the front the car, but it can be switched off. Although the Jaguar sports sharper axle. The configuration allowed Audi to looks and better handling, much of the produce both front- and all-wheel-drive Now, about that rear end. There are previous iteration’s youthful exuberance versions at relatively low cost. However, new springs at all four corners, and the has been bred out of the new version. the setup makes meeting modern safety electronic variable dampers have been regulations more of a challenge because retuned. The front and rear anti-roll bars Jonny Lieberman of the proximity of the engine to the impact zone. It also adversely affects vehicle dynamics, putting more weight on the front axle, and it forces designers to adopt front-drive vehicle proportions. “The Audi architecture is only valuable if a front-drive car is needed, but there is little demand these days for front-wheel-drive Audi A6s or A8s,” one insider grumbled. They suggested the Porsche-developed, rear-drive-focused MSB architecture would be a better, more cost-effective fit for Audi’s premium sedans, but Ingolstadt refuses to budge. Honda Civic Type R boss Hideki Kakinuma sees no reason why the iconic Type R label could not be affixed to an electric vehicle. “Yes, of course an electric Type R is possible,” Kakinuma says. But any electric propulsion system would have to provide the performance the company requires from a Type R–branded vehicle, and at a reasonable price. “If all the base concept and philosophy of being a Type R is fulfilled with an electric powertrain … sure, this can happen.” 22 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020



NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP I STUFF Frank Markus Technologue Continental’s cheap solution to wrong-way-driver crashes What’s a life worth? The answer probably additional radar units.) The sensors inform a chip on the Forewarned: Not depends on the life in question. Young or pole that assesses each object’s size, speed, and direc- many cars receive old? Related to me or not? Well relax, this tion of travel, ruling out animals, pedestrians, bicyclists, V2X signals yet, but isn’t another robocar-chooses-nuns-or-baby- or vehicles slowly reversing to a missed exit. The chip some 300+ million carriage treatise. It’s a tale of two technolo- then communicates this info to the cloud via cellular users of mapping gies aimed at saving 300 to 400 lives per year—but at or DSRC communication, where a “heat map” of traffic apps could easily dramatically different costs. is generated so that temporary lane closures involving be warned of a opposite-direction traffic don’t cause false alarms. wrong-way driver. The first is the reverse camera, which became manda- tory as of May 1, 2018. An NHTSA study published just When a vehicle is detected entering the highway via before Congress enacted the Cameron Gulbransen Kids an off-ramp or driving the wrong way down the regular Transportation Safety Act mandating a 10-year phase- lanes of traffic, an alert is sent out to the immediate in of reverse cameras determined the average annual area (probably a 5-mile radius) via telematics. Such fatality rate for back-over accidents in all passenger messages will be received in the newest vehicles by vehicles was 362, noting that 44 percent of these were V2X communications receivers that are just beginning children under age 5. to roll out, but they can also be transmitted A 2017 NHTSA study tallying the cost-per- via smartphone apps like Waze or Google vehicle of various safety systems pegged the Maps, and it’s conceivable that a system like cost of backup cameras at $27.19 per car and the one used to transmit Amber Alerts could $38.53 per light truck. The back-over deaths be narrowly focused on phone users in the haven’t dropped to zero, but let’s pretend they immediate vicinity of a wrong-way driver. did. Multiplying those dollar-cost figures by total car and light truck sales for 2019 results Continental quotes OpenStreetMap data in an annual cost to society that tops a half- suggesting there are about 58,000 exit ramps billion dollars. That divides out to $1.6 million per life. in the U.S. Multiplying that number by a Totally worth it if it’s your kiddo or one destined to cure targeted system cost of $1,000 per exit ramp yields a a future cancer you’ll suffer, but it’s undeniably pricey. number that’s almost exactly one-tenth our annual spend on backup cameras, or about $147,000 per life for A similar annual death rate applies to wrong-way- the first year. But this infrastructure will last for years, driver accidents on divided highways—295 crashes dramatically lowering the per-life costs over time. As resulting in 389 deaths according to NTSB and Institute that’s cheaper than a DUI ticket, if Congress won’t fund of Transportation Engineers analysis of 2004–2017 data this bargain lifesaver, maybe drunks should. Q pulled from NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. These wrecks are usually catastrophic and happen mostly at night, with 75 percent involving alcohol and 31 percent occurring between midnight and 3 a.m., right after the bars close. Continental is working to develop a wrong-way-driver warning system using automotive-grade radar sensors, computing chips, and telematics equipment that all runs at low voltage with modest power demands that a small solar array should be able to provide. The whole works would be compact enough to mount to existing exit ramp sign poles. Long- and short-range radar units are used, the former featuring a 20-degree field of view and 820-foot range as required by adaptive cruise/emergency braking systems. The latter boasts a 150-degree field of view and 330-foot range as required for blind-spot/rear cross-traffic alert systems. These devices sense traffic on the off-ramp and in the adjacent lanes of travel. (Six-lane highways may need 24 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

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NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP I STUFF Interview Chris Hoy is now streaming on MotorTrend. Download the app to start your free trial now. Chris HoyGold medalist, car racer, MotorTrend dreamer C hris Hoy is a six-time Olympic interfering with the driving experience. trying to beat each other into the first gold medalist, the most successful But I love my Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It’s corner. It’s so intense, and it’s such a short track cyclist in history. He’s also such an exciting car, the closest I’ve come race that you can’t ease into it. a bona fide car enthusiast, with a Porsche to a road car that drives like a GT race car. 911 GT3 RS in the garage and a soft spot Driving Grave Digger was a completely for Caterhams. He’s quite handy behind All the money in the world, what car the wheel, too, having driven an LMP2 different experience. The truck is so racer in the 2016 edition of the 24 Hours would you buy right now? I’ve always huge—you don’t really get a sense of how of Le Mans. had a soft spot for the old 911s, so I’d get a big it is until you stand next to it—and Singer 911 with the Williams engine, built you’re in a confined area. The front wheels Hoy knows what it takes to be the best. to my own specification. I know Marino are steered by the steering wheel, and The focus. The training. The grit. The self- Franchitti, who’s involved with the the rears are steered with a toggle switch, belief. In our new original series, Dream development and test driving. He’s driven so you’ve got one hand on the wheel and Jobs with Chris Hoy, now streaming a few pretty special cars in his time and one on the switch. You’ve got 1,500 hp, on the MotorTrend app, he joins top says the Singer 911 would be his favorite. and when you put your foot down, it professional drivers to find out what it’s He knows what he’s talking about, so who just explodes forward. Monster trucks like to get behind the wheel of machinery am I to argue? sometimes get written off as a novelty, but ranging from a 600-hp World Rallycross then when you see what these drivers can car to an electric Formula E racer to the Let’s shift gears and talk about Dream do, I’ve got so much respect for them. legendary Grave Digger monster truck. Jobs with Chris Hoy. The World Rallycross episode was like jumping in at the deep How exciting was racing the 700-hp Have you always been interested in cars? end. It was a combination of trying to Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport at Spa? It My love for cars and motorsport began enjoy it but also being bloody terrified. was brilliant. If you ask any racing driver with a Scalextric set I got when I was The WRX cars are pretty intimidating. in the world, Spa is always one of their about 6 or 7. It was a Le Mans edition, so it They have 600 hp, and they break traction top three tracks. It’s such an iconic place. had the Porsche 911s with the headlights in the first three gears. You’ve got guys The battle I had in the first race was for that came on. That was the first time I racing door handle to door handle, all about five or six laps, and we were wheel became really interested in cars. I never to wheel. I’ve raced there before, and it dreamed that I would ever race in the 24 doesn’t matter how much you talk about it, Hour race myself one day. Funny how when you go back to it for the first time in things work out. a while, it takes your breath away. What was the first car you drove? You drove a Formula E car. Is it the future A Citroën Xantia. It was my parents’ of racing? What’s interesting is how fast car. I used it to get from Edinburgh to it’s improving. When you use electric Manchester, to train on the velodrome. motors, the strength is what makes them I’d drive three and a half, four hours there exciting. The trouble is you can’t have the and back. It had done 130,000 miles, and power turned all the way up because the the air suspension kept failing. It was battery runs out too quickly. Once they’ve a nightmare, but it got me there. Well, solved that, we could have a car that could sometimes it got me there. race for an hour flat out. Then it’s going to get to the point where it’s: “Hang on, this is What was the first really fast car you going to rival Formula 1.” owned? It was an E46 BMW M3. That was It looks like you had a lot of fun doing the my attainable dream car, and I bought it with about 8,000 miles on the clock. series. Do you want to do some more? It It was carbon black with a red leather was awesome, yeah. It’s called Dream Jobs, interior. That engine was an absolute and it’s supposed to be me experiencing work of art. The noise was just incredible. other people’s dream jobs. But I reckon I had the dream job, because I got to do What’s the best car you’ve owned so far? them all. It was just brilliant. I’m a very lucky boy, and if I did get the chance to do I’ve had three or four Caterhams, and a second series, I would grab it with both I just love them. It’s a simple concept— hands. Angus MacKenzie lightweight, no driver aids, nothing 26 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

Your Say... TREND I 5.20 WRITE US AT 831 S. Douglas St. El Segundo, CA 90245 Email us online at MotorTrend.com or send an email direct to [email protected] Responses of the Year Reader on location I always enjoy the Truck of the Year story; the reviews, photography, and Whoa! The January issue just arrived, This month’s reader on location is comparisons are top notch. However, and it’s a keeper. Lots of info, photos, and Jeff Redman, writing to us from this year I couldn’t help but notice an opinions to pore over, again and again. Kenya. “Fifteen years ago we signed odd exclusion from the finalist list. I For a guy who prefers the traditional up to sponsor a young man named understand that someone could try to print magazine format, the staff at MT Thomas at an orphanage in Kenya. He make a case for any truck that didn’t make has produced, in my opinion, one of the was a teenager when we first ‘met.’ the list, but seeing as the F-150 was the finest issues available to a fan of, shall we After 15 years of letters and phone top-selling truck in America in 2019, I say, spirited driving. calls, my family flew to Kenya to stand found it odd it didn’t get a finalist spot. up as his family in his wedding to his The F-Series has been the No. 1 selling Dave Holmes wonderful bride, Catherine. In this truck in America for the past 41 years. I South Hill, Washington picture, my son Sam, myself, my wife, like to think there’s good reasoning for Barb, and Sam’s girlfriend, Maddie, its absence from the list, but I can’t help Congratulations to Mr. Loh and the are straddling the equator while on but think it’s a case of the reviewers losing entire COTY team on what is perhaps the safari. We are still trying to figure out touch with the average buyer. best issue of MotorTrend that I have ever our next car, so MT is always with us.\" read. I actually read the entire issue cover Ben Teal to cover because I could not put it down. is a test judged on driving dynamics. Also, Greenville, South Carolina Keep up the great work, Mr. Loh. You finishing 12th against 11 amazing sports We’re definitely not losing touch—Truck, deserve an attaboy. and supercars doesn’t mean the Supra is just like Car and SUV of the Year, is only a bad car, even if in context it sounds like open to new or significantly updated Stephen Shechtel we think it is. Similarly, take a look at the vehicles. The 2020 Ford Super Duty met via email BMW 8 Series—it finished higher than our criteria, but none were available in the Supra at BDC, but against our COTY time for testing. Rest assured, it—and the In his profile of the sixth-generation criteria (which keeps the entire model line F-150 when it gets its next update—will 2020 Subaru Outback as a finalist for in mind), it didn’t earn a finalist nod.—Ed. be included in future Truck of the Year SUV of the Year, Miguel Cortina writes, competitions.—Ed. “Those who want more power can get an optional turbo-four engine for Trust...V1 earns it one ambush at a time. the first time.” In fact, a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four was available during Glenna R., the Outback’s third generation, on the Dallas, TX Outback 2.5XT (2005–2006) and 2.5XT Limited (2005–2009). A 2009 example of the latter is still my daily driver. Howard Donnell Elgin, Texas You’re right—good catch, Howard. Those old Outbacks and their WRX engines were pretty great. The new one, using its Ascent- sourced 2.4-liter turbo flat-four, definitely reminds us of the old car.—Ed. I noticed that in your Car of the Year “Love the arrows! Where’s Ahead edition you listed the Toyota Supra as one the radar? They tell me Beside of the finalists for the Car of the Year. In every time. A detector Behind your Best Driver’s Car edition (December without the arrows is like 2019) you listed the Supra as 12th among ”a car without headlights. 12 entries. I believe one tester’s comment was that it was not “road ready.” Curious www.valentine1.com how it can go from last as a Best Driver’s Car to a finalist for Car of the Year? ©2018 VRI Call toll-free 1-800-331-3030 Chris Neville Valentine One Radar Locator with Laser Detection - $399 Valentine Research, Inc. Ph 513-984-8900 via email { Carrying Case - $29 { Concealed Display - $39 Department No. YHB Fx 513-984-8976 The answer is quite simple: Best Driver’s 10280 Alliance Road Car isn’t Car of the Year. In COTY, each Mike Valentine V1connection™ - $49 { V1connection™ LE - $49 Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 contender is judged against six criteria: Radar Fanatic { SAVVY® - $69 Plus Shipping / Ohio residents add sales tax Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Performance of 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Intended Function, Safety, and Value. BDC Valentine One is a registered trademark of Valentine Research, Inc.

GAME CHANGERS HONDA PILOT CHEVROLET VOLKSWAGEN TRAVERSE ATLAS TOYOTA HIGHLANDER KIA TELLURIDE WORDS MIGUEL CORTINA PHOTOS WES ALLISON, BRANDON LIM THE THREE-ROW MIDSIZE SUV TAKES ITS PLACE AS THE MODERN-ERA FAMILY HAULER Chevrolet Traverse Premier (FWD) .....................................$47,990THE LINEUP Igrew up surrounded by minivans. Ford Explorer XLT (RWD).........................................................$47,715 Whether it was the Chrysler Voyager or Honda Pilot Black Edition AWD ..........................................$50,740 the two Ford Windstars we had in Mexico Hyundai Palisade HTRAC (Limited)....................................$48,205 City in the late ’90s or the two Honda Odys- Kia Telluride SX V6 AWD........................................................$47,585 seys and the Toyota Sienna my mom drove Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD.................................................$47,715 when we moved to Texas, our family sought Subaru Ascent Touring ...........................................................$47,017 spacious and comfortable family haulers. Toyota Highlander XLE AWD ...............................................$42,320 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL 4Motion ..................................... $49,390 And we made good use of them. We spent countless weekends and holidays 28 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

COVER STORY SUBARU 3-ROW SUVs ASCENT HYUNDAI PALISADE MAZDA CX-9 FORD From rugged designs to modern EXPLORER lines, today’s three-row SUVs bring styles to suit divergent preferences for a broad range of families. driving from Mexico City to Acapulco and at the top of my parents’ list of must-have have been discontinued. And in the Cuernavaca. We’d drive from Houston to transportation features. SUVs were for past three years, new names like Atlas, Mexico City during the summers, went to off-roading, not the road trip or morning Ascent, Telluride, and Palisade have New Mexico for a ski trip, and visited all of school run. joined the hyper-competitive three-row Texas’ major cities several times. SUV segment. Fast-forward to today, and the automo- A big family like ours needed a vehicle tive consumer scene could not be more What caused the shift? Consumers’ with plenty of space for six and their gear, different. Americans have largely ditched preferences have changed. Features and back then, a minivan was the only minivans for three-row SUVs. In the past like all-wheel drive are now seen as option. Space, safety, and reliability were decade and a half, about a dozen minivans essential. Gone are the choppy driving MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 29

TEST DATA I The big test ACCELERATION TO MPH Chevrolet Traverse Ford Explorer Honda Pilot Hyundai Palisade 0-30 2.4 sec 2.2 sec 2.1 sec 2.5 sec 0-40 3.5 3.5 3.2 3.8 0-50 4.7 5.0 4.6 5.1 0-60 6.4 6.8 6.2 7.1 0-70 8.1 9.1 8.1 9.1 0-80 10.4 11.8 10.6 11.3 0-90 13.0 15.5 13.4 14.5 0-100 16.7 — 17.3 — PASSING, 45-65 MPH 3.2 3.6 3.3 3.7 QUARTER MILE 14.8 sec @ 94.9 mph 15.3 sec @ 89.6 mph 14.7 sec @ 93.9 mph 15.3 sec @ 89.1 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 116 ft 121 ft 116 ft 129 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.81 g (avg) 0.81 g (avg) 0.79 g (avg) 0.74 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.2 sec @ 0.64 g (avg) 27.7 sec @ 0.64 g (avg) 27.6 sec @ 0.62 g (avg) 28.3 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1,750 rpm 1,600 rpm 1,500 rpm 1,700 rpm manners of yesteryear’s SUVs; they now second rows, a panoramic sunroof, and Amazon Alexa, the Highlander brings have the same carlike driving feel of mini- USB ports for all three rows. tremendous value. vans without losing their towing and light off-roading capabilities. The 2020 Toyota Highlander is both The Hyundai Palisade shares the same the newest SUV of the pack and also the platform, engine, and suspension as the With so many options, it’s difficult to segment sales leader. Entering its fourth Telluride. But the two Korean SUVs are know which of today’s three-row SUVs is generation, the Highlander comes with different, inside and out. The Hyundai is a best, especially as most of the options are sleeker lines and a bolder design inside bit more expensive as equipped, with our all-new or have been significantly updated and out. Our mid-trim XLE tester was Limited model carrying a sticker price of in the past couple years. We tested nine priced at $42,320—the least expensive $48,205. Like the Kia, the Palisade adds a three-row SUVs and looked at their SUV in the test (by thousands of dollars) lot of features and materials that the rest of driving dynamics, comfort for families but, when you look around its interior, the field can’t match. and roominess for their gear, intuitiveness clearly not the cheapest. With its leather of infotainment technology, and of course seats, 18-inch wheels, power liftgate, and Subaru got tired of its loyal customers value and safety, all so we could answer an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen leaving for other brands when their fami- one question: What’s the best three-row with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and lies got bigger, so the Ascent was conceived SUV on the market? with the American market in mind. The This contest pits the 2020 MotorTrend SUV of the Year against several newer entrants and some segment stalwarts. Can it handle the burden? If you prefer an SUV that stands out from a crowd, the Kia Telluride, crowned SUV of the Year for 2020, gets a lot of attention. Kia’s new three-row SUV brings fresh style to the SUV’s traditional boxy design. It also delivers a ton of value—at $47,585, our Telluride SX arrived with heated and ventilated seats in the first and 30 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

COVER STORY Kia Telluride Mazda CX-9 Subaru Ascent Toyota Highlander Volkswagen Atlas 2.5 sec 2.4 sec 2.9 sec 2.5 sec 2.7 sec 3.9 3.6 4.0 4.0 4.0 5.2 5.1 5.5 5.4 5.6 7.2 7.1 7.3 7.2 7.8 9.3 9.3 9.6 9.6 10.1 11.5 12.3 12.4 12.1 12.9 14.5 15.6 16.1 14.9 16.5 17.7 19.7 20.4 19.1 — 3.7 3.8 3.7 3.7 4.1 15.4 sec @ 92.9 mph 15.5 sec @ 89.7 mph 15.8 sec @ 89.2 mph 15.6 sec @ 91.5 mph 15.9 sec @ 88.3 mph 118 ft 121 ft 118 ft 116 ft 121 ft 0.80 g (avg) 0.85 g (avg) 0.80 g (avg) 0.82 g (avg) 0.84 g (avg) 27.3 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) 27.1 sec @ 0.64 g (avg) 27.4 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) 27.4 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) 27.1 sec @ 0.62 g (avg) 1,600 rpm 1,900 rpm 1,500 rpm 1,400 rpm 1,800 rpm Completing the field is the Chevrolet Traverse, the biggest three-row SUV in the segment. With gobs of cargo room and ample passenger space, the Traverse has been a popular model for Chevy. Our $47,990 Traverse Premier arrived with an easy-to-use 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a video rearview mirror, which can project a camera view onto the mirror in case passengers or cargo block your view. EVEN MORE THAN DRIVING DYNAMICS, Even more than driving dynamics, BUYERS OF BIG SUVS WANT CONVENIENCE AND buyers of big SUVs want convenience and space. But they also don’t want a crude SPACE. BUT THEY DON'T WANT A CRUDE BOX. box. Every day, you run errands, pick the kids up from school, and commute Ascent Touring we tested came with Pilot arrived with a price of $50,740, the to work. That’s a lot of time inside your handy interior features and camel-colored highest in this test, but its design package vehicle. And when you’re spending nearly leather seats. For $47,017 as equipped, the makes it a strong value that has aged well. $50,000 for an SUV, you want it to look Ascent carries strong value. and feel plush, spacious, and comfortable. The Volkswagen Atlas is the only The Mazda CX-9 was launched back European player in the segment, and The Kia Telluride was the SUV with in 2016, but its design continues to be it has a distinct personality. With by far the most sumptuous interior. among the freshest in the segment. The 20-inch wheels, a second-row bench The quilted leather, spacious second CX-9 has been known as the driver’s SUV; seat (captain’s chairs are optional), and row, and 10.25-inch touchscreen are all it has impressed us with its handling and heated front seats, the $49,390 Atlas SEL traits of today’s luxury-brand SUVs, but maneuverability. Our Signature-trim feels pricey when you compare it to the this one comes at a mainstream price. tester had nice materials and was decently Koreans. But it’s enormous inside. The Telluride also shines by virtue of its equipped, but its $47,715 price tag seemed multiple smartly positioned USB ports in a bit too high for what you get. Its cabin Based on a new rear-drive unibody the first, second, and third rows. “Getting feels narrower than the others, and its platform, the Ford Explorer has been into the Telluride after the Highlander technology is aging. re-engineered from the ground up for the was like being upgraded to business class 2020 year-model. The platform is a first on a long flight,” features editor Christian The Honda Pilot is the longest-tenured for the Explorer, and Ford updated the Seabaugh said. SUV in this group. Our Black Edition new generation with an angular design was the only Pilot available (but at least and a more spacious cabin. Our XLT The price difference between the two Honda provided one; Nissan declined our tester arrived with a price of $47,715 and a is more than $5,000, but the upgrades go request for a final-year Pathfinder). Our surprisingly short list of amenities. even beyond that. “All the buttons, knobs, and switches in the Telluride have the extra-premium feel you would expect from a higher-end brand,” editor-in-chief Mark Rechtin said. In contrast, the Highlander’s driver position is so far inboard that the driver’s elbow won’t rest comfortably on the door-mounted armrest. Although it’s the newest entrant in the segment, we MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 31

Chevrolet Traverse The longest SUV and the biggest, most spacious interior Although its interior design is not the prettiest, the Traverse’s third row is pretty roomy. Ingress and egress is easy, and you don’t feel claustrophobic when riding in the back. But for almost $50,000 we wish the interior had more to offer. Ford Explorer Less than a year in and already feeling old The floating screen is a nice touch, but there are exposed wires underneath. The Explorer’s interior can’t compete in terms of value or design—from its poor choice of materials to the short list of amenity features. Honda Pilot Black on black on black for the Black Edition Besides the black wheels and grille, the Black Edition adds black leather seats with red inserts. A new infotainment system adds smart features like CabinTalk, which lets the driver talk to his or her kids through the speakers.

Hyundai Palisade Quilted leather and handy features go beyond expectations If you remove the Hyundai badges, some people may think this is a luxury-brand interior. The quilted leather in every row is distinct, and handy features like a button that instantly moves the second-row seat forward make the Palisade stand out. Kia Telluride Standing out in a crowded, popular field When Kia’s interior designers worked on the Telluride, they wanted the cabin to stand out. The grab handles on the center console and the lines used on the seats are distinct design elements that are not typically seen in this segment. Mazda CX-9 A plush cabin overridden by a poor infotainment system One feature we disliked the most in the CX-9 was the center console on the second row. It’s big and bulky and doesn’t do much for rear passengers. Regular armrests would do the job without taking so much space.

Subaru Ascent When a color combination really stands out After getting in and out of all nine SUVs, the Ascent’s interior really stood out thanks to its tri-color combination. The light brown leather seats were completely different from the rest, and everything inside the cabin was well labeled and easily reachable. Toyota Highlander Smart cubbies and chic trays for all Even in the mid-trim Highlander XLE, the materials and cabin layout are well established. But we cannot get over how bad the third-row legroom is. Even for short city drives, the third row is cramped and claustrophobic. Volkswagen Atlas Exceptionally roomy and comfortable, but plasticky The second row is very spacious and comfortable, and accessing the third row is easy even when you don’t get captain’s chairs. But the amount of hard plastic you’ll find in the second and third rows is too much.



THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs LAYOUT, CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 70.7” 67.3” 67.0” 120.9” 78.6” 204.3” 2020 Chevrolet Traverse with poor material choices, creaky joinery, and even exposed wires. “There’s an abuse HEADROOM, F/M/R 41.3/40.0/38.2 in of scratchy plastics on the doors and dash,” LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.0/38.4/33.5 in associate online editor Nick Yekikian SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 62.1/62.2/57.5 in said. “The leatherette feels like rubber. CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 98.2/57.8/23.0 cu ft It’s almost mushy. The center console F/M/R lid closes with a really unsatisfying clap.” Despite the materials, the Explorer’s third CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,346 lb; 58/42% row is comfortable and spacious; even adults have enough legroom and head- GROUND CLEARANCE 7.5 in room for short city drives. The Traverse’s infotainment system features APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 13.3/21.3 deg modern graphics and a quick processor. TURNING CIRCLE 39.0 ft The Hyundai Palisade differentiates TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb itself from the Telluride with a push- wood on the door panels creates a relaxing button gear selector and an intriguing atmosphere. “The material choice, quality, were let down by the Highlander’s old layout for the center console. There’s a lot and color mix are all top-notch,” Seabaugh technology and very tight third row (only of attention to detail, from the headliner said. The infotainment screen is easy to 27.7 inches of legroom, the smallest of the that feels like the fanciest Egyptian cotton use, and the excellent Harman Kardon group). The infotainment system is slow to the quilted leather on the door panels. stereo comes with the only CD player in and doesn’t look as new as the others— Although the Telluride and Palisade are the group. The Ascent offers good visi- even the Pilot’s feels newer. Some of the similar, we’d rather spend our time in the bility, and it’s comfortable. But we prefer buttons require a real reach, getting into Telluride. “The Palisade is logical, but I the Highlander’s dashboard trays, which the third row is a struggle, and once you’re wouldn’t necessarily call it attractive or aren’t as narrow or short and hold more back there, there are no USB ports. But we premium,” road test editor Chris Walton stuff than the Ascent’s. The Ascent also praised the Highlander’s deep and efficient said. “It’s just different to be different.” comes with smart interior details, like the trays for driver and passenger—an ideal handles located on the shoulders of the place to put your phone, wallet, or keys. The Subaru Ascent distinguishes itself second-row captain’s chairs’ seat backs to from the group with its elegant mix of inte- help you get in or out of the third row. We were most disappointed by the rior colors. The three-tone palette and faux interior of the Explorer, which was rife 36 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

COVER STORY LAYOUT, FORD EXPLORER 69.9” 66.9” 66.9” 119.1” 78.9” 198.8” 2020 Ford Explorer Contrary to the Mazda, the Traverse has a capacious third row, fitting adults HEADROOM, F/M/R 40.7/40.5/38.9 in and still leaving enough room for cargo. LEGROOM, F/M/R 43.0/39.0/32.2 in Although we admired its infotainment SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.8/61.9/54.6 in system, we also noticed its uninspiring CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 87.8/47.9/18.2 cu ft interior design and subpar material F/M/R quality. “Chevy really needs to work on the tactile feel of its switchgear,” Seabaugh CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,367 lb; 50/50% said. “All the knobs and levers feel so chintzy, like they’re going to crumble GROUND CLEARANCE 7.9 in in my fingers.” Rechtin said the stereo The Explorer’s gear selector frees up space. APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 20.1/22.0 deg sounded like “someone threw an iPhone TURNING CIRCLE 38.7 ft into a trash can.” At least the A/C blows an wood trim is unconvincing, and the hard TOWING CAPACITY 5,300 lb Arctic blast right away. plastics in the second and third rows are appalling. VW may have focused too much Sadly, the Mazda CX-9 does not share European cars aren’t usually known on developing a spacious interior and the Ascent’s roominess or ease of ingress/ for being the most spacious, but the Atlas forgotten about making an attractive one. egress. Getting into the third row is a is the exception. “Its third-row seating struggle, and your hair will get messed up is excellent, even with the second-row The midcycle refresh the Pilot received when you try to fit yourself through the seats fully back,” Rechtin said. “Ingress a couple of years ago brought an updated narrow passage. If you make it through, and egress are easy given the large rear infotainment system with modern you’ll find yourself cramped. Our CX-9 door cut. Plus, enormous cargo space.” graphics and smart features like Cabin- was equipped with a center console for The Atlas offers the most legroom for Talk, which allows the driver to talk to second-row passengers, but we found it third-row passengers. On the tech front, their kids through the speakers (or head- useless and unnecessary. We also despise its infotainment system was easy to use, phones if they’re connected to the rear the infotainment system—the rotary its digital cluster looks sharp, and its entertainment system). But design-wise, knob interface is infuriating, and you optional Fender stereo is crisp. But that’s the Honda’s black-on-black interior looks can’t control the touchscreen when the where the good news ends. The faux dated and boring, especially when you SUV is moving. compare it to the Subaru or the Korean MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 37

THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs LAYOUT, HONDA PILOT 70.6” 66.3” 66.3” 111.0” 78.6” 196.5” 2020 Honda Pilot We headed to Southern California’s spectacular Palos Verdes Peninsula. Its HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.5/40.9/38.9 in twisty and hilly roads overlook the Pacific The Pilot still offers rear-seat entertainment LEGROOM, F/M/R 40.9/38.4/31.9 in Ocean, and its neighboring streets and with a Blu-ray player and HDMI ports. SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 62.0/62.0/57.6 in reachable freeway made it a great spot for CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 82.1/46.0/16.0 cu ft vehicle evaluation. you need that extra giddyap. We were F/M/R surprised to see the Honda Pilot winning CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,285 lb; 56/44% If we were to award a gold medal the chase in 6.2 seconds. “Once the VTEC GROUND CLEARANCE 7.3 in for performance, ride, and handling, kicks in, this engine feels and sounds APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 19.7/20.8 deg the Mazda CX-9 would be the champ. great,” Walton said. Its standard 3.5-liter TURNING CIRCLE 39.4 ft With its stiffer steering, well-balanced naturally aspirated V-6 produces 280 hp TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb suspension, and peppy 2.5-liter turbo- and 262 lb-ft of torque, and its nine-speed four engine, the CX-9 delivers on Mazda’s automatic was updated for 2019 to make cousins. We loved the deep and spacious “Driving Matters” mantra. “No SUV in shifts smoother and downshifts quicker. center console and the ease of getting into this group is as engaging and—dare I say— It’s not perfect, but the gearbox feels like it and out of the third row, which is ample rewarding to drive as the CX-9,” Seabaugh has improved, though we wish it wouldn’t enough for city drives for adults. said. “Its steering is well weighted, hunt for gears when going uphill. Yekikian accurate, and pure.” With 227 hp and noted a “squishy brake pedal that inspires Driving Although these players 310 lb-ft of torque, the CX-9 was tied for little confidence,” but during our testing the torquiest SUV (along with Explorer), aren’t necessarily known for being great and its six-speed automatic transmis- athletes, you’ll want an SUV that has sion, though old, still gets the job done. enough punch to pass an 18-wheeler Rechtin agreed: “It’s definitely the most when necessary, a suspension that makes entertaining drive of the bunch if you still the ride pleasant, and enough sound want the feel of fun.” insulation that you can hear your kids in the back. Although 0–60 times are almost irrelevant for this segment, sometimes 38 MOTORTREND.COM MAY

COVER STORY LAYOUT, HYUNDAI PALISADE 68.9” 67.2” 67.6” 114.2” 77.8” 196.1” 2020 Hyundai Palisade the largest SUV of the group, we noted plenty of body roll. Rechtin experienced HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.3/38.3/37.2 in awkward head toss even when going LEGROOM, F/M/R 44.1/42.4/31.4 in over smaller bumps, and he commented SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.2/60.8/55.2 in on the suspension undulations. And CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 86.4/45.8/18.0 cu ft although its engine felt pretty power- F/M/R ful, it whined like an old-time Hoover vacuum with a full bag when asked for CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,459 lb; 56/44% more power. GROUND CLEARANCE 7.9 in The virtually identical Koreans shine The Palisade’s AWD system has a center diff APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 18.5/21.2 deg inside and out, but underneath they lock that splits the torque 50/50 front/rear. TURNING CIRCLE 38.7 ft aren’t outstanding. The Telluride and the TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb Palisade share the same powertrain—a Neither feels slow, but a bump in 3.8-liter V-6 engine that delivers 291 hp horsepower and torque wouldn’t hurt. at the track, the Pilot tied for first (along and 262 lb-ft mated to an eight-speed with the Traverse and Highlander) in gearbox. And although their performance If the Koreans need more power, the 60–0 braking, stopping in 116 feet. numbers are nearly identical, they’re not Highlander needs more road isolation. top of the class. Seabaugh complained Whether it’s the wind or road noise, Whereas most of the SUVs we tested about the lack of low-end torque, and the Highlander’s cabin was pretty loud. were equipped with all-wheel drive, Walton described the transmission as Its eight-speed automatic and 295-hp, our Traverse was front-drive only. Its “lackadaisical.” 263-lb-ft 3.5-liter V-6 are carried over 3.6-liter V-6 is good for 310 hp and 266 from the previous generation. Seabaugh lb-ft of torque, making it the SUV with In the real world, the Palisade’s criticized the way the engine and the the most horsepower, and its nine-speed ride feels stiffer and sportier than the transmission played together (or rather, gearbox provided smooth shifts during Telluride’s plush suspension, and the didn’t), adding that the “lack of powertrain our drive. We also enjoyed the steering Kia’s brakes outperformed the Hyundai’s. refinement is far more galling than its precision and heft. But because this is MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 39

THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs LAYOUT, KIA TELLURIDE 68.9” 67.2” 67.6” 114.2” 78.3” 196.9” 2020 Kia Telluride delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, Positioning the and it’s the only three-row SUV in this USB ports on the HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.5/38.8/37.8 in group that carries a CVT. But that’s not Kia’s seat backs LEGROOM, F/M/R 44.1/42.4/31.4 in necessarily a bad thing; the transmission allows second- SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.6/59.9/55.3 in and the engine work very well together, row passengers CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 87.0/46.0/21.0 cu ft delivering power to the wheels with little to sit in a normal F/M/R lag. And just like we’ve experienced with position when the newest Subarus, ride and handling are their phones are CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,510 lb; 55/45% some of the Ascent’s best traits. Walton charging. complimented its sporty-for-the-segment GROUND CLEARANCE 8.0 in ride, and Yekikian noted its composure not to drive the Atlas home that night. APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 17.0/20.9 deg and stability at high speeds. Although the Rechtin noted more head toss than in TURNING CIRCLE 38.8 ft Ascent won’t raise your eyebrows for how other SUVs, and every judge commented TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb quick it is, Rechtin said its acceleration felt on the lack of steering feel. “The lack of quicker than what its 0–60 time indicated. engineering excellence, quality, attention complete and utter lack of steering feel.” to detail, and design—all hallmarks of Despite the harsh comments on the If speed is your priority, the Volkswagen global VW products like the Golf—are powertrain, we applauded the Highland- Atlas is not for you. It took 7.8 seconds to truly galling in the American Atlas,” er’s suspension, which delivered a smooth get to 60 mph—1.6 seconds behind the Seabaugh said. ride even through the tumbling, slow- Pilot. Its 3.6-liter V-6 produces 276 hp and motion landslide of Portuguese Bend. 266 lb-ft of torque, but it doesn’t get along With its 2.3-liter turbo-four engine with its jerky eight-speed gearbox. Then coupled to a 10-speed automatic, the The Subaru Ascent delivers lots of there’s its ride—Yekikian felt carsick after Ford Explorer makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft low-end torque, and its chassis tuning he finished the 50-minute loop and begged of torque. Ford offered us an Explorer stood out during our road test. With a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine, the Ascent 40 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

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THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs LAYOUT, MAZDA CX-9 67.6” 65.3” 65.2” 115.3” 77.5” 199.4” 2020 Mazda CX-9 lacking, its transmission slower to shift and less decisive.” On the freeway, every HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.3/38.5/35.4 in judge noticed its poor noise insulation, LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.0/39.4/29.7 in and our unit suffered from a whistle SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 57.9/58.1/53.1 in coming from the windshield during CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 71.2/38.1/14.4 cu ft freeway driving, which speaks to the F/M/R Explorer’s build quality. CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,333 lb; 55/45% Safety The primary job of these SUVs GROUND CLEARANCE 8.8 in is transporting your family safely. IIHS The 2.5-liter turbo engine and six-speed APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 17.7/20.0 deg has data on all of these SUVs except the automatic make the CX-5 a spirited SUV. TURNING CIRCLE 38.8 ft Highlander, which has not been tested TOWING CAPACITY 3,500 lb as of this writing, but with the new safety and Volkswagen got five-star ratings—the standards for 2020, no three-row SUV best possible score—from NHTSA. (As of with all-wheel drive, but because it was received the coveted Top Safety Pick+ this writing, the Explorer has not been much more than our $50,000 limit, we award. To qualify for a 2020 Top Safety tested by NHTSA.) instead took delivery of a rear-wheel- Pick+ or Top Safety Pick, vehicles must drive XLT. It might sound cool to say you have Good ratings in each of the six Although we enjoyed the way the Ford’s have a rear-drive Explorer, but once you crashworthiness tests and have Good or smart cruise control adjusted to speed get behind the wheel, your perception Acceptable headlights and available front limits, it leaves just enough of a gap in could change. Its powertrain was poorly crash prevention technologies. front for other cars to cut you off. “The calibrated, and we all complained about cruise braking takes a little long to react, its bouncy and unsettled ride. “On paper, The Palisade, Telluride, CX-9, and and the turbo-four is slow to respond once this engine should be a winner, tied for Ascent all received the IIHS’ Top Safety a gap opens in front of you,” Rechtin said. the most torque of the group,” Walton Pick award (the Traverse, Explorer, Pilot said. “But in practice it ends up feeling and Atlas did not), but the Chevy, Honda, During our testing we also knocked the Traverse for not having adaptive cruise 42 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

COVER STORY LAYOUT, SUBARU ASCENT 71.6” 64.4” 64.2” 113.8” 76.0” 196.8” 2020 Subaru Ascent one of the best safety suites, and it’s stan- dard on the Pilot. Lane keep assist kept HEADROOM, F/M/R 40.1/38.7/36.3 in the Pilot centered in its lane, and adaptive cruise control was easy to engage. LEGROOM, F/M/R 42.2/38.6/31.7 in The Telluride’s lane keeping assist had SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.1/60.3/57.2 in trouble reading some of the lanes during the freeway portion of our drive, and we CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 86.0/47.0/17.6 cu ft criticized its adaptive cruise control for F/M/R having difficulties in stop-and-go traffic— something that new vehicles should CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,594 lb; 54/46% perform flawlessly. GROUND CLEARANCE 8.7 in The CX-9 and Ascent joined the Hyundai and Kia in receiving the IIHS’ APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 17.6/21.8 deg second highest honors, but we preferred the Subaru’s smart cruise control, which TURNING CIRCLE 38.0 ft detected distant vehicles slowing down The Ascent’s top screen shows what safety earlier than other systems. features are actively working. TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb Value There are many ways to your pocketbook relative to comparably control; you can only set a distance alert equipped competitors. for the automatic emergency braking look at value. Some SUVs have low system. The Pilot received five stars starting sticker prices, which can give The Explorer XLT starts at a tempting from NHTSA but fell short from getting an impression of a smart purchase, but $37,770, but our model came with almost the 2020 Top Safety Pick award from when you step up from the base trim $10,000 in options, bumping its price the IIHS. (The 2020 Pilot was tested and and start adding options, you can find to $47,715—yet the amount of cheap, rewarded with a 2019 Top Safety Pick huge gaps in how much they’ll lighten black plastic on its grille, profile, mirror award, but it’s disqualified from earning a caps, and throughout its interior had 2020 Top Safety Pick because it didn’t get us wandering if this was the work truck a Good rating in the passenger-side small version. For that price, you’re better overlap crash test, a new requirement for off with the Hyundai Palisade or Kia this year.) Honda Sensing continues to be Telluride, which drive better, have more MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 43

THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs LAYOUT, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 68.1” 65.3” 65.4” 112.2” 76.0” 194.9” 2020 Toyota Highlander CHEVROLET HONDA MAZDA SUBARU VOLKSWAGEN CX-9 ASCENT ATLAS TRAVERSEC H O O S E Y O U R C A R W I S E LY PILOT HEADROOM, F/M/R 38.4/39.4/36.1 in AVG STATE FEES $1,143 $1,170 $1,127 $1,138 $1,171 LEGROOM, F/M/R SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 40.4/41.0/27.7 in DEPRECIATION $24,621 (52%) $21,000 (45%) $24,079 (52%) $17,958 (41%) $22,986 (51%) CARGO VOLUME BEHIND F/M/R 59.0/58.7/55.0 in FINANCING $5,228 $5,079 $5,100 $4,835 $4,966 84.3/48.4/16.0 INSURANCE $6,535 $6,671 $8,412 $8,477 $8,063 cu ft FUEL $8,375 $8,175 $9,416 $8,434 $8,175 CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,398 lb; 54/46% GROUND CLEARANCE 8.0 in MAINTENANCE $3,351 $3,140 $3,428 $3,291 $3,069 APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 17.9/23.0 deg TURNING CIRCLE 37.4 ft REPAIRS $708 $719 $807 $862 $0 5-YEAR COO $50,020 $46,154 $51,128 $44,736 $49,671 INTELLICHOICE TARGET $38,136 $37,811 $40,439 $40,525 $34,531 TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb PURCHASE PRICE Keys, wallets, Disclaimer: IntelliChoice has not completed its analysis of ownership costs for the 2020 phones, you model year. The costs shown for 2020 vehicles are based on the same or similar trims of name it. The corresponding 2019 versions, including current fair market purchase prices for 2019 vehicles. Highlander’s Results for all 2020 models will be available soon, so check back. trays are deep and that really means something. The Toyota retained value. Unfortunately, it’s too spacious. also comes with standard captain’s chairs early to have data for the Telluride and in XLE and higher trims, whereas VW Palisade, the newest nameplates in the convenience features, look cooler, and charges $695 extra for them, even in the segment, and Explorer and Highlander, have brilliant interiors. top-trim Atlas SEL with the Premium which are all-new for 2020. package. Volkswagen’s Atlas looks sharp, The Toyota Highlander XLE, with its but its value is not as strong. The Finish Line $42,320 sticker price, is a tremendous player in the value game. You get good Per IntelliChoice’s five-year cost of After our look at all the players in the bang for your buck, and in a Highlander, ownership analysis (depicted above), three-row SUV game, it became clear to the Ascent tops the chart with the best us that if you have a big family or really 44 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

COVER STORY LAYOUT, VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS 70.0” 67.2” 67.8” 117.3” 78.3” 198.3” 2019 Volkswagen Atlas Despite its roominess, the VW Atlas’ busy ride and handling and recalcitrant HEADROOM, F/M/R 41.3/40.4/38.3 in powertrain need improvement before it LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.5/37.6/33.7 in can be a strong player in this segment. SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.5/60.8/54.9 in CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 96.8/55.5/20.6 cu ft The same can be said for the Ford; F/M/R although different powertrains are available, the combination of the 2.3-liter CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,725 lb; 55/45% turbo with the 10-speed and rear-wheel GROUND CLEARANCE 8.0 in drive delivered a terrible overall calibra- APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 20.4/22.4 deg tion. Its content-per-dollar also makes TURNING CIRCLE 38.1 ft for a poor value proposition. TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb The Mazda CX-9 is the most fun The Atlas’ infotainment system integrates to drive in this group, but for a family the buttons in a nice, efficient way. need that third row and room for tons of seeking spacious transportation, its stuff, a minivan is a better option. tighter packaging makes it less appealing. Any of the vehicles in the top four Its aging technology doesn’t help, either. places are worth considering. A solid No SUV can match the passenger room, new player, the Hyundai Palisade scored cargo space, and utility that minivans The Chevrolet Traverse, on the other highly for its attention to detail, but its offer. That said, despite not being as hand, offers a spacious cabin and modern hard seats and harsh ride kept it off the functional, the usability of three-row infotainment system, but its weak safety podium. You won’t regret owning one, midsize crossovers has improved greatly. features and cheap interior land it well but there are better options. And they look better, too. But it ain’t just down our roster. clever marketing that has boosted sales. The Honda Pilot has aged well, and the SUVs are much more capable for families The Toyota brings a strong value game updated transmission and infotainment now than they were a decade ago. And the and sharp interior design. However, system erased our main quibbles over segment is more crowded than ever. the Highlander’s claustrophobic third the past years’ models. Its packaging and row, outdated infotainment system, value continue to be among the best in So which is the one to choose? Some- and thrashy powertrain relegated it to a the segment. times it depends on your priorities. disappointing finish. MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 45

COVER STORY I 3-Row SUVs THE BIG The Subaru Ascent’s value, interior TEST design, and spacious cabin helped it claim the silver medal. Shame about 2020 Chevrolet Traverse 2020 Ford Explorer 2020 Honda Pilot that exterior design, though. Black Edition AWD POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS Premiere (FWD) XLT (RWD) Finally, the Telluride. It seems 2020 is the year for South Korea. Not only DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD Front-engine, RWD Front-engine, AWD did Parasite take the top honors at the Oscars, but our reigning SUV of the ENGINE TYPE 60-deg V-6, alum block/ Turbocharged I-4, 60-deg V-6, alum Year also continues to outperform its heads alum block/head block/heads competitors. Although it still has areas VALVETRAIN where it could improve, the Kia Tellu- DISPLACEMENT DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl SOHC, 4 valves/cyl ride remains the best three-row family COMPRESSION RATIO 222.7 cu in/3,649cc 138.1 cu in/2,264cc 211.8 cu in/3,471cc SUV you can buy today. Q POWER (SAE NET) 11.5:1 10.0:1 11.5:1 TORQUE (SAE NET) 9th Place Volkswagen Atlas REDLINE 310 hp @ 6,800 rpm 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 266 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm It’s plenty spacious but has a ride that TRANSMISSION 6,750 rpm 6,500 rpm 6,750 rpm will make kids carsick. VW needs to AXLE/FINAL DRIVE RATIO 15.3 lb/hp improve its family SUV’s suspension. SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR 14.0 lb/hp 14.6 lb/hp 9-speed automatic 9-speed automatic 10-speed automatic 4.33:1/2.08:1 8th Place Ford Explorer STEERING RATIO 3.49:1/2.16:1 3.58:1/2.58:1 Struts, coil springs, TURNS LOCK TO LOCK Struts, coil springs, Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, It’s new to market, but the Ford seems BRAKES, F; R anti-roll bar; multilink, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar like it was built ages ago. Its price coil springs, anti-roll bar coil springs, anti-roll bar ladder doesn’t speak well to value. 16.0:1 17.3:1 16.5:1 3.1 7th Place Mazda CX-9 3.3 3.1 12.6-in vented disc; 12.6-in vented disc; 13.6-in vented disc; 12.6-in 13.0-in disc, ABS Great power, ride, and handling, 12.4-in vented disc, ABS disc, ABS but that’s not why folks buy people haulers. It’s short of the traits that WHEELS 8.0 x 20-in cast aluminum 8.5 x 20-in cast 9.5 x 20-in cast make a true family vehicle. aluminum aluminum 6th Place Chevrolet Traverse TIRES 255/55R20 107H (M+S) 255/55R20 107H (M+S) 245/50R20 102H (M+S) Continental Cross Pirelli Scorpion Zero Continental Cross A strong SUV just three years ago, the CONSUMER INFO Contact LX20 Contact LX25 Traverse has suffered at the hands of BASE PRICE $37,770 the newer players in the segment. A PRICE AS TESTED $46,995 $47,715 $50,740 rental car feel at a high price. $47,990 $50,740 5th Place Toyota Highlander STABILITY/TRACTION Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes CONTROL The segment sales leader arrived with 7: Dual front, front side, 8: Dual front, front side, 6: Dual front, front side, a cool new design, but a cramped third AIRBAGS front center, f/m/r curtain front knee, f/m/r curtain f/m/r curtain row and a thrashy powertrain hurt. BASIC WARRANTY 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/35,000 miles 4th Place Hyundai Palisade POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 years/60,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 years/60,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles 3 years/35,000 miles A smart value, the Palisade raises eye- FUEL CAPACITY 19.4 gal 17.9 gal 19.5 gal brows at school drop-off and soccer 5 X 25-MI LOOP, VEHICLE 19.7 mpg 18.9 mpg 21.2 MPG practice. Ride is stiff for kids, though. REPORTED* 20.1/29.4/23.5 mpg 19.1/28.2/22.3 MPG REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB Not tested 21/28/24 mpg 19/26/22 mpg 160/120 kW-hr/100 miles 177/130 kW-hr/100 miles EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON 18/27/21 mpg 0.82 lb/mile 0.90 lb/mile Unleaded regular Unleaded regular ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY 187/125 kW-hr/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.92 lb/mile RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular 3rd Place Honda Pilot The smartly packaged Pilot scores highly with its responsive suspension and direct steering feel. 2nd Place Subaru Ascent It’s oddly styled, but once you see how spacious and capable it is, the Ascent checks many boxes. Plus: value. 1st Place Kia Telluride South Korea beats Japan. The Telluride may not sell Eye-catching design, an elegant inte- as well as the Highlander, rior, and excellent value. The Telluride but Kia built a better SUV. doesn’t disappoint. A class above. 46 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020

2020 Hyundai Palisade 2020 Kia Telluride SX 2020 Mazda 2020 Subaru Ascent 2020 Toyota 2019 Volkswagen HTRAC (Limited) V6 AWD CX-9 Signature AWD Touring Highlander XLE AWD Atlas V6 SEL 4Motion Front-engine, AWD Front-engine, AWD Front-engine, AWD Front-engine, AWD Front-engine, AWD Front-engine, AWD Atkinson-cycle 60-deg Atkinson-cycle 60-deg Turbocharged I-4, Turbocharged flat-4, Atkinson-cycle 60-deg 10.6-deg V-6, iron block/ V-6, alum block/heads V-6, alum block/heads alum block/head alum block/heads V-6, alum block/heads alum head DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl 230.6 cu in/3,778cc 230.6 cu in/3,778cc 13.0:1 13.0:1 151.9 cu in/2,488cc 145.7 cu in/2,387cc 210.9 cu in/3,456cc 219.6 cu in/3,598cc 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm 10.5:1 10.6:1 11.8:1 12.0:1 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm 6,750 rpm 6,500 rpm 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm 295 hp @ 6,600 rpm 276 hp @ 6,200 rpm 15.3 lb/hp 15.5 lb/hp 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm 277 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm 263 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm 266 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 3.65:1/2.36:1 3.65:1/2.36:1 6,300 rpm 6,000 rpm 6,750 rpm 6,000 rpm Struts, coil springs, anti- Struts, coil springs, anti- roll bar; multilink, coil roll bar; multilink, coil 19.1 lb/hp 17.7 lb/hp 14.9 lb/hp 17.1 lb/hp springs, anti-roll bar springs, anti-roll bar 6-speed automatic Cont variable auto 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 15.6:1 15.6:1 2.9 2.9 4.41:1/2.65:1 4.44:1/2.08:1 3.00:1/2.02:1 3.60:1/2.41:1 13.4-in vented disc; 13.4-in vented disc; Struts, coil springs, 12.0-in disc, ABS 12.0-in disc, ABS Struts, coil springs, anti- Struts, coil springs, anti- Struts, coil springs, anti- anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar roll bar; multilink, coil roll bar; control arms, roll bar; multilink, coil 16.3:1 springs, anti-roll bar coil springs, anti-roll bar springs, anti-roll bar 2.8 17.6:1 13.5:1 14.2:1 13.2-in vented disc; 3.1 2.6 2.8 12.2-in disc, ABS 12.6-in vented disc; 13.1-in vented disc; 13.3-in vented disc; 12.8-in disc, ABS 13.0-in vented disc, ABS 13.3-in disc, ABS 7.5 x 20-in cast aluminum 7.5 x 20-in, cast aluminum 8.5 x 20-in cast 7.5 x 20-in cast 8.0 x 18-in cast 8.0 x 20-in cast aluminum aluminum aluminum aluminum 245/50R20 102V (M+S) 245/50R20 102V (M+S) 255/50R20 104V (M+S) 245/50R20 102H (M+S) 235/65R18 106V (M+S) 255/50R20 105T (M+S) Falken Ziex ZE001 A/S Bridgestone Alenza Continental Cross Bridgestone Dueler H/P Michelin Primacy Tour A/S Falken Ziex CT50 A/S Sport A/S Contact LX Sport Sport AS $47,745 $44,960 $47,315 $46,055 $42,320 $44,190 $48,205 $47,585 $47,715 $47,017 $42,320 $49,390 Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes 7: Dual front, front 6: Dual front, front side, 6: Dual front, front side, 7: Dual front, front 8: Dual front, front side, 6: Dual front, front side, side, driver knee, f/m/r f/m/r curtain f/m/r curtain side, driver knee, f/m/r driver knee, front-pass f/m/r curtain curtain curtain thigh, f/m/r curtain 5 years/60,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles 6 years/72,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles 10 years/100,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles 6 years/72,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles 10 years/100,000 miles 18.8 gal 19.5 gal 5 years/60,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles 18.6 gal 19.7 mpg 17.4 mpg 16.7 mpg 5 years/Unlimited miles 3 years/36,000 miles 2 years/Unlimited miles 18.8 gal 19.3 gal 17.9 gal 19.2 mpg 17.7 mpg 18.1 mpg 20.2/29.9/23.7 mpg 18.6/31.0/22.7 mpg 17.3/28.3/21.0 mpg Not tested 20.3/30.6/23.9 mpg 16.4/25.8/19.6 mpg 19/24/21 mpg 19/24/21 mpg 20/26/23 mpg 20/26/22 mpg 20/27/23 mpg 17/23/19 mpg 177/140 kW-hr/100 miles 177/140 kW-hr/100 miles 169/130 kW-hr/100 miles 169/130 kW-hr/100 miles 169/125 kW-hr/100 miles 198/147 kW-hr/100 miles 0.93 lb/mile 0.93 lb/mile 0.87 lb/mile 0.87 lb/mile 0.86 lb/mile 1.01 lb/mile Unleaded regular Unleaded regular Unleaded regular Unleaded regular Unleaded regular Unleaded regular THE SUBARU ASCENT AND HONDA PILOT OFFER VALUE *Onboard trip computer averages AND PACKAGING AMONG THE BEST IN THE SEGMENT. MAY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 47