The Cartrast Blog

The Forester has long been popular with individuals who make it a point to venture off the beaten path over the weekend. For 2022, along with an updated front end with a redesigned grille and headlights, Subaru has introduced a new version of the Forester to make those owners’ lives easier with the Wilderness trim, which brings 9.2 inches of ground clearance and exclusive wheels with all-terrain tires. With these changes, Subaru is resolving to maintain the Forester’s popularity in the ever-so-competitive compact SUV market.

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Since 2006, the RDX has been the best-selling vehicle in the premium compact SUV segment due to its marked combination of a high level of driving dynamics and reliability at a sensible price. For 2022 the RDX has received light styling updates both inside and out as well as a retuned suspension to improve both the ride and handling characteristics. Furthermore, the cabin now has an active sound control system to become much quieter, making long trips more comfortable.

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Long a presence in the premium compact sedan market, the venerable Infiniti Q50 gets some notable updates for the 2022 model year. Most noteworthy is a 16-speaker Bose sound system that is now standard on all Q50s along with wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility allowing for any symphony you desire on command. Shoppers can now pick between three trim levels: the standard Luxe, well-equipped Sensory, and the performance-oriented Red Sport 400.

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As Mazda’s best-selling model in the United States in what is a very crowded and cutthroat segment, the CX-5 compact SUV endures with its excellent driving dynamics coupled with a high level of fuel efficiency. The 2022 model year sees all-wheel-drive become standard while outside styling has been refreshed. CX-5s equipped with the turbocharged engine will get distinct bumpers, making it stand out further from other compact SUVs.

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Volkswagen’s Jetta has long been a popular compact sedan throughout North America, noted for its high amount of interior space and cargo room. For 2022, the Jetta gets a host of updates including an updated engine, new interior features, and a refreshed exterior. With these changes, Volkswagen intends to remain as competitive as ever in the compact sedan segment, which frequently serves as the gateway to a brand.

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The last year has seen the minivan market become ever more competitive with all minivan models either receiving a significant refresh or a full update. All of them now have a multitude of features and options once reserved for luxury vehicles. We got to experience the newest minivan on the market, the Kia Carnival, on the scenic roads of Half Moon Bay and on Highway 1. The Carnival, which replaces the Sedona, is one of them and it redefines what a minivan can be for both individuals as well as families.

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People have thought that Maseratis have long been for individuals who don’t wish to conform to the norm. After spending some time with the Italian-made Levante on the roads of scenic Half Moon Bay and on Highway 1, we’re convinced that thought is wrong as we came away from the driver’s seat with a smile having discovered what Maserati owners love about their vehicles. The Levante is for people that want some added style choices for their luxury SUV along with excellent handling characteristics and supple ride quality.

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During WAJ Media Days in Half Moon Bay, we managed to get a first drive of the significantly updated 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, one of the world's most popular compact SUVs. With a standard third-row seat, an upscale interior, and a large amount of standard equipment, the Outlander is tailored for appealing to growing families. As we have been long been looking forward to the redesigned Outlander, we got behind the wheel to garner some impressions and discover how driver- and family-friendly it is.

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Honda’s redesigned Civic has been hotly anticipated by a large number of compact sedan shoppers. The Cartrast team managed to get behind the wheel last week of a Civic sedan in the Sport trim level, expected to be the top seller of the Civic range, during the Western Automotive Journalists event in Half Moon Bay. We were very interested in gaining some first impressions of the Civic on both the street and highway as it tends to be the most popular vehicle with first-time new car buyers.

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Some customers for a compact SUV may put a premium on off-roadability and the ability to accommodate gear for outside adventures. The Bronco Sport targets this market with features that cater heavily to outdoors-oriented shoppers while still retaining practicality and efficiency of a compact SUV. We got behind the wheel of one during WAJ Media Days to find out whether it can really accommodate the people who frequently venture off the pavement while appreciating the styling that only a vehicle with the Bronco nameplate can have.

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This week, the Cartrast team was able to get behind the wheel of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson and take it for a spin up and down Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay. The version we drove was the top-end Limited with the hybrid powertrain which pairs a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate a combined 226 horsepower while delivering 37 miles per gallon combined in both the city and on the highway. As one of Hyundai’s most popular vehicles, we were interested in experiencing the redesigned Tucson and find out the impressions that compact SUV shoppers will come away with.

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Jeep’s Grand Cherokee has been a mainstay among midsize SUVs for the last three decades. However, the previous-generation Grand Cherokee did not offer a third-row seat which led some shoppers to consider alternatives. With the all-new Grand Cherokee L, Jeep has made a third row standard and redesigned the interior to provide an experience on par with high-end family vehicles while still maintaining the off-roading ability that has made it one of the most popular SUVs in the United States.

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As a completely new entry in the competitive midsize luxury SUV market, the Genesis GV80 is something that the Cartrast team has been looking to try out for themselves. We finally got the opportunity to do so during WAJ Media Days last month and we came away very impressed. With a design unmistakably distinctive from other luxury SUVs and loads of high-tech features to try out, we drove the GV80 both on the back roads of Half Moon Bay as well as up and down scenic Highway 1.

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In the premium compact sedan segment, Acura’s TLX tends to be overlooked. After a shakedown of the redesigned 2021 TLX Type S on the winding roads of Half Moon Bay, we’re convinced that’s changed due to the smiles on our faces and the looks we received around town. As the top-end model of the TLX range, the Type S showcases the best that Acura has to offer in a sports sedan, taking on characteristics from the NSX supercar while keeping the comfort-oriented features of other Acura models.

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We recently managed to spend time with Kia’s Sorento, an SUV designed for growing families who are also looking for an upscale experience. Completely redesigned for the 2021 model year, the Sorento is now more off-road capable, comes with an even more powerful engine, and has more room inside, all of them delightful updates to an already exceptional SUV. On the roads of Half Moon Bay and Highway 1, we explored the welcoming interior, efficient performance, and versatility of the Sorento.

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