2024 BUICK ENVISTA

 

ENVISTA PACKS PUNCH WITH AFFORDABLE PRICE AND PREMIUM QUALITY FEATURES  

Debuting in the U.S. last year, the 2024 Buick Invista serves as an entry level option for the company’s family of crossover SUV that all share the letter “e” in their model names (Envision, Encore GX, Enclave).

Actually introduced a year earlier in China, the 2024 Buick Envista is designed to attract mostly younger or first-time buyers into the Buick fold with the combination of an affordable starting price and upgraded premium-like features.

Its sleek coupe-like profile gives the 2024 Buick Envista a sporty appearance, and the interior is filled with the kind of tech features the modern-day buyer has come to expect in its automotive choices.

The 2024 Buick Envista is offered in three trim levels starting with the base Preferred and continuing with the Sport Touring up to the top of the line Avenir. The 2024 Buick Envista Avenir (reviewed here last December) flirts with the $30,000 mark but the other two comes in well under that with the base Preferred coming in at under $25,000 even including the freight charge.

The 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring that serves as the basis for this review has a starting MSRP of $25,195 with the $1,095 freight charge included.

That price covers convenience features like Bluetooth and audio systems that operate off an 11-inch touchscreen, single-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone hookup, and keyless start.

Other standard interior features on the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring include express power down (but not up) windows, an air filtration system, and a wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel.

Standard exterior items include LED headlamps and taillights, LED daytime running lights, and heated outside mirrors.

Standard safety systems include forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking.

My test 2024 Buick Envista Sport Touring included several extras that still kept the final bottom line under $30,000 while enhancing the overall experience. 

Fuel mileage is outstanding but power from the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine is only an unimpressive 137 ponies and torque at 162 pound-feet. This is about fuel mileage (28 mpg city, 32 highway, 30 combined), not drag racing.

These included a Convenience Package (heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power adjustable lumbar support), and remote start), an Experience Buick package (power moonroof with manual sunshade and 19-inch black painted aluminum wheels), an Advanced Safety package (adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, and rear cross traffic alert), and a Convenience II package (power rear liftgate, wireless charging, and intermittent front wipers) to run the final bottom line to $27,975 including the $1,095 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring: It’s a good size especially for those who desire a little more storage area than the typical sedan offers but doesn’t like the inconvenience of maneuvering  bigger SUVs through crowded parking lots. Interior space is good with nearly 39 inches of legroom in the second row.   Overall styling exceeds its price point. Tech features are generally user-friendly. Pricing is very affordable.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring: If you want all-wheel drive, you’re out of luck. It isn’t offered. The rear window also lacks a wiper, a common feature on SUVs. There is a knob to adjust radio sound levels but not to surf the dial.

Would I buy the 2024 Buick Invista Sport Touring? There’s some pretty stiff competition in the subcompact segment but few of them are domestic offerings, if that is a factor in your car shopping.

2024 KIA EV9

ELECTRIC MODELS SPURRING SALES 
FOR SOUTH KOREAN AUTOMAKER KIA

Kia has set a goal of filling its electric vehicle portfolio with 11 new models by 2026, and early indications are the move toward Benjamin Franklin’s discovery of “electrical fire” is paying off.

The South Korean automaker credited its new electrified vehicles as spurring record-setting sales for the company in August. EVs, or more precise BEVs, showed an increase of 27 percent over the same period as last year.

Throw in a jump of 43 percent for its plug-in (PHEV) models and the result is a gain of 9 percent in overall sales for Kia’s SUVs, which  accounted for 75 percent of the 75,217 Kias sold in the month. Electrified models alone accounted for 18 percent of Kia’s total sales.

The addition of the 2024 Kia EV9 to the company’s fleet has enhanced those sales numbers. The three-row all-electric SUV wasn’t available until late fall of 2023 but has topped 1,000 units in sales every month since last November.

Sales of the Kia EV9 topped the 2,000 mark for the first time last May and then in August it set its all-time high (so far) with 2,388 EV9s sold.

My first exposure to the EV9 came last February, and I recently had a second stint in the 2024 Kia EV9. My initial experience was in the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line, which sits at the top of the lineup.

My most recent ride was in the Land version of the 2024 Kia EV9, which is slightly less expensive than the GT-Line while still providing a long list of standard features.

The Land sits between the GT-Line and the Wind model in the lineup. The Light and Light Long Range trims serve as the entry level versions and are rear-wheel drive.

The Light offers the stingiest range of 230 miles unless you opt for the Long Range version, which Kia says is good for 304 miles. Horsepower in the 2024 Kia EV9 Light is only 215 ponies but drops to 201 in the Light Long Range.

The top three Kia EV9 models feature dual electric motors rated at 379 horsepower and up torque to 443 pound-feet (Wind and Land) and 516 lb.-ft. (GT-Line). All-wheel drive is standard among each of the upper three trims and are capable of zero-to-60 mph times of 5.7 (Wind and Land) and 5.0 seconds (GT-Line).

When it comes to standard features, the 2024 Kia EV9 Wind and Land models are very similar with the main differences being the Wind gets bench seats for the second row while the Land gets Captain’s chairs that reduce seating from seven to six riders.

Other significant features found on the 2024 Kia EV9 Land trim and not the Wind include 20-inch wheels (optional on the Wind), auto dimming outside mirrors, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, drawer-type second-row center console, rear-window curtains, ambient (mood) interior lighting, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar and 2-way power leg support, heated and ventilated second-row seats, premium 14-speaker sound system, a surround-view monitor that provides a spectacular image of your vehicle and its surroundings, and 2-position memory function for driver’s seat, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. (For a closer look at the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line check my February review.)

You can get into the Kia EV9 family for under $60,,000 (EV9 Light ($56,395) and EV9 Light Long $56,395) but the price jump for the upper trims is significant. Starting MSRP for the 2024 Kia EV9 Wind is $65,495 and for the GT-Line it’s $75,395. (All prices include destination and delivery charges) 

My test 2024 Kia EV9 Land started at $71,395 but extras like a towing package ($1,500) and the silver matte exterior paint ($905) ran the final total to $74,230 including freight charges.

What I liked about the 2024 Kia EV9 AWD: The spacious cabin seats six comfortably and the third row doesn’t infringe that much on cargo space (20. cubic feet). My backseat riders raved about the second-row legroom. Charging times are relatively quick, and the 280-mile range for  is a plus. Tech features are plentiful and generally user-friendly except for the lack of knobs to tune the radio and a slow response to some touches.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Kia EV9 AWD: The placement of the gear shift lever (which includes the starter button) is just weird. If the steering wheel is cranked in a certain direction, fat as it is the lever is actually hidden.The Land trim is slightly less than the top-of-the-line GT Line I reviewed in late February but still is one of the more expensive electric SUVs on the market.

Would buy the 2024 Kia EV9 AWD? No. I’m still waiting for the charging infrastructure to catch up to electric vehicles. Most of the just over an hour wait I had at the charging outlets was spent waiting for one to come free with three vehicles ahead of me and one outlet not working.

2024 BMW X5 M COMPETITION

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GIVE UP PERFORMANCE WHEN YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR A LUXURY SUV

Just a guess here, but I’m thinking that few people in the market for a luxury SUV are putting sub 4.0-second zero-to-60 mph times high on their list of desired attributes for their new vehicle.

But if you are one who who seeks speed at all costs and have the budget to handle it, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition just may be your dream vehicle.

What BMW has done has taken all the goodies in 2023’s optional Competition package that give an extra 17 ponies to an already generous 600 horsepower and added an extra track mode to driver options and made them standard in the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition.

Thus with this performance you not only can tow your race car to the track, you make make it your race car.

Underneath the hood of this massive beast is a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that generates 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque that propels its 2.5 tons of heft from zero-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, according to zerto60times.com. (It comes with a mild electric hybrid system, but that doesn’t add anything to those power numbers).

That engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard, though setting the drive mode to Track gives it a rear-wheel bias.

Fuel figures (you don’t use the words “fuel economy” with numbers like these) is 13 miles-per-gallon city, 18 highway, and 15 combined using premium grade fuel. According to the federal government you should be prepared to spend $11,750 more in costs over the average new vehicle over a 5-year period.

Of course, there is nothing “average” about the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition.

While performance may get your attention, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is loaded with the latest in tech features (not all of them easy to get to) and other conveniences that befit the luxury segment.

Of course Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and of course wireless charging is offered. A Harman Kardon Premium audio system is standard, and a wide dashboard display that includes carbon-fiber trim features navigation and dominates the front of the spacious cabin.

Standard safety features include blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and automated emergency braking as well as a surround-view camera.

No-charge features on my test 2024 BMW X5 M Competition included an M Sport exhaust, 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels, 4-zone climate control, active driving and parking assist, full LED lights, an Anthracite, Alcantara headliner, BMW’s Active Driving Assist, and high-gloss roof rails.

Earlier I mentioned your potential automotive budget. The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition carries a hefty starting MSRP of $122,300. That puts it near the top of the niche luxury performance SUV class behind its X6 M sibling, among a couple of others.

My test 2024 BMW X5 M Competition came with a couple of other optional features like special exterior paint, an upgraded interior, and an Executive Package that added heated and cooled cupholders (yes, cupholders), front and rear heated seats, massage function for front seats), and an M Driver’s Package that offers track time at either of BMW’s facilities in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Thermal California.

All that ran the final bottom line to $141,445 including the $995 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition: The performance from the twin-turbo V8 is exhilarating. For such a large vehicle (194.5 inches long) handling is very nimble. Tech features are numerable. The interior is spacious and the seats comfortable. Cargo space (33.9 cubic feet) is good.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition: The infotainment system isn’t that complicated, but it is fussy to work through features to get to what you want, such as an overabundance of drive settings. When operating the A/C blower manually, it goes from a barely detectable breeze at the lowest setting to a Category 5 hurricane at the next lowest. The shift pattern is kind of weird..

Would I buy the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition? Considering the pricing, no. If I’m going for performance I’m going to look for a different body style from an SUV. 

2024 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID

 

HYBRID MODEL OVERCOMES CHECKERED HISTORY OF KIA SPORTAGE COMPACT SUV

The Kia Sportage may have a checkered history but the South Korean automaker has gotten things right since resuming production of its compact SUV after a two-year hiatus a couple of decades ago.

Poor sales and problems such as recalls to correct issues with rear wheels falling off and a reputation for being rollover prone led the company to discontinue sales after the 2002 model year.

Its replacement arrived for 2005 as a slightly larger verhicle, and improvements over the first generation led to Consumer Reports selecting the 2009 model as one of its most reliable vehicles.

The 2010 model that kicked off its third generation also earned international recognition, and the JD Power Survey gave it five stars in all categories of its quality survey. In 2016 the Sportage took over the role as the company’s best-seller from the Rio, and it hasn’t looked back since.

A redesign for 2023 gave the Sportage a completely new look and for the first time a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain. With such an extensive overhaul, only a few updates were applied to the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid, including standard seat-mounted airbags for the seco
nd row and LED projection type headlights.

As the third hybrid SUV in the Kia lineup, the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is positioned between the larger Sorento and smaller Niro. It comes in three trim levels.

The LX serves as the base and front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel available. The EX and SX Prestige get AWD as standard. This review is based on the SX Prestige model.

The hybrid drivetrain features a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor and is rated at 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. That’s a bit less horsepower than the gas model delivers (187 hp) but a significant jump from the 178 lb.-ft. of torque from gas models.

Mileage for the 2024 Kia Sportage varies from 38 miles-per-gallon for the EX and SX-Prestige trims to 43 mpg for the LX. Gas-engine Sportages are rated a 28 mpg combined with FWD and 25 with AWD.

If your recollection of the Sportage is a rather plain, boxy 2- or 4-door small SUV from the 1990s you likely won’t recognize the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The exterior is sleeker and the spare tire that once hung off the back of some early models has been dropped (not literally). The roomy interior has a premium feel.

Standard comfort and convenience features in the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige include navigation with a 12.3-inch touchscreen to display the map, dual automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, a wireless charger, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Kia Connect, which gives access to features that remotely lock and unlock your vehicle, activate climate control, and find your car in a crowded parking lot, is offered by subscription with a one-year free trial.

The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige rides on 18-inch alloy wheel and comes with LED projection headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, and standard roof rails.

Active safety systems include lane-departure warning, driver attention warning, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and reverse parking distance warning. The government gives it four out of five stars when it comes to rollover protection and five stars for frontal crash protection.

Features adding no cost to the starting MSRP of $37,450 in my SX-Prestige test vehicle included dark gray wheels, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, LED fog lights, a Harman-Kardon premium sound system, a blind-spot view monitor (activated by turn signals), adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, forward parking assist, a memory driver’s seat, LED interior lights, heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats.

The only extras were $595 for the Shadow Matte Steel Gray exterior paint, carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat tran the final total to $39,730 including the $1,375 destination and delivery fee.

The base FWD 2024 Kia Hybrid LX starts at $28,590 with AWD running the price to $30,390. The EX AWD starts at $3,290.

What I liked about the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid: The design is very attractive both inside and out. The cabin is spacious and the ride is comfortable. Throttle response is very responsive and the cabin is spacious with lots of standard infotainment features operated off a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Though not a leader in its class, fuel economy still is a plus. The hybrid drivetrain provides a significant boost in both torque and fuel efficiency over Sportages with the 2.5-liter gas engine only.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid: You won’t find much not to like about the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The gear selector, which is a dial on the center console, is on the funky side.

Would I buy the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid? Yes.Many standard hybrids offer more in the way of fuel economy, but the Sportage is competitive among other hybrid SUVs.