The Aging Lexus RX Is Quietly Selling Better Than Ever

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Lexus is one of the most popular luxury vehicle brands in the United States. A significant reason for its popularity is that Toyota owns it. With the brand’s popularity as a whole, it’s no surprise that the Lexus RX continues to outsell competitors. Most experts agree that the RX doesn’t face stiff competition, even when stacked against the Genesis GV80 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

The seasoned Lexus RX vs the brand-new Genesis GV80

Lexus RX | Getty Images

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) published a review entitled “2021 Genesis GV80 vs. 2021 Lexus RX Comparison” earlier this year. The author began by pointing out how the new 2021 Genesis GV80, a product of Korean-based Hyundai, is going toe-to-toe with the “seasoned veteran of the midsize luxury class,” referring to the tried and true 2021 Lexus RX.

According to the review, the GV80 is above average in standard and optional features, exceptional safety technology, offering either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and a class-leading warranty program.

Among the things that were below average, the GV80 doesn’t offer a V8 or hybrid engine, the third row is optional and tiny, and the Genesis brand lacks brand recognition. “Not surprisingly, it offers a ton of value, great safety features, and excellent driving manners for thousands less than its German competitors,” the KBB review explained.

As for the Lexus RX, the reviewer wrote that it’s above average in areas such as having a comfortable ride, offering an optional hybrid engine, offering a sporty model with performance upgrades, having great resale value, offering a luxurious interior, and an optional third row. 

However, it’s below average in terms of not being sporty enough, the optional third row feels confined, and its styling might not fit every buyer’s taste. In a similar review published by Autotrader, the sentiment toward both mid-size luxury crossovers is nearly the same.

The Lexus RX stacked up against the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Negating other sources, U.S. News listed the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class “#1 in Luxury Midsize SUVs.” It listed the 2021 Lexus RX “#5 in Luxury Midsize SUVs.” This is compared to the second place 2021 BMW X5, with a score of 8.4 out of 10, the third-place 2022 Audi Q8 with a score of 8.3 out of 10, and the fourth-place 2021 Lincoln Aviator with an 8.2 out of 10. As one can see, the overall score of each luxury crossover only differs by one-tenth. In other words, it’s a good idea to give each model a serious look before setting your sights on one.

Review scoring aside, historical sales figures clearly show which luxury crossover SUV is number one. According to GoodCarBadCar, sales figures for the Lexus RX have averaged over 100,000 units sold between 2005 and 2020. GoodCarBadCar sales figures show the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has averaged around 30,000 to 40,000 units sold over the same period.

The sales figures from GoodCarBadCar for the Genesis GV80 are practically nonexistent, with 296 sold in 2020. But things are looking up in 2021, with nearly 850 units sold as of June.

An overview of the 2021 Lexus RX

As per the Lexus website, there are eight RX trim models, with the base RX 350 having a starting MSRP of $45,220. Then there is the RX 350 F Sport at $48,700 and RX 350L at $48,050. For the AWD model, you’ll have to spend an extra $1,400. The five higher trims range in starting price from $47,920 to $51,885 for the RX 450h F Sport AWD Black Line Special Edition.

Every 2021 Lexus RX model is powered by a stout 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. It may not be as racy as the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, but acceleration is smooth and steady.

The powertrain is paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. While it generally shifts smoothly under normal conditions, pushing it can cause it to jump around occasionally.

Lastly, the 2021 RX 350 has 13 standard advanced safety features and five optional advanced safety features. Things like synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, and eight similar creature comforts come standard.

RELATED: 2021 Lexus RX vs. 2021 Genesis GV80: Should You Take a Chance on the Up-and-Comer?

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The Lotus Seven Sports Car vs the Locost Seven Kit Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

One is a thoroughbred British racer, the other is a cheap kit car, but they’re both geared towards the hands-on car enthusiast. And they’re both the pinnacle of lightweight sports cars. Though depending on which you choose to build, one may end up being simpler, and cheaper, than the other. Let’s dive into the key differences between the Lotus and its cheap cousin the Locost.

Lotus Seven Kit Car | Daniel Pier/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Lotus Seven’s lightweight legacy

Lotus originally built the Seven with one thing in mind: simplicity. The technologies used were established and easily replicated. When first introduced as a kit car, the Lotus Seven swept hands-on enthusiasts off their feet. Based heavily around the Ford Cortina, particularly with the transmission, the Lotus was not only fun to build, but cost-effective.

In 70s Britain, taxes were put on people buying new cars, so Lotus offered the Seven as a kit car. It reduced the costs of assembly as well, which had many tinkerers tickled pink. The Series 1 Lotus Seven weighed around 1,100 lbs, which meant it didn’t need a hefty engine. That’s why it only featured a 40 horsepower Ford 100E engine.

But most of the Lotus Sevens have been built by now, and according to Hemmings, they average cost is around $30,000 to $40,000. And while you can put together your own Caterham Seven, today’s version of the Lotus Seven, that’ll still run you $37,000 (for the base model). In other words, it’s not the budget option it used to be. That’s where the Locost comes in

The Locost Seven “kit car” is the budget friendly option

Yellow Locost Seven Kit Car
Locost Seven Kit Car | Cars and Bids

The one thing you need to know about Locost cars is that no two are the same. In fact, there’s no such thing as a “Locost” brand, it’s just a clever name for cheap Lotus replicas. But unlike Lotus, who sent the parts and pieces needed to assemble the car. It’s your job as the builder to source your Locost parts, from chassis to engine. In that sense, it’s not even a kit car, but it’s certainly cheap. And how it’s pieced together is entirely up to you (and your budget).

To put yours together, you’ll first need a ton of knowledge on how to weld, fabricate, and machine a car from start to finish. Or you’ll need a lot of friends, each of which specializes in some aspect of the process. On top of that, you’ll want to pick up the book “Build Your Own Sports Car for as Little as £250 and Race It!” This is your bible, the comprehensive guide to every piece of building a Locost.

But there’s one problem for us Americans: the eagle-eyed reader will notice the title is in pounds, not dollars. That’s because this book is geared towards British consumers (as is the sports car it’s based on). Another issue on top of that, the suggested parts come from Ford Cortinas and Escorts. Those can be found in most British Junkyards, but they’re nonexistent in the states. Thankfully, there’s LocostUSA, a site dedicated to American Locost builders.

So the two are vastly different: one will cost tens of thousands of dollars, the other might cost a couple grand. But there’s no denying that both are excellent lightweight performance cars.

Both are terrific track day cars.

Lotus Seven Kit Car at Goodwood Festival Of Speed
Lotus Seven Kit Car | Michael Cole/Corbis via Getty Images

As long as you keep the weight low on your Locost, it’ll be able to hang with the lower model Lotuses. And while there’s no telling just how fast your Locost would be, we can give a few ballpark estimates.

For starters, the horsepower of most Locosts is in the double digits. Sounds pathetic, but with a chassis and body as simple as the Lotus, you really don’t need much power. 0-60 in the base model Caterham 7 on sale now is five seconds. Meanwhile, Car and Driver took a couple of Locosts for a spin, some of them beating out that 5 second time.

And because of their low profile and weight, both the Lotus and the Locost Seven will handle like sports cars. Granted, one of them is a proper sports car and one’s homemade, but they’re both sure to make you smile.

RELATED: What Is A Kit Car?

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2022 Toyota Corolla: Which Trim Level Should You Choose?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Toyota Corolla drives out of the gate with muted style and a modest price tag. There are a few trim levels available, and all within $6,000 of each other, which means there are only good choices. It’s no wonder the Corolla is one of the best selling cars in the world. This will illustrate the best Toyota Corolla trim level.

Corolla L: The Basic Trim Level

Toyota Corolla L | Toyota

With Toyota’s baseline Corolla L, the name of the game is basics. For a $20,000 car, the Corolla doesn’t slouch when it comes to safety. The Corolla has automatic emergency braking and full-speed adaptive cruise control, along with the usual refinements like traction control and ABS. It also has Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 package, which includes emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure with steering assist, and lane-keeping assist.

Otherwise, the L offers little in the way of innovation. It has a 1.8-liter engine that produces 139 hp, mated to either an “Intelligent six-speed manual transmission” or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). According to Toyota, the Corolla L sips fuel gingerly to achieve an estimated 38 mpg on the highway. Drivers looking for a bit more pickup may want to keep reading.

Corolla LE: Same Power, More Features

Toyota-corolla-le-more-features
Toyota Corolla LE | Toyota

For just $500 more, The Corolla LE is slightly better-outfitted than the L. Beyond creature comforts like automatic climate control and cup holders, the LE has 16-inch wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen. The LE uses the same powerplant as the L unless opting for the Hybrid LE. Despite the low cost for all the additional features, It’s not quite close enough to the best trim level.

Where the L had no available factory options, the LE has two. The Convenience Package comprises a smart key system with push-button start, 16-inch alloys with big 205mm tires, blind-spot warning indicators, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). Additionally, the Premium Package includes everything from Convenience, along with a power tilt/slide moonroof.

Corolla SE: More Power, Apex Edition

toyota-corolla-se-apex-best-trim

The Corolla’s lineup gets spicy with its SE variant, which boasts a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powerplant producing 169 horsepower. This bumps the price up to $23,225 but includes a plethora of other features. The SE comes with a Sport driving mode, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a sporty front grille.

Additionally, it has more available packages which include the smart key system and the blind spot monitor (BSM) with RCTA. For a bit more style, the Nightshade Edition comes with some blacked-out trim and wheels, or the Apex Edition for enthusiasts, for $25,610 total, which includes a front lip spoiler, rear diffuser, and body kit. The Apex Edition also includes sport suspension and exhaust. It’s available on the SE, XLE, and XSE Corolla variants. With the Apex Edition, the SE becomes one of the best Corolla trim levels.

Corolla XLE: Intro To Comfort

toyota-corolla-xle-comfort
Toyota Corolla XLE | Toyota

Starting at $24,475, the XLE takes a step in the direction of comfort. It includes the moonroof and 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as heated front seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. It includes Safety Sense and the BSM with RCTA. The XLE’s powerplant downgrades to 1.8-liters but still retains its sport driving mode. Only the CVT is available in the XLE.

This Corolla trim offers the Connectivity Package, which comes with a premium audio system, including an 8-inch touchscreen and dynamic navigation. It also has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and nine speakers.

Corolla XSE: The Best Trim Level

toyota-corolla-xse-most-expensive
Toyota Corolla XSE | Toyota

As the cream of the crop, the XSE starts at $25,975. It includes the 18-inch alloy wheels and all the comforts of the XLE but adds the 2.0-liter powerplant. Its Apex Edition runs a total price of up to $28,360 but axes the navigation and wireless charging. The Connectivity Package is still available, along with the advanced lighting package which includes adaptive front lighting and ambient lighting. Thankfully the XSE still comes with a manual transmission.

As the Corolla base price starts low, it makes sense to go with the most expensive trim level. The important choice is whether or not to go for the Apex Edition, as it doesn’t include some of the creature comforts in the XLE or XSE. Depending on how much performance is desired, either the SE Apex or XSE is the best Toyota Corolla trim level.

RELATED: Welcome The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross To America

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The Kia Telluride Is Getting Another Redesign

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Just over a month ago, Kia announced that the Kia Telluride is getting some updates. Though not a full redesign, the 2022 Kia Telluride will feature some fresh tweaks. However, in addition to these minor improvements, this Kia SUV will also see a redesign for the following model year as well.    

2021 Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition | Kia

The 2022 Kia Telluride is getting some updates

a white 2022 Kia Telluride in a forest with mountains in the background
2022 Kia Telluride | Kia

For the 2022 model year, Kia told the public in June that the Telluride will see some updates. For one, the 2022 Kia Telluride gets the new Kia logo design. Plus the freshened Kia SUV will have more standard equipment, such as the 10.25-inch touchscreen. 

In addition, the 2022 Kia Telluride is getting a tweaked 2022 grille. This new design is said to feature some vertical elements in place of the mesh, though not every model will necessarily sport these changes. The Palisade will also see some slight changes for 2022. 

A new video reveals another Kia redesign for 2023

According to Motor1, a recent spy video has emerged in Korea of a facelifted 2023 Kia Telluride. In the video, the new Telluride looks as if it will largely carry over the design of the 2022 Kia Telluride. However, there are some definitive changes on the horizon. 

There is a heavy disguise in the video above. That said, it’s clear to see that the 2023 Kia Telluride is getting a facelift that includes redesigned taillights and headlights. Plus, we’ll see updated style graphics in that area as well but the cluster appears to remain generally the same. 

It’s not a new generation of Telluride. Rather, this is your average everyday mid-cycle refresh. There are not likely to be many changes inside, though the dash is covered inside the camouflaged 2023 Kia Telluride. 

When will the new Telluride come out in the U.S.? 

a Kia Telluride SUV driving at speed on a desert highway
Kia Telluride | Kia

According to Motor1, it’s not likely that the U.S. will even catch official wind of this redesign until next year. Korea should get a full reveal of the 2023 Kia Telluride model by the end of 2021. However, the U.S. probably won’t see a marketing campaign pick up for this model until 22, sometime within the next 12 months. 

“Mildly resculpted bumpers” and a new standard 10.25 inch touchscreen display are rolling out on the 2022 Kia Telluride. Then, the changes for the 2023 model year are coming up the following year. Then, after what’s likely to be just a few short model years, Kia will probably have an all-new Kia Telluride generation come onto the scene. 

This Kia SUV has seen great success. It’s a lot of bang for your buck and offers quality and amenities at an affordable mainstream price point. The redesign is coming, but until then Kia gives buyers a new Telluride model year with some appealing tweaks. But with this spy video, we get a little peek at what’s to come.

RELATED: What Is the Smallest Toyota SUV?

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