Revolution is forceful, sometimes brutal. It can be refreshing, but it can also be jarring. Luxury demands comfort and innovation, more evolution than revolution. That’s the story in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and for 2023, the Veloce edition. Subtle changes enhance the original design and appeal, so while it’s instantly recognizable, it continues to become more modern in function and feel.

Modern, in the case of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, adds more of what this car is about to the Veloce version of this luxury SUV, priced from $53K, making it sportier, more capable and more performance focused without detracting from its elegant, minimalist design.

Veloce: Fun to Say, More Fun to Drive

Learn to wrap your mouth around it: Ve-LOCH-ay. Veloce is Italian for ‘fast’ and it takes on a sportier feel with a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, larger 20” wheels and a throaty sport exhaust, though it carries the same 4 cylinder turbo engine as all other Stelvio models, producing 280 HP (the Quadrafoglio, however, produces 505 HP and carries a much steeper $88K price tag).

It also has all the good stuff standard: All wheel drive, DNA drive modes, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, voice controlled multimedia system, a wireless charge pad Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all in an elegant, minimalist design.

9 Reasons You Should Consider the Alfa Romeo Stelvio for Your Next SUV

Who This Car is For

• First time luxury car buyers who want a sporty, fun experience
• Singles or couples who occasionally have rear seat passengers
• Fur mamas and papas
• Small families who like to ride in style
• Drivers downsizing from the family SUV and want something sporty and stylish
• Drivers who love a great drive experience but don’t need an overly powerful car
• Buyers who want sporty luxury but need an SUV

Related: Is a Luxury Car Calling Your Name? Here are the Cars Your Neighbors Are Shopping For, Too

What You Need to Know

• Seats 5 but more comfortable for 4, and even better for 2
• The Veloce sport edition adds features and capability but not more power than the other models
• The rear seat is comfortable but not overly large
• The cargo area is sizable for an SUV this size
• Available in 7 colors, all of which except white cost $500 or more extra; our Ocra GT Try-Coat is, at $2,500, the most expensive
• There are a lot of nice features standard on all models, including leather seats, navigation, panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charger

Related: Why the Genesis GV70 is a Great Family SUV

Ciao, Stelvio! 

First introduced in 2017, the Stelvio, named for the Stelvio pass in the Italian Alps where Alfa Romeo tested and tuned this first SUV from the brand, has maintained its original minimalist design. 

It’s anchored by the tri-corner grille and sleek headlights, a rounded tail gate and low roofline. It’s modest size belies the comfortable interior space and cargo room, but enhances the drive experience; the Stelvio is perfectly balanced, making it one of the easiest and most agile SUVs to drive.

And yet, it’s roomy and comfortable, especially for front seat passengers. The rear seats are comfortable, if not expansive, and there’s a good amount of cargo space, 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats (56.5 with the seats folded down).

Related: The 2022 Infiniti QX55: Stylish, Smart and Sassy

A Sportier Trim Enhances the Drive 

The sport trend is one we’ve seen in BMW’s M Sport and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG packages, which are defined by large badges emblazoned throughout the car, differently colored details and distinct features. The sportier edition of the Stelvio is subtle in its details; it’s almost hard to define the Veloce’s sport features because they are so natural. 

But even without all the visual cues, Veloce delivers the experience you expect: more response when the accelerator is pressed, to feel pushed back into the bolstered leather seats, a more distinct sound, and those glowing red Brembos that wink at you through the floral-esque wheels.

Related: The 2023 BMW X1 Luxury SUV Got a Complete Makeover — and Just Might Be the Brand’s Best SUV

The Minimalist Alfa Design is Solidly Luxurious

For car buyers who want a simple, clean design that allows the integrity of materials and key details to come through, the Stelvio shines. From the exterior bullet shape of this SUV to the cabin, the details are simple and elegant.

Inside, the command center between the two front seats is neat and uncluttered; the gear selector is flanked by a key cubby and the parking brake. Just forward are cupholders, and behind hit are three key dials: the DNA drive mode selector, the radio volume control and the multimedia selector. 

There are climate controls and a USB port on the dash just above the command center, and while you might be inclined to think that you can pop a cord into the USB port and connect your phone to the multimedia system, think again: you’ll need to use the USB ports inside the arm rest for this.

The arm rest is also where you’ll find the wireless phone charge pad, neatly tucked into the space so you can see the top third of your phone while it’s charging. This detail is especially elegant.

On the dashboard you’ll see the multimedia screen, which has Alfa Romeo’s UConnect system, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as vehicle settings and radio. This is a touchscreen, so you can use the dial to control it or simply touch the function you want. It is tucked neatly into the dash, so when it’s turned off it’s as if there is no screen; another elegant detail that adds to the overall feel of this car. 

Ah … Bella Emozione

That is how it feels to drive the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. A beautiful thrill. Partially because this car is just so beautiful; slide into the driver’s seat and  you instantly feel refined, set apart from everything else on the road. Press the start button on the steering wheel, put it into gear and head out and you instantly feel the power in your hands. The near perfect balance makes this car feel almost weightless, simple to maneuver, agile in all turns. You are completely in control and feel effortless doing so. 

The performance details feel so natural, I really had to look deeply to see  what’s different from this model versus the others in the lineup. It’s those additional details that takes it from sublime to non so che, that extra something that makes it perfect.

What This Car Costs 

• Alfa Romeo Stelivio Sprint entry level edition, with a 4 cylinder turbo engine generating 280 horsepower, DNA mode, smart key, leather seats, heated power front seats, wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic sunroof, Uconnect multimedia system with voice activated controls and safety suite including blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with full stop, forward collision mitigation, brake assist and stability control, starts at $46,575
• Add all wheel drive to the Sprint edition: $2,000
• Ti Edition adds 19” wheels, hands free power lift gate, interior wood accents, all wheel drive and Ti badging, starts at $52,185
• Veloce edition adds red leather seats, sport details including a rear sport diffuser, 20” wheels and exterior accents black sport gloss, starts at $53,985
• Lusso edition adds bright chrome exterior details, 21” wheels with red brake calipers, two tone leather upholstery, premium Harman Kardon sound system, this is a limited edition and starts at $56085 
• Estrema edition adds carbon fiber appearance details, leather panels with red stitching, and an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, starts at $59,825
• Quadrifoglio edition with a V6 twin turbo engine generating 505 horsepower, enhanced driver assist system including traffic jam assisst, carbon fiber hood, race mode, racing seats, and carbon fiber steering wheel, starts at $88,175

While the Veloce edition adds all the details you might expect on this sporty luxury SUV, the Sprint edition delivers quite a lot at a very approachable price. For about $5,000 more you get all those additional sport details and some enhanced sport driving without a huge price jump to the Quadrifoglio edition. And then, leave a little non so che in your wake.

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Disclosure: Alfa Romeo provided the Stelvio Veloce for this review; all opinions are my own. 

Slide into the front seat of the Mazda CX-90 and you feel it: lovely leather, a modern, elegant interior, a cabin that feels more open and spacious without feeling larger than the CX-9 that it replaces. 

There are features that are new to Mazda’s largest SUV, which is a new model for 2024: a panoramic sun roof, a 12” multimedia display, a digital driver’s information screen and center row captains chairs (which are new-ish; they were introduced in the CX-9 in 2020). 

Then, start the CX-90, put it in gear and feel more power than ever. The new flagship SUV from Mazda generates up to 340 horsepower and buyers can choose from silent electric driving or a mildly-throaty 6 cylinder turbo. 

The CX-90, priced from about $39K to $59K, marks Mazda’s entrée into three new areas: a higher level of luxury, more passenger space and more power, including a first ever plug-in electric hybrid powertrain.

Zoom Meets Zen 

These two ideas—more interior luxury and power under the hood—are the pillars of Mazda’s continued growth into a premium luxury brand: the elegant feeling of being swept along the highway in a powerful, beautiful machine.

The interior continues to bring zen to its passengers with a calming edit of features. Mazda introduced a number of new materials in its interior design, including a fabric dashboard cover with hanging stitches, or long stitches that connect two fabric panels and reveal the soft, dark surface of the dashboard underneath. It’s one of the most elegant interiors I’ve ever seen. But there are also options with leather covering every surface, or microsuede front and center, which was in one of the models we test drove. 

Passenger seating is also leather-swathed (leatherette in the base Turbo model, Nappa leather in the top of the line Turbo S Premium Plus and PHEV Premium Plus models), and in the top of the line model, rear seat passengers have heated and vented seats. 

Related: 2025 Ford Explorer First Drive

Seating to Accommodate All Your Passengers

Buyers can choose the number of seats they would like: 6, 7 or 8, an unusual configuration for 3 row SUVs, which usually offer either 6 or 7, or 7 or 8 seats. Mazda lets you choose the number that best suits your needs (though all are not available at all trim levels). 

This means that in some models, there is a center row bench that seats 3 and a rear bench that seats 3; in some models there are center row captains chairs and a third row that seats 3 and in the higher trim levels, a third row that seats two. 

In the top of the line models, there is a console between the center row captains chairs, tough in the mid-level trim levels there is a pass-through instead, which may be preferable to families who plan to use the third row regularly. 

Related: Why These Are the Best Mom Cars — And It’s Not Just About the Kids!

An Upgrade in Power – And a Choice of How You’d Like to Use It

We have been waiting to drive this larger, roomier more luxurious 3 row SUV since it was revealed earlier this year. Mazda offers three CX-90 engine types and within those, several levels of luxury to choose from, which in general is Base, Premium and Premium Plus. All models have some form of electrification; even the turbo models have a mild hybrid system that operates accessories and climate control via a battery electric system to save gas. This new system is designated by the e-Skyactive badge on the rear of all Mazda CX-90 models.

All models, even the base model Turbo, deliver quite an increase in power from the CX-9’s 227 HP/320 torque, with 280 HP/332 torque. And they all are expected to get about 25 MPG. The Turbo S model generates up to 340 HP/369 torque—when using premium fuel—but runs at a standard 319 HP when using regular gas. And the PHEV model—short for plug-in electric hybrid vehicle—comes in at 319 HP/369 torque and an all electric driving range of 26 miles. 

The added power is effortless and lovely. On my test drive I started out in the city in the PHEV model and was able to drive in all electric. This mode is great for those days when all your errands are short drives; you can mostly avoid using gas. 

On the highway, however, the gas engine is capable and powerful. It was easy to merge into heavy traffic, to maintain a comfortable speed, and on rural two-and roads with higher speed limits, the Mazda CX-90 is confident and capable. 

Drive Electric When You’d Like, And Not When You Don’t 

The PHEV’s EV mode allows you to drive on all electric power; the CX-90 has a range of about 26 miles of electric driving. That’s enough for basic daily driving— school drop-off, grocery runs, a stop at Starbucks. But when you need to head across town for a playdate of your own with a friend from college, or to the mall with the better Nordstrom, the gas engine kicks in. 

In fact, the gas engine will take over from the electric motor when the battery range is at 20% or lower, or when you floor the accelerator, such as to merge onto the highway or pass a truck, so you have all the power you need. Ease off the accelerator and the system reverts to all electric driving if it’s warranted.

In normal mode the system uses electric power to assist the gas engine. I switched between modes to try them out and they worked nicely; the system switched modes as demands changed and even so, it was not easy to tell by sound or feel when we were operating in gas or electric mode. I could tell by looking at the driver’s information screen, though.

And then, there’s the “Charge” button: push this while driving in Normal and it charges the battery while you drive. You can shorten the time it will take to replenish the battery’s charge by charging while you drive.

Larger, But Not Heftier

Even though this is Mazda’s largest 3 row SUV ever, you don’t “feel” the 3rd row as you drive. As is Mazda’s mission, the drive experience is driver focused and in control, so while you have space for 6, 7 to 8 passengers, you don’t feel that full extension of the car behind you. 

You also don’t feel it as you drive and park in crowded city settings. I detoured from our test drive route to find coffee; it was a cold, rainy day ‘atmospheric river’ day in Northern California and I needed to stop for espresso. Apple CarPlay directed me to the exit for Berkley to the Starbucks in this charming but busy village section of town. Parking is tight and my route took me through an area with a lot of street parking, traffic circles and speed bumps. A larger SUV might present a bumpy ride or make me nervous about parking in such tight circumstances.  But the Mazda CX-90 was great, even handling quite well a couple of u-turns to find parking. I was able to ease into a tight parking spot and I never felt like my doors would ding the car next to me. This can be an accomplishment for a 3 row SUV.

So What’s It Like as a Passenger? 

Lovely in the center row and not awful in the 3rd row, though it’s tight for taller passengers.

Center row seats are theater-style, positioned a bit higher than the front seats and offer a nice view of the road and light from the panoramic sunroof. Seats in our test model were heated and ventilated leather, and there are climate controls and USB-C ports on the back of the front seat center console. A center console between the captains chairs has an arm rest storage cubby, a pull out storage drawer and cup holders — though you can out not to have the console in favor of a pass-through to the 3rd row, which may be better for daily use of the 3rd row.

To reach the 3rd row it’s necessary to pull a tab on shoulder of one of the center row seats to slide and tilt forward; this should work with a forward facing child passenger seat installed, though the access space may be quite small. 

Once the seat is pushed forward, there is enough space for an average size person to climb in, but it’s not an overly large space. I was able to climb in easily and turn to sit in the third row. Pulling the center seat back into place, it positions itself to give third row passengers more leg room, which I found comfortable. 3rd row passengers have USB ports, cup holders and air vents embedded in the panel under the cup holders.

The Luxury of Leading Technology 

Mazda rolled out a new camera system that they call “See through” cameras, essentially a surround view system that allows you to see the front, side and rear of the car, or all around it. 

I loved that on my detour, as I was parking, the front camera came on automatically to help guide me into the parking spot. Front facing cameras are likely going to become law soon because of the added safety that this visibility offers, especially when pets or small children are nearby as you’re parking or pulling into a driveway.

There’s also a driver monitor camera built into the 12” multimedia screen; you can see the small circle in the upper left corner of the screen.This not only works to monitor your awareness for safety— suggesting you might pull over to rest if it senses you’re getting sleepy— but it will also prompt you to focus your eyes on the road if it senses you’re not paying attention.

It also will help you to set and resume your driver preferences. Mazda CX-90 drivers can set up a profile that automatically adjusts your seat based on your height and weight; select your height and it adjusts your seat height and distance from the pedals, positions the steering wheel and adjusts the mirrors. This was pretty incredible. 

Then, the system will prompt you to look at each side mirror (so it can capture recognition of your face) and save your settings. When you get into the car the next time it will recognize you and restore your settings. You can even set the cabin temperature, radio station and other personalized settings.

Then, there is a a larger head up display that also displays driving directions and motion graphics to show you where other cars are around you; you can set the size of graphics on the multimedia system, and you can connect wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What the Mazda CX-90 Costs 

This is probably the most shocking fact: Not a lot more, to start. The base model CX-90 is only $845 more than the base model CX-9, and simply considering the larger engine, added power and new design, that’s a bargain. 

Each trim level adds more luxury features, though many can be added as upgrades to the lower trim models. Here’s how pricing breaks down: 

Mazda CX-90 Turbo:

•  Base Model with 280 HP, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leatherette seats and 7 or 8 passenger seating, $39,595
• Preferred trim: $43,335
• Preferred Plus trim: 45,900
• Premium: $48,900
• Premium Plus: $52,950

Mazda CX-90 PHEV:

• Preferred model with a 319 HP motor and 26 miles of all electric range: $47,445
• Premium: $52,900
• Premium Plus: $56,950

Mazda CX-90 Turbo S with 340 HP (using premium fuel) 

• Base model: $51,750
• Premium: $56,450
• Premium Plus: $59,950

I think the most stunning fact is that the base model price is so close to the base model price of the CX-9, and in the Turbo Premium Plus or base model Turbo S you get a lot more than the top of the line CX-9, which has a starting price of just under $49K. 

Effortless Luxury, Delivered

Mazda went all out to assure that families and 3-row SUV owners can have what they want in both luxury and performance in the CX-90, and delivered it nicely. It wound’t be a far stretch to see buyers who don’t really ever need a third row opting for the CX-90 simply for the center row luxuries and the more powerful drive experience. 

And that there’s a plug-in option that allows you to rarely get gas but have it when you need it is a nice luxury too. All of it adds up to real luxury: a beautiful space that whisks you away on your journey with effortless power. 

Disclosure: I was a guest of Mazda for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own

The first time I heard the idea of ‘design thinking,’ I was intrigued: I knew ‘design’ and ‘thinking,’ but put the terms together, and they are a principle that elevates design beyond the traditional form and function or aesthetics. Design thinking pushes designers to solve problems and increase intuitive function for the humans that use their designs. This is what’s behind the first ever Genesis GV70 luxury SUV. 

Design thinking can be applied to anything, from a $5 can opener to a billion-dollar municipal project. It is studied at top universities like MIT and Stanford, and the practice is key to making the things we interact with — buildings, machines, tools, toys — more enjoyable and less frustrating.

But can a car be rethought through design thinking? And can design thinking improve the experience of luxury? 

Related: 7 Luxurious Reasons to Love the 2021 Genesis G80 Sedan

The Glass House: Design Thinking Changes Everything

We took a first-look test drive in the Genesis GV70, which has a starting price of about $41,000, and all-in with every option, about $65,000. Our journey took us through the back roads of Connecticut to New Canaan where we stopped at the Glass House, a simple but brilliantly inventive house designed and built by architect Philip Johnson. A Pritzker Prize-award winner, Johnson is famous for buildings like the Lipstick building and the former AT&T building in New York, but his Glass House was probably his most famous work. 

While a glass house sounds intriguing, my first thought was, how can four walls of glass possibly provide an efficient and comfortable place to live? But the idea of a house was rethought to answer another idea altogether: rather than have great art on the walls, what if the walls are the art? Built in 1948, in a time before picture windows and glass walls were a thing, Johnson created a place that allows occupants to be surrounded by the art of the landscape: snowy fields in winter, lush greenery in summer, roaring, fiery hues in fall, running foxes, ambling turkeys, deer grazing on flowers (which no one thinks is cute). 

His house also allowed occupants to be open and transparent; with the elimination of walls and closets there is literally no place to hide. Through his life, Johnson, who was gay, challenged many conventions through his work including the one that had long forced people to hide who they are from the rest of society.

Genesis: A Luxury Brand Born From Design Thinking

Step into the Genesis GV70 — any Genesis, for that matter — and you’ll see design thinking at work. Any car company can create a luxury spin-off, benchmark against the competitors, build a pretty car, and call it day. 

Genesis sought to stand apart from the field by rethinking form and function in its cars. Its exteriors have unique details like horizontal head and tail lights that wrap around the vehicle’s corners, wide diamond-mesh grilles, and elegant but subdued colors. Inside, there are several details like an infotainment control dial and gear selectors that have a jewelry-like feel, and an approach to ownership that prioritizes the customer’s time, so you can buy or service a Genesis purely on your schedule in your own space; no dealership visit is required. 

As a result, Genesis sedans have won quite a few awards, and it’s likely that the GV70 will follow that trend.

Related: Want to Feel Like a Movie Star? Get the Genesis G90 – and a Chauffeur

Re-Thinking Function Brings About Clever Solutions

The structure of the Glass House is simple: the bathroom is contained in the core of the building and the exterior of the bathroom holds a fireplace; glass panels in the walls swing open to provide air flow on warm days; wiring and plumbing are under the floor, which use radiant heated to eliminate air vents and ducts; the kitchen is a self-contained counter-height free-standing unit.

This approach of simplicity for the greater effect is seen in the GV70, too. You first notice how it’s different on the exterior that, while it carries the aerodynamic shape that defines modern SUVs, is simplified and elegant. All its necessary details — lights, spoilers, air intake vents, bumpers, rocker panels, wheel wells — are integrated into the body rather than standing apart. The wide mesh grille and lights give the Genesis GV70 a unique look, and the rear tailgate has been simplified, giving it a graceful look and feel. 

Inside, the rethinking is seen in the command center; the gear selector and infotainment dial anchor the console between the front seats. The gear selector is electronic and no longer needs to be a protruding handle, so Genesis designed a substantial-feeling dial topped with glass and framed in textured metal. It sits closer to the arm rest and out of the way of the rest of the command center: The media dial, volume and tuning controls, media menu buttons, and drive mode selector, all placed where your hand will naturally fall if you’re resting your elbow on the arm rest. 

The location of these things isn’t what’s been rethought, though; controls located in finger tip range have been a staple of auto design for a while now. But the media dial is distinctly different from the gear selector dial so you won’t mistake one for the other; and to mistakenly grab the gear selector rather than the media dial would require an awkward twist of the arm. 

Related: Finally, Genesis Has an SUV and It’s a Home Run: 2021 Genesis GV80 

Design Thinking That Takes the “Finger Tip” to New Heights

Having controls at your fingertips is one thing. But having a first-ever biometric starter is a game changer. Genesis calls it fingerprint recognition, and with only your finger you can start and drive the car. Just your finger. Once you’ve registered your fingerprint, you can open the car via your Genesis app, start it, and drive it. Without a key. 

You can also use your phone as a key (if you have an Android phone; the Apple version should be on the way soon). This further allows you flexibility: you can open and lock the car with your phone’s low frequency Bluetooth (not the cloud-based app), hand off the key to someone else, start and drive the car without the key fob and control other details, too such as setting up valet mode.

An Interior Designed to Frame the View

And like the Glass House, the GV70’s interior is designed (as much as possible) to allow the outside in. Despite the sloped roof, I found the sight lines to be solid — easy to see the road and world around you. And, it’s easy to see why a panoramic sunroof is a staple in luxury cars; not only do they allow in the sun, but they create a more open, airy feeling. It’s not just sun, but sky that is part of your experience. 

In both the Glass House and in the Genesis GV70, every creature comfort is accommodated in a way that keeps the the experience in focus.

What This SUV Is All About

While the GV70 shares DNA with others in the Genesis family, it is its own SUV with a unique character. I expected the GV70 to be a trimmed-down version of the GV80, but no. The GV70 shares some exterior details with its big sis, but it lives within its own identity. 

On its foundation, the GV70 is a mid-sized SUV that is drawn from the bones of the Genesis G70 sedan. Its smaller size gives it more ability for hugging the curves of the road and with two engine options — an ample 300 horsepower or larger 375 horsepower — more than capable. 

This SUV is built for 5 passengers and more comfortable for 4, but it’s ideal for two: the driver and front seat passenger. The cockpit is driver-focused, with the screens and controls slightly angled toward the driver but accessible by her passenger. The cabin is designed to literally surround you with luxury and comfort. The seats are leather — starting with leatherette in the base model and elevating to Nappa in the top of the line Prestige model — and details include carbon fiber trim and chrome-framed control panels. A single strip of chrome brings the cabin together, spanning the space at shoulder level and incorporating the air vents; it’s a sublime design detail that you’d probably never really think about but functions to both make you feel anchored in the space and forces your gaze upward at the view from the windows. Plus, it’s a really nice and effective way to station air vents; they are effective in flowing cool (or warm) air toward passengers but not visually disruptive. 

And…The Pièce de Résistance: The GV70 is a Sports SUV, Too

Probably the biggest difference between the GV70 and GV80 is that the GV80 is a luxury family SUV and the GV70 is designed for really driving. They have the same engine; either in the larger GV80 delivers ample power no matter how many people you’re carrying. But take that engine — either the 300 or 375 horsepower versions — and put in in the smaller GV70, and wow. Now you have reason to try out the paddle shifters and to challenge the curves of the road. Put it in sport mode, and it’s even more performance-focused. It delivered an even more satisfying experience. 

Buyers have a lot of choices in the GV70. The base model delivers all the safety and driver assist features that a luxury car should, including all wheel drive, premium navigation and fingerprint recognition, as well as the elegant design and unique features that define this luxury SUV. Buyers can add as many details as they like, from the panoramic sun roof to wireless phone charging, remote park assist (Smart Park), massaging seats, Nappa leather seats and more. 

Thoughtful Design… A Nice Complement to Design Thinking 

Just because you can improve something, should you? Not always, and that can be at the heart of thoughtful design, which also describes the GV70 nicely, too. It’s not all innovation all the time; it’s also a beautiful SUV that incorporates the details we know and expect in a luxury SUV. And it allows ownership without compromise, from a well-appointed base model to all the upgrades and details you might want, setting the stage for a truly satisfying experience. 

Disclosure: I was Genesis’ guest for this test drive experience; travel and accommodations were provided but observations and opinions are my own.

The Acura MDX, even though it is a three row, it doesn’t drive like that. It drives like a sleek and effortless midsize SUV. The handling is great for moving throughout highway and city driving. The Acura RDX drives a lot sportier and it is the perfect size for a starter family SUV. Which one is right for me? Well, I hadn’t thought about luxury SUVs because the luxury price tag is not something within my current budget. However, more and more SUVs are taking luxury options and presenting them within a more affordable budget. And my son is getting bigger so it’s time to think about getting an SUV. Where do we start? Ok, if we’re going luxury, does that mean it will have everything I need? Whether you’re the cool mom or need a fun Girls Night Out SUV, the Acura SUVs – RDX and MDX –are ready to take you out.

“Before I drove the 2020 Acura RDX, I wasn’t convinced that luxury SUVs were really worth the luxury price tag,” Jill Robbins reflected upon her thoughts before her test drive of the Acura RDX. And I’d have to agree. Before driving the Acura MDX or RDX, I wasn’t sure what I was missing. After taking both of these for a drive, I welcomed myself into 2020. Not only are these SUVs stylish and functional to simply get me from one destination to the other, it’s the little things that excited me to take a closer look. It’s about the journey and enjoyment within the power and capabilities that these SUVs have to offer.

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The RDX Starting at $37,600 is No Compromise Whatsoever

Whether it is just you, you and your spouse, and/or with one or two kids, then this is the perfect size SUV with all the bells and whistles. What does that mean? You’re getting premium options for a more affordable price with this midsize SUV, including Acura’s new trackpad infotainment system controls. This SUV is sporty, nimble, and convenient. I love the smooth leather interior, tons of storage space, a booming sound system, and handling like a futuristic SUV that would make the Jetsons smile. With safety features like the AcuraWatch, which is all of the cameras and monitors around the SUV, it gives you a 360 degree view of what’s going on. It gives women like me the ability and confidence to not only drive these with confidence, but also the height and visibility to drive safely and comfortably.

Related: Why Do People Buy Luxury SUVs? The 2020 Acura RDX Answers That Question

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The MDX Can Do All Of That With An Extra Lap Of Posh Amenities

Starting at $44,400, this three row SUV gives you more space than the RDX and fits everyone in with tons of charging outlets. “If you’re looking to avoid a minivan and still be able to haul extra kids or sports equipment, this one does it all,” Connie Peters noted about the MDX. The third row can feel a bit tight for the passengers, but it gets the job done. If you don’t need it for extra seating, it also allows for more storage space. The extra cupholders also make it a plus, especially if you’re carting around the family as a daily driver or road trip queen. Connie weighs in on the MDX that, “If you can go without the third row seats, Acura RDX might be the ticket.”

Safety is an important consideration when selecting your next family car, and the ability to protect my family on the road while riding in comfort is top of mind for me. Mary Moore of Raising Dick and Jane thinks that, “For this reason, I always look for vehicles with a road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist, among other features. All of which, by the way, come standard on every 2020 MDX.”

Related: The Performance Family 3-row SUV – 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec

Whether You’re In The RDX Or MDX, Put Those Performance Features Into Luxurious Action!

If you’d like to relax behind the wheel and take your foot off the gas, get acquainted with the Adaptive Cruise Control. The adaptive sensing can make your highway driving worth the splurge on these affordable SUVs with premium features. Personally, I think the RDX could benefit my family since I only have one child, but I could also see myself zipping around in the MDX with a bit more space for my stuff and my family. And without giving up my sense of cool and style.

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Lincoln has just gotten a makeover and they’re ready to flaunt it. And after getting into one of the brands newest models, you’ll feel it too: not only will you indulge in luxury, but you’ll look and feel fabulous. Everything from the technology to the sound, interior design, and exterior details reveal a revamp you need to know about.

Further viewing: See our interview with with Megan McKenzie, marketing manager of Lincoln Aviator, and get a view of the Continental’s 80th anniversary limited edition with coach doors 

Black Label, the Ultimate Luxury, Sets the Stage for Lincoln’s Next Era

Like Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label, which represents the best of the iconic designer’s premium designs, Lincoln offers their own premium Black Label models. These high-end models are only available at certain dealers and the model sell out in 15 days. But, they drive more demand for the standard premium experience that Lincoln is striving to be known for.

It’s working. Lincoln sales are up 17% across the board, with Navigator showing a 74% increase in sales, the MKC crossover up 20% and the new Nautilus SUV making nice strides in Lincoln’s biggest markets, which include Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta.

2018 Lincoln Navigator: the 3 Row SUV You’ll Never Want to Leave

Be Lincoln’s Guest!

Remember the enchanted furniture in Beauty & the Beast? Think of this car as “enchanted.” Lincoln features human-like tech. Your car lights up as it senses your presence and kneels down to make sure you get in comfortably. Forgetful when it comes to your keys? Lincoln gives drivers cell phone access- you can drive away by simply using your phone. Tech in a Lincoln will also look for potholes and bumps and ‘absorb’ them so you don’t feel them and neither does the car. Even the car’s chimes and alert sounds are special. The chimes were recorded by the Detroit symphony orchestra. Lights, music, magic. Surely, a ride fit for a queen.

Further reading: Where Lincoln gets its luxury inspiration

Customer Service at Its Finest

Lincoln prides itself on their dealership experience. The company goes above and beyond to help make things easier for their customers. Imagine wanting to test drive a car and the salesperson arrives at your home to make it happen. That’s what a Lincoln dealership will do for you. And once you become a customer, the same goes with maintenance. A service rep comes to your home, office, school- wherever you happen to be.

Lincoln Aviator: Pure Class and Elegance

Earlier in November, the world got its first look at the 2020 Aviator, which goes on sale in summer 2019. The Aviator features a v6 engine with 400 horsepower. Lincoln’s newest three-row luxury SUV is fully loaded with bells and whistles that will make you feel like as fancy as Bruce Wayne… or Matthew McConaughey.

The Aviator comes with a spacious cabin that provides comfort and luxury combined. A Revel Ultima 3D Audio System can re-create an authentic concert-hall experience emanating from 28 speakers throughout, while “Perfect Position” seats deliver paramount comfort for the driver and front-row passenger. Charge your phone with a wireless phone charging base. Multiple power outlets keep other passengers connected and entertained.

Continental’s Coach Doors Make A Graceful Entrance

Lincoln also announced a special 80th edition Continental with coach doors that open from the center. These doors offer a grand entree to the cabin, and in the past were popular but most car companies discontinued them because they were thought to be unsafe. However, modern safety features such as auto locks ensure they are safe and meet all standards.

Coach doors conveyed elegance and a touch of Hollywood glam decades ago. For 2020 they will make just as grand an entrance – as a limited edition: only 80 of these models will be built ensuring collectors edition status.

Continental clients will have their choice of Lincoln Black Label themes. This is the brand’s most personalized level of luxury, including Chalet and Thoroughbred. And the luxury doesn’t end there, clients also receive membership privileges which include annual vehicle detailing, carwashes and access to a selection of restaurants where noted chefs will provide a curated dining experience.