BACK TO THE BASICS 2026 STYLE!!

There are a lot of high tech cars and trucks in the marketplace these days. Bumper2Bumpertv shares that while Volkswagen is looking toward the future it is also remembering drivers who want basic transportation

ONE BRAND IS GETTING THE MOST FROM A SINGLE MODEL.

How many ways can a pie be sliced? In the automotive world that question is being answered with the multiple versions of the Toyota Corolla. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at two versions of the nameplate which serve different segments of the market.

AN ASIAN BRAND CHALLENGES THE COMPETITION

It wasn’t that long ago that Korean brands were not considered worthy competitors to what was being built and sold by Japanese brands. But that has changed in the small sedan segment as Bumper2Bumpertv explains.

A FIRST DRIVE WITH GEN 3 IN BIG SKY COUNTRY.

Volkswagen has reworked the Tiguan SUV with new looks, new power plant and lots of new tech. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at some of the highlights of the 2026 model.

A DOMESTIC BRAND UPS ITS GAME IN THE LUXURY SEGMENT.

It has taken a few years but it looks like the Lincoln Motor Company is trying to offer a competitive vehicle in the luxury segment. Bumper2Bumpertv says some of that is evident in the Corsair SUV.

A SMALL SUV MAKES CHANGES FOR ITS SECOND LOOK!

With less than three years in the market Volkswagen has decided to make some improvements to the Taos small suv. Bumper2Bumpertv has some observations and first drive impressions of the 2025 model

ACURA IS GOING HARD WITH THE INTEGRA TYPE S!

The Integra is back in the Acura lineup with attitude to spare. Bumper2Bumpertv finds it live up to the hype over what it can do on the track or the street.

ATLAS IS CARRYING THE LOAD IN THE MIDSIZE SUV SEGMENT FOR VOLKSWAGEN.

Volkswagen has settled on what a mid to large size SUV should be in the North American market. Bumper2Bumpertv reports the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have been upgraded to fill that niche.

HOW GRAND IS THE GRAND HIGHLANDER ? A FIRST DRIVE.

With some extra length and width Toyota is literally growing the Highlander platform. Bumper2Bumpertv got some seat time in the Grand Highlander, which has to be one of the largest crossovers ever built by the company.

2021 AVALON TRD, DRESSED UP BUT DISAPPOINTING

Can a full size sedan properly claim a space as a performance vehicle without something special under the hood? Toyota thinks the Avalon TRD can and Bumper2Bumpertv disagrees.

THE HONDA ODYSSEY FOR 2021 MAKES AN APPEAL TO THE FAMILY.

Few folks want to admit that a minivan is what they need for an active family or simply a vehicle to move a lot of folks around. Bumper2Bumpertv says Honda is going against the grain and proudly making their minivan stand out.

THE 2020 HYUNDAI SONATA, UPSCALE AND TECH SAVVY!!

Some automakers think sedans still matter and Hyundai is putting a lot of effort into the 2020 Sonata to make that point. Bumper2Bumpertv has a first look at the vehicle which is more than just striking looks

Hyundai Venue-back to the basics!!

Hyundai first made a name for itself with small low cost cars that proved durable. Now they are offering a compact SUV, the Venue that goes back to that concept while including a lot of new technology. Bumper2Bumpertv has a first look.

2017 Mazda CX5

Mazda's entry in the small crossover segment has a new skin , an upgraded power plant and some very nice features in the top of the line model. Check it out and see if you agree with the assessment made by Bumper2Bumpertv.

2017 Honda Accord Sport Coupe

The Honda Accord Sport Coupe is loaded with a lot of technology and is also available with something we don't see much of these days, a V6 engine in a mid size vehicle. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the 217 version of the vehicle

2017 Nissan Rogue first look

In the small and midsize crossover segment the Nissan Rogue is trying to span the gap between entry level and near luxury in one vehicle. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the latest version which is both people and pet friendly

2016 Hyundai Tucson- smoothing out its act!!

THE AUTO PAGE

By John Heilig

•  MODEL: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Eco FWD 
•  ENGINE: 1.6-liter Turbocharged I-4
• TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 175 hp @ 5,500 rpm/195 lb.-ft. @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
• WHEELBASE: 105.1 in.
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 176.2 x 72.8 x 65.0 in.
• TIRES: P225/60R17
• CARGO: 31.0/61.9 cu. ft. (rear seats up/down)
• ECONOMY: 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/23.5 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 16.4 gal.
• CURB WEIGHT: 3,369-3,580 lbs.
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Ford Escape, Subaru Outback. Mitsubishi Outlander
• STICKER: $25,170 (includes $895 delivery, $125 option (carpeted floor mats))
• BOTTOM LINE: For its price, the Hyundai Tucson is a very capable small SUV/CUV. It has some quirks, but overall it does its job well.

            The third generation Hyundai Tucson rides on a longer wheelbase than it predecessor and has an edgier style. 

            Our tester was the base model, with a 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 that delivered 175 horsepower. That proved to be an adequate amount for the small crossover/sport utility that weighs around 3,400 pounds. We found we could accelerate into speeding traffic, with some engine complaining, fairly well. On more normal acceleration, you can feel the 7-speed automatic shift through all the gears. The transmission can also be shifted manually, using the gear lever. Because of the Tucson’s compact size, shifting manually makes it appear almost sporty.

            On the right road surfaces, which are rarely found in Pennsylvania, the Tucson rides quietly with only a modicum of engine and road noise. 

            Handling is very good. At the speeds I travel there is no feeling of top-heaviness, which can be a concern with sport utes and crossovers. Besides the longer wheelbase, the Tucson’s footprint is larger thanks to a one inch increase in width. 

            The front seats are comfortable. The side bolsters hold you in while driving hard and also during softer cornering. It’s a comfortable feel. Also, the seats are comfortable on longer rides. Did I mention that they’re comfortable?

            The rear seats offer good leg room. There is also a low center hump that would allow for a middle passenger to ride in relative comfort. The rear seat backs fold flat to provide an excellent cargo area. 

            The driver grabs a nice fat wheel with audio, cruise, phone and information controls. The instruments are clear with while-on black numbers in round dials. 

            I have a major complaint with the infotainment screen. It is almost impossible to read in daylight, and barely better at night. The screen is small and audio selections might as well be from AM because you can’t rear what they are anyway. While the Tucson is equipped with a backup camera, you can’t see what it is displaying either and backing up into tight spaces can be a challenge. Also dangerous.

            The audio is decent, even if the screen is impossible to read. There is good Bluetooth phone response with an easy setup.

            We drove the Tucson in weather that was fitting to its name, very hot. The HVAC system did an excellent job keeping us cool. At times we had to turn it down because we were too cold. 

            Cargo capacity is very good, even with the rear seats up. My golf bag fit easily when I put it in the back diagonally. In addition, there are hanger hooks by the rear assist handles as well as on the rear of the B pillars. In the cargo area itself there are multiple tie-downs. The Tucson would benefit from an interior lift gate release. More upscale models have a Smart Power Liftgate that allows the owner to raise the lift gate by merely standing close to the rear bumper. 

            For interior storage there is a large cubby at the base of the center stack with two 12-volt outlets as well as USB and AUX plugs. There is also a smaller cubby just ahead of the two cup holders, plus a deep center console/arm rest. All the door pockets have room for water bottles. 

            In addition, the Tucson has good visibility all around. Four assist handles aid entry and egress. 

            Overall, the Hyundai Tucson, even in its base form, is a good, practical crossover utility vehicle. It has a great price point, very good ride quality, and it doesn’t hurt the eyes.

(c) 2016 The Auto Page Syndicate

A Jeep in name only.

The merger of Fiat and Chrysler also became an opportunity to share expertise and platforms. But as Bumper2Bumpertv has learned not all of these arrangements end up with both sides being equal.

Mazda CX5 stepping up in class!!

Mazda CX5 stepping up in class!! from Bumper2BumperTV on Vimeo.

Mazda is doing a slow walk up on other automakers in the crossover segment by building vehicles with a lot of content and keeping the price as low as possible. Bumper2Bumpertv got a look at how that is going in the 2016 CX5 Grand Touring Edition

2015 Mitsubishi Mirage

There is a place for small inexpensive cars in the North American market and that is where Mitsubishi has traditionally made itself known. But Bumper2Bumpertv is less than overwhelmed by the compact Mirage which is an example of how less may not always be better.