Page 47 - 2020 Auto Show Guide

The SUV has won — that much is clear — and whether we So, where does that leave us? For those still unwilling to accept
like it or not the market has determined that the SUV is our SUVs as our new and rightful masters, consider the remain-
chosen mode of transportation for the foreseeable future. ing arguments to the contrary — space and efficiency. While
Like many enthusiasts, I prefer to drive something low to the small cars are still incredibly useful in densely populated ur-
ground with a reasonably stiff suspension that still has room ban areas, one of the fastest growing segments in the SUV
for a passenger and a few items, like a BAC Mono or McLar- category is premium subcompact SUVs, with vehicles such as
en Senna, but perhaps resigning myself to the fact that SUVs the Buick Encore, Nissan Kicks, and Hyundai Kona leading
can indeed handle ninety percent (scientifically accurate, I the charge at the smaller end while their slightly bigger sib-
swear) of the tasks we throw at them doesn’t mean I’ve giv- lings — Buick Encore GX, Nissan Rogue Sport, and Hyundai
en up on being an enthusiast or surrendered my Senna to Tucson — give buyers slightly roomier options. Finding a truly
the state and local authorities so that they could return it to small SUV doesn’t seem to be a problem. Furthermore, most
its rightful owner. When you look at what’s available in the of these small SUVs are posting very car-like mileage num-
marketplace, the sheer breadth of capabilities is staggering. bers, and excellent hybrid options such as the Toyota RAV4
Consider the die-hard, off-road enthusiast, the kind of person Hybrid easily achieve nearly 40 mpg in city driving. (I saw
who understands approach and departure angles, suspen- 40 mpg with my tester in a mix of suburban driving over the
sion articulation, and which brands of granola best match course of a week, so it’s an entirely achievable number.) The
the colors of a North Face jacket. He or she would undoubt- aforementioned Mustang Mach-E gives consumers the (rela-
edly gravitate towards the insanely capable and iconic Jeep tively) affordable fully electric option, and it’s only a matter
Wrangler, but he or she might be equally well served by a of time before that technology trickles down into smaller and
Toyota 4Runner equipped with the TRD Pro off-road package. even more energy efficient SUV models, especially since Ford
On the opposite end of the spectrum, has gone all-in on SUVs from this point
the family matriarch with her 2.5 chil- The SUV has won forward.
dren might consider the stunning new
Kia Telluride while her husband might — that much is clear — Maybe the doom and gloom that some
declare that he actually is going to of us (me included) have been predicting
tow his boat somewhere this year and and whether we like it isn’t necessarily the end times we once
lean towards the upcoming, all-new thought it was. Maybe it’s just a shift in
Chevy Suburban. Maybe he partially the automotive landscape, the same type
wins her over and they opt for the lav- or not the market has of shift that has happened before with
ishly appointed Lincoln Navigator to the various iterations of the automobile
split the difference between a cosset- determined that the SUV as we know it being the result. A century

ing interior and functional utility. ago, bespoke coachbuilding was an ac-
is our chosen mode of cepted practice and assembly line pro-
But what about those of us who duction was just beginning to go main-
deem performance the most import- transportation for the stream. People were once afraid of their
ant attribute of a vehicle and place it vehicles becoming too fast lest they have
above superfluous concerns such as foreseeable future. some sort of unintended medical conse-
ride quality, exterior appearance, or quences on the human body (but do pass
seats? What is there for us? Quite a the snuff, please). Trucks were utilitarian
lot, actually, if you can get past the taller SUV silhouette and workhorses up until this century — and even then, I would ar-
consider the vehicle on its actual performance metrics. For gue that the concept of luxurious pickups didn’t gain traction
example, aimed at those who prioritize ride and handling, until the last five years or so. (Remember how people mocked
the Acura RDX A-spec has you covered. I recently had one the original Lincoln Blackwood? Do you even remember the
to test, and it has a supple and sporty ride combined with Lincoln Blackwood?) The landscape has changed over time to
delightfully accurate steering; plus, with the turbocharged satisfy our needs and wants, and the dominance of the SUV
4-cylinder engine option pumping out 272 hp and 280 lb-ft in the marketplace is just a reflection of what we desire in our
of torque, it’s genuinely quick and can put a smile on your personal transportation. As it has in the past, the automobile
face. It’ll more than keep pace with something like a Toyota will evolve into its safest and most efficient form before pass-
FRS, and it’s AWD system will prevent it from getting out- ing the torch to the next iteration that best represents where
of-hand under acceleration. If it’s straight line speed you’re society’s attention is focused in the next century.
after, the upcoming Mustang Mach-E will undoubtedly serve
you well; with up to 459 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque, the Which means it will probably fly and have lasers, or is that
Mach-E is estimated to get to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds just what I want to see happen?
when so equipped. That’s faster than nearly everything under
$100k except for the new C8 Corvette, but the Vette will have
a difficult time carrying four people, their belongings, and at
least one Starbucks beverage per person. 38 ANNUAL ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 45
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