Taking Zoom-Zoom to the Next Level: 2016 Mazda6 i Grand Touring {Review}

When my husband and I started making plans to ditch the cold weather and head somewhere warm over our kids' spring break, it didn't take too long before our search zeroed in on Southern California. Beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, theme parks galore, family-friendly museums, shopping, restaurants... the list went on and on.

However, with the amount of driving that we would need to do once we arrived in CA, I also knew that having a reliable midsize sedan would make life easier on so many levels. Plenty of space for all four of us plus luggage, a push button engine start, better EPA-estimated highway MPG than the competition, an easy to use navigation system, a rearview camera, amazing style, incredible safety, etc, etc?

Without a doubt there was no better car to find all of those features plus much, much more than in the 2016 Mazda6 i Grand Touring from Mazda.

Available in more than half a dozen sleek and beautiful colors, I love that Mazda felt that no shade of red was good enough for their Mazda6, so they engineered an entirely new one with an elaborate three-step painting process. I'm telling you, the combination of the aerodynamic look and the flowing lines with this deep, yet vibrant, Soul Red really does make heads turn!

This car looks great in photos but they really don't compare to how gorgeous it is in person!

After admiring this beauty from all angles on the outside...

...it was time to hop in to see how the interior would compare.

Spoiler alert: it was just as stunning!

The contrast of the Parchment leather (also available in black) was sleek and attractive against against the chrome and trim and there was more than enough room for each passenger to stretch out comfortably — even with popping in two booster seats.

Once inside, I found that the A-pillar design of the Mazda6 made getting in and out of the plush seats easy and that the wide armrest was positioned just right to rest my arm. Not to mention that it easily popped open for great storage as well as a must-have in my book, USB ports for charging on the go.

Looking across the steering wheel and controls, right away I loved that Mazda had made the large gauges easy to read and that there were so many options (Bluetooth, cruise control, etc) all right within reach.

Putting the automatic transmission into drive, it only took lightly pressing on the gas before this car rolled forward and was gliding through the streets. Immediately I adored that the overall ride is extremely comfortable and that the steering is smooth and light. Even the hum of the engine is strong but pleasing!

But boy, does the Mazda6 have some power! While yes, it has been quite a while since I was behind the wheel of anything that could remotely be considered even related to a sports car, being able to accelerate quickly when getting on a freeway or to swerve around a semi brought a feeling of confidence and security to my driving.

Combine that with the 4-wheel disc brakes and the great turning radius and I just can't think of anywhere that this automobile couldn't go!

Plus, making it even safer to drive (and as a good reminder when my foot might have been pushing on the gas pedal a tad too much), I found it fantastic that the 2016 Mazda6 Grand Touring doesn't have a traditional speedometer, it instead reflects your speed right up on a little "screen" above the wheel. That made it possible that my eyes never really had to leave the road to see just how fast (or slow, in California traffic) we were going!

Along with providing a great ride and handling very well, the Mazda6 includes just about every possible feature that could make your time in the car more convenient.

The Bose 11-speaker sound system makes rocking out crystal clear; the heated front seats would be fantastic here in the Midwest in the winter; the dual-zone climate control is perfect for the times that I'm turning the temperature down while my husband wants to turn it up; there is plenty of storage and cup holders for everything that you might bring along with you; and much more.

When cruising around, the user-friendly 7" color touchscreen display is right where you need it to help keep you from getting lost with navigation, play your favorite tunes from a multitude of destinations, connect through Bluetooth, and more.

Even better, adjusting your navigation route, phone, music or more couldn't be much easier thanks to the knob controller right on the console that provides a second access.

One of my absolute favorite Mazda6 features, however, is the way that it includes i-ACTIVSENSE®, a series of advanced safety technologies designed by Mazda to aid the driver in recognizing hazards, in avoiding collisions, and reducing the severity of accidents when they cannot be avoided.

This collection of nine different safety features do everything from warning you when you might be unintentionally drifting out of your lane to alerting you when it senses you are approaching the vehicle in front of you too quickly to actually automatically applying the brakes if it determines that a collision with an obstruction ahead is unavoidable. Incredible!!

While we fortunately didn't need or use many of these safety features during our time with the Mazda6, I loved knowing that they were in place to help keep my family secure. Every time the Blind Spot Monitoring Alert beeped to let us know it was unsafe to change lanes or the Rear Cross Traffic Alert notified us that a vehicle was approaching when we were backing out of a parking space, I gave the car a silent thank you!

After a week of driving the 2016 Mazda6 i Grand Touring around California, I had a difficult time saying goodbye to it. It provided great gas mileage (28 city and 40 highway), kept my family very safe in so many ways (3-point safety belts, 24-hour roadside assistance, advanced dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side air curtains, and more), and there wasn't a single complaint about lack of legroom, space or complete comfort.

Instead, we were too busy being in awe of the gorgeous view out of the power moonroof...

...and the way that two booster seats we brought on our trip easily fit in the backseat (two convertible or infant car seats would do just the same).

Plus, popping open the trunk and finding a massively large cargo space is something that comes in handy for absolutely everyone! My husband thought there was no way we were going to fit three large suitcases and multiple other bags in the back, but they slid in there just fine!

Two more large suitcases tucked in there along with a few other bags that can't be seen!

All in all, this is one sporty, midsize sedan that I would highly recommend and truly hope that I have a chance to drive again in the future.

Each day that I got in on our trip I found new features that I hadn't noticed before (Heated side mirrors! How awesome would those be in the winter? or Did you see that? The windshield wipers just went on their own! Rain-sensing wipers! Genius!) and the high quality of the Mazda craftsmanship is evident everywhere you look, inside and out.

With an MSRP starting around $30,000, the 2016 Mazda6 i Grand Touring drives well, looks amazing, and is a great choice for families. You can find out lots more on this incredible vehicle by visiting MazdaUSA.com and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Other than the Mazda6 that I was provided by DriveShop in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about how much I loved driving this car.

Comfort and Convenience in My New Love: 2016 Kia Sorento SXL V6 AWD {Review}

While I have always been a firm believer in the saying You never get a second chance to make a first impression, recently I was able to see that that being open-minded is also extremely important.

Case in point: Kia.

I sincerely apologize to you, Kia, as my first impression of your vehicles was nearly 10 years ago when on a group vacation in Hawaii and riding in a rental minivan. I was pregnant with Big Sister E and often found myself squished in one of the back seats as we drove through the twisting, turning roads of Maui... let's just say that when I went back home I associated that Kia minivan with my feelings of discomfort and motion sickness.

And that was it. The brand was tainted in my mind and has been for the last decade.

Thankfully, I recently had the chance to update (and completely change) my views of Kia when I spent a week driving (and falling in love with) the amazing 2016 Kia Sorento SXL V6 AWD.

When making our plans to head out to Californa for a recent family vacation, I knew that having a reliable, versatile crossover utility vehicle would make life easier on so many levels. Plenty of room for the our extended family of six, a push button engine start, a powerful entertainment system, an intuitive navigation system, a rear view camera and much, much more?

Clearly it was time to rethink my past with Kia.

As soon as this gorgeous vehicle rolled up to be mine for a week, I was already wondering why I had taken this long to give them a second chance.

Available in a variety of different colors, seeing the Sorento in this gorgeous Titanium Gray was the perfect combination for the athletic look and flowing lines of this sleek, smooth automobile.

No matter which angle I chose, this crossover was giving off the impression that it was fun to drive and was ready to go anywhere and everywhere that I would choose. From the sound-absorbing glass to the modern, chic moulding to the 19" chrome alloy wheels — this car has it all!

And that was only the outside! Once I climbed in and had a view of the interior, I continued to be impressed with all that Kia had included. Right away I liked the sleek and attractive leather seats and the way they contrasted against against the black dash, chrome and trim.

But not only do these seats look good, they are so plush and soft and include features like heating and cooling! There is a lot of cabin space throughout the Sorento, so once you've climbed in and sat back in comfort, no one feels cramped or squished. Plus, these seats can be controlled and adjusted in so many different ways (the driver's seat can be tweaked in 14 different ways!!) so that each passenger can personalize their ride.

At the same time, I adored the way that the driver's seat remembered each of my settings every time I entered the Sorento. Turn the car off, the seat moves back to provide ample room to get out. Get in and turn the car on, and it returns precisely to where I wanted it (up close for my vertically-challenged self). Talk about feeling pampered!

Plus, Kia not only included just about every convenience possible, but I love that the Sorento has them all within reach.

There are cup holders throughout; the front console/armrest provides plenty of storage; there are power and USB ports handy to charge our tech with ease; a multitude of controls are located right on the (heated!) steering wheel so you never have to reach for them; multiple heating and cooling controls to satisfy everyone; it only takes one touch to open the full panoramic roof; and much more!

As well as all of the conveniences and comfort for the first and second row of passengers, when you have more than four passengers, the third row in the Kia Sorento SXL V6 AWD is surprisingly roomy. I typically find that row to feel more as an afterthought in vehicle design and used only when absolutely necessary, but this crossover provides plenty of space for two adults to fit comfortably!

Or, by simply folding down the second row (all together or a 40/20/40 split) and third row (both together or a 50/50 split), this vehicle provides a huge amount of storage and transport space for just about any cargo you could find!

Along with all this space, comfort and convenience, Kia didn't skimp on quality, power and safety in the Sorento either. The overall ride is extremely comfortable and the steering is smooth and light. Even the hum of the engine is quiet but still pleasing!

For help getting around, the navigation system gives you turn by turn directions, the Rear-Camera Display aids in backing or parallel parking (there is also a Back-Up Warning System to let you know if you're getting too close), and the Blind Spot Detection System (I adore this feature!) gives you an alert if there is a car hiding on either side when you go to change lanes.

Even cooler, the Sorento has power side mirrors that automatically fold in to stay out of harm's way when you turn off and lock your car. No more worrying that someone will knock into one with their shopping cart in a parking lot when they are safely tucked in instead!

After a week of driving the Kia Sorento around California, I had a difficult time saying goodbye to it — and multiple family members commented on how they would love to own one for themselves.

It was spacious without feeling giant (there wasn't a single complaint about lack of legroom or space); it kept my family very safe with a plethora of airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control; and was overall it was a pleasure to drive.

In short, I couldn't have been much happier with the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL V6 AWD and being able to really give it a good test drive has fully changed my opinion of Kia! I would love to own this crossover and be able to drive it every day of the week!

No matter if you are running errands around town or piling in for an adventure cross-country, the Sorento drives well, looks amazing, and is a great choice for families. The SXL model is at the top of the line (with an MSRP starting at $41,500), but there are seven other models that start at $25,100 to fit a variety of needs and budgets.

You can find out lots more about this incredible vehicle by visiting the Kia website and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Other than the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL V6 AWD that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about how much I loved driving this incredible vehicle.

Let's Go Places: 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid {Review}

While I can pinpoint exact reasons why I like one cereal over another or precisely which features one brand of shoes offers that another does not, I've always felt as though automobiles instead simply provide the feeling.

It's that je ne sais quoi pleasantness that, while other cars can surely get me from point A to point B, certain ones have that make me all warm and fuzzy. I can't be the only one who has that, right?

One ride that has long been on that short list for me is the Toyota Highlander. I've never owned one, I've never ridden in one, I've barely even peeked inside one at a dealership once, but yet, the Highlander has always been one of my favorite vehicles around. Crazy, right?

I wondered if I wasn't a bit of a dreamer myself until I recently had the chance to put all of my preconceived notions to the test and find out the true awesomeness of the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited.

When making our plans to head down to Florida for a recent family vacation, I knew that having a reliable, versatile SUV would make life easier on so many levels. Room for seven passengers, a push button engine start, a powerful entertainment system, an easy to use navigation system, a rearview camera and much, much more?

Clearly I was already impressed (and a bit in love) with the Toyota Highlander, but then this gorgeous vehicle was mine for a week and all I could do was swoon.

Available in a variety of different colors, seeing the Highlander in this vibrant Nautical Blue Metallic (which is brighter than it appears in the above photo) was the perfect combination for the athletic look and flowing lines of this upscale automobile.

No matter which angle I chose, this SUV was giving off the impression that it was fun to drive and was ready to go anywhere and everywhere that I would choose. From the Hybrid Synergy Drive system to the 19-in. Chromtec alloy wheels to the Roof Rail Cross Bars — this car had it all!

And that was only the outside! Once I climbed in and had a view of the interior, I continued to be impressed with all that Toyota had included. The contrast of the Almond Perforated Leather (also available in black and ash) was sleek and attractive against against the black dash, chrome and trim.

At the same time, the Running Boards made it easy to get in and out of this larger vehicle and the extremely comfortable front seats were plush and soft. Plus, not only were the front seats heated (the second row Captain's Chairs were as well!) but ventilated! Here in the Midwest where it gets freezing in the winter and steaming in the summer, having the ability to cool or heat the seats would be amazing!

Plus, Toyota not only included just about every convenience possible, but I love that the Highlander has them all within reach.

The multi-level storage console/armrest opens various different ways to access its compartments; there is a USB port and handy shelf below the dash so that we can charge our tech with ease; a multitude of controls are located right on the (heated!) steering wheel so you never have to reach for them; all of the gauges are large, clear and easy to read; and more!

Passengers in the second row are pampered almost just as much, as their Captain's Chairs provide spacious room (even with a car seat or booster seat), a center console/cup holder flips up and down for convenience, and they control their own heating and cooling.

When you have more than four passengers, the third row in the Toyota Highlander is surprisingly roomy (although it gets a little tight when three adults are squeezed back there), particularly if the second row seats are moved forward a bit.

Or, by simply folding down the third row (all three or a 60/40 split), this SUV provides a huge amount of storage and transport space for just about any cargo you could find!

Along with all this space and comfort, Toyota didn't skimp on quality, power and safety in the Highlander Hybrid. The overall ride is extremely comfortable and the steering is smooth and light. Even the hum of the engine is super quiet but still pleasing!

For help getting around, the navigation system gives you turn by turn directions, the backup camera aids in backing or parallel parking, and the Blind Spot Monitor (I adore this feature!) gives you an alert if there is a car hiding on either side when you go to change lanes.

After a week of driving the Toyota Highlander around Florida, I had a difficult time saying goodbye to it. It provided great gas mileage for an SUV (27 city and 28 highway), kept my family very safe with a stellar Advanced Airbag System and ventilated disc brakes, and there wasn't a single complaint about lack of legroom or space.

Besides, who had time to complain when we were too busy reveling in things like having the weather right at our fingertips and the entire sunny sky right out the gorgeous panoramic moonroof?

In short, I couldn't have been much happier with the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited and being able to really give it a good test drive has only increased my love for it. I want to hop in for every upcoming journey!

No matter if you are running errands around town or piling in for an adventure cross-country, the Highlander drives well, looks amazing, and is a great choice for families. The Hybrid Limited model is at the very top of the line (with an MSRP starting at $49,990), but there are four other models that start at $29,665 to fit a variety of needs and budgets.

You can find out lots more about this incredible vehicle by visiting the Toyota website and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Other than the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about how much I loved driving this SUV and dream of owning one for myself.

Style, Safety and Power: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Compact Utility Vehicle {Review}

 

Although I have to admit that I've gotten pretty content with driving around in my minivan (just call me a Soccer Mom!), there are times that I do miss having a vehicle that is a bit smaller and not as matronly.

But how could I give up all of the versatility, comfort and storage space and go back to a little car?

Or at least that's what I thought. Then I was introduced to a way to have it all in the form of the Mitsubish Outlander Sport SE 2.0!

My first time hearing the term CUV – Compact Utility Vehicle – the Outlander Sport combines the utmost in style (inside and out) as well as sky-high standards of safety and features galore in its 5-passenger compact crossover category.

How could I not be excited to get to hang out with this cutie?

Available in a variety of different colors and models, the Outlander Sport has everything from technology to safety to affordability that families depend on, whether running errands around town or, like us on our recent Florida vacation, traveling from theme park to theme park.

Upon first laying my eyes on the Octane Blue SE 2.0, it was easy to see that Mitsubishi had covered every inch. From the matching bumpers to the chrome detailing to the alloy wheels, this isn't a generic looking sedan or SUV, this is a vehicle for the family that isn't sacrificing appearance for convenience!

After admiring the outside, I couldn't wait to hop into the Outlander Sport to see just how much it had to offer on the inside as well.

When I did, I continued to be impressed with all that Mitsubishi had included, as the heated front seats were extremely plush and comfortable, the one-touch Start/Stop engine button was perfectly located, multiple aspects of the car could be controlled right from the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and each and every gauge was clearly illuminated and easy to read.

Looking into the back, there was plenty of room for two or three people to fit with ease and my kids quickly discovered (and loved) the fold-down armrest/cup holder!

But when it comes to transporting items around, the Outlander Sport is clearly a winner in that department as well. Considering how easily the second row of seats fold down with the press of a button (both together or a 60/40 split), owners would never have to worry about carrying anything from groceries to strollers to even furniture.

Once I began driving the Outlander Sport around, I quickly found that there wasn't much more that I could have asked for than what was already included.

The really nice 6.1" touchscreen display made it extremely easy to control the audio system, navigation system, see the backup camera (love!), and more; there were roomy storage compartments and cup holders throughout; the center console was super convenient with a USB port and 12V outlet — perfect for our technology-filled lives...

...and, one feature we didn't even initially realize was there, it had a gorgeous panoramic glass roof with LED illumination!

Whether driving day or night, it only took the press of a button to slide the inner roof covering back to see out. Then, with another press, the roof popped open to let in the beautiful weather!

This photo doesn't at all do justice for this huge and beautiful glass roof!

All in all, after a week of driving the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport around Florida, I was sad to say goodbye to it. It provided decent gas mileage (25 city and 32 highway), kept my family very safe (Active Stability Control, 3-point seatbelts and head restraints, advanced 7 airbag system, Mitsubishi's patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution safety cell body construction, and more), and there wasn't a single complaint about lack of legroom or space.

Each day that I got in on our trip I found new features that I hadn't noticed before (The side view mirrors are heated! That would sure come in handy during our Midwest winters or Did you see that? The windshield wipers just went on their own! Rain-sensing wipers! Genius!) and the high quality of the Mitsubishi craftsmanship is evident everywhere you look, inside and out.

Heck, this adorable car even says Hello when you turn it on and See You when you turn it off! Why can't all vehicles be this friendly?

With an MSRP of $22,795, the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 2.0 drives well, looks amazing and is a great choice for families who want more space than a typical car but want to drive something smaller than an SUV or minivan. You can find out lots more on this incredible vehicle by visiting the Mitsubishi website and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport that I was provided by Drive STI in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about the features and quality of this vehicle.

The King of the Minivans: 2013 Toyota Sienna XLE {Review}

 

Once upon a time my viewpoint on minivans was probably pretty similar to... well, everything else that I didn't understand before I had children. Why would you drive a big thing like that around when there were other options?

However, now that I'm a veteran mom, I know full well that a minivan provides benefits, comfort and reliability that just can't be found in other vehicles. Struggle with not enough space? No storage? A lack of features?

Why bother? Instead, I am now in love with the minivan that stands above all the rest: the 2013 Toyota Sienna XLE.

During our recent family vacation to Orlando, Florida, there was never a doubt in my mind that we would need a minivan. As we were traveling with our family of four as well as both of my in-laws, how else were we going to contain six passengers, all of our luggage, and know that everyone would be safe, comfortable and happy?

Not to mention having an easy to use navigation system, a rearview camera, hands-free phone capability and much, much more... on top of the fact that I've only heard good things about the Toyota Sienna as a whole, and of course I was thrilled to see this beauty ready and waiting for us.

Available in a variety of different colors and models, the Toyota Sienna combines the versatility, style, technology and safety that families have come to depend on, whether running errands around town or traveling from theme park to theme park.

Upon first laying my eyes on the Predawn Gray Mica Sienna XLE, it was easy to see that Toyota had covered every inch. From the bumpers to the taillights to the alloy wheels, this isn't a dowdy-looking minivan from back in the day. This is for the family in the 21st century that isn't sacrificing appearance for convenience!

After admiring the outside, I couldn't wait to hop into the Sienna XLE to see just how luxurious it would be on the inside.

When I did, I continued to be impressed with all that Toyota had included, as the leather-trimmed, heated front seats were extremely plush and comfortable. Looking into the back, the 8-passenger seating provided plenty of room for the entire family (plus more!) and I love that the second and third row weren't at all cramped or could be easily folded for storage.

As an added bonus, the center-mounted seat in the second row bench can be removed and stowed in a special nook in the cargo area when not in use, providing a configuration similar to captain's chairs (if that is your preference).

And when it comes to storage, the Sienna is clearly a winner in that department as well. Considering how easily the second and third row seats fold or are removed, there would never be a single worry about carrying anything from groceries to strollers to furniture.

I saw someone move a full size refrigerator in the back of a Sienna once!

As well as the modern appearance (inside and out), there wasn't much more that I could have asked for than what was already included in this minivan.

The large dashboard made it extremely easy to reach all of the controls (there are many located right on the steering wheel for convenience); there were roomy storage compartments and cup holders aplenty for passengers throughout; the USB port was perfect for our technology-filled lives; the tri-zone climate control allowed for not only the driver and front seat passenger to choose their preferred temperature, but the riders in the back as well...

...and use of the touch-screen was intuitive and responsive. Switch from the radio to Sirius XM to Bluetooth to the navigation system in seconds!

Along with the many features that the 2013 Toyota Sienna XLE included, I fully appreciated that it was very smooth and easy to drive, accelerated well (3.5L V6 engine) and stopped on a dime with its front and rear disc brakes.

The Advanced Airbag System provided a sense of security for me in the event that we needed it and the LATCH capabilities and easy-open power sliding doors were perfect for my kids.

On top of that, the Sienna did more than just include a great backup camera for helping see behind it, it also had a wonderful Blind Spot Monitor feature that I loved right away. By using radar technology, the outside mirror on the driver or passenger side illuminated to indicate if there was a vehicle that may be in a blind spot — although diligent driving is best, of course, having this second set of eyes is such a fantastic innovation!

After a week of driving the Sienna XLE around Florida, I was easily convinced that it was nearly-perfect for just about any family. It provided decent minivan gas mileage (18 city and 25 highway), kept my family very safe, and there wasn't a single complaint about lack of comfort, legroom or space.

All in all, this is one sporty minivan that I would highly recommend and I love that Toyota continues to make improvements and adjustments with each new model — the 2014 Sienna looks just as amazing! From the many features (standard or optional) to the high quality craftsmanship, this is one vehicle that will bring convenience to your life... whether you realize it or not!

With an MSRP of around $33,500, the 2013 Toyota Sienna XLE drives well, looks sleek and is a great choice for families. You can find out lots more on this incredible vehicle by visiting the Toyota website and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than the Sienna XLE that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about how much I loved driving this car.