Editors’ Choice October 2021 | VW ID.4, Nissan Frontier and more
October saw us award a trio of cars with Editorial’s Choice status, and all three are vastly different from each other. There’s an EV, a new midsize truck and a sport-focused grand tourer. As this year ends, we expect more 2022 model updates to qualify for the Editors’ Choice, so keep an eye out even sooner. Read on below to see what made the cut for October.
In case you missed our Previous Editor’s Choice article, here’s a quick update on what’s going on here. We rate all new cars we drive with a score of 1-10. Typical cars in their respective segments will receive Editors’ Choice status. Those are the ones we’d recommend to friends, family, and anyone curious and asking questions. The list you’ll find below includes every car we ranked in October that made it to our Editors’ Choice.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
Quick hands: An EV that’s fun to drive with plenty of range, utility, and sleek styling. It frustrates by unnecessarily unwieldy technology, but nails all the other important aspects of an electric car.
Scored: 7.5
What it competes with: Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Electric Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro EV
Advantages: Comfort with great handling, roomy, wide range
Defect: Disappointing in-car technology, plain / barren interior
From the editors
Senior Editor, Green John Beltz Snyder – ” ID.4 It’s not perfect, but its tech and quirky touch interface are easy to overlook when you consider its other qualities. It’s very fast, with surprisingly sharp handling. It’s also quite spacious, with plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. I will take this through a Tiguan any day.”
In-depth analysis: 2021 VW ID.4 Review | Price, range, interior space, photos
2022 Nissan Frontier
Quick hands: Nissan has a midsize truck to compete with the best today, because Border has a great powertrain, great looks and a modern, tech-packed interior.
Scored: 7.5
What it competes with: Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC . Gorge, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator
Advantages: Rugged design, powerful powertrain, above-average interior
Defect: Poor towing/tonnage figures, not a bargain anymore
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer – “Frontier has been one of my favorite midsize pickups. It’s quiet and refined inside, and I like that Nissan hasn’t made it significantly larger. compared to the old model. I’d love to be there, and its below-average towing is hardly offensive when we’re talking about this size and class of truck.”
In-depth analysis: 2022 Reviews of Nissan Frontier | What’s New, Prices, Specifications, Photos
2022 Kia Stinger
Quick hands: An exceptional product, proving that Kia can keep up with sports cars. It’s comfortable, has sharp styling, a richly furnished interior, and only disappoints when you push the chassis to its limits.
Scored: 8.5
What it competes with: Volkswagen Arteon, Acura TLX, Jaguar XF, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A5 Sportback
Advantages: Sleek and sporty design, powerful powertrain, excellent handling and driving
Defect: Small back seat, G70 even better
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer – “Kia fixed the thing that bothered me most about the Stinger before the refresh with this update. V6 exhaust and noise were missing and the four-cylinder engine was missing. -the cylinder lacks excitement. With a V6 engine, more emotional sound and more power from the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the Stinger lineup is just where I want it to be.”
Senior Editor, Green John Beltz Snyder – “The Stinger is just a dynamite. It’s quiet, quick and spacious, and with up-to-date technology puts it in line with the rest of the Hyundai / Hyundai lineup. The Kia is phenomenal. Its styling is magnetic, drawing curious admirers from around the parking lot. I’d happily recommend it to anyone considering buying one.”
In-depth information: Kia Stinger 2022 equipped with I4 300 hp, new sports exhaust for V6 engine
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