We already knew that the 2021 Nissan Rogue looks nice, and packs in a wide range of tech, but how does it drive and how good are the infotainment, Pro Pilot Assist, and other features?

Recently I spent the day driving the 2021 Nissan Rogue Platinum around the middle of Michigan, taking in fall colors as rain threatened and then delivered a slick surface for testing. During my drive, I loved the ability to use wireless Apple CarPlay, a feature you won’t find on many SUVs in this price range and the Bose 10 speaker system in the Platinum Trim proved very good.

My drive route took me across a range of roads, through a lovely downtown and onto the highway where I tested the Pro Pilot Assist before winding through a picturesque stretch of road. The route is just what you would experience on a weekend spent looking for a little local adventure and the only thing I missed out on was finding mid-century modern furniture to fill the back of the Rogue with, but that’s for another adventure. Speaking of cargo space, the Rogue has a small space that’s perfect for a gallon of milk, or a gallon of cider.

The new 2021 Nissan Rogue.

I came away impressed with the driving characteristics of the 2021 Rogue. the driving is predictable and comfortable in all the right ways. As I left the parking lot I ended up throwing some gravel when I underestimated the acceleration available, and then I quickly picked up on the character of the new Rogue. The new powertrain adds in more power and depending on the trim you should see 1-2 miles per gallon of better fuel efficiency.

In addition to the new looks, the 2021 Rogue is on a new platform and chassis, with a new steering system and new suspension. On the road, the stiffer body and new suspension help deliver a smoother overall ride. Even on the wet pavement and on windy roads the Rogue felt under control and very composed. Likely due in part to the new Vehicle Motion Control technology.

The 2021 Rogue is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and there is a new drive mode selector that includes auto (normal), eco, sport, off-road, and snow.

On the highway, I activated the ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, which uses sensors to keep you in the flow of traffic and uses steering assistance to help keep you in your lane as you drive. This isn’t a self-driving mode, but it takes some of the small corrections you make while driving out of the equation. The system performed well, with a very steady control of the wheel. I like that there is a curve indicator that pops up on the head-up display if you are approaching a large curve on the highway, as it is another signal to pay attention. This system uses navigation data to know the freeway ahead and can better plan for curves and exits to deliver a smoother experience. While I didn’t run into traffic to test it, the system now offers up to a 30 second stop in traffic with an auto-restart if traffic begins to move.

The 2021 Rogue interior is excellent.

Nissan worked to make the interior quieter and while I don’t have a recent comparison to the 2020 Rogue to call on, the design does a good job of keeping road noise to a minimum.

The 2021 Rogue includes Safety Shield 360 standard on all trim levels. This includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist.

While driving I appreciated the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Wireless Apple CarPlay is a huge deal since you can keep your phone in your pocket for short trips around town and still enjoy all the benefits of CarPlay. This means maps, music, messages, and more on the screen. The center display is easy to use and see. There is a 12.3-inch configurable digital dashboard that shows you important information as you drive and an available 10.8-inch head-up display so that you can see your speed, speed limit, and other key data without looking away from the road. I appreciated the wireless charging since I could use it with CarPlay, unlike in most vehicles I test.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue starts at $27,650 for FWD and goes up to $36,830 for the Platinum all-wheel-drive model. Expect $1,095 destination on top of those prices. The Rogue arrives at dealers soon.

2021 Nissan Rogue First Drive Review: Sensibly Smart & Sexy is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

The Lander Arete AirPods Pro case is slim and rugged with an IP65 rating for rain, snow, and dust. If you take your AirPods Pro wherever you go, this is a great case to protect them from the elements and your adventures.

I love the look of this case, and the small lanyard makes fishing them out of a deep pocket easy. This case offers a lot of protection without much bulk. The clasp keeps this case closed even when you drop your AirPods Pro, but it can be tough to open at times.

The Lander Arete AirPods Pro case is a great way to protect your AirPods.

The Lander Arete AirPods Pro case is $29.95 at Lander and Amazon. It is available in black or pink with a cool speckled pattern that looks great and matches the modern yet rugged style of this case.

The case is a one-piece design that provides full coverage, including protecting the hinge. The IP65 rating helps prevent AirPods Pro damage from rain, snow, and dust. This doesn’t make the AirPods Pro waterproof while you are using them, but it will help keep your AirPods safe if you expose the case to water.

A tight latch holds the case closed. The case is rated to protect for drops up to 10 feet. This is a significant bonus if you drop your AirPods often. Without the case on, your AirPods can pop out and bounce around, potentially disappearing into a crack or on a trail. The drawback to this strong latch is that you now need two hands to open the AirPods Pro case instead of flipping the top open with one hand. I found that squeezing in the sides of the AirPods Pro case and pushing up on the front grip opens the case the easiest.

A seal covers the Lightning port on the bottom. You can easily open this to charge or use wireless charging. The AirPods Pro still charges wirelessly on multiple chargers with this case on, and you can even see the red or green LED on the front. You can also press the button on the back if you need to reset your AirPods without taking them out of the case.

You can remove the lanyard if you don’t want to use it. I found it very handy during outdoor activities, but if I was in an office all day, it might not be as useful. The lanyard is made of Repreve, which is manufactured from recycled ocean plastics.

I really like using a case with the AirPods Pro because the standard white case scratches very easily. My white case was already scratched significantly due to half a year of use, and the Lander Arete case hides that while adding protection.

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Lander Arete AirPods Pro Case Review is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

The STM Dapper Wrapper is a great carrying case for cables that is perfect for trips or for organizing your cables as you go from one work from home location to another. At $29.95, it’s affordable, and it looks great in slate blue as well as the other colors it is available in.

I’ve been testing this small case for several weeks. After a failed escape to an Airbnb, I used this to carry cables around from various work from home spots and to keep cables organized in another bag that I am reviewing that doesn’t have much internal organization.

The STM Dapper Wrapper is a handy cable organizer for travel or work from home.

When carrying the case, it folds up to about the size of a woman’s clutch, and it stays closed with a magnetic and physical clasp that is really smart. This keeps it from opening up and spilling out your cables and other items. You can adjust the strap to accommodate more stuff inside the Dapper Wrapper, or to tighten it up.

Inside you will find one large zipper compartment that is great for storing small things that might end up loose in your bag. Three small pockets that are handy for little cables and adapters. Two medium pockets that are perfect for Apple Watch bands or other items. Two large pouches that are where I stash most of my cables. Two large mesh pockets that I use for power adapters so that I can see what is in each pocket.

Organize all your gear in the various pouches.

The STM Dapper Wrapper is a great way to organize all of the little things that you need while you travel, that you need to carry to the table for working from home, and then it can secure all of these items so that you don’t leave a mess where you are working. I like using it for the little bit of travel I’ve been able to do this year because I can quickly check that all my cables and chargers are in the right spot so I don’t forget them.

STM applies a water and dirt-repellent coating to the fabric to keep it looking good. After extended use, it still looks like new. I am a big fan of the blue finish, but you can also find it in windsor wine and granite black.

The STM Dapper Wrapper is $29.95 directly from STM and available on Amazon for around $28.

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STM Dapper Wrapper Review is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

Just how good is the 2020 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport?

• How Does the G70 Sport Drive?
• Is the G70 Sport Interior Good?
• How is the Genesis G70 Tech?

The 2020 Genesis G70 is a special combination of luxury, performance, and driving dynamics that are sure to bring a smile to your face. The Genesis G70 is a luxury sports sedan that punches up to the C-Class and 3-Series, with the ability to deliver fun and great engine noise at a more affordable price.

There is a lot to like about the 2020 G70 RWD 3.3T Sport, but you do need to accept a smaller back seat and an infotainment system that could use an upscale user interface. Thankfully the system does support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is where many drivers will spend their time. Available in 2.0T, 2.0T Sport, and the 3.3T trims. I tested the Sport Trim with Rear Wheel Drive.

Driving the 2020 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport

The 2020 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport is a blast to drive.

The G70 is an absolute blast to drive. The rider is great, and even in sport mode it still feels very controlled. The expertise that went into fine-tuning the handling and performance shines through when it delivers a smile on twisty roads. Even when pushed, the car feels under control and the behavior is predictable and repeatable, which leads to a fun, yet safe experience. A low center of gravity and the electronically controlled suspension play together nicely, resulting in an excellent rider quality.

You can dial up Eco, Smart, Comfort, Custom, and Sport driving modes. Eco is optimized for fuel economy, Comfort for a smooth comfortable ride, and Smart adapts to your driving style. Sport mode optimizes for a more engaging driving experience, but it is still comfortable if you want to use this mode on longer highway trips. Custom lets you mix different options to match your preferred settings.

The twin-turbo 3.3L V6 provides plenty of power and the engine sounds excellent. The power and the exhaust note offer a compelling combination to the luxurious interior and refined looks. The G70 3.3T Sport is quick, with a 0-60 time under 5 seconds. The adjustable suspension lets you control how much feedback you feel, but even without adjustments, you get a lot of feedback from the road.

You can expect around 20 mpg combined with 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Genesis G70 Interior

The G70 interior is beautiful and comfortable.

The 2020 Genesis G70 interior is positively luxurious. The materials are top-notch and I loved the quilted seats and armrest area. In addition to looking great, the seats are very comfortable. I cruised all over Northwest Ohio to check in on some friend’s kid’s baseball games, watching from a distance, and even after a long day of driving, I felt fresh. The layout of the cabin is good with a nice amount of center console storage and wireless charging when I wasn’t using CarPlay.

One small feature I loved was the adjustable bolsters on the seats, which lets you adjust for a tighter fit during aggressive driving, and a looser more comfortable grip during normal driving. These are easy to adjust using the controls on the side of the seat. You can also adjust some of the motion of the passenger seat using controls on the driver’s side. This is handy if you are helping someone get in upfront, or if you need to make room for an adult or kid in the backseat. The seats are heated on all models and on the Elite and higher they are also ventilated, which is a must-have upgrade in the middle of hot summer.

Rear seat legroom is a bit cramped, but it is good enough for kids, and an adult on a sort ride can be comfortable. If you plan to cruise with adults, look at the more spacious G80 or G90.

The trunk handled my collection of gear for road trips, hiking, and helping with a home renovation. It’s large enough to handle a handful of suitcases and other items that you will need on your road trips. On the Prestige and higher packages, you get a Power Trunk.

Infotainment & Safety

The Genesis infotainment system is good, but it looks like it was pulled right out of a Hyundai. It’s easy to use and the system works, but it doesn’t match the interior of the G70 as well as it could. The good news is that the system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You need to plug in to use these options, but with a cord, you get the best access to your messages, music, audiobooks, maps, and calls. You can also use Bluetooth to connect to the car for calls and music. The Lexicon 15 speaker stereo system is good, allowing me to find sanctuary on the road. Call quality over Bluetooth and CarPlay was good. There are three USB ports, two up front and one in the rear.

The infotainment system is good, but it could use updated graphics.

There is a lot of great safety technology and driver convenience features. The adaptive cruise control worked nicely, keeping me in pace with traffic as I cruised along the interstate. Standard safety and convenience features include;

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Automatic high beam headlights

With the Elite Package, you get Low Beam Assist, which steers the headlights with the wheel, to light up the direction you are turning as you drive. This dramatically improves nighttime visibility.

2020 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Review is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

This plastic case is made from recycled CDs.

The Nimble Disc Case is an iPhone case made from 100% recycled compact discs. Yes, there is a chance that this awesome clear case is made from parts of the N’Sync,  Britney Spears, or Sublime CDs you carried from your car to your bedroom back in high school. Or whatever your favorite CD is.

Made from REPLAY post-consumer compact discs, these cases are available for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE 2020 models for $39.95 at Nimble and Verizon.

I’ve been testing the Nimble Disc Case on the iPhone 11 Pro Max for a few weeks and I’m impressed with the quality and excited about the sustainability factor that this case offers.

The Nimble Disc Case offers a lot of grip, and the edges have the right amount of give to them. Many cases are too rigid on the edges, which makes it harder to hold. This case doesn’t add much thickness to the iPhone 11 Pro Max and it still offers six feet of drop protection. This is more than enough protection for my day-to-day needs and while I haven’t tossed this case to the ground with my phone in it, there are features to help keep the phone safe.

There is a nice lip on the front of the Nimble Disc case that keeps the iPhone screen off surfaces when you set it face down, and it helps protect the phone when you drop it. On each back corner is a small raised section that keeps the phone from sliding on smooth surfaces. Overall the case feels very solid and it features all the hallmarks of a protective case in this class.

The front lip protects the screen.

Even with the raised edges, I am still able to reliably use the gestures on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This was a concern with many of the cases I originally tested that featured lips. The inward curve on the lip helps alleviate that, and possibly I am more adept at using the gestures. I still prefer a case with no lip on the bottom edge, but this one doesn’t hinder switching apps or going to the home screen.

The clear design shows off the color of your iPhone, which is a nice feature. The case is made with anti-yellowing technology so it should stay as clear and crisp looking as day one. After a lot of outdoor use and a day at the beach, the case looks as good as the day I put it on. There is a Nimble Recycle logo on the back, near the bottom of the case and on the right edge of the case is “MADE FROM RECYCLED COMPACT DISCS” text.

The case is scratch-resistant, and it does a decent job of holding up to scratches, but after a month of heavy use, there are a few scuffs and scratches on the outside. This is to be expected, especially since I took this case on multiple hikes where I leaned it up against rocks and trees and to a rocky beach.

There is an anti-microbial coating, which helps keep the case clean. The biggest downside to this case is that like most clear cases, it shows fingerprints. I find myself cleaning the case at least once a week to keep it looking fresh and clean. That’s fairly common though some cases do use an oleophobic coating to keep fingerprints at bay.

The power button was a little stiff at the start, but it flexed after some use on my iPhone 11 Pro Max.

When I first started using the case the power button, or what Apple calls the side button, on the iPhone 11 Pro Max was very stiff and the phone was taking screenshots and it was not easy to activate. I took the case off, flexed the power button 20-30 times and it was better. After a few days of use, the power button started to feel exactly as expected. I would prefer the functionality on day one. Be prepared to wear in the buttons before you put the case on, and then for the first few days of using the case. The iPhone SE case was perfect right out of the box with no flex needed to get a perfect feel for the buttons. The iPhone 11 Pro case we tested did not loosen up enough to use, after trying to flex the buttons the case routinely made the test phone take screenshots when we tried to power it on. It is a good idea to check this when you get your case.

With each purchase, you get a free shipping label to send any used plastic case in for recycling. When you recycle an old case, you get 15% off your next order. The packaging for the case is plastic-free for easy recycling.

Even with the short wear-in period for the iPhone 11 Pro Max case and the issue with the iPhone 11 Pro option, I still like the Nimble Disc Case. The amount of branding just right and it’s a big bonus to have a sustainable case option that doesn’t sacrifice protection. You can buy one at Nimble or from Verizon.

Nimble Disc Case Review: Recycled CD iPhone Case is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

The 2020 Volvo XC40 is a great subcompact luxury SUV that combines a fun and playful look with some of the best Volvo features to deliver a perfectly sized Volvo for many buyers.

Volvo packs in a lot of technology, a funky orange interior option, loads of technology including a handy semi-autonomous driving mode if you opt for the Advanced package.

We’re seeing more and more small SUVs on the market, and the 2020 XC40 stands out thanks to the premium cabin materials and variety of options. While you will need to spend time learning how to use the infotainment system, the big screen makes it easy to see lots of important information at once. The cargo area is small, but ultimately it had enough room for my adventures.

You can buy the 2020 Volvo XC40 in three options; Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. I tested the T5 R-Design model that includes a more powerful engine, sportier appearance, navigation, and a panoramic moonroof.

2020 Volvo XC40 Tech & Driver Features

The XC40 infotainment system is good.

This little luxury SUV packs in a lot of great tech options and driver convenience features. While there are noticeable omissions from the larger Volvo SUVs, most of the things you’ll want are included or available.

There is a large 9-inch touch screen in the center of the dash. This is portrait orientation, which allows you to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the bottom and keep access to other car features and functions up top. The screen is bright and responds quickly to most taps. I mainly use Apple CarPlay while I am driving so that I have fast access to my messages, music, Audible, and my favorite map apps.

You can use some physical buttons for control, but most of your in-cabin controls are on the touch screen. The main menus are very easy to use, but it takes some time to learn the next tap. The system is a little slow when you first start the car, but once you are going it is quick. There are a range of included apps that you can use to pay for parking and more.

The XC40 works with Volvo On Call, which I wasn’t able to test, but the service lets you remote start from your watch, accept in-car deliveries with Key by Amazon and even share your car with friends and family through the app.

The in-car sound system is good, with a lot of control over the listening experience. I could sufficiently jam out when I needed and chill out to an audiobook when on a cruise. I definitely miss the full-scale Bowers & Wilkins sound system from the XC90, but the harmon/kardon premium audio is sufficient for the XC40.

Charge easily from any seat.

Chargers are available in the front and back seat, plus there is a wireless charging pad to put your phone on when you don’t need CarPlay or Android Auto. There is also a 12V charging point in the cargo area.

From a driver standpoint, the XC40 packs in a lot of cool tricks. One of my favorites is the semi-autonomous driving mode called Pilot Assist. This builds on the adaptive cruise control that keeps you flowing with traffic and allows the car to speed up and slow down, or even stop and resume in traffic. Pilot Assist helps steer the XC40, keeping you in your lane, even around some curves. You still need to keep your hands on the wheel and drive, but with Pilot Assist you don’t need to make as many small corrections while driving. It performs well, and is smoother than the system I used in the Hyundai Sonata, but not as soon as the BMW system.

The 360 Birds Eye View lets you easily get in and out of parking places without worrying about tapping another car or scuffing your wheels. The Intelligent City Safety feature can help avoid collisions with cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals. Blind Spot Monitoring alerts you to cars in your blind spot, and Cros Trafic alerts you when backing up. Cross Traffic will apply brakes to prevent a collision and the Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist can help steer you back into your lane.

Our model also came equipped with a cool parking assist feature that helps you park in a tight spot automatically and then even helps you exit the parking spot.

2020 Volvo XC40 Interior & Style

The 2020 XC40 T4 R-Design looks very nice.

This is a small SUV, but there is a good amount of room for people, and a usable amount of cargo space. I am a huge fan of the fun orange floor option, which fits in nicely with the overall style of the XC40. The T5 R-Design features larger 19″ wheels, black rearview mirror caps, and a two-tone finish option with R-Design Nubuck upholstery. The exterior is sporty and fits the size very well. It’s fun and a little funky. There is a small garbage container built into the center console and even a flip-out hook from the glove box to hold a bag. I’m not a fan of the cupholder design. If you put a taller water bottle in it, there is a good chance that it will roll out while driving, but most cups do stay in place.

Inside the orange floor option really amps up the style and it works very well with the premium materials throughout the cabin. I was able to get comfortable as the driver and there was also a decent amount of room in the back seat.

The XC40 interior with optional flare orange is out of this world.

The cargo area isn’t very large, but it still feels very capable for the size. I like that there is a power outlet, an elastic strap to secure items, and a handy flip-up divider for keeping cargo secure or hiding small items that you need to keep handy. You can also use a kick under gesture to open the tailgate if your hands are full.

Driving the 2020 Volvo XC40

The power under the hood depends on if you opt for the T4 or the T5 option, which put out 184 and 248 horsepower respectively.  I tested the T5 R Design with all-wheel drive, which is a nice option to have for slick surfaces and the option I would choose if I was buying this in the midwest.

the 2020 Volvo SC40 T5 R-Design is fun to drive.

Power is good, and it delivers zippy acc3erlation for a small SUV. It pairs up with the eight-speed transmission very well. Shifts are timely and smooth. The engine is a bit loud when you are accelerating, but while cruising it sounds more refined and is less noticeable. You can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the XC40.

It is a fun vehicle to drive, with good handling and a sporty fun feel for a small SUV. The R Design is equipped with a stiffer suspension and you can opt for an adjustable suspension. The ride quality is good and all around this is a nice small SUV on the road.

The 2020 Volvo XC40 is rated for a combined 25 mpg, 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

2020 Volvo XC40 Review is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

How good is the 2021 Ford Bronco off-road?

The 2021 Ford Bronco looks cool, but how does it actually drive off-road? That’s a question I’ve been hearing since the reveal and now I can tell you how the 2-door Bronco handles off-road– at least from the passenger seat.

Ford recently let me take a ride in the 2021 Ford Bronco 2-door model through an off-road park in Michigan. This model was equipped with the seven-speed manual, which includes a Creeper Gear, and the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four capable of 270-horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. You can also get the 2021 Ford Bronco with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

While I am eager to get into the driver seat, experiencing the 2021 Ford Bronco does offer insights into the capabilities and the ease of using the off-road features. My driver was very experienced with the manual transmission found on this model. From the passenger seat, the shifting looked smooth and the Creeper Gear was a very handy option allowing for more control and torque over obstacles.

Ultimately I want to experience driving the new Bronco through these obstacles, but the control, and ease with which the Bronco and the Bronco Sport tackled the obstacles reminded me of an off-road easy mode.

In the case of the Bronco, this comes from a variety of handy features. Halfway through the off-road experience, we paused on a series of hills meant to put articulation to the test. Reaching up and pressing the sway bar disconnect button that is on the top edge of the dash, we boosted the Bronco’s articulation, making it easier to crawl off without worrying about tipping.

While you are off-road you can easily reach and engage common off-road features. (Prototype shown, final design may differ)

This is a prime example of the ease of using the features on the Bronco. In our Bronco Features roundup, we focused on the amount of attention that Ford put into the usability and livability of their off-road machine, and after spending part of the afternoon actually going off-road in the Bronco it’s clear that this strategy paid off.

I came away impressed with the off-road capabilities and ride of the 2021 Bronco. It’s a different experience in the passenger seat, but it’s also a place I’ve spent many hours in the Jeep Wrangler, which the Bronco is going head to head with. The ride quality off-road felt good on the passenger side, comparable with my time in the Wrangler.

Overall the experience was confidence bolstering. Yes, this was a course that the driver had run multiple times and he had a lot of off-road experience, but it felt like there was a lot of capability left in the Bronco. That’s something we’re looking forward to testing for ourselves soon.

We weren’t able to try out a lot of the on-trail tech in the Bronco during this experience, but the huge screen with Sync 4 and over 1,000 trail maps hold a lot of promise. That’s something we’re waiting to take a deep dive into soon.

2021 Ford Bronco Off-Road Review First Ride is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is an impressively capable off-road vehicle and the G.O.A.T. modes are easy to access and deliver almost video game-like off-roading and control through a wide range of surfaces. The most impressive moment during my ride in the Bronco Sport was stopping near the top of a steep hill sitting there for a minute while a vehicle engineer explained a feature and then continuing up the incline from a full stop without any protest from the Sport.

Recently I had the experience of riding in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport on an off-road experience in Michigan. While the best test is ultimately behind the wheel, there is a lot to learn from any off-road time in a new vehicle.

2021 Bronco Sport G.O.A.T. Modes

G.O.A.T. modes are helpful and easy to switch between.

The Bronco Sport includes G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Terrain), which is what Ford calls the different off-road modes. Switching modes is very easy, with a toggle on the center console. The driver reached back, turned a dial, and instantly switched to the best settings for the obstacle ahead. The placement of the switch, is good with no stretch needed and the dial is chunky enough to find and turn by feel, so you can keep your eyes on the trail.

Each mode changes a wide range of factors to deliver the optimal amount of power and control for what is in front, above or below you. The modes are Sand, Slippery, Sport, Eco, and Normal on all models. If you opt for the Badlands model, you also get Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.

Overall Capability and Confidence

Through various obstacles the 2021 Bronco Sport inspired confidence from the passenger seat.

As we took the Bronco Sport through the off-road park we went through Sand, water, mud, over some rocky obstacles and up steep hills. While we didn’t take the same routes as in the Bronco, the Bronco Sport was a very capable off-road vehicle. The ability to come to a complete stop on a hill and resume with no worry as well as the power that the G.O.A.T. modes feel like they will allow users to more easily do more off-road.

The modes and overall capabilities inspired confidence from the passenger seat. Ultimately I am looking forward to getting in the driver seat to feel what the Bronco Sport is capable of, which will give me better insight into the limitations, but during this brief experience, I came away impressed.

2021 Bronco Trail Tech

What’s it like to drive the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport off-road.

A few very interesting pieces of trail tech are available on the 2021 Bronco Sport. One that I really love and miss anytime I off-road without is the ability to use the front camera to see the trail in front of me. This helps with navigating around tight areas or checking over a steep drop. On the Bronco Sport, you can turn this on at low speeds and see what is ahead of you. There is also an option to go for a wider angle view that shows you more of what is around. The real benefit here is that the driver couldn’t easily see the front right corner clearance as we turned, but instead of stretching or relying on a passenger who may not know what they are doing, a tap showed the clearance on the center console.

Trail Control is essentially cruise control for off-roading. I’ve experienced this first hand in the Ford Ranger, and it’s a part of the Bronco Sport. This lets you set a specific speed, from 1 to 20 mph forward and 6 mph in reverse. The vehicle control acceleration and braking and you just need to focus on steering. This allows for very smooth control through obstacles.

While there is a lot to be said for manually controlling the off-road experience. This helps drivers get a feel for smoothly getting through the next challenge, and it’s an option — so you can stick to the DIY approach if you want.

There is an 8-inch screen for infotainment use, which also shows the front-facing trail camera. The vehicle includes Sync 4, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Off-Road Review First Ride is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

What you need to know about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata’s sleek lines, smart tech, and stylish interior make it one of the best sedans that you can buy.

This is a car that can park itself and that you can start and drive with a digital key that lives on a phone. Once you stack those features up on an already impressive car and set of technology there is a lot of value.

The 2020 Sonata interior is upscale with a premium look and feel, roomy seating, and easy access to the buttons and functions you need in a car.

I especially enjoyed the bold exterior styling that draws the eye from the headlights back along the body, and the optional bright yellow paint is quite a statement.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata starts at $25,700 plus destination and the SEL Plus we reviewed starts at $27,650.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Tech

The 2020 Sonata packs in useful tech that you won’t find on much of the competition. If you watch any amount of TV, you probably know about Smart Park, which is a handy way to remote park your Sonata.

Using the keyfob, you can park the Sonata into a tight parking spot or into a tight garage. You need to line the car up most of the way, but it can perform minor adjustments to complete the parking job. When you are ready to go, it will un-park itself.

Keep in mind that if you use this in a parking spot, and park too close to another car, that driver may be blocked in. This makes it very appealing for garages or for tight parking next to another car in your household.

Another cool piece of technology is the digital key on the 2020 Sonata. This allows you to share a key to an app on Android phones. iPhone support is reportedly in the works, but for now you need to be on Android.

With this, you can use the phone as the only key that you need. It unlocks the car in the app or with the phone held next to the door. With the phone in the wireless charger, you can start the car and drive.

The integration into the connected car experience allows a parent to set a geofence and to track other information. It’s even possible to remove key access and give it to someone else remotely.

Even as someone that regularly uses technology, I was cautious with this feature, but found it was very reliable and having already removed the need for house keys from my life, I am excited to see more tech like this. If you buy the Sonata, this is definitely a feature that you will enjoy.

You also get support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Inside the car, you get support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a large touch screen. The Hyundai infotainment system is good, but ultimately I prefer to plug a phone in for the best access to maps, communication, and my music. The interior tech is as impressive as the built-in smart features.

The sound system is good and the setup works well for taking calls on the road.

You can charge your phone with the three USB ports (two up front and one in the rear) or with the wireless charger.

Driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane following assist make longer trips less stressful. The adaptive cruise control keeps you wit the flow of traffic, and the Hyundai system does an excellent job here.

The Lane Following Assist feature uses a camera to monitor lane markings and steering assist when you are using smart cruise control. With this in action, the system makes small steering adjustments to help keep you in your lane, but you are still in control. The system works well, but it tends to make more adjustments that you feel on the wheel while you are on the highway than competing systems we’ve used.

The steering wheel lets you easily toggle on many tech features like smart cruise control and Lane Following Assist.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection is standard, while Blind Spot Collision Avoidance and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist require the SEL or higher trim level. If you are backing up and a vehicle is detected, the Sonata will automatically brake for you. This can be surprising, but it is very helpful.

On the Limited trim, you also get a Blind Spot View monitor that shows you a live view of the blind spot on the digital instrument cluster. This can be handy for seeing a pedestrian or cyclist that might not activate the blind spot monitor.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Interior & Style

The Sonata’s signature style is eye-catching.

The 2020 Sonata style is bold in all the right ways. The distinctive front end and flowing LED daytime running light which blends seamlessly into a line that runs along the hood are your first hints that this is not an ordinary sedan.

Inside there is plenty of room for a tall driver, and the backseat offers a good amount of space. The controls are easy to reach and there are useful storage areas in the cabin. The interior is well-appointed and laid out nicely, but You can find more luxurious interiors.

The interior is comfortable and spacious.

You will need to adjust to the button shifters, which you push to shift gears. This opens up the center of the cabin, and it’s something that I was able to pick up on after a few days, but it adds some extra thought to quickly turning around.

The trunk is spacious and on some models, there is a smart trunk, which allows you to walk to the back of the car and stand for a second or two with the key in your pocket to automatically open the trunk when your hands are full.

Driving the 2020 Hyundai Sonata

Tailored for comfortable and smooth, the Sonata delivers on those attributes.

The 2020 Sonata SEL is a competent cruiser, but it’s not going to deliver the same thrill as you might find on some of the competition. It’s designed with comfort in mind.

Under the hood is a 180 horsepower 1.6L Turbo 4 cylinder engine that offers enough power to feel competent and it pairs nicely with a conventional transmission. The shifts are smooth and timely, and you can even control them with paddle shifters, but ultimately you’ll be leaving the car to do the shifting. If you try to downshift to zip on the on-ramp you won’t find a ton of power waiting for you.

The handling is good overall, but if you enable the Lane Following Assist feature prepare for it to feel a little busy. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable during our mix of city and highway driving.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Review: Smart Tech, Slick Style is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.

The 2020 Lexus UX 250h Luxury is an excellent small crossover that is fun to drive, offers a nice collection of features, and includes an interior that lives up to the Luxury name on the model I tested.

This is a subcompact crossover, so rear legroom isn’t amazing, but the hatch helps with cargo space with the rear seats folded. This small vehicle also delivers a great driving experience and it’s surprisingly affordable even in the Luxury trim.

While the infotainment system does require some adaptation, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa are nice features that round out the technology offerings. There are three UX250h models, a base, the F Sport, and the Luxury.

Is the 2020 Lexus UX 250h Luxury worth buying? Here’s a closer look at how the UX 250h interior, how it drives, plus the tech and safety features.

Lexus UX 250h Interior

The Lexus UX250h Luxury interior lives up to the name.

The UX250h Luxury interior is great with soft-touch surfaces and a very nice layout. The front is spacious with a slightly angled to the driver cockpit feel and a very nice armrest with convenient controls right at your fingertips. Controls are easy to reach and the two cupholders are out of the way at the front of the stack, but still easy to reach.

Front seats are power-adjustable with heat and ventilation to keep you at the right temperature. The seats are comfortable for longer drives and I appreciate the overall ergonomics. The back seats aren’t as roomy, but you can fit adults in the back comfortably on short to medium-length trips. It is not as small as you may expect at first glance. There are air vents for the back seat and there are two USB ports so passengers can stay connected.

There is a usable amount of space in the UX250h back seat.

The cargo area is quite usable given the size, and you get some extra room thanks to the hatch. There is a small area that you can store jumper cables and other gear under the floor in the hatch. There is an easy to remove top cover to hide what is in the back end. There is a 12V outlet so that you can charge things or power gear on a road trip. You’ll also find tie-down spots to secure cargo. It’s a very usable back end for a subcompact SUV.

Driving the Lexus UX 250h

The 2020 UX 250h is an all-wheel-drive compact SUV powered by a 2.0L 4 cylinder hybrid engine that offers 181 horsepower. It pairs up with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it isn’t fast, it is peppy and I felt confident getting into traffic with it. The combination does a good job of meeting your needs in the city and though the CVT has a bit of a droning noise at highway speeds it’s not a dealbreaker.

What it’s like to drive the the 2020 UX250h Luxury.

Steering and handling are both good, and drivers will appreciate the ease of maneuvering and steering weight for daily drives in the city and for weekend fun. The suspension soaks up most road imperfections for a comfortable ride. If you choose the F Sport trim, you get a sport suspension, F Sport 18-in rims and run-flat tires as well as interior and exterior F Sport trim pieces. It uses the same engine, so you can expect similar performance, but the F Sport features active sound control that pumps sound into the cabin to simulate shifts and make it sound sportier.

The fuel economy of this hybrid model is a big part of the draw. The EPA rating is 39 mpg combined, with 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. If you are looking for a competent urban crossover that handles nicely and is fuel efficient in the city, the UX250h Luxury is a nice option to consider, especially if you aren’t looking to go into a full electric vehicle.

Lexus UX 250h Tech & Safety

There is a lot of tech in the UX250h.

The 2020 Lexus UX250h is packed with tech and a 7-inch center display is standard across the lineup. The Luxury trim comes equipped with a beautiful 10.3-inch display that is easy to see. The Enform system is decent, though the remote touchpad controls take time to adjust to. I would prefer a standard touch screen setup, but now that you get support for popular services like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa it is easier to live with.

I relied on Apple CarPlay for most of my time in the UX250h, which provided easy access to my music, calls, messages, and my choice of maps. CarPlay is best on a touch screen, but it works decently with the touchpad, and after a week it starts to become second nature. Steering wheel controls and controls at the end of the armrest make it easy to handle common functions like volume and changing tracks.

The 8 speaker sound system that is standard on the Luxury system does a good job of filling the cabin and it works well for taking phone calls in the car. There are four USB ports total in the cabin and my loaner was equipped with an optional wireless charger. The optional head up display is easy to see and makes seeing your speed and other key information possible without taking your eyes off the road.

Additional tech includes a 3-year trial of the Lexus Enform app that allows you to connect to Alexa skills, remote start and stop or lock and unlock from your phone or Alexa. The car also features a hotspot that you can use to stay connected on the go.

You get the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beams and Road Sign Assist. These are all very handy features. Blind Spot Monitoring is standard on the Luxury trim and optional on the other models as part of the Luxury Package or Premium Package. This loaner came equipped with the optional Triple Beam LED headlights, a $1,660 upgrade, which includes three projectors as well as adaptive front lighting, which adjusts the angle of your low beams when turning for better overall visibility.

2020 Lexus UX 250h Luxury Review is a post by Josh Smith from Gotta Be Mobile.