My Favorite NASCAR Driver Wins the Championship, and I'm Not Thrilled

Ryan Blaney did not win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway yesterday, but his second place finish ahead of Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Christopher Bell was all he needed to secure his first ever championship in NASCAR's top series.

So why am I not more excited? I'm happy, yes, but I'm not over the moon beside myself. Blaney is a phenomenal driver and is absolutely deserving of a championship trophy. Yet, NASCAR's way of deciding the championship is to pit the top-16 drivers who have won at least one race during the first 26 races of the season, plus any driver in the top-16 in points if there are less than 16 winners, against each other in elimination style playoffs for the final ten races. Three rounds are divided into three races each. If a playoff driver wins, they automatically advance to the next round. The four drivers who have accumulated the least amount of points without a win after each round are eliminated from championship contention until only four drivers are left to race against each other in the final race of the season. The champion is whoever finishes ahead of the other three drivers.

Simple, right?

Except under these rules, you can win every race leading up to the finale and still lose the championship. Or you can be pretty average over the first 26 races and then have a surge in performance over the last ten as Blaney did.

Blaney qualified for the playoffs due to his victory at the Coca-Cola 600 back in May. He made it through the Round of 16 despite finishes of ninth, twelfth, and twenty-second. The Round of 12 started with a twenty-eighth place finish at Texas, but a win next week at Talladega automatically qualified him for the Round of 8. Blaney then scored three consectutive finishes inside the top six including a win at the penultimate race in Martinsville to lock himself into the Championship Four.   

It's been ten years since NASCAR began using these playoffs to crown champions and twenty years since the sanctioning body first moved away from the traditional championship format that had been in place starting in 1971. You know, the one where drivers accumulate points based on their performance throughout the entire season, and the champion is the driver who has scored the most points by the end of the final race.

After 2003, NASCAR decided the old system wasn't good enough to generate the "game seven" excitement it was looking for in the final race of the season. Blame Matt Kenseth, who won the 2003 championship despite only winning one race that year. Kenseth's consistency throughout the season meant that he topped the points standings four races into the season and never looked back. By contrast, Kenseth won more races than any driver in 2002, yet only ranked eighth in the final standings. 

Some dedicated fans have calculated championship points under the old format over the last two decades, and the results may be surprising. Jeff Gordon, not Jimmie Johnson, would have seven championships to his name. And Kevin Harvick, who wrapped up his 23-year career after yesterday's race, would have been a four-time champion.

For this year, William Byron would have won the championship by a 17 point margin over Denny Hamlin, 33 points over Chris Buescher, and 42 points over Christopher Bell. Ryan Blaney would have finished the season in seventh, 196 points back.

A deeper look into this season's statistics lends authenticity to this claim. In 2023, Byron led the field with 6 wins, 15 top fives, 21 top tens, and an average finish of 10.97. Blaney won 3 races and scored 8 top fives and 18 top tens with an average finish of 14.08.

Debate over the legitimacy of using playoffs to crown NASCAR champions has gone back and forth for years. All I will add is the fact that twenty years have passed and no other racing series has adopted a similar format in deciding its champions. That alone should tell people all they need to know about the ridiculousness of NASCAR's system.

We've reached a point where I think individual race wins mean more than championships in NASCAR's top series. I would say that Blaney's high water mark this year was winning the Coca-Cola 600, snapping a 59-race winless streak. He showed more emotion in that post race interview and revealed more about his mental state over the months leading up to that win than he did during his championship interview in Phoenix. When I think back on 2023, I will remember that moment just as fondly as I will Blaney hoisting the championship trophy alongside his family, team, and friends.

Pixar's Lightyear Can Change the Toy Story Universe as We Know It

Pixar’s latest creation promises to build upon its flagship franchise in new and exciting ways, but it also raises intriguing questions about the reality of the universe the animation studio has worked to establish for more than 25 years.

Lightyear is being pitched as the story of the man who was deemed iconic enough to have a toy made in his image. This wouldn’t be a big deal if Buzz Lightyear was a normal astronaut, but he’s not. He’s a Space Ranger, part of an intergalactic police group that…umm…, why don’t I just let Buzz explain what he does.

“I am stationed in the Gamma Quadrant of sector 4. As a member of the elite Universe Protection Unit of the Space Ranger Corps, I protect the galaxy from the threat of invasion from the Evil Emperor Zurg, sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance.” -Buzz introduces himself to Andy's toys, Toy Story (1995)

Thanks, Buzz. So, the first teaser trailer for Lightyear, which debuted last month, appears to show Buzz Lightyear, the man, during his early years as a Space Ranger.

This isn’t the first time that Pixar has tried to expand Buzz’s fictional world. There was an animated cartoon called Buzz Lightyear of Star Command which followed the exploits of the “real” Buzz Lightyear and his team of Space Rangers across the galaxy, protecting civilization, as Buzz said, from the machinations of Emperor Zurg. 

However, that cartoon was set in the far-flung future and had no connecting tissue to the rest of the Toy Story universe. It’s the sort of show I can imagine Andy’s toys watching when they’re home alone and they aren’t playing Buzz Lightyear video games.

It’s unclear where or when Lightyear takes place. But if we follow the movie’s logic that Buzz Lightyear was a real person, it would stand to reason that there is a real Space Ranger Corps. And if there is a real Space Ranger Corps, there must also be a real Emperor Zurg somewhere causing trouble. At one point during the trailer, we see Buzz getting attacked by a large, tentacled creature, so at the very least, there are some life forms in this universe besides regular humans.

Despite being populated by toys that come to life when no humans are around, the Toy Story universe follows the same exact rules as the real world. I don’t think the original team at Pixar meant for Buzz Lightyear, the toy, to be based on a real, in-universe person. True, his name was inspired by famous Apollo 11 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, but his backstory appeared to be a spoof on Star Wars. Both Toy Story and Toy Story 2 make multiple Star Wars allusions when going into detail about Buzz’s missions and his history with Zurg.

I can’t help but wonder if the people of Earth in the Toy Story universe know that they are not alone in the galaxy. Hopefully, there will be a scene very early or near the end of Lightyear establishing how it fits in with the other Toy Story films.

Until then, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to look at Andy’s “I want you to join Space Rangers” poster the same way again. Military conscription propaganda for little kids? Kind of dark, don’t you think? 

Children's TV Series Arthur Ends Production After 25 Seasons

 

I don’t remember too much about Arthur. For a show that has been around since 1996, and will be wrapping up its twenty fifth and final season in the winter of 2022, I think I only watched it between its debut and 2003 at the latest. 

Some moments I recall include Arthur dreading a reunion with his older cousin, Binky being falsely accused of spray painting graffiti everywhere, and one episode where Arthur’s school dealt with a breakout of lice.

I also remember that having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card. And then there was that one time when Francine played her drums loudly from the top of her apartment building. Her landlord approached her to pass along a complaint from another tenant, to which Francine retorted that the other tenant could go suck an egg. For the record, I do not recommend kids try that line with their parents or other adults. 

And who could forget when the cast of Arthur met the Backstreet Boys? It was the stuff of 90’s kids’ dreams!

The reggae-style theme song "Believe in Yourself" is pretty good, too. I suppose it must be, seeing as the show has used it and the same opening animation sequence since the beginning. This only gets strange when you notice the characters still interacting with twentieth century technology. Film cameras and tube TVs, anyone? "Believe in Yourself" was performed by Jamaican-American reggae group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. All the members of the group are the children of legendary reggae artist, Bob Marley. 

Arthur generated some noise on social media a couple years ago when it was revealed that Mr. Ratburn is gay. A lot of people said that they suspected this was the case all along. Regardless, it was a sign that the producers were aware of changing attitudes toward that kind of subject matter as the years have gone by.

I think what I will remember most about Arthur is how it portrayed everyday life in a natural believable way. The kids deal with kid problems, the adults deal with adult problems, and both groups learn about the other in the process. Children’s shows in the 90s and early 2000s had a knack of showcasing a diverse cast of characters with different interests, religious beliefs, ethnicities, socioeconomic classes, and so on without making anything feel forced or preachy. America is a diverse place, and shows like Arthur celebrate diversity and the importance of respect of people from all walks of life.   

What are your favorite Arthur memories? Let me know in the comments.

Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz Push Perception of Small Trucks

How small is too small for a truck? That is the question Ford and Hyundai will be asking customers later this year with the launch of the first ever Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup trucks.

People have always bought trucks for their towing and hauling capability, but for many years now, trucks have also become all-purpose family vehicles. It is increasingly difficult to find stripped out, single cab, long-bed trucks on dealership lots. As a result, MSRPs on trucks have risen exponentially. Half ton trucks like the Ford F-150 sell at an average of at least $35,000. Midsize trucks such as the Ford Ranger can also easily go for more than $30,000. Read the comment section on any review of the Ranger or its competition and you will certainly find people moaning for inexpensive compact pickups like in the old days.

The 2022 Ford Maverick revives a name last used on a compact sedan in the 1970s. While not the smallest vehicle in Ford’s lineup, the Maverick will be the least expensive, undercutting the EcoSport by a few hundred dollars. It will be built in Mexico on the same front-wheel drive architecture as the Bronco Sport, but will be longer, lower, and narrower. Prices start at $21,490 for base XL model. By choosing cheap, you will be forgoing features such as cruise control, power-adjustable mirrors, proximity key entry, and alloy wheels. You can get all of that back in the XLT trim for $23,775. The top Maverick trim level will be the Lariat, which starts at $26,985 and should top out in the mid $30Ks with all the options.

At that price range, Ford is positioning the Maverick as an alternative to compact sedans such as the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. In fact, base model Mavericks will be cheaper than entry level 2021 Civics by $755 when they go on sale this fall.

All Mavericks come in four-door crew cab configuration and have two available engines. The first is a 191-hp hybrid drivetrain using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor. People looking for more power will want to select the turbocharged 2.0-liter with 250-hp and 277 pound-feet of torque. Since the hybrid is only available with front-wheel drive, it will probably appeal most to people who do not travel far off road. However, Ford claims that opting for the hybrid Maverick will reward drivers with 40 mpg in the city.

People have been looking forward to the Hyundai Santa Cruz since a concept was first unveiled back in 2015. The production version will share much of its structure, exterior, and interior with the all new 2022 Hyundai Tucson, but will ride on a 9.8-inch longer wheelbase. It will also be built alongside the Tucson in Montgomery, Alabama. 

Hyundai would like you to think of the Santa Cruz as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle” as opposed to a truck in order to keep expectations in check. Like the Maverick, the Santa Cruz also has two powertrain options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 190-hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 275-hp and 310 pound-feet. Both engines can be paired with front or all-wheel drive. Pricing for the Santa Cruz has not been revealed, but expect it to start around $25,000 for a base SE and cap off around $35,000 for a top-of-the-line Limited.

It’s difficult to judge what these trucks can do based on manufacturer provided photos. Hybrid Mavericks can tow up to 2000 pounds while the turbo 2.0-liter can tow 4000. Payload is rated at 1500 pounds regardless of powertrain. The Santa Cruz can tow and haul more with a tow rating of 5000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1748 for the upgraded engine. A Santa Cruz with the base engine can only tow 3500 pounds. Hyundai has yet to provide exact dimensions of the Santa Cruz’s bed, but the Maverick bed has a length of 4.5 feet bed that extends to six feet with the tailgate down. Compared to a Ford Ranger, the Maverick is 11 inches shorter overall and has a seven-inch shorter bed.

Test drives have always been important factors in buying a new vehicle, but they will be even more crucial for these two trucks. Not only will you want to drive the Maverick and the Santa Cruz, you should ask your dealer if you can bring them home with you and try fitting various objects in the bed and throughout the cabin. The Maverick and Santa Cruz will not be for everyone. Prospective buyers should do their due diligence to make sure either of these trucks will fit comfortably into their lives before signing on the dotted line.

Analyzing the Current Pokemon Card Craze

If someone told me in the year 2000, when I was in the height of my personal Pokémon excitement, that more than 20 years later, people would be tripping over themselves to buy Pokémon cards and leaving shelves bare within minutes, I would have told them that they were crazy. Yeah, Pokémon was big at the time, but there is no way the hype could survive for a quarter of a century. 

However, that is exactly the situation we find ourselves in today. With a pandemic raging around us for almost a full year, people are grabbing onto anything to give them some form of escapism from social distancing, face mask mandates, and Zoom meetings. The result is that products that used to be fairly easy to find have become practically nonexistent on store shelves as limited production capacity due to the pandemic is compounded by insatiable demand.

First it was bicycles. With gyms, restaurants, movie theaters, and other shopping centers closed or operating under reduced hours, people turned to riding bikes just to get out of the house and get some fresh air and exercise. Bike shops around the country experienced business like they had never seen before, with supply unable to keep up with demand. In my neck of the woods in New Hampshire, Goodale's Bike Shop in Nashua saw a 30 percent increase in floor sales and a 900 percent increase in internet sales by July 2020. Ryan Maszczak, the store's chief operating officer also reported that his repair shop and service department were at full capacity. 

Then it was home pool systems. Public beaches remained closed or heavily restricted this past summer, forcing people to cool off at home instead. Pool stores were mobbed with customers once they could reopen safely, while phones were reported to be ringing off the hook and online orders continued to come at a breakneck pace.  

So this brings us to Pokémon. Like other industries, the Pokémon Company had to shut down production of its products until its factories could guarantee the safety of their workers. Supply was reduced while demand soared. Card collecting is something that can be enjoyed from home, so naturally, lots of people turned to Pokémon and other collectible card brands to pass their time.

Meanwhile, a series of incidents were making their rounds on the Internet. High quality cards from some of Pokémon's first ever sets sold for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. There was a first edition holographic shadowless Venusaur card which sold for $50,000. A Pikachu Illustrator card, one of the rarest cards in existence, changed hands in a deal worth an estimated $900,000. On top of that, popular PokéTubers, Pokémon Trading Card Game collectors and/or competitive players who share their passion through their YouTube channels, were posting daily videos of themselves opening piles of boxes and booster packs in search of the rarest and most valuable cards. As they open packs, these individuals constantly reiterate how important these cards are as collector's items or as the winning ingredient in a competitive Pokémon Trading Card Game deck.

While this is nothing new - in fact, I routinely watch content on these channels to see which cards are worth pulling from certain sets and if the pull rates for particular sets are any good in the first place - other, less desirable influencers have latched onto Pokémon lately and are now fueling an additional wave of speculation and emboldening those who see the cards solely in how much money they are worth.        

Champion's Path and Shining Fates have been two sets most
severely targeted by bulk buyers. With the potential to pull a
Shiny Charizard in each set, collectors are buying everything
they can find for themselves and scalpers are forcing people
to pay big money for the chance to pull one of these cards.  

On the day I bought a Shining Fates Elite Trainer Box, I was fortunate to clock out of work shortly after the trading card merchandiser was replenishing my store's stock. Waiting for her were between 10 and 15 individuals with empty shopping baskets in their hands. I witnessed with my own eyes as they took Elite Trainer Boxes and other Shining Fates products off the shelves nearly as soon as she placed them down. It was exactly like watching vultures swarming a carcass in a nature documentary. I couldn't help but shake my head as people walked off with armloads of products. My store has a trading card policy that people can only purchase three of a product, but I guess it can be interpreted as being able to purchase three of each Pokémon product. And it's not just Pokémon. They also carried away boxes of basketball, football, and baseball cards as well.

I strongly disapprove of buying Pokémon trading card products en masse like this, because I'll bet anything that these people are just flipping them online for a profit. Shining Fates Elite Trainer Boxes have an MSRP of $49.99. However, I have seen some listed on eBay for anywhere between $80 and $100. Well, if the supply is being gobbled up by scalpers, regular people are going to be forced to buy things at their exorbitant prices.

All of this is especially disheartening because 2021 is the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. A number of promotions have already happened this year, and every one of them has been ruined by scalpers. McDonalds Happy Meals are being bought in bulk by greedy adults just for the special edition Pokémon cards inside. Or in the case of the General Mills cereal promotion, people aren't even bothering to buy the food. They're just ripping boxes open and stealing the cards for themselves. I already mentioned how dozens of people are staking out trading card displays waiting for merchandisers to restock shelves like it's Star Wars Force Friday or something. I can also add that violence have reportedly broken out in some places between people fighting over Pokémon products. It's gotten so bad at my local store, that the merchandiser has resorted to handing things over at the customer service counter because she no longer feels safe.    

The Pokémon Company made an announcement last month that it acknowledges the shortage in trading card products and is working hard to increase its printing capacity. "For new Pokémon TCG expansions launching in the future, we are maximizing production to increase product availability upon release, and we will continue to reprint the products to replenish stock at retailers as soon as possible."

Only by increasing supply and by spreading awareness of this major problem can we hopefully drive scalpers out. In the meantime, please do not play the scalpers' game. We need to stand together and encourage our stores to crack down on scalpers, ask them to impose strict product limits, and let everyone have a fair shot at getting the products they want at a fair price. It is my hope that once the pandemic is over, supply chains get back to normal, and life returns to the way it used to be, these dirtbags will go back to whatever hole they crawled from. When exactly will that be? Only time will tell. 

Before I go, I want to share one last thing that links the Pokémon card craze with other examples of rampant speculation in recent months, such as GameStop stock and Dogecoin. I mention this as a warning for what all of this may mean in the grand scheme of things. I first became aware of this while watching the February 22 episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight. In one segment, Carlson brings up American investor Michael Burry and Burry's concern regarding the federal government's plan to print more money to fight the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Carlson mentioned a series of Twitter posts by Burry, where Burry quotes the 1974 book Dying of Money by Jens O. Parsson. The book details the dangers of inflation, using the hyperinflation Germany experienced following World War I as an example of what could happen to the United States if it embraces the notion that everything can be solved with more money in the system.

The following quotes from the book were shared: 

Right before it collapsed, the German economy exhibited “…unmistakable characteristics. One was the great wealth, at least of those favored by the boom…Many great fortunes sprang up overnight…The cities, had an aimless and wanton youth. Prices in Germany were steady… and both business and the stock market were booming. The exchange rate of the mark against the dollar and other currencies actually rose for a time, and the mark was momentarily the strongest currency in the world… Side by side with the wealth were pockets of poverty. Greater numbers of people remained on the outside of the easy money, looking in, but not able to enter. Accounts of the time tell of a progressive demoralization which crept over the common people, compounded of their weariness with the breakneck pace, to no visible purpose and their fears from watching their own precarious positions slip, while others grew so conspicuously rich… Speculation alone, while adding nothing to Germany’s wealth, became one of its largest activities… The fever to join in turning a quick mark infected nearly all classes. Everyone from the elevator operator up was playing the market.”

Sound familiar?

Pontiac G6 Convertible Made Top-Down Driving Affordable and Fun

Suppose you are in the market right now for a new car, and you have set your mind on getting yourself a convertible. After all, who doesn’t want to lower the roof with the press of a button and let warm sunshine or a cool breeze inside while you drive? At first glance, it would appear that you are spoiled for choice. All but a handful of luxury brands have at least one convertible in their lineups. But, unfortunately, you’re on a tight budget. You need a convertible that costs no more than $40,000. That lowers your options considerably. Your choices are between two pony cars (Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang), the Mazda Miata and Fiat 124 Spider siblings, and the Mini Cooper.

There was a time when mainstream convertibles were much easier to come by. Remember the Toyota Solara, Chrysler Sebring, or the Volkswagen Eos? In the mid-2000s, General Motors didn’t have an affordable convertible in its portfolio anymore. The fourth gen Camaro went out of production in 2002 with no plans for an immediate replacement. To prevent shoppers from going elsewhere for their open-air driving experience, GM tasked Pontiac to fill the void with a hard-top convertible version of its midsize G6.

The 2005 Pontiac G6 sedan was introduced in 2004 as a replacement for the Grand Am. The new name is derived from the fact that the G6 is ostensibly the sixth generation of the Grand Am line. It also served as the starting point for a new lineup organized by an alphanumeric hierarchy. The larger G8 soon replaced the Grand Prix, and the G5 took over from the Sunfire in the compact car segment.

A coupe and convertible G6 joined the sedan for 2006. Upon its introduction, the G6 convertible was the only folding hardtop on the market for less than $30,000. Two trim levels were available. GT versions were powered by 3.5-liter pushrod V-6 making 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. GTPs received a 3.9-liter V-6 with 227 horsepower and 235 pound-feet. Both trim levels utilized a four-speed automatic gearbox. Opting for the GTP added ABS, GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system, auto climate control, a power driver’s seat, premium audio, and adjustable steering.

Differentiating the convertible from the coupe was an increase in curb weight by 350 pounds due to necessary additional structural reinforcement. The suspension was also softened a little to reduce shock loads on the car’s body. Raising and lowering the convertible roof took approximately 30 seconds. With the roof lowered, trunk space was reduced to a near unusable 2.2 cubic feet. However, rear seat passengers were treated to an impressive 34 inches of legroom thanks to what Pontiac claimed was the longest wheelbase in the midsize convertible class.

Pontiac added variable valve timing to the GT’s 3.5-liter engine in 2007, boosting horsepower to 217. The 3.9-liter engine also became an option on GT spec cars as part of a sport package. GTP convertibles were discontinued for 2008.

A mid-2009 refresh brought resculpted front and rear bumpers, new headlamps, and larger exhaust tips. Interior updates included new gauges and center stack controls. All G6 coupe and convertibles ceased production at the end of the 2009 model year, making examples with the exterior and interior updates fairly rare.

The G6 was Pontiac’s best-selling model since its debut all the way up to the brand’s demise in 2010. It is unknown what would have become of the car had Pontiac survived GM’s restructuring. Some rumors suggest that the next G6 could have transitioned to a rear wheel drive architecture. A RWD G6 might have provided some interesting competition to the BMW 3-Series/4-Series and the Audi A4/A5. As it is, the end of Pontiac left an affordable performance hole in General Motors’ lineup that to this day has yet to be refilled.

Thoughts Working at a Kia Dealership

In my time working at my local Kia dealership, I had the opportunity to spend lots of time with the Korean brand's latest models. Driving the cars to different lots, dealerships, and customers' homes both near and far away revealed much about each of them. Kia has built its brand around offering a comprehensive 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, but how do its cars and SUVs stand on their own merits? Here are my thoughts about all the cars I drove on the job. However, there are a few models that I didn't get fully acquainted with. The dealership used a base-trim Sedona as a service shuttle; it reminded me of my family's old Ford Windstar. My dealership also never stocked any new Cadenzas. A used one showed up once, but I never drove it. As for the Kia K900, well, let me know if you ever see one.

Kia Forte

A surprisingly competent and composed small sedan with strong build quality and attention to detail. Available in a wide range of trim levels for different budgets. Top-spec 201 hp, 1.6L turbo GT is fun to drive and significantly undercuts rival sporty compacts on price. Models with the standard 147 hp, 2.0L engine return fantastic fuel economy. Many times driving on the highway I averaged high 40s or even 50 miles per gallon. Pity it doesn't come as a hatchback.

Kia K5

The Kia K5 improves upon all aspects of the Optima it replaces by leaps and bounds. Knockout exterior design and a completely overhauled interior move Kia's midsize sedan game up a level considerably. In a clever advertising campaign, Kia calls out other manufacturers for killing off their sedans while Kia "turbocharges ahead." The sedan market isn't dead yet, and Kia is determined to attract sedan shoppers to its dealers with the all new K5. Be on the lookout for the 290 hp, all-wheel drive GT out soon.

Kia Niro

How do you make sure your hybrid/electric vehicle doesn't suffer from any packaging compromises or performance issues that come from fitting extra batteries inside the car? The answer is you design a vehicle from the outset to accommodate the necessary electric hardware. While on the small side of the crossover spectrum, there is plenty of room in the Niro for a family of four and their cargo. If you have never driven a hybrid or electric vehicle before, the silent operation of the motor may be a bit disconcerting. The Niro can be pricy, but a combined fuel economy rating of 49 miles per gallon can result in significant savings at the pump.

Kia Rio

Don't let the Rio's low price, and admittedly chintzy ancestors fool you. The current generation Rio subcompact sedan and hatchback exceed their humble mission brief to deliver a classy and sophisticated experience with a smart layout and pleasing materials. 120 hp isn't much, but it is plenty adequate to move the Rio along at normal speeds. Ride and handling are also impressive for such a small car. The hatchback model adds more cargo space and slightly more passenger volume, making it the ideal choice.

Kia Seltos

The first ever Kia Seltos had an important job upon its introduction for the 2021 model year. It effectively splits the difference between the subcompact Soul and the compact Sportage by pairing tidy exterior dimensions and robust all-wheel drive with enough style and personality to stand on its own. The Seltos feels big on the inside and material quality is superb. Seltos buyers should never leave the showroom feeling shortchanged. Confident handling and aforementioned all-wheel drive should make the Seltos a hit here in New England.

Kia Sorento

Life for the Kia Sorento hasn't been easy. Forced to pull the brand along following the spectacular sales failure of the Borrego, the Sorento now finds itself regularly upstaged by its newer big brother, the Telluride. Despite this, the Sorento makes sense as a family vehicle in the ultra-competitive midsize crossover market. The interior layout is simple and straightforward with upper trim levels adding noticeable luxurious elements to class up the cabin. Acceleration is strong, and the vehicle rides comfortably enough to make long trips a breeze. A third row of seats comes standard, but should only really be used in emergencies. The Sorento functions much better as a two-row SUV with the third row folded flat to maximize cargo space.

Kia Soul

One of my personal favorite cars in the Kia lineup, the Soul's balance of style, practicality, and affordability is hard to beat. It manages the rare feat of being cheap without looking or feeling cheap. The fact that the Soul is popular with people ranging in age from 17 to 77 speaks volumes to its versatility and ease of use. True, it doesn't come with all-wheel drive, but the Soul's engaging handling and a set of proper tires should get the Soul out of most trouble spots.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage holds the distinction of being one of the brand's oldest nameplates in North America, first debuting back in 1993. The vehicle has gone through quite a metamorphosis since then. There was a time when you could buy a three-door Sportage with a convertible roof! Now, the Sportage is a lynchpin to Kia's SUV lineup, and impressed me with its intuitive interior layout, comfy seats, and optional turbocharged engine. Although the current model is getting a bit long in the tooth, it continues to hold its own against the competition.

Kia Stinger

It's rather unfortunate that the Kia Stinger has fallen off the radar as of late. Sales have slowed considerably, and there are questions as to whether the Stinger will live to see a second generation. The loss of the Stinger would be a heavy blow to Kia as well as the entire automotive industry. The halo cast by the Stinger has imbued several of Kia's models with greater degrees of sportiness. With a base price that undercuts similar models from Audi and BMW by several thousand dollars, and performance figures that keep the Germans within reach, the Stinger makes for a compelling performance sedan. When you enter a Stinger, you immediately know that you are getting inside something special. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, deeply bolstered seats, and a distinctive T-shaped shift lever communicate that this car means business. Rear legroom is generous, even though outward rear visibility isn't the best. It even comes with a hatchback, making loading things into the trunk a breeze. Don't let your significant other talk you out of getting a Stinger. Just mention all the practical benefits as well as the Stinger's 365 hp, twin-turbo V6.

Kia Telluride

2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. 2020 Motor Trend SUV of the Year. 2020 World Car of the Year. And now a two-time Car and Driver 10 Best award winner. Does the Kia Telluride lives up to the hype? Yes it does. Forget the K900. That car is a unicorn for the couple hundred people who know or care that it exists. The Telluride is the true flagship of the Kia brand. If you are looking for a new family vehicle, there are not many better choices out there than a Telluride. It's outer appearance is unlike anything else on the market, and the Nightfall Edition package, such as on the Telluride in the photo above, adds an appropriate level of menace to the vehicle. Build quality and materials are top notch and there are plenty of comfort, convenience, and safety features included regardless of trim level. Unlike the Sorento, the Telluride's third row is spacious, and can be enjoyed by children and adults. On the road, the Telluride drives smoothly, with the 291 hp V6 engine never feeling like it is struggling to move the car along. Loaded SX Tellurides top out just below $50,000, a relative bargain for the level of luxury you get. Car and Driver even jokes that people interested in the Telluride should buy one now before Kia realizes how good its car is and raises the price accordingly.