No. 2 Toyota 4Runner

 

No. 1 Infiniti QX 50

 

2021 Toyota Venza: Attractive Styling, Great Fuel Economy

Toyota first introduced the Venza as a crossover SUV in the late 2000s/early 2010s. It was somewhat dismissed by critics (and the buying public) as just a wagon version of the Camry, Toyota's wildly popular sedan. But for 2021, the Venza is back as a new, mid-size hybrid crossover. 

Under the hood, the Venza has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 219 horsepower and an electric motor, linked to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. 

Fuel economy is rated at 40 mpg city, 37 highway. 

The new Venza offers sweeping exterior lines and dimensions, clearly distancing itself style-wise from its nearest relative, the RAV4. The interior features a Qi wireless phone charger, four USB charging ports and a standard eight-inch multimedia touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

In fact, the styling of this version of the Venza looks in many ways, on the exterior and interior, like that of its luxury relative, the Lexus RX350.

The Venza offers a maximum cargo space of 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Three trim levels are offered: LE, Limited and XLE. 

Pricing for the Venza starts at around $33,000 and ranges to around $41,000. 

If a small crossover with attractive styling and great fuel efficiency is your target, you might want to take aim at the Toyota Venza.  

2021 Subaru Forester: Almost Everything You Could Ask For

 

The 2021 Subaru Forester seems to be just right - that is if you're looking for an SUV that is comfortable, reliable and gets good fuel economy. If those qualities don't appeal to you, you can look elsewhere. 

The Forester has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. 

It offers seating for five in an interior that is larger than it would appear from the exterior. 

The Forester comes in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring. 

The base model features a maximum cargo capacity of 76.1 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. Other trim levels have a max of 70.9 cubic feet.

Fuel economy for the Forester is rated by the EPA at 26 mpg city, 33 highway. That is particularly impressive considering it comes with all-wheel drive, which can drag fuel efficiency. 

The Forester starts at around $25,000 and ranges to around $35,000.

This small(ish) SUV is an excellent choice when it comes to the key attributes most drivers are seeking. 

2021 Toyota Sienna: A Stylish Minivan, of All Things

 

A few years ago, some auto industry observers were predicting the demise of the minivan. SUVs had become kings of the hill, and it looked like the "soccer mom mobile" was headed toward extinction. But thanks to some redesigned models, that never happened. And today's tester, the 2021 Toyota Sienna, provides ample reason why the minivan is alive and well.

The Sienna offers seating for seven or eight passengers. And for this model year, it has been reengineered to be a gas/electric hybrid. Along with the mechanical changes comes a styling change that gives it a more muscular, athletic look. This clearly is not your grandmother's minivan.   

Under the hood of the Sienna is a 2.5-liter V-6 engine and two electric motors linked to an electronically controlled automatic transmission. That combo makes 245 horsepower. 

The standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel drive optional. The Sienna offers up to 101 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Sienna features five trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum.

Pricing starts at around $35,000 and ranges to around $51,000.

For a family hauler that is attractive and fuel efficient, the Sienna is a must to consider. 

Providence Canyon State Park: Georgia's 'Little Grand Canyon'

 

AAE recently made a day trip to Providence Canyon State Park. This park, also known as the Little Grand Canyon, is about 43 miles south of Columbus, Ga., in Lumpkin. 

The park is on 1,003 acres in Stewart County in southwest Georgia. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.

Huge craters, as deep as 150 feet, came about as the result of poor farming practices in the 19th century. The rare Plumleaf Azalea grows only in this region and blooms during July and August when most azaleas have lost their color, according to Explore Georgia. The beautiful colors of the canyon's soil range from pink to orange to red and purple. There are plenty of hiking trails that give you different views of the canyon, including from the canyon floor. 

Alaska: The 49th State is a Great Frontier to Explore

 

AAE recently made a trip all the way across country to visit Alaska. The 49th state offers abundant natural beauty, great food and a wondrous atmosphere that's difficult to describe. Pictured above is a panoramic view of Anchorage, the largest city in the state. 

Wildlife in Alaska is fascinating. Pictured above are a polar bear and a grizzly bear (after treatment by a taxidermist, of course). The size and power of these majestic animals is something to behold, even if they aren't live. 

This municipal building in downtown Anchorage offered a quaint setting for passersby to take in. Anchorage proved to be a very walkable city that offered a mix of restaurants and shops that can be enjoyed. 

Alaskans take pride and enjoyment in their "frontier lifestyle" that provides adventure and plenty to see and experience. This shop featured souvenirs, collectibles and all things Alaska that one might imagine. 

The culture of Native Alaskans lives on today, as is evident by this totem pole and other artistic expressions that you'll find in the area. 

This moose (again, treated by a taxidermist) stands tall and proud in the Anchorage airport. It gives visitors some perspective on how massive these animals are.