2022 Toyota Highlander: Versatile Family Vehicle

 One of the leaders in the small-to-midsize SUV category for years has been the Toyota Highlander. This versatile vehicle offers good fuel economy, ample space and modest towing capacity.  

The Highlander offers seating for seven or eight passengers over three rows, depending on how it is configured. It offers front- and all-wheel-drive versions as well as powertrain options of a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 295 horsepower or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain that makes 243 horsepower. 

Front-wheel drive versions of the traditional fuel model are rated at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, with all-wheel versions coming in at 20 and 27. 

The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the V-6 engine, which comes in handy if you have a bike trailer or small camper to tote around. The Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The Highlander provides 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seating and an additional 8.6 cubic feet behind the third row. That's not exactly cavernous, but it's reasonable for an SUV of this size. 

For this model year, Toyota introduced a Bronze Edition Highlander Hybrid that stems from the XLE trim level and includes bronze trim on the exterior and interior, bronze 18-inch wheels, SofTex-trimmed seats with bronze stitching and distinctive floormats.

Pricing for the Highlander starts at around $37,000 and ranges to around $51,000.

The Highlander is a good choice for those seeking a modestly sized family vehicle that is reliable and versatile. 

  

University of Virginia: Prestigious Institution has Beautiful Scenery, Rich History

 

AAE recently stopped by the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, it is the commonwealth's flagship university. The grounds, as the campus is called, is rich with history and classic architecture. 

Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery: Scenic Spot in Virginia's Mountains

 

AAE recently took a road trip that included a stop at the Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery in Afton, Va. This beautiful venue is a few miles west of Charlottesville, Va., and is nestled in a breathtaking mountainous setting.

In addition to enjoying amazing views, you can taste the wines and beer that are made right on site, as well as enjoying a menu offering pizzas, tapas and other delicious eats. 

The facility has 35 acres under vine, with more coming. The first plantings took place in 2019. There are slopes that face the South ranging in elevation from 800 feet to 1,140 feet. 

2022 Toyota C-HR: Wise Choice among Compact Crossovers

 

Compact crossovers offer versatility and good fuel economy, and the 2022 Toyota C-HR shows why these vehicles have become so popular. 

The C-HR offers seating for five passengers with a maximum cargo capacity of 37 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down.

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

Under the hood of the C-HR is a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 144 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. 

The C-HR's fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city, 31 highway, according to EPA.

The C-HR offers solid driving dynamics, with crisp handling and smooth acceleration. 

Pricing for the C-HR starts at around $26,000 and ranges to around $29,000.

For a sporty small crossover, the C-HR is a terrific choice. 

2022 Nissan Kicks: You'll Get a Kick Out of This Little Ride

 

Small crossovers have been a large force in the auto sales market in the past few years. Today's test drive model, the 2022 Nissan Kicks, provides a good example of why these vehicles have become so popular. 

This subcompact crossover offers seating for five, although space is a little scarce, so three or four passengers will fit more comfortably. It offers a maximum cargo space of 32.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

The Kicks comes in three trim levels: S, SV and SR.

Under the hood, you'll find a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy for the Kicks is rated at 31 mpg city, 36 highway, according to EPA.

The Kicks offers zippy, fun driving dynamics, with easy handling and firm, reliable braking. And even with its limited space, it's a perfect weekend getaway vehicle for a couple of friends, with ample room to throw in a pair of suitcases and maybe a cooler or other recreational gear. 

And with gas prices being high these days, its' good fuel economy numbers will be appreciated when you visit the pump. 

The Kicks starts at around $21,000 and ranges to around $23,000. 

The Kicks is a zippy little crossover that offers plenty of fun at an affordable price.  

Columbia, S.C.: Capital of the Palmetto State

 

AAE recently visited Columbia, S.C. The capital city of South Carolina, Columbia has a population of around 134,000, and is home to the University of South Carolina. Pictured above is the capitol building. The area around the complex has statues of historic figures including Strom Thurmond, a staunch segregationist who served South Carolina in the U.S. Senate, a monument to the Daughters of the Confederacy and other structures honoring historical figures. 

The state capitol building was the scene of a protest that decried the overturning of a woman's right to reproductive freedom. Many protesters were present on the sidewalk outside the building and many motorists driving by honked their horns in support. 

Tips to Help Get You and Your Vehicle Ready for Summer Road Trips

 

With summer travel season getting into full swing, it's time to think about making sure your vehicle is prepared for road trips. Here are a few tips to help prepare you and your vehicle for the open roads this summer.

- Get an oil change and check fluids

Opinions vary on when and how often to change your engine oil. Some car owners subscribe to the somewhat dated "every three months or 3,000 miles" rule of thumb, while others adhere to oil-change intervals ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Rules of thumb aside, we suggest at least changing your oil (full synthetic or synthetic blend is ideal) and oil filter before heading out on your summer road trip. Fresh oil will keep your engine parts lubricated and moving smoothly, while the new filter will remove any impurities and metal fragments that might otherwise find their way into the motor.

Being stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine might look like an adventure in the movies, but it's no picnic in the middle of a heat wave. Check your coolant level frequently throughout the summer. If the amount of fluid consistently decreases, you may have a leak in your radiator or other issues that need to be addressed.

Seasonal weather changes can also cause other essential fluid levels to fluctuate. Make a habit of periodically checking levels for your power steering, brakes and transmission. These systems and components rely on specific fluids to function properly, so levels should always be maintained in the designated working range.

- Monitor your tire pressure 

As we mentioned earlier, the air pressure in your tires increases when the temperature rises. That's why it's a good idea to routinely check tire pressure throughout the hotter months.

External temperatures and the heat transferred from the road to your tires can generate swings of several pounds in air pressure. It may seem inconsequential, but that extra pressure can impact how your vehicle rides and the longevity of your tires.

- Get your vehicle aligned 

Alignment can be thrown off over time with general wear and tear or it can be caused by running into potholes, hitting curbs, or riding on rough surfaces for extended periods.

If you're planning a long summer trip, you should inspect your vehicle's alignment. Proper alignment improves the handling and overall ride of your automobile, extends tire life and reduces damage to your suspension and other critical components. It can even enhance fuel efficiency.

- Inspect your brakes 

It's fun to let the good times roll, but eventually, they must come to a nice, smooth stop. Your brakes ensure that they do just that — when and where you intend — making the pedal located to the left of the accelerator the most important safety feature on your vehicle. If your brake pedal is tough to push or you can hear a screech when you brake, there could be cause for concern.

Summer's added impact of stop-and-go traffic, long road trips and increased heat takes an even greater toll on your braking system.

Even if your brakes aren't making noises or requiring you to press harder to come to a stop, you should have them checked annually to ensure they're in good condition, especially if you think you might trade in or sell your vehicle before the odometer maxes out.