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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Sep 9, 2019

Autotrader Names 12 Best Electric Vehicles for 2019

ATLANTA, Sept. 16, 2019 — Whether a new-car shopper’s motivation for buying an electric vehicle (EV) is environmental, political or financial, choices abound now more than ever before in the marketplace. With more than 50 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models available today, many new-car shoppers need help navigating the terms to master and information to digest among the choices in this continuously growing vehicle category. With that in mind, the editors at Autotrader recently scored currently available new vehicles that feature a plug, ultimately naming the 12 Best Electric Vehicles for 2019.

“There are a lot of very good electric vehicles available at a wide variety of price points today, and the technology for EVs continues to grow and evolve,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “EV shoppers should remember that despite an often-higher initial purchase price when compared to gasoline-powered cars of the same size, for the most part, EVs are more rewarding to drive and require less maintenance than a traditional automobile.”

Beyond the plug-in qualifier and 2019 on-sale date, Autotrader editors considered some objective factors including maximum range, electric-only range (for PHEVs) and price. Other factors, such as drivability and value, were a bit more subjective in nature. Categories were scored on a 1-to-5 scale, with 5 being the high score. Vehicles were not ranked in this list because the group of considered vehicles is so diverse, consisting of PHEVs and EVs, luxury and non-luxury, as well as cars and CUVs. Every pick earned a combined average score of at least 3.8 out of a possible 5.

Autotrader’s 12 Best Electric Vehicles for 2019

Vehicle Price* Vehicle Range Information*
2020 Chevrolet Bolt Premier (EV) $41,895 Est. Total Range: 259 miles
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited (PHEV) $47,290 Est. Electric-Only Range: 32 miles; Est. Total Range: 520 miles
2019 Honda Clarity (PHEV) $34,330 Est. Electric-Only Range: 47 miles; Est. Total Range: 340 miles
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL $38,045 Est. Total Range: 258 miles
2019 Jaguar iPace HSE (EV) $81,525 Est. Total Range: 234 miles
2019 Kia Niro EV EX $39,545 Est. Total Range: 239 miles
2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (PHEV) $69,895 Est. Electric-Only Range: 18 miles (Lincoln estimate); Est. Total Range: TBD
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL $36,890 Est. Electric-Only Range: 22 miles; Est. Total Range: 310 miles
2019 Nissan Leaf S Plus $37,445 Est. Total Range: 226 miles
2019 Porsche Panamera 4 e-hybrid Sport Turismo (PHEV) $108,150 Est. Electric-Only Range: 14 miles; Est. Total Range: 490 miles
2019 Tesla Model 3 Single Motor (EV) $40,190 Est. Total Range: 240 miles
2020 Volvo XC60 T8 Momentum (PHEV) $55,590 Est. Electric-Only Range: 19 miles; Est. Total Range: 520 miles

*Prices include the factory delivery charge and represent the base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the specific model listed. Some vehicles still qualify for all or a portion of the government’s $7,500 tax credit, but Autotrader editors did not include that information in their decision-making process (because it can change during the year based on volume). Range estimates are the government’s and are not based on Autotrader’s findings.

To learn more about Autotrader’s 12 Best Electric Vehicles for 2019, including full editorial commentary on each vehicle and details about available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/12-best-electric-vehicles-2019-281474979952885.

View EV and hybrid models available in your local area here: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Hybrid/. For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today’s empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

426

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Aug 8, 2019

Autotrader Unveils Best Cars for Dog Lovers & Limited-Edition Dog Goggles this National Dog Day

ATLANTA, Aug. 22, 2019 — Autotrader recognizes that most things in life are not one size fits all – including searching for the ideal vehicle or finding the newest four-legged furry addition to your family. For the sixth year in a row, Autotrader celebrates National Dog Day, on August 26, by revealing their list of Best Cars for Dog Lovers as well as the creation of limited-edition goggles for dogs, to keep dogs safe and stylish while traveling in the car with the windows down.

Through Autotrader’s special-edition website Dogtrader.com, dog parents can enter for a chance to win this limited-edition accessory from August 22 through September 121. As part of the program, Autotrader will donate funds to Adopt-a-Pet.com to help get homeless dogs out of shelters and into loving homes. Autotrader is committed to shining a light on dog adoption, which is why, on Dogtrader.com, dog lovers can search for local pups in their area and help get homeless dogs out of shelters and into loving homes, which is the real mission of National Dog Day.

Dogs are considered members of the family and with this in mind, the editors at Autotrader curated a list of the best rides for fur parents to help shoppers find the perfect new car for traveling with their four-legged friends. This list includes vehicles that are both safe and comfortable for pets and their owners.

“At Autotrader, our goal is to help people navigate the car buying process through our extensive lists of vehicles that suit consumers’ various needs,” says Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. “With this in mind, we came up with a list of cars that offer both comfort and convenience features pet owners should consider if they’re buying a car.”

Vehicles on Autotrader’s list of 10 Best Cars for Dog Lovers of 2019* include:

2019 BMW X2

2019 Buick Regal TourX

2019 Chrysler Pacifica

2019 Honda Fit

2019 Jeep Wrangler

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

2019 Tesla Model 3

2019 Toyota RAV4

2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country

*Models are unranked, listed in alphabetical order

While comfort is an important factor when choosing your car, truck or SUV, safety is of the upmost importance. The cars on this list have extensive features geared at keeping both human and canine passengers safe – including a level cargo floor, rear air vents and more.

For more information about Autotrader’s must-have accessories for your dog, pet safety tips when driving or to find your new dog, visit Dogtrader.com. To learn more about the 10 Best Cars for Dog Lovers of 2019 go to https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-best-cars-dog-lovers-2019-edition-281474979945540.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today’s empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive marketing solutions guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.  

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

About Adopt-a-Pet.com

Adopt-a-Pet.com is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website, helping over 18,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their purebred and mixed breed pets for free to millions of adopters each month. Sponsored by Purina, the Petco Foundation and Bayer Animal Health LLC, Adopt-a-Pet.com helps homeless dogs, cats, and even rabbits and other animals go from alone to adopted.

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

454

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Aug 8, 2019

Kelley Blue Book Names 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2019

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 6, 2019  -- The 2019-2020 school year is right around the corner, and many parents and students are thinking about their transportation needs to campus and activities. With another semester about to kick-off, the editors at Kelley Blue Book have named the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2019.

"While parents and young drivers may not always agree on the ideal car for going to school, there are some great choices out there that can serve as common ground," said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. "We've chosen 10 new cars for students that are a great mix of safe, reliable, cool and affordable, with the fuel-efficient and sporty 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback at the top of the list. The Corolla Hatchback offers an impressive suite of advanced safety features that will ease parents' minds, along with things sure to be high on teens' must-have lists like Apple CarPlay."

In choosing the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2019, KBB.com's expert editors hand-picked a selection of new cars they recommend for students that are available starting around $20,000 or less, according to Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price. Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price and Fair Market Range are part of KBB.com's Price Advisor tool, showing what consumers can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for a new vehicle when purchasing from a dealer. Factors such as current market conditions, vehicle availability, local demand, and seasonal buying trends all help determine a vehicle's Fair Market Range and Fair Purchase Price. 

Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2019

Rank

Year

Make

Model

Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price*

1

2019

Toyota

Corolla Hatchback

$19,205

2

2019

Kia

Soul

$16,138

3

2019

Honda

Civic

$18,505

4

2019

Mazda

Mazda3

$20,913

5

2019

Volkswagen

Jetta

$16,749

6

2019

Honda

Fit

$16,080

7

2019

Hyundai

Kona

$19,638

8

2019

Honda

HR-V

$20,538

9

2019

Subaru

Impreza

$18,141

10

2019

Nissan

Kicks

$18,290

*Fair Purchase Prices for base models were sourced on July 27, 2019. Prices are updated weekly and vary based on region.

To see KBB.com's complete coverage of the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2019, including full editorial comments about each model, pricing details, vehicle photography, inventory and more, visit https://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/best-back-to-school-cars/2100007646/.

Car Shopping and Buying Tips for Students and Parents:

To help ensure driving and ownership satisfaction into the coming school year and beyond, follow these guidelines for getting the right car at the right price:

  • - Do Your Research: All the information you need to make a smart car-buying decision is available at KBB.com, including both expert and consumer reviews and ratings, Price Advisor information including Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, side-by-side comparisons, safety and reliability ratings, and more.

 

  • - Know What It Is Going to Cost You: Once you've narrowed it down to a few models that you are interested in, be sure to check out not only what it will cost you up front to buy the car, but also what it will cost you over time to own the vehicle. KBB.com's 5-Year Cost-to-Own information for new cars can help you determine both.

 

  • - Drive At Least Two or Three Different Models: It's easy to enjoy a test drive in the vehicle at the top of your list, but without driving one or two others to compare, you might easily miss out on something you'd like even more.

 

  • - If Buying New: Always use a vehicle's Fair Purchase Price, not Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), as your basis for comparing vehicles and negotiating with the dealer. Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price reflects the prices people are typically paying a dealer for a new car, based on new-car transactions and adjusted regularly as market conditions change. Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price may be hundreds or even thousands of dollars less than MSRP.

 

  • - If Buying Used: Whether buying from a private party or a dealer, it's always a good idea to have any used vehicle checked out by a reputable independent service shop. When purchasing from an individual, check out the private-party value from KBB.com as well as Kelley Blue Book's Condition Quiz. These items will help you determine the "actual" condition and value of the vehicle.

 

  • - Consider Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): When you buy a CPO vehicle, you get the value of buying a used car with the peace of mind that comes from getting new-car-like features, such as a manufacturer-backed vehicle warranty, full vehicle inspection and more. Learn more about buying CPO, compare all manufacturer CPO programs and even search for CPO vehicle inventory in your local area on KBB.com.

 

  • - Shop Online: Use the Internet to find the exact vehicles local dealers in your area currently have on their lots. You can check out inventory in the 'Cars for Sale' section on KBB.com to save the time and hassle of driving around from dealership to dealership. This way you can choose wisely which models you want to go test drive.

 

  • - Parents: Don't buy a car for your teen without driving it yourself, as your experience can help you identify problems or shortcomings that your teen may not notice. Also, trust your own judgment and don't let your teen talk you into buying a vehicle with which you're not fully comfortable.

 

  • - Teens: Do all of your homework before you meet with mom or dad; show them you are responsible and ready for a car, and make it easy for them to say "yes" to your well-researched choice.

 

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com).

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

396

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Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Jul 7, 2019

Kelley Blue Book Names 10 Most Awarded Cars, Brands of 2019

IRVINE, Calif., July 18, 2019 -- With more than 350 automotive models available in the marketplace and new nameplates being introduced each year, the process of choosing a new car can be overwhelming. To provide shoppers with helpful, bite-sized lists they can use to start their new-car research with confidence, the editors at Kelley Blue Book have named the 10 Most Awarded Cars of 2019 and the 10 Most Awarded Brands of 2019.

Kelley Blue Book's experts recently sorted through the winners from all of the company's 2019 awards programs, compiling lists of the vehicles and brands that were recognized most often this year. Kelley Blue Book's major annual awards programs include the Best Buy Awards, Best Auto Tech Awards, Best Resale Value Awards, 5-Year Cost to Own Awards and Brand Image Awards. In addition, the various car accolade lists created by Kelley Blue Book's editorial staff this year – including the 10 Coolest Cars Under $20,000, Best Family Cars, 10 Best SUVs Under $30,000, and many more – also were factored into the final count.

"Kelley Blue Book's expert editors drive and review nearly every new car on the road each year, so we have an abundance of knowledge that fuels our editorial awards and accolades, while our analysts evaluate tremendous amounts of data to help determine which vehicles make the cut for Kelley Blue Book's awards," said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. "Kelley Blue Book's Most Awarded Car for 2019 is the Jeep Wrangler, a recently redesigned icon and perennial favorite that excels in many categories, while Honda leads as the Most Awarded Brand for 2019."

Kelley Blue Book's 10 Most Awarded Cars of 2019

Rank

Year

Make

Model

Sample Editorial Comments

1

2019

Jeep

Wrangler

The top vehicle on this list is the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, an American classic that was all-new last year. Jeep did an admirable job of making the Wrangler more capable, more refined, and more fuel-efficient without losing any of what makes this vehicle an icon. The Wrangler was a no-brainer for KBB.com's list of 10 Best SUVs Under $30,000, and it also boasts Best Resale Value Awards and 5-Year Cost to Own Awards.

2

2019

Honda

Civic

The 2019 Honda Civic offers mass appeal, with sedan, hatchback and coupe body styles. It has been named Kelley Blue Book's Small Car Best Buy every year since the award's inception, and also was named one of the Best Sedans Under $30,000, and one of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $20,000.

3

2019

Honda

CR-V

The CR-V is Honda's best-selling model, and a perennial award-winner for 2019. It was named Kelley Blue Book's Compact SUV Best Buy, as well as one of KBB.com's Best Family Cars, 10 Best SUVs Under $30,000, and 10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $30,000.

4

2019

Honda

Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is such an impressive vehicle Kelley Blue Book called it not only the best minivan on the road, but the best family car ever. High praise for the Odyssey continued throughout the year, as it was Kelley Blue Book's Minivan Best Buy, a Best Resale Value Award winner, a 5-Year Cost to Own Award winner, and a Best Family Car of 2019.

5

2019

Honda

Accord

Following a complete redesign last year, the Honda Accord continues its award-winning ways as Kelley Blue Book's Midsize Car Best Buy for 2019. The Accord also is one of KBB.com's 10 Best Sedans Under $30,000, a Best Resale Value Award winner, and a 5-Year Cost to Own Award winner.

6

2019

Subaru

Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is a small but mighty crossover that offers the all-season practicality of ground clearance and all-wheel drive, plus the city-friendly size that makes it easy to maneuver around town. The Crosstrek offers another level of practicality, too, earning a Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award and 5-Year Cost to Own Award.

7

2019

Volvo

XC40

Volvo's subcompact luxury SUV has the unique styling, tech-forward amenities, and commitment to safety for which Volvo is known, in a vehicle that slots in below the XC90 and XC60. Kelley Blue Book awarded XC40 the Subcompact Luxury SUV Best Buy, and also named it the Best Buy Best New Model.

8

2019

Hyundai

Veloster

The new-for-2019 Hyundai Veloster isn't just a fuel-efficient small car with distinctive styling. In N form, it's also a high-performance car available for less than $30,000. Kelley Blue Book named the Veloster N its Sports Car Best Buy and one of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $30,000, and the Veloster was named one of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $20,000.

9

2019

Hyundai

Santa Fe

Hyundai's Santa Fe is all-new for 2019, and is more spacious, more stylish and more family-friendly than ever before. Santa Fe offers a lot of value, which is one of the reasons Kelley Blue Book named it one of the Best Family Cars of 2019, as well as one of the 10 Best SUVs Under $30,000. The Santa Fe also boasts a 5-Year Cost to Own Award.

10

2019

Toyota

Tacoma

With a long history of accolades that reflect its legendary reliability, the Toyota Tacoma continues to be a truck that you can depend on in the long run. For 2019, the Tacoma won Kelley Blue Book awards for Best Resale Value and 5-Year Cost to Own. Tacoma also celebrates its five-year run as the vehicle with the overall Best Resale Value.

"With its decades-long established reputation for strong resale value and reliability, Honda came out on top as Kelley Blue Book's Most Awarded Brand this year," said DeLorenzo. "The Accord, Fit, Civic, HR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Clarity, CR-V, and Ridgeline all earned accolades this year – including six Best Buy Awards – for an incredible total of 31 Kelley Blue Book awards in 2019."

Kelley Blue Book's 10 Most Awarded Brands of 2019

Rank

Year

Make

1

2019

Honda

2

2019

Toyota

3

2019

Subaru

4

2019

Hyundai

5

2019

Lexus

6

2019

Chevrolet

7

2019

Ford

8

2019

Porsche

9

2019

Kia

10

2019

Volkswagen

To see KBB.com's complete coverage of the 10 Most Awarded Cars of 2019, visit https://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/most-awarded-cars-2019/2100007609. For full coverage of the 10 Most Awarded Brands of 2019, including editors' comments about each automaker, visit https://www.kbb.com/car-news/most-awarded-brands-2019/2100007608.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com).

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

Media Sales Manager

421

No Comments

Bryant Gibby

Driving Sales

May 5, 2019

Autotrader Names 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2019

ATLANTA, May 21, 2019 -- After years of late nights in the library and the local pizza shop, a new set of graduates is finally ready to enter the "real world." Now, they just need the right car to get them there. Against the backdrop of rising car prices and looming student loan debt, the editors at Autotrader have identified the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2019 – options that are affordable and appealing.

"Entering the next phase of their lives, many college graduates are looking for a vehicle that is reliable, safe and fun to drive," said Tara Trompeter, managing editor of Autotrader. "Whether commuting to work or picking up a date, finding the perfect vehicle at the right price can be a challenge for these young adults. All of the vehicles selected provide an entry-level car that will have recent graduates riding in style as they begin their new journey."

10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2019

2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler

Making its way on the market well before these graduates were in middle school, the Jeep Wrangler JK generation is perfect for young adults who want to do some off-roading and like the classic utilitarian look. The vehicle received an update in 2012 to feature a more powerful V6 engine, automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.

2014-2019 Kia Soul

While the Kia Soul is all-new for 2020 and might be a bit out of price range, the outgoing second-generation model is affordable, spacious and reliable when it comes to safety and style.

2015-2019 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang began its current generation in 2015 with big improvements on the interior design and quality. Available as a coupe or convertible with automatic or manual transmission, the Ford Mustang is a great way for a college graduate to enjoy a quick, sporty car before family life kicks in.

2015-2019 GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon is a great option for college graduates who like the idea of a truck, but don't want something that is too big and thirsty for gas. Beware: your friends might call you when it's time to move out of their dorm after the festivities!

2015-2019 Honda Fit

Don't be fooled by the Fit's subcompact proportions! This vehicle has a huge reconfigurable interior with a back seat that is roomier than several cars that are a size bigger.

2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt

With an impressive all-electric range of 53 miles and a modern interior, the Chevy Volt is a fantastic plug-in hybrid that is perfect for environmentally conscious drivers or anyone trying to save on fuel costs.

2016-2019 Hyundai Tucson

Featuring a roomy, quiet interior and high reliability ratings, the Hyundai Tucson is the best bang for your buck in a used compact SUV.

2016-2019 Toyota Prius

While the Toyota Prius might not be the coolest looking vehicle to impress your date, it is simply one of the most practical a recent grad can buy. Equipped with safety features, decent sized cargo area and affordability, the Toyota Prius is a great option.

2017-2019 Mazda CX-5

As a class leader, the Mazda CX-5 will make drivers feel like they're in a much more expensive vehicle from the smooth ride, sharp handling and roomy, comfortable seats.

2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Offering a light off-roader with better road manners, the Subaru Crosstrek comes with symmetrical all-wheel drive, spacious back seats and good gas mileage. This car is perfect if you want to go camping with a couple of friends and not worry about how much you'll have to spend at the pump. *

To learn more about the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2019, including photos, vehicle information and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/best-cars-recent-college-graduates-2019-edition-281474979928838.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com)

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

* Models unranked listed by model year and alphabetized by manufacturer

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May 5, 2019

Autotrader Names 10 Best Non-Luxury and Luxury CPO Programs for 2019

ATLANTA, May 16, 2019 -- There's no worse feeling than falling in love with a vehicle and later having your heart broken from sticker shock. In today's market, the average new car costs nearly $37,000. While this figure might be alarming, consumers can still drive away in their dream car without going over budget by taking advantage of certified pre-owned (CPO) programs. With so many programs to choose from, the experts at Autotrader have identified the 10 Best Non-Luxury CPO Programs and 10 Best Luxury CPO Programs for 2019 to narrow shopping lists and give consumers a sense of security, but at a more affordable price.

"Certified pre-owned programs offer consumers amenities that rival those of many new cars, thanks to manufacturer-backed warranties and rigorous inspection processes. While all CPO programs are great, some stand out from the crowd," said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader. "Hyundai and Lexus won our vote for the top spots in their classes for the second consecutive year due to great warranty coverage and amazing perks should anything go wrong."

10 Best Non-Luxury CPO Programs for 2019*

Overall Winner: Hyundai

Chevrolet/GMC

Dodge/Jeep/Ram

Ford

Honda

Kia

Mazda

Nissan

Subaru

Toyota

10 Best Luxury CPO Programs for 2019*

Overall Winner: Lexus

Acura

Buick

Cadillac

Chrysler

Infiniti

Jaguar

Land Rover

Lincoln

Porsche

*Additional programs listed alphabetically below the Overall Winner

Hyundai's CPO program is a clear leader in the non-luxury pack, primarily for its 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the balance of which transfers to the CPO vehicles. Hyundai requires a $50 deductible for all covered repairs, but CPO coverage is fully transferable. Other benefits include a free CARFAX history report, free roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage of $100 per day for up to five days when at least 150 miles from home. 

Our choice for Lexus' program among luxury vehicles was clear: The CPO warranty adds 2 years and unlimited mileage to the remaining balance of the original 4-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new-car warranty (which includes powertrain coverage). Lexus CPO vehicles also offer four free scheduled maintenance visits, complimentary loaner cars during covered repairs and free roadside assistance. 

The 2019 10 Best Non-Luxury and Luxury CPO Programs were identified based on a series of factors, including powertrain warranty length (with a minimum of six years or 100,000 miles of coverage from the original sale date), available inventory, bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage and transferability to future vehicle owners.

To learn more about the 10 Best Non-Luxury and Luxury Certified Pre-Owned Programs from Autotrader's expert editors, including full coverage and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-best-non-luxury-certified-pre-owned-programs-2019-281474979924303 and https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-best-luxury-certified-pre-owned-programs-2019-281474979924301.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com).

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.  

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

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May 5, 2019

Kelley Blue Book Names 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 for 2019

IRVINE, Calif., May 15, 2019  -- While the average new car on the road today costs nearly $37,000, there are still plenty of vehicle options available at a more affordable price that don't sacrifice comfort and style. The expert editors at Kelley Blue Book name the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 for 2019, proving you can find a dynamic and less expensive vehicle that still turns heads. The 2019 Kia Soul takes the No. 1 spot on this year's list.

"Stylish designs, affordable price points, and loaded with technology and safety features – this year's Coolest Cars check all the boxes for today's car shoppers," said Michael Harley, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book. "With functional and fashionable looks inside and out, the Kia Soul tops this year's list with its alluring combination of bold style, SUV-like versatility, practicality, and low ownership costs."

Kelley Blue Book's 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 for 2019

Rank

Year

Make

Model

1

2019

Kia

Soul

2

2019

Toyota

Corolla Hatchback

3

2019

Honda

Civic

4

2019

Hyundai

Kona

5

2019

Hyundai

Veloster

6

2019

Volkswagen

Golf

7

2019

Nissan

Kicks

8

2019

Subaru

Impreza

9

2019

Honda

Fit

10

2019

Volkswagen

Jetta

Two longstanding criteria – that the vehicle is both fun to drive and fun to own – are critical among the deciding factors of what Kelley Blue Book editors freely admit is a very subjective "cool factor," which is also the over-arching No. 1 criterion for a vehicle to place on this list. Each vehicle is available for purchase starting at $20,000 or less*, using Kelley Blue Book's exclusive Fair Purchase Price as the yardstick. Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price and Fair Market Range are part of KBB.com's Price Advisor tool, showing what consumers can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for a new vehicle when purchasing from a dealer. Factors such as current market conditions, vehicle availability, local demand, and seasonal buying trends all help determine a vehicle's Fair Market Range and Fair Purchase Price. 

To see KBB.com's full coverage of the 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 for 2019, including full editorial comments about each model, pricing details, vehicle photography, inventory and more, visit https://www.kbb.com/car-news/coolest-new-cars-under-20000/2100005410/.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com).

*Vehicles appearing on Kelley Blue Book's 2019 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 list were available for less than$20,000 according to regional Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Prices as of May 10, 2019.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Apr 4, 2019

Kelley Blue Book Announces 2019 Brand Image Award Winners

IRVINE, Calif., April 17, 2019 – Automotive brands are among the most recognizable, most valued brands in the world. There are few products more ubiquitous in our day-to-day lives than the automobile and capturing the hearts and minds of car shoppers could mean more sales in the long run. Recognizing automakers’ outstanding achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that earn the attention and enthusiasm of new-car buyers, Kelley Blue Book today announces the 2019 Brand Image Award winners, based on annual new-car buyer perception data. Award categories are calculated among luxury, non-luxury and truck shoppers.

“Building familiarity and loyalty among car shoppers has never been more important to automakers, especially as the market is flooded with all-new and redesigned models competing for market share,” said Hwei-Lin Oetken, director of strategic insights for Kelley Blue Book. “Compelling product and marketing communications continues to influence purchase consideration. This year’s winners have attracted car shoppers based on many attributes that are important to consumers and motivate them toward their ultimate purchase decision.”

2019 Brand Image Award Winners: Non-Luxury Brands

Honda

Best Overall Brand

Subaru

Most Trusted Brand

Honda

Best Value Brand

Honda

Most Refined Brand

Mazda

Best Performance Brand

Dodge

Best Car Styling Brand

 

2019 Brand Image Award Winner: Truck Brand

Toyota

Best Overall Truck Brand

 

2019 Brand Image Award Winners:  Luxury Brands

Lexus

Best Overall Luxury Brand

Lexus

Most Trusted Luxury Brand

Acura

Best Value Luxury Brand

Mercedes-Benz

Most Refined Luxury Brand

Porsche

Best Performance Luxury Brand

Porsche

Best Car Styling Luxury Brand

 

For 2019, Honda wins Best Overall Brand for the second consecutive year. Honda achieved the highest average score across all ratings of non-luxury models. Honda’s sterling reputation for quality and breadth of its lineup is what makes it a repeat winner. On the luxury side, Lexus wins Best Overall Luxury Brand for the fourth year in a row, achieving the highest average score across all ratings of luxury models. The Lexus RX, LS, NX and ES consistently received high ratings among consumers, helping to drive the brand win. Most noteworthy, Toyota dethroned Ford and wins its second-ever Best Overall Truck Brand award. The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma received the No. 2 and No. 3 highest model rating in the latest Brand Watch study, pushing the brand to victory.

New to the winners’ circle for 2019 are Acura with it’s Best Value Luxury Brand win, Porsche for Best Car Styling Luxury Brand, Dodge for Best Car Styling Brand and Toyota as the Best Overall Truck Brand.

The 2019 Brand Image Awards are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book Strategic Insights’ Brand Watch study. Brand Watch is an online brand and model perception tracking study, which taps into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on KBB.com. The highly comprehensive study offers insight into how shoppers perceive important factors driving their purchase decisions and captures brand/model familiarity and loyalty among new-car shoppers. For more information about the 2019 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards, visit https://www.kbb.com/new-cars/brand-image-awards/.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kbb_com/ (or @kbb_com).

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com

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Apr 4, 2019

Car Buyers Visiting Fewer Dealerships, Making Faster Decisions as Online Engagement Rises

ATLANTA, April 15, 2019 – According to a new study released today by Cox Automotive, budget-minded, time-strapped, tech-savvy U.S. car buyers are spending a higher percentage of their shopping time online and less total time in market as they hunt for their perfect ride. The 2019 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey study also indicates consumers continue to be frustrated by new-vehicle prices and are more likely than ever to be shopping for used vehicles.

“While better online tools are helping people find the information they need, there is still more work that needs to be done to improve the car buying experience, according to our latest study,” said Isabelle Helms, vice president of Research and Market Intelligence for Cox Automotive. “At the dealership, filling out paperwork and negotiating a price remain top frustrations for most consumers.”

The study indicates only 39% of car buyers believe the process has improved since the last time they bought a car, an indicator the industry still has ample room for progress. And less than 10% of car buyers are negotiating price online or filling out paperwork, activities that are known to improve the overall experience.

Adds Helms, “However, we found that consumers are spending more of their shopping time online while making faster decisions and spending fewer days in market.” The findings: Car buyers spend an estimated 61% of active shopping time online – up from 57% in 2017 – and are in market an average of 96 days, a drop of more than 20 days in the past two years. What’s more, approximately 50% of used-car buyers and 44% of new-car buyers are now spending 30 days or less in-market.

The number of dealerships visited in the car-buying process also continues to drop. On average, according to the 2019 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey study, car buyers who purchased from a dealership visited 2.3 dealers. In 2017, the average buyer visited 2.7 dealership. Further, 41% of buyers now visit just one dealership during the car-buying process, up from 30% in the 2017 study.

Used is the New “New” for a Majority of U.S. Car Buyers
As the price of a new vehicle in the U.S. continues to increase – the average price paid for a new vehicle purchased in December 2018 was $35,671, according to data from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book – more buyers are turning to used-car lots to fulfill their mobility needs. According to this most recent study, nearly two-thirds of car shoppers (64%) are now leaning toward a used vehicle.

According to Cox Automotive research, the average monthly new car loan payment in Q1 2019 was $567, up 3.4% from a year earlier, while the average lease payment rose 2.7% to $500. The average monthly payment for a used car, however, rose less than 1% to $414.

Affordability is a top factor for vehicle buyers according to Cox Automotive. In 2012, approximately 54% of vehicles were priced under $30,000. That number has dropped to 35% today. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles priced over $50,000 jumped fourfold, from 6% in 2012 to 24% today. It comes as no surprise then that 48% of consumers feel that owning or leasing a vehicle is becoming too expensive, up from 42% in 2015.

Purchase Process is Better, but Still Needs Improving
Although shopping for a vehicle has increasingly become an online activity and, in turn, is taking less time to complete, most consumers are not noticing a change. According to the study, an estimated 52% of buyers believe their most recent car-buying experience was unchanged from their previous experience; 39% believe it was better than before; 9% believe it was worse.

Buyers who negotiate and complete their required paperwork online are notably more satisfied with the buying process, as are those who spend less than 2 hours total at the dealership. Completing paperwork and negotiating a final price are the top frustrations with car buyers today.

According to the 2019 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey, few buyers perform those tasks online, despite the fact they would likely be more satisfied if they did. Less than 10% of vehicle buyers report negotiating the final price of their new vehicle online; only 5% filled out all the required paperwork. Yet, consumers who negotiated online or completed paperwork online spent 45 minutes less time at the dealership and reported being more satisfied with the dealership experience. 

Looking for Car Buyers? Look Online. 
Following a 20-plus-year trend sparked in part by the launch of Autotrader.com in 1997, the percent of car-shopping time spent online continues to increase. The 2019 Car Buyer Journey shows car buyers are spending 61% of their total shopping time online, up from 57% two years ago. Overall shopping time, however, has dropped for both new- and used-vehicle buyers. According to the Cox Automotive study, consumers today spend an estimated 13 hours and 55 minutes researching and shopping for a vehicle, down from 14 hours and 44 minutes in 2017.

Third-party online sites such as Autotrader.com and KBB.com, two Cox Automotive brands, continue to be the most trusted sources for helping consumers choose the right product. When asked, 52% of buyers indicate a third-party website was used to make the final decision on a vehicle brand. Dealer websites were cited 34% of the time, while official auto manufacturer websites were cited by 33 % of buyers. Only 10 % of vehicle buyers trusted social media sites such as Facebook to help with their final decision on a vehicle brand.

When ready to purchase, the study found that 34% of new-vehicle buyers and 43% of used buyers visit only one dealership.

Product is Still King
According to the 2019 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey, roughly one-third of new-car buyers ultimately choose a brand they have never owned before, with their decision mostly driven by product attributes and the deal offered.

In courting new-vehicle buyers, automakers focused heavily on traditional television advertising are mostly wasting their time and money, according to the new study, which indicates only 13% of new-to-the-make buyers became aware of the make through television advertising. Word of mouth from friends and family is the most cited source of influence, followed by the internet, where third-party sites are the top driver of awareness.

“For new-vehicle buyers, product is king,” said Helms. “Our study found buyers to be most interested in product details and vehicle specifications, followed by brand reputation and the deal offered.” 

About the 2019 Cox Automotive Car Buyer Journey
Cox Automotive’s Car Buyer Journey is a reoccurring study to monitor key changes in consumer vehicle buying behaviors. In 2019, over 3,000 recent vehicle buyers participated (1,047 used-vehicle buyers and 2,039 new-vehicle buyers). Results are weighted to accurately reflect the market. For more details on the findings, you can access the report here: https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/2019-car-buyer-journey-study

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

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Apr 4, 2019

Autotrader Names Best New Cars for 2019 Award Winners

ATLANTA, April 11, 2019 – Finding your perfect match can be difficult, and everyone is searching for that one vehicle that checks all the boxes. With more than 300 vehicle models available, this becomes a daunting task that leaves consumers with more questions than answers. The options are endless, examining vehicle technology, safety features, driving condition options, style, make, model and trim level. Autotrader can help narrow down that shopping list. After spending the past year testing nearly every model on the market, the experts at Autotrader have decided on a list of 12 vehicles that are the best of the best.

“Not only are consumers often overwhelmed by the sheer number of vehicles on the market, but they also get lost in the frenzy of constantly changing technology, features and vehicle capabilities,” said Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader. “Our team selected a diverse group of vehicles that will benefit car shoppers with a variety of needs and lifestyles. These vehicles are good looking and handle well, plus they have features everyone will love.” 

The Autotrader 2019 Best New Cars were chosen on a wide-ranging set of criteria, including interior comfort and materials, build quality, available features and ride quality. Each vehicle was agreed upon unanimously by the entire editorial and data team at Autotrader. To be considered, a vehicle must be of the current or next model-year and available for purchase at the time of the awards announcement. We also capped the price at $75,000, meaning the cars and trucks on our list offer a significant value for the asking price. Not only was value a top priority, vehicles were also judged on available technology and a rewarding or dynamic driving experience. 

These models truly have something unique that separates them from their competition. The variety of award-winning models below are weighted equally and are unranked. 

Autotrader’s 2019 Best New Cars

2019 Acura RDX

The new Acura RDX is a full-fledged luxury/sport utility vehicle on par with Europe’s best. Its turbocharged engine is quick, responsive and efficient, averaging 28 miles per gallon. For drivers that love to blast music, they will love the optional ELS sound system – it’s one of the best available in any new car on the market.

2019 Ford Ranger

Ford has resurrected the Ranger name for 2019 and this version is not stuck in the 90s. This Ranger is a competent and agile little brother to the well-established Ford F-150. As the right combination of work-ready and everyday-useful, the 2019 Ford Ranger is perfect for the needs of most Americans.

2019 Genesis G70

The Genesis G70 had the editors at Autotrader uttering a series of “inconceivable” proclamations every time they got behind the wheel. And this time, it does mean what they think it means. The G70 packs a lot of fun into a tidy package and does it for a reasonable price. The interior is a highlight that rivals cars costing tens of thousands of dollars more, but at this price, it’s a no brainer the G70 made the Best New Cars for 2019 list.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

The Sierra is staking out its own territory in the full-size pickup world. With unique features and a traditional but modern look, the Sierra is a great truck in the full-size pickup world. GMC’s Multi-Pro tailgate is more than just a parlor trick; it gives a wow factor to a feature that that has been taken for granted for years. 

2019 Honda Passport

Finally, “sport” and “utility” tangibly make sense together when describing the Honda Passport. Move over Pilot, the Passport’s rugged look is the newer, hotter version in town.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace

If car shoppers are suddenly going to start buying electric cars based on things like attractiveness, fun and a rewarding driving experience, the I-Pace is the EV to get them there. Tesla started the luxury electric car revolution, but Jaguar takes it to a whole new level. 

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

The GLE 450 is a luxury SUV that pulls no punches. The GLE 450 offers drivers the best of both worlds: off-road capabilities yet serene on the road. Equipped with forward-thinking technology, this luxury SUV is arguably the world’s most perfect car.

2019 Nissan Altima

Debuting innovative features, the Nissan Altima keeps the overall look of the car similar to previous models. Some highlights are the new high-tech turbo engine, all-wheel drive option and driver assist features that landed this vehicle on the list. And we couldn’t forget Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2019 RAM 1500

Combining brute strength with class-leading luxury, the RAM 1500 easily pushes other trucks to the side. A few distinguishable features include a high-end audio system, super soft leather and a large touch screen – it all equals a really plush cab, added to an available 12,750-lb towing capacity.

2019 Subaru Ascent

Surprise, the new Ascent isn’t really a surprise. Instead, the Subaru Ascent is exactly what Subaru owners have wanted for years: a three-row SUV that allows growing families to stay in the Subaru family.

2019 Toyota RAV4

Not just redesigned, but the reinvented Toyota RAV4 is more dramatic and masculine look changes the character of the vehicle. If taken off-road, drivers will feel how engineers intentionally fused fun into the RAV4 formula. Roomy inside and reasonably priced, the RAV4 is an excellent compact SUV.

2019 Volvo XC40

The XC40 is a rolling playbook on how to take a luxury brand down-market while still holding your head high. The interior and driving dynamics are unique, making the vehicle feel more premium than its under-$40,000 price. An added bonus – you can get this car on a subscription plan, extending the Volvo vibe on the entire purchasing, owning and exchanging experience. 

To learn more about the Best New Cars for 2019 from Autotrader, including photos, detailed vehicle information and available inventory, visit www.autotrader.com/best-cars/12-best-new-cars-2019-281474979921036.  

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, add us on Snapchat (@Autotrader_com), and get updates at Google+ at https://plus.google.com/+Autotrader.

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.  

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling and owning cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

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