This past weekend was the Dallas Auto Show again! Even though I've since moved to Houston in the past year, I still attended this Dallas show because ... I forgot about the Houston show. It was a full day of cars: 4 hours of driving in the morning, 4 hours of being around cars, and then 4 cars of driving back.
What are some of the trends I'm noticing? Interior quality has shot up from what I can remember. Nearly every car had soft touch materials on all the upper door panels. Plus, the newly-redesigned cars all had "stitched" panels to match more intricate shapes and lines. It really makes me want a new car even though I know that my parents are likely the same heaps until forever ...
I have to say, I did not enjoy this year's show as much as I did in the past. For whatever reason, auto show attendance multiplied by, like, 500 percent; there was not a single car without some guy poking around in it. Much of my time was wasted standing next to cars waiting for the person(s) inside to get gone.
At least I got some ride time at the test drive booths before I went in. My dad and I tried the Toyota Highlander and Sienna as well as the Kia Sorento. Why 3-row family vehicles? I'm not sure.
The route was very short and, admittedly, it was hard to discern any major differences between the three vehicles. All three were fairly hushed on the downtown streets at low speeds.
Ride quality was so-so in the Sorento since it transmitted the road texture more. Otherwise, its more minimalistic, yet premium cabin felt comfy.
The Sienna was smooth except over rough patches, where the suspension felt strangely jittery. Materials in the back two rows were also underwhelming, especially unpadded plastic door inserts.
Surprisingly, the Highlander with its 19-inch rims felt the most isolated and solid. The doors in back were designed thoughtfully and had generously cushioned surfaces. The door grabs were especially nice, for a soft leather-like skin upholstered them.
In this impromptu comparison of large family vehicles experienced from the second row, the Highlander wins.
What are some of the trends I'm noticing? Interior quality has shot up from what I can remember. Nearly every car had soft touch materials on all the upper door panels. Plus, the newly-redesigned cars all had "stitched" panels to match more intricate shapes and lines. It really makes me want a new car even though I know that my parents are likely the same heaps until forever ...
I have to say, I did not enjoy this year's show as much as I did in the past. For whatever reason, auto show attendance multiplied by, like, 500 percent; there was not a single car without some guy poking around in it. Much of my time was wasted standing next to cars waiting for the person(s) inside to get gone.
At least I got some ride time at the test drive booths before I went in. My dad and I tried the Toyota Highlander and Sienna as well as the Kia Sorento. Why 3-row family vehicles? I'm not sure.
The route was very short and, admittedly, it was hard to discern any major differences between the three vehicles. All three were fairly hushed on the downtown streets at low speeds.
Ride quality was so-so in the Sorento since it transmitted the road texture more. Otherwise, its more minimalistic, yet premium cabin felt comfy.
The Sienna was smooth except over rough patches, where the suspension felt strangely jittery. Materials in the back two rows were also underwhelming, especially unpadded plastic door inserts.
Surprisingly, the Highlander with its 19-inch rims felt the most isolated and solid. The doors in back were designed thoughtfully and had generously cushioned surfaces. The door grabs were especially nice, for a soft leather-like skin upholstered them.
In this impromptu comparison of large family vehicles experienced from the second row, the Highlander wins.
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