What to Drive After That Fresh Cut: August Whips

It's officially Fall and this quartet of four-wheelers deserves a serious look when considering ending 2021 with a bang!
Dennis Malcolm Byron A.K.A. Ale Sharpton
Beer, auto, travel, food, sports, music & clothing fanatic, award-winning journalist, photographer and Creative Director.

It's August, y'all. Let's get into what will make you look even cleaner after you get that fresh taper.

2021 Mustang Mach-E First Edition eAWD

A 5-passenger, completely electric Mustang? What?!

Admittedly, a compact electric SUV is not super sexy when mentioned, but a five-passenger Mustang Mach-E surely is. This highly anticipated head turner raises the bar for this car segment and will surely bring conversation wherever its driven; this is especially true with its optimal handling, athletic frame, optional signature Rapid Red Metallic exterior, and 19-inch wheels adorned with black accents and red-painted calipers. Under the hood, there’s impressive power regardless of the Select, California Route 1, Premium and GT trims; specs start at 266 horsepower and 6.1 seconds from 0-60 miles per hour all the way to 480 horsepower and 0-60 at 3.8 seconds in the GT.

Battery life also has options from 210 to 305 miles on one full charge. (The reviewed model included an 88-kWh extended-range battery and AWD for optimal handling.) Note that besides charging stations throughout the US, you can power up the Mach-E with a standard 120-volt outlet, a 240-volt outlet, or an available Ford charging station for the home. Saving money by eliminating gas, eliminating emissions, and getting a tax credit up to $7500 while wowing onlookers certainly doesn’t hurt either.

What the sticker says: Starts at $42,895 (MSRP); reviewed with eAWD and Extended Battery is $58,300

For more information, visit Ford.com .

Photos courtesy of Ford.

2021 KIA Telluride SX AWD and 2022 Carnival SX

KIA continues to climb as one of the world’s best carmakers.

In this carmaker’s early years, KIA was more deemed a producer of practical automobiles for the frugal to get to and from. With innovation, design enhancements, and numerous awards to follow, times have changed dramatically for the better. Currently, the Telluride SUV is, frankly, killing it. With its muscular frame, responsive V6 engine, all-wheel drive, user-friendly infotainment system, and roomy interior with leather trim, there’s no wonder why it’s popularly lauded the #1 midsize SUV in the country. Strongly consider the reviewed SX Prestige and Nightfall Packages which include 20-inch black alloy wheels, a Harmon/Kardon sound system, surround view, rear sunroof, Nappa leather seating, and second-row captains chairs to name a few enhancements. The Telluride line is no joke.

For bigger families, the all-new 2022 Carnival SX is now available and legitimizes its anticipation. Fitting up to eight passengers, the Carnival possesses many of the amenities the Telluride boasts, plus a roof rack, dual-screen entertainment system for the rear, numerous USB ports, and 19-inch wheels on the SX version. Altogether, the Carnival makes rolling in a minivan not only cool, but enjoyable for every passenger including the driver. Peep the more chic KIA logo too.

What the sticker says: The Telluride SX AWD is $44,090 (MSRP); $50,180 including the Nightfall, SX, and Towing Packages.

The 2022 Carnival SX is $41,160 (MSRP)

For more information, visit Kia.com.

Photos courtesy of KIA.