Editor’s selection February 2021 | Ford F-150, Genesis GV80, Mazda CX-30 and more

If we’ve driven it and checked, there’s one Autoblog Rating for it. Over two years ago we introduced a new rating system that allows you to rate cars at a glance. We tweaked and improved it along the way and quickly came up with a consistent process for giving every car for sale today a fair score.

Cars that are exemplary or that stand out in their respective segments receive the editorial team’s selection status. These are the ones we would recommend to our friends, family, and anyone who is curious and asking the question. Every car we rate is given a score from 1 to 10 so it’s easy to tell if it’s a car worth tracking and possibly buying.

The scores of the cars previously rated can be found in our written ratings above. For example, you can find the rating of the Bronco Sport here. The Acura TLX’s rating is in this post, and the Nissan Rogue’s rating is right here. There are hundreds of examples.

The examples above are the most natural ways to find that Autoblog Rating in your search for your next car, but starting today we’ll be pulling each new set of Editor’s Tips each month in their own breakout stories. This way, the latest and most recently updated cars are put up for sale on a pedestal so you can see which ones are worthwhile. We typically rate between 5 and 10 new cars per month so you can rely on a few to make this list. Expect these recurring reviews to be published every month in the future, and read on for Editor Picks in February.

2021 Genesis GV80

Take quickly: The stylish GV80 offers useful safety functions, impressive design and sporty dynamics to bring it to the top of the segment. Genesis takes risks with this aggressive crossover and the result is a luxurious vehicle that is well worth driving.

Result: 8.5

What it competes with: Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX

Benefits: Nice design, good street manners, great value for money

Disadvantage: Small third row and cargo area, less comfortable standard suspension

From the editors:

Editor-in-Chief Greg Best – “The GV80 is an extremely important vehicle for Genesis. It makes a stylish statement, has an elegant interior and is a convincing all-round design. It looks like a Bentley, and I give Genesis props to take some risk with the GV80 and pull it all through largely. It is impressive.”

West Coast Editor James Riswick – “There are some Really special interiors in this segment, some of the most impressive in the entire automotive industry. I am thinking of the Aviator, XC90 and GLE in particular, but I think adding the GV80 to the group is safe. It is a beautiful, distinctive design with premium quality materials and a fashionable use of color and embellishments. It will make your friends wow. What is important, however, is that it is very functional, especially the user-friendly technical interface with features that are not overwhelming. “

In-depth analysis: 2021 Genesis GV80 Review | A new beginning

2021 Ford F-150

Take quickly: The F-150 has the best all-round truck range in the half-ton segment. The F-150 is not quite as luxurious as the Ram and has an unmatched variety of options and configurations. The groundbreaking Powerboost Hybrid cemented this as an editorial choice.

Result: 8.5

What it competes with: Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

Benefits: Wide range of powertrains, technological powerhouses and endless configurations

Disadvantage: Not the most luxurious, expensive, generic top-end design

From the editors:

Associate Editor Byron Hurd – “The 2021 F-150 PowerBoost is the shining exception in a segment where doing things the old-fashioned way is the rule. It’s still not as pretty (inside or out) as the Ram, but offers segment-leading utility without compromise. “

James Riswick, West Coast Editor – “Ford has actually undercut all of the changes its engineers have made to the ’21 F-150. Major updates to suspension and steering result in significantly better truck driving. Of course, the new has PowerBoost -Hybrid many. ” Attention and rightly so. Without a doubt, if you can afford the payment, getting into the F-150 is the powertrain. “

In-depth analysis: 2021 Ford F-150 review | New than it looks, better than expected

2021 Mazda CX-30

Take quickly: Mazda’s little CX-30 is a stylish crossover with excellent vehicle-like driving dynamics, fast turbo Option, a beautiful interior and above-average technology. The main downside is its limited use.

Result: 8th

What it competes with: Chevrolet Trailblazers, Kia Seltos, Ford Bronco Sport, Nissan Rogue Sport, Jeep Compass

Benefits: Enthusiastic driving dynamics, upscale interior, fast turbo option

Disadvantage: Tight second row, small cargo space, polarizing exterior design

From the editors:

Zac Palmer, Road Testing Editor – “It’s a raised Mazda3 hatchback in almost every way, which makes it a big winner. I just wish it had more use for the passengers and their belongings to make it a better crossover do.”

News Editor Joel Stocksdale – “The design, materials and handling are worthy of a crossover that costs thousands more. The new turbo engine only sweetens the package.”

In-depth analysis: 2021 Mazda CX-30 review | Even more power to impress

2021 Audi A4

Take quickly: This conservative yet sporty German sedan is comfortable enough to take your folks out for dinner, but exciting enough to relax on your favorite dynamic streets. However, it is tough competition from Mercedes and BMW.

Result: 8th

What it competes with: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Acura TLX, Lexus IS, Cadillac CT5

Benefits: Fast acceleration, attractive interior, above-average technology

Disadvantage: General exterior design, expensive driver assistance functions

From the editors:

Senior, Green Editor John Snyder – “I love the dual personality of the A4. It plays well when it has to, but it transforms into a shark on the hunt with the push of a button and the pull of a paddle.”

The latest news and analysis: 2021 Audi A4 gets more power, all-wheel drive as standard

2021 Cadillac Escalade

Take quickly: The bold and unologetic Escalade is a luxury and technology powerhouse with massive proportions and a loud exterior design. The poor efficiency is increased by a diesel option and is much more comfortable with the new, independent rear suspension.

Result: 8.5

What it competes with: Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Lexus LX

Benefits: Impressive technology, comfortable ride, lots of space

Disadvantage: Bad V8 fuel economy, unwieldy size, lack of standard safety features

From the editors:

Zac Palmer, Road Test Editor – “The technology in this SUV is remarkable for Cadillac, and the ride with the magnetic dampers and air suspension available is equally remarkable. This Escalade is miles better than the previous one.”

Associate Editor Byron Hurd – “I didn’t expect to enjoy the 2021 Escalade as much as I do. It’s still an attention-grabbing monument to pomp, but at least it offers a luxurious experience to keep it safe. If you have the driveway Space, it’s a massive upgrade over the XT6 in every way. “

In-depth analysis: 2021 Cadillac Escalade Review | Live big and bigger

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