Getting Up the Mountain: 4 Whips for Summer

Summer is a time when we look to get out on the open road, see some sights, and recharge. Let’s face it — we like our wheels here in America. It’s about freedom, individuality, and tradition.

In Colorado, many think of the mountains as a winter destination for skiing and the whole gang of winter sports. However, our mountains also come alive in the summer with hiking trails, horseback riding, camping, mountain climbing, the list goes on. So what cool wheels can take you there? Consider these four 2015 model year whips.

Audi Allroad (MSRP $48,325)
Cool is the name of the game in this Audi. It has aluminum accents, higher ground clearance, and takes the wagon body style from frumpy to head turning. With all the creature comforts of leather, heated seats, navigation, and a 3G hotspot, the Allroad can take you where you want to go — and off road too with several inches of additional ground clearance over an A4 and the intelligent Quattro all-wheel drive system. There are some usability quirks, but on the whole this is one wagon that doesn’t disappoint. And make sure you check out the impressive panoramic sunroof option.

BMW X4 (MSRP $62,550)
On the ritzier side, the X4 is the latest redesign in the BMW Crossover stable. It takes the lines of the X6 and brings it down to a more personal and manageable size. Style and speed with enough room for four people (and a fair amount of luggage) is the name of its game. With a hefty price tag to consider, the X4 xDrive35i is equipped with the powerful TwinPower Turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and a precision driving experience not found in many CUVs. However, with the M-Sport package on my test vehicle, you might want to reconsider before doing too many off-the-beaten-path excursions unless you like to have your M Sport rims repaired regularly. In other words, this one is made for the paved twisties.

Charger SXT Plus AWD Rallye (MSRP $38,475)
Refreshed for 2015, the Charger has a new front and back design that is a significant departure from the outgoing 2014 model year. If you like the new look, the Charger is one of the few large-body, four-door sedans left that will get you and four of your friends up the mountain in comfort and style. Need to seat five? You can do that without whining from the backseat. The Rallye package gives you blacked-out trim and a pretty sinister appearance. The best features of the Charger SXT Plus are the fuel-efficient Pentastar V6 (27 mpg highway with AWD) and the UConnect infotainment system paired with the Beats audio and 3G hotspot. We are still sad that you can’t get the HEMI AWD in 2015 and beyond though.

Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T (MSRP $34,435)
The Sonata has seen a significant redesign for 2015 giving it a more muscular presence from the front, while keeping to the coupe-like roofline of the previous generation. The Sport 2.0T offers you turbocharged power coming from an efficient four-cylinder engine. While horsepower and 0–60 times are down from the 2014 model year, the improvements to the exterior design, interior layout, and materials make this a fun and very roomy sports-inspired sedan. You will definitely want to note the additional inch of leg room for rear passengers — paired with the panoramic sunroof, it truly gives the Sonata a limo-like experience from the back seat.