June’s deals feature a wide selection of vehicles on both 2017 and 2018 models ranging from luxury sedans to compact crossover SUVs. Lease deals are being offered across the board, while rebates on our deals of the month go from $4,000 to $5,000.
“Even though we’re halfway through the year, some dealers have plenty of 2017 models they’re eager to move off the lot. And that’s on top of great deals on 2018 models,” said Allyson Harwood, associate editor of Kelley Blue Book. “There are many leases for under $250 per month – including one for less than $100 a month – and four offers of at least $4,000 cash back. At the top of the list is a sporty refined, upscale sedan.”
Acura is offering a 3-year lease deal on its compact 2018 ILX sedan for $199 per month with just $2,499 down. Also in the luxury market, Infiniti has a 39-month lease on 2018 models of its flagship Q50 sedan for just $279 per month with $3,899 down. Other lease deals include popular crossover SUVs like the 2018 Jeep Compass for $99 for two years with $3,499 up front, the 2018 Nissan Rogue, which can be leased for three years at $199 per month with $2,699 down and the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is at $289 per month for three years with a $1,749 down payment. Subaru’s 2018 Impreza is just $135 per month on a 3-year contract with a $1,979 cash payment.
On the rebate front, the 2018 Ford Focus has $4,000 cash back, as does the 2017 Hyundai Veloster. The 2018 Toyota Avalon tops that with a $5,000 rebate, while the 2017 Buick Encore can be purchased with a $4,000 rebate plus 1.9-percent financing.
Kia’s low-key summer sale
Kia is taking the summer off from traditional hype-filled sales events in favor of a lower key approach that stresses the brand attributes, from quality to comfort. The marketing campaign has a series of ads featuring two small children, a boy with a flair for showmanship and a girl as the voice of reason touting the brands advantages including the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
“The campaign is not about glitz or glamour or fast cars racing down winding mountaintop roads, it is about the core of what the Kia brand is known for – great cars with a great warranty,” said Saad Chehab, vice president of marketing communications for Kia. “We don’t need loud or over the top campaigns, or complicated productions – we’re presenting the true brand message, not distractions, so the brand speaks for itself.”
GMC goes Graphite
Joining the ranks of automotive companies offering special models with dark exterior colors and accents, GMC has introduced its 2019 GMC Yukon Graphite Editions, which are available as an add-on to the SLT trim level on 2- or 4-wheel drive Yukon and Yukon XL models. In addition to special color scheme, the Graphite models also feature functional performance upgrades in the form of a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine (up over the standard 5.3-liter versions), 10-speed automatic transmission and magnetic ride control.
Other performance upgrades include 22-inch gloss black wheels, active 2-speed transfer case on 4-wheel drive models, trailer brake controller, a 170-amp alternator and a 3.23 rear axle ratio. The SLT trim level also include Bose active noise cancellation, multi-color head-up display, 8-inch driver information center and 8-inch infotainment screen.
“The Yukon continues to lead the full-size SUV segment wit premium features and an instantly recognizable and well-respected identity,” said Stu Pierce, senior marketing manager for GMC Trucks and full-size SUVs. “The all-new Graphite Edition builds on the commanding road presence and inherent capabilities of the Yukon and afford customers the opportunity to project a unique, yet distinctly GMC style.”
In addition to the 22-inch wheels, the package also includes black assist steps with gloss black accents, premium black mesh grille and fog lamp surrounds, body-colored grille surround, black roof rails and black molding. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date this summer.
Fiat’s excellent Adventurer
Hoping to give its compact crossover SUV a lift, Fiat announced a new Adventurer package on 2018 Fiat 500X models. The new trim option features 18-inch wheels, black roof rails, orange mirror caps, front and rear splash guards, molded rear cargo tray and all-weather front and rear floor mats.
“With all-wheel-drive confidence, best-in-class standard horsepower and torque and comfortable seating for five, the Italian-designed Fiat 500X is fun to drive,” said Steve Beahm, head of the Fiat passenger car brand. “Built off the Trekking model, the new Adventurer package offers rugged, adventurous styling and yet another opportunity for customers to personalize their 500X.”
Available in white, black, gray, and gray metallic, the 2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer is a $945 add-on to the current Trekking trim which starts at $23,685 for front drive and $25,585 for all-wheel drive. It will be available at dealers this summer.
Porsche renamed Mission E
Porsche’s foray into its first all-electric model introduced as the Mission E concept, will be called Taycan. The company says the unusual name can be roughly translated as “lively young horse,” an allusion to the prancing horse in the Porsche badge. The battery electric sports car will be equipped with two motors putting out a combined 600 horsepower. Porsche says the setup will enable the Taycan to accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds onto a top speed of 124 mph. Porsche is also promising over a 300-mile range per charge as measured on the New European Driving Cycle. Porsche has yet to announce a firm date for the vehicle’s launch.
The rundown
Nissan is getting into the thick of the subcompact crossover SUV market with its all-new 2018 Nissan Kicks. We get behind the wheel in this First Review.
The Lexus ES sedan has been an unsung mainstay in the lineup for Toyota’s luxury division. The 2018 Lexus ES gets a much-needed redesign. Check out our First Review here.
You are all set to buy a new or used vehicle, so what do you do with your current ride? We have the answers for you in this latest Inside Car Buyer’s Tips: Trade, sell or donate.
In the market for a new car? Explore these useful tips on how to get the best deal:
What to look for in your next economy car
Kelley Blue Book’s Complete Guide to Incentives
All you need to know about leasing
