*Disclosure: The vehicles listed in this post were provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Heels and Wheels event for the third year and it was a blast. However, this year was even more special because a few of the Femme Drive Crew were there to experience this pretty cool event as well.
Heels and Wheels
Heels and Wheels is an all-women drive event started by Christine Overstreet in 2011. This year about 30 women (journalists, influencers, PR reps etc. etc.) met in Santa Barbara, California, to mix, mingle, eat delicious food, talk cars and test out some of the top automotive brands in the industry.
Since there were tons of cars to choose from, and limited time, I decided to get behind the wheel of the ones that I have been dying to drive first.
Keep reading to check out which ones they were…
1. 2022 Aston Martin DBX
I am sure most of you if not all are aware that this 2022 Aston Martin DBX was on a lot of our must drive list, so it was definitely in high demand. Once I got my chance to test it out, I didn’t want to give it back. This DBX is not only gorgeous, but it is an SUV with the soul of a sports car, while bringing versatility, luxury and performance.
Brief Price and Specs:
- Starting MSRP: $185,000.00
- Price Driven: $229,286.00
- Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
- Transmission: 9-Speed Auto
- 0 to 60: 4.3 secs
- HP: 542 HP
- TORQUE: 516 lb ft
- Fuel Economy: 14 city/20 hwy/16 combined
Revving the 2022 Aston Martin DBX…
2. 2022 Kia EV6
I also got the chance to get behind the wheel of Kia’s first dedicated EV. The 2022 Kia EV6 was another fave. It is fun to drive, stylish, modern, comfortable and great for road tripping.
Brief Price and Specs:
- MSRP: $41,400.00
- Engine: AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor
- Transmission: Gear reduction Unit
- Fuel Economy:
- RWD = range up to 310
- AWD = range up to 282
- 0 to 60 = 3.4 secs in EV6 GT model
- Ultra-fast DC Charging can add up to 217 miles of range in only 18 minutes
- Comes with 10 year / 100,000-mile battery warranty program
Exploring in the Kia EV6…
3. 2023 Nissan Z
It felt good to be behind the wheel of the sleek 2023 Nissan Z again. However, this time I switched it up a bit and took the manual for a spin. What a fun experience!!!
Also, I absolutely love the design of the steering wheel. It is so sleek and bad a$$!
Brief Price and Specs:
- Starting MSRP: $49,900.00
- Engine: 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo
- Transmission:
- 6-speed manual
- 9-speed auto
- HP: 400 HP
- Torque: 350 lb ft
- 0 to 60:
- Manual: 4.5 secs
- Auto: 4.3 secs
- Fuel Economy: 18 city/24 hwy/20 combined
Cruising through Santa Barbara, CA…
4. 2023 Cadillac Escalade V
The first-ever 2023 Cadillac V-Series SUV is a blend of boldness, refinement, power, sophistication and a stone-cold beast. Driving this SUV was a wonderful and exhilarating experience.
Brief Price and Specs:
- Starting MSRP: $149,990.00
- Engine: 6.2L V8 Supercharged
- Trans: Hydra-Matic 10-Speed Automatic
- HP: 682 HP
- Torque: 653 lb ft
- First-ever Cadillac V-Series SUV
Revving the 2023 Cadillac V-Series SUV
5. 2022 Grand Wagoneer Series III 4×4
I finally got a chance to drive this beautiful machine. The 2022 Grand Wagoneer Series III 4×4 returns as a premium extension of the Jeep brand…and is everything!
Brief Price and Specs:
- Starting MSRP: $107,995.00
- Price Driven: $116,720.00
- Engine: 6.4L V8
- Transmission: 8-Speed Auto
- HP: 471 HP
- TORQUE: 455 lb ft
- Best in class towing capability of up to 10k lbs.
- Fuel Economy: 13 city/18 hwy/15 combined
Cruising in the 2022 Grand Wagoneer
6. 2023 Lexus RX6
The fifth-generation 2023 Lexus RX is gorgeous, and this color is simply stunning. The all-new nameplate aims to exceed needs through technology, style and innovation.
Brief Price and Specs:
- Starting MSRP: $47,070.00
- Engine: 2.0L inline 4-cyl Turbo
- Transmission: 8-Speed Auto
- HP: 275 HP
- TORQUE: 317 lb ft
- 0-60:
- RWD: 7.6 secs
- AWD: 7.2 secs
- Fuel Economy:
- RWD: 22 city/29 hwy/25 combined
- AWD: 21 city/28 hwy/24 combined
7. Infiniti QX60
I had the pleasure of experiencing the 2023 Infiniti QX60 as well. The SUV is smooth, luxurious and simply gorgeous.
Brief Price and Specs:
- Starting MSRP: $49,200.00
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Transmission: 9-Speed Auto
- HP: 295 HP
- TORQUE: 270 lb ft
- Fuel Economy:
- FWD: 21 city/26 hwy/23 combined
- AWD: 20 city/25 hwy/22 combined
The Ladies of Heels and Wheels 2022
Introducing the ladies of Heels and Wheels 2022! What a fun bunch! I had a wonderful time and was so happy to share this experience with old friends and new. Thank you Heels and Wheels for including me for the 3rd year in a row. As always, I had a blast!
So, tell me…of the vehicles discussed above which one is your favorite? Inquiring minds would love to know.
Have A Happy Healthy and Remember to Always…Stay Sassy!
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