Best Vehicles for Empty Nesters

What makes a good road trip-worthy car? Spacious seating, excellent gas mileage, and plenty of room to store your gear — for starters. You'll want an infotainment system to keep passengers entertained, as well as navigation to keep you on the right path. As warmer weather approaches, it's time to start thinking about hitting the highway. We've picked out our four favorite new vehicles that make a great road trip car. Let's have a look. 2019 Chrysler 300 When it comes to a big, comfortable car, nothing beats the Chrysler 300. With an interior that rivals luxury sedans and a ride that feels like floating, keep sailing down the highway in this palatial car. Its spacious trunk touts 16.3 cubic-feet. That's enough for five pieces of luggage and a cooler for on-the-go snacks. While it won't top the charts for the most fuel-efficient sedan, earning 30 mpg highway, it makes up for it with cruising style. 2019 Mazda CX-9 If your next road trip requires tons of seating capacity, put the three-row Mazda CX-9 on your short list. Among all the crossovers on the lot, it stands out thanks to its powerful acceleration. This SUV touts a premium cabin with added sound-deadening insulation for those long hours on the road. It's an alluring pick for families with its ample supply of entertainment and safety equipment. New for 2019, you'll get your CX-9 with an improved suspension and ride quality, plus available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the Mazda Connect infotainment system. It can even tow up to  3,500 pounds when equipped with the V-6, or opt for some of the best-in-class fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg highway with the CX-9's four-cylinder. 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee While the 2019 Grand Cherokee offers outstanding off-roading chops, it's also perfectly happy cruising down the highway, too. This classic SUV offers plenty of traits that are well suited for road trips, such as an intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, and blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, now standard. It offers a lineup of potent engines, including a thrifty diesel option that earns an impressive 30 mpg highway. Fold down the new Grand Cherokee's rear seats and reveal 68.3 cubic feet of cargo room, and turn up your favorite playlist with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, plus both satellite and HD radio. 2019 Chevrolet Volt The Volt is an obvious choice for our list because of its hybrid technology. This car's range is 53 miles on strictly electricity or 420 miles when fully charged. That means you can go as far as 1,100 miles between fill-ups. The new Volt also comes with an available 7.2-kWh charger for quicker charging times. A top IIHS safety rating of "Superior" on front crash prevention provides added peace of mind, while the new Volt comes loaded with a rearview camera. The road trip is one of life's greatest adventures. Hop behind the wheel of your next brand new car and love the road you're on. Image via Chevrolet.com

Fall in Wichita means cooler temperatures, football weekends, good food, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family. Whether you're heading to a high school game, college football matchup, or hosting a tailgate of your own, the right vehicle can make game day even better. From spacious SUVs to capable trucks, today's vehicles offer plenty of features that can make transporting your crew, gear, coolers, chairs, and everything else easier. Here are some of the best types of vehicles to consider for your next fall football adventure. Trucks: The Ultimate Tailgate Vehicle When it comes to tailgating, trucks are hard to beat. A pickup gives you plenty of room for the gear you don't want inside the cabin. Coolers, folding chairs, tents, grills, sports equipment, and other tailgate essentials can all ride in the bed. Models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 offer the capability and space that make them excellent choices for football weekends. Plus, many modern trucks offer available features that make tailgating even easier, including power outlets, built-in storage, multiple USB ports, and versatile tailgate designs. Best for: Large tailgates, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who likes to bring everything but the kitchen sink. SUVs: Bring the Whole Crew If your football weekends usually involve family and friends, an SUV can be a great option. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Mazda CX-90 provide a combination of passenger space and cargo room. Depending on the model and configuration, you can bring several passengers while still having room for coolers, blankets, chairs, and game-day gear. SUVs also offer another major advantage during Kansas fall weather: flexibility. One weekend might bring perfect football weather, while the next could bring rain, wind, or dropping temperatures. Available all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can provide added confidence when conditions change. Best for: Families, groups of friends, and road trips to away games. Crossovers: The Perfect Balance You don't necessarily need a full-size truck or large SUV to enjoy tailgate season. A crossover such as the Mazda CX-5 or Chevrolet Equinox can give you a great combination of everyday drivability, passenger space, and cargo flexibility. Crossovers are especially appealing if your vehicle needs to handle more than football weekends. They can make the morning commute, school drop-off, grocery runs, and weekend adventures just as easily. Fold down the rear seats when you need additional cargo space, load up the cooler, grab your chairs, and you're ready for kickoff. Best for: Everyday drivers who want versatility without stepping up to a full-size SUV. What Should You Look for in a Tailgate Vehicle? Before choosing your next vehicle, think about how you actually spend your football weekends. Cargo Space How much room do you need for coolers, chairs, grills, tents, sports equipment, and other gear? Passenger Space Are you usually bringing a few friends or the entire family? Towing Capability If you plan to tow a camper, trailer, boat, or other recreational equipment, make sure the vehicle you choose has the capability you need. All-Weather Capability Kansas weather can change quickly during the fall. Available AWD or 4WD can provide additional confidence when rain, mud, or changing road conditions enter the picture. Technology Modern vehicles can make long drives and crowded game days easier with features such as smartphone connectivity, multiple charging ports, navigation, and available Wi-Fi. Comfort Football season can mean spending hours on the road. Comfortable seating and a spacious cabin can make those trips much more enjoyable. Make the Most of Fall Football The best tailgate vehicle isn't necessarily the biggest vehicle. It's the one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you need the bed of a truck, the passenger space of an SUV, the flexibility of a crossover, or the family-friendly practicality of a minivan, there's a vehicle that can help make your fall weekends easier. And when you're ready to find the right vehicle for your next football adventure, Davis-Moore Auto Group has a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles to explore. So grab your cooler, load up the crew, and get ready for kickoff. Fall football season is here!

Buying a new vehicle is an exciting milestone, but one of the biggest decisions you'll make comes before you even drive off the lot: Should you be leasing or financing? Both options offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your driving habits, budget, and long-term goals. Whether you're shopping for a new Jeep, Chevrolet, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, or another vehicle, understanding the differences can help you make a confident decision. Let's break down the pros and cons of leasing and financing so you can determine which option best fits your lifestyle. What is the difference between leasing and financing? Which options works best for you? What Does It Mean to Lease a Vehicle? When you lease a vehicle, you're essentially paying to drive it for a set period, typically 24 to 36 months. Instead of paying toward ownership, you're paying for the vehicle's depreciation during your lease term. At the end of your lease, you generally have three options: Return the vehicle and lease a new one. Purchase the vehicle. Return the vehicle and explore other options. Leasing is a popular choice for drivers who enjoy upgrading to the latest models every few years. Benefits of Leasing Lower Monthly Payments Because you're paying for the vehicle's depreciation rather than its full purchase price, lease payments are often lower than finance payments. Drive the Latest Technology Leasing makes it easier to enjoy the newest features, including: Advanced safety technology Updated infotainment systems Improved fuel efficiency Modern styling Lower Maintenance Costs Many leased vehicles remain under the manufacturer's warranty throughout the lease term, which can help reduce unexpected repair costs. More Flexibility If you enjoy driving a new vehicle every few years, leasing allows you to upgrade more frequently without worrying about selling or trading in your current vehicle. What Does It Mean to Finance a Vehicle? Financing means you're purchasing the vehicle by making monthly payments over a set loan term. Once the loan is paid off, the vehicle is yours. Financing builds equity in your vehicle, making it a great long-term investment for many drivers. Benefits of Financing You Own the Vehicle Once you've paid off your loan, you own the vehicle outright. That means no monthly payments and the freedom to keep it for as long as you'd like. No Mileage Restrictions Unlike most leases, financing doesn't include mileage limits. If you drive long distances for work, road trips, or family activities, financing may be the better fit. Customize Your Vehicle Because you own the vehicle, you can personalize it with accessories, lift kits, wheels, window tint, and other upgrades without lease restrictions. Build Equity Every payment brings you closer to full ownership. If you decide to trade in your vehicle later, its value can help offset the cost of your next purchase. Lease vs. Finance at a Glance Leasing Financing Lower monthly payments Build ownership and equity New vehicle every few years Keep your vehicle as long as you want Warranty coverage during most lease terms No mileage restrictions Mileage limits apply Customize your vehicle freely Return or purchase at lease end Vehicle becomes yours after payoff Which Option Fits Your Lifestyle? Leasing May Be Right for You If You: Like driving a new vehicle every few years Want lower monthly payments Drive fewer miles each year Enjoy having the latest technology and safety features Prefer warranty coverage for most of your ownership experience Financing May Be Right for You If You: Plan to keep your vehicle for many years Drive long distances regularly Want to build equity Like customizing your vehicle Want complete ownership Questions to Ask Yourself Before deciding, consider these questions: How many miles do I drive each year? How long do I usually keep my vehicles? Is having the latest technology important to me? Do I want lower monthly payments or long-term ownership? Will I customize my vehicle? Your answers can help point you toward the option that best fits your lifestyle and budget. Let Davis-Moore Help You Decide Choosing between leasing and financing doesn't have to be complicated. At Davis-Moore, our team is here to explain both options, answer your questions, and help you find a payment plan that works for your needs. Whether you're looking for the flexibility of a lease or the long-term value of financing, we'll help you make an informed decision with no pressure. Stop by one of our dealerships or contact our team today to explore your options and find the vehicle that's right for you. Because at Davis-Moore, we're committed to helping you enjoy every mile, whether you lease it or own it.