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Xiaomi Mi Max review: Good, but too much phone to handle

Xiaomi Mi Max review: Good, but too much phone to handle

If the phrase "too big" never made it into your vocabulary, then the 6.4-inch Xiaomi Mi Max was made for people like you. The display is bright and the battery lasts for a good, long time, but the question for any phone this large will always come back to size: is it too much for you, or can you work with it?

I'm personally not a fan. Phones don't need to be small, but they also shouldn't be hard to use one-handed. And let's be clear here, the Max is a strictly two-handed affair if you want to use it without difficulty (unless you have really large hands). I found it hard to reach apps, and it's just a pain to keep adjusting my grip to reach stuff at the top of the phone. Still, I guess the Mi Max is really useful to shade your face on a sunny day, and I do really like how the metal chassis feels in my hands.

The Xiaomi Mi Max is big enough to use as a shade if it's sunny outside.

Aloysius Low/CNET

Of course, the real reason you're buying this phone is to watch video and read -- e-books, articles, Facebook, whatever -- and the Mi Max is perfect for this. The large 6.4-inch full-HD (1,920x1,080 pixels) is sharp and vibrant, and Xiaomi's Sunlight Display technology makes details like words and images clearer under bright sunlight. Gaming on the phone was great. Asphalt 8 ran smoothly on High settings, and I actually liked having a bigger screen here.

Retailing at 1,499 yuan ($230, £160 or AU$315, converted) for the cheapest model with 32GB of storage, this big screen phone does offer a lot of value.

Too much phone?

The Mi Max runs a custom Android version called MIUI, and it boasts a few features not found in stock Android. For example, you can quickly turn on the flashlight by holding the home button down; and a feature similar to the iPhone's Assistive Touch that gives you quick access to the phone's home, menu and back buttons while also adding other features such as taking a screenshot. While I suppose it does help make the Mi Max less awkward to use, I found that I had to move the button to the top so it wouldn't get in my thumb's way.

The assistive touch buttons can be moved around the screen at fixed points, but I found this position a little too low and it often got in the way.

Screenshot by Aloysius Low/CNET

The Mi Max's bigger size does give it one big advantage over other phones -- room for a super-large 4,850mAh battery. While it's nonremovable, I pretty much never ran out of juice during a full day of use. In our CNET Labs video test, the phone, like the fabled Energizer battery, lasted a crazy-long 22 hours. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 hexa-core processor also did great in both benchmarks and real life use, I was able to play Asphalt 8 on High graphics with nary a stutter. The 16-megapixel camera also did well generally -- you'll have no issues there.

If you just want a phone that lets you watch Netflix and chill together with a friend, perhaps the large screen will work out. I do like just how ridiculously long the battery lasts, and heavy users will definitely appreciate it as well. The phone is currently available only in China, but expect this to launch in India next and other markets in Southeast Asia where Xiaomi has a presence. You'll likely only be able get one in the US, UK and Australia online through third-party sellers. If you fancy other big-screen phones, there's always the Huawei 6.8-inch P8 Max or the recently announced Asus ZenFone 3 Ultra.

Hardware specs comparison

" "	Xiaomi Mi Max	Asus ZenFone 3 Ultra
Display size, resolution	6.4-inch; 1,920x1,080 pixels	6.8-inch; 1,920x1,080 pixels
Pixel density	342 ppi	324 ppi
Dimensions (inches)	6.81 x 3.48 x 0.3 inches	7.34 x 3.7 x 0.27 inches
Dimensions (millimeters)	173.1 x 88.3 x 7.5	186.4 x 93.9 x 6.8mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)	7.16 oz (203g)	8.22 oz (233g)
Mobile software	Android 6.0 Marshmallow	Android 6.01 Marshmallow
Camera	16-megapixel	23-megapixel
Front-facing camera	5-megapixel	8-megapixel
Video capture	4K	Full-HD
Processor	1.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 652	1.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 652
Storage	32/64/128GB	32/64/128GB
RAM	3GB or 4GB	3GB or 4GB
Expandable storage	Up to 256GB	Up to 256GB
Battery	4,850mAh (nonremovable)	4,600mAh (nonremovable)
Fingerprint sensor	Back cover	Home button
Connector	Micro-USB	USB-C
Special features	Dual-SIM, Assistive Touch software button	Double speakers
Price off-contract (USD)	Converts to $230 (base model)	$479
Price (GBP)	Converts to £160	£330
Price (AUD)	Converts to AU$315	AU$670

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Facebook parent company Meta's next VR headset, Cambria, coming next year

Facebook parent company Meta's next VR headset, Cambria, coming next year

Facebook (now rebranded as Meta) has a new VR headset in the works, but it's not designed as a replacement to the Quest 2. Think of it more as a more expensive, future-forward pro model. At the company's developer-focused Connect conference, amid broad news of the company's plans for a cross-device metaverse and next-generation smart glasses (and a name change as a parent company), CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced hardware code-named Project Cambria, which will have improved mixed reality, face tracking and more compact optics.

Zuckerberg acknowledged the existence of a "Quest Pro" in a conversation with CNET earlier this year, where he discussed a future headset with additional sensors: "If you were focused on building a higher-end device that could really max out further on some of those other use cases, in addition to doing the gaming pieces, there are some interesting questions about how you design."

Read more: Facebook changes corporate name to Meta amid controversy

facebook-cambria — A brief glimpse at the pancake lenses, which promise to be less bulky than existing Quest headsets.
Facebook

The new headset isn't seen as a replacement for the company's year-old Oculus Quest 2. Instead, it'll likely be a higher-priced experiment aimed at pushing new sensor tech for VR and mixed reality, acting perhaps as a bridge to where the company wants to head next with AR glasses that don't exist yet.

The news comes in a week during which Facebook has already faced allegations that it puts profits over the safety of its users, along with a cache of internal documents that pin blame on the social network for perpetuating hate speech, misinformation, human trafficking and other harmful content.

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An $80 multipurpose air fryer oven that does it all -- and more Best Buy deals

An $80 multipurpose air fryer oven that does it all -- and more Best Buy deals

While Prime Day kitchen deals are in full effect, including eye-poppingly cheap Vitamix blenders and Instant Pots galore, Best Buy has crept in with an early "Black Friday" sale, and there are some equally major deals. No, it's not Friday and no, it's not even November, but that doesn't mean you can't score a quality 6-quart multicooker or lightning-fast air fryer for healthy munching for a measly 30 bucks each. Best Buy even has the cult-favorite baking tool and general kitchen workhorse KitchenAid Pro stand mixer, down 50% to $250, and an Oster multipurpose air fryer oven (my personal favorite) for just $90 -- down from $140. Check out our top picks on kitchen gear from Best Buy's Black Friday in October sale happening now.

Insignia

This is as inexpensive as you'll find any multicooker, with all of the functionality of an Instant Pot but for about half the price. The Insignia scores high marks in verified-purchase reviews on Best Buy and has six quarts of cooking capacity -- more than enough to handle easy weeknight dinners for the family.

Oster

For my money (and space), it's a multipurpose air fryer oven like this Oster that really does it. It's priced a little higher than the others, but this guy replaces your air fryer, toaster and convection oven. If you're anything like me, you'll use it almost every day. It features super convection for fast, healthy air frying but traditional baking, roasting, broiling and toasting too.

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Best Windows Laptop for 2022

Best Windows Laptop for 2022

Our top picks for the best Windows laptop options include models by Asus, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer, Microsoft and more. We've loaded this list with only the best laptops running Windows 11 we've personally tested and approved. This list, of course, focuses only on the best Windows laptops, specifically -- you won't find the best Apple laptops or Chromebooks here. If you want a wider selection, check out our overall best laptop picks.

Right now, the best Windows laptop for most people is the Dell XPS 13 for its excellent combination of performance, battery life and portability. Our favorite budget-priced alternative at the moment is the Acer Swift 3. Of course, the best part of getting a Windows PC is the amount of variety available, which is covered with the other picks on this list. This best Windows laptop list will be updated periodically when new models are tested, reviewed and made the cut.

Also, while there are a lot of laptops here, we know that your interests might be broader or fine-tuned than only what counts for the best Windows laptop options. Because of this, we have more specific recommendations for the best gaming laptops, 15-inch laptops, two-in-one and Chromebooks, as well as the best laptop for college students, the best laptop for creatives and the best MacBook Pro alternatives for the Windows set. Also, if you need to stay as low as possible on the price of a new laptop computer, we have you covered there, too. Check out our picks for budget la ptops and budget gaming laptops.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The Dell XPS 13 is a perennial favorite for its size, weight and performance and just overall good looks. In 2020, Dell made the laptop even smaller, while making the laptop screen larger and increasing performance for both CPU and graphics-intensive tasks. For 2022, it made the XPS 13 even smaller and lighter, kept its sub-$999 starting price the same and dropped in the latest 12th-gen Intel processors.

While we haven't had a chance to test the new model yet, we expect it to be a strong Windows alternative to the MacBook Air. Also, if you want to save money, the 2021 XPS 13 with 11th-gen Intel chips is available for less now.

Josh Goldman / CNET

Available with either AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, this 14-inch laptop gives you more screen to work on than 13-inch laptops, but is still incredibly lightweight -- less than 3 pounds. The bigger display is nice, too, covering 100% sRGB color gamut (better than you typically find at its starting price under $700). It also has a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint reader and USB Type-C and HDMI ports, too. The 2022 version of the Swift 3 falls just under $1,000 with 12th-gen Intel Core i-series CPUs. But the 2021 models are still widely available for less than $600.

Read our Acer Swift 3 (14-inch, 2020) review.

This thin, 3-pound convertible is a solid choice for anyone who needs a laptop for office or schoolwork. The all-metal chassis gives it a premium look and feel, and it has a comfortable keyboard and a responsive, smooth precision touchpad. Though it's light on extra features compared to its premium linemate, the Yoga 9i, it does have one of Lenovo's sliding shutters for its webcam that gives you privacy when you want it. And it has a long battery life to boot at 12 hours, 45 minutes in our tests. The latest version with 12th-gen Intel processors starts at $999 (although you can find it on sale for less). The 2021 models are still available, too, at reduced prices.

James Martin/CNET

HP's Victus 16 is a surprisingly robust and powerful gaming laptop that keeps up with the latest games at a more affordable price. Compared to HP's high-end Omen gaming laptop line, the Victus is more of an all-purpose laptop but still configured for gaming with a price starting at less than $1,000. HP offers several configurations with graphics chip options ranging from Nvidia's entry-level GeForce GTX 1650 up to a midrange RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6500M.

HP Victus 16 review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Although this Microsoft Surface laptop is not the Surface Laptop, the Surface Pro continues to hit all the right notes if you're looking for a do-it-all Windows tablet that doubles as a Windows laptop. Microsoft recently overhauled it for the Surface Pro 8, which has a larger 13-inch display, 11th-gen Intel Core processors and two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. The Surface Pro 7 is still around for the time being at a discount, and an updated version called the Surface Pro 7 Plus will stay in the lineup, so you'll still be able to get the classic Pro design but with new processors.

Surface Pro 8 review.

Lori Grunin/CNET

We're big fans of the ROG Strix line and you really can't go wrong with any of them. However, Asus' $1,650 all-AMD Strix G15 gaming laptop delivers excellent performance and battery life, with a top-of-the-line Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU and Radeon RX 6800M GPU -- and that's before you realize that the performance and components are way above its price class. It runs cool and quiet, even running close to full tilt. At higher prices, it's not such an obvious call, though. Read the Asus ROG Strix G15 AA review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

There's a lot to love with the Razer Blade 14, which incorporates one of the fastest mobile CPUs available (for now, at least), the AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, and top-end mobile graphics with the GeForce RTX 3070 or 3080. Its display can go pixel-to-pixel with the MacBook's. And its high-quality build is up there with the best MacBooks but, like an Apple, it's not necessarily the best laptop deal, even compared to other premium laptops.

Razer Blade 14 review.

Joshua Goldman/CNET

Lenovo launched the Yoga line 10 years ago with Windows 8 and now, with Windows 11, the flexibility of the design has only gotten better. The company's flagship 14-inch Yoga 9i Gen 7 has an updated look with comfortable, rounded edges and 12th-gen Intel processors that give it a big multicore performance jump. A beautiful OLED display and improved audio make it excellent for work, video conferences and entertainment. Lenovo includes an active pen and a laptop sleeve to complete the premium package.

The powerful speakers do add some vibration to the palm rests when turned up and Lenovo has cluttered the laptop with pitches for optional services and software. But, overall, the latest Yoga 9i is the two-in-one convertible laptop to beat. Unfortunately, its availability is limited at the moment so you might have to wait to buy one. Read our Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7 review.

Read our Lenovo Yoga 9i review.

James Martin/CNET

The XPS 17 combines the same slim, premium design of its 13-inch linemate but with increased performance possibilities. It can be configured with up to a 12th-gen Intel Core i9 processor, 64GB of memory and a 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics chip. The best part: Dell trimmed up the chassis so much that you get a 17-inch display in a body that's the size of an older 15-inch laptop. You're getting a lot of power and a big screen in the smallest possible package.

Dell XPS 17 review.

Josh Goldman/CNET

If you've ever wished for just a little extra screen space on your thin-and-light laptop, your wish is granted. The Duo 14's 12.6-inch secondary touchscreen behaves just like any other attached display except it's built into the body above the keyboard. You can use it for extending the main 14-inch display so it works like one large screen, or use it for apps that would normally be buried behind what you're working on. If that's not enough, it's pen-enabled so you can write and draw on it with the included pen. Plus, Asus' ScreenXpert software lets you turn it into a giant touchpad, a number pad or even a tool deck for Adobe Creative Cloud software.

Read our Asus ZenBook Duo 14 review.

How we test computers

The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.

The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we're currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra.

A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.

More for people who spend all day on their computers

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Does High Inflation Impact Your Student Loans? For Most Borrowers, Yes

Does High Inflation Impact Your Student Loans? For Most Borrowers, Yes

This story is part of Recession Help Desk, CNET's coverage of how to make smart money moves in an uncertain economy.

Despite a slight slowdown in July, inflation remains sky high as prices continue climbing, making everything from the groceries you buy to the rent you pay each month more expensive. But how does inflation impact student loan borrowers?

The answer will vary depending on what type of loans you hold -- federal or private -- and whether or not you're eligible for loan forgiveness. In a general sense, however, inflation will make it harder for borrowers to repay existing debt and will continue to drive up rates on private student loans.

The current pause on federal student loan repayments expires at the end of August. The moratorium was extended six times since the start of the pandemic and has offered borrowers temporary relief. Yet when repayments begin, high prices can make it more difficult for borrowers to restart monthly student loan payments.

How exactly does inflation impact the student loan debt you hold? We sat down with student loans expert Mark Kantrowitz, author of How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid, to discuss the specifics of what inflation means for student loan holders.

The role inflation plays in student loans

The Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate four times in an effort to slow rampant inflation. But while prices haven't dropped from record-high levels, these hikes in the federal funds rate have indirectly led to more burdensome interest rates on consumer products, such as credit cards, mortgages and loans.

The Fed's rate increases won't impact any fixed-rate student loans you currently hold, for example, federal loans. But private loans with adjustable-rates (interest rates that can rise and fall along with the economy) may see their rates increase, making them more expensive for borrowers to repay.

If your wages were to rise alongside inflation at the same rate or higher, it could make paying back your debt a little bit easier and counter higher interest rates. "Inflation dictates that a dollar ten years ago is worth more than a dollar today. So, as long as your wages are rising along with inflation, the debt for a loan borrowed in the past will hold less value today," said Kantrowitz.

However, average wage increases are not keeping up with inflation. As of June, wages have only increased 5.1% over the past 12 months, making it more difficult for borrowers to chip away at their debt on top of covering daily expenses.

Here's a breakdown on how inflation might impact you depending on your loan type and whether or not you're still in school:

If you hold federal student loans:

Federal student loans are always fixed-rate loans, so the interest rate will stay the same over its lifetime.

If you hold a federal student loan, inflation could work in your favor because it effectively devalues your debt, but that only helps if your wages kept up or surpassed the inflation rate.

If, like for most Americans, your wages haven't increased substantially and your budget is stretched even thinner than before, this devalued debt won't help you -- and you might even find it more difficult to repay your loans when the federal loan repayment freeze ends.

If you hold private student loans:

Private student loans can be either variable or fixed rate, and payments for either type of private loan have not been on hold during the pandemic.

For those with fixed-rate private loans, the interest rate of your existing student debt won't go up. However, since inflation is making everyday purchases pricier, you might find yourself with less cash overall to set aside for paying off debt.

If you have adjustable-rate loans, your interest rates could definitely rise -- and may have already. As inflation rates go up, interest rates usually follow. Variable-rate private loans holders could see even higher interest rates in the future.

If you're a new borrower in 2022:

Both federal and private student loan interest rates will be higher for the 2022-23 academic year, Kantrowitz said. The new federal student loan interest rates for the 2022-23 school year are as follows:

Undergraduate loans: 4.99%
Graduate Direct Unsubsidized loans: 6.54%
PLUS loans: 7.54%

This is a big jump up for students. For reference, last year an undergraduate federal student loan had an interest rate of 3.73% -- around 1.25% lower than the rate for the coming academic year.

Private student loan rates have also increased. Fixed-rate private student loans range from 3.22% to 13.95%, and variable-rate private student loans range from 1.29% to 12.99%, according to Bankrate, which is owned by the same parent company as CNET.

Will inflation make loan repayment more difficult after the federal payment pause ends?

Kantrowitz said he predicts that the student loan repayment pause will be extended again, with renewed payments beginning after the 2022 midterms. Whether or not the student loan freeze is prolonged could hinge on the White House's decision on widespread federal student loan forgiveness. In any case, since the federal payment pause is set to expire in a couple weeks and no official announcements have been made, it's best to prepare for repayment now.

For many, repaying student loan debt in a time of high inflation is a real concern. According to the Student Debt Crisis Center, out of 23,532 borrowers, 92% of those who were fully employed are concerned about affording payments in the face of skyrocketing inflation.

"I personally have not been able to save for student loan repayment, and I don't think I could have given the growing disparity between wages and the national cost of living," said Jonathan Casson, a recent graduate of Cornell University.

If you're worried about repaying your student debt, here are some tips to plan ahead:

How can you prepare to repay federal loans?

1. Look into income-driven repayment plans

The government offers four income-driven repayment plans that can help make monthly payments more affordable for borrowers who need to keep payment sizes small. Each IDR plan caps payments at between 10% to 20% of your discretionary income (income after taxes and necessities are paid), and forgives your loan balance after 20 or 25 years of payment. Eligibility for these plans is dependent upon family size and discretionary income.

2. Check if you're eligible for loan forgiveness

If you're a teacher, first responder, public servant or government worker, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. You must be in a qualifying position, hold eligible federal student loans and have made 120 qualifying payments to receive forgiveness (each paused month during the federal payment freeze counts as one qualifying payment).

The PSLF has temporarily expanded its benefits to include forgiveness for more federal loan types and IDR plans, and could make some applicants now eligible who had been denied loan cancellation in the past. The expanded forgiveness waiver application is due by Oct. 31, so it's important to find out if you're eligible now. In some cases, you may need to consolidate your loans into federal Direct Loans, a process that can take 45 days.

While your monthly payment may not change if you haven't reached the 120 payment goal yet, you'll at least be a step closer toward student loan forgiveness.

3. Refinance private loans

With many interest rate hikes expected this year, refinancing your private adjustable-rate student loans into fixed-rate student loans could help you save hundreds to thousands in interest -- and may even reduce your monthly payment. You should only refinance if you receive better payment terms or a lower rate. Otherwise it generally won't be worth the hassle and could cost you more in interest.

4. Review your budget

If a student loan payment is not feasible with your current budget, see if there are any ways to cut expenses or pay down high-interest debt now to free up funds. While adjusting your budget may seem daunting, there are multiple resources and apps to help you calculate and identify expenses you can reduce or eliminate.

5. Consider a side hustle

A part-time gig outside of your primary job may help supplement your income as inflation skyrockets. Currently, 31% of American adults have a side hustle, according to a 2022 Bankrate survey. Having an additional source of money can help bridge a gap in your budget and offer you a bit of breathing room.

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2022 Kia Stinger GT Review: One of Our All-Time Favorites

2022 Kia Stinger GT Review: One of Our All-Time Favorites

We don't always agree on everything, but the entire Roadshow staff concurs that the Kia Stinger is totally rad. Our love affair with the Korean sporty liftback sedan started with our 2018 long-term tester and has endured through multiple followups over the years. For 2022, the new base GT-Line model sees a new engine and substantial upgrades, but V6-powered GT models only see modest improvements and tweaks. Even so, this top-spec 2022 Kia Stinger GT2 is still as good as I remember -- better, even -- and is easy to recommend for sport-sedan shoppers looking to maximize value without compromising driving enjoyment.

Power and performance

The Stinger's engine bay is home to the same 3.3-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that's powered GT1 and GT2 models since this model's inception. With a mild bump to 368 horsepower (just 3 more than before) and 376 pound-feet of torque on tap, the V6 remains a fantastic powerplant boasting excellent responsiveness and thrust for days to go along with the rich sound piped through its valved exhaust system at full chat. An 8-speed automatic is standard equipment and is about as good as I could hope a torque-converter transmission could be, delivering quick, smooth shifts and fairly responsive paddle shifters.

Shoppers have a choice between rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential or brake-based torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Having driven both configurations, rear-drive is the more fun of the two and the way to go, unless you live in an area where the climate calls for the extra stability of AWD. The rear-wheel-driven Stinger just feels much more alive during dynamic driving thanks to a combination of a slightly lighter chassis and a simpler, more direct drivetrain. The way the RWD Stinger puts its power down -- squatting slightly onto its drive wheels and digging in as I roll onto the throttle at corner exit -- creates a more dramatic feeling of rotation and a more direct connection with the road than the more neutral AWD performance. Plus, being able to scoot out the rear end a touch with the right pedal is just fun.

Two fewer drive wheels also pays off with a slight boost in efficiency, though the difference is subtle enough that your driving style probably makes a bigger difference in the real world. The RWD Stinger GT1/GT2 returns an EPA estimated 18 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined or 17 city, 24 highway and 20 mpg combined with AWD.

The twin-turbo V6 makes three ponies more than before, but not much else has changed.

Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Selectable drive modes -- Sport, Smart and Eco -- each feel distinct, allowing me to customize the responsiveness of the throttle and the behavior of the electronically controlled suspension to the task, whether that be commuting or carving corners. However, even at its sportiest, the Stinger never feels harsh over the bumps and cracked asphalt of my favorite Bay Area backroad and it still exhibits a bit of body roll when pushed. Track-day bros will likely frown at that aspect of this car's dynamics for its perceived performance compromise, but drivers enjoying the grand touring aspects of the Stinger's performance on the road will appreciate it for helping boost comfort and defining the limits of this car's performance envelope.

Personally, I think a little body roll isn't a bad thing -- it certainly didn't take away from my enjoyment. However, I wish Kia had upgraded the Stinger's brakes. As is, the GT's Brembo performance brakes do a fantastic job shaving off speed, but still heat up quite a bit when driven hard, causing just a hint of fade and triggering memories of the brake shake that came and went during our 2018 model's long-term testing.

Cabin and safety tech

The Stinger's design hasn't changed much for this 2022 mid-cycle refresh. On the outside, you'll find Kia's new logo between newly standard LED headlamps. Out back, the Kia badge has been dropped for a large, scripted "Stinger" that fits beneath the new light bar that connects the redesigned taillamps.

Inside, the biggest change is the move to a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, which replaces both the old 7- and 8-inch systems, standardizing the cabin tech for all Stinger models and making choosing one of the lower trim levels less of a compromise. The updated interface is responsive and smartly organized and comes standard with onboard navigation and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Now that all 2022 Stingers come standard with 10.25-inch navigation, choosing a lower trim is less of a compromise.

Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Surrounding that dashboard is a handsome cabin featuring standard leather upholstery. The cockpit's simple design has, so far, stood the test of time and doesn't look too dated, especially with the enlarged display and the GT2 spec's upgraded Nappa leather seats. The GT2 also adds ventilation and improved articulation to the standard heated front seats and heated surfaces for rear passengers as well. The heated steering wheel option, however, is oddly bundled with AWD for all trim levels.

A touch large for its class, the Stinger offers plenty of leg and shoulder room, but its low-slung, fastback profile somewhat compromises headroom for taller passengers, especially on the second row. Of course, the liftback is also one of the Stinger's strongest points, opening wider than a conventional trunk to reveal a massive 23.3 cubic foot rear cargo area (40.9 cubes with the rear seats folded) that rivals even some small SUVs.

Kia's Drive Wise suite of driver assist technologies is also standard, rolling in forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane centering assist, driver attention monitoring, automatic high beams, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.

The Stinger's liftback design adds an extra twist of practicality and utility to this excellent sport sedan.

Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Perhaps the most compelling reason to upgrade to the GT2 trim is the addition of adaptive cruise control, which works even in stop-and-go traffic. Stepping up to the top spec also enhances the standard rear camera with surround-view 360-degree camera coverage and upgrades to Kia's Blind Spot View Monitor system that drops a camera feed of the adjacent lane into the enlarged 7-inch instrument cluster display whenever the turn signal is activated.

Fantastic sport sedan

The 2022 Kia Stinger starts at $37,365 (including $1,075 destination charge) for the base GT-Line model -- which is more compelling than ever thanks to its more potent turbo four-cylinder powertrain -- with the GT1 model upgrading to the twin-turbo V6 for $44,965. This top-spec GT2 steps up the creature comforts for $52,565 or $53,110 as tested with Hichroma Red paint and floor mats. If you want or need all-wheel drive, factor in $2,200 more.

I've found that the price tag is what gives pause to most people I talk to about the Stinger; the prospect of paying over $50K for a Kia that isn't an SUV is just too much for some to swallow. However, the Stinger GT2 punches above its station, competing with the likes of Audi's S5 Sportback (a prior Editors' Choice pick) and BMW's M440i Gran Coupe where performance and features are concerned, and it does so for around $10,000 less when comparably equipped. Viewed through that lens, the GT2 is a bargain, though I'd probably still recommend the sweet-spot GT1, which boasts all of the performance while only missing a few bells and whistles.

The 2022 Kia Stinger continues to be an excellent choice for a daily driver and the GT1 and GT2 models' balance of performance, comfort and value leave little to be desired. If you're shopping in America's shrinking sport sedan corner of the market, the Stinger should definitely be on your shortlist.

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3 Ways to Keep Your Heart and Brain Healthy

3 Ways to Keep Your Heart and Brain Healthy

As the two most important organs in the body, your heart and brain are in constant communication. It's a dynamic two-way street that's more complex than your heart pumping because your brain says it should. Each determines the function of the other.

We all know that smoking and high cholesterol can lead to heart problems. But did you know that emotional distress can harm your heart? Don't worry; it's easier than you think to improve heart and brain health. A few lifestyle changes can help you reduce stressors and ultimately help you live a healthier life.

How does your brain affect your heart?

Your brain has a direct pathway to your heart through the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system has two parts -- the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work in balance. Both sides play a key role in blood pressure and heart rate regulation.

The sympathetic nervous system is our fight-or-flight response to danger or stress. When we're in stressful situations, the sympathetic system releases adrenaline, which will increase your heart rate and blood pressure accordingly. Conversely, the parasympathetic brings us back to a balanced, calm state that returns our heart rate and blood pressure to normal levels.

It wasn't until the 2004 InterHeart study that emotional stress was considered a significant risk factor for cardiac events. Your heart functioning can be altered by stress, and prolonged stressors can strain your heart.

An example of this would be Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, aka broken heart syndrome or stress-induced cardiomyopathy. This occurs when the left ventricle weakens and compromises proper function. It mimics the symptoms of a heart attack and generally happens after significant emotional or physical distress, like losing a loved one or a car accident.

Now, the sympathetic nervous system's natural and involuntary fight-or-flight response doesn't normally have lasting effects on a healthy person; it's chronically stressed hearts that are of concern, like people with coronary heart disease or existing heart problems.

Diagram of the autonomic nervous system — Tetiana Lazunova/iStock/Getty Images

How does your heart affect your brain?

Your heart is in charge of pumping oxygenated blood through the body, meaning your brain is completely reliant on your heart for the blood it needs. "The brain, even though by size is relatively small compared to the rest of the body, takes up about 20% of the overall blood oxygen levels and blood flow of the body," says Dr. Hardik P Amin, a Yale Medicine neurologist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine.

The cool thing about the heart and brain relationship is that your heart sends more information than it receives from the brain. The heart has the intrinsic cardiac nervous system, also known as the "heart-brain." It allows the heart to act independently from the brain, remember and make decisions. That means that under normal conditions, in which the heart is functioning correctly, your heart doesn't need your brain to tell it to do its job. It just does it.

If your heart is functioning properly, your risk of stroke and vascular dementia reduces. The problem arises when blood flow to the brain is compromised. One of the main ways this happens is through blood clots.

"Irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter can lead to blood clots developing in the chambers of the heart. Those blood clots can then travel up the arteries and can block a blood vessel downstream, blocking the blood flow to that part of the brain and can lead to a stroke. If the brain loses blood flow for a short period of time -- seconds or minutes -- that can lead to permanent damage," Amin says.

What you can do to reduce stressors on your heart and brain

1. Make lifestyle changes

Close up of woman's shoes while walking — TravelCouples/Moment/Getty Images

If you want a healthy heart, you need a healthy brain and vice versa. Making lifestyle changes that improve cardiovascular health may contribute to your cognitive function and prevent future decline.

The key is to keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure puts pressure on blood vessels and can cause stroke or heart disease. Studies have shown that coronary heart disease is associated with long-term cognitive deterioration.

Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or exercising will ensure that your blood flows like it should, keeping your heart and brain happy. It's also a good idea to limit your alcohol consumption as it's associated with heart failure and arrhythmias.

Read more: Get a Stronger Heart With These 5 Heart-Friendly Workouts

2. Practice mindfulness

If stress is your issue, eliminating those feelings can potentially improve biomarkers for cardiovascular health -- including inflammation, arterial stiffness and overall function.

Yoga and meditation are excellent options for reducing stress. People who practice meditation have less of the proinflammatory proteins, called cytokines. That means that it helps your heart manage stressors and helps your blood pressure and heart rate come back to normal.

Meditation might not be your answer. Maybe it's reading or just taking time to yourself and reflecting on your day. Whatever it is, the point is to avoid the fight-or-flight reaction and work through stress.

Keep in mind this is outside of diagnosed heart conditions. Meditation and breathing exercises can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate, but they will not remedy existing heart conditions.

Read more: 9 Things You Can Do Now to Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

3. Know your body

Person talking to a doctor — Tom Werner/DigitalVision/Getty Images

You know your body better than anyone. You know when things change or you feel off. It's crucial that you're mindful of heart symptoms you should watch for and when to bring them to the attention of your care team.

"If someone is developing a lot of shortness of breath with very minimal exertion, especially if they are just climbing up a couple of stairs or it becomes hard to breathe when they are lying down. That might be a sign of a heart problem," says Amin. "If they are starting to develop palpitations or they feel like their heart is racing with minimal activity or at rest, those are also signs of heart problems."

If you're diagnosed with heart troubles, you must keep up with your medically approved routine, including any prescription medication -- especially if you're on blood thinners, as even a brief interruption could increase the chances of having a stroke.

Too long, didn't read?

The heart-brain connection is a complicated and complex relationship that goes both ways: The proper function of either organ depends on the other. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to improve and maintain peak performance, as well as combat future issues. Lifestyle changes that help one will ultimately help the other -- like quitting smoking or regularly exercising.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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