13 Cars Named After Real Places – Surprising Origins, Specs & Prices

Bottom Line Up Front

These 13 models carry the name of a real town, city or region – and knowing the story behind each name makes the cars even more interesting.

Image: 13 Cars Named After Real Places – Surprising Origins, Specs & Prices – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Design & Looks

Every name was chosen to evoke a feeling. The sleek lines of the Chevrolet Malibu recall sunny California coast vibes, while the rugged stance of the Ford Granada hints at the historic Spanish city’s stone‑filled streets. Even the compact Kia Rio feels lively, just like Brazil’s famous carnival destination.

Performance & Mileage

Most of these cars use engines that balance power and fuel economy. The Hyundai Tucson gets about 26 MPG city/33 MPG highway with its 2.5 L four‑cylinder, and the Nissan Murano offers a smooth V6 delivering 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway. For those who love a bit of torque, the Chevrolet Colorado diesel option pushes 30 MPG highway while hauling heavy loads.

Price & Rivals

Pricing varies by market, but each model competes directly with familiar rivals. The Toyota Tacoma starts around $27,000, putting it head‑to‑head with the Ford Ranger. The Volkswagen Passat, named after Passau, Germany, begins near $24,000 and battles the Honda Accord in the midsize sedan segment.

Quick Reference Table

Model	Engine	Mileage (MPG)	Price (USD)	Top Features
Chevrolet Malibu	1.5 L Turbo‑4	29 / 36	$23,000	LED headlights Apple CarPlay Spacious interior
Hyundai Tucson	2.5 L I4	26 / 33	$25,500	Smart Cruise Control Wireless charging All‑wheel drive option
Kia Rio	1.6 L I4	33 / 41	$16,900	7‑inch touchscreen Rear‑view camera Fuel‑efficient
Nissan Murano	3.5 L V6	20 / 27	$33,000	Premium leather seats ProPILOT Assist Dual‑zone climate
Chevrolet Colorado	2.8 L Turbo‑Diesel I4	20 / 30	$28,000	Trailering package Off‑road suspension 10‑speed automatic
Ford Granada	2.0 L I4	24 / 32	$22,500	Sporty exterior trim SYNC 4 infotainment Advanced safety suite
Toyota Tacoma	2.7 L I4	20 / 23	$27,000	Multi‑Terrain Select Durable bed liner Off‑road cameras
Volkswagen Passat	2.0 L Turbo‑4	24 / 34	$24,000	Digital cockpit Adaptive cruise Spacious trunk
Subaru Outback	2.5 L Boxer‑4	26 / 33	$28,500	Standard AWD EyeSight driver assist Roof rails
Dodge Dakota	3.7 L V6	18 / 24	$31,000	Heavy‑duty suspension Tow package Uconnect system
Peugeot Cannes	1.6 L Turbo‑4	27 / 38	$21,500	i-Cockpit layout LED matrix headlights Hybrid option
Renault Alpine	1.8 L Turbo‑4	30 / 38	$34,000	Sport-tuned chassis Alpine branding Performance brakes
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2	3.6 L V6	17 / 23	$42,000	Front‑suspension lift Skid plates All‑terrain tires

FAQ

What is the mileage of the Hyundai Tucson? The 2024 Tucson gets roughly 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway with its standard 2.5 L engine.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu worth buying? At about $23,000, the Malibu offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and a strong safety suite, making it a solid choice for families.
Which of these cars has the best off‑road capability? The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Dodge Dakota are built for rugged terrain, featuring lifted suspensions and heavy‑duty under‑body protection.