This 1 Hybrid Midsize SUV Earned a ‘Best Buy’ Badge from Consumer Guide

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are lists of awards out there from virtually every automotive website, covering virtually every class of vehicle. Those that are already car shopping know that the midsize SUV class is a booming auto segment. However, despite the number of midsize SUV models there are only a few hybrid models. 

2021 Toyota Venza | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain, and earned a ‘Best Buy’ badge from Consumer Guide. That said, the 2021 Toyota Venza is actually the only hybrid-only midsize SUV that also earned the title. Despite the fact that there’s only a hybrid option for the all-new Venza, it seemed worth noting as a ‘Best Buy.’ In fact, this award is telling of the direction the industry is moving towards. 

The 2021 Toyota Venza is an all-hybrid midsize SUV 

The blue highlighted Toyota logo that is seen on the hybrid models
The Toyota logo | CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images

All-hybrid and all-new, the 2021 Toyota Venza came back as an upscale hybrid midsize SUV that was a ‘Best Buy’ standout in its class. It boasts an upscale cabin with a long list of available features and it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick +. As one of only five hybrid SUV models available in the class, the 2021 Toyota Venza just makes sense as a ‘Best Buy.’ 

This brand new hybrid crossover starts at $32,570. This model offers a panoramic sunroof that drivers can change the opacity of the window at the touch of a button. 

It’s a Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’

A 2021 Toyota Venza hybrid midsize SUV driving in a city at night
2021 Toyota Venza | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Venza is the only all-hybrid midsize SUV that earned a ‘Best Buy’ badge. It’s also the only midsize SUV that earned this title without the option of a third row. But the premium interior and smooth powertrain are all telling reasons why. 

“The stylish Venza boasts an upscale feel inside and out, pleasant road manners, and a smooth hybrid powertrain that delivers outstanding fuel economy—all at highly competitive prices.”

Not only is the powertrain nice to drive, but this is a highly fuel-efficient vehicle with bountiful features. The EPA estimates for the 2021 Toyota Venza are 40 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. During Consumer Guide’s review, the model “averaged 41.5 MPG in 60-percent city driving.” Not bad for hauling the fam around town. 

My experience with the Toyota Venza 

I recently drove the 2021 Toyota Venza at the Texas Auto Roundup. The cabin is comfortable and nice. The powertrain is satisfying, and I don’t balk at the price tag the way one does with some other crossover SUV models 

Plus, the opacity-altering button for the panoramic “Star Gaze” sunroof is so much fun. It was one of the models I recommended to my mother in law (who is slowly beginning to car shop for her next vehicle). My overall impression of the all-new Venza makes it easy to agree with Consumer Guide giving it a ‘Best Buy’ badge.

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These 2021 Midsize SUVs Earned the ‘Best Buy’ Badge From Consumer Guide

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For anyone out there shopping for a midsize SUV, the number of choices out there can be overwhelming. It can help to narrow the list of contenders down a little bit, by determining which are the best midsize SUVs. Here’s a list of midsize SUVs that earned the ‘Best Buy’ Label from Consumer Guide. 

2021 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

Learning what various reviewers deem the best of the best is helpful when there is a sea of crossovers to choose from. The Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander aren’t the only great crossover models in the 2021 midsize SUV class. However, they are the only four models that received the ‘Best Buy’ badge from Consumer Guide. 

 The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is one of the best midsize SUVs out there

The gray interior of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV
2021 Hyundai Palisade interior | Hyundai

According to Consumer Guide, the Hyundai Palisade is a great midsize crossover SUV. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick + in addition to a host of other industry awards. It’s a spacious midsize crossover SUV that offers third row seating and inviting trim levels.

Starting at $32,675, it’s also a good value for the cost. Consumer Guide notes that the 2021 Hyundai Palisade has “several clever interior convenience touches.” For example, molded-in grab handles make it more simple to get in and out of the third row. Plus, there’s extra storage space beneath the floor that the retractable cargo cover fits into if it’s not being used.  

The 2021 Kia Telluride unsurprisingly earned a ‘Best Buy’ badge from Consumer Guide

2021 Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition midsize SUV driving on a road at speed
2021 Kia Telluride | Kia

Although this is not the most shocking award, the 2021 Kia Telluride is also a Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy.’ This midsize SUV has earned so many awards since its introduction to the market that it’s almost expected to land on the majority of best lists. This midsize crossover SUV also earns praise for offering good value for the price, starting in the same ballpark as the Palisade. 

Consumer Guide points out that the 2021 Kia Telluride is distinctly different from its Palisade cousin. Some might say that the 2021 Kia Telluride is a bit more rugged in style. It earned the ‘Best Buy’ badge by presenting a great balance of features at a reasonable price. In addition, it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick. 

“The Telluride offers excellent passenger and cargo room, nicely balanced road manners, and an upscale look and feel inside and out—all at highly competitive prices.”

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a tried and true class favorite 

Around since its release in 2001, the Toyota Highlander has served families well for four generations. As part of the fourth generation released in 2019, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a segment stable. It’s one of those midsize SUV models that’s helped to define the midsize crossover SUV class. 

According to Consumer Guide, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has a lot to offer. Things like spacious cargo and passenger accommodations, a good handle, and a Top Safety Pick + award. The cabin is quiet and the efficient hybrid powertrain is “wonderfully refined.” It starts a little higher––though not that much––at $35,085.  

The Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ award

These three crossovers are all members of the midsize SUV class. They are segment leaders in terms of what they offer. Each is an all-around vehicle that offers plenty of value for the price. 

These are certainly not the only great midsize SUVs. But the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander are among the best in their class. For that reason, Consumer Guide gave them each the honor of being a Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy.’ 

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This McLaren Is Barely Street Legal

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The line between road and racetrack is thin in the new 2021 McLaren 620R. In McLaren’s bid to make the 2021 McLaren 620R the fastest car that you won’t race, that line becomes so thin the McLaren 620R is barely street legal. Let’s take a look at what makes the 2021 McLaren 620R the fastest car on the road right now, and how it’s different from the 570S GT4.

2021 McLaren 620R | McLaren

The 2021 McLaren 620R’s specs are strikingly similar to the 570S GT4 

The 2021 McLaren 620R has twin turbo-charged 32-valve V8 engines, 612 hp and 457 lb-ft. It’s incredibly similar to McLaren’s actual race car, the twin turbo-charged V8 McLaren 570S GT4. Actually, there is a difference; the 620R has more horsepower than the 570S GT4’s 500 hp, since it doesn’t have to conform to race restrictions. 

Like its race car counterpart, the McLaren 620R comes with a rear wing, though the 620R’s wing has brake lights. Brake lights and a license plate are two of the modifications that make the 620R legal to drive on the road. Those looking to live out their race car driving dreams can choose between two suspensions: the mechanically adjustable one it comes with, or one designed for the track. 

Okay, so it’s not a real race car…or is it?

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Because the 2021 McLaren 620R is street legal, you won’t be able to actually race it, unless you take it to a track day. If you plan on testing its speed on a closed circuit, you can buy the optional race tires, which can be put on at the track. Obviously the 620R meant for the road comes with street legal tires, so you can take it to the grocery store without getting pulled over.

Even if your top speed is 65 MPH, you can still feel like a race car driver. Order yours with sponsor graphics – yes, that’s a thing McLaren offers. 

What is the ride like in the 2021 McLaren 620R?

Car and Driver test drove the 2021 McLaren 620R and noted that driving the 620R was as noisy as driving an actual race car. In an effort to make the 620R faster than every other car on the road, McLaren removed the glove box and carpet, and the result is an ability to hear every pebble on the highway, like a superhero. The McLaren 620R doesn’t even come with air-conditioning, unless you ask for it. Who needs air conditioning when you can drive 200 MPH on an open track, windows down?

In addition to being noisy, the ride inside the McLaren 620R is about as comfortable as falling down the stairs. That’s okay for those planning on driving the 620R to work during the week, and the track on the weekends. If you’d like to have some feeling in your body at the end of your drive, spring for the seat cushions.

There are only a handful of 2021 McLaren 620Rs being made, and they aren’t cheap

McLaren is only producing 225 of these speed beasts. Fine, 225 is more than a handful, but it’s still few enough that those who purchase them will have to give shotgun test drives to everyone they know.    

It should come as no surprise that a road-ready race car isn’t going to come with a bargain price tag. The 2021 McLaren 620R starts at $195,000, and the cost can quickly increase, depending on added options. While the 2021 McLaren 620R is barely street legal, it is road-worthy, and a great investment if you’ve always wanted an everyday race car.

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What Happens if You Don’t Pay a ‘Fix-it’ Ticket?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Receiving a moving violation is never fun, but at least some of them, like a “fix-it” ticket, are correctable. These types of tickets are among the most lenient as they allow you to get the issue fixed and typically don’t end up on your driving record. But what happens if you neglect to pay a “fix-it” ticket fine?

What is a “fix-it” ticket?

A policeman pulls over a car. | (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

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A fix-it ticket is one that’s issued for an array of violations, depending on where you live, Autoblog notes. Some of the most common examples of violations worthy of a fix-it ticket include a broken or malfunctioning tail light or blinker, an obscured license plate, or illegal modifications on your car.

Other, non-mechanical violations can receive fix-it tickets as well. This includes violations like expired registration tags and driver’s licenses as well. However, not every state considers those offenses correctable, but you can always check your local state laws to find out.

How do I fix a fix-it ticket?

A police officer writes a speeding ticket after clocking cars with a radar gun.
A police officer writes a speeding ticket after clocking cars with a radar gun. | (Photo by Mike Albans/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

RELATED: There’s 1 State You Never Want To Get a Speeding Ticket In

If you receive a fix-it ticket, there should be instructions and conditions on the ticket itself. It should tell you how much time you have to correct the offending issue as well as how you can get it dismissed. If you can’t find the instructions on the ticket itself, you can always check for them online on your state’s website.

After you understand the conditions of the ticket, you can then proceed to fix the issue on your car or on your car’s registration. This could mean having to visit a mechanic for the repair or the DMV to update your license or registration.

Get your repairs verified

Mechanic Mike Ackerman drills holes under the hood of a car.
Mechanic Mike Ackerman drills holes under the hood of a car. | AFP PHOTO / Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

After you fix the issue that you were ticketed for, you’ll need to have it verified by an authority. Again, this authoritative figure can vary by state. For example, in California, a licensed inspection station can verify that any physical repairs have been done to your vehicle, while the DMV can sign off on any registration issues. Just to note, an actual police officer might need to approve some repairs to sign off the violation.

Get the violation dismissed

In order to completely resolve the fix-it ticket, you’ll need to show up to the court and present proof that you resolved the issue. Some states do allow for electronic verification, so you can check whether or not yours does. Just remember that you might need to pay an administration fee for the court costs as well.

If you don’t do anything about the ticket

If you forget or decide not to do anything about the fix-it ticket that you received, then you can expect some hefty fines to occur. According to the California courts, failing to pay the fine or show up to court will increase, and even add, some additional penalties.

You can be fined up to $300 on top of the amount that you already owe and the court can even charge you with a misdemeanor for failing to pay. However, if you would rather avoid any additional penalties or fines, remember to address your fix-it ticket as soon as possible. If not, it will only get worse.

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