The 2021 Toyota Corolla Is One of the Best New Cars Under $25,000 According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Shopping for a new car can be stressful, especially if you find yourself shopping with a strict budget in mind. The good news is that buying a new car doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, some of the best new cars cost under $25,000. And one of them? Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Let’s find out why.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla is the best new small car under $25,000

2021 Toyota Corolla | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Corolla has a lot going for it, says Consumer Reports. While many believe that buying a budget-friendly vehicle means compromising on things like performance and comfort, that’s not true at all when it comes to the 2021 Toyota Corolla. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, this year’s new Toyota Corolla is an incredible value if you’re shopping for a new car under $25,000.

Equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Corolla is remarkably fuel-efficient and delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. It also comes well-stocked with sought-after safety features, has a strong reputation for reliability, and is enjoyable to drive. According to Consumer Reports, all of that and more makes the 2021 Toyota Corolla the best new small car under $25,000.

You can count on the 2021 Toyota Corolla to put your safety first

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Perhaps what’s most enticing about the Toyota Corolla is its many safety features. As Consumer Reports explains, this year’s model comes outfitted with more standard features than some cars that boast an even higher price tag. 

The 2021 Toyota Corolla’s standard safety features include driver-assist features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, road sign assist, lane tracing assist, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. This year’s model is also available with blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alerts.

With so many standard safety features to its name, it should come as no surprise that this year’s model earned some impressive safety ratings. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Toyota Corolla a five-star overall safety rating. Meanwhile, the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla earns high marks when it comes to reliability

RELATED: Only 2 Toyota Corolla Model Years Aren’t Recommended by Consumer Reports

Let’s not forget about the 2021 Toyota Corolla’s strong reputation for reliability too. Consumer Reports gave this year’s model an Excellent reliability rating, making it no surprise that it tapped it as the best new small car under $25,000. After all, if you’re going to be spending your hard earned cash on a new car, odds are you want it to be reliable.

Consumer Reports isn’t the only one singing the Corolla’s praises either. In fact, RepairPal reports this year’s Corolla is both reliable and boasts excellent ownership costs. “The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the Corolla,” RepairPal added.

How much does this year’s new Corolla actually cost?

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Now, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the best new small car under $25,000 but how much does it actually cost? This year’s model starts at $20,025, making it one of the most affordable new cars on the market. Upgrading to an LE model won’t cost you much either. Upgrade to the SE, however, and you can expect to spend $22,475.

At its most expensive, the Toyota Corolla will cost you approximately $28,310. While that will have you spending more than $25,000, the Corolla XSE Apex Edition does benefit from features like heated front sports seats, a leather-trimmed telescoping steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen display that’s compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.

As much as the 2021 Toyota Corolla has going for it, it may not be the right fit for you. Fortunately, this year’s new Corolla isn’t the only model Consumer Reports highlighted. In fact, Consumer Reports included several models in its list of the best new cars of 2021. For other new cars that cost under $25,000, Consumer Reports recommends the 2021 Mazda CX-30, the 2021 Toyota Prius, and the 2021 Subaru Forester, among others.

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2021 Lexus RX Scores Big in a New Consumer Reports Roundup

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There may be no duo more iconic than Lexus and awards. Though that’s an exaggeration, there is some truth to that statement, as Lexus continues racking up accolades left and right. That’s especially true for the 2021 Lexus RX, which recently won yet another impressive award. 

Consumer Reports’ top 10 cars of 2021

After testing more than 250 vehicles from the 2021 model year, Consumer Reports compiled the exclusive list “10 Top Picks of 2021: Best Cars of the Year.” CR’s testers evaluated these vehicles dozens of times, so their quality isn’t a fluke. Overall, many of the usual suspects appear on Consumer Reports‘ list. They include the Toyota Camry, Kia Telluride, and Subaru Outback.

And as far as midsize SUVs go, the Lexus RX continues to dominate. Although the RX doesn’t boast the highest overall Consumer Reports rating in its class, it’s still CR’s pick for the best of 2021. For reference, the RX scored 80 out of 100 overall, making it the fifth-best midsize SUV, according to CR. 

Why the 2021 Lexus RX is the best midsize SUV

Consumer Reports says the Lexus RX wins in its segment because it delivers the best balance of all things customers want in a luxury midsize SUV. Like any other Lexus or Toyota model, the RX lives up to the automakers’ reputation for safety and reliability. And because it’s a Lexus, the RX also provides excellent comfort and performance. 

The RX isn’t the best in all categories — Consumer Reports gives it a 4 out of 5 in reliability and owner satisfaction. But it performs well in so many areas that it’s the best combination of them all. On top of that, Consumer Reports praises the options Lexus offers on the RX. For example, the F Sport trim provides better seats and additional flair, the L trim adds third-row seating, and the hybrid version boasts excellent fuel efficiency.

To top it all off, the Lexus RX is inexpensive for a luxury SUV. It isn’t cheap by any means, but its $45,000 starting price fits many families’ budgets. 

An overview of the 2021 Lexus RX

Indeed, comfort is one of the 2021 Lexus RX’s best qualities, according to Consumer Reports‘ full review. Not only are the seats comfortable, but the cabin is also quiet. Furthermore, the RX’s ride quality is impressive and cushy. And though the RX doesn’t provide a standard touchscreen, it comes with plenty of driver assists, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. 

Under the hood, a standard 3.5-liter V6 produces 295 hp. This powerful engine provides the RX with “strong” acceleration, CR reports. As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Its fuel economy is also respectable for an engine of that size, getting 14 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for a combined 22 mpg. The RX’s hybrid powertrain harnesses 308 hp and boasts a combined 29 mpg. That said, this model costs a bit more because it’s a hybrid.

But regardless of powertrain choice or trim level, the Lexus RX is an overall reliable and satisfying midsize SUV.

RELATED: Owners Really Love Their 2021 Lexus RX According to Consumer Reports

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Is the 2021 Nissan Leaf Recommended by Consumer Reports?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re shopping for a new electric vehicle (EV), chances are you’ve come across the 2021 Nissan Leaf. Priced at $31,670, this year’s model is among the most affordable new EVs. It also delivers up to an EPA-estimated 226 miles of range. But when it comes to how this EV is rated? You may find yourself wondering if Consumer Reports recommends it. Let’s find out.

How Consumer Reports rated the 2021 Nissan Leaf

2021 Nissan Leaf | Nissan

The Nissan Leaf has been around for quite some time. But when it comes to this year’s model in particular? Consumer Reports gave it a 72 overall score. While that’s not the highest score the Leaf could have earned, it’s not the worst score it could have earned either. 

When it came to driving this year’s model, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Nissan Leaf a 73 overall score in road tests. Of course, those aren’t the only ratings Consumer Reports provided. Consumer Reports also gave the 2021 Leaf a three out of five predicted reliability rating. The organization gave this year’s model the same score for predicted owner satisfaction. According to Consumer Reports, owners will likely be happiest with the new EVs driving experience and overall styling.

What Consumer Reports had to say about driving the Nissan Leaf

RELATED: The 2021 Nissan Leaf Is a Low-Budget, High-Safety Option

Now, let’s get back to that road test. Sure, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Nissan Leaf a 73 overall score in its road tests. But what did the organization actually have to say about driving this new EV? As it turns out, quite a lot.

Let’s start with how the Nissan Leaf handles. According to Consumer Reports, this year’s Nissan Leaf has “sound, but unexceptional handling.” Its suspension is pretty soft, too, and makes the car “feel more soggy than crisp.” When it came to how far the Leaf can go, Consumer Reports got about 150 miles of range from the EV’s 40 kWh battery. 

The 2021 Nissan Nissan Leaf SV Plus Interior
2021 Nissan Nissan Leaf SV Plus Interior | Nissan

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As for the interior of the Leaf? It looks nice, and the seats are comfortable, though headroom may be tight for some. That being said, Consumer Reports noted there is plenty of plastic throughout the new EV’s interior. The good news is that the 2021 Nissan Leaf gives its driver a commanding view of the road ahead. 

Did the 2021 Nissan Leaf earn a recommendation from Consumer Reports?

RELATED: The Nissan Leaf Recently Hit an Impressive EV Milestone

Yes, Consumer Reports does recommend the 2021 Nissan Leaf. It has for quite a long time too. In fact, there are very few model years that aren’t recommended by Consumer Reports. According to the organization, the only model years not recommended by Consumer Reports include the 2020, 2018, and the 2014 Nissan Leaf. All in all, that’s not bad.

Even more impressive, this year’s new Leaf is one of only four new EVs recommended by Consumer Reports. Other new EVs recommended by Consumer Reports include models like the 2021 Chevy Bolt, the 2021 Tesla Model 3, and the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. 

Is this new EV actually worth buying?

If you’re in the market for a new EV, the 2021 Nissan Leaf makes for a decent pick. It’s one of the very few EVs recommended by Consumer Reports and was given some pretty high marks by the organization. To find out if this new EV is the right fit for you, though, we recommend taking it out for a spin.

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This Badass Ford F-550 Super Duty Hauls the Mail

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If your daily mail is delivered by something cooler than this we want to see it. This is a Ford F-550 Super Duty with specialized suspension, utility box, and 49-inch tall oversized high floatation Michelin tires. At 22-inches wide, this heavy, heavy-duty F-550 should float over the snow which it must do. They make super swampers look like roller skate wheels.

This Ford F-550 delivers the mail to Yellowstone residents

Yellowstone National Park Ford F-550 Super Duty mail truck | Nat’l Park Serv.

That’s because this “mail truck” hauls the mail in Yellowstone National Park. While you might think that nobody actually lives at Yellowstone, you would be wrong. There are thousands of residents and not just seasonal employees. 

Many are housed in dorms. But there are single-family and multi-family residences within the park. And whether you’re seasonal or a resident you need your mail delivered. That’s where this F-550 comes in.

When the four US Post Office branches close because the roads become impassable from the harsh winter months, this mail truck is put into service. It makes a 150-mile round trip twice a week to deliver both mail and supplies to rural residents. 

The F-550’s battering ram bumper doubles as a mechanic’s step

Yellowstone National Park Ford F-550 Super Duty mail truck in the snow
Yellowstone National Park Ford F-550 Super Duty mail truck | Nat’l Park Serv.

Besides the huge tires and specialized utility box, this mail truck is lifted eight inches. It has a Detroit Locker Super 60 axle up front, and special fender flares for the fender flares to cover those huge tires. Torklift Stableload blocks in the rear help support whatever payload is being hauled. It also has a battering ram for a front bumper that incorporates a step to hoist mechanics to help them work on the engine. 

Power comes from a stock 6.7-liter PowerStroke diesel engine

a stock 2020 Ford F-550
A stock 2020 Ford F-550 | Ford

Speaking of the engine, this is powered by a stock 6.7-liter PowerStroke diesel engine according to the Drive. It makes about 300 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. Though this is considered a “medium-duty” truck, it is doing some specialized, heavy-duty mail hauling. And the hauler is Yellowstone Ranger Rachel Cudmore. 

The Gross Vehicle Weight rating is listed at just under 20,000 lbs. But in this case, it is needed for the grunt to traverse snowy terrain as opposed to heavy loads. The stock curb weight of an F-550 is right at 7,000 lbs. 

RELATED: USPS Mail Trucks Bursting Into Flames At Alarming Rate

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