Go On an Off-Road Adventure with Toyota’s RAV4 Configurator

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Happily, vaccinations are helping bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. People shut-in for the better part of a year and a half are looking to get out, and Toyota wants to help with the RAV4. Today, it’s time to spec out the ultimate cheap off-roader you can still drive every day. There’s plenty of trim levels and options to choose from, so no matter the budget Toyota has a RAV4 for you.

Toyota RAV4 Trim levels

My 2021 Toyota RAV4 with TRD wheels and Lunar Rock paint | Toyota

It’s frankly absurd how many trim levels there are on a 2021 Toyota RAV4, seven to be exact. So, to make things easier I chose to focus on the two most outdoorsy trims: the Adventure and the TRD Off-Road. Both offer terrain-focused drive mode selectors and a host of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and Toyota Safety Sense which includes radar cruise.

However, only the TRD RAV4 offers some real off-roading benefits with TRD-tuned suspension and stabilizer bars. For only $2,000 more, the TRD seems worth it just for the suspension alone, although the included sunroof is a plus. After spending the last year or so inside, it’s hard to imagine prospective buyers won’t want a little something to let the outside in. There’s only one powertrain option for the RAV. Not to worry, as it’s a plenty-potent 2.5L four-cylinder making 203 hp.

2021 Toyota RAV4 paint and interior

The interior of a Toyota RAV4 with "TRD" stitched into the headrests.
The “TRD” on the headrests is a nice touch | Toyota

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Has a Nicer Interior Than Its More Expensive Sibling

Paint options are where things get interesting, per usual. Toyota offers eight color choices on the RAV, and three of them are interesting two-tone combinations that can be had for an extra $500 on top of the base price of $35,980. There are some interesting ones in there, including Toyota’s amazing Lunar Rock color with a white roof, but I chose to pass and save the money, wanting to keep mine under $40,000. With this in mind, I chose to keep my RAV Lunar Rock from head to toe.

Interior spec is largely determined by the trim level you chose, and the TRD pack does a nice job of sprucing up the interior of the RAV4 a bit. Toyota’s fake leather material “SofTex” seats are a nice touch, and the material covers the steering wheel, dash, and doors too. It’s not terrible as interiors go, but I chose to option my RAV with the “TRD Off-Road Weather Package” for $1,015 to get the heated and ventilated seats.

Is the 2021 RAV4 worth the money?

A build sheet showing options on a 2021 Toyota RAV4, including the off road weather package, blacked out emblems, and roof rack bars.
My 2021 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Pack with options | Toyota

Lastly, Toyota offers some odds and ends like alloy wheel nuts, cargo nets, and a tablet holder. Those are all pretty frivolous, so I only chose three frivolities. Everything in moderation. Blacked-out emblems ($129) were up first; you simply cannot have an off-roader with chrome badges and be taken seriously on the trails anymore. Next up were the roof rack bars ($315) so I can mount a sick roof basket for….. things? Joking aside, they are a must-have if you want to use the RAV4 for any sort of sporting activity like skiing and mountain biking. Last were mudguards ($129) so people take me seriously when I put a wheel over the curb in the McDonald’s parking lot.

All said and done, my Toyota RAV4 came out to $38,743. Not bad considering the RAV4’s stellar fuel economy and decent off-road chops. However, the destination charge would take this RAV4 just a touch past the $40,000 mark. The RAV4 is a solid option for anyone looking to spend some time outdoors this summer, and at that price, it’s a solid alternative to Toyota’s own 4Runner.

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The Best Cheap Used Cars Under $5,000 According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a cheap used car isn’t the right choice for everyone. More often than not, inexpensive used cars are significantly older and have much higher mileage. Some also have potentially expensive problems to contend with. The good news is that there are several cheap used cars worth your attention. And these models? Well, according to U.S. News & World Report, they’re among the best cheap used cars under $5,000.  

The 2009 Honda Fit is one of the best cheap used cars under $5,000

2009 Honda Fit | Honda

RELATED: The 2012 Honda Fit Is the Best Used Hatchback According To U.S. News

If you’re shopping for a cheap used car, U.S. News reports that the 2009 Honda Fit is one of your best options. This affordable used car will have you spending roughly $4,826, making for a very budget-friendly price tag. A reasonable price isn’t the only reason to consider this used car either.

As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports recommended the 2009 Honda Fit and gave it an Excellent reliability rating. Consumer Reports isn’t the only one to have given it such high ratings either. J.D. Power also gave it a Great quality and reliability rating. And when it comes to safety? The IIHS recognized the 2009 Honda Fit as a Top Safety Pick.

The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is a cheap used car that won’t break the bank

A silver 2009 Hyundai Elantra, the Elantra is one of the best cheap used cars under $5,000
2009 Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai

RELATED: You Don’t Have to Get a Fully-Loaded Hyundai Elantra to Obtain Luxury

The 2009 Honda Fit isn’t the only cheap car worth your consideration. U.S. News also highlighted the 2009 Hyundai Elantra as one of the best used cars under $5,000. This used car costs about $3,423 and, according to U.S. News, is a car that typically flies under the radar of used car shoppers. But, as it turns out, it really shouldn’t.

As a matter of fact, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra won U.S. News’ Best Compact Car for the Money award. The organization lauded the car for its good performance, spacious interior, and low long-term ownership costs. As for how reliable this used car is? Consumer Reports gave this particular model a Very Good reliability rating.

The 2011 Mazda2 will have you spending less than $5,000 on a used car

A lime green 2011 Mazda2
2011 Mazda2 | Mazda

RELATED: Mazda Quietly Makes 1 of the Cheapest Cars You Can Buy, But Should You?

Maybe you’ve heard of the Mazda2. Perhaps you haven’t. If you haven’t, U.S. News calls it a best-kept secret. It’s also one of the best cheap used cars under $5,000. Costing around $4,920, buying this used car definitely won’t have you breaking the bank anytime soon.

Affordability isn’t all the 2011 Mazda2 has going for it either. U.S. News reports that its front seats are comfortable. Its interior offers a decent cargo space too. Unfortunately, unlike other used cars on U.S. News’ list, the 2011 Mazda2 was only given an Average quality and reliability rating by J.D. Power. While that’s not the worst rating it could have earned, it might be disappointing for some.

The 2007 Honda Element is a used SUV that costs under $5,000

A blue 2007 Honda Element parked outdoors
2007 Honda Element | Honda

RELATED: What Happened To The Honda Element?

Perhaps it’s an affordable used SUV that you’re after. If that’s the case, U.S. News suggests checking out a vehicle such as the 2007 Honda Element. With an average price of $4,971, the 2007 Honda Element is one of the best used cars under $5,000. At that price, it’s also one of the cheapest used cars.

But what does this affordable used SUV actually have going for it? As it turns out, a lot. According to U.S. News, the 2007 Honda Element boasts a strong reputation for reliability. It also features a practical interior layout, including waterproof upholstery, removable rear seats, and a spacious cargo area.

These aren’t your only options if you’re shopping for a cheap used car

Here’s the thing, these aren’t the only cheap used cars that U.S. News included in its list of the best used cars under $5,000. It also highlighted cheap used cars like the 2008 Hyundai Sonata ($3,547), the 2009 Ford Focus ($3,510), the 2008 Chevy Impala ($3,910), along with many other affordable used cars. What does that mean for you? Well, if you’re shopping for a cheap used car, it just means that you’ve got plenty of options worth considering.

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Amazon Drivers Claim They’re Threatened to Speed to Meet Their Delivery Quotas

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s no question you can find good deals on Amazon. The company is known for innovation and technological advances, and it’s changed the face of retail. But providing lightning-fast delivery at a low cost requires employees to work at a pace that some delivery drivers believe is impossible. In fact, they say they’re under so much pressure to get their packages out fast they think their supervisors would rather see them cut corners on car safety than miss their delivery quotas.

Amazon wields power

Amazon’s delivery network is so vast that it affects the van market. The Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Ram ProMaster vans have seen dramatic sales spikes because Amazon added them to its delivery fleet. And eventually, it looks as if the retail giant might abandon these popular vans for electric vehicles. 

But according to CNBC, Amazon doesn’t just influence the van market. The company has also broken ground in efficiency standards. One example is that contracted delivery drivers must download and run Mentor, an app that monitors their on-the-job driving. 

The goal is to keep tabs on drivers’ behavior to encourage safe driving for their sakes and those around them. The app has raised concerns about accuracy and privacy issues. But it turns out it might not even be working well to curb risky driving. Drivers are side-stepping the tracking — and it’s because they’re getting pressure from their bosses. 

Amazon delivery drivers feel pressured to speed

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Amazon delivery drivers say they’re being pressured to drive unsafely so that they hit their delivery times, Vice reports. Delivery drivers have claimed dispatchers instruct them to turn off Mentor halfway through their shifts so that they can drive faster — and more recklessly.

In one instance, drivers with a 10-hour shift were instructed, “Starting tomorrow, everyone needs to be logged into Mentor for at least 2 hours no more no less, so make sure that’s one of the first things we’re doing in the mornings.”

Amazon drivers claim the demanding delivery times lead supervisors to pressure them to shut off the app so that they won’t be detected rushing through their route. 

“Speeding was the main thing. They were harsh on drivers that weren’t going as fast as they wanted,” one driver told Vice. “I complied when they asked me to turn off the app because I didn’t want to cause friction. But it was a lot of stress, high blood pressure, seething anger, and frustration.”

Although many drivers say the pressure to drive unsafely is stressful, the company expectations for delivery times sometimes make it impossible to keep up otherwise. 

Amazon is seeking a solution to the problem, but not by considering reducing drivers’ loads. 

Amping up oversight

RELATED: Amazon’s Alexa Is Headed to You Car — but Is It a Security Risk?

In February, Amazon announced drivers would be required to sign a “biometric consent form” as a condition of employment. According to Car and Driver, the company will add onboard cameras to delivery vehicles. The cameras will store images of the driver and monitor the vehicle’s speed, location, turns, acceleration, following distance, and braking. 

Drivers can turn the camera off while the vehicle isn’t running, but it will start automatically upon ignition. 

The new system seems harder to skirt than the Mentor app. However, it fails to address the pressure drivers face. If they can’t complete their deliveries on time safely, risky driving practices will likely continue. 

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Consumer Reports Says the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Is the Most Satisfying Porsche Model

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Price, reliability, and performance are vital factors to consider when shopping for a new vehicle. But don’t overlook the importance of owner satisfaction. Although not all vehicles with good owner satisfaction ratings come highly recommended, this can still be a key factor in helping you narrow your search to the vehicles that’ll most likely make you happy. And the 2021 Porsche Cayenne is more satisfying than any other Porsche SUV, recent data from Consumer Reports shows.

How does Consumer Reports rank these vehicles?

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is clearly doing something right, but how does Consumer Reports determine which vehicles are most satisfying? Owner satisfaction rankings are part of the Annual Auto Surveys, which CR sends out to its members every year.

To determine the most satisfying vehicles, Consumer Reports asks, “Would you get this car if you had to do it all over again?” Reviewers then compile this information and calculate the percentage of owners who say they’d definitely repurchase their vehicle. The models with the highest percentages earn the highest owner satisfaction rankings.

Consumer Reports notes that just because a vehicle ranks well in owner satisfaction doesn’t mean its reviewers recommend it. Some cars receive low predicted reliability ratings or low scores during their test drives but still rank well in terms of owner satisfaction. 

Why owners love the 2021 Porsche Cayenne

RELATED: Will There Be a Porsche Cayenne EV for Sale Soon?

With an overall Consumer Reports score of 81/100, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne is the German brand’s only model to appear on CR’s list of most satisfying new midsize SUVs. It also earned the CR Recommended badge in addition to high owner satisfaction ratings. So it’s a safe bet if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV.

The Cayenne handling is an area where it particularly excels compared to other models in its segment. Owners also love the interior, with Consumer Reports calling it “impeccable.” It boasts supportive seats, making it comfortable even on longer drives. Additionally, this midsize SUV comes standard with driver assists such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

What reviewers have to say about this luxury SUV

The Porsche Cayenne starts at $67,500 but can soar into six digits in upper trim levels. It ranks third of 22 in Consumer Reports‘ list of luxury midsize SUVs and earned an 87/100 on its road test.

The Cayenne packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that makes 335 hp. It gets 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg. Standard features include cruise control, keyless drive, and front and rear parking assist with a rear camera. 

Consumer Reports praises the Cayenne’s handling and rapid acceleration, reaching 60 mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds. However, test drivers found this SUV struggled slightly at lower speeds. They also noted that the Cayenne’s suspension provides a level of firmness that might not be ideal for drivers who want a plush ride.

Inside the cabin, though, the Cayenne really shines. This five-seater is spacious and comfortable enough for adults even in the back row, and visibility is excellent from the driver’s seat. Reviewers also praise the high-quality materials throughout the cabin, all of which contribute to a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne may not be perfect, but its drawbacks don’t seem to bother owners much. With a stellar owner satisfaction rating and excellent road-test scores, the Cayenne should be high on your list if you’re looking for a two-row midsize luxury SUV.

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