The Worst Push Lawn Mowers and What to Buy Instead

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a push lawn mower doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, when it comes to choosing the best mower, Consumer Reports recommends avoiding these walk-behind lawn mowers altogether. The good news is that there are several better walk-behind lawn mowers worth considering. Let’s find out what they are.

Different types of lawn mowers

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Now, there are several different types of lawn mowers out there. The most popular types of lawn mowers include push lawn mowers, lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, and rear-engine riders. When it comes to walk-behind mowers specifically, some are gas-powered while others are battery-powered.

According to Consumer Reports, push mowers are best for individuals with small yards to mow. “In a small yard you’re more likely to be turning around or navigating around obstacles more often,” explained Misha Kollontai, a Consumer Reports senior test project leader who tests lawn mowers. “A walk-behind mower is more appropriate for such jobs than a tractor or riding mower. It’s easier to navigate.”

Consumer Reports says these are the worst push lawn mowers 

As for the worst push lawn mowers? Several walk-behind lawn mowers earned an Overall Score of 60 or lower on Consumer Report’s 100-point scale. Those mowers include the Murray 11A-A2BF758, Worx WG779, and the Sun Joe MJ401C-XR.

While the Murray 11A-A2BF758 may be an affordable lawn mower that costs approximately $190, Consumer Reports says it’s simply not worth the money. It earned a 45 Overall Score, along with below-average scores in side-discharging and bagging. “Owners surveyed by CR give the brand’s mowers Poor satisfaction ratings and below-average marks for predicted reliability,” Consumer Reports added.

Consumer Reports gave the Worx WG779 a similarly low rating. This push lawn mower will have you spending roughly $266 but, according to the organization, you could do better at that price point. While the Worx WG779 earned an Excellent handling rating, its performance in other tests was considerably lower.

Push lawn mower. | Alexander Sayganov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

RELATED: The Best Electric Lawn Mowers According to Consumer Reports

The Sun Joe MJ401C-XR is the worst push lawn mower

The Sun Joe MJ401C-XR ($219) didn’t fare much better in Consumer Reports lawn mower reviews. In fact, of the three worst walk-behind lawn mowers on its list, the Sun Joe MJ401C-XR was given the lowest scores of all. Consumer Reports gave it an Overall Score of 40; that’s not all either.

According to Consumer Reports, this 14-inch push lawn mower earned one of the worst overall scores in Consumer Report’s mowing test. It also earned lower than average scores in bagging, evenness, and run time. Side discharging means you’ll have to purchase an accessory chute too.

What are the best push lawn mowers?

RELATED: 3 Best Riding Lawn Mowers Under $2,500

The good news is that there are better push lawn mowers worth considering. For example, the Ryobi RY401200 ($480) is among the best battery push lawn mowers. Consumer Reports gave it a 79 Overall Score, adding that “it’s superb at side-discharging and mulching.” It’s also the only battery push lawn mower Consumer Reports has tested so far that does well at cutting evenly.

For the best battery self-propelled lawn mower, consider the Ego LM2156SP ($750), which Consumer Reports gave an 84 Overall Score. While this electric lawn mower is expensive, Consumer Reports says its performance is “top-notch.” It boasts a run time of 60 minutes too and takes less time to charge than other electric lawn mowers.

RELATED: Need to Mow the Lawn in a Hurry? This Mower Tops out at Over 150 MPH

The Honda HRX217K6HZA ($870) is among the best push lawn mowers too. This mower earned an 87 Overall Score. Consumer Reports added that it earned Excellent ratings for mulching, bagging, evenness, and handling. Perhaps the only downfall is its price. For those shopping for an affordable lawn mower, the Honda HRX217K6HZA may not be the best fit.

How to choose the best push lawn mower

When it comes to shopping for the best lawn mower, there are plenty of choices out there. Consider Consumer Reports’ best-reviewed lawn mowers and, chances are, you’ll come across the best lawn mower for satisfying all of your lawn care needs.

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Is the 2021 Lexus RC Your Only Choice for a Luxury Coupe?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As more and more Americans flock to buying SUVs and sedans nowadays, it seems like the two-door coupe segment is waning. It’s not too surprising, considering coupes aren’t as practical. But if you’re in the market for a coupe — specifically a luxury model – is the Lexus RC your only option?

The Lexus RC provides a softer and sensible choice

2021 Lexus RC 350 F Sport | Lexus

RELATED: Is the Lexus RC F Track Edition Worth the Money?

If you have never driven a Lexus, then we highly suggest it. Every Lexus model in the lineup exudes an inherent softness and undeniable comfort that you can’t really find in German rivals in the segment. The softness works well if you’re looking for the utmost comfort out of your luxury car, however, it doesn’t work that well when it comes to a sporty coupe.

In the case of the 2021 Lexus RC, the softness still remains, but the automaker did its best to inject some athleticism into the car. For example, in our testing, the steering in the RC feels weighted and gives the driver some feedback, but it also feels a little vague. To top things off, the six-speed automatic transmission seems to kick down a gear slower than we would like, especially for a sports coupe.

While this softness might sound like a drawback, it’s not. If you’re looking for a sporty coupe with a huge dash of comfort so that you cruise comfortably around town or on your commute to work, then the Lexus RC could work well for you.

If you need more sportiness, then there are other cars to choose from

front shot of 2021 BMW 4 Series in white
2021 BMW 4 Series | BMW

RELATED: Hardcore Lexus RC F Is Out for Blood

While overall comfort is what the 2021 Lexus RC excels at, there are other competitors in the segment that excel in other areas. For instance, Car and Driver suggest the Genesis G70 or the Audi A5 Sportback if you want luxury and performance. But if you would rather feel the road, as well as almost every bump on it, then you can always opt for a BMW 4 Series.

In Car and Driver’s testing, the BMW 4 Series was able to get from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds as compared to the RC 350’s 5.7-second run. Keep in mind that the RC 350 is fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 311 hp, while the BMW has a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that puts out 255 hp. Of course, there’s also the RC 350 F Sport, however, that F Sport package is mainly an aesthetic upgrade.

So if you really want to bring out the big guns, then you’ll have to opt for the Lexus RC F. That model comes with a 472-hp, 5.0-liter V8, but it comes with a hefty $65,000 price tag.

How does the Lexus RC stack up price-wise?

2021 Lexus RC Interior
2021 Lexus RC Interior | Lexus

While the Lexus RC beats out the competition when it comes to comfort and trails in performance, it does well when it comes to pricing. A base Lexus RC 300 starts at $42,220, while the RX 350 starts $45,000.

You can also add all-wheel drive for an extra $2,000, which is something that some competitors don’t have. By comparison, the BMW 4 Series starts at around $46,000, while the Audi A5 starts at $42,845. If you really want a bargain, then you can go with the Genesis G70 for around $38,000, but the Lexus offers a touch more opulence with its higher price tag.

Either way, there’s no denying that the Lexus RC can give you the comfort that you’re looking for in a luxury coupe with an added touch of sportiness. But if you need more agility and responsiveness, then its rivals could suit you better.  

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Buy a Used 2016 Subaru Outback According To Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For a variety of reasons, a brand-new SUV might not be in your immediate future. However, you might also be casually looking for a well-cared-for-used SUV. If you’re considering a smaller used SUV, Consumer Reports recently published an article that should help you decide between the 2016 Subaru Outback and some luxury SUVs. You’ll likely be surprised by the SUV that Consumer Reports placed in the No. 2 position.

Consumer Reports: Used Two-Row Midsize SUVs With the Best Fuel Economy list

According to Consumers Reports, they realized that there was a serious interest in used midsize SUVs. They decided they wanted to make shopping for your next used SUV a little easier so they put together a list the what they considered the best “Used Two-Row Midsize SUVs With the Best Fuel Economy.”

The review organization reports that the main thing they considered while putting the list together was each vehicle’s fuel economy when the vehicle first performed a road test for CR. 

Many people were surprised to see that the 2016 Subaru Outback was the second vehicle listed in the article. Many were even more surprised to see that it had beat out many of the luxury brands, including BMW and Lexus that typically top the lists.

Why Consumers Reports placed the 2016 Subaru Outback so highly on the list

The 2016 Subaru Outback | Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

RELATED: The 1 Subaru Outback Year You Should Avoid

Considering the fuel efficiency was the main consideration when determining how the SUVs were placed on the list, it’s no surprise that the 2016 Subaru Outback landed in second place.

The vehicle’s owner’s reported fuel consumption is an impressive 26 mpg. That’s about four miles more to the gallon than any of the other vehicles on the list, including the 2016 Lexus RX which had the coveted top spot. The only vehicle in this class that of 2016 SUVs with a better fuel economy is the 2016 Lexus RX Hybrid which gets an average of 26 mpg.

Consumers Reports recommends looking for a used 2016 Subaru Outback that pairs the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the continuously variable transmission. They also recommend looking for a vehicle that’s equipped with the EyeSight suite of advanced safety gear which was an optional feature in 2016.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback right for you?

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Based on the 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating Consumers Reviews gave the 2016 Subaru Outback, you can be reasonably confident that this is a vehicle you can depend on to get you wherever you want to go. The vehicle has seating for five passengers and does not have a third-row seat like many SUVs. According to ISeeCars, you’ll have 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space from the rear hatch to the front seat. 

If you’re considering a 2016 Subaru Outback, U.S. News reports that in addition to the initial purchase price, you should anticipate spending about $4,200 per year which includes the average cost of insurance, routine maintenance, expected repairs, and fuel. 

Do you think that the 2016 Subaru Outback is the ideal vehicle for you?

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Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Adaptive Cruise Control Any Good?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Most drivers wonder how they ever lived without a rearview camera in their cars. As tech innovation paces, auto manufacturers continue to integrate safety features in their vehicles. Hyundai has been no different. With its dramatic styling, comfy cabin, and prominent grille, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is also equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. 

The cruise control system keeps the car centered in its lane, enables drivers to maintain highway speed limits, and keeps a reasonable distance from the car in front. Unlike conventional cruise control systems, the adaptive system uses radar to detect relative motions of preceding vehicles and adjust speed to keep a safe distance. 

According to MotorTrend, the adaptive cruise control system or previous Sonata models accelerates slowly once the vehicles begin moving faster. Also, the Highway Driver Assist feature is not so much useful in curves but awesomely reliable in straight sections of the road. The system tends to veer to the left of the lane but within the lane markings. 

So, with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, is adaptive cruise control any good? Let’s have a quick look. 

The basics of adaptive cruise control 

The Driver Assist tool uses the front camera and a radar system to monitor the distance from the vehicle ahead and the level of acceleration. With the AI in place, the data is combined with the driver’s driving style. This is different from the conventional system where the driver sets a specific speed and a following distance. 

The addition of AI to the Hyundai Sonata adaptive cruise systems has assisted in improving the overall dependability of the system. However, MotorTrend notes that the system either accelerates too slowly, brakes harshly, or brakes early.

Even with these known issues, the NHTSA gave the Hyundai Sonata a five-star rating in regard to its safety features. The sedan also earned the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Indeed, it can be difficult to fine-tune the settings of the system to suit individual drivers’ needs.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata’s smart cruise control

The 2021 model maintains these features and adds more cruise control functions to bolster the driving experience. Most new Hyundai Sonata models are equipped with adaptive/smart cruise control that enables you to maintain a preselected distance from the vehicles ahead in the same lane.

As with other systems, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata system keeps your vehicle traveling at a particular speed on the highway without the need for continuous adjustments.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata cruise control system is better since it can detect when preceding vehicles slow down or stop. Your Hyundai will adjust the speed accordingly to maintain a safe distance. With the stop-and-go functionality, your Hyundai can be set back to speed while keeping a safe preset distance. 

Blind-spot monitoring 

As Hyundai claims, the 2021 Sonata model is equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense technology, which consists of a raft of features that alert and help in various driving situations. Blind view monitoring feature is one of the key safety features in the 2021 hybrid Sonata. 

The blind-spot detection tools in the 2021 Sonata assist you to know if there are other cars in the blind spot section. It senses the rear side of the vehicle when the speed is above 20 mph. The efficiency of the system depends on the distance, size, angle, and relative speed difference between your sedan and other cars. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to invest in a powerful blind view monitor tool to enable you to detect traffic in blind spots easily. 

Well, the new 2021 Hyundai Sonata system is much better

RELATED: How Many Miles Will a Hyundai Sonata Last?

The cruise control in the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is among the advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) Hyundai introduced to improve driving experience and safety. With its sleek and sharp design, the ADAS in this Hyundai sedan has pedestrian detection, automatic braking, and a blind-spot warning system. It also features a lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic warning capabilities. 

With the new adaptive control system, the mechanism responds smoothly to changing traffic situations ahead. When traffic is clearing, there is a small delay in raving up to the set speed but once the transmission kicks in, the car cruises decently.  The 2021 Hyundai Sonata adaptive cruise control system is better and comes with additional options such as setting the safety distance and monitoring the traffic behavior of preceding vehicles. 

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