by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Hyundai Accent won’t turn any heads with its style, agility, or horsepower. But that’s standard for economy cars. However, one Accent model year stands out among the general mediocrity of its siblings — and not in a good way. The owner satisfaction rating for the 2012 Hyundai Accent is as bad as it gets. Read on to learn more about what’s hot and what’s not about this nearly decade-old car. 

The Accent tops no one’s list of the best Hyundai models

The Accent has long been Hyundai’s most economical model, having evolved from the now-extinct Excel, Automobile Fandom reports. A subcompact car, the Accent has struggled to compete with other vehicles in its class, such as the Chevy Spark, Nissan Versa, and now-defunct Honda Fit. 

Indeed, as we’ve written before, the Accent is limited in part by its body style. Though competitors such as the Spark and Fit offer hatchback variations, the Accent comes as only a sedan. Moreover, the Accent’s ride isn’t known for supreme comfort. It can be rather jarring when passing over bumps in the road.  

Then there’s the Accent’s engine, which MotorTrend gives low marks for acceleration. Not that we’d expect much else from a 120-hp engine. 

The 2012 Hyundai Accent scores poorly in owner satisfaction

Though the Hyundai Accent isn’t a top-of-the-line vehicle in general, Consumer Reports criticizes the fourth-generation 2012 model.

First, there was the fact that this model scored a “Poor” rating in the IIHS small-overlap crash test. This is definitely not something you want to mess around with. A low grade on a crash test can be a matter of life and death. 

If the 2012 Hyundai Accent’s crash-test score didn’t take it out of the running for consumers, this subcompact also has another significant mark against it. Its owner satisfaction rating from Consumer Reports is the lowest possible: 1 out of 5.

Per Accent owners, trouble spots contributing to this rating are the suspension, fuel system, and paint and trim. Concerning the latter, owners particularly complained about loose exterior trim or moldings. 

Finally, Consumer Reports knocked the 2012 Hyundai Accent for the lack of comfort and space to spread out in the rear seats. 

But this subcompact has some redeeming qualities

All of this isn’t to say the 2012 Hyundai Accent is worthless. If you look hard enough, you can find some things to appreciate about it.

First, Consumer Reports praises the ease with which drivers can operate the car’s controls. Though this might seem like a small thing, it can make a huge difference when you’re trying to concentrate on navigating the roads safely. 

Another plus? The 2012 Accent gets great gas mileage, which Consumer Reports scores a perfect 5 out of 5. Owners can expect to average around 40 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg overall, so they save not only on the car’s sticker price but also at the pump. 

Finally, the 2012 model also earns high marks for responsive handling and roomy, comfortable front seats. 

All in all, the Hyundai Accent makes for a solid subcompact car that won’t win any awards for style or speed. Though the 2012 model year leaves much to be desired, the manufacturer has made several generational updates since then. As a result, the 2021 Accent actually landed on Car and Driver‘s “Editor’s Choice” list. 

RELATED: The 2021 Hyundai Accent Is a Bargain-Basement Find for Families

The post Hyundai Accent Owners Are Not Happy With This Model Year appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Toyota is one of the most popular automakers in America. In fact, since 2002, the best-selling car in America has been the Camry. The best-selling mid-size truck has been the Tacoma for 16 years. You could say Toyota is well-liked and respected in the U.S. This type of loyalty doesn’t come from random luck, Toyota is well-known to make reliable vehicles that last long. With the quality of products and prices lower than most luxury automakers, Toyota has a winning formula with its lineup. There’s always a downside though, as some Toyota vehicles don’t even make it onto American soil. We can’t have any of these Toyota trucks in the U.S.

New Toyota Land Cruiser won’t come to U.S.

The new Land Cruiser 300 Series is a redesign of the 200 series, which launched in 2007. With the Land Cruiser 300 Series, Toyota plans to develop a vehicle synonymous with “reliability, durability, and off-road performance”. Though there are off-road-capable vehicles in the Toyota lineup, the Land Cruiser caps it off with a full-size SUV capable of similar performance. The Land Cruiser is the Toyota equivalent of the Lexus LX570, a luxury SUV that is well-respected in its class. Though there is somewhat of a focus on toughness, the Land Cruiser balances convenience and comfort in the interior. Front and the second-row seats have heating and ventilation, it’s equipped with a cool box for chilling foods or beverages, a 12.3-inch high-resolution touch screen is available, and more.

With all these cool features, why is the Land Cruiser being discontinued in the United States? Simply put, the sales numbers aren’t what they need to be. In other parts of the world, this vehicle sells very well and so Toyota plans to continue selling it overseas. However, in the U.S. it has not performed well. According to GoodCarBadCar, under the classification of large luxury SUVs, the Land Cruiser sells the worst by far. To put it into perspective, the highest-selling vehicle from this category in Q2 of 2021 was the Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade sold 7,203 units, compared to the Land Cruiser’s 1,654. Six more vehicles sold more than the Land Cruiser in Q2 of 2021, and only one sold less. It was the Lexus equivalent LX that sold a total of 949 units.

Toyota LC70 pickup

Just like the Land Cruiser above, the pickup version isn’t going to make it into the U.S. either. Offroad capability and a vehicle that can take you anywhere is the focus again for this pickup. This is why it is a little surprising Toyota doesn’t take a chance on this model in the U.S. After all, the most popular vehicles in America are pickup trucks. Though Toyota is basing its judgment more on the performance of the regular Land Cruiser than pickup trucks in general. With few of the same features and technology as the LC, the LC70 is the small pickup Land Cruiser. Though you can pretty much subtract the bells and whistles. The pickup can seat up to six people and is great for the off-road adventurer. It doesn’t offer a whole lot for someone looking for an everyday driver, though.

Toyota Hilux pickup

The Toyota Hilux is next in the line of pickup trucks for the Japanese automaker. The Hilux would slot in right between the Tacoma and the Tundra in the Toyota truck lineup. That won’t be happening if you’re in the U.S. as the truck will stay exclusively overseas. As with other Toyota models, the Toyota Europe website focuses the descriptions on being quality, durable, reliable, and engineered to operate in extreme environments. Off-road capability is important to those interested in the Hilux, but it’s also no stranger to luxury. Hill Start Assist Control and Active Traction Control give the Hilux a smooth take-off, and its huge capacity to tow and carry means everything is coming with you. As far as the interior of the truck, a JBL sound system with Harman CLARi-Fi technology plays while you sit on durable material inside to make sure you’re ready for any terrain.

If you live outside of America, you can drive one of these 2022 models when they release to the public. If you live in the U.S. hopefully these vehicles don’t look too appealing because you’ll likely never see one in person. The Land Cruiser, LC70, and Hilux will not be coming to the U.S. in 2022, but maybe there’s hope for the future? For now, we can’t have any of these Toyota trucks in the U.S.

RELATED: You Can Buy Your Next Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Hilux With Corn

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