The Least Reliable 2021 Hyundai Models Still Recommended by Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re shopping for a new car, odds are you want one that’s reliable. Unfortunately, not all 2021 Hyundai models earned high marks in the reliability department. The good news is that while these vehicles are among the least reliable Hyundai models, they are still recommended by Consumer Reports. Let’s find out why. 

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is one of the least reliable Hyundai models

2021 Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has a lot going for it. It’s a new car under $20,000 and was even voted the 2021 North American Car of the Year. This year’s new Hyundai Elantra is also one of the safest new cars on the road today and was even tapped by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick. While that’s all good news, the bad news is that this year’s Elantra is one of the least reliable Hyundai models.

In fact, Consumer Reports gave this year’s model a three out of five reliability rating. Despite its low score, however, the organization still recommends the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. After all, Consumer Reports says, it comes riding on a well-tuned suspension system, delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, and has a “relatively roomy interior for the class.” What’s not to like about that?

The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV struggles with reliability

A grey 2021 Hyundai Kona EV driving on an empty road in the mountains
2021 Hyundai Kona EV | Hyundai

The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV is among the least reliable Hyundai models still recommended by Consumer Reports. The organization gave the new EV a three out of five predicted reliability rating. Unfortunately for the Kona Electric, this isn’t the first time it’s earned such a low rating. Consumer Reports also gave the 2019 model a three out of five reliability rating.

The good news is that while the Kona EV is one of the least reliable Hyundai models still recommended by Consumer Reports, the organization did give it significantly higher marks in its road tests. In fact, the organization gave this year’s model a 76 overall score in road tests, adding that this year’s model is one of the best electric vehicles under $50,000 that it’s tested.

“It blends an enjoyable driving experience with practicality, and almost all of our praise for the gas-powered Kona holds true for its electric sibling.”

Consumer Reports

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata impressed in road tests but isn’t that reliable

A red 2021 Hyundai Sonata driving by trees, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is one of the least reliable Hyundai models
2021 Hyundai Sonata | Hyundai

The Hyundai Sonata is a staple among its segment. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the least reliable Hyundai models recommended by Consumer Reports. In fact, the organization gave this year’s new Hyundai Sonata a three out of five predicted reliability rating. The most common Hyundai Sonata problems include issues with its body integrity, paint/trim, and in-car electronics.

Fortunately, much like the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV, the Sonata did ace its road tests. Consumer Reports gave it an 81 overall score, which is encouraging. According to Consumer Reports, the Sonata’s standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is “sufficiently quick.” Additionally, its eight-speed automatic transmission shifts both smoothly and responsively. Handling is secure too.

The Hyundai Tucson is among the least reliable Hyundai models

A red 2022 Hyundai Tucson driving
2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

Hyundai’s 2021 lineup features a range of new SUVs to choose from. Unfortunately, this specific model is among the least reliable Hyundai models recommended by Consumer Reports. While Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a 76 overall score, it also gave it a three out of five predicted reliability rating.

It’s much of the same story with the recently introduced 2022 Hyundai Tucson. Although Consumer Reports gave it an 80 overall score, it also gave it a three out of five predicted reliability rating. The good news is that the all-new Tucson was able to score an 86 in road tests.

“Hyundai’s redesigned Tucson leapfrogged the model it replaced, with a smoother ride, sharper handling, and a quieter cabin. This boldly-styled compact SUV now outshines several segment mainstays, including the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4.”

Consumer Reports

Are the least reliable Hyundai models still worth checking out?

While these new Hyundai models are among the least reliable Hyundai models, they are still recommended by Consumer Reports. So if you’re in the market for a new car? Don’t overlook these models just yet.

RELATED: The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Already Tops This List of the Best Compact SUVs

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The Top 3 Fastest-Selling Used Vehicles Are All-Electric

by Gabrielle DeSantis

These days with microchip shortages and COVID-related assembly line closures everything is selling fast. There are not enough new cars to go around-either new or used. But these three used cars selling extremely fast, based on the amount of time listed in classifieds. 

These three used cars are based on the number of days for sale

Used Car Lot | Getty Images

In fact, the three fastest-selling used cars in July 2021, are all EVs. iSeeCars looked at 2016-2020 vehicles listed in ads, classifieds, and online to tabulate the number of days they’re listed. The top used vehicle selling in July is the Tesla Model 3. 

It took an average of 15.7 days to sell, in spite of selling prices well above the cost of a new model. The average selling price is just under $47,000. Even first-year 2018 Model 3s were averaging $45,291. A new 2021 Model 3 lists for $39,990. And a long-range 2021 Model 3 list for $51,190. 

And this wasn’t the only month the Model 3 topped the charts. It has been there for five months in a row. So in 2021, it may be the fastest-selling used car of the year. 

Number two is the Chevy Bolt

A red 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV model driving on a highway past a white fence and grass fields
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV | Chevrolet Pressroom

Next up is the Chevy Bolt EV at number two. Its listing time was 20.8 days on average. The average transaction price is right at $22,000. For comparison, the new 2021 Bolts list for $39,500.

And the Bolt is selling well despite all of the press swirling around Bolt fires. In fact, today GM announced it is replacing every battery in every Bolt since 2017. Yet, used Bolts sell well under a month on average. Plus, the facelifted 2022 Bolt EV is already out, yet it hasn’t slowed down used bolt sales, either.

Slightly behind the Bolt is the Tesla Model S. The average amount of time listed was only 21.3 days. Prices for these used Model S EVs averaged $64,205. Even though older Model S sedans lack some of the improvements found in later models, it hasn’t slowed down sales.

Two of the top three fastest-selling used cars are Teslas

A Tesla Model S driving to a parking lot outside of a Tesla showroom
A Tesla Model S outside of a showroom | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Some even wonder if the launch of the Model S Plaid has increased exposure and interest in the sedan. It made its debut in 2012 which makes it 10 model years old. New Model S sales have been dwindling over the past few years. 

Tesla’s top new car sellers are the Model 3 and Model X. This is largely assumed to be because of their lower prices. In the second quarter of 2021, Tesla sold over 200,000 cars across all of its lines. 

If you’re curious about other hot-selling used cars, here you go. Number four is the BMW 4 Series. At numbers five and six are the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mazda Miata. Rounding out the top 10 are the Tesla Model X, Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid, Volkswagen Golf GTI, and MINI convertible. 

RELATED: These Used Cars Have Seen Prices Increase the Least in 2021

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4 Reasons Electric 4x4s Will Be Better Off-Road

by Gabrielle DeSantis

You have heard us say electric pickup trucks really are the next big thing. The electric vehicle (EV) will soon revolutionize the commute, the job site, and even the outdoors. The next generation of electric 4x4s will be beasts capable of conquering off-road trails that internal combustion engine (ICE) owners avoid, with bulletproof drivetrains and technology enabling their drivers to overland indefinitely.

1. The Rivian R1T is More Capable Than ICEs Off-Road

Rivian R1T | Rivian

Vehicles of any kind face two main challenges off-road: producing high torque at low speed and distributing that power to the tire/s that has the most traction. Many ICEs must rev above 4,000 RPMs to reach their full torque potential; ICE vehicles need crawler-speed first gears or low range differentials to off-road. Electric engines, however, can leverage all available torque while creeping along at one RPM: EVs are naturally much more capable of navigating off-road terrain.

In pursuit of better traction, automakers developed four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and finally adaptive all-wheel-drive systems; off-roading enthusiasts further modify their drivetrains with limited-slip or fully locking differentials. These developments ensure that at least some of the single engine’s rotational power arrives at the wheel with the most traction. But these systems require heavy components which wear out quickly.

Electric 4x4 Offroad
Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (R) test drives the Extreme E Odyssey 21 electric vehicle (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The next generation of 4x4s will have multiple engines and automatically modulate power by controlling the electricity supplied to each motor. Land Rover’s chief product engineer, Stuart Frith, told EV Central that he likes “electric power for off-road vehicles…It’s very easy to modulate, easy to control.” The all-electric Porsche Taycan 4S demonstrates the future of power modulation: its traction control system adapts ten times faster than the marque’s flagship ICE sports cars.

The Rivian R1T personifies the off-road capabilities enabled by an all-electric drivetrain. Rivian’s four-engine chassis eats up the most challenging terrain by directing all power to the tire/s with the most traction. Future updates will only make this software-controlled system more effective.

Finally, the heaviest component of an EV is its battery pack; the ubiquitous “skateboard” chassis layout packages an EV’s batteries between the vehicle’s frame rails, lowering its center of gravity, and making it more stable than a comparable ICE. 

2. The Lordstown Endurance Boasts Unprecedented Reliability

Lordstown Endurance Electric 4x4 Offroad
Lordstown Endurance | Lordstown

Electric 4x4s will be more durable than their ICE counterparts because they have less components to break. The first EV startup banking on reliability was the Lordstown Endurance pickup, targeting the fleet vehicle market. Lordstown engineered a truck with fewer moving parts than any motor vehicle on the road by employing in-wheel hub motors to avoid half-shafts and a solid rear axle to avoid unnecessary suspension components.

Off-road, EVs will not only become more reliable than their ICE counterparts but will feature backup components—such as engines—making it easier to get home after a malfunction. The underside of an ICE vehicle is a vulnerable tangle of critical components: bottoming out can spell certain doom. An EV 4×4 with a properly encased battery pack is indestructible by comparison. And when fording a river, an ICE vehicle will always be limited by its air intake, but a well-waterproofed EV has no such weakness.

3. The Tesla Cybertruck Will Offer Endless Overlanding Range

Tesla Cybertruck Electric 4x4s Offroad
Tesla Cybertruck | Tesla

Overlanders in ICE vehicles must return to civilization to fuel up. But you can set up an EV charging station anywhere there is a power line. With the launch of its 4xe, Jeep installed charging stations at trailheads around the country. In addition, Rivian is establishing charging stations at many wilderness destinations as part of The Rivian Adventure Network. In the future, solar-powered charging stations could be deployed far beyond the trailhead—even dropped by helicopter on popular trails or in the middle of the wilderness.

Recently, Elon Musk tweeted that the Cybertruck will have “an option to add solar power that generates 15 miles per day, possibly more.” Fifteen miles a day may not cover the commute for most Americans, but it would allow a recreational overlander exploring the wilderness an endless, leisurely vacation.

4. Electric 4x4s Will Inspire a New Generation of Off-Roading Enthusiasts

Rivian R1T and R1S Electric 4x4s Offroad
Rivian R1T and R1S | Rivian

EVs will make motorsports appealing to a new generation: Automakers such as Fisker are showcasing off-road technology in the upcoming Extreme E EV-only off-road racing championship.

Low-impact EVs appeal to environmentally conscious motorists. Those who choose 4×4 EVs can explore the wilderness in a capable, reliable vehicle. This generator on wheels will enable them to camp with luxury, plugging in electric cooktops and lights. A new generation of devotees will discover off-roading—aboard a 4×4 EV.

RELATED: Are There Any 4WD Electric Cars on the Market?

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With Rivian, Lordstown, and Karma Southern California Has Become the Next EV Hub

by Gabrielle DeSantis

One of the most important aspects of an EV for most people is the driving range each one offers. Since range anxiety holds many consumers back from purchasing, it’s no surprise that automakers, like Rivian, are working hard to produce batteries that can get you even further without worrying about charging up. 

According to Green Car Journal, electric vehicles are picking up in sales, and soon consumers will be standing in line for an electric truck, which we haven’t seen on dealer lots yet. 

The rising popularity of electric vehicles like Rivian

Rivian R1S

Electric vehicles have been making a dent in the automotive industry for quite some time. Tesla really made a name for EVs, but other automakers have gotten on board, and now we see more of them than ever before.

With the rising gasoline prices at stations across America, electric vehicles are beginning to look more and more appealing. Plus, environmental gurus are calling for the phasing out of gas-powered cars and trucks to eliminate emissions released into the atmosphere. Then there are those automakers that have made a goal only to produce electric vehicles by a certain timeframe. 

Since studies have shown that producing electric batteries is better for the environment than using a gas combustion engine, climate-conscious individuals turn to electric vehicles as their primary choice. 

Rivian R1T electric pickup

Originally, Rivian planned to launch its electric pickup by early 2021, but the pandemic pushed its debut later in the year. As of right now, we know that it’s set to come with three options of batteries. There are the 105, 135, and 180 kWh packs. 

Also, with these different power outputs, you get driving ranges of 230, 300, and 400 miles on one charge. All versions of this electric truck will come with an 11,000 lbs tow rating. Rivian does have a huge order already from Amazon to produce 100,000 electric delivery vans, which should be assembled in its Illinois plant. 

Lordstown Motors Endurance model

Lordstown Motors is working on its Endurance electric truck model, which they report will be coming with a 4WD hub motor system. It also should have a payload of 2,200 lbs and can tow up to 6,000 lbs. The Endurance boasts the ability to climb 30 percent grade fully loaded. 

This 109 kWh battery enables it to go 250 miles on one charge in the driving range. With its four-motor system, it can produce approximately 600 hp. The starting price for the Endurance is $52,500 for the base. 

Karma Automotive’s electric pickup

Karma Automotive already has a few electric cars under its belt, like the Revero GT. But, the company offered a teaser with the design concept of an upcoming electric truck, which isn’t out yet, but it was reportedly going to come out this year. 

Located in Southern California, this automaker went through a restructuring of the corporation, which altered its supply chain and rebuilt a new product production team.  Nearby are a few other companies that have an interest in the electric vehicle market. You’ll find Enevate, a battery production company, HaaH Automotive, which produces T-Go EVs, as well as Noodoe, the charging station manufacturer. 

According to Pantagraph, Lordstown Motors, Rivian, and Karma have more in common than just making electric vehicles. These companies are located in a hub, of sorts, near each other in Southern California.

While the automakers compete with one another, each brings its own twist to the electric vehicle industry. Right now, the race is on to find out who will get an electric pickup on the sales lot first. 

RELATED: The 2021 Lordstown Endurance Couldn’t Handle the Baja Heat

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