Can the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Hold Its Own Against the 2021 Ford Mach-E?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric and 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E are two of the best-selling electric SUVs right now, though the Mustang Mach-E seems almost untouchable. With its excellent road test score, reliability ratings and owner satisfaction, can the Kona Electric hold its own against the new electric SUV?

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric | Hyundai

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E’s road test score is excellent 

Consumer Reports gives the Mach-E a 78 for its road test score. It also gives the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-e a perfect 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds. Its transmission scores a perfect 5/5. Routine handling gets a perfect 5/5, and emergency handling is a 3/5. The Ford Mustang Mach-e ’s max avoidance speed is 52 mph.

Braking is excellent in the Mustang Mach-e. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet pavement in 136 feet and dry pavement in 142 feet. The Mach-e’s headlights score a fantastic 4/5.

As far as comfort, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-e gets a 3/5 for its ride, and a 5/5 for noise. Front and rear-seat comfort each get a 4/5. Interior fit and finish get a good 4/5. The trunk and cargo space scores a 3/5. The Mach-e has 29.5 cubic feet of storage space.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric’s road test score is also very good

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric a 76 for its road test score. This includes a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds. Its transmission scores a perfect 5/5. Routine handling gets a very good 4/5, but its emergency handling only receives a 3/5. The Hyundai Kona Electric’s max avoidance speed is 54 mph.

Braking is very good in the Kona Electric. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet pavement in 135 feet and dry pavement in 145 feet. The Kona Electric’s headlights score a pretty terrible 1/5.

As far as comfort, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 3/5 for its ride. It’s fairly quiet: it scores a 4/5 for its noise. While the front seat comfort gets a very good 4/5, the rear seat comfort is just a 3/5.

Interior fit and finish get a mediocre 3. The trunk and cargo space scores only a 2/5, so it’s not a great vehicle for a trip to a wholesale club.

Reliability scores and owner satisfaction are pretty similar

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-e just a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. It doesn’t currently offer more information than this, so we’ll have to pay attention for updates to the reliability score and reasoning behind it. 

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-e has an excellent owner satisfaction score, at a 5/5. As with the reliability, there isn’t more information about why Consumer Reports thinks that Mach-e owners will be so happy with their cars.

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric just a 3/5 for its predicted reliability. Although there are no reliability ratings for 2020, the 2019 has an okay reliability rating. Although most of the ratings are good, the power equipment is a major problem area in the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric.  

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric has a pretty good owner satisfaction score, at a 4/5. Owners give the driving experience an 88 and comfort a 71. Styling gets a 54. Value is a 39, which isn’t bad as far as value ratings go. 80% of people would buy their Hyundai Kona Electric again, which is second highest in its class.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric and 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E have very similar scores, and although the Mustang Mach-E is a customer favorite, the Hyundai Kona Electric does more than hold its own; it actually has a higher overall rating. With the Kona Electric’s overall 73 to the Mach-E’s 62, the Kona Electric may even be a better choice than the Mach-E. 

RELATED: Tesla’s Model Y Butts Heads With Ford’s Electric Crossover

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The All-New Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series Will Bring You Back Alive

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Toyota Land Cruiser is easily one of the most iconic off-road SUVs in automotive history. However, for its 70th birthday, Toyota saw fit to give this legend some welcome gifts. Here’s how Toyota engineers explain the all-new Land Cruiser 300 Series and how it remains true to its legacy of taking you “anywhere & everywhere and come back alive & safe.” 

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

Is the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series a good SUV? 

Depending on what you require in a vehicle, the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series is one of the best SUV models out there. Unfortunately, the Land Cruiser was axed in the United States. So we won’t get this new generation here. 

But in other parts of the world, the new Land Cruiser model is an improvement that Toyota engineers claim that this new outgoing LC300 is “surpassing the predecessor.” The new Land Cruiser model is an all-new generation that improves its “ease of driving.” The former generation got some criticism for being primitive and stiff, for feeling like a truck in spite of its luxury perks. 

A primary focus for the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser generation is comfort and safety. It’s been redesigned to still retain its ever-rugged roots. All while enhancing the driving experience on all fronts. In fact, in a recent Toyota Times interview, we receive input from important members of the Toyota team, like Kazuyuki Ueno. Ueno is an LC300 test driver. His “involvement with the vehicle dates back more than 20 years to the 100 Series.”

“…with new technology we’ve been able to accomplish things that were previously beyond us, such as the steering actuator and the mounting position of the rear suspension on the ladder frame.” 

Kazuyuki Ueno | Land Cruiser test driver

Why does the new LC300 matter to consumers in the United States?

a trio of 2022 Toyota Land Cruisers parked off-road in a desert field
2022 Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

We won’t get the new generation LC300 Toyota SUV here in the states. However, this model still matters to us in the states. America’s beloved Toyota trucks and SUVs are likely to receive trickle down tech and features from the new LC300 platform. 

We won’t be surprised if models like the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra take features from the LC300. Even luxury models like the Lexus GX will receive updates that come directly from the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series. Everything fresh that the all-new Land Cruiser 300 Series exemplifies will inevitably play a part in the future of Toyota’s other body-on-frame trucks and Toyota SUV models. 

Land Cruiser testers and engineers have history with this Toyota SUV

A Toyota Land Cruiser driving in the desert in Fish River Canyon
A Toyota Land Cruiser driving in the desert | Edwin Remsberg/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The team that spends devoted time working on the Toyota Land Cruiser has the model close to their hearts. Not only is the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series a Toyota SUV that shows the manufacturer’s ability to innovate, but it also exemplifies the team’s dedication to maintaining the spirit and core of this body-on-frame off-roader. 

Drivers like Ueno actually own Land Cruisers and drive them regularly. In fact, this lends a unique and personal perspective to the creation of a new and improved Land Cruiser generation. In order to truly innovate, accountability for past shortcomings is essential. It’s clear that the entire 2022 Land Cruiser 300 Series project took care to focus on the best aspects and strengths of this Toyota SUV model. However, the team also took responsibility for past weaknesses in the Land Cruiser 200 and made an effort to improve on those fronts. 

“In past models, the shock absorbers were slightly out of alignment with tire movement when stroking, and we were able to optimize this for the 300 Series by bending the frame a little. Revamping the frame made many things possible.”

Takami Yokoo | Land Cruiser Chief Engineer

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Hybrid and EV Batteries: What’s the Difference?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Carbon emissions have forced the automotive industry to undergo some major changes. More hybrid and fully electric vehicles are being produced than ever before. Hybrid and electric vehicle batteries will power the future. The question is, what’s the difference between these two types of batteries?

How do hybrid batteries differ from fully electric batteries?

A Volkswagen employee wires the battery on a line for the VW ID.3 | Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images

Today there are two types of hybrid vehicles available: hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEV). These two types of hybrids use their powertrains differently and often have different battery sizes and usable energy capacities. Both types of hybrids require different amounts of charge and discharge power to function properly.

According to Car and Driver, hybrid vehicles have the smallest batteries compared to plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrid batteries are much larger because they can allow PHEVs to travel solely on electricity for short distances. Normal hybrid vehicle batteries, on the other hand, are constantly charging and discharging as power enters and exits the small battery designed to assist the gasoline engine.

Hybrid batteries work in tandem with gasoline engines to maximize mileage. Plug-in hybrid batteries can stand alone from gasoline engines when charged and fully power the vehicle for short spurts. Fully electric vehicle batteries are the largest of the three battery types because they need the most voltage, charge, and discharge power to fully power a vehicle.

Are hybrid vehicles more powerful than electric vehicles?

A blue Ford Escape plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | Ford

Both hybrid and electric powertrains have come a long way from when they were first introduced to the marketplace. The Toyota Prius was one of the first mass-produced hybrids on the market in 1997. Decades later, jokes are still made at the Prius’ expense. Some consumers hate the Prius with a passion. Why? Prius models are known to provide very little acceleration and power. Many drivers believe that the Prius took the fun out of driving, and thus, the narrative that hybrid models were weak was created.

Today automakers have electrified their lineups, and many popular models come in hybrid versions. While these hybrid models often provide less power than their gas counterparts, they are much faster than the hybrids of yesteryear. Some electric vehicles do come with weaker powertrains, but models like the Tesla Model S prove they can be just as fast as gas-powered vehicles, if not faster.

Electric vehicles were once considered weak, just as hybrid models were. Today there are a variety of options available, and many electric powertrains are actually stronger than hybrid powertrains. That being said, they do cost a pretty penny at times. As electric vehicles evolve, automakers will find ways to provide more power for more affordable prices. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a perfect example of the potential for powerful, affordable electric vehicles.

Which vehicle type is the better purchase?

A red 2021 Honda Accord hybrid parked in a driveway outside Mediterranean-style home
2021 Honda Accord Hybrid | American Honda Motor Co.

Hybrid vehicles have done an excellent job at introducing consumers to electric powertrains. Hybrid vehicles are the best of both worlds but unfortunately, the climate crisis calls for more drastic measures. The time for hybrid vehicles is rapidly coming to an end as new electric vehicles are introduced.

United States President Joe Biden hopes that by 2030 50% of new cars will be electric. Millions of dollars are being spent on electric vehicle infrastructure. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are better for the environment than gas-powered vehicles, but eventually, most consumers will need to fully commit to electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles may provide some comfort and familiarity in the short term, but the EV revolution is underway.

RELATED: Nickel-Metal Hydride or Lithium Ion: Which Type of Hybrid Battery Is Better?

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Which Mazda Should You Choose: CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, or CX-9?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Mazda may not be the best-selling car brand right now, but it’s actually doing quite well in terms of sales. There are many reasons for that, but some have to do with the brand’s diverse lineup of cars that appeal to different drivers. This is especially true for Mazda’s CX lineup of SUV models. Here’s a look at which Mazda SUV is right for you.

The Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda CX-30 | MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Mazda’s CX lineup are all SUVs, and as one would expect, the main difference between the CX-3 and the CX-30 is their size. The CX-3, being a subcompact crossover, is the smallest SUV in the lineup. As such, it’s also the cheapest SUV, as it starts at about $22,000. With that being said, Mazda recently killed off the CX-3, according to Car and Driver, so the 2021 model year will be its last.

The CX-30, on the other hand, is still alive and well. It’s technically also a subcompact crossover, but it’s noticeably bigger than the CX-3. Regardless, it will soon be the smallest SUV in Mazda’s lineup, as well as the cheapest. Currently, the CX-30 costs about $23,000, and it offers a lot of great features. For example, it has a standard 8.8-inch display, and its 2.5-liter engine is more powerful than the CX-3’s. 

These two models are great for folks who want an SUV but don’t need a huge one. They’re also great options for folks who want a safe and reliable car, as both Mazdas do well in those regards. With that being said, they are still subcompact SUVs, so buyers shouldn’t expect to have too much space available.

The Mazda CX-5

The next car in the CX class is the CX-5, which is a bigger SUV than the CX-3 and the CX-30. The CX-5 is a compact crossover and is a highly-praised model. Additionally, the CX-5 is also a great used car, as it’s simply a good blend of all the features that folks are shopping for. Since it’s a bit bigger than the CX-3 and the CX-30, the CX-5 has more room for folks to stretch their legs or haul their groceries. 

Like the smaller Mazda models, the CX-5 is a safe and reliable SUV with a nice interior and driving characteristics. It’s not the fastest, the most powerful, or the fanciest, but it provides a good mix of those traits. On top of that, the CX-5 is also very affordable. A brand-new Mazda CX-5 starts at $25,000, but many folks can get a used CX-5 from older model years for under $10,000.

The Mazda CX-9

Finally, there’s the CX-9, which is the biggest SUV available from Mazda. That said, it’s not a full-size SUV but rather a mid-size crossover. Regardless, like the other Mazdas in the CX lineup, the CX-9 has its share of great qualities. The most notable one, of course, is its additional space. Since it’s the biggest car in the lineup, it’s the best option for folks who need that extra size.

Indeed, the CX-9 has third-row seating, which the CX-3, CX-30, and CX-5 do not. This makes the CX-9 a good option for big families, as the CX-9 can seat up to seven people. However, the third-row seats can be cramped, so they are ideal for children and teenagers. The CX-9 is also safe and reliable, but it will be the most expensive option in the CX lineup. It starts at about $34,000, but that’s quite affordable for many families.

RELATED: Mazda CX-9 Owners Don’t Care What the Critics Think About Their SUVs

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