Toyota Trucks and SUVs Dominate as Longest Lasting Options

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s no secret that people love their Toyota trucks and SUVs. Options like the Toyota Sequioa, Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Prius, and more are known for being reliable, long-lasting options. But they make people happy too, and drivers don’t want to get rid of them. 

People Keep Toyota trucks and SUVs the longest 

2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition | Toyota

According to the iSeeCars list of vehicles that Americans keep the longest, Toyota trucks and SUVs are incredibly beloved options. Their list contains 10 vehicles, and Toyota models take up seven spots. 

The three non-Toyota models include the Subaru Forester, Honda Pilot, and Honda CR-V. They serve as honorable mentions because Ford, Jeep, Chevrolet, and other competitors failed to break Toyota’s winning streak here. 

iSeeCars gathered this data by analyzing over 600,000 used vehicles from 1981 to 2005 that were sold in 2020. Heavy-duty trucks, work vans, and discontinued vehicles were not included. Options that were sold in low numbers were also excluded. 

Which trucks and SUVs are kept the longest? 

The Toyota truck that people keep the longest is the Toyota Tacoma. It ranks in third place on this list of options that drivers keep the longest. The percentage of original owners that keep Tacoma’s for at least 15 years is 11.6 percent. Owners keep Tacomas for 1.9 times longer than the average. 

Of course, the Toyota Tundra is also on this list. It’s back in fifth place. The amount of original owners that kept the Tundra for 15 years is 11.3 percent, so the Tacoma didn’t beat it by much. People keep the Tundra for 1.8 times longer than average. 

The Toyota SUV that people keep the longest is the Toyota Highlander. The percent of original owners that kept their Highlander models for at least 15 years comes to 12.4 percent. Driver’s keep the Highlander for 2.0 times the average. 

Another popular SUV is the Toyota 4Runner. It’s back in ninth place, but being close to the bottom of the list is better than not making it at all. The percentage of original owners who kept their Toyota 4runner models for at least 15 years is 9.4 percent. Drivers keep the 4Runner for 1.5 times longer than average. 

Two Toyota options aren’t trucks or SUVs 

A 2021 Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback driving through a city at night
2021 Toyota Prius | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

You don’t have to settle for a Toyota truck or SUV if you want a long-lasting option to love. The Toyota Sienna landed in fourth place. It ranks ahead of the Tundra, 4Runner, and Sequioa. This is a significant victory for minivans. 

The percentage of owners that kept their Toyota Sienna models for 15 years or more is 11.5 percent. They keep it for 1.9 times longer than average. We’re still excited about it. Way to do what you can, minivan. 

Last and definitely not least, the Toyota Prius serves as the vehicle that people keep the longest. This feels like a surprise, but it’s sort of a no-brainer. The Prius attracts practical drivers its low ownership cost and fuel savings. 

The percentage of Prius owners who kept their Prius model for 15 years or more comes out to 13.7 percent! Drivers keep the Prius for 2.2 times longer than average. Maybe it’s time to get the Prius more attention and respect.

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Has 1 Surprisingly Shifty Feature

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New Restoration Program at Bugatti Launches With Original Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It isn’t news to anyone that maintaining and repairing a Bugatti is extravagantly expensive, and that means that some owners are bound to cut corners. But, to help maintain the cars and image of the company, the manufacturer has recently launched a new program that aims to care for their vehicles in a way no other manufacturer has done on this scale: by rebuilding and repairing older vehicles to their original and authentic state. The program is called La Maison Pur Sang, which roughly translates to ‘thoroughbred house’ — designed to uphold the authenticity of Bugatti cars to the highest standard. With the program set to launch, the team chose a rather rare and important piece of the brand’s history: the original prototype Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

A Bugatti logo radiator badge on a Veyron | John Keeble, Getty Images

La Maison Pur Sang

Luigi Galli, head of the new La Maison Pur Sang program at Bugatti, with the completely restored Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport | Bugatti

The name of the program originated with the company’s founder, Ettore Bugatti, who referred to his vehicles as “pur sang,” meaning thoroughbred, a nod to the performance and aesthetics of the brand. The program began with the complete and authentic restoration of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport 2.1, which took the team about four months to complete. In these painstaking months, the La Maison Pur Sang techs and engineers took the car down to its base to confirm matching VIN on all panels and completed the project by restoring and repainting the body panels to the vehicle’s original color in white silver metallic.

“The intensive support within the program enables many of our historical vehicles to continue to drive perfectly on the road or to be in collections even after decades, so that owners can experience and enjoy the outstanding technology of these automotive treasures flawlessly”

Bugatti

Under the hood of the original Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

Upon an extensively detailed inspection of the mechanical components, it was the team at Bugatti’s only goal to ensure that the car was maintained in the utmost condition possible. The original VIN-matched engine provided the car with an impressive amount of power and performance when it was originally introduced, and it is not any less overwhelming today. Under the expertly restored hood sits a W-16 engine that provides the driver with around 1,000 hp, pushing the car from 0 – 62 mph in a nauseating 2.7 seconds and an impressive top speed of 253 mph, according to Robb Report. Upon completion, it gained the attention of many collectors and has already been purchased from Bugatti, truly unique and stunning addition to any collection.

The future of the brand maintains the history

Interior of the completely restored Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport
Interior of the completely restored Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport | Bugatti

With this program, Bugatti is doing something rather extraordinary — rather than just spending time, energy, and resources to produce new cars, they are truly focused on preserving the history and heritage of the brand. In the world of high-end collector cars, vehicles like those made from Bugatti must be maintained in near original condition to uphold their value, but unfortunate factors such as time and neglect can cause vehicles to deteriorate in not maintained. Along the way, some owners may be tempted to cut corners, also, especially when it comes to the astronomical prices of maintaining and repairing these vehicles. With the La Maison Pur Sang program, Bugatti is not only moving forward with their future in the automotive world but maintaining their heritage.

RELATED: Ferrari LaFerrari Flip Failure Cost Steve Wynn His Dealership

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Toyota Took Major Losses in This Contest for the Best Hybrid Cars of 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Toyota’s vehicles are known for their reliability. Toyota was also the first automaker to popularize hybrid cars with the release of the Prius. The brand has gradually added more hybrids to the lineup, including the freshly redesigned Sienna and RAV4 Prime.

But surprisingly, none scored a spot on Good Housekeeping’s “The Best Hybrid Vehicles of 2021” list. GH judged hybrids based on their batteries’ efficiency and scrutinized plug-in hybrids for their range and charging times. The hybrid segment has grown highly competitive, and it seems Toyota can’t keep up.

2019 Toyota Prius AWD | David McNew/Getty Images

The Toyota Prius is iconic, but it’s certainly showing its age. It makes a maximum of 121 hp, putting it well behind several rivals. Still, it has impressive fuel economy estimates (up to 56 mpg combined) and an expansive cargo hold despite its small size.

The Toyota Sienna minivan’s powertrain also offers great gas mileage and three ample rows of seating. However, with only 245 hp, its powertrain might struggle while trying to pass other vehicles on the highway. Seats in the third row are lightweight for easy removal, but second-row seating can’t be detached.

Good Housekeeping’s favorite small hybrid cars

Good Housekeeping recommends the Honda Accord Hybrid for families because of its smooth ride and generous interior dimensions. The standard trim also comes with more driver’s aids compared to last year and a new 8.0-inch touchscreen. The interior isn’t as quiet as other hybrids, so keep that in mind if you plan to transport dozing little ones.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is slightly more expensive than the Accord but offers a quieter drive with comfortable and supportive seating. GH says it’s not the most engaging car to drive, and it makes less power than the Accord. Still, the Sonata Hybrid gets good mileage and offers one of the best warranties in its class.

In the luxury hybrid class, the BMW 530e sedan offers the same smooth and sporty ride as its gas-powered siblings. It’s also eligible for the federal tax credit. However, the base model comes with only three standard safety features.

Good Housekeeping recommends these hybrid SUVs

The Kia Niro comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, but GH says the hybrid model is superior. It has a balanced albeit boring ride quality, and shifts between gas and EV mode aren’t exactly seamless. But it’s nicely equipped, gets excellent fuel economy, and is a great value with its 10-year drivetrain warranty.

It’s no surprise to see the Honda CR-V Hybrid on this list, too, especially with its fun handling and standard all-wheel drive. It can hold plenty of cargo and five passengers comfortably, with cozy heated seats for front-seat riders. The standard trim feels slightly bare-bones in terms of technology, but sizing up won’t put a terrible dent in your savings.

According to Good Housekeeping, the Ford Escape Hybrid is the best PHEV among SUVs, with 37 miles of all-electric driving. Additionally, GH appreciated all the standard features and smooth ride quality.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid technically isn’t an SUV, but this minivan is an even better deal for big families. It comes with plenty of standard features, and its back seats are easy to configure for extra cargo room. However, it suffers from the same acceleration problem as the Toyota Sienna, but it gets much better mileage at 82 MPGe.

GH’s favorite luxury hybrid SUV is the Audi Q5 PHEV. It stutters when switching between drive modes, and its range is short compared to some competitors. Still, it exhibits exceptional performance and boasts a user-friendly infotainment system.

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Has a Disappointing Shortcoming

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3 Best AWD SUVs of 2021 According to TrueCar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Perhaps you live in an area where snow days are commonplace. Or, maybe you’re after a vehicle that’s capable of taking on uneven terrain and unpaved roads. Whatever the case may be, if you’re in the market for an all-wheel drive (AWD) SUV, you’ve got plenty of options to consider. But when it comes to choosing the best AWD SUV? These new SUVs make up the three best AWD SUVs of 2021, reports TrueCar.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is among the best AWD SUVs of 2021

2021 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV available with both a V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain. And if you’re after a new SUV with all-wheel drive? TrueCar recommends opting for the Toyota Highlander XLE AWD, which starts at $42,900 and comes standard with AWD. Though, that’s not the only reason the new Toyota Highlander found itself among the best AWD SUVs of 2021.

In fact, TrueCar reports that when it comes to this AWD SUV, it offers up a “hard-to-beat mix of practicality and comfort.” TrueCar isn’t the only one to think so either. Consumer Reports awarded the new Highlander a five out of five owner satisfaction rating and predicts that buyers of this AWD SUV will be most pleased with how comfortable it is.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid SUV

A blue 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime parked, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

Perhaps you would prefer a plug-in hybrid SUV. If that’s the case, consider the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021. This new Toyota SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive and is extremely fuel-efficient. In fact, the EPA reports that this SUV delivers an EPA-estimated 600 miles of total range. All in all, the EPA says that opting for this all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid SUV could save you up to $4,500 in fuel costs over five years.

There are downsides to be had, however. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is only available in two trim levels. The good news is that both trims come stocked with features. The Prime SE is standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a 7-inch digital multi-information display, and an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Meanwhile, the Prime XSE benefits from features like upgraded upholstery, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a 9-inch touchscreen display.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is the best AWD SUV of 2021, says Truecar

A red 2022 Hyundai Tucson driving down a tree lined street, the redesigned Hyundai Tucson is an all-wheel drive SUV
2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

The best AWD SUV of 2021 is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Tucson recently underwent a complete redesign and, according to TrueCar, is a “modern crossover with enough style and comfort to meet most active families’ needs.” For an all-wheel drive Hyundai Tucson, TrueCar recommends opting for the SEL AWD, which starts at $29,185.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL AWD comes stock full of features too. Settle into the AWD SUV’s 8-way power driver’s seat and enjoy features like Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a rearview monitor with dynamic parking guidelines, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an 8-inch color touchscreen audio system.

Which AWD SUV is right for you?

If you’re in the market for an AWD SUV, TrueCar’s picks for the best AWD SUVs of 2021 have plenty to offer. To find out which new SUV is the right fit for you, we recommend hitting the road for a few test drives.

RELATED: The Best CPO Three-Row SUVs Under $30,000 According to KBB

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