Edmund’s Consumer Reviews Couldn’t Agree Less Over this 2020 Land Rover

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’ve taken an interest in purchasing a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, the chances are that you’ve noticed many of the major review websites haven’t taken a keen interest in giving them their own ratings. Many report the basics such as features and options, separating the trim levels out in a way that is easy to understand, but neither Edmunds nor Consumer Reports has put the vehicle to the test to give it any inside reviews or ratings. Consumer reviews also seem to be rather split, leaving you to read harshly negative reviews or glowingly positive reviews, but either side has some support and statistics to back why the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is both a great car and a car that you should pass on, depending on what you’re looking for.

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Land Rover Range Rover | Neilson Barnard, Getty Images, Jaguar Land Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport — well, that name is quite the mouthful — is an off-road capable SUV that combines luxury and performance for a price that isn’t particularly friendly for the general consumer basis. Regardless, buyers and owners either seem to love their Range Rover Sport or hate it, and reviews on the Edmunds website are split almost perfectly between the two. It is important to notice that the reviewers themselves haven’t given the vehicle any rating, not noting whether or not they believe the vehicle is worth recommending or not, but perhaps the distinct split in reviews may encourage them to weigh in.

Negative reviews for the Range Rover Sport

The reviews for the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport are split almost 50-50 between 5-star reviews and 1-star reviews if you’re scrolling through the ‘Consumer Reviews’ section of the Edmunds page. Many of the negative reviews complain about the car’s lack of reliability and claim that the vehicle is riddled with problems — but you don’t have to rely on personal testimony alone. The 2020 Range Rover Sport currently has three active recalls that support many of the negative reviews, mostly regarding complaints about electric problems.

  • Auto high beam system fails to alert driver when the high beams are illuminated, which could cause an accident as it reduces visibility for oncoming drivers
  • The tire pressure monitoring system in some vehicles has been set incorrectly, therefor failing to notify drivers of low tire pressure, which can cause a blowout, tire tread separation, and increase the risk of crashing
  • The label and placard showing the required tire pressure is incorrect on some vehicles, and, if the vehicles are inflated to this incorrect pressure, it could cause loss of vehicle stability and potentially lead to an accident

A more positive outlook

Like Edmunds, Consumer Reports has also not given the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport a rating, and this includes a lack of outlook for expected overall satisfaction, a factor that the website takes into consideration by weighing many factors such as previous reviews and complaints, as well as the overall perceived value of the vehicle. Regardless, both websites did agree with the more positive reviews on the Edmunds website, highlighting some features that, to some owners, outweigh the reported lack of reliability.

Consumers and professional reviewers agree with the car’s impressive capabilities, noting that it offers an enjoyable driving experience both on and off the road. It provides drivers with comfort and luxury as well as performance, tactfully maneuvering corners and rocky pathways while giving passengers a bit more comfort and features than you’d expect from SUV options that are more widely recognized as off-road savvy vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler.

RELATED: Another Range Rover Recall Doesn’t Help the Brand’s Reputation

The post Edmund’s Consumer Reviews Couldn’t Agree Less Over this 2020 Land Rover appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Taco Tuesday: How Soon Can We Expect the Electric Toyota Tacoma?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The electrified pickup truck market space is heating up. With a new announcement from GM to introduce new GMC electric pickup truck and SUV models, a new standard hybrid ute pickup from Ford, and reservations selling into the hundreds of thousands for trucks like the F-150 Lightning and the Tesla Cybertruck, we are curious. How soon can we expect an electric Toyota Tacoma?

2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition | Toyota

Toyota staked its claim in the electrified market a long time ago when the Prius first debuted as a mainstream hybrid. SInce then, the automaker continues to produce hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. But what about the trucks? We still aren’t seeing hybrid powertrains on any of the pickup trucks or larger SUV models. 

There will definitely be an electric Toyota pickup truck soon

Back in April, there was quite a buzz when Toyota announced that a fully electric Toyota pickup truck would come out in the coming years. Gear Patrol reports that Toyota is adding fully electrified technology to its largely hybrid-focused engineering. 

There will be an electric Toyota Tacoma pickup truck soon or an electrified Tundra. But we don’t know which. Nor do we know when. Soon? Probably, but that’s all we can guess at this point. 

A fresh Toyota Tundra is set for 2022. So could a hybrid or electrified powertrain announcement surround the full release of the all-new Tundra? If so, how long with that technology take to trickle down to the tinier Taco? 

An electric Toyota Tacoma would shake things up

A silver 2021 Toyota Tacoma parked at the trailhead
2021 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is a sturdy little steed. For the most part, this midsize pickup truck has stayed unchanged for quite a few model years. It’s reliable and tough, but it’s not exactly showing off fresh techie innovations or futuristic design cues. 

An electric or even hybrid powertrain would really shake things up. It would mean far more competitive fuel economy. Plus, it would give the Tacoma an edge in the midsize truck class, as there aren’t any hybrid or electric trucks in the segment to date. 

When can we expect the electric Toyota Tacoma pickup? 

The white 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD PRO
Toyota Tundra TRD | Toyota

There’s really no telling but we wouldn’t exactly place bets on it being soon. Toyota likes to slow roll the new stuff in order to maintain its reputation for reliability. Nothing gets put into production until Toyota knows it’s going to play out successfully. 

That said, we can still wonder whether Toyota will add new powertrains to the existing generation Taco or wait for the all-new Toyota Tacoma pickup generation before adding new electrified goodies. 

Sometimes, automakers will add some new features to the end of a generation that end up carrying over to the new generation upon its release. However, Toyota already has deep roots in hybrid technology so if a hybrid powertrain gets added to the Taco, it’s likely going to be borrowed from another model like the Toyota Hybrid. 

Toyota Tacoma pickup truck parked in front of a wooden structure
Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

As far as a fully electric Toyota Tacoma pickup goes, there’s no telling if this is coming soon. An electric pickup truck has been vaguely announced, but nothing as far as which truck or the expected time frame. It could be an electric Toyota Tundra or a hybrid Toyota Tacoma. It’s likely safe to say a hybrid will come out first, but even that is only a guessing game.

The post Taco Tuesday: How Soon Can We Expect the Electric Toyota Tacoma? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Affordable Sporty New Cars Under $40,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying an affordable new car doesn’t have to be boring. Sure, sedans and SUVs are convenient. But if you’re hoping for a vehicle that inspires more thrills every time you get behind the wheel? Then opting for that shiny new midsize sedan may not be the best idea. Fortunately, Consumer Reports recommends several affordable sporty new cars under $40,000. Let’s find out what they are.

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 is an affordable sports car

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda

Who doesn’t love the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata? No one, that’s who. In fact, this affordable sports car is one of those vehicles that people just can’t help but love. And why not? It’s an affordable sporty new car under $40,000. Consumer Reports also recommend it.

The organization gave it pretty high marks too. With an 87 overall score, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks as the best new roadster in Consumer Reports’ rankings. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The affordable sports car earned itself both a five out of five predicted reliability rating and a five out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

As for how much the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata costs? Opting for a base model Miata will set you back approximately $26,830. The Club trim, on the other hand, costs $30,290. At its most expensive, the new Mazda Miata will have you spending $31,770. Meaning, even a fully loaded Mazda MX-5 Miata makes for an affordable sporty new car under $40,000.

Consumer Reports recommends the 2021 Hyundai Veloster

A silver 2021 Hyundai Veloster parked on the side of a street, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster is an affordable sporty new car under $40,000 recommended by Consumer Reports
2021 Hyundai Veloster | Hyundai

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t the only affordable sporty new car under $40,000 recommended by Consumer Reports. The organization also recommends the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. For those in the market for an affordable new car, that’s certainly good news. In fact, while base models start at $18,900, a fully-loaded Hyundai Veloster will only have you spending $32,250.

Naturally, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster has more going for it than an affordable price tag. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 model a 79 overall score, ranking it slightly behind the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The organization also gave the new Veloster a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

According to Consumer Reports, this year’s new Hyundai Veloster is also fun to drive. Opt for a Veloster with a 1.6-liter turbo engine under the hood, and the organization reports that this sporty new car under $40,000 will have you moving from zero to 60 mph in just 7.0 seconds. 

The 2020 Subaru BRZ is a sporty new car under $40,000

The 2020 Subaru BRZ is also a sporty new car under $40,000. Much like other affordable new cars on the list, it’s recommended by Consumer Reports too. The organization gave the affordable sports car a 78 overall score. It also gave it a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

As for how the Subaru BRZ did in Consumer Reports’ road tests? Consumer Reports gave this sporty new car under $40,000 a 79 overall score. Much like the Veloster, it’s also a fun sports car to drive. It comes powered by a 205-hp 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine that delivers “responsive acceleration” and a “satisfying and deep-throated growl over 4500 rpm.”

The 2020 Subaru BRZ is an affordable new car too. This year’s model starts at $28,845, making it an affordable sporty new car under $40,000. Upgrade to the BRZ tS, and the 2020 Subaru BRZ costs $31,495. For those in the market for an affordable new car, that price tag isn’t so bad.

“With the BRZ, Subaru has hit the spot for driving enthusiasts with an exhilarating to drive sports coupe that also happens to be affordable and economical at the pump.”

Consumer Reports

Which sporty new car under $40,000 is right for you?

When it comes to affordable sporty new cars under $40,000, Consumer Reports recommends quite a few. But when it comes to deciding which affordable new car is right for you? Well, that’s going to take a test drive.

RELATED: 5 Best Luxury Sedans Under $40K According to U.S. News

The post Affordable Sporty New Cars Under $40,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Consumer Reports: Most Reliable Used SUVs Proven to Get Over 200,000 Miles

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some of the most reliable used SUVs on the market have proven to last over 200,000 miles, Consumer Reports noted. With car prices through the roof right now, who wouldn’t want to buy a car that will last you forever? CR suggests that by keeping up with maintenance and repairs, you can further extend the life of your vehicle.

The options on this list were a part of Consumer Reports Annual Auto Surveys and proved to be pretty trouble-free while also lasting for more than 200,000 miles. These cars, trucks, and minivans will last you through many seasons of life and many miles of adventure.

No surprise the Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable used SUVs

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable used SUVs | Toyota

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is likely to get over 200,000 miles, but it might be the most challenging vehicle on the list to find. The price of used 4Runners is higher than the price of the new 4Runners right now. Consumer Reports notes that the reliability and owner satisfaction of the Toyota 4Runner is high, while the 18 mpg isn’t bad.

Price Range: $38,025 – $50,675

The most reliable used SUV is actually a Honda Odyssey

As far as minivans go, the 2020 Honda Odyssey might last you forever. The Odyssey has solid scores for reliability and owner satisfaction, plus five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the Odyssey the highest rating of “good.”

Price Range: $31,975 – $43,775

Consumer Reports truck option, the Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tundra is one of the best-selling trucks on the market. The fact that it will last longer than 200,000 miles is only further proving that point. The Tundra has higher than average reliability and owner satisfaction scores from Consumer Reports, too. The IIHS gave most of the crash ratings a score of “good.” The NHTSA rated the Tacoma four stars in most areas. It also has many safety features standard.

Price Range: $38,975 – $57,000

The 2020 Toyota Highlander has a hybrid option

The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a larger SUV with three rows. It offers above-average safety ratings and satisfaction ratings, much like the other Toyota vehicles on the list. You can get the Highlander in a V6 or a hybrid option, with an owner-reported fuel economy of 23 mpg. The Highlander is comfortable, has many easy-to-use controls, and has plenty of room for seven passengers.

Price Range: $34,900 – $47,450

The Honda Pilot is one of the most reliable used SUVs

The 2020 Honda Pilot might last over 200,000 miles, but Consumer Reports didn’t love the Pilot. It only received one out of five for reliability and three out of five for owner satisfaction. It did score OK in the crash ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Practical and safe make this SUV a good choice.

Price Range: $30,375 – $46,025

Don’t overlook the 2020 Honda CR-V

No surprise here. The 2020 Honda CR-V is reliable, owners enjoyed driving it, and it has proven to last over 200,000 miles. The Honda warranty is pretty solid, and the SUV had low maintenance costs over the years. With room for five and an owner-reported 28 mpg fuel economy, the CR-V is a solid choice for the most reliable used SUVs.

Price Range: $25,825 – $35,125

If you are looking to get the most miles out of your SUV, truck, or minivan possible, you have come to the right place. It is no surprise Toyota and Honda make some of the most reliable used SUVs on the market, either.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Worth an Extra $30K?

The post Consumer Reports: Most Reliable Used SUVs Proven to Get Over 200,000 Miles appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by