The Hyundai Kona Electric Just Killed the Hyundai Ioniq

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Hyundai is championed for delivering safe and advanced vehicles at affordable prices. The Korean automaker has been having a great year, thanks to the success of the Hyundai Kona. Unfortunately, the increasing demand for the Kona doesn’t bode well for some of the other members of the Hyundai Lineup. The popularity of the Hyundai Kona has just killed the Hyundai Ioniq Electric nameplate.

The vehicles that are leading Hyundai to a sucessful year

KONA Electric Hyundai at Auto Expo 2020, on February 5, 2020 | Ramesh Pathania/Mint via Getty Images

The Hyundai Kona has made amazing strides as an SUV. The Hyundai Kona and Hyundai Kona EV were released in 2018. In just three short years, the Hyundai Kona has become a competitor in its vehicle class. The Kona is often compared to the popular Mazda CX-30 subcompact SUV.

The Hyundai Kona has a great four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It also handles extremely well. Its sporty-looking exterior and comfortable, well-designed cabin make it popular amongst consumers. The 2022 Hyundai Kona starts at $20,950, making it one of the most affordable new SUVs on the market. Affordability aside, it’s also fun to drive.

The death of the Hyundai Ioniq

The South-Korean car manufacturer Hyundai displays the Hyundai Ioniq electric at the 2019 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA).
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric | Michael Debets/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Hyundai Tuscon has also been selling extremely well, thanks to its 2022 redesign. The Tuscon sports some of the best-looking daytime running lights and taillights on the market. It also offers great gas mileage. As the entire automotive industry shifts to hybrid and electric vehicles, Hyundai has capitalized on the flexibility of its lineup. Hyundai offers hybrid powertrains for its popular Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata options.

Hybrids and electric vehicles are the future of Hyundai, which is why the death of the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is shocking news. According to Autotrader, the nameplate is getting the boot. Why would Hyundai discontinue an electric vehicle that seemed to be doing so well?

Why the Hyundai Kona Electric is a better EV than the Hyundai Ioniq Electric

An Hyundai Kona Electric Highlander is seen at Sydney Olympic Park on October 25, 2019 in Sydney, Australia.
A Hyundai Kona Electric Highlander | Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric debuted in 2017 and quickly received praise for its amazing fuel efficiency. The Ioniq Electric seemed like the perfect alternative to gas-powered Hyundais for a long time…until the Hyundai Kona Electric came onto the scene. The new Hyundai Kona Electric’s range was the nail in the coffin for the Ioniq Electric.

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a maximum range of about 170 miles. This range may have been adequate when the EV first debuted but it’s a new decade, and EVs can go further ranges than ever before. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric can go 258 miles on a full charge. Its superior range makes the Ioniq obsolete.

The Hyundai Ioniq was a great way for the Korean automaker to learn more about electric vehicle production. It just never caught on the way the company wanted it to. On the bright side, it looks like the Hyundai Kona is here to stay, and its new 2022 electric model should be the most impressive Hyundai EV yet.

RELATED: There’s 1 Loud Reason to Upgrade to a 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

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The Ford Ranger Splash Is Being Resurrected

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s time to celebrate the return of a classic Ford Ranger model. It’s going to ride in on some major waves! We apologize. It’s hard to resist nautical puns when the Ford Ranger Splash is returning to port. 

The Ford Ranger Splash swims back into production 

2022 Ford Ranger EV concept | Car Buzz

Perhaps you’ve never heard of the Ford Ranger Splash, but it indeed used to be a thing. Splash is a word that seems to work better with boats instead of trucks, but this was a special version of the truck in the 1990s, so we’ll give this odd name a pass. 

Anyways, let’s dive in. Ford recently filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the Splash name. This doesn’t exactly mean that Ford has immediate plans to use the name on a production vehicle, but it does mean some unique ideas might be floating around. 

Members of a Ford Maverick Forum noted that the application covers motor vehicles, namely, automobiles, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, off-road vehicles, electric vehicles, and their structural parts. 

It also covers vehicle equipment packages consisting of wheels, seas, and exterior body parts. This might be vague, but it may suggest that the Splash will be an optional Ford Ranger package. 

What was the original Ranger Splash? 

A red Ford Ranger Splash in the desert
Ford Ranger Splash | Ford

The first Ford Ranger Splash emerged in 1993 as a successful attempt to keep up with the industry trend for sporty trucks. The Slash came with a flareside bed that was reminiscent of the way cargo boxes were styled in the 1950s. 

Meaning the rear wheels were outside the bed, under protruding flared wheel wells. It also included Splash exterior graphics, body-color painted bumpers, and aluminum wheels. By 1999, the Splash Ranger XLT featured a four-pin trailer towing harness for electrical hookups and interior grab handles. 

The Splash had a lowered suspension too. It was lowered by one inch in the rear, and two-wheel drive versions were lowered by two inches in the front. But they still featured 4×4 Ranger grilles. Rear-wheel drive models rode on steel wheels, and four-wheel drive models received steelies. 

Will there be a 2022 Ranger Splash? 

We know that the 2022 Ford Ranger is receiving some significant changes, but we aren’t sure what’s in store for the Ford Ranger Splash. It could be a sporty truck for racing like the older Ford F-150 Lightning. 

If the Ranger gains an electric powertrain, it’s unclear if it’ll be called the Ranger Lightning or something else. On that note, classic vehicle names can become different things. The Ford Maverick was a muscle car. Now it’s a compact truck. This just adds to the mystery. What if a Ford Maverick Splash arrives instead of a Ranger Splash? 

Let’s switch gears to what we do know. The Ford Ranger is being redesigned for 2022, and it will ride on the same platform as the Bronco. It could share the two powertrain options too. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine has 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the 2.7-liter V6 engine for 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. 

Also, spy shots have shown a single cab variant, and a hard-core off-roading version such as the Ranger Tremor and Ranger Raptor might be on the way. We would like to see a sporty version return to the streets, and we’ll keep an eye out for updates.

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Ranger Isn’t Recommended by Consumer Reports

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3 of the Most Reliable Sports Cars Under $40,000 According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s nothing more thrilling than taking the wheel of a new sports car and taking on the open road ahead. But what if you’re in the market for a sports car that’s both reliable and affordable? While you might think your car buying options are slim, that’s not true at all. Let’s talk about the three most reliable sports cars under $40,000, according to Consumer Reports. 

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the most reliable sports car under $40,000

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda

There’s a lot to like about the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata. It comes powered by a 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and, according to Car and Driver, can move from zero to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is also an extremely affordable sports car. In fact, this year’s soft-top Miata starts at $26,830. Opt for the range-topping Grand Touring model instead, and this year’s Miata costs approximately $31,770.

But the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has more going for it than a 181-hp engine and an affordable price tag. According to Consumer Reports, this year’s model also finds itself among the most reliable sports cars under $40,000. The organization gave this year’s model a five out of five predicted reliability rating, which is nothing to scoff at. Though, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has always been a reliable sports car.

In fact, Consumer Reports has given the Miata a five out of five reliability rating several times. Consumer Reports isn’t the only one to have given the Miata such high marks either. RepairPal gave this year’s model an Above Average reliability rating, adding that repairs are both less severe and less frequent, making the Miata one of the more reliable new cars on the road today.   

The 2022 Subaru BRZ is an affordable sports car that puts reliability first

A silver 2022 Subaru BRZ driving, the BRZ is an affordable sports car under $40,000
2022 Subaru BRZ | Subaru

Now, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t the only reliable sports car under $40,000. The 2022 Subaru BRZ makes for another excellent choice if you’re in the market for an affordable sports car that puts reliability at its forefront. In fact, Consumer Reports gave this year’s new Subaru BRZ a four out of five predicted reliability rating.

As for what it’s like to drive the 2022 Subaru BRZ? According to Car and Driver, this year’s new BRZ is similar to the original but also “feels tighter and considerably more powerful.” Though, that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Subaru replaced the BRZ’s current engine with a 2.4-liter engine that boasts an impressive 228 hp at 7000 rpm and 184 lb-feet of torque at 3700 rpm. According to Car and Driver, that’s equal to 18% more torque and at a much lower rpm.

The bad news is that the 2022 Subaru BRZ hasn’t arrived at dealerships just yet. In fact, you won’t see this affordable sports car in dealerships until the fall. The good news is that the 2020 Subaru BRZ is also a reliable sports car under $40,000. In fact, Consumer Reports gave the 2020 model a four out of five reliability rating. As for how much the 2020 model costs? Opt for a base model, and you can anticipate spending roughly $28,845. 

The 2022 Toyota GR 86 is one of the most reliable sports cars under $40K

A red 2022 Toyota GR 86 parked near a grassy field, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 is a reliable sports car under $40,000
2022 Toyota GR 86 | Toyota

Much like the 2022 Subaru BRZ, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 hasn’t arrived at dealerships just yet. That being said, it’s still one of the most reliable sports cars under $40,000, according to Consumer Reports. The organization even gave it a four out of five predicted reliability rating. And if you don’t want to wait around for the 2022 model to arrive at a Toyota dealership near you? You’ll be pleased to know that Consumer Reports also gave the 2020 model a four out of five predicted reliability rating.

Reliability aside, let’s talk about what else this affordable sports car has going for it. The Toyota GR 86, previously known as the Toyota 86, arrives in the new model year with a fresh look and a more powerful engine. While the vehicle keeps its sporty silhouette and long hood, its sleeker design makes it appear lower than previous models, U.S. News reports. 

As for what’s under the hood? According to U.S. News, the 2022 model benefits from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that delivers an additional 23-hp. Toyota estimated the engine’s total output will reach 228-hp. The GR 86 will also be available with your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Opt for the manual, and the GR 86 can move from zero to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.

How to choose the best reliable sports car for your budget

Buying a reliable sports car doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, as Consumer Reports’ data shows, there are several reliable sports cars under $40,000 out there. To find out which is the best fit for you and your budget, we recommend getting behind the wheel for a test drive. 

RELATED: The Fastest Used Cars Under $15,000 According to iSeeCars

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How to Read the Numbers and Letters on Tires

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Keeping good tires on your car is a vital component of routine vehicle maintenance. The buying experience might not be the most daunting, but a few industry secrets can help you make the correct decision. Along with brand choice, you have to think about various sizes, tread types, and categories. With that said, here are a few secrets to decoding the numbers and letters so that you know exactly what you’re looking at. It’ll make your next tire-shopping experience easier.

Understanding the various types of tires

Tires come in many sizes, types, and models | Wolfgang Kumm/picture alliance via Getty Images

In 1888, Mercedes-Benz introduced the first gasoline-powered car. This rudimentary vehicle rode on pneumatic tires — essentially a metal band covered with a rubber tube filled with air. It wasn’t until 1905 that manufacturers began adding tread patterns. Since then, 116 years ago, rubber is still be used to produce tires, but technology has come a long way.

With the advent of tread pattern technology came various models for specific seasons and surfaces. Generally speaking, there’s a model designed for everyone. They’re based on three straightforward criteria: the weather in which the vehicle is most commonly driven, vehicle type, and driving style.

As for basic types, there are summer, winter (or snow), all-season, performance, passenger, and truck models. Summer tires are typically designed for cars, minivans, crossovers, SUVs, and pickups that drive in climates with temperatures that typically don’t drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, winter tires are intended for climates with temperatures below 45 degrees.

How to decode the letters and numbers on tires

According to a helpful Kelley Blue Book guide, codes follow the following pattern: “Tire Type | Tire Width/Aspect Ratio | Tire Construction | Wheel Diameter | Load Index | Speed Rating.” KBB breaks it down using this example code:

P 225/45 R 18 95 H

The “P” at the beginning of the above example represents “passenger.” Unless you’re purchasing for a commercial vehicle, you’ll likely choose tires whose code begins with “P” for passenger vehicles or “LT” for light trucks and SUVs. The first three-digit number, 225, stands for the width in millimeters. Some vehicles, such as drag cars, might have tires with a smaller width in the front to reduce weight and a larger width in the back to improve traction. This is called “staggering” in the drag racing world.

The second two-digit number above, 45, refers to the height-to-width ratio. In KBB’s example, the height is 45 percent of the model’s width.

The “R” means it was manufactured with radial construction — usually, the metal cords are laid out 90 degrees from the direction of travel. KBB says that nearly every tire made for passenger vehicles has this characteristic. However, models often used on trailers have their metal cords crisscrossed. They’re called “bias-ply” tires.

The next two-digit number, 18, stands for the diameter of the vehicle’s wheel. Unlike the width, the diameter is in inches.

The next number, 95, is the load index. That’s the maximum amount of weight a fully inflated tire can safely support. The example above supposedly could handle up to 1,521 pounds.

Last, the “H” stands for the maximum speed the tire can safely travel. For example, this model should not exceed 130 mph. According to a similar guide by Pep Boys, a “W” speed rating limits the speed to 168 mph.

Other common terms to know

Other than the general code, knowing several other terms can help you. For example, the United States Department of Transportation requires manufacturers to determine how well a certain tire maintains traction during a straight-line braking test. That rating must then be molded into the outer sidewall. Grades range from “AA,” the best, to “C,” which is the worst.

The DOT also requires models to carry a “treadwear grade” indicating how fast the tread wears, in contrast to standardized test tires of the same type. Also called the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG), this number is stamped on the sidewalls.

RELATED: Watch Out for This Deadly RV Tire on Your Motorhome

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