4 Used Kia Models Consumer Reports Gave the ‘Never Buy’ Label

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re looking at buying a brand-new Kia, there is no shortage of good options. From the award-winning Telluride to the sporty Stinger, you’re spoiled for choice. However, it can be tougher to decide what exactly is a good buy when navigating the used car market. To help, Consumer Reports added a few Kia models to its “Never Buy” list. To save you time and, more importantly, money, we’ll be going over these vehicles.

Before we dive into Consumer Reports’ latest list, it is worth noting that this data comes directly from consumers. We’ll look at reliability ratings and what the most common issues are with each vehicle.

1. Kia Sorento: 2012-2013, 2020

Kia Sorento | Kia

Starting off this list of Kia models Consumer Reports says you should avoid, we’ve got the Sorento. More specifically, we’re talking about the 2012-2013 and 2020 model years. The 2012-2013 years cover the SUVs, second generation. Both model years received abysmal reliability ratings. In terms of major problem areas, Consumer Reports found issues with the SUVs engine, fuel system, suspension, power equipment, and body hardware. As a result, even a cheap used example could be quite expensive to own.

Next up, we’ve got the 2020 model, which covers the SUVs’ third generation. As you might expect, the newer model has slightly fewer issues. Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend this Kia because it found issues relating to its engine, drive system, and climate system.

2. Niro EV: 2019

An image of a Kia outdoors, one of the vehicles Consumer Reports gave the 'Never Buy' label.
Kia Niro EV | Kia

Next up in this list of Kia models Consumer Reports says you should avoid is a relatively new contender with the Niro EV. As its name suggests, this model is unique given the fact that it is completely electric. The model that received Consumer Reports ‘Never Buy’ label is the 2019 model. For a bit of context, the 2019 model was the first one available as a true EV. As you might imagine, it’s not uncommon for new models to suffer some growing pains.

In terms of trouble areas, Consumer Reports found issues with the Niro EV’s powertrain. In fact, the rest of the crossover received a decent reliability rating. However, it seems many of these first-generation examples have known issues.

3. Kia Optima: 2012

An image of a Kia outdoors, one of the vehicles Consumer Reports gave the 'Never Buy' label.
Kia Optima | Kia

Next, up in this list of used Kia models Consumer Reports gave the ‘Never Buy’ label to is the 2012 Kia Optima. Although, before we dive in, it is worth noting that the 2012 model was the most unreliable version of the Optima. The model years that followed improved significantly to the point where the Optima received an excellent reliability rating for the 2017 model year. However, you’ll want to steer clear of the 2012 model, despite how affordable these sedans have become in the used market.

According to Consumer Reports, the Kia Optima has plenty of issues surrounding its engine, transmission, drive system, suspension, and brakes. As you might imagine, these categories are integral to the car’s performance and can be quite costly to maintain.

4. Kia Forte: 2017, 2019

An image of a Kia outdoors.
Kia Forte | Kia

RELATED: Best 2021 Midsize Luxury Cars According to Consumer Reports

Rounding up this list of used Kia models Consumer Reports gave the ‘Never Buy’ label to is the 2017 and 2019 Forte. In case you’re unfamiliar with the Forte, this little sedan was designed to compete with the likes of the Toyota Corolla. However, neither the 2017 or 2019 models managed to score good reliability scores.

Let’s start with the 2017. Overall, the 2017 Forte’s problems surround its engine, transmission, drive system, paint, and body integrity. However, things improved slightly for the 2019 model with fewer engine problems. However, even the 2019 failed the reliability ratings due to issues with its transmission and drive system.

As a result, you should definitely look at a used Kia for an affordable and reliable daily driver, just not any of the models we’ve covered today.

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How Oranges and Beer Cans Make Michelin’s New Tire More Sustainable

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Whether you buy high-performance or all-season tires, they’re essential tools that quite literally keep your car on the road. And the technology that goes into their design, testing, and manufacturing has changed significantly over the years. But mounting concerns over tires’ environmental impacts means more evolution is coming. And one of the first steps in that direction is the latest Michelin racing tire.

46% of the materials in the new Michelin racing tire are sustainable—including the rubber

The Michelin racing tire with 46% sustainable materials unveiled at the 2021 Movin’On Summit | Michelin

Tires have shifted from bias-ply to radial design, but rubber remains a critical component. And it’s still a key ingredient in the new, as-yet-unnamed Michelin racing tire. However, this new tire revealed at the 2021 Movin’On Summit takes a different approach when it comes to sourcing its rubber, RideApart explains. And that same sentiment applies to the rest of the tire’s ingredients.

Michelin claims that its new racing tire is composed of 46% sustainable materials. For example, much of the synthetic rubber in the recipe is replaced with the natural stuff. And the soot-like carbon black used to reinforce the rubber comes from recycled tires at the end of their lifespans. This cuts down on crude oil use, RideApart explains.

But sustainability is built into this new Michelin tire in more places than just the rubber. Modern tire recipes sometimes call for over 200 different materials, The Drive notes, and Michelin tried to sustainably source as many as possible. That means using things like pine resin, sunflower oil, as well as lemon and orange rinds to tweak the tire’s physical properties. And the radials use metal from recycled cans, including beer cans, RideApart reports.

A racing tire with sustainable materials is only one part of Michelin’s environmental strategy

The Michelin e.Primacy carbon-neutral tire
The Michelin e.Primacy carbon-neutral tire | Michelin

The racing tire made of 46% sustainable materials is a solid first step, but Michelin is going further. Earlier this year, the company announced a plan to make tires from recycled plastic trash. Michelin also has a carbon-neutral tire already on the market: the e.Primacy. However, as of this writing, it’s only available to European customers.

Furthermore, Michelin has partnered with Swedish recycling company Enviro to recycle the tires used in MotoE races, RideApart notes. The two companies are currently constructing a joint recycling facility to recover rubber, carbon black, and steel. It’s likely the racing tire announced at the Movin’On Summit will use some of those recovered materials.

Michelin is doing all of this to achieve its long-term sustainability goals. The company wants all of its tires to have at least 40% sustainable materials by 2030. And by 2050, Michelin wants to increase the sustainable material content to 100%.

Will this trickle down to ordinary drivers?

It’s worth noting that Michelin isn’t the only tire company pursuing sustainable materials and/or reducing its environmental impact. Yokohama, for example, introduced a tire with a citrus-oil-derived rubber compound in 2010. And Goodyear partnered with Sketchers to develop shoes that use soybean-oil-derived rubber compounds like those found in several Goodyear tires.

As for when this new Michelin tire recipe could hit real-world roads, the French company plans to test the tire on racing circuits first. It’s partnering with the GreenGT team to use the latter’s hydrogen-powered endurance race car as a testing mule. And theoretically, the lessons learned there will eventually become available in a street-legal tire.

So, sometime soon, ‘orange peel’ won’t just be a paint defect, but a tire component, too.

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RELATED: Can Polestar Really Make a Carbon-Neutral Car by 2030?

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Do ATVs Need to Be Registered?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Manufacturers developed ATVs as off-roaders used mainly for recreational purposes. Some are geared toward experts, while others are good for beginners. Others can be used on job sites. And yet others were designed for farms and ranches. Built mainly for adults, ATVs now even come in sizes made for kids.

Because four-wheelers are motorized vehicles, the question of whether they should be registered often comes up. Here are some state laws.

Do states require an ATV to be titled or registered?

Registration is required in quite a few states. However, each has different regulations and rules for registering. Some states say you only need to worry about titling it and not registering it. A few require both a title and registration. A handful of them neither is necessary, ATVman.com reports.

In Georgia, if you use an ATV as an off-road vehicle only and do not operate it on any public road, you can get by without registering or insuring it. However, if you plan to use it on public roads, you will need to obtain registration through the state. 

If you’re in Washing, D.C., you won’t need registration for it because you’re not allowed to use it on any public lands there. Hawaii is much the same. You can’t use four-wheelers on public roadways or lands, but you can use them on private property. 

Other requirements some states have for ATVs

Not all states have the same requirements. However, some common rules are age restrictions, locations, and equipment needed while operating four-wheelers on public roads. 

When it comes to age, many states limit how old you can be to operate one. It varies with each state, though. Some say you can’t be under the age of 14 to drive one at all. Others say young kids should have safety equipment and adult supervision. 

Locations are another area where states differ on what they allow for ATV use. Some states say you can operate them only on trails, pathways, and places designed for motorized vehicles like four-wheelers. Some don’t allow you to drive one on public roadways but will let you cross one at a traffic light or stop sign. 

Certain places also require special equipment to use an ATV. For example, Nevada says the vehicle must have headlights and taillights when riding at night. It should also have a muffler, working brakes, and spark arrestors. 

Do four-wheelers need to be insured?

Many states do not require you to insure ATVs. But a few do. Those that say you need it require only liability insurance, and you must provide proof of it when you register your four-wheeler at the DMV. 

New York requires ATVs to be insured, and there’s a minimum coverage as well. Currently, the state requires $50,000/$100,000 for death, $25,000/$50,000 for injury, and $10,000 for property damage, LIRTC states. 

ATVs are fun and useful vehicles that can navigate some of the toughest terrains. But unlike automobiles, four-wheelers don’t always need to be registered with the state unless you live in one that requires it. So check the laws in your state to determine if you have to make a trip to the local DMV.

RELATED: What You Should Know Before Buying an ATV

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Is Canoo the Next Tesla?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although it’s still an emerging segment, electric pickup trucks are popping up in the lineups of automakers big and small. One of the newest additions is EV startup Canoo, which hopes to debut its truck as early as 2023. The brand’s sleek designs and intense focus on producing an all-electric pickup have led many to compare Canoo to Tesla. But can this relatively young company really compete?

The story of Canoo

The Los Angeles-based Canoo says its goal is to defy “traditional ownership to put customers first.” The startup designs electric vehicles with a focus on spacious cabins. It claims its line will benefit consumers and businesses alike, thanks to a utilitarian design and excellent maneuverability. Before announcing the pickup, Canoo advertised designs for two vans. However, neither has gone into production yet, CNN reports.

The automaker employs just over 350 people and went public only last December, CNBC reports. But despite its small size, Canoo’s stock jumped 14 percent in March after announcing plans to release a fully electric pickup.

How does the young company compare to Tesla?

While automakers like Ford and General Motors are adding electric pickups to their lineups to try to stay ahead of competitors, Tesla and Canoo are jumping into the pickup truck market for the first time. It’s not hard to see the similarities between the unnamed Canoo pickup and Tesla’s Cybertruck. Both have sleek designs and make bold promises to attract customers who might otherwise stick with more established pickup manufacturers.

Canoo’s executive chairman, Tony Aquila, said his company’s truck “can change people’s lives” and “is designed to be exponentially more productive” than other pickups.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Canoo’s model and the Cybertruck is the range. Tesla claims the Cybertruck can travel over 250 to 500 miles on a full charge depending upon the number of motors. On the other hand, Canoo’s truck has a comparatively meager range of only 200 miles. Industry experts note this places Canoo’s pickup below many competitors and far below Tesla.

Even so, Tesla has continually pushed back the Cybertruck’s release date. CNBC points out CEO Elon Musk now expects the bulk of production to occur in 2022, with some deliveries at the end of 2021 “if we get lucky.”

If Canoo proves to be more predictable with its release dates, it may give the startup an edge over Tesla.

The future of the Canoo pickup truck

One couldn’t reasonably describe many trucks as cute, but the Canoo pickup pulls it off. It has no name yet, but it already stands out thanks to its distinctive rounded design that CNBC calls “bubbly.”

The buzz surrounding its appearance certainly helps it compete with Tesla — the Cybertruck might not be cute, but its appearance is definitely noteworthy.

Despite the many similarities between these two automakers, it’s hard to know how Canoo will fare once its vehicles hit the market. Its 14 percent jump in stock certainly bodes well, but the true test will come when the new pickup debuts and proves it can compete against Tesla.

The electric pickup market is still in its early days. As such, a small automaker like Canoo might be able to carve out a niche before the market becomes saturated. The bubbly electric pickup could flop — or it could be the underdog that wins the hearts of a new generation of truck buyers.

RELATED: The Tesla Model Y Is Already More Popular Than the Established Tesla Model X

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