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By: IlanKroon · 02/28/2021
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By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
These are the reviews (and comparisons) you read the most this year. Go you!
The week between Christmas and New Years is a time for reflection. You’re not quite sure what day it is, and subsisting on a steady intake of holiday chocolate and leftovers. It’s great. With that in mind, we’re looking at the big hits of the last 12 months here at AutoGuide.
COVID may have ravaged every part of the globe, but thanks to the careful, ceaseless work of the people in charge of press fleets, we still drove plenty of the most important new cars of the year. Auto manufacturers stepped up, bringing in thorough cleaning and disinfecting processes, spacing out bookings, and modifying event launches to minimize person-to-person contact. Big props to them.
We also thank you, dear reader. We couldn’t do this job without you. (And you. And you!) We always aim for a thorough, everyday approach to how we conduct our reviews, reflecting what you’re looking for come time to head to the dealership. In 2020 your favorite reviews skewed towards crossovers—no surprise there—but sedans are seemingly making a comeback. And you can’t resist a good pair of affordable sports cars, either…
To spice things up this year, we’ve included real-world comparisons alongside single-car reviews. Read on then, for AutoGuide’s most popular car reviews of 2020.
10. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek First Drive Review
What we said:
Read the full review here!
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek gained a much-needed, more powerful engine option in higher trims. Thanks to its clear car roots, it’s as friendly and easy-to-use as can be, yet the higher ride height allows it to conquer more than the local muddy parking lot. We’re big fans of this little sub-compact crossover: look forward to it facing off against the competition in the new year!
Loading … 09. 2020 Ford Escape AWD 1.5 Review
What we said:
Read the full review here!
By the end of the year, I drove three variations of Ford’s Escape, redone entirely for the 2020 model year. While the fuel sipping of the Hybrid was very appealing, this lower-rung trim, with the base engine, is the one that made the strongest impression. It’s affordable, spacious, and pretty darn fuel efficient without the added heft and complication of batteries. And now, with the Bronco Sport revealed, the Escape’s more overt car-ification makes sense.
Loading … 08. 2020 Subaru Ascent Review
What we said:
Read the full review here!
We love it when automakers throw a base model onto their fleets. Evidently so do you: this entry-level Subaru Ascent was our best-performing review for the Pleiades brand this year. It’s easy to see why too: for barely over $30,000, the Ascent offers three-row space, the great EyeSight suite of driver assists, and Subaru’s legendary AWD system. No wonder it keeps selling so well.
Loading … 07. 2020 BMW 330i xDrive Review
What we said:
Read the full review here!
The BMW 3 Series has been the sport sedan measuring stick since the dawn of time. The last generation let the crown slip though, and the competition capitalized on it, including the newcomer Genesis G70. For this, the G20-generation model, BMW has evidently rediscovered its groove, according to contributor Justin Pritchard. On the subject of steering, Justin said “it almost feels like a hydraulic unit and returns much better feedback as well. This results in predictable steering in the corners and all that’s left after that is target fixation and following the corner through with a massive grin.”
Loading … 06. 2021 Lexus IS 350 First Drive Review
What we said:
Read the full review here!
There were groans in front of screens all around the globe when Lexus revealed that the 2021 IS would still use the same platform it did for most of the last decade. How could it really take the fight to the sport sedan segment that way, including the 3 Series you just read about?
But this is more than a facelift: Lexus’ engineers went to town underneath the skin too. The IS is now a fun, indulgent drive on your favorite bit of twisty tarmac. In fact, it’s so accomplished that the carryover engines now feel in desperate need of an upgrade to match. The price of progress we suppose. This is another hint that rumors of the sedan’s death in general may be exaggerated…
Loading … 05. Smiles Per Hour: 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Toyota 86 Comparison
What we said:
Read the full review here!
Think a fun car costs serious coin? Take a gander at these two machines then: both can be had for less than the median new-car selling price these days. Both offer serious fun and genuine driver interaction, but do so in very different ways. We gave the newer MX-5 the nod in this one (spoiler alert), but as we said in the full article, while we prefer it in this case, we’d rather live in a world with both cars existing. There are no real wrong answers with this duo.
Loading … 04. 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
What we said:
Read the full review here!
The RAV4 Hybrid has wait lists months long. It’s a popular version of the most popular crossover on the market, so Ford building a genuine competitor for it is a big deal. We pitted these two family crossovers against one another in the summer, to figure out which is the right choice. The Ford has the better real-world fuel economy, a more adjustable second-row, and the tech advantage. In the blue corner, the RAV4 brings a more pliant suspension, added space for both passengers and their stuff, and chunkier looks. It was a tough bout, but in the end the Toyota held onto its crown.
Loading … 03. 2020 Ford Super Duty First Drive Review
What we said:
Read the full review here!
Look, this is America after all: of course a truck was going to end up somewhere on this list. That honor falls to Ford’s revised Super Duty lineup. For 2020 a new, huge 7.3-liter V8 joined the lineup, but the headline figure here was the Power Stroke diesel. Capable of punishing the pavement to the tune of 1,000 lb-ft, it’s the easy hauler’s choice.
Loading … 02. 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD Review: A Covetable Mainstream Sedan?
What we said:
Read the full review here!
For our final piece of evidence that sedans are mounting a comeback, we present the Kia K5. This was one of our last reviews of the year, and yet it came this close to taking the number-one spot from a review that came out ten months earlier. That’s a heck of a move.
Then again, this is a heck of a sedan. Super stylish inside and out, the K5 is spacious, practical, and full of clever tech. It’s reasonably priced too, and offers AWD as an option, something its platform-mate the Hyundai Sonata does without. We wouldn’t mind a bit more power—something the K5 GT should definitely address, thanks to a 290-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo engine.
Loading … 01. 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Review
What we said:
Read the full review here!
Well this is awkward. The RAV4 is the best-selling non-truck in both Canada and the US, so it topping the list isn’t exactly surprising. But this particular version doing so is. We drove the RAV4 a few times this year—in TRD Off-Road, the afore-mentioned Hybrid, and plug-in hybrid Prime forms—and this one was the least impressive. The rough engine gave it a decidedly old-school SUV flavor. But hey, given the demand for the upcoming Ford Bronco, maybe that’s just what people are looking for?
Loading … Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
The post AutoGuide’s Most Popular Car Reviews of 2020 appeared first on AutoGuide.com.
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By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
Each year the team at JD Power reveals what car brands owners find most appealing. This year, you might be surprised at the results.
For 2020, the results of the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study show a real dominance by domestic automakers. They don’t fill up the list, but they definitely own all the spots at the top.
The APEAL study measures an owner’s emotional attachment to their new vehicle and if it delivers on all fronts the customers had hoped for. According to JD Power it is as important for manufacturers as quality issues as buying a car is not only a sizeable investment but also an emotional decision. The study measures new owners’ emotional response across 37 defined attributes that range from seats of the pants feel to the feeling they get when they press the accelerator to the luxurious feel of the cabin. These points are aggregated out of 1,000 and are based on responses by 87,282 new owners after 90 days of ownership.
The study was redesigned for 2020 and factors in JD Power’s own Initial Quality Study from last month.
Now that the technical bit is out of the way let’s see who are the most appealing brands according to new owners.
10. Hyundai
Points: 842
Hyundai comes in at number 10 for the most appealing car brands. Although it brings up the rear on this list it is by far the most awarded brand in the study. A small caveat here, it does include the company’s sub-brands Genesis and Kia. Even then it is no small feat to have five awards in your name. The cars that won top honors in their respective segments are Hyundai Sonata, Veloster, Kia stinger, Telluride, and the Genesis G70.
Loading … 9. Honda
Points: 842
Next up in the list is Honda. Though it did not win a category outright, the Odyssey received a model-level award for the second consecutive year. Honda’s robust reliability has always helped its appeal among customers but what makes it more appealing can be attributed to a more modern and tech biased cabin layout and the use of more premium materials. Toyota for example was 17rh in the same study, proof that reliability only counts for so much among new cars.
Loading … 8. Nissan
Points: 844
There is a three-way tie between Nissan, Mazda, and Kia for the eighth, seventh and sixth positions for the most appealing car brands. Despite the rocky start to the year, Nissan has found favor among its customers. Much of it can be thanks to the new design language and a more upmarket cabin layout. Plus, Nissan is the most awarded manufacturer with four model-level awards. It is tied with BMW and second only to Hyundai.
Loading … 7. Mazda
Points: 844
Mazda has made quite a dent in the market this year and it is evident in the APEAL study as well. In terms of emotional attachment, Mazda has climbed the highest relative to last year. Compared to 2019, the Automaker placed nine places higher.
Loading … 6. Kia
Points: 844
Kia placed sixth in emotional attachment and contributed to Hyundai Motor Group’s record number of awards. Though tied with Mazda and Nissan, Kia placed first in the Initial Quality Study by JD power but last month. Coincidentally though, there too, it was tied with Dodge for first place.
Loading … 5. Mini
Points: 853
Though Mini is as British as Sauerkraut, it seems to have worked in its favor. BMW overhauled Mini and reaffirmed its position as a cultural icon. Though Mini is not so Mini anymore, but its increase in size could be one of the primary reasons for its appeal as it now offers space and size along with Novelty. Fifth position with 853 points for a borderline luxury brand speaks volumes for its customer’s confidence.
Loading … 4. Ford
Points: 853
Now we are entering the mainstream and it is all domestic from here. Ford comes in at the fourth position. Though we are surprised that it didn’t rank higher given that the F-150 is the most popular pickup truck in North America.
Loading … 3. GMC
Points: 857
General Motors’ luxury sub-brand ranks third in the APEAL study with 857 points which is seven positions higher than its sister brand, Chevrolet. In the Initial Quality Study conducted last month GMC placed eighth overall.
Loading … 2. Ram
Points: 871
Another popular truck brand of North America takes second place. Ram also placed third overall in the Initial Quality Study. Ironically though, it is the only brand on this entire list that specifically makes trucks and nothing else and yet surpasses even Ford in terms of emotional attachment. That speaks volumes for how it makes its customers feel.
Loading … 1. Dodge
Points: 872
It may sound strange but it isn’t surprising that Dodge tops the list when comes to an emotional connection with its customers. With cars like the Charger, Challenger and their Hellcat versions in its lineup, Dodge has established itself as an aspirational brand. Plus, it is the only mass-market brand apart from Hyundai to win both APEAL and IQS in the same year and is also the only domestic brand to do so.
Loading … The post Top 10 Most Loved Car Brands appeared first on AutoGuide.com.
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By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
Instead of updating or redesigning the Optima, Kia has rid the North American market of the car altogether.
In its place arrives the new 2021 Kia K5. To be fair, the Optima was always called the K5 in South Korea. So Kia has essentially done away with the Optima name and now its new mid-size sedan will be identified as K5 all across the globe. The K5 is all set to take the fight to its rivals in the mid-size sedan market and it seems well equipped to do so. So here are five cool features in the 2021 Kia K5 that could change the game.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Kia K5 Revealed: 290 HP and AWD for Sporty Optima Replacement
A Diet Stinger Please
Gone are the days when mid-size sedans we considered too beige. Today, aesthetically at least they can give more upscale cars a run for their money. And the K5 epitomizes that ethos. It looks like Kia’s flagship GT, the Stinger, went on a diet and chiseled itself by some serious weight training. The front nose is sharp and the sleek fascia with its front fender-intruding DRLS and all-LED headlamps is enough to turn heads. It sits on the same N3 platform as the Hyundai Sonata and if that’s any clue, it sits lower than before and the sloping roofline creates coupe-like profile that looks sporty. The best part? It’s not all show and no go.
SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Review
Turbo Power
Along with a striking design, thankfully Kia has also introduced an engine that would make many an enthusiast take notice. Sure there is the 1.6-turbo GDI. But the engine of interest here is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo from the upcoming Genesis G80. It makes 290 hp of max power and 311 lb-ft of torque which according to Kia is “best-in-class”. It also comes with a segment-exclusive eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission and AWD (another first for Kia). All trims are available with AWD except the base LX.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Genesis G80 Here To Make Rivals Nervous, Priced From $48,725
Continuously Variable What?
Yes, we are still harping on about the engines. As desirable as the 2.5-liter turbo is, the 1.6-liter GDI comes with its own set of innovations. Kia has introduced an industry-first Continuously Variable Valve Duration system, or CVVD. Unlike variable valve timing, CVVD allows for individual valves to remain open or closed for extended periods depending on how the car is being driven. If the car is at a constant speed, the system will allow the intake valves to be open from the middle to the end of the compression stroke so as to minimize resistance during compression. If the car is being driven fast, the system closes the intake during the same stroke to maximize air utilization during the explosion stage.
The system can increase fuel efficiency by five percent, increase power by four percent and cuts emissions by 12 percent.
SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review
All-Paw-Drive
This is the first time Kia has equipped its sedan with all-wheel-drive. Though it is a front-wheel-drive based system, which essentially means that it is on-demand and will engage AWD when the system detects a loss in traction at the nose. The system is optional on all trims except the base LX and comes as standard on the GT trim with the 2.5-liter turbo.
A Cabin From Above?
The cabin of the K5 truly looks like from a class above. The upholstery looks premium and upmarket. Kia will also offer two infotainment screen sizes in the K5, an 8.0-inch unit, and a 10.25-inch wide-screen system. Kia will also offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Though both will be wireless (another first), that ability will be available with the 8.0-inch screen only. Our guess? Compatibility issues maybe. Though it will also come with natural voice recognition which will allow occupants to operate things like the aircon with voice commands.
Other features include an upgraded Bose sound system and smart key that allows you to not only start your car but operate the climate control system as well.
The 2021 Kia K5 goes on sale by late summer and the GT version will arrive in fall. Prices will be revealed closer to the launch.
The post Top 5 Coolest Features of the New Kia K5 appeared first on AutoGuide.com.
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By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
J.D. Power overhauls its Initial Quality Study for 2020, resulting in a shake-up that sees domestic brands having their best showing in years.
Give it up for the local talent. J.D. Power has released its annual Initial Quality Study for 2020, and numerous domestic automakers have surged ahead this year. No less than half of the top 10 manufacturers are American, and one ties for the top spot overall.
First, a note for anybody comparing 2019’s results to this: the vastly higher average number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) isn’t due to reduced reliability. “The higher problem levels we see in this year’s study don’t mean vehicle quality has worsened,” said Dave Sargent, VP of vehicle quality at J.D. Power, “rather, the redesigned study asks additional questions that allow owners to cite more of the problems that they are experiencing.”
The IQ Study polls owners on various issues and problems they encounter in the first 90 days of new-car ownership. J.D. Power found infotainment to be the biggest hurdle across the board. Nearly 25 percent of all problems cited were due to things like smartphone connectivity, touchscreens, voice recognition, and navigation systems.
With that out of the way, let’s get to those top makes, in ascending order.
10. Hyundai
PP100: 153
SEE ALSO: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Review
We start with the largest Korean automaker. As a parent company (including Kia and Genesis) Hyundai scored the most segment-level wins with seven individual model awards. H-branded models to top their segment include the sporty Veloster and the compact Tucson crossover.
Loading … 09. Volkswagen
PP100: 152
SEE ALSO: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport First Drive Review
The rebalanced 2020 IQS sees Volkswagen move from the bottom 10 to the top 10. The German brand didn’t score any outright segment wins, but the Jetta did slide onto the podium in the compact car class. Consider this a show of support for VW’s straight-forward infotainment systems.
Loading … 08. GMC
PP100: 151
SEE ALSO: 2020 GMC Acadia Denali Review
General Motors’ truck-and-SUV brand slots into eighth place with a PP100 score of 151, or 15 higher than the industry average. The GMC Sierra is the brand’s best-performing model; it actually out-performed its platform-mate, the Chevrolet Silverado.
Loading … 07. Buick
PP100: 150
SEE ALSO: 2019 Buick Envision Review and First Drive
With news that it’s cancelling its cars, Buick will join GMC as the other car-free General Motors brand. The near-luxury brand is now all crossovers, all the time. Buick will continue to focus on the high-riders this year, with the introduction of the slightly-larger Encore GX and a revised Envision on the way for 2021.
Loading … 06. Mitsubishi
PP100: 148
SEE ALSO: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review
Here’s a surprise: Mitsubishi is the lone Japanese brand in the top 10 this year. Just three brands from the country scored above the industry average: the other two were Nissan (161 PP100) and Lexus (159). Even more surprising: Mitsubishi ranked third-last in 2019! Chalk up this year’s result to the brand’s no-frills approach to motoring, with straight-forward infotainment and high ease of use.
Loading … 05. Genesis
PP100: 142
SEE ALSO: 2020 Genesis G70 Review
The Korean brand held onto its title as the top luxury model in the IQS for 2020. That’s even more impressive when we consider Genesis has done that since it debuted in 2017. The real test will come in the next 12 months: the brand is debuting the new G80 and, more importantly, the GV80, its first SUV. Both will come with a reimagined infotainment system—how well customers take to it will determine the brand’s 2021 ranking.
Loading … 03 (Tie). Ram
SEE ALSO: 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Review
PP100: 141
FCA scores two podium finishes this year, with its Ram truck division tying for third. The American manufacturer completely re-did the 1500 for the 2019 model year, introducing more mature styling, mild-hybrid systems, and including the return of a light-duty diesel option. A big ol’ infotainment system sits right in the middle of the center console—in portrait orientation no less—but FCA’s Uconnect system is one of the best in the business.
Loading … 03 (Tie). Chevrolet
PP100: 141
SEE ALSO: 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review
The Bowtie brand shares third place with Ram for 2020. Chevrolet benefitted from two segment leaders: the mid-size Malibu sedan and the sub-compact Sonic. What’s more, the Sonic was the best-rated car overall, scoring just 103 PP100. Chevy’s crossover and SUV lineup also performed well, with segment podium spots for models including the Trax, Equinox, Blazer, and Tahoe.
Loading … 01 (Tie). Kia
PP100: 136
SEE ALSO: 2020 Kia Forte GT Review
Some things don’t change. For the sixth year in a row, Kia is the highest-ranked mass market brand in the IQS. With four segment winners—the Forte, Sedona, Sorento, and Soul—it’s hardly surprising. Customers have flocked to the Korean brand for years because of its high perceived value. More recently the brand has ladled on style and tech without any reliability worries, and this year’s results bear that out.
Loading … 01 (Tie). Dodge
PP100: 136
SEE ALSO: 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Review
In a first for any domestic brand, Dodge tops the charts in J.D. Power’s IQS. It ties Kia with just 136 problems reported per 100 cars. Dodge has a two-pronged advantage here: it uses FCA’s intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, and most of its models, such as the Challenger, Charger, and Journey, have been in production for a long, long time. It’s given the American automaker plenty of time to target and fix any issues, and judging by this win, its work has paid off.
Loading … The post Top 10 Manufacturers for Initial Quality: J.D. Power 2020 appeared first on AutoGuide.com.
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By Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot
Despite the polarizing opinions about its owner, we can credit Tesla with giving the electric car industry the boost it desperately needed.
Yes, the electric car still remains an aspiration for many due to the high initial price. And you can’t really keep it as your only means of transportation especially if there are interstate miles involved. But the recent advancements in battery technology have enabled manufacturers to make electric cars more accessible, so buying an electric car on a budget is now possible. Here are the seven cheapest electric cars you can buy in 2020.
Also note, if you’re in the market to buy an electric car, make sure you check your local dealer and government websites for incentives you might be eligible for. The federal government is offering tax credit up to $7,500 that you can claim as a part of your tax return. But there are state-level benefits as well, ranging from additional discounts to free parking.
BMW i3
Starting price: $45,445
We start off with the most expensive and arguably the most innovative car on the list, the BMW i3. Yes, there is a Tesla on the list and yet we call the BMW the most innovative. That’s due to its body is made out of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a concept introduced in 2013 that carmakers still shy away from. In addition, the car also uses recycled materials extensively during the manufacturing process to reduce its environmental impact.
The i3 comes in two distinct versions, the i3 and the i3s, and both are available with and without range extenders. It makes 168 hp of max power and 184 lb-ft of peak torque in the i3 and 181 hp and 199 lb-ft in the i3s. Both are rear-drive only. The range extender is a 647 cc twin-cylinder engine that never powers the wheels directly but helps charge the battery.
SEE ALSO: 2019 BMW i3 REx Review
On a full charge, both the i3 and i3s will be good for 153 miles. With the range extender, the range increases to 200 miles. Interestingly, the i3 only comes with a 42 kWh battery pack. But thanks to being so lightweight (around 3,000 lb without occupants), it can go a lot further. Plus, being light also translates to lesser inertia, which doesn’t require massive brakes or extra wide tires, thereby keeping the mechanicals simple, easier to repair, and the body rust free.
In the cabin you get things like three-stage heated front seats as standard along with an automatic climate control system, fully adjustable steering, and eDrive system with Apple CarPlay as standard. It also gets adaptive cruise control and automatic collision notification. A standard wall-mounted charger for your home can charge the battery up to 80 percent in less than five hours. If you use public fast chargers, the same percentage takes about 40 minutes.
Loading … Kia Niro EV
Starting Price: $40,290
The combination of “second-most expensive” and “Kia” don’t really sound right together. But in this instant they are, as the Kia Niro EV is the second-most expensive electric car on the list. Don’t furrow your brow as it is far from the most expensive in the market. Unlike the 2018 MY car, the Niro now utilizes a single powertrain: the 201 hp, 291 lb-ft electric motor with a 64 kWh battery pack.
SEE ALSO: 2019 Kia Niro EV Review
Thanks to the large battery, it can do 239 miles on a single full charge but takes about 9.5 hours to charge from a power wall socket. Use a DC fast charger however and the task takes 90 minutes. In the cabin, you get climate control as standard along with an eight-inch touch-screen infotainment screen that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Other standard features include 10-way power-adjustable driver’s perch and driver assistance systems like collision mitigation, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control and lane following assist. Upgrading to the EX Premium ($45,585) trim fetches you heated and ventilated front seats, a powered moonroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system and a wireless charger. All features except the touchscreen are available as options on the EX trim.
Loading … Hyundai Kona Electric
Starting Price: $38,330
Although the Hyundai Kona shares its platform and powertrain with the Kia Niro EV, it is cheaper by almost $2,000. The Kona is slightly smaller compared to the Niro however, but that isn’t necessarily an awful thing. Despite the same 201 hp motor paired to a 64kWh battery pack, the Kona can do 258 miles on a single charge compared to the 239-mile range of the Niro. The equipment distribution for the two cars is similar too. But where the Niro is available in two trims, the Kona comes with three.
SEE ALSO: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Review
The base SEL trim is on the spartan side but yet offers automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Although there is no power adjustable driver’s seat or a moonroof, you do get the safety suite including the forward collision avoidance and blind-spot detection. The moonroof and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is available on the Limited trim ($43,240). Features like ventilated front seats, a 10,25-inch touchscreen system, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display are available on the top Ultimate trim ($46,540) only.
Loading … Tesla Model 3
Starting price: $37,990
A Tesla for less than $40,000 should be too good to be true and even if it is legit, it should have some caveat, no? We thought so too, but actually going through the builder on Tesla’s website proves otherwise.
What you see is what you get here. The Model 3 is the most affordable Tesla and yes, if you want the “Full Self-Driving Capability”—which isn’t an accurate name, we’re must remind—you have to shell out an extra $7,000. But in the base Standard Plus trim you get power-adjustable front seats, heated seats front and rear, and the Autopilot system. The Model 3 has a 250-mile range on a full-charge and finding a supercharger in and around the bigger cities is rarely a problem in the US. Plus, it is pretty good to drive as well. From that standpoint, the Model 3 comes across as a balanced package as it not only looks cool but drives well and offers great convenience equipment as well. Yes, the cabin does look like it was robbed but minimalism has always been a part of Tesla’s appeal.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Review
The Long Range version ($46,990) claims 322-mile range on a full charge while the Performance trim ($54,990) is, well, built for performance and comes with a dual-motor setup and AWD.
However, buying a Tesla is a leap of faith. Being a relatively new carmaker, its reliability and quality record isn’t flawless. And the Model 3 was prone to problems soon after purchase. But Tesla has claimed that it has made significant improvements to the Model 3. Plus, Tesla also has a return policy which states that you can return the vehicle for a full refund if it is no more than 1,000 miles old and doesn’t have abnormal wear and tear. The company offers a comprehensive warranty as well.
Loading … Chevrolet Bolt
Starting Price: $37,890
Chevrolet’s sole electric offering received a significant update to its range for the 2020 model year. The battery pack is up to 66 kWh and the Bolt now offers 259 miles on a full charge which is significantly more than the Niro and about nine miles more than the Standard Plus Model 3 trim. It makes 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque which should be adequate for both city traffic and short highway hauls as well. The only challenge is the recharging which without a level 3 DC charger can take up to six hours to recuperate completely from an empty battery. But you need a 240-volt level 2 charger for that too.
SEE ALSO: 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review
Chevrolet offers the Bolt in two trims, LT and Premier. Both get climate control and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. But keeping up with the Chevrolet tradition, many driver assistance systems standard on its competition are optional on the Bolt. That includes auto-emergency braking, forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. The rear traffic alert and rear park assist are standard on the Premier and optional on the LT trim.
Loading … Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Starting Price: $34,020
Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric is the affordable electric hatch from Hyundai that is almost strictly a city car owing to its smaller 38.3 kWh battery and a maximum range of 170 miles. The electric motor makes 134 hp of max power and 218 lb-ft of peak torque. The Ioniq Electric is available in two trims, SE and Limited. The equipment distribution is similar to that on the Kona but unlike the Kona, Ioniq gets a bigger 8.0-inch touchscreen system as standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard and so is the automatic climate control and heated front seats. Only the driver’s perch is power-adjustable on the Ioniq and on the Limited trim only.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Review
Other features limited to the top trim is the blind-spot detection system, highway drive assist, power moonroof, and the 10.25-inch infotainment system. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist are all standard.
Loading … Nissan Leaf
Starting Price: $32,525
The Nissan Leaf is the only car on the list that predates Tesla’s entry into the mainstream markets. It debuted in its current form back in 2018 with a significantly bigger battery pack, more power, and range. The updates made the Nissan Leaf relevant again and today it is the most affordable electric car you can buy.
It is available in two versions. One comes with a 40 kWh battery pack and makes 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain comes with the S ($32,525) and SV ($40,675) trims and is good for 149 miles on a full charge. The other comes with a 62 kWh battery pack and can do 226 miles on a single charge. It also makes 214 hp and 250 lb-ft which is significantly more than the 40 kWh version.
SEE ALSO:2019 Nissan Leaf Plus Review
The second powertrain is available with the S Plus ($39,125), SV Plus($40,675), and SL Plus ($44,825) trims. In terms of features too, the Nissan Leaf is quite well-equipped. It gets blind-spot detection as standard along with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The 360-degree surround camera view though is reserved for the SL Plus only. And though SL Plus gets the ProPilot assist as standard, it is available as part of the Technology Package. As for the infotainment, an 8.0-inch system is standard and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You do miss the moonroof entirely though.
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Mini Cooper SE
Starting Price: $29,900 (estimated)
To say that BMW is treading lightly in the all-electric car market would be putting it mildly. After the revolutionary i3 failed to take off and the i8 hybrid was only moderately successful, BMW has taken the once-bitten-twice-shy approach with MINI. The Cooper SE will feature the same powertrain as the i3 and offer just 110 miles per full charge which is half of what you get from its competitors. One thing is certain: it will stick to the city limits. It will likely come with all convenience and safety features as standard but will not be your sole mode of transportation. What it is, is a funky looking city runabout car that will help you pose yet be environmentally responsible.
Kia Soul EV
Starting price: $38,100 (estimated)
The Kia Soul EV is already on sale in Canada and is available in two trims. The lower trim employs a smaller battery pack that only offers 155 miles on a full charge and makes 134 hp. The other powertrain is the same as on the Niro and makes 201hp and offers 243 miles of range on a full charge. Also, it is hooked up to a 64 kWh battery pack. In the US however, it will probably be available with the higher range version only.
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