Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Mini Cooper
!

The Mini hatchback is

sporty, quirky, and full of

character, whether shop-

pers opt for the classic two-

door or the more practical

four-door version. The Cooper S uses

a four-cylinder turbo and got 30 mpg

with the six-speed manual. The non-S

has a three-cylinder engine that

does the job. Handling is nimble and

sporty, making the Mini fun to drive on curvy back roads. The ride is rather

firm, however, and road noise is noticeable. Controls take some getting used

to, and the backseat is still tiny. Options easily push the price past $30,000.

The high-performance John Cooper Works version bumps the power to 301 hp

and gets firmer suspension. There's a wagonlike Clubman with small barn-style

rear doors. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with

pedestrian detection are standard, but blind spot warning is not available.

OVERALL

SCORE

79

$23,400-$39,400

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 MPG 30

The SUV-like Countryman

offers a so-so 1.5-liter turbo

three-cylinder and a stron-

ger, much more enjoyable

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder.

Front- and all-wheel drive are offered.

Performance-oriented John Cooper

Works and AWD plug-in hybrid ver-

sions are also available. The roomy

Countryman features a surprisingly

comfortable backseat. The Countryman's agile handling makes it fun to drive.

The ride is on the firm side, and the cabin can get loud. The interior is solid

and well-finished, and the seats are supportive. The BMW-like iDrive system

has a learning curve but ultimately proves to be logical. For 2020, forward

collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

are standard, but blind spot warning isn't available at all. A seven-speed dual

clutch replaced the six-speed automatic transmission.

OVERALL

SCORE

69

$28,400-$41,400

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

The coupelike Eclipse Cross

is an underwhelming SUV,

with mundane handling,

an unsettled ride, and

frustrating controls. Power

comes from a lackluster 1.5-liter turbo

four-cylinder engine mated to a con-

tinuously variable transmission. The

Eclipse Cross moves decently around

town but runs out of steam merging

onto highways, and its 24 mpg overall

isn't impressive. Front- and all-wheel drive are available. The touchpad used

to interact with the infotainment system is distracting to use. The driver's seat

is short on support. However, it's easy to get in and out, and rear-seat room is

generous. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with

pedestrian detection are standard on all except the bottom two trims.

OVERALL

SCORE

52

$22,995-$28,745

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

Mitsubishi Mirage

Its rock-bottom sticker price

and thrifty fuel economy of

37 mpg overall conjure an

image of a practical and

economical runabout. But

that mirage quickly dissipates when

driving this tiny, tinny car. Since its

introduction in 2014, minor updates

brought a sedan body style, a hint

more power, and Android Auto and

Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with supposedly upgraded brakes. Yet

those enhancements don't mask the weak, vibrating three-cylinder engine that

delivers sluggish acceleration and a raspy chorus of lament, or the car's clumsy

handling. Though it's relatively roomy, the depressing cabin feels drab, cheap,

and insubstantial. In the end, there is no compelling reason to buy a Mirage,

and, for the same price, there are many much better used cars available.

OVERALL

SCORE

31

$13,995-$17,745

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

Mitsubishi Outlander

Outdated and outclassed,

the Outlander struggles to

compete. Its high point is

a tiny third-row seat that's

standard on most versions.

Though absorbent, the Outlander's

ride feels too buoyant and not tied

down —despite Mitsubishi's recent

improvement efforts. Handling is

clumsy, with slow steering response

and lots of body lean in corners. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder is mated to a

CVT that amplifies the engine's howl when drivers ask for power. Acceleration

is leisurely at 10 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, and its 24 mpg overall is lackluster.

Top-tier GT trims get a 3.0-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. Forward collision

warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are

standard on most trims. The plug-in hybrid can do a claimed 22 miles on

electric power before switching to hybrid mode. It has no third row.

OVERALL

SCORE

54

$24,895-$41,695

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

Mitsubishi

Outlander Sport

Freshened for 2020, this

shortened version of the

Outlander has less rear-

seat room and cargo space.

Despite the name, when

it comes to driving it's not exactly a

sporty SUV. Handling is mundane,

and acceleration is just adequate. In

addition to the 2.0-liter engine, a more

powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is available. The Sport's choppy ride and

very noisy cabin further detract from the driving experience. Still, it has a com-

manding seating position, as well as passenger and cargo versatility. Top-trim

all-wheel-drive versions can get expensive enough that the Outlander Sport

starts to compete with better SUVs. Updates for 2020 include Apple CarPlay

and Android Auto compatibility, and added advanced safety equipment.

OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$22,595-$26,995

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Nissan Altima!

The Altima is a rather

unremarkable midsized

sedan. That said, it's a

competitive car that

gets the job done. It

delivers on room, fuel economy,

and user-friendliness. But the driving

experience is bland, falling short on

handling agility, and the seemingly

pliant ride isn't adept at absorbing all

types of bumps. The standard 2.5-liter engine provides decent acceleration,

and the car gets a commendable 31 mpg overall. All-wheel drive is available.

There's also a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine. The car is relatively quiet.

The cabin is roomy, if a bit too low for easy access. Controls are very easy to

use, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are compatible. To its credit,

standard safety systems include automatic emergency braking.

OVERALL

SCORE

84

$24,100-$35,180

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

3

Nissan Armada

This less expensive version

of the Infiniti QX80 is

powered by a slick and

robust 390-hp, 5.6-liter V8.

We got a paltry 14 mpg

overall, however. Though the soft

suspension absorbs bumps well, the

body jostles frequently. Handling is

clumsy, with slow steering and pro-

nounced body roll, but it's ultimately

secure. Inside, the spacious cabin has a premium feel, particularly in Platinum

trim. Controls are a bit dated and cluttered, and it's a far reach to some

buttons and knobs. Seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations are

available, and the third row can power fold and unfold. Available in rear-wheel

or full-time four-wheel drive, the Armada can tow a generous 8,500-pound

load. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.

OVERALL

SCORE

63

$47,100-$63,530

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

0

!

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APRIL 2020 CR.ORG 73

Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

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