Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

NEW CAR PROFILES PORSCHE — TESLA

Porsche Macan
!

The Macan combines

much of the performance

and feel of Porsche's sports

cars with the functional

package of a small SUV.

Both 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engines

are available. Though based on

the previous-generation Audi Q5, the

power, handling, and engine sound

are true Porsche. In fact, this is one of the best-handling SUVs we've ever

tested. The seats, controls, fit and finish, and attention to detail are all

first-rate. The firm ride is steady and controlled but not plush. The cabin is

quite snug, and the center dashboard is a dizzying array of buttons that can

be confusing at first. Though the Macan isn't meant for utilitarian tasks, it

possesses impressively high towing and payload capacities. New for 2020

is the Macan GTS version, which gets a 375-hp, 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$50,900-$83,600

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPG 19

Porsche Panamera

The second-generation

Panamera preserves

the original's sporty

Porsche driving experience.

This large, four-door luxury

car hides beneath a coupe silhouette

and retains its versatile hatchback

configuration. New turbocharged

engines provide plenty of motivation.

An optional air suspension and

advanced safety features are also available. The Panamera delivers perfor-

mance and agility along with enough room for four adults to ride comfortably.

All versions except for the base car come with all-wheel drive. The new interior

features a large touch screen to interface with audio, navigation, and various

settings. Also new is a confusing electronic gear selector, which is surrounded

by a piano-black surface that houses many flush buttons.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$87,200-$198,100

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Porsche Taycan

Porsche takes on Tesla

with a new, all-electric

sedan that promises the

power, performance, and

high-tech vibe to rival

the Model S. Initially, two high-end

versions—the Turbo and Turbo S—

were available. A less expensive 4S

is now also available, with a starting

price of $103,800. The standard

battery has a capacity of 79 kWh, and the optional one has 93 kWh. Charging

times can be quick through a DC fast charger. In those specific venues,

the car will be able to charge from 5 percent to 80 percent in 22.5 minutes,

according to Porsche. The Taycan's EPA estimated range is around 200 miles

for the Turbo version, significantly shorter than Tesla's. Our brief experience

indicates that the Taycan is very quick and rides comfortably, but interior

ambience is less impressive than it is in other Porsche models.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$103,800-$185,000

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPGe NA

Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is the most

comfortable-riding full-

sized pickup truck, partly

due to its rear coil-spring

suspension. The 5.7-liter

V8 is smooth, and the mild-hybrid

option ensures seamless stop/start at

idle. We got 17 mpg overall. The base

3.6-liter V6 has that setup as standard

equipment. Handling is secure and

responsive for such a large truck. The cabin is extremely quiet. In most versions,

four-wheel drive can remain engaged indefinitely—a plus. Rear-seat room is

generous, and the Uconnect touch-screen infotainment system is easy to use.

The top trim Limited is lavishly furnished inside and features an enormous

12-inch touch screen for the Uconnect system. Advanced safety features, such

as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot

warning, are optional. A new diesel engine is once again optional.



OVERALL

SCORE

58

$32,145-$57,265

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 MPG 17

Ram 2500

The heavy-duty Ram 2500

promises industry-leading

hauling and towing

capabilities. It competes

with the other Detroit

monster trucks. Most important,

the updated Ram 2500 offers

key advanced safety features,

such as forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking,

lane keeping assistance, and blind spot warning, on all versions. The

standard gasoline powertrain is a 6.4-liter V8 that puts out 410 hp teamed

with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The diesel-powered version

boasts a 370-hp, 6.7-liter six-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic. When

properly equipped, the Ram 2500 can tow up to 19,780 pounds. It continues

to offer the excellent Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch

fully configurable screen.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$33,745-$66,150

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Subaru Ascent

!

The Ascent is a very

functional, easy-to-live-

with three-row SUV. Unlike

most competitors, which

offer a V6, the Subaru

uses a turbo charged four-cylinder.

This engine delivers ample power in

daily driving and gets 22 mpg overall,

comparable with its rivals from

Honda, Kia, and Toyota. It takes some

getting used to the rather jumpy initial takeoff, however. The Ascent's plush

ride is extraordinary in how it mops up bumps, and yet it remains steady and

controlled. This is not the most agile SUV in the corners, but it proves ultimately

secure at its handling limits. The cabin is quiet, and the second-row captain's

seats are roomy and comfortable. Even the third row is usable. Controls are

very user-friendly. Subaru's EyeSight suite of active safety features is standard.

New for 2020 is a standard rear-seat reminder alert system.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$31,995-$45,045

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 93 MPG 22

Subaru BRZ!

Developed with Toyota,

Subaru's rear-wheel-drive

sports car features a

2.0-liter four-cylinder

engine with a choice of

a six-speed manual or automatic

transmission. Handling is super-

responsive, with cornering precision

that makes the BRZ fun to drive. The

car turns in promptly, with almost

no body lean. The steering is quick and well-weighted. At its limits, the BRZ

is slightly more forgiving than the similar Toyota 86, because the BRZ is less

prone to sliding its tail during spirited driving. The ride is also a bit more jittery

than in the 86. The cabin is relatively plain, with well-bolstered sport seats.

Everything needed for enthusiastic driving is in easy reach, with a perfectly

placed steering wheel, pedals, and shifter. The cabin is snug, but there is good

space for the driver. The ride and elevated noise can be taxing, however.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$28,845-$31,495

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 79 MPG 30

Subaru Crosstrek

!

The Crosstrek is an appeal-

ing option for buyers who

want a small, versatile

SUV. It delivers good fuel

economy and impressive

ride comfort. Its handling is com-

petent and enjoyable. The 2.0-liter

four-cylinder engine is mated to a

continuously variable transmission;

this combination works fine and gets

29 mpg overall, which is quite good. A plug-in hybrid version is also available.

It has a 17-mile mostly electric range (mild acceleration will make the gas

engine kick in), and we got 33 mpg overall when it operated as a regular

hybrid. But the Hybrid's high cost and slim mileage improvement don't make

it a good value. The infotainment system is easy to use. We highly recommend

the optional EyeSight driver assistance system, which includes automatic

emergency braking and lane departure warning with lane keeping assistance.

OVERALL

SCORE

$22,145-$35,145

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 82-87 MPG 29-33

76 CR.ORG APRIL 2020