Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

NEW CAR PROFILES TESLA — TOYOTA

Tesla Model Y

This electric Model 3-

based SUV is scheduled

to debut in summer 2020.

The rear-wheel-drive

base model with the

Long Range battery will start at

$48,000. It promises 300 miles of

range and a 5.5-second 0-60 mph

time. The all-wheel-drive Long Range

and Performance versions have

an estimated 280 miles of range. The Model Y Performance has a

claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. A lower-cost Standard version with

a claimed 230-mile range is promised for later. It's a five-seater, but a

seven-seat configuration will be available at a later date. Forward collision

warning and automatic emergency braking are standard. Autopilot, with its

semi-autonomous features, and "full self-driving capability" are each offered

as options.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$48,000-$61,000

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Toyota 4Runner

Tough enough for off-

roading adventures, the

4Runner falls short of

most modern SUVs. Its

rough-sounding 4.0-liter

V6 is powerful and reasonably fuel-

efficient. But the ride is unsettled, and

handling is clumsy. The body leans

noticeably while cornering. A high

step-in and low ceiling compromise

access and driving position. Ground clearance is generous, and underbody

skid plates are standard. The part-time 4WD system includes a low range

for tough off-road duty; Limited trims get a full-time 4WD system. Controls

are simple, with big buttons and knobs. A third-row seat is optional, and the

power-retractable rear window is handy. All 2020 models get standard forward

collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Other changes for 2020 include standard Android Auto compatibility.



OVERALL

SCORE

65

$36,120-$49,865

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 55 MPG 18

Toyota 86!

The rear-wheel-drive 86

features a 2.0-liter four-

cylinder engine teamed

with a choice of a six-speed

manual or automatic

transmission. Its low curb weight and

balanced weight distribution help

give it precise handling. In corners,

the car turns in promptly, but it can

be challenging to control at its limits.

The steering is well-weighted, and the ride is compliant for a sporty car.

Braking performance is impressive, with very short stopping distances in wet

and dry conditions. Inside, the cabin is relatively plain, with well-bolstered sport

seats, but getting in and out requires a bit of ducking. The vestigial rear seats

are best left for cargo. The standard audio system has a 7-inch touch-screen

display. No advanced crash-prevention features are available. All 2020 models

get standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.



OVERALL

SCORE

81

$27,060-$30,590

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 78 MPG 30

Toyota Avalon
!

Toyota's flagship Avalon

is roomy, rides comfort-

ably, and has easy-to-use

controls, which make it

a pleasant large car. The

3.5-liter V6 engine and eight-speed

automatic transmission deliver

smooth and robust acceleration.

The hybrid version has a 2.5-liter

four-cylinder engine that returned

42 mpg overall in our tests, which is impressive for such a large sedan. Ride

comfort is excellent; it is plusher than most Lexus models. The cabin is quiet

and lavishly furnished, particularly with the Limited trim. Handling is responsive

and secure, but the car's low stance hurts ease of access. The infotainment

system includes a touch screen that is easy to use. Apple CarPlay is standard,

but Android Auto is not. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision

warning and automatic emergency braking.



OVERALL

SCORE

93

$35,875-$43,300

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 93 MPG 42

Toyota Camry

!

The Camry is one of the

better models among

midsized sedans, thanks to

a comfortable ride, quiet

cabin, good fuel economy,

and easy-to-use controls. Handling

is slightly improved over previous

versions, but the lower stance makes

access a bit more difficult and the

rear seat is smaller than in some

competitors. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides good power

and gets an impressive 32 mpg overall. A 3.5-liter V6 is also available. Both are

paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission that isn't supersmooth. A

very frugal hybrid LE gets 47 mpg overall without any sacrifice in trunk space.

New for 2020 is CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as available

all-wheel drive. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning

and automatic emergency braking, but blind spot warning is optional.

OVERALL

SCORE

$24,425-$35,130

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 86-89 MPG 32-47

Toyota C-HR

The C-HR is nimble when

taking corners but suffers

from several notable

deficiencies. Unlike other

subcompact SUVs, the C-HR

doesn't offer all-wheel drive. Visibility is

horrendous, and the C-HR is tortoise-

slow, taking more than 11 seconds to

go from 0 to 60 mph. It does get a very

good 29 mpg overall. The continuously

variable transmission is mostly unobtrusive, but it amplifies engine noise. The ride

is firm and tightly controlled. Wind noise is pronounced at highway speeds. Hidden

rear door handles create a coupelike look but make it difficult for kids to open the

doors. Although the rear seat is roomy, the small windows create a dark, cavelike

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

Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all except the

base trim. Updates for 2020 include standard Android Auto compatibility.



OVERALL

SCORE

61

$21,295-$26,350

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

1

ROAD-TEST SCORE 64 MPG 29

Toyota Corolla!

The redesigned Corolla

sedan is fuel-efficient,

but the new styling has

compromised the rear-

seat room and made it

harder to get in and out, because of

its lower stance and curvier body.

The hybrid version gets an impressive

48 mpg overall. Both the hybrid

and the 1.8-liter engine accelerate

leisurely, and the continuously variable transmission amplifies engine noise.

A more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder comes on the higher trim

lines and on the hatchback. Toyota improved the Corolla's handling agility

without sacrificing ride quality. The controls are easy to use, and Apple

CarPlay compatibility is standard. Automatic emergency braking comes

standard. Blind spot warning is an option—except on the hybrid, where it's

not available at all.

OVERALL

SCORE

$19,600-$25,550

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 68-69 MPG 33-48

Toyota Highlander

The all-new, fourth-

generation Highlander

looks like an extension

of the current model,

although there are

evolutionary improvements

throughout. The automatic

transmission is much improved,

handling is more agile, and the

ride remains comfortable. Interior

fit and finish is upgraded. There are two powertrains available: a conven-

tional 295-hp V6 and a 243-hp hybrid four-cylinder. Toyota has stepped up its

infotainment game by making Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility

standard. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite includes standard forward collision

warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive

cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$34,600-$50,200

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

78 CR.ORG APRIL 2020