Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

NEW CAR PROFILES TOYOTA — VOLVO

Toyota Tacoma

Toyota's rough-and-tumble

compact pickup features a

3.5-liter V6 engine hooked

up to either a six-speed

manual or a six-speed

automatic transmission. A 2.7-liter

four-cylinder engine is also available.

Both two- and four-wheel-drive mod-

els are offered. Our four-wheel-drive

V6 Tacoma delivered a good 19 mpg

overall. Though the truck is tough as nails and delivers impressive off-road

prowess, it's primitive. The ride is stiff, and handling is ponderous. The modern

connectivity features are welcome. Forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking, and lane departure warning are standard; blind spot

warning and rear cross traffic warning are optional. Changes for 2020 include

a mild freshening that brought thicker glass to suppress noise, the availability

of a power driver's seat, and finally, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.



OVERALL

SCORE

47

$26,050-$46,665

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 42 MPG 19

Toyota Tundra

Despite a freshening that

brought improved controls

and updates to the exterior

and interior, the Tundra

still feels outclassed by

newer and more refined competitors.

It offers a standard two-door regular

cab and two sizes of crew cabs. The

powerful 5.7-liter V8 shifts through a

very smooth and responsive six-speed

automatic transmission. Handling is secure, but the ride is jittery, especially

with the TRD off-road package. The cabin is very roomy, but it's a long reach

to some controls. Towing performance is extremely capable. The damped

rear tailgate is easy to raise and lower. Changes for 2020 include greater

availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Forward collision warning,

automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

62

$33,575-$52,930

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 59 MPG 15

Toyota Yaris!

This Yaris sedan is nicely

equipped and makes an

ideal first set of wheels or

economical commuter car

that's light on fuel budgets

and a snap to park. Power comes

from a smooth and quiet 1.5-liter

four- cylinder engine that, however,

isn't brimming with power. The well-

matched gearing of the six-speed

automatic downshifts promptly, delivering responsive acceleration. Fuel econ-

omy is an excellent 35 mpg overall. Handling is agile and more engaging than

with many competing subcompacts. The ride isn't harsh, but the cabin can get

loud, especially on the highway. Note that the infotainment system requires a

learning curve. At least it's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard, but

no other advanced safety features are offered. A hatchback is also available.



OVERALL

SCORE

65

$15,650-$18,750

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 60 MPG 35

Volkswagen Arteon
!

The Volkswagen Arteon

is a practical, sporty, and

well-appointed hatchback

with a coupelike exterior

profile. Our testers praised

its prompt acceleration, confidence in

corners, and pleasant—but firm—ride,

even on rough roads. Front-wheel

drive comes standard, and all-wheel

drive is optional. Though the car is

quiet otherwise, engine noise is noticeable at low speeds and under

acceleration. Inside, the Arteon gets comfortable front seats and well-finished,

user-friendly controls. A responsive touch screen sits at the center of the dash,

and climate and audio systems are controlled with physical buttons and

knobs. A low roofline makes the car a bit of a challenge to get in and out. But

underneath the heavy hatchback, there's a huge cargo area with lots of space

and a low loading floor.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$35,845-$46,710

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 91 MPG 24

Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen's Atlas is

a formidable competitor

among three-row SUVs.

The Atlas drives well, with

a comfortable ride and

surprisingly agile handling for its

size. The cabin is quiet and very

accommodating, including a true

third-row seat that's fit for adults. A

unique, effortlessly articulating second

row allows a clear access path to the wayback. The controls are a model of

clarity, with an easy-to-use infotainment system. Though the V6 engine and

smooth eight-speed automatic make the Atlas feel lively during everyday

driving, its acceleration trails competitors' and its 20 mpg overall fuel economy

is not outstanding. Towing capacity is a generous 5,000 pounds. Forward

collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and lane

keeping assistance are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

61

$31,545-$49,195

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPG 20

Volkswagen

Atlas Cross Sport

This is VW's sportier take

on an existing model. The

new, five-passenger Atlas

Cross Sport shares its

underpinnings and engine

choices with the three-row Atlas, but

it gains additional technology and

interior upgrades, and loses the third

row. Buyers can choose a 2.0-liter turbo

four-cylinder engine, or a 3.6-liter V6. An eight-speed automatic transmission

is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. We tested a regular Atlas with the

optional V6 engine and found it to be sprightly but still slower than most com-

petitors. Its overall fuel economy of 20 mpg wasn't a standout, either. Handling

was nimbler than one would expect from such a large vehicle. Forward collision

warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$39,545-$49,795

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Volkswagen Golf!

The Golf is a notch above

other compacts in terms

of sophistication, interior

ambience, and driving

experience, and it is priced

accordingly. Handling is very respon-

sive, making the Golf fun to drive.

The ride is comfortable, the rear seat

is relatively roomy, and the controls

are a model of clarity. On top of that,

the quiet cabin contributes to the Golf's solid and upscale feel. We got 28 mpg

overall when we tested the Golf with a 1.8-liter engine. The current powertrain

is a 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbo mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed

automatic transmission. That powertrain returned 34 mpg overall in our tested

Jetta. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot

warning, and rear cross traffic warning are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

79

$23,195-$37,295

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 MPG 28

Volkswagen GTI

!

The GTI continues to

embody the sporty,

practical, and afford-

able hatchback concept.

Whether opting for the

manual or dual-clutch automated

transmission, the 2.0-liter turbo engine

is punchy and emits a satisfying

sound. We got an impressive 29 mpg

overall with our manual-transmission

test car. The GTI is fun to drive by virtue of its lively handling and immediate

throttle response. Inside is a high-quality, quiet, and refined interior with

comfortable seats. That all adds up to a sporty car that doesn't wear on a

driver's patience over a long drive. The infotainment system has an easy-to-use

touch screen. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane

departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning are now

standard on all trim lines.



OVERALL

SCORE

80

$28,595-$37,295

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 MPG 29

80 CR.ORG APRIL 2020