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