Why Are All Toyotas So Ugly? Addressing The Glaring Issue

    Unfortunately, in the modern era of auto design, ugly vehicles are becoming more and more common. When a brand like Toyota describes one of their cars as having a "bold" design, as they often do, more often than not, it just means a design with no cohesion, general theme, or purpose. Sometimes it just turns into a grotesque mess, which is a shame, because many ugly cars (Toyota Supra, BMW M4, Lamborghini Veneno, etc..) are actually fantastic, if you dig a little deeper. And while Toyota is an admittedly improving brand, nearly every single vehicle they sell looks less than ideal. The Toyota 86, Venza, and Rav-4 are the only ones in the fray that can claim to have an impressive design. While design is ultimately subjective, there is clearly something wrong with Toyota's sheet-metal as of late. The recent reveal of the Tundra (pictured top) is worrying, because it signals a possible return to the Japanese automaker's old ways. Even worse, key competitors such as Mazda, Kia, and Honda are making gorgeous cars, such as the Mazda 6, Kia K5, and Honda Civic Si. And while Toyota still sell millions of vehicles every year, there is still a big issue. 

 

Tesla Cybertruck: 7 Things You Need To Know

 

   1 - The Cybertruck has already accumulated 1 million reservations

 2 - It is a fully-electric truck

 3 - It starts at a smidge under $40K

 4 - It can tow an unbelievable 14,000 lbs.

 5 - The Tesla truck can go a phenomenal 500+ miles on a full charge

 6 - The stainless-steel Cybertruck can sprint to 60 in 6.5 seconds

 7 - The Cybertruck is the first truck from Tesla

BREAKING: Tesla Model S Plaid Needs Only 1.98 Seconds To 60 mph!

 

   Tesla is no stranger to ludicrously quick (see what I did there) cars and SUVs. The original 2011 Roadster sprinted to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Soon after, the Model S P100D was revealed, and it took only 2.4 seconds, seriously impressive stuff. Next, the Model X P100D SUV was able to dash to 60 in 2.9 seconds, unheard of for such a large vehicle. Of course, Science explains how a electric sedan can be quicker than a gas-powered Ferrari. Since Electric flow is instant, the moment you put pedal to the metal, the car will simply reach 60 mph in insanely low times. For a Ferrari, once you hit the gas, the engine has to "fire up", and that takes a bit of time. Tesla are clearly an innovative brand, and it is bonkers that a family car like the Model S can outdo a Bugatti or Lamborghini in performance.

2022 Honda Civic Overview: Better Than Anyone Expected

 

   The new Honda Civic is here, and it has really blown away the car industry in more ways than one. Honda didn’t need to fully refresh the Civic, as it was already the best in it’s class. However, they did, and somehow managed to make it even more ridiculously good. They dumbed down it's exterior design, which many found as overdone, while transforming the interior to almost luxury car levels. It still has the terrific handling of the previous generation, while the excellent fuel economy and cargo space hasn't disappeared either. The 11th gen of the Civic, as many have noted, almost like a junior-Accord, in that it has more mature looks, Audi-esque tech, and a mind-boggling value. It starts at $21.7K, the Sport costs $24.9, and the EX comes in at $26.3K. While the former two options are phenomenal in their own right, the EX is the one that deserves the accolades. It drives, looks, and performs like a more expensive car, and, crazy as it sounds, this Civic is no worse than, say, an Audi A4 in many regards. And that's a success for Honda, which has had a heck of a lot of wins recently. If the "normal" Civic is this good, just wait for the Si and Type-R. Exciting stuff from easily the best brand in Japan. Chill, Toyota fanboys....

Ford Lightning: 7 Things You Need To Know

 

1 - Starts at $42K

2 - Is fully electric, powered by 2 electric motors

3- Will offer 230 miles in Standard Range, Extended Range will go 300 miles

4- AWD is standard on every Lightning

5- Will be able to tow an ridiculous 10,000 lbs, likely to be best in class at time of production

6- Standard Range and Extended Range grind out 426 and 563 horsepower, respectively.

7- Features a front trunk (Frunk) that helps the Lightning reach the best-in-class cargo.

BUYER'S GUIDE - PERFORMANCE COUPES

 #1 - PORSCHE 911 TURBO

    The Porsche 911 is good at a lot of things: It is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive, it is one of the most beautiful sports cars, it has some of the most impressive performance numbers out there, it is one of the most luxurious sports cars, and it is  arguably the best engineered vehicle in it's class. Although the 911 stays true to the original 1959 model, it still is one of the most innovative cars out there, and features bleeding-edge technology. These reasons are why I put the 911 Turbo into the #1 slot.

#2 - CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY

     Although you wouldn't expect a home-bred American icon like the Corvette to be similar to a German coupe like the 911, there are a lot of shared traits between the two. They both are ludicrously fast, dazzlingly good-looking, and incredibly engaging. However, the 'Vette costs a meagre (For something that dashes to 60 in under 3 seconds) $59,995, compared to the 911 Turbo's $101K. While the Porsche undeniably is a caliber above in terms of refinement, American sports cars are not known for their refinement. The Stingray is loud, fast, and fun, and you really can't ask for more than that. The most recent Corvette is a riot, in a good way. 

#3 - JAGUAR F-TYPE

First things first: the Jaguar F-Type is absolutely gorgeous. The Porsche and Chevrolet look great, but if you look hard, there are some undesirable lines and surfaces. Not on the Jaguar. Especially in the "Sorento Yellow" the F-Type looks like a million bucks, even though it costs only $61K. Also attractive is the Jaguar's handling. Every turn is a joy for the F-Type, and every straight is a invitation to thrash the British sports car. The F-Type is a great car, and it lands the #3 slot.

#4 - TOYOYA SUPRA

   The Toyota Supra is, in essence, a bargain Jaguar F-Type. While it looks nowhere as good, it has superior handling and driver engagement levels. It also has a base price roughly $15K less than the Jaguar. As is common these days, Toyota needed to spark something, so they revived a legendary nameplate. The iconic Supra was a (relatively) affordable car, and one that could be fun if desired. The new Supra is just that, and it lands in on #4.

Ford Maverick First Look: Competence, At Only $21K

        It's no secret that Ford are up to great things: First came the outstanding, fiery Mustang GT500. Soon after, the legendary Bronco returned, sporting an outstanding retro design. Around 1 month ago, Ford revived the Lightning moniker, and put it on a outrageously innovative version of the best selling vehicle in the country, the F-150. Now, Ford are making a truck for only $21K. Looking at the lush interior, I couldn't have imagined such a well-appointed truck going for so little. Although the front end doesn't particularly impress me, the rest of the vehicle screams "Bargain!" Glancing at the market, it seems the Maverick is aimed squarely at the Toyota Tacoma. Although the Tacoma is roughly the same size as the Maverick, and features a similarly powered engine, the Ford somehow is able to undercut the price of the 'Yota by $4K. Even though not much is known of the Mav at this point, it is shaping up to be a heck of a bargain, in all the ways possible. It admittedly isn't a show-stopper like the Ford Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, or Rivian R1T, but is almost guaranteed to sell like crazy. The Ford Maverick is definitely one to watch going into the 2022 model year.

BUYER'S GUIDE - LARGE SUVS

 #1 - KIA TELLURIDE 🏆

      The Kia Telluride is the best SUV in the world. That's not even a hot take, it's just plain obvious. People are noticing too, as a Telluride barely rolls off the transport truck before someone snatches it up. What is the reason for all of the madness surrounding Kia's new 8-seater? Because it is superb at everything a large SUV should do. Whether it be everyday functionality, Land Rover-esque style, sumptuous luxury, incredible value, or well-tuned handling, nothing else comes remotely close. The excellent Telluride is joined by a very select group of cars I would recommend to family or friends, and an even equally selective group of vehicles that have earned 10/10 ratings from the highly credible Car&Driver magazine. It's peers? Oh, only some Porsches, McLarens, and the legendary Jeep Wrangler, Honda Accord, and Volkswagen Golf. Kia has made something special here, clearly.

     Since it burst onto the scene in 2019, it has blown away all the major publications, as evidenced by it's MotorTrend  SUV Of the Year Award, 2 consecutive years in Car&Driver's 10Best, NACOTY's Car Of The Year, and ALG's Innovative Design Of The Year, to name a few. It's just that good. Not to mention the value aspect: the Kia is only $31K. That is outrageously inexpensive for something so ridiculously luxurious. I kid you not when I say the Telluride has an interior that is just as good, if not better, as the ones you will find on a Lincoln, Lexus, Jaguar, BMW, etc... If you want an insanely competent, luxurious, attractive SUV, but didn't buy Crypto in 2009, the Kia Telluride (Yes, Kias are competent, so get over any pre-conceived notions you might have) is for you. 

#2 - HYUNDAI PALISADE

  Mechanically identical to the Telluride, the Palisade showcases the same competence as its brother, although it has several small issues that land it in second place. If you can get over the questionable fascia, a slighter higher price, and a loud cabin, then the Hyundai Palisade will surely satisfy you and your needs. Like the Kia, the Hyundai boasts a lavish cockpit, ornamented with beautiful wood and leather, both organically sourced. The big Palisade makes a respectable 24 combined mpg, which ranks higher than competitors such as the Honda Pilot. Although the Hyundai is a phenomenal SUV, it is so similar to the Kia, there really is no reason to buy it over the admittedly superior Telluride.

#3 - MAZDA CX-9

    Although the handsome Mazda CX-9 is by no means better than the Kia Telluride, it is probably more fun than the Kia, and that alone interests a lot of people. The CX-9, despite being a respectable option, comes down to this: It looks great, it drives great, but fails where competitors succeed. There is no excuse for a 3-row crossover having a lack of space. Also not impressive is its subpar transmission, it's overall lack of value, or it's uncomfortable cabin. 

      Still, it is a beautiful SUV, it has a beautiful interior, and it drives like a Miata, albeit after putting on some pounds during the pandemic. If you absolutely need to go fast in your 8-seater, go for it. 

#4 - SUBARU ASCENT

    If I had to describe the enormous Subaru Ascent in one woird, it would be "Unremarkable". If you look at the definition of the word, "Not particularly interesting" then you will see an accurate description of the Ascent. Besides the fact that the Subie has 19 cupholders, the Ascent is a very uneventful experience. Solid, reliable, and competent, but not a very exciting vehicle. Unlike the Mazda, Kia, and Hyundai, the Ascent does not make a compelling case for itself, subsequently falling to the #4 place. 

#5 - VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

   The Volkswagen Atlas is a big (literally and figuratively) success from the German giant. Although it most definitely is not the best in the segment, it does represent a considerable step forward. It sold close to 200K units over the last 3 years, which makes it, on the face of it, a very valuable part of the VW lineup. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend the Atlas, I absolutely wouldn't criticize those who buy it. Not everything is world class, but the Atlas is solid enough. 

#6 - HONDA PILOT

Not unlike the Toyota below, the Honda Pilot is relatively good, bar from sorry driving dynamics. On top of that, the transmission is also a trip to the dealer for service waiting to happen. Unfortunate, as Honda have been getting a lot right as of late.

#7 - TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Although it looks relatively good, it's super-safe, and it's efficient, a tight cabin and lazy driving dynamics hold the Highlander back from a higher spot. Still, for last place, it really isn’t horrible at all.