Hello friends, Corolla Hybrid owner here, I hope I can help. During a regular week of driving in Miami traffic, I average about 63 MPG in city driving, I drive about 1500 miles a month. Something that I want to point out is that the hybrid warranty is now 10 years 150k miles. Also a common point of headache on all cars are belts and tensiones, I’ve had to change the tensioner on my 06 corolla because it was leaking and then 3 years down the line I had to change it again (for not using oem), and all belts squeak at one point or another. The corolla hybrid has no belt, no tensioner to deal with. I believe that the engine suffers a lot less in idling as well. The Toyota hybrid system adds some complexity but it also removes a lot of it, as someone mentioned the ECVT is super reliable, it’s essentially two electric motors and a planetary gear set. Also there is no conventional starter motor or alternator in the hybrid system these two parts tend to wear out in about 10 years give or take, yes I keep my cars a very long time.
Great points! Also, the engines last longer on hybrid Toyotas because load is transfered to the electric motor until the engine warms up.. and low-speed torque is handled by the electric motor except in hard throttle. Oh, and brakes last dam nigh unto forever because of regend braking.
True TPMS story: Wife claims she never got any light on the dash and completely shredded a tire by driving on the highway while it was flat! Yeah, she also never heard that rim just grinding. Sigh...
some does better than other i had an experience with an Ford Escape is the TPMS good but never show off what of the 4 tires were with low air pressure which is frustrating,
So,...What's up Consumer Reports, with the uneven handedness? The engine blocks are cracking on 2010 & 2020 Toyota 4 cylinders. They had a water cooling jet fault, in Tennessee that caused Toyota to recall 44,100 Camry, RAV4, and Lexus ES vehicles made in 2019 and 2020. When it happened to the Honda Civic, in 2006, CR took the Civic off of its "recommended" list, but these Toyotas are still "recommended" by CR. What's up with that?
The Corolla hybrid is more reliable than the regular Toyota Corolla too. It has the Prius e cvt planetary gear transmission that is bulletproof. The regular Corolla has a regular CVT that doesn’t last as long. That will save about $7000 in transmission repairs.
I agree about the Forester and Soul being easy to get in and out of. We bought the Forester and that was one of the reasons as well as visibility. When we went to the car show, sat in the Kia Soul and a very nice compact that is also easy to enter and exit. We favored the Subaru for the AWD as we live in Erie Pa and sometimes get buried in snow. We have added an Outback to our family, and even though it is lower than the Forester it is still quite easy to enter and exit with my bad knees. Drove the WRX, loved it, but it is to low for me. Crosstreks are also high enough to make it easier than most compact cars. I wonder with the sedans seeming to get lower, and boomers getting older, if that is one of the reasons CUVs have become so popular. I remember my grandparents AMC Hornet and later their Dodge Dart Swinger sitting higher than compacts now, like the Honda Civic. I would love to sit in one of the old 70's cars and see if they were easier to get in and out as I remember.
I swapped from my winter to summer tires a week ago. Both sets are on dedicated rims with TPMS and the total cost to me was nothing. My tire shop treats it as any other tire rotation since the winters were mounted there, making swapping them FREE.
Key thing you all missed on the CR-V Hybrid - that will be AWD unlike the Accord. That is bound to add additional complexities (additional motor, ability to power front/rear axles separately, together etc.) - assuming it is not a mechanical AWD.
For EVs, as of early 2020 it really depends on what part of the US you live in. Someone in California or the Northeast should never have an issue finding charging on a road trip. But if you live in North Dakota, things are much more challenging.
I do know that most Honda models have switched to the indirect TPMS system a few years ago with some teething problems in the beginning, but have gotten better now. The larger Honda vehicles such as the Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline still use the direct TPMS sensor though.
I work as an insurance agent, and the cost of vehicle repairs have been increasing about 3-4% over the years due to the addition of technology, which directly impacts the rate of insurance for that state as a whole. The technology is great for preventing accidents, but when an accident occurs, the cost for repairs have increased. I would get a regular Corolla or Corolla hatchback in a trim which has blind spot monitoring. The Corolla hybrid doesn’t have it. I’m very excited for Consumer Reports to review the AWD version of the Camry coming out this year.
So Toyota Corolla Hybrid is supposed to be reliable. You didn't mention anything about maintenance between the hybrid and the non hybrid model, which was asked. On the other hand you spent about a minute talking about hybrid vs non hybrid which was not the question.
I think the maintenance will be lower on the hybrid corolla. Brakes are getting less wear, and motor is less stressed. Also you don't have a starter motor to break down. Not that Toyota starters break though.
Something to think about with the high repair costs is that car dealerships and auto makers like it because it's a significant revenue stream. With the shift to electric cars, it means less trips to the dealership service center, which is theorized why some automakers have sat on their thumbs so long in making the switch over to electrify.
In regards to the Miata question, I drive an NC MX-5 in the summer, and it could be my sole car if I really had to do it in a pinch, but it would be tough. The ND has even less space and less practical storage inside (ex: no glove box, bad cup holders) which would make it even less convenient.
Luke Rinderknecht I think CR does not get a driver focused car. Why do you need to store coffee and other bevs in a car, which will make all those fly out the window because it grips in corners do well?
Hybrid vs. conventional question: Another thing about hybrids (Toyota and GM anyway) is that maintenance and mechanical wear are both lower, as the electric drive handles all the strain until engine has warmed itself.
Your economic analysis of hybrid fuel savings fails to include the miles driven per year. Retired, I still drive 20,000 miles per year and fuel savings are significant. Even our Std. Rng. Plus Model 3 has a little over 20,000 miles and in three weeks we'll have a full year.
I’m surprised that nobody brought this up: insurance companies looooove lots of sensors and safety features even though they raise the cost of repair $2k, $3k, $5k etc over the costs if those features weren’t there because that delta is WAY less than injury payouts. More airbags, advanced safety features, and high strength steel etc are all more expensive to fix, but even a $10000 repair bill is nothing compared to a broken leg.
Note that the CRV hybrid has already been out for sometime in Europe. Also it uses a naturally aspirated engine so it will not be plagued with the oil dilution issue
There is one benefit of the hybrid versus the non-hybrid Corola, assuming that the fuel tank in both is of identical capacity would be the substantial convince of a substantial longer cruising range on long interstate highway trips!
I recently was looking at a new to me car. One of the factors that narrowed it down for me was the ability to pull a small trailer (Space Trailer specifically). I was becoming frustrated that I couldn't find towing capacity numbers for hybrid cars. Why would hybrid versions of ICE cars not have a towing capacity? The engine outputs from the hybrids appeared to be similar to that of the ICE version.
There is one thing that can be done to make EV models viable for long distance interstate highway trips. Is any consideration being give for the development of standardized families of long rang range quick exchangeable power packs? This would also make feasible ownership of EV for those living in rental apartment complexes. In this case, power pack exchange stations would be the analogue of traditional fueling service stations.
Here's some of the reasons from an article of a few years ago. www.greencarreports.com/news/1090933_standardized-electric-car-battery-swapping-wont-happen-heres-why
If they actually knew about EVs and Teslas, I wouldn't have to "flame" them! Sadly, they are unfamiliar with the advantages of the Supercharger network and how easy it actually is to charge a Tesla. Recommending the pitiful XC40 over the Model X is unfathomably ignorant.
As you say, the Model X has 300 miles range, but to say that "charging is a pain" shows that you have never used a Tesla. Also, most EV owners charge at home. Only on long trips do they use the very extensive (and continuosly monitored) SuperCharger network.
How can you recommend the Kia Soul or BMW X3? Both have a headlight rating of 2! Most senior citizens need good lighting on a car. What does a headlight rating of 2 mean anyway? Is there any way to improve it?
no in such case i suggest watch an car with LED headlights Full LED or Bixenon lighting, hallogen lighting on cars and headlights will not offer the same amount of light in nightime sure is few cars that are the exceptions in hallogen lighting but in general all are with rate 2
I am looking at purchasing either the 2020 Nissan Murano, 2020 Hyundai Sante Fe, or 2020 Honda CR-V. Which one of these do you think is the better buy and why?
If you plan to keep it a long time, the Santa Fe will give you more bang for the buck; combined with better reliability than the other two and a great warranty. If you plan to trade it within the next 5 years get the CR-V because it will hold value better.
@Kenny Sanders...Kenny, the Murano may be in a different class than the others. Hyundai may be worth a look at...a lot for the money-point, according to CR. 'Hope you get something you like...and please watch the games dealers play, from a guy who should have known better! LOL. thanks.
I'd go with the CR-V because it will most likely last the longest out of all of these. My grandparents had a CR-V and it made it to just over 180,000 miles with no major issues.
Back when I had a BRZ (2013), I bought 4 new sensors, reprogrammed the car using an ATEQ QuickSet, put the sensors into a pressure chamber made from PVC pipes, shoved it in the trunk, and didn't have to worry about it. Now, I own a Honda, which has indirect system. Mazda also uses indirect system.
Mazda has switched to a direct system in recent models. My 2017 CX-5 has in wheel sensors, but I just bought a second set of sensors from Costco for my winter tires. They were decently cheap and I don't have to worry when I switch over in the winter.
Best answer choosing between the Volvo SC90 and Tesla Model X - neither! Both are bad in reliability as CR states. Better off if you have to have a hybrid is the Toyota SUV hybrid or Lexus hybrid.
14:13 Uggh 🤮🤮 Is that really the serious reason to save gas? Self centeredly and not selflessly wanting to reduce gas consumtion? Are Americans still so centred on being turned into what they drive?
Hello friends, Corolla Hybrid owner here, I hope I can help. During a regular week of driving in Miami traffic, I average about 63 MPG in city driving, I drive about 1500 miles a month. Something that I want to point out is that the hybrid warranty is now 10 years 150k miles. Also a common point of headache on all cars are belts and tensiones, I’ve had to change the tensioner on my 06 corolla because it was leaking and then 3 years down the line I had to change it again (for not using oem), and all belts squeak at one point or another. The corolla hybrid has no belt, no tensioner to deal with. I believe that the engine suffers a lot less in idling as well. The Toyota hybrid system adds some complexity but it also removes a lot of it, as someone mentioned the ECVT is super reliable, it’s essentially two electric motors and a planetary gear set. Also there is no conventional starter motor or alternator in the hybrid system these two parts tend to wear out in about 10 years give or take, yes I keep my cars a very long time.
Great points! Also, the engines last longer on hybrid Toyotas because load is transfered to the electric motor until the engine warms up.. and low-speed torque is handled by the electric motor except in hard throttle. Oh, and brakes last dam nigh unto forever because of regend braking.
True TPMS story: Wife claims she never got any light on the dash and completely shredded a tire by driving on the highway while it was flat! Yeah, she also never heard that rim just grinding. Sigh...
some does better than other i had an experience with an Ford Escape is the TPMS good but never show off what of the 4 tires were with low air pressure which is frustrating,
I love fridays❤️
Yaaaaaaaaassssss Consumer Reports!
So,...What's up Consumer Reports, with the uneven handedness?
The engine blocks are cracking on 2010 & 2020 Toyota 4 cylinders. They had a water cooling jet fault, in Tennessee that caused Toyota to recall 44,100 Camry, RAV4, and Lexus ES vehicles made in 2019 and 2020.
When it happened to the Honda Civic, in 2006, CR took the Civic off of its "recommended" list, but these Toyotas are still "recommended" by CR.
What's up with that?
The Corolla hybrid is more reliable than the regular Toyota Corolla too. It has the Prius e cvt planetary gear transmission that is bulletproof. The regular Corolla has a regular CVT that doesn’t last as long. That will save about $7000 in transmission repairs.
Jerry Greitens reacll should cover it as well as the warranty
I agree about the Forester and Soul being easy to get in and out of. We bought the Forester and that was one of the reasons as well as visibility. When we went to the car show, sat in the Kia Soul and a very nice compact that is also easy to enter and exit. We favored the Subaru for the AWD as we live in Erie Pa and sometimes get buried in snow. We have added an Outback to our family, and even though it is lower than the Forester it is still quite easy to enter and exit with my bad knees. Drove the WRX, loved it, but it is to low for me. Crosstreks are also high enough to make it easier than most compact cars. I wonder with the sedans seeming to get lower, and boomers getting older, if that is one of the reasons CUVs have become so popular. I remember my grandparents AMC Hornet and later their Dodge Dart Swinger sitting higher than compacts now, like the Honda Civic. I would love to sit in one of the old 70's cars and see if they were easier to get in and out as I remember.
I swapped from my winter to summer tires a week ago. Both sets are on dedicated rims with TPMS and the total cost to me was nothing. My tire shop treats it as any other tire rotation since the winters were mounted there, making swapping them FREE.
Key thing you all missed on the CR-V Hybrid - that will be AWD unlike the Accord. That is bound to add additional complexities (additional motor, ability to power front/rear axles separately, together etc.) - assuming it is not a mechanical AWD.
Dongi the CR-V is actually a mechanical AWD setup, unlike the RAV4
For EVs, as of early 2020 it really depends on what part of the US you live in. Someone in California or the Northeast should never have an issue finding charging on a road trip. But if you live in North Dakota, things are much more challenging.
I do know that most Honda models have switched to the indirect TPMS system a few years ago with some teething problems in the beginning, but have gotten better now. The larger Honda vehicles such as the Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline still use the direct TPMS sensor though.
I work as an insurance agent, and the cost of vehicle repairs have been increasing about 3-4% over the years due to the addition of technology, which directly impacts the rate of insurance for that state as a whole. The technology is great for preventing accidents, but when an accident occurs, the cost for repairs have increased.
I would get a regular Corolla or Corolla hatchback in a trim which has blind spot monitoring. The Corolla hybrid doesn’t have it. I’m very excited for Consumer Reports to review the AWD version of the Camry coming out this year.
Or simply adjust your mirrors properly.
When buying a used car look at the car first (in person), have a mechanic inspect it and then negotiate the price.
So Toyota Corolla Hybrid is supposed to be reliable. You didn't mention anything about maintenance between the hybrid and the non hybrid model, which was asked. On the other hand you spent about a minute talking about hybrid vs non hybrid which was not the question.
I think the maintenance will be lower on the hybrid corolla. Brakes are getting less wear, and motor is less stressed. Also you don't have a starter motor to break down. Not that Toyota starters break though.
Something to think about with the high repair costs is that car dealerships and auto makers like it because it's a significant revenue stream. With the shift to electric cars, it means less trips to the dealership service center, which is theorized why some automakers have sat on their thumbs so long in making the switch over to electrify.
In regards to the Miata question, I drive an NC MX-5 in the summer, and it could be my sole car if I really had to do it in a pinch, but it would be tough. The ND has even less space and less practical storage inside (ex: no glove box, bad cup holders) which would make it even less convenient.
Luke Rinderknecht I think CR does not get a driver focused car. Why do you need to store coffee and other bevs in a car, which will make all those fly out the window because it grips in corners do well?
Great episode guys. Love the chemistry between you.
2:05
Justin get u a 2016 Lexus Ls600hL. It will have more features than many newer cars even though it’s on year older than your 2017 threshold.
Hybrid vs. conventional question: Another thing about hybrids (Toyota and GM anyway) is that maintenance and mechanical wear are both lower, as the electric drive handles all the strain until engine has warmed itself.
Your economic analysis of hybrid fuel savings fails to include the miles driven per year. Retired, I still drive 20,000 miles per year and fuel savings are significant. Even our Std. Rng. Plus Model 3 has a little over 20,000 miles and in three weeks we'll have a full year.
I’m surprised that nobody brought this up: insurance companies looooove lots of sensors and safety features even though they raise the cost of repair $2k, $3k, $5k etc over the costs if those features weren’t there because that delta is WAY less than injury payouts. More airbags, advanced safety features, and high strength steel etc are all more expensive to fix, but even a $10000 repair bill is nothing compared to a broken leg.
Note that the CRV hybrid has already been out for sometime in Europe. Also it uses a naturally aspirated engine so it will not be plagued with the oil dilution issue
MrDcseltzer And from what I understand, the MPG gains have not been amazing
My first thought for a hybrid 3-row with a usable 3rd row was a Toyota Highlander Hybrid! Shocked that it wasn't mentioned given Toyota's reliability!
I have a question for you: What are the repair bills for various cars and SUV for a 5-year-old car and a 10-year-old car?
Thanks for another great episode fellas.
Ford Escape S base model, best reliable economical vehicle, could buy 2 at this price)
There is one benefit of the hybrid versus the non-hybrid Corola, assuming that the fuel tank in both is of identical capacity would be the substantial convince of a substantial longer cruising range on long interstate highway trips!
I recently was looking at a new to me car. One of the factors that narrowed it down for me was the ability to pull a small trailer (Space Trailer specifically). I was becoming frustrated that I couldn't find towing capacity numbers for hybrid cars. Why would hybrid versions of ICE cars not have a towing capacity? The engine outputs from the hybrids appeared to be similar to that of the ICE version.
There is one thing that can be done to make EV models viable for long distance interstate highway trips. Is any consideration being give for the development of standardized families of long rang range quick exchangeable power packs? This would also make feasible ownership of EV for those living in rental apartment complexes. In this case, power pack exchange stations would be the analogue of traditional fueling service stations.
Here's some of the reasons from an article of a few years ago.
www.greencarreports.com/news/1090933_standardized-electric-car-battery-swapping-wont-happen-heres-why
CR is so brave for dissing Tesla Model X! Prepare for the fan-boy flamethrowers.
If they actually knew about EVs and Teslas, I wouldn't have to "flame" them! Sadly, they are unfamiliar with the advantages of the Supercharger network and how easy it actually is to charge a Tesla. Recommending the pitiful XC40 over the Model X is unfathomably ignorant.
As you say, the Model X has 300 miles range, but to say that "charging is a pain" shows that you have never used a Tesla. Also, most EV owners charge at home. Only on long trips do they use the very extensive (and continuosly monitored) SuperCharger network.
How can you recommend the Kia Soul or BMW X3? Both have a headlight rating of 2! Most senior citizens need good lighting on a car. What does a headlight rating of 2 mean anyway? Is there any way to improve it?
no in such case i suggest watch an car with LED headlights Full LED or Bixenon lighting, hallogen lighting on cars and headlights will not offer the same amount of light in nightime sure is few cars that are the exceptions in hallogen lighting but in general all are with rate 2
I am looking at purchasing either the 2020 Nissan Murano, 2020 Hyundai Sante Fe, or 2020 Honda CR-V. Which one of these do you think is the better buy and why?
If you plan to keep it a long time, the Santa Fe will give you more bang for the buck; combined with better reliability than the other two and a great warranty. If you plan to trade it within the next 5 years get the CR-V because it will hold value better.
@Kenny Sanders...Kenny, the Murano may be in a different class than the others. Hyundai may be worth a look at...a lot for the money-point, according to CR. 'Hope you get something you like...and please watch the games dealers play, from a guy who should have known better! LOL. thanks.
In all honesty, the CX-5 😁
I'd go with the CR-V because it will most likely last the longest out of all of these. My grandparents had a CR-V and it made it to just over 180,000 miles with no major issues.
Back when I had a BRZ (2013), I bought 4 new sensors, reprogrammed the car using an ATEQ QuickSet, put the sensors into a pressure chamber made from PVC pipes, shoved it in the trunk, and didn't have to worry about it. Now, I own a Honda, which has indirect system. Mazda also uses indirect system.
Mazda has switched to a direct system in recent models. My 2017 CX-5 has in wheel sensors, but I just bought a second set of sensors from Costco for my winter tires. They were decently cheap and I don't have to worry when I switch over in the winter.
Most cars I believe allow you to calibrate the TPMS from the dash settings menu. Trip to dealer should not be necessary.
All you you need is a cheap scan tool to reset and calibrate.
I am a talking car
Lightning McQueen An underrated comment.
I saw your tv show in the ‘60s with Jerry Van Dyke
The one Ryan is awesome too!
A negative from me for recommending a turbo to the first guy. He did say he wants extreme reliability.
All 3 cars are turbos. They're not really a reliability problem anymore.
Isnt there a tpms reset tool on tire rack you can buy
My favorite 3 Amigos (which also includes Jake and Jennifer in various combinations). I notice you lost the collar mikes. 👍
Tpms is worthless. Our car has it on and we've manually shut it off. We just check our tires manually from time to time
You three all come across as really nice guys. Just add Jen and it would be perfect.
Audi? Really He did say a reliable vehicle.
Just buy a tpms rest tool.
I thought the same thing. They only cost the amount it takes to go to the shop twice to so it
Lol, all this time I thought you guys were on about cars that talk...
Best answer choosing between the Volvo SC90 and Tesla Model X - neither! Both are bad in reliability as CR states. Better off if you have to have a hybrid is the Toyota SUV hybrid or Lexus hybrid.
I would choose the Legacy over the Avalon, unless you're focused on the Hybrid Avalon. The Soul rides too bumpy.
I drive a legacy too and love it
Lmao the man at 6 minutes is my father I-
Were you going to answer the rest of Steve's question in the next Talking Cars?
Audi Q5 as reliable 1st car? Sounds like a service nightmare to me.
Minivans are great
I wish I could click the LIKE button more than once!
It’s kind of disappointing that you guys are still stuck in “ you gotta charge that thing”.
My tpms light stays on all winter
@resigned liberal I just have a separate set of rims for my winter tires and I never got new sensors for them.
A pity the otherwise nice Mazda CX-5's shortchange driver leg room (why does Mazda love large, useless center consoles?). And I'm only 5'6"!
14:13 Uggh 🤮🤮 Is that really the serious reason to save gas? Self centeredly and not selflessly wanting to reduce gas consumtion? Are Americans still so centred on being turned into what they drive?