2018 Toyota Sienna: A Van for All Seasons

Toyota Sienna: A Home Away From Home
by The Car Family
for more reviews to https://www.motorists.org/tag/the-car-family/

Minivans for families need to have room for at least six, an abundance of active safety features, reasonable gas mileage, and offer a plethora of options that make it a home away from home. To this end, the Toyota Sienna excels. Add to that its high resale value and proven reliability and you have a van for all seasons that is family worthy.

Mom’s view: This is a big van that is easy to park and does not frustrate you with fancy electronics. It comes standard with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control as part of Toyota’s Safety Sense (TSS) that also puts drivers in contact with emergency responders.

Options include all-wheel drive and a rear-seat entertainment system. One negative is that the second-row captain chairs are cumbersome to remove. On the other hand, they are very comfortable. Getting in and out is easy even wearing a dress and the low rear door opening makes it handy to load.

I think there is great value in the Sienna as you get so many useful features such as an Entune infotainment touchscreen, heated, power-adjustable exterior mirror sand power-adjustable driver’s seat as well as self opening sliding rear doors and cargo hatch with prices starting in the low $30,000 range and extending into the $40,00 bracket as you upgrade. However, even the base model is flush with safety items.
The Sienna’s center console on our $42,055 XLE had ample space but was very deep so retrieving material is best done while stopped. There are plenty of other storage areas and cupholders. The tray in front of the center console Is ideal for holding a purse. In other words, the Sienna is as handy and useful as a minivan can be.

Young man’s view: You can order a Sienna with a rear dual-view 16-inch widescreen display that also two different types of media to be watched at the same time such as games and movies and content can be streamed from an Android device. Our test vehicle had the Wi-Fi hotspot 4G LTE. If that isn’t enough there are also a plethora of USB charging ports. Perhaps the most interesting feature is called Driver Easy Speak that enables the driver to overtalk any device through the sound system. Perfect for settling the children down or pointing out interesting things do all the passengers. The Sienna also offers Sirius XM and optional audio features such as a 10-speaker JBL stereo. Our test vehicle’s navigation system proved difficult to navigate at first and the seven-inch monitor and small control buttons were difficult to see at times. Nonetheless, this is as close to a command center that you can get in this price range.

Working woman’s view: Standard three-zone climate control keeps temperatures even despite the large interior space. The sunroof is small but provides needed ventilation. The rear side vents open and there were screens on the back window of our test vehicle to provide privacy and reduce heat from the sun. Of note is the extra cost availability of a special seat that extends outside the Sienna to help a handicapped person exit and enter more easily. The cost is significant but truly makes the Sienna perfect for those in need.

Dad’s view: The Sienna has a 296-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 lb-ft of torque and direct fuel injection. That is plenty for a family oriented vehicle and yields an EPA 20 mpg average which isn’t bad for an all-wheel-drive van and with the 20-gallon gas tank provides the possibility of 400 miles before refueling.
The eight-speed automatic transmission hunts a bit on hills as it would rather stay in the highest gear. It isn’t troubling, but more annoying until you get used to it. The van comes with a maximum tow rating of 3500-pounds. The brakes are fine and steering is easy as most minivan drivers like. In other words, this is a typical family-oriented vehicle that treasures safety and utility. The big plus with the Sienna is that it is offered with the all-wheel-drive system that yields better traction for those living where this is needed.

Seating is interesting in that the second-row captain chairs are very comfortable and recline and slide back if more legroom is needed. The negative side is that they do not fold into the floor as some of the competitors do. The seats do offer a unique way of folding out of the way. However, the third row seats do fold into the floor that enables the Sienna to offer a huge, flat cargo bay capable of carrying an eight by four-foot piece of plywood. There is150 cu.ft. of maximum space with the seats removed. The bottom line for me is simple. The Sienna is the best, most useful minivan on the market based on resale, reliability, and safety features.

Family conference: The Toyota Sienna is a workhorse that can be equipped for most family needs from a third row of seats to all-wheel drive. It is loaded with standard safety features and has enough power and cargo space for most uses. We highly recommend it for the family that needs a vehicle that can do it all.

 

Toyota Prime vs. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

Gas Price Are Increasing: Try a Hybrid
by The Car Family

Rising gas prices that are only going to get higher this summer during peak driving season. With average commuting times in the 45-minute range and traffic getting worse perhaps it is time to consider a hybrid sedan that offers between 55 and 70 plus miles per gallon. The Car Family selected two of the highest rated hybrid sedans for quality and fuel mileage, the Prius Prime, and the Hyundai Ioniq.

Hyundai’s Ioniq is a traditional hybrid with a battery pack helping the engine when needed and at low speeds. The Toyota Prime is a plug-in hybrid which uses two battery packs. One is for electric only power for around 25 miles when the main battery pack takes over and helps the gasoline engine as needed with a 70 The Ioniq is rated at 58 mpg and the Toyota can top 70. The joy of the Prime is threefold. First, you may get both state and federal checks and/or tax credits and the Prime also qualifies you for the high occupancy lane sticker, which is priceless some days.

Mom’s view: These cars are perfect for commuter or trips, and both can go over 500 miles between refueling. The average gas mileage of all cars sold in America is about 25 mpg which means that these hybrids can easily cut you fuel budget in half while still providing convenience and a range of safety features. So the big question is, if hybrids are so good, why aren’t they popular? The answer isn’t simple. It could be bad information, the difficulty in breaking habits, not enough room for six, or fear of change. Regardless, the best way is to test drive one yourself. The Hyundai dash and driving experience are more closely related to a regular car. The Prime takes more time to get used to but is easy to master. The Prime exterior is very dramatic while the Ioniq more mundane. Seating in both hybrids was adequate, but certainly not in the luxury category. Parking is a snap, and the rear hatches easy to open; however, the Prime did not have nearly as much cargo space as the Ionig due to the location of Toyota’s battery pack. The Toyota has room for four passengers and the Hyundai five. Within minutes, I was right at home with both cars. The Hyundai has a more typical cockpit while the Prius has the instrument cluster in the center of the dash. The Prius Prime has Toyota Safety Sense which includes pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, radar cruise control and rearview camera. The Ioniq with the Ultimate Package has the same capabilities. The Hyundai interior is quite simple and familiar. The Prime requires some adjustments from the short shifting knob to the center-mounted instrument cluster. I would like either hybrid and with rebates, they are both attractive buys and lease rates are favorable.

Dad’s view: These vehicles have instant torque that makes on-ramp and passing situations less stressful. Consumer Reports and the JD Powers rate these models highly in terms of quality. Ride feel is very good and the steering inspires confidence. The stop-start feature is seamless and the regenerating brakes have a solid feel. The cars get to 60 mph in about ten seconds and handle extremely well. The big difference is that Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive uses an electric continuously variable transmission formula while the Hyundai has a six-speed dual clutch automatic that delivers a more normal driving feel.

Young man’s view: The Prime is loaded with technology. You get a large 11.6-inch display compatible with Siri Eyes-Free and Toyota’s Entune App Suite that offers Pandora, traffic, and weather while the Ioniq hybrid with the Ultimate package has an 8-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and Hyundai’s Blue Link. The Prius Prime Advanced comes with Prime Apps, which can manage your charging status, locate a charging station, change the interior temperature, and locate your vehicle. Hyundai’s Blue Link basically does all that Prime Apps could do as well as integrate with Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch and Android Wear watches. Both cars have wireless charging for your phone. Voice recognition is so-so in the Ioniq.

Young working woman’s view: If you plug in the Prime you can expect between 20 and 25 battery powered miles while the Hyundai does not have the extra batter. The trade-off is in the price as the Ioniq starts in the low $20,000s and the Prime in the $30,000 range. Is it worth the extra money for the high occupancy lane, government rebates, and better mileage? Well, for 909 readers that decision requires some serious math time. Since I do not have access to an outlet where I could plug-in the Prime the Ioniq would be the best choice. However, if I did the Toyota would be my winner.

Family conference: Hyundai is bringing out a plug-in hybrid to challenge the Prius Prime but as of now the hybrid is the most efficient family vehicle they offer. The warranty on the Hyundai is excellent with a lifetime promise whereas the Toyota is more limited. Pricing is also in the Hyundai’s court costing nearly $10,000 less. However, the Prius Prime is essentially loaded and the base Hyundai needs several options to be competitive. The bottom line is that the Prius Prime is best if you have a place to plug it in and can afford the extra cost. Otherwise, the Hyundai is a good choice with excellent cargo space and is more responsive on the open road. Either way, you are going to be visiting gasoline stations much less with a fill-up yielding over 500 miles or more from their 11 gallon tanks.

 

Toyota’s 2016 Hybrids: Prius and RAV4

Toyota’s Top Hybrids: Prius and RAV4
by The Car Family
for more reviews go to https://www.motorists.org/tag/the-car-family/
Toyota RAV 4 and the Prius have provided consumers with a nice combination of utility and frugality with both cars offering room for a young family and exceptional fuel mileage. Both vehicles have a lot in common from pricing, to Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrains to class leading fuel mileage in the over 50 mpg for the Prius and 30 for the RAV. Indeed, if you are after economical travel these two are tough to top.

Prius Tourning

RAV4 Hybrid

Of course, the real reason hybrids are popular is their fuel mileage. However, buyers need to do some math homework with several important variables to consider. First, how much more is the hybrid going to cost over a similar vehicle. The government has a handy site that simplifies this math at fueleconomy.gov.
With that in mind we tested two of the best hybrids from the most successful hybrid company in the world, Toyota. We weren’t disappointed.
Mom’s view: The RAV4 hybrid is easy to drive, park, and use. It can seat five, but is only available in the more expensive trim models. I wasn’t impressed with the RAV’s interior as it just looks and feels dated. I did like the utility tray and storage areas and the easy to use automatic rear hatch. You loose a little cargo area with the hybrid, but still get between 35 to 70 cubic feet of room depending if the rear seat is lowered. Safety wise, the RAV4 top of the line Limited includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, full-length airbags, a driver knee airbag, rearview camera, blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional Advanced Technology package that includes an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with a top-down-view parking camera system is also worth considering. We tested the Prius Four Touring model that has a much improved electronics and is loaded with safety features, too, with a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and air-bags most everywhere. My only problem with the new Prius was the white, really white, center console, and losing some rear seat leg room due to the placement of the batteries. Otherwise a really great car. My opinion is that the RAV4 is an excellent all-around family vehicle and the Prius, and I hate to write this, a really fun sedan. Both cars have excellent quality scores.

Dad’s view: The RAV 4 hybrid is all wheel drive and is the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class. The ride is excellent and, best of all, aggressive pricing makes it difficult to pass by for bargain hunters. The brakes take a bit to get used to as they are regenerative, but almost all hybrids have a similar feel. The RAV4 has the same system as Lexus NX uses and it shows. This is the best hybrid in its class for cargo and mileage. The ride is smooth and fairly quiet, but can be rough over tax-money deprived roads Driving the hybrid is enjoyable once you get used to the thrust the electric motors provide. All in all the RAV4 is a tidy SUV with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motors front and rear and a continuously variable transmission. The result is 194 horsepower SUV that uses front-wheel drive in normal operation, but automatically engages the electrically driven rear wheels when needed. In other words, a perfect vehicle for readers who want to be prepared for whatever nature throws at them while still being fuel frugal. The Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine aided by a pair of electric motor/generators. Using the console mounted power button maximizes thrust making it easier to pass and merge. In fact, it is addicting. However, the best feature in this new Prius is its improved brakes, suspension and driving dynamics. My choice would be the Prius because it is fun to drive and consistently get 50 plus mpg. With its 11 gallon gas tank full of unleaded a 500 mile trip will cost under $25 and no TSA waiting line.

Young working girls’ view: Neither car is beautiful, but both have an inner beauty and that is reliability. The RAV4 is spacious and honest and doesn’t try to fool you into thinking you are driving a luxury car. I found the Prius too difficult to get into with its lower entry and the unique center gauge placement wasn’t to my taste. The RAV4 hybrid was much easier and, with certain options, was a breeze to park. I would definitely get Toyota Safety Sense that includes collision alert, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, radar cruise control and more. I really liked the intelligent park assist that can be used for both perpendicular and parallel parking especially living in a parking challenged city. The cargo space is very generous and rear seat room was ample. A perfect SUV for a single or young family who love to travel winter or summer.

Young working male’s view: Both hybrids are loaded with electronic choices that make option selections difficult. For example, one package includes larger wheels, parking senors, and heated seats. No substitutions allowed. One thing I would get is Toyota’s Entune with the bigger 7-inch screen, smartphone-connected services,and a navigation. Not the best, but much improved, and make sure you get help with the set-up and tie-in with your cell phone. As much as I liked the vastly improved Prius driveability, the RAV just appealed to me more for its usefulness.

RAV4 Interior

Family conference: Loaded with safety features, both priced similarly, the choice between the RAV 4 and Prius Touring hybrids is basically perception. Are you bold enough to make the Prius your daily driver or does the utility of the RAV4 hold sway. Either way they are unique and family friendly.

 

Porsche Macan vs. Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar F-Pace vs. Porsche Macan S
by The Car Family
For more reviews go to https://www.motorists.org/tag/the-car-family/

There are both essentially luxury oriented crossover SUVs with an attitude. Outside of gas mileage, all wheel drive, getting about 20 mpg on premium in mixed driving, and similar sized V6 engines there is little they have in common as small sport utility vehicles. The Macan is quieter, handles better, and its engine sounds more refined when challenged. The F-Pace has a better monitor, more interior room, a better spare tire set-up, and an appearance that is more appealing to some. The Macan is turbocharged and the Jaguar is supercharged

Jaguar F-Pace

Porsche Macan S

Both vehicles have bigger brothers offering more horsepower, but at considerably more money and both have options that can add tens of thousands to the base price. We recommend the F-Pace Prestige model and the Macan S as best values. However, don’t even think about buying one without doing your homework as the option lists are extensive and expensive. For example, a high end Porsche audio Burmester High-End Surround Sound System costs $5700.

Where Jaguar has an advantage, and a huge one, is in pricing. You can get a base 340 horsepower F- Pace for $45,000 while Porsche only offers a four-cylinder Macan for around that amount. The Jaguar gives your 340 horsepower and the Macan 252. If you decide to get the Macan S, our choice, you get the same 340 horsepower as the F-Pace, but it could cost you around $7000 more. How much you get back of that difference is uncertain, but after three years Porsche indicates 61 percent. Jaguar has not released residual values, but usually 50 percent has been the average.

Jaguar provides a five-year, 60,000 mile warranty and Porsche a four year, 50,000 mile warranty. In either case it is whichever comes first, mileage or months.

The Jaguar interior is more traditional, but has a great monitor and some features that are exceptional such as a backup camera you can keep on even when driving on the road. The GPS is easy to use and, as the Macan, the map can be seen on the instrument panel. Albeit the F-Pace’s version is much larger and easier to read. There are more storage areas in the Jaguar, but the seats don’t hold you as firmly.
Road noise and engine noise on all but the smoothest roads are tiring in the Jaguar. The Macan is very quiet.

Both vehicles are fairly heavy despite Jaguar’s claim of an extensive use of aluminum. The Macan being slightly heaver by about 100 pounds with both tipping the scale just north of two tons. We didn’t test a Jaguar F-Pace diesel, but the starting price on this is listed at $40,000 which makes it for attractive. Another item we noticed is that Porsche dealers are starting to deal on Macans. Jaguar dealers have said, and we are waiting for more details, that there are doing to be some very attractive lease deals probably to make inroads in this lucrative segment.

Porsche Macan

Jaguar F-Pace

Acceleration is nearly the same with the supercharged Jaguar engine responded a bit quicker to input, but both can reach 60 mph in a little over five seconds. Be warned that the F-Pace acceleration in Dynamic Mode can be abrupt. The Porsche torque arrives earlier, around 1500 rpm compared to 4500 in the F-Pace. Jaguar uses an eight-speed sequential shifter and Porsche has the tired and proven seven speed PDK double-clutch unit. The F-Pace unit is more gentle when prodded, but the Macan is quicker, if a bit more abrupt. Jaguar continues to use a circular shift selector knob which takes time to master. It also has some small arrow buttons that allow you to pursue Dynamic, normal, or Eco modes. Porsche has a sport mode with an upgrade to sport plus for more thrust. In the real world we found both cars could accelerate instantly when asked, but if you like cornering, the trimmer Macan is easily the better choice.

Bottom line: Porsche has the edge in quality at this point, but Jaguar is improving. Jaguar has the edge in cost, interior room, monitor, and traditional styling appeal. The Macan S has the edge in driving feel, overall performance, and comfort. The Jaguar pricing is going to challenge the four-cylinder Macan for those looking to enter this segment of the market. We highly recommend you drive these cars back-to-back to develop an appreciation for their differences. Our choice is the Macan simply because it more fun to drive. The Macan is easier to park, nifter on its feet, not as large, and more muscular looking. On the other hand, the F-Pace provides a bit more panache and driving appeal for those coming out of American SUVs and is fairly close to the Infiniti QX70. It is more laid-back and relaxed. As close as the Macan and F-Pace are in many regards, one you drive them they are world’s apart. You just have to decide what world that is going to be.

 

2016 BMX X1 vs. Lexus NX Hybrid

BMW X1 vs Lexus NX Hybrid
by The Car Family
for more reviews go to https://www.motorists.org/tag/the-car-family/

Family oriented compact utility vehicles are the hottest segment of the industry now with the emphasis on compact. The BMW X1 xDrive 28i and Lexus NX hybrid fit this description well with both falling in the $40,000 plus range when well equipped and offering seating for five. The main difference between the two in terms of driving is that the X1 has a sports car feel to it and the Lexus offers a more cushy ride. The NX gets superior fuel mileage the BMW offers more fun for those miles. One caveat and that the theses two are not as spacious as their big brothers, the BMW X3 and Lexus RX, but cost thousands less.

As vehicle manufactures move to find better ways to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), four-cylinder are becoming more popular as they offer more efficiency with nearly the same performance. Both of these vehicles have these engines although our Lexus NX was a hybrid with additional electric power that adds nearly $5000 to the price, but has more features as well as averaging nearly 32 miles per gallon in daily driving. What sets them apart is everything else. The Lexus is more refined, quieter, and has a more upscale interior. The BMW is sportier, friskier, and handles better.

Mother’s view: The BMW X1 xDrive28i was more rough and ready. The interior noise was significant with the optional run-flat tires, but it was quite agile and simple to park. The Lexus was a bit more portly, but the interior was nicer. Both cars have nearly identical interior space with the X1 getting a slight nod for room. The BMW X1 comes standard with stability and traction control, airbags nearly everywhere, an emergency communication system and more. Make sure to order such options as frontal collision warning and lane departure warnings among other life saving devises. The Lexus offers similar safety features and has excellent crash safety ratings. My choice would be the NX for its nicer interior although the BMW’s navigation and axillary controls were easier for me to master.

Dad’s view: The BMW X1 comes with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 228 horsepower and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with a standard all-wheel-drive system. The engine is noisy, but productive and I could get 30 mpg in highway driving. The Lexus hybrid gets even better mileage from its 2.5 liter engine with hybrid boost. There are enough option packages for both vehicles to muddle the differences between wants and needs. I would strongly suggest you do your homework once you have narrowed down your choice as options can quickly add $10,000 to the bottom line. My selection would be the Lexus NX hybrid for daily use, but if you enjoy a vehicle that handles the BMW ranks just below a Porsche in fun per mile.

Working woman’s view: The BMW has some nice standard features such as a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, driver memory settings, BMW’s iDrive interface with a touchpad controller, 6.5-inch screen, navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, HD radio, CD player and a USB input. The Premium package adds keyless ignition and entry, hands-free control for the power liftgate, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, four-way power lumbar for the front seats and interior ambient lighting. The Technology package offers BMW’s integrated smartphone apps, navigation and an upgraded 8.8-inch display screen. The NX has similar standard features with a larger display screen and a rearview camera. Lexus options include wireless phone charging, navigation with a touchpad controller, voice recognition, a 10-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. You can also add the Lexus Enform Remote that allows you to control certain vehicle functions from your smartphone. My choice is the Lexus NX, but not the hybrid version. I don’t drive enough to justify the additional cost of the hybrid. One kudo for the BMW was its smaller turning radius making it easier to maneuver, a larger cargo area and its maintenance free four years or 50,000 mile program.

Young working man’s view: Both vehicles are loaded with electronic goodies such as the BMW iDrive with an integrated touchpad on the main control that lets you draw number inputs and has to be experienced. Lexus Enform remote is handy. The Lexus is fairly quick off the line when its two electric motors kick-in. Both the BMW’s and NX engines shut down at stop lights or when stuck in traffic to save fuel. The NX’s regenerative brakes can be a bit abrupt whereas the X1’s were excellent. The Lexus NX is very car and handles well and is comfortable. The BMW is just plain fun all the time.

Family conference: These two vehicles offer buyers an interesting choice based on their driving habits. The BMW is athletic and never lets you forget that. The optional run-flat tires provoke a lot of road noise and the energetic engine can be raucous. On the other hand the X1 gets excellent fuel mileage and has superior handling and braking. The NX has a distinctive exterior that may be off-putting and gets exceptional gas mileage and provides a cushy ride. With the new Porsche four-cylinder Macan coming to market priced nearly identical this is going to be an even tougher choice.