Aurich Lawson collage
Like most of us, 2020 was quite different from what we expected in January. By the end of February, it was clear that COVID-19 would be a serious problem, as car shows and drive events started to be canceled. in large scale. But our local press fleets remained in operation and a calendar with no trips meant more time to test cars here at home. Fortunately, sitting in a car alone meets the requirements of social detachment, and the interior of a car can be a welcome change from spending all day at home.
All of this means that we have managed to test drive a respectable number of new vehicles, despite the new realities. These are the highlights of a year spent behind the wheel.
Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs
Almost half (15 of 32) of the cars I reviewed this year were hybrids, plug-in hybrids or battery powered electric vehicles. I recorded more miles in one of the most exotic hybrids on the list – the Acura NSX supercar. Ohio to Florida in three days remains a memorable trip, but it was hard work. The runner-up would be the Toyota Venza that took us to Cooperstown, New York and back in one day. Unlike the NSX, the Venza had very comfortable seats and adaptable cruise control. This plush crossover was one of my unexpected wonders of the year.
I expected to be impressed by the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, but it still surprised me. It was the only thing that really stood out at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, as the vehicle fulfilled all that promise and more on the road. It’s beautiful, has some useful driver aids and really reaches 52 mpg (4.5l / 100km) —all for less than $ 28,000.
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In 2020, we recorded more miles on this Acura NSX supercar than anything else when we transported it from its Ohio plant to Daytona, Florida. It is a beautiful car and the power train is very interesting, but it would not be my first choice to drive hundreds of kilometers a day on the highway.
Elle Cayabyab Gitlin
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Almost every kilometer in one day would go to this Toyota Venza hybrid, which I drove from DC to Cooperstown, NY, and back. Unlike NSX, I recommend Venza for long trips.
Elle Cayabyab Gitlin
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A stylish sedan that drinks fuel? The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid really impressed us in the tests.
Jonathan Gitlin
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Driving a pre-production Volkswagen ID.4 prototype electric crossover.
Jonathan Gitlin
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The Volvo XC40 was already an attractive luxury crossover, and the addition of a fully electric powertrain only improved it.
Jonathan Gitlin
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I promise I didn’t look for Battery Heights Blvd on purpose. But it was a very good coincidence not to stop and take a picture.
Jonathan Gitlin
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Next year, the Bolt EV will look a little different because it is getting a styling update that should also bring faster DC fast loading, as well as adaptive cruise control (but perhaps not the Super Cruise, which will only be in the Bolt SUV longer wheelbase that is also in progress).
Chevrolet
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The Kia Niro EV is another battery-powered electric vehicle that proves that the Korean auto industry is at the top of its game now.
Jonathan Gitlin
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It looks like any other Mini Cooper, but the presence of this in an electric charger is a clue to the fact that the Mini Cooper SE is a battery powered Mini.
Jonathan Gitlin
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On the road with the new Polestar 2.
pole Star
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The interior of Polestar 2 is one of the car’s best features.
pole Star
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Audi has given its e-tron electric car a sophisticated new look – this is the Audi e-tron Sportback.
Audi
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A Sportback e-tron will cost between $ 70k- $ 90k depending on the finish or options, but I can’t think of a better EV interior for the money.
Audi
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This orange and green volt dayglo attack is the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo S E-Hybrid. It is the flagship Cayenne and also a plug-in.
Jonathan Gitlin
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The houndstooth interior finish comes with the Lightweight sports pack. The adaptable front seats are shiny, as is the racetex-covered steering wheel.
Jonathan Gitlin
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This was a good way to see the sunrise.
Jonathan Gitlin
Seven of the 32 cars we reviewed this year were BEVs. We will have more to say about Volkswagen ID.4 and Volvo XC40 Recharge in the future, as we spend less than an hour with each other. And expect an analysis of the Ford Mustang Mach-E in the new year – we just scheduled a week in January with that electric pony. The pandemic has postponed the planned makeover for the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Kia Niro EV is highly competent and one of the few BEVs to approach Tesla when it comes to range efficiency. The Mini Cooper SE was a driving joke, the Polestar 2 impressed with a great interior, just like the Audi e-tron Sportback, although at a price that is another step on the stairs.
Money is no problem, though, I would have the Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo S E-Hybrid. And I never thought you’d see me typing those words. Yes, it’s a big SUV, and yes, I’m the kind of boring writer who never stops telling the reader how much he doesn’t like big SUVs. But the Cayenne Coupé’s power-to-weight ratio means it doesn’t look like a big SUV to drive. Its battery is big enough to cover most of my normal trips. And that houndstooth interior may be my favorite of all the cars I’ve driven this year.