Collage by Aurich Lawson
Like most of us, 2020 went completely differently than we expected in January. By the end of February, it was clear that COVID-19 would be a serious problem as car shows and events began to cancel. in their masses. But our local press fleets are still in use, and a travel-free calendar meant more time testing cars here at home. Fortunately, one can sit in a car by oneself, meet the requirements for social distance, and a car interior can be a welcome change if you spend all day at home.
Even if it means we were able to test a significant amount of new vehicles despite the new realities. These are the highlights of a year behind the wheel.
Hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs
Just under half (15 out of 32) of the cars I judged this year were hybrids, plug-in hybrids or battery-powered electric vehicles. I recorded the most miles in one of the more exotic hybrids on the list – the Acura NSX supercar. Ohio to Florida in three days remains an unforgettable trip, but it was hard work. Second place is the Toyota Venza that took us back to Cooperstown, New York and within a day. Unlike the NSX, the Venza had plenty of comfortable seating and adjustable cruise control. This soft crossover was one of my unexpected treats of the year.
I did expect to be impressed by the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and yet it still amazed me. That was the only thing that really stood out at this year’s Chicago Motor Show, as the vehicle delivered all the promises and more on the road. It’s attractive, has some useful driver assistance, and it really gets 52mpg (4.5l / 100km) – all for less than $ 28,000.
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In 2020, we reported more mileage in this Acura NSX supercar than anything else when we drove it from its Ohio plant to Daytona, Florida. It’s a beautiful car and the propulsion system is very interesting, but it would not be my first choice to drive hundreds of miles a day on the highway.
Elle Cayabyab Gitlin
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Most miles a day would go to this Toyota Venza hybrid, which I drove from DC to Cooperstown, NY, and back again. Unlike the NSX, I would highly recommend the Venza for long trips.
Elle Cayabyab Gitlin
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A styling sedan that sucks fuel? The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid really impressed us with the test.
Jonathan Gitlin
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Behind the wheel of a pre-production prototype Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover.
Jonathan Gitlin
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The Volvo XC40 was already a compelling luxury crossover, and the addition of a fully electric propulsion system only enhances it.
Jonathan Gitlin
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I promise I did not intentionally look up Battery Heights Blvd. But it was too good a coincidence not to stop and get a picture.
Jonathan Gitlin
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Next year, the Bolt EV will look a little different, as it gets a style refresh that should also deliver faster DC-fast loading, as well as adaptive cruise control (but maybe not Super Cruise, which will only run on the longer wheelbase SUV be it is also in the work).
Chevrolet
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The Kia Niro EV is another battery-powered vehicle that proves that the Korean car industry is currently the best.
Jonathan Gitlin
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It looks like any other Mini Cooper, but the presence of this at an electric charger is an indication that the Mini Cooper SE is a battery-powered Mini.
Jonathan Gitlin
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On the way with the new Polestar 2.
Polestar
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The interior of the Polestar 2 is one of the best features of the car.
Polestar
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Audi has given its e-tron car a beautiful new look – it’s the Audi e-tron Sportback.
Audi
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An E-tron Sportback will cost between $ 70 and $ 90,000, depending on the decoration or options, but I can not think of a better EV interior for the money.
Audi
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This dagglo assault of orange and full green is the (deep breath) 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo S E-Hybrid. This is the best Cayenne and also a plug.
Jonathan Gitlin
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The dog coat interior decoration comes with the lightweight sports suit. The adjustable front seats are brilliant, as is the steering wheel covered with race text.
Jonathan Gitlin
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It was a great way to see a sunrise.
Jonathan Gitlin
Seven of the 32 cars we judged this year were BEVs. We have more to say in the future about the Volkswagen ID.4 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, because we spent less than an hour with each one. And expect a Ford Mustang Mach-E review in the new year – we only planned a week in January with the electric pony. The pandemic has delayed the planned facelift for the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Kia Niro EV is very capable, and one of the few BEVs that approaches Tesla when it comes to the efficiency of the range. The Mini Cooper SE was a great rush to drive, and the Polestar 2 impressed a great interior, just like the Audi e-tron Sportback, although it climbed the ladder at a different price.
Money, however, is no object, but the Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo S E-Hybrid I will have. And I never thought I would see the words typed. Yes, it’s a big SUV, and yes, I’m the kind of annoying writer who never ceases to tell the reader how much he does not like big SUVs. But the power-to-weight ratio of the Cayenne Coupé means it doesn’t feel like a big SUV to drive. The battery is large enough to cover most of my normal travels. And the dog leash interior is perhaps my favorite of all the cars I have driven this year.