2018 Toyota Camry

2018 Toyota Camry

Episode 3748
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Specifications

  • Horsepower: 206
  • Trim: XSE

Long Term Updates

 

Built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture it shares with the Prius, we chose to stick with standard 4-cylinder power, prioritizing fuel economy over the V6’s grunt. 

The I4 rates 28-City, 39-Highway, and 32-Combined; yet so far we’re averaging just 28.6. But we do expect that to climb, as we’ve only burned through a few tanks of Regular at this point, at just 920-miles. 

So we’ll see over the next year, if its 206-horsepower is enough to satisfy our power-hungry staff. 

206 is actually three more than the base Camry, thanks to our XSE’s dual exhaust system. The XSE is the sportiest Camry yet; with very aggressive bodywork, smoke tinted lenses, and gloss trim. And, it’s quickly becoming a very popular item at Toyota dealerships. Hmmmmm… maybe Camry buyers aren’t just appliance shopping after all. 

Mileage: 5,000

Toyota has been trying to change the Camry’s narrative for a while now; infusing more and more luxury and excitement into their family staple with each new generation.

Two months with our long term 2018 Camry and we have to say they’ve made significant progress.

GREG CARLOSS: “Our XSE uses the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and we think most Camry prospects will be pleased with the power. The new 8-speed automatic transmission can be slow to downshift for passing. But, the smooth upshifts, and light steering make it a breeze to drive around town.”

GREG CARLOSS: We’re already closing in on 5,000 mostly highway miles, and our mileage has jumped way up to 35.3 miles-per-gallon. Every one of them has been pleasurable and increasingly entertaining. 

Mileage: 7,500

The Toyota Camry is not immune to the well-documented decline in sedan sales in the U.S. Yet, it remains the #1 selling car in America, as it has for about 16-years now. 

And we’re finding out why, having accrued almost 7,500-miles in just 3-months’ with our 2018 XSE. With its 206-horsepower 2.5-liter I4 and 8-speed automatic transmission; we’re enjoying those miles more than we have in any Camry before.

In fact, the fun only stops when we stop for fuel, at which time we’ve been dealing with a sticky fuel door that doesn’t like to open right away. But after a bit of metal massaging, it seems to be working much better. 

Fortunately for us, those stops are few and far between; with a 35.4 miles-per-gallon average so far.

Mileage: 9,000

As for another one of our family transporters, the 2018 Toyota Camry may not have the space of a minivan; but long distance comfort for four, and five in a pinch, is in ample supply.

We test so many crossovers these days, it’s easy to forget how useful sedans can be. This Camry has really reminded us why Toyota has sold so many of these over the years. It has space, it has comfort, it has great fuel economy. Now, some on our staff have admitted to missing the more commanding ride height of a crossover, but that’s just a matter of preference.

Yes, despite what you may have heard, there are still plenty of families that make do with a 4-door sedan; at least for one of the cars in their driveway.

We’re just over 9,000-miles, from these last four months of driving this 2.5-liter 4-cylinder XSE; and the 34.7 miles-per-gallon fuel mileage continues to impress, as does the overall driving experience. 

Mileage: 12,500

Saying goodbye to one of our long-terms is never easy, but that’s what we must do this week with our 2018 Toyota Camry mid-size family sedan.

“It’s been a relatively short run in this Camry XSE, but a good one for us. We love the styling and the  sporty-er suspension really backs up the look. Quicker transmission shifts would be a nice upgrade, but as far as a daily driver, the Camry is as solid as it gets, and it’s pretty entertaining too.”

Just routine maintenance was all that was required during the Camry’s 7-month stay with us. And, over 12,500-miles, the 206-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder delivered a very good 33.4 miles-per-gallon. 

Best part of all, the improved ride-and-handling came without losing any of the comfort and practicality we’ve come to expect in Camry. We’ll miss it for sure…

2023 Kia EV6 GT 3

2023 Kia EV6 GT

Episode 4313
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Specifications

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Torque: 545 lb-ft
  • Horsepower: 576
  • EPA Range: 206 miles
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Long Term Updates

Date: October 2023

Performance SUVs? Seen ’em. Battery electric SUVs? They’re pretty much everywhere. But a performance battery electric SUV? Now that’s something a little different.

This EV6 GT is Kia’s most powerful production vehicle EVER and the replacement for our current EV6 long termer. So, let’s dive into the details.

Saying goodbye is such sweet sorrow unless you’re immediately saying hello to a 576 horsepower four-door rocket. The extra 256 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque that the GT has over our outgoing EV6 comes courtesy of a 160-kW motor driving the front wheels and a 270-kW motor spinning the rears.

And it has no problem spinning the rears when set to drift mode. The under-floor battery pack is still 77.4-kWh but with all that extra “umph”, EPA-estimated range is down to 206 miles.

Draped in Runaway Red paint, the GT’s body looks even sleeker with more aggressive front and rear fascias. Wheels measure 21-inches and come wrapped in Z-rated Goodyear rubber. Brakes are considerably bigger and considerably greener.

Inside, dimensions are the same as our 2022 EV6 Wind. Notable additions are these sports seats and a special GT drive mode button the steering wheel which unlocks full power potential.

Keys to unlock this car’s potential come at a price of $63,575.

We’ll have our first long term update soon, but in the meantime, if you have any questions or comments during our year long test of this Kia EV6 GT…reach out to us on your social site at MotorWeek.

Date: November 2023Mileage: 1,500


We all know how awesome it is to get an upgrade; well we just replaced our 2022 Kia EV6 with this 2023 Kia EV6 GT and my oh my, what an upgrade!

While the EV6 was a very attractive SUV by any measure, it clearly sheds the commuter car vibe for a much more purposeful design here, with the GT’s lower stance and performance hardware on full display.

And not only is it a more powerful EV6, it’s the most powerful Kia ever, with 576-horsepower coming from a dual-motor setup featuring a 160-kW front motor and 270-kW rear.

That’s 256 more horsepower than what we were dealing with in our EV6 Wind.

But, with the same 77.4-kWh battery, the GT is rated for just 206-miles compared to 274.

Though as we’ve quickly learned over 1,500-miles so far, those miles are packed with a lot more smiles, and it’s plenty to get most of us through a weekend’s worth of errands.

In our short time so far with this EV6 GT we’re finding that, just like in our outgoing EV6 Wind, the range estimate is pretty spot on. Now I will say we’re watching those miles tick off a little faster due to our inability to ignore that little voice telling us to trigger GT Mode and go full send. But to be fair, that happens in gas-powered cars too.

It’s going to be a great year plugging into this one!

Date: January 2024Mileage: 2,500


This 2023 Kia EV6 GT is not the first EV we’ve had as a long-term test vehicle here at MotorWeek, but it’s definitely the most fun…by a wide margin! And miles have been adding up quickly, with some 2,500 over our first 2-months of driving.

Overall performance really is exceptional in this fast, cool, and smooth utility. But things truly get interesting when you engage GT Drive Mode, or “hit the NOS” as we like to call it around here. Supercar performance at the press of a button with power delivery, braking, steering, suspension, limited slip differential, and stability control all set to their most dynamic.

The all-wheel drive traction for putting power down out of corners can easily turn your commute into an amusement park ride. Though as we race into winter we’ll have to be mindful that colder temperatures won’t likely play nice with the performance tires currently mounted on these 21-inch wheels.

Even winter can’t grip this EV6 GT with all its bountiful torque, which in some cases, can be useful. For instance, compared to a standard EV6, the turning radius isn’t quite as tight. But under the right circumstances, Drift Mode can take care of that…

With its 77.4-kWh battery, the EV6 GT is rated for just 206-miles, but we’ve routinely seen over 230 available in the gauge display; and a recent attempt to take it down to zero had us traveling 215-miles before pulling up to the charger on whatever the EV equivalent to running on fumes is…let’s call it ‘rolling on electrons.’

Date: February 2024Mileage: 5,000


Our 2023 Kia EV6 GT has been on the move a lot recently, as we’ve just passed the 5,000-mile mark in only 4-months.

Winter hasn’t impeded things at all, just requiring us to take a little extra caution with the GT’s performance tires. Everything else remains solid as the EV6 GT truly is a joy to drive.

The cabin is lovely too, and the dash setup has it appearing more traditional than many EVs; though, the GT’s splashes of additional color and accent lighting go a long way in making it special, as do the aggressively bolstered sport seats, and the unique themes that appear when changing drive modes, which we occasionally do accidentally by grazing the large steering wheel buttons.

“Recently, every time I’ve hopped in for a cruise with this EV6 GT, the drive mode has been set to ECO, which is a bit unusual for us. But I think it’s because we’re all realizing that it’s been helpful in two ways this winter. One, it takes some of the responsiveness out of the accelerator, decreasing the likelihood of unwanted wheel spin; and two, we’re extending our range.”

Indeed, recent news headlines have pointed out that cold weather does have an impact on EVs, particularly when it comes to batteries, charging, and range. But it’s certainly not a deal-breaker as very cold weather impacts everything else too. EVs just require a little bit of thinking ahead, like making sure the battery and interior are warmed before unplugging to minimize range loss. Much like remote starting has done for internal combustion cars for years.

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 1

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Episode 4242
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.4-liter I-4
  • Horsepower: 248
  • EV Range: 38 miles
  • Battery: 20-kWh
  • Torque: 332 lb-ft.

Long Term Updates

Date: July 2023Mileage: N/A


The Mitsubishi Outlander is a recurring name in our Long Term fleet, having tested a previous-generation plug-in hybrid in 2019, and a next-gen non-PHEV just last year. With the new-gen PHEV now available, we couldn’t wait to give it a go.

This is our 2023 Outlander PHEV, decked out in the SEL Premium trim.

Under the hood is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, assisted by front and rear electric traction motors for standard all-wheel drive. The combined output is 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, with an EV-only range of about 38 miles; 14 more than the last gen PHEV.

The Outlander PHEV is the most powerful Outlander available, which means it would definitely be our choice. Although to be honest, it’s not just about the extra power. Being able to hit a button and quietly cruise on battery power alone is another nice perk of this powertrain. As is the ability to hit the same button and add significant charge back to the battery just by driving on gas-power.

The SEL Premium Package adds semi-aniline leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose sound system. Most importantly, all SELs come with DC Fast Charging. An unusual feature for a PHEV, it can get the 20-kWh battery to 80-percent in under 40 minutes.

Date: August 2023Mileage: 3000


We kicked off the summer with a new addition to our Long Term fleet, this 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid. And after 3000 miles of fun in the sun, we have our first official update.

In the two months since it arrived, we’ve observed an overall 33.9 miles-per-gallon. That’s significantly better than the final tally of 31.4 miles-per-gallon for our 2019 Outlander PHEV long termer.

We attribute some of our newfound success to plenty of due diligence keeping the 20-kilowatt-hour battery juiced up. That’s pretty easy, since our SEL Premium packs DC Fast Charging capabilities.

It’s also easy to slip into EV-only driving. The Outlander PHEV is rated at 38 miles of electric-only range, meaning we can use the battery for most of our local driving and fall back on the 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder for longer and more intensive hauls.

With a decent driving experience and a luxuriously wrapped interior, this Outlander is exactly what we need to fill a minivan-shaped hole in our hearts.

Date: September 2023Mileage: 7,000


It’s been a busy summer for our 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. We’ve already logged another 4,000, mostly long-distance highway miles on the odometer. With a comfortable, quiet ride and a suite of amenities, we’ve all wanted it as our Road Trip companion.

But those high speed runs up and down I-95 have taken a toll on PHEV gas use. With highway trips quickly depleting the 38 electric-only miles, overall fuel economy has dropped about 10% to 30.2 mpg. Still, that’s just fine, thanks to this 2.4-liter inline-4’s efficient hybrid powertrain.

But, there is more to our Outlander PHEV experience than just saving at the pump.

We’ve raved about the Outlander’s looks both inside and out, but we all know looks only go so far. There needs to be substance behind the appearance. Well now that we’ve put in the road trip miles, we’re happy to report the Outlander holds up as a long-haul vehicle. On vacation my favorite feature was the massaging seats and, granted, they’re not as advanced as we’ve seen in of the high-end luxury vehicles, but they get the job done when back fatigue sets in.

With daily recharging, and shorter fall drives, we expect to see this Mitsubishi’s fuel economy tick up in the weeks ahead.

Date: October 2023Mileage: 10,000


Cooler weather and shorter days are upon us. So, it’s a good time to recap our summer spent with this 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. We’ve tallied another 3,000 miles, bringing our long term test total to just over 10,000 miles.

You may recall a recent dip in fuel economy, attributed to the high-speed, long-distance miles from seasonal road trips, which are not always kind to hybrids. With the change in seasons, our Outlander is spending more time on the plug followed by shorter, mostly commuting trips. And that means better fuel economy, climbing back up to 31.3 miles-per-gallon overall.

As we’ve mentioned before, juicing the 20-kWh battery back up to full is easy thanks to the SEL-trim’s DC fast charging capabilities. Rare for a plug-in hybrid. And now having spent some time trying it, not only does it sound good on paper… it’s a really great feature to have.

And out on the road, things are equally satisfying.

“Ten thousand miles into our test, we are officially over the “get to know you” phase with this Outlander PHEV. And personally, I’ve grown fond of two things: One: the ability to precisely dial in the right amount of regenerative braking on the fly with these steering wheel paddles. And two, the quick burst of electric torque when you stab the throttle.”

Everyone around the office is still impressed with the Outlander overall. It’s versatile, it’s comfortable, and it’s very well appointed. If we could lobby one complaint, the wireless device charger seems to not always jive with our devices. Still, in-vehicle wireless chargers aren’t yet a perfect science.

Date: December 2023Mileage: 15,000


As the fall season peaks, we’re finding ourselves commuting more in the dark. Normally, that’d be a little sad; but, behind the wheel of our 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, things aren’t so gloomy.

Another 3,500 miles gets us close to the 15,000-mile mark. So far, it’s been almost entirely smooth sailing.
As you can imagine, we spend a lot of time driving; so, a comfortable cruiser is greatly appreciated, and our Outlander is exactly that. The seats leave you well rested after hours of driving, and the ride is mostly quiet, aside from the occasional electric hum from the plug-in hybrid system.

Our fuel efficiency has only slightly dropped since last update, now 30.9 MPGs. Still decent, and something we can overlook considering how easy it is to charge up the battery without actually needing a plug.

In one example, the Outlander’s “EV Charge Mode” was able to put nearly 30 miles worth of juice back into the battery after 150 miles of highway driving.

Having the Outlander PHEV’s gas engine to fall back on when electricity runs low is nice, but we still prefer to keep those pistons in place. The obvious reason for that is fuel economy. But it’s also because it’s a real pleasure to drive this thing in full-electric mode. It’s not like a sports car where I want to hear the engine. I’m totally fine piloting an SUV in near silence.

The only complaints involve our personal devices; namely, we still find the wireless charger to be a bit finnicky, and hooking up an older Apple device to CarPlay is not always simple.

Still, these hardly detract from the overall positive experience. As one logbook comment put it, “Nice SUV, Great PHEV.”

Date: January 2024Mileage: 17,000


“New year, new me” may apply to some, but we’re glad things are mostly staying the same with our 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV long-termer.

We’ve commented time and time again on just how great the Plug-In Hybrid system is, and it still receives top marks. Although, we have seen a drop in fuel efficiency of almost a full mile-per, now down to and even 30 MPG. We attribute that to longer drives with no plugging in, and colder weather requiring the 2.4-liter inline-4 to run more. Consider it our New Year’s Resolution to get that number back up.

We’ve also spoken at length about how comfortable the interior is; but, we haven’t mentioned much regarding utility. To that point, the Outlander PHEV has also received high praise.

One great example is cargo capacity. When you’re not hauling seven people around, the rearmost row can be folded down for 30.8 cubic-feet of flat storage. That can be doubled to 64.7 cubic-feet with the second row down.

These are good numbers on their own; and impressively, they’re essentially unchanged from the non-PHEV Outlander. So, if you commonly bank on the “utility” part of your “Sport Utility Vehicle,” the Outlander PHEV shows you can still fit hybrid efficiency into your life.

“While it’s nice that the Outlander PHEV can DC fast charge, the real highlight is that we’re getting a full charge overnight on our standard 110-volt outlets, which means taking full advantage of the 38 miles of all-electric range doesn’t require the purchase and installation of an at-home level 2 charger.”

We’ve managed to post almost 17,000 of our own miles on the odometer.

Date: February 2024Mileage: 20,000


We’ve officially surpassed the 20,000-mile mark in our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV compact utility.

Over a quarter of the 5,000 miles since our last update were driven on the always-congested I-95. The point in our annual Roebling road trip is to test high-performance cars on track, but it’s also turned into a bit of an outing for our Long Termers, too. The Outlander has exceeded expectations yet again. No wonder it’s our MotorWeek pick as Best Small Utility of the year!

We all continue to rave about its comfort. A smooth ride, plenty of room— you’ve heard it all by now. The outside profile doesn’t immediately scream “large,” but it becomes rather apparent once you’re onboard… or loading up for a long weekend getaway.

The PHEV system also maintains its top scores. We have observed a slight dip in efficiency, down to an average of 29.7 MPG, due to a lack of plugging during on our recent road trips. But that’s the glory of PHEVs: Electrified efficiency during regular commutes, no worries about infrastructure on longer drives.

And it doesn’t matter if it’s a short jaunt or a long haul. This Outlander PHEV has provided us with the space and utility we need. Admittedly, we haven’t gotten much use out of the third-row seats, but these two behind me have really racked up the miles in the second row. And because it’s so quiet in EV mode, we don’t have to shout to talk to each other. Do we, guys?

GIRL: Yes, we do!

BOY: Yes!

Before another winter storm makes its way here, we’ve equipped our Outlander with Bridgestone winter tires. Nothing to report yet, but we’re hoping to use them for their intended purpose soon.