Yahoo Autos Editors' Picks May 2021 | BMW M3, Toyota Camry and some hot Golfs
We awarded Editors’ Picks status to a number of performance cars this month, but a couple more regular sedans won out, too. April saw us recognize four models, but that increases to six for May. As the weather warms up here in Michigan, we tend to get into the sports cars that we missed driving all winter, resulting in a sports car-heavy month of testing. That explains why the list this month is so heavy on sports cars and hot hatches.
In case you missed our previous couple Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get Editors’ Pick status. Those are the ones we’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody who’s curious and asks the question. The list that you’ll find below consists of every car we rated in May that earned the honor of being an Editors’ Pick.
2021 Toyota Camry
Quick take: The Toyota Camry retains its place as one of the best midsize sedans you can buy. It comes in a variety of trims and powertrains, from the potent TRD model to the fuel-sipping hybrid. It's an attractive, functional and well-rounded car offering value and function.
Score: 8.5
What it competes with: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, VW Passat, Chevy Malibu
Pros: Highly versatile, efficient hybrid, fun-to-drive sport models
Cons: Average infotainment, polarizing exterior, slow base four-cylinder
From the editors:
Editor in Chief Greg Migliore — “The Camry is one of the standard bearers in the midsize segment. With many companies abandoning this area, the ones that remain -- like Toyota -- do it well. Long a bastion of boring design and sleepy driving dynamics, the Camry is now legitimately attractive and offers a range of powertrains. It's a solid entry and along with the Honda Accord, makes the case for midsize sedans to exist."
In-depth analysis: 2021 Toyota Camry Review | What's new, pictures, hybrid and AWD fuel economy
2022 Volkswagen GTI
Quick take: With engaging dynamics and distinctive styling, the GTI remains the standard for enthusiast hatches.
Score: 8
What it competes with: Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Veloster N, Kia Forte GT, Mazda3 Turbo
Pros: Quick, handles well, engaging, superb styling
Cons: Troublesome tech, a tad pricey
From the editors:
Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore — “The Golf GTI serves a niche market of enthusiasts who seek out and embrace its heritage and attributes. All of that comes through in the Mk 8 generation, which is engaging, attractive and fun to drive in nearly all circumstances. It sounds, shifts and looks exactly how the GTI should. The new digital interior is attractive, and the plaid seats are a symbol of the GTI's endearing ability to evolve, yet remain true to itself."
In-depth analysis: 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI First Drive Review | Straight out of central casting
2022 Volkswagen Golf R
Quick take: The Mk 8 Golf R is the type of hot hatch that will shred your performance expectations and look classy doing it. VW made it more fun this generation with a trick rear differential and more power, but it keeps the simple, excellent nature we've come to love in the Golf lineup.
Score: 8
What it competes with: Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX STI, Hyundai Veloster N, BMW M235i Gran Coupe, Audi S3, Mercedes-AMG A 35
Pros: Playful AWD, super quick, handsome exterior and interior
Cons: Pricey, difficult-to-use tech
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "Where the old Golf R was scarcely worth the premium over a GTI, the new Golf R with more power and a performance torque-vectoring AWD system is absolutely worth the price difference. This car is tail-happy fun with the same mature and business-like good styling as always."
In-depth analysis: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R First Drive Review | It’s way more fun!
