We all enjoy discussing cars that generate over 1.0g on the skidpad or come remarkably close to breaking records on our Figure Eight course.
However, there’s another side to that spectrum. You know the type vehicles equipped with hockey puck-like tires, SUVs that demand serious effort to control, and minivans that lumber through turns with a tendency to understeer.
To be fair, the vehicles listed here never claimed to be anything beyond what they are, so it’s important to take these numbers with a healthy dose of perspective.
10. 2011 Honda CR-Z EX CVT / 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail
Figure Eight: 29.0 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.78/0.73 g (avg)
Honda’s often-criticized sporty hybrid finds itself under scrutiny once again, this time for matching the figure-eight time of the off-road-focused 4Runner Trail.
While the manual transmission version manages to shave off half a second, that’s hardly a victory, as it still performs no better than the more affordable and far less impractical Ford Fiesta.
At least the 4Runner has a valid reason for its lackluster handling. To be completely fair, we recorded better figures with the manual-equipped CR-Z: 0.84 g (avg) MT Figure Eight 27.5 sec @ 0.60 g (avg). The takeaway? Avoid the CVT.
9. 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite/ 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid/ 2010 Volkswagen Routan SEL
Figure Eight: 29.0 sec @ 0.56 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.73/0.79/0.73 g (avg)
The first minivan to appear on this list is part of a three-way tie, featuring Honda’s latest entry in the people-mover segment, Volkswagen’s rebadged version of the Town & Country, and FoMoCo’s first luxury hybrid.
Given its lighter weight and greater agility, the Lincoln’s stronger skidpad performance isn’t surprising, but its figure-eight results leave much to be desired.
8. 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Figure Eight: 29.0 sec @ 0.54 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.73 g (avg)
The newest iteration of the Town & Country delivered a slightly weaker performance in the Figure Eight compared to the Routan and Odyssey.
Although not a complete redesign, the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country features a refreshed exterior.
However, reviewers found the interior updates to be the most notable and impressive, considering them a significant improvement over previous models. The 2011 version also saw a substantial increase in safety ratings compared to the 2010 model.
This seven-seat minivan introduced modifications to the standard Stow ‘n Go second-row seats, enhancing their functionality and comfort. Meanwhile, higher trims offer traditional second-row captain’s chairs, which do not fold flat. Additionally, Chrysler discontinued the Swivel ‘n Go seating for the 2011 model year.
Beyond the interior enhancements, Chrysler also upgraded the engine. All trims are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 283 horsepower, a significant improvement over the base 2010 model, which reviewers criticized for lacking power.
In general, the handling was regarded as better than previous versions, though reviewers still favored competing minivans for their smoother ride quality. The Town & Country delivers fuel economy that is average for its class.
The 2011 Town & Country introduced several standard interior and safety features that impressed both reviewers and test drivers upon its release.
Key standard features include Stow ‘n Go seating, satellite radio, a back-up camera, rear parking sensors, and a six-speaker stereo system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen.
Optional features include a rear DVD entertainment system with dual displays that allow passengers to watch two different programs, as well as Bluetooth and a navigation system.
7. 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Figure Eight: 29.1 sec @ 0.55 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.75 g (avg)
Unsurprisingly, the Sonata Hybrid’s figure-eight time is over a second slower than that of the Sonata Turbo.
Reviewers have expressed admiration for the power delivery in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This hybrid model is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 34-kilowatt electric motor.
Together, they generate a total of 209 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering more power than many other hybrid sedans in the market. Another distinguishing feature of the Sonata Hybrid is its battery technology.
Unlike most hybrids, which rely on nickel-metal hydride batteries, this model is powered by lithium polymer cells. These batteries are not only smaller and lighter but also have a longer lifespan, according to Hyundai, as they dissipate heat more effectively and retain their charge better.
However, what truly stands out to reviewers is the Sonata Hybrid’s transmission. While most hybrids are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, though efficient, can feel sluggish and produce excessive noise during hard acceleration, Hyundai has opted for a six-speed automatic transmission instead.
According to reviewers, this transmission performs well, delivering power to the wheels smoothly and effectively.
The Sonata Hybrid’s powertrain enables it to run solely on electric power at speeds of up to 62 mph. At lower speeds, depending on battery charge and driving conditions, it can operate in electric mode for about a mile.
For those frequently navigating city traffic, this capability has the potential to yield significant fuel savings over time.
Even with its unique powertrain, the Sonata Hybrid’s fuel efficiency aligns with that of most hybrid sedans. The EPA estimates it achieves 34 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, outperforming the Toyota Camry Hybrid.
One area where the Sonata Hybrid receives criticism is its Blue Mode. Hyundai claims that activating Blue Mode can enhance fuel efficiency by five percent. However, some reviewers note that it makes the vehicle feel sluggish and unresponsive.
6. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Figure Eight: 29.2 sec @ 0.54 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.77 g (avg)
The third and final Hyundai on this list is the aging 2011 Santa Fe GLS, which also ranked among the slowest vehicles we tested.
A redesigned unibody model is on the horizon, promising improvements that should address some of the Santa Fe’s performance shortcomings.
5. 2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L Figure Eight: 29.4 sec @ 0.56 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.73 g (avg)
The Odyssey EX-L comes equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch wheels, unlike the Touring model, which features a six-speed transmission and 18-inch wheels.
This difference likely explains the four-tenths of a second gap in handling performance between these two versions of Honda’s minivan.
4. 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 Figure Eight: 29.6 sec @ 0.54 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.70 g (avg)
The 5,300-pound GL 450 is perhaps the least surprising entry on this list. Mercedes-Benz’s largest SUV and a former Sport/Utility of the Year has no trouble keeping pace with the Infiniti QX56 in a straight line.
However, when a sharp turn approaches, be prepared things are about to get interesting.
3. 2010 Toyota Yaris Figure Eight: 29.6 sec @ 0.53 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.76 g (avg)
It should come as no surprise that the Yaris deemed the slowest car we tested also ranks among the worst in handling.
While its skidpad performance is on par with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Avalon, its lack of power keeps its figure-eight results far behind those vehicles.
2. 2010 Honda Element EX Figure Eight: 29.8 sec @ 0.52 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.73 g (avg)
Honda’s soon-to-be-discontinued box-on-wheels makes another appearance from our list of the 10 slowest cars, further reinforcing its reputation for driving dynamics that feel anything but Honda-like.
1. 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Figure Eight: 30.5 sec @ 0.52 g (avg)
Skidpad: 0.67 g (avg)
This minivan stands as the only vehicle from 2010 to join the 30-second club, earning the title of the worst-handling vehicle we tested that year across all three metrics.
Also Read: 10 Cars with the Best Survival Rates in High-Speed Collisions