Kia Slammed With Demand for 2022 EV6

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buzz for Kia’s first dedicated electric car has been loud since the 2022 EV6 was first announced. It was a safe assumption that the car would be popular based on online response to its design and projected specs, but even Kia didn’t expect its reception. Demand for this sleek EV is beyond what anyone saw coming and bodes well for the EV6’s future.

Kia EV6 | Jung Yeon-je / AFP via Getty Images

Buyers are eager for Kia’s first dedicated EV

The 2022 EV6 has been getting attention from the moment it was announced. The EV6 features a range of 300 miles per full charge. Owners will be glad to know that its 800-volt architecture rapid-charges to save time. Two different battery options mean buyers can choose how much power they need. The EV6 is available from 167 to 576 hp.

Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options will be offered for every driving environment. Quick acceleration has become synonymous with EVs, and the EV6 is no exception getting from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6 is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Unlike the Ioniq 5, the EV6 is available with a performance-focused powertrain.

Kia’s preorder website overwhelmed

An off white Kia EV6 electric crossover parked outdoors
2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

On June 3, Kia launched online preorders for the 2022 EV6. Within minutes of opening, sales were halted when the website was closed due to “technical difficulties.” The site did not have the capacity to handle the volume of orders it received. The website was relaunched the morning of June 8 with expanded bandwidth to handle more traffic.

The first edition EV6 will only be available in a limited run. Each of the 1500 first edition models will be numbered and marked with interior badging to celebrate their rarity. First edition buyers get access to a slew of exclusive benefits and features. Just $100 reserves one of these exclusive models.

First Edition EV6 models will be available in exclusive color combinations and feature unique equipment. Illuminated door sills and a welcome portfolio kit add to the allure of this much-anticipated EV. First edition buyers also get their preference of three exclusive gifts, either charging credits, an at-home EV charger, or an Apple watch.

An abundance of thoughtful details give the EV6 mass appeal

An interior shot of the futuristic 2022 Kia EV6
Kia EV6 interior | SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

It’s no secret that drivers are excited for the EV6, in part, due to its luxe cabin. This EV stands out among its siblings as the best-looking and most modern Kia yet. A digitized dashboard makes the interior feel futuristic. The two-spoke, dual-color steering wheel invites in some of the bod stylings of the car’s exterior. Gold accents add a surprising flair.

Passenger space is expected to be generous in this large EV. Storage space isn’t lacking either, with 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Drivers can utilize a total of 54 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded flat. Additional cargo space is available in the front storage trunk.

The clamoring demand for the EV6 is a great sign for Kia’s future in the EV segment. It’s unlikely that the reservation site will experience further technical difficulties, but the EV6 will likely sell out quickly. Buyers considering the exciting new EV should act now to avoid missing out on this limited first release.

RELATED: Will the Kia EV6 have more safety features than the Ford Mach-E?

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The Best Cheap Used SUVs Under $5,000 According to KBB

by Gabrielle DeSantis

These days, buying a used SUV can get expensive. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. In fact, when it comes to shopping for a cheap used SUV, Kelley Blue Book reports that there are plenty of used SUVs under $5,000 that are worth your consideration. Let’s check them out.

The 2004 Honda Element is a cheap used SUV under $5,000

2004 Honda Element EX | Honda

There’s a lot to like about the 2004 Honda Element, Kelley Blue Book reports. In fact, it’s one of the best cheap used SUVs under $5,000. Kelley Blue Book reports that the reason for that all comes down to reliability. While Consumer Reports gave the Honda Element a three out of five reliability rating, RepairPal gave the 2004 Element an Above Average reliability rating.

It doesn’t cost all that much to own this cheap used SUV, either. According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for this used SUV is approximately $491, meaning it has lower than average ownership costs. And when issues do arise? RepairPal reports that more often than not, they’re pretty minor.

Consider the 2004 Honda CR-V for a used SUV under $5,000

A gold 2004 Honda CR-V parked down by the river
2004 Honda CR-V | Honda

The 2004 Honda Element isn’t the only used SUV under $5,000 that Kelley Blue Book highlighted, either. The 2004 Honda CR-V also made the list. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. According to Kelley Blue Book, this used SUV is good at just about everything.

The CR-V has a reputation for being reliable. Consumer Reports even gave the 2004 model a four out of five reliability rating. That’s not all the 2004 Honda CR-V has going for it either. “It’s practical and fuel-efficient, with an interior that’s roomy for a vehicle this size,” says Kelley Blue Book.

Pick the 2001 Toyota Highlander for a cheap used SUV 

A maroon 2001 Toyota Highlander, the 2001 Toyota Highlander is one of the best cheap used SUVs under $5,000
2001 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

Say neither the 2004 Honda Element nor the Honda CR-V is quite your style. If that’s the case, Kelley Blue Book presents another used SUV under $5,000: the 2001 Toyota Highlander. According to Kelley Blue Book, this cheap used SUV is as reliable as it is versatile. 

But first, let’s talk about how reliable this used SUV is. Consumer Reports gave it a five out of five reliability rating. And when it comes to versatility? This SUV is available with all-wheel drive and, according to Car and Driver, is an “all-weather specialist.” 

The 2003 Toyota RAV4 is a cheap used SUV with a good reputation 

A silver 2003 Toyota RAV4
2003 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

For another used Toyota SUV under $5,000, check out the 2003 Toyota RAV4. Recognized as one of the original compact SUVs, Kelley Blue Book reports that this used RAV4 is an excellent value because of its “well-earned reputation for safety, reliability, and efficiency.” Kelley Blue Book isn’t wrong either.

As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports gave the 2003 Toyota RAV4 a three out of five reliability rating. Meanwhile, the EPA reports that this used RAV4 can deliver an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s not bad.

The 2005 Honda Pilot is the best cheap used SUV under $5,000

2005 Honda Pilot driving alongside a mountain
2005 Honda Pilot EX | Honda

The 2005 Honda Pilot also found itself on Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best used SUVs under $5,000. This spacious SUV boasts three rows of seating and is the perfect option for families on the go. It also comes standard with a V6 engine, which Kelley Blue Book says contributes to its car-like ride.

The 2005 Honda Pilot is reliable too. Consumer Reports gave it a four out of five reliability rating. It also gave it a four out of five owner satisfaction rating. Owners of this used SUV have been most happy with the vehicle’s driving performance and overall value, says Consumer Reports. Approximately 71% of 2005 Honda Pilot owners went so far as to say they would rebuy the SUV too.

Finding the best cheap used SUV for your driving needs

If you’re shopping for a used SUV on a budget, there are plenty of cheap used SUVs worth checking out. To find the best model for your driving needs, we recommend starting with this list and taking a few of these used SUVs under $5,000 out for a test drive.

RELIABLE: The Least Reliable 2017 Midsize SUVs According to Consumer Reports

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Watch: Why Did Arkansas Police Flip This Pregnant Woman’s Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This Arkansas State Trooper video shows a confusing scene. After the woman driving the SUV sees the lights and hears the siren blare she maneuvers her car over to the side of the road. Slowing down and putting on her flashers until she finds a safe place to stop, that wasn’t enough for the Arkansas Police. His pit maneuver caused the SUV to lose control, rolling over and crashing into the center divider.

The driver has filed a lawsuit claiming Arkansas Police used deadly force

Now, the owner of the SUV has filed a lawsuit against Arkansas State Troopers. According to the Arkansas State Police Driver License Study Guide, the driver did exactly what she was supposed to do upon seeing those red lights flashing. 

But when the trooper comes upon the scene he tells her she was supposed to pull over and stop immediately. You can clearly see how narrow the shoulder is. She told him she was only proceeding until she found a safe place to stop. 

Local news station Fox 16 says it has uncovered 144 cases of accidents caused by similar Arkansas Police pit maneuvers in 2020 alone. In those incidents three people were killed as a result. Now the pregnant woman in this case says it is the police using deadly force over traffic citations. 

Did she follow Arkansas’ recommendations when being pulled over?

Arkansas State Trooper flips pregnant woman’s SUV | YouTube

The officer’s body mic records the conversation once he gets to the overturned SUV. “In my head, I was going to lose the baby,” she says. “Why didn’t you stop,” Dunn questioned. “Because I didn’t feel it was safe,” Harper said. Dunn responded, “Well this is where you ended up.” Harper says, “I thought it would be safe to wait until the exit.” Dunn said, “No ma’am, you pull over when law enforcement stops you.”

Again, that is not what the Arkansas State Police Driver License Study Guide says to do. It says to do exactly what Ms. Harper did. Officer Dunn gave Harper only two minutes before he lost patience and conducted the pit maneuver. She was less than a mile from an exit which would have been far safer for both her and the trooper. 

“All you had to do was slow down and stop”

Arkansas State Trooper flips pregnant woman's SUV
Arkansas State Trooper flips pregnant woman’s SUV | YouTube

Later in the footage, Officer Dunn says, “No, we don’t anticipate vehicles rolling over nor do we want that to happen. All you had to do was slow down and stop.” Harper responded, “I did slow down, I turned on my hazards, I thought I was doing the right thing.”

The nonprofit FairWarning estimates that around 20 percent of police chase-related deaths happen to bystanders. A more frustrating part is that the subjects of those pursuits usually aren’t charged with a crime. So in the end you have to ask, “What’s the point?” 

RELATED: 5 Bad Driving Habits That Cops Always Ticket For

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Which 2021 Ford F-150 Trims Have Ventilated Seats?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As temperatures rise in the summer months, folks will once again begin to experience the unpleasant sensation of climbing into a sweltering car and sweating in the overheated seats. Fortunately, some vehicles, such as the 2021 Ford F-150, offer ventilated seats to help keep you cool. But how exactly does this feature work, and do all F-150 trims include it?

How do ventilated seats work?

Ventilated seats feature a porous fabric or perforated material to allow for air circulation, HowStuffWorks explains. In addition, within the seat are several fans that, when turned on, cool the seat surface.

In addition to the cooling effects of the fans, ventilated seats help regulate your body temperature due to their mesh or perforated material. While standard seats block the heat that naturally radiates from your body, the porous covering of ventilated seats enables your body heat to dissipate more easily. This reduces the amount of sweat that will get trapped between your body and the seat during heatwaves.

Ventilated seats have the added benefit of reducing your fuel consumption and lowering your carbon emissions. HowStuffWorks states that using a standard air conditioner to cool your car can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 24 percent. This is why the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed the design for ventilated seats. That’s because cooling individual areas of your car is significantly more efficient than cooling the entire cabin.

Which 2021 Ford F-150 trims offer ventilated seats?

Ventilated seats offer a wide array of advantages, but they’re not available on every 2021 Ford F-150 trim. The two base trims do not offer this feature. However, heated and ventilated front seats are available in the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims. According to U.S. News, other seating upgrades include massaging front seats, 180-degree reclining front seats, heated rear seats, and synthetic or genuine leather upholstery. 

Regardless of which trim level you choose, reviewers praise the F-150’s seats. They’re spacious enough that adults can comfortably ride in the rear row, and the driver’s seat provides excellent visibility. The max recline front seats are also excellent if you frequently work long hours in your truck. In fact, U.S. News says that although these seats are less comfortable than a bed, they’re still “a better napping setup than other trucks offer.”

What else you’ll get with this highly rated truck

The 2021 Ford F-150 comes standard with a 3.3-liter V6 producing 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. And it can tow 5,000 pounds. Standard features include auto-off headlights, remote engine start, and a hands-free communication system. The F-150 also comes with several advanced safety features, including electronic stability control, traction control, and lane departure warning.

U.S. News gives the 2021 F-150 an overall rating of 8.9/10, ranking it second among full-size pickup trucks. Reviewers praise the abundance of storage space within the cabin, noting the lockable storage box under the truck’s rear seats.

The F-150 also stands out thanks to its SYNC 4 infotainment system, which U.S. News calls “one of the better ones in the class.” The graphics are excellent, and it includes a few physical controls to make it easier to operate while driving. This infotainment system also contains a digital copy of the F-150 manual with how-to videos to answer your questions.

The 2021 Ford F-150 comes highly reviewed regardless of which trim you choose. However, if you’ll be driving in the heat and want the added comfort of ventilated seats, be sure to opt for one of the higher trim levels.

RELATED: The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro Sounds Like an iPhone Name but Is a Work Truck Trim

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