The 3 Cheapest New Diesel Pickup Trucks You Can Buy Today

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Not everyone wants a diesel pickup truck. That said, for those that do there are actually a pretty nice list of choices. In fact, not all of the options are pickup trucks. For those that do, these are the three cheapest new diesel pickup trucks you can buy in 2021. 

2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel | Stellantis

The 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 

According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel starts at $39,285. This new diesel pickup truck boasts “best-in-class” towing capability of 12,560 lbs. Under the hood is a 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6. This engine creates up to 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. 

This is quite the economical pickup truck, all things considered. While towing anything will obviously bring these numbers down, U.S. News and World Report says the 2021 Ram 1500 with a diesel engine gets up to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. 

One notable feature on the Ram 1500 diesel pickup truck is that it is equipped with a system that will check the integrity of your trailer lights. Pretty nifty, especially if you have experience with towing and know how this step can so easily be overlooked before jumping in the driver’s seat and hauling away. 

The work truck mood of the 2021 Ram 1500 is called the Tradesman trim. It’s particularly worth mentioning here that the EcoDiesel can be had in several trims, including this entry-level option. That’s one of the reasons the Ram 1500 makes it onto this list of the cheapest new diesel pickup trucks you can buy today. 

 The 2021 Chevy Colorado 

A 2021 Chevy Colorado after kicking up sand
2021 Chevy Colorado | Chevrolet

This Chevrolet midsize pickup truck is a one of only three pickup trucks in the compact segment that offers a diesel engine. It also happens to be one of the cheapest new diesel pickup trucks you can buy in 2021. Due to its smaller size, the 2021 Chevy Colorado comes significantly cheaper than the full-size Chevrolet Silverado. 

This truck can tow up to 7,700 lbs when equipped with a diesel engine. In fact, the 2021 Chevy Colorado has a max towing capacity that is less than 2,000 lbs lighter than its full-size sibling. For those that don’t mind a smaller truck, this one offers diesel power at a much lower cost ($37,810, according to C/D) than the Chevrolet Silverado’s starting price over $43 grand. 

Redesigned for 2021, the Colorado has a fresh exterior. It also has an infotainment system that Chevrolet updated for the 2020 model year. The 2.8 liter Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder engine generates up to 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the diesel engine, the Colorado gets about 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

“The Duramax (diesel engine) is also great for off-roading, providing plenty of low-end torque in a relatively lightweight engine.”

The 2021 GMC Canyon

A white 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition midsize pickup kicks up dirt as it travels up a hill
2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition | General Motors

This truck mirrors its corporate sibling, Colorado. Also crafted by GM and powered by the same 2.8 liter turbodiesel, the 2021 GMC Canyon also has the same capability as its Chevy sister truck. The 2021 GMC Canyon starts at $39,325. 

This truck also tows 7,700 lbs and gets about 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It’s marketed as a “premium” compact pickup truck, as its pricing reflects. However, it’s still one of the cheapest new diesel pickup trucks you can buy today. 

Maybe you are sold on the mechanics of the GM trucks, but prefer the style of the GMC Canyon. In this case, you’ll end up paying a little more. That said, this truck does have some cool integrated features like a trailer brake control system.

This is a feature that allows for fine-tuning of the trailer braking strength. There’s also a diesel exhaust brake that is a braking game-changer for going downhill.

The cheapest new diesel pickup trucks of 2021 

While these may not necessarily be the best options out there for everyone’s needs, these three trucks are the cheapest new diesel pickup trucks you can buy in 2021. The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, the 2021 GMC Canyon, and the 2021 Ram 1500 all offer diesel power at a lower price than the rest.

If your budget is tight and you’ve got to have a diesel truck, you may want to go check one of these models out. There is also a runner up––the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, starting at just under $40 grand according to U.S. News.

RELATED: Finding a Good Used Car to Buy Under $5,000

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The 2023 Kia Sportage Gets a Major Redesign

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2023 Kia Sportage impresses all around with bold new styling and an improved interior. The brand has been undergoing rapid design evolution that’s resulted in some refreshing changes. This redesign is a welcome break from monotony across the crossover segment. The new Sportage finally gets a bit of a sporty edge.

2023 Kia Sportage | Kia

A crisp new exterior gives the Sportage new life

The Kia Sportage has enjoyed a reputation for being a fun budget crossover that could stand up more expensive options. It was not known for a sporty or stylish look. The 2023 redesign tightens up the curves and bubbles of previous model years. Sharp new lines, a sportier profile, and a more aggressive grille all give the crossover a tougher look.

Plastic cladding, a faux skid plate, and a ventilated rear bumper continue to look at the Sportage’s rear. The rear liftgate evokes its sibling, the EV6. The Sportage does have a slightly harder look with a more upright rear windshield and a traditional tailgate.

Style-conscious buyers have even more options with the X-line. This trim level will include quilted sats in black or sage green, special interior finishes, and black details. It will also include a more prominent roof rack, and an edgier front bumper takes the already sharp Sportage even further.

Interior upgrades give the cabin an expensive feel

The blue and beige interior of the 2023 Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage interior | Kia

The interior of the 2023 Kia Sportage feels futuristic with its modern design. High-end materials and high-tech features give this crossover the same higher-end feel as its sibling, the Sorrento. Kia’s new nature-inspired design philosophy is evident in every detail of this thoughtfully designed interior. JD Power called the redesign compelling and noted the high-tech feel.

Sportage drivers are welcomed by a wide, curved digital instrument panel that seamlessly blends into the infotainment system. Detailed descriptions of trim levels have yet to be announced. It’s possible that this striking display may not be included in base trim models.

The center console of the 2023 Kia Sportage is just as bold as its eye-catching screen. A rotary shifter immediately grabs the attention. Controls for the heated and ventilated seats and a drive mode selector also fill out the console. Above these controls sit extra-wide air vents to keep passengers comfortably.

Kia has set the bar for stylish crossovers

A chrome Kia emblem on a front grille
Kia logo | Mark Renders via Getty Images

Kia’s Global Design Center Head and Vice President Karim Habib said, “Reinventing the Sportage gave our talented design teams a tremendous opportunity to do something new; to take inspiration from the recent brand relaunch and introduction of EV6 to inspire customers through modern and innovative SUV design. With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class.”

If Kia’s goal was to raise the bar for the entire segment, they hit the mark. Crossovers are some of the most popular vehicles on the road. Automakers all fight to make the best-selling models year after year. Along the way, elements of unique style are lost. The Sportage is a much-needed breath o fresh air. This is a crossover that looks nothing like the offerings buyers have become accustomed to. Competitors will have to step up their focus on style to beat this fresh crossover.

RELATED: The Most Reliable New SUVs Under $30,000 According to Consumer Reports

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Don’t Expect Hands-Free Driving in These Ford F-150 Lightning Models

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The exciting new Ford F-150 Lightning will be available next spring. The all-electric version of the Blue Oval’s most popular pickup truck will offer trim levels similar to those of its standard F-150. But the EV will offer a choice of two battery packs and a slate of high-tech features for fans eager to give Ford’s electric truck a try.

And to better compete with the forthcoming Tesla Cybertruck, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning will even offer hands-free driving. But not every trim will provide this capability.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning at a glance

For 44 years, the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in the United States, Ford claims. By developing and adding innovative features, the F-Series sets the standard for the rest in the field. Ford didn’t simply replace a standard F-150’s combustion engine with batteries and electric motor for the new all-electric version of America’s favorite truck. 

The automaker really thought things out. Converting such a high-volume vehicle into an EV would be a game-changer for Ford and the entire industry. The base-model F-150 Lightning will start at just under $40,000. It will qualify for federal and state EV tax incentives. Its affordability will rattle competitor cages, which is likely what Ford is aiming for.

As opposed to being just an electrified version of the standard F-150, the Lightning is a spirited, aerodynamic EV with distinctly new features. In 2022, it will be available only in the four-door SuperCrew cab configuration and a 5.5-foot bed. 

Also, the Lightning will offer the same dimensions as the gas-powered F-150. It has a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, and it can carry 400 pounds in the trunk, where the engine once was. In addition, it boasts a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds.

The standard battery offers a range of 230 miles, and the powertrain produces up to 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. An available extended battery offers up to 300 miles on a full charge and 563 hp. Motors in the front and rear power standard all-wheel drive.

Furthermore, the Lightning will be the fastest and strongest F-150 in Ford’s lineup. It will be able to reach 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It will also be the first F-150 to get an independent rear suspension — a necessity to accommodate the rear motor. While the Lightning won’t have an air suspension, its configuration will provide solid handling and a smooth ride.

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s hands-free driving technology

To give Tesla Autopilot and General Motors’ SuperCruise systems a run for their money, Ford offers its BlueCruise hands-free driving system. With BlueCruise engaged, the driver can let go of the steering wheel and allow the truck to drive itself, but only on a compatible highway mapped in the system by lasers.

Ford has mapped out more than 100,000 miles of highway as “Hands-Free Blue Zones.” Intelligent cruise control activates on compatible highways. And with integrated active lane-keeping assistance, drivers can go hands-free. The system even notifies the driver by text and blue lightning when entering one of these zones.

The system uses speed sign assessment to manage braking, acceleration, and steering assignments. But the driver must pay attention to the road for the system to work. The onboard camera can detect eye movements even in the dark and from behind sunglasses. 

If the driver is distracted or nodding off, the system will issue a warning. If the driver doesn’t take the actions the system requires, the truck will pull over and stop.

Trim levels and the competition

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning will be available in three trim levels: XLT (base), Lariat, and Platinum. BlueCruise will not be available on the XLT trim. However, it will be available on the Lariat and come standard on the Platinum.

So, is the 2022 Lightning at a disadvantage because every Tesla Cybertruck model offers Autopilot? For an extra $10,000, buyers can get full self-driving capability with the Cybertruck via the beta release of Tesla‘s Full Self-Driving (FSD) beginning in October.

However, no automaker — even Tesla — has a fully “self-driving” vehicle yet. Still, Tesla’s system offers more than Ford’s latest technology, which offers hands-free driving only under specific conditions. 

So, how will BlueCruise stack up against GM’s and Tesla’s systems? Only time will tell.

RELATED: Ford Is Trying Everything to Make Sure the New F-150 Lightning Doesn’t Fail

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Is the 2021 Ford Maverick a Bronco Pickup?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Ford Maverick is here, and if you’ve been keeping up to date on news surrounding its arrival, you may have heard that the Maverick is an awful lot like the Bronco Sport. Are the Ford Maverick and Ford Bronco the same? Just how much do they have in common? Let’s compare and contrast these two Ford vehicles.

Gabrielle Union in a 2021 Ford Maverick | Ford

The Maverick and Bronco Sport will be built in the same facility and share a chassis

The 2021 Ford Maverick will be smaller than its current smallish pickup truck, the Ranger. Because the Maverick will be smaller than the Ranger, they can’t share the same chassis. Yet the size of Ford’s new small pickup truck is just right for the Ford Bronco Sport.

The 2021 Ford Maverick and 2021 Ford Bronco Sport will share a chassis (and the Ford name), and they’re both being built at Ford’s plant in Hermosillo, Mexico. The similarities largely end there. Car and Driver says the wheelbase on the 2021 Ford Maverick is larger than the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport by sixteen inches at 121.1 inches long compared to 105.1 inches long.

Do the 2021 Ford Maverick and the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport have the same gas mileage?

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco Sport drives up a dirt hill.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

If you’re invested in getting the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to know which of these Ford vehicles gets better gas mileage. The fuel economy in the 2021 Ford Maverick is expected to be about 40 mpg, while the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport only gets 23 mpg. 

The Ford Maverick will come standard with a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with a variable automatic transmission. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco Sport has two options: a 1.5-liter three cylinder, 8 speed transmission and a 2.0-liter three cylinder, 8 speed transmission. This difference is because of the nature of the Ford Maverick’s hybrid engine. 

There are three trim levels available for the 2021 Ford Maverick, and each of them will be assisted by an electric motor. The Ford Maverick will be capable of 191 horsepower. This is higher than the 2021 Ford Bronco, with a horsepower of 181.

Like the Bronco Sport, the Maverick will have all-wheel drive, provided you select the non hybrid engine. Otherwise, the Ford Maverick will come with front-wheel drive. 

Do the Maverick and Bronco Sport have the same towing capacity?

You’re more likely to buy the Ford Maverick than the Bronco Sport if you’re intending to tow regularly. Still, you may know that you’ll need to tow a small boat or something else occasionally. The Ford Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds with the optional towing package. In contrast, the Ford Bronco Sport can tow up to 2,250 pounds.

While many pickup trucks have a two-door smaller option, the Ford Maverick will only come with four doors. It will also have a 4.5 foot bed. The Ford Bronco Sport is a small SUV, and comes with four doors. Obviously because it’s an SUV, it doesn’t have a bed. 

If you’ve been thinking about getting a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport but also kind of long for a pickup truck, the 2021 Ford Maverick may be a great option for you. Are the Ford Maverick and the Ford Bronco Sport the same? No. But that just might be a good thing. 

RELATED: This Crossover Comes Packed With Safety Features For Under $30,000

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