The Best New Diesel Pickup Trucks According to Edmunds

by Gabrielle DeSantis

These days, hybrid and electric pickup trucks are all the rage. Between the introduction of the Ford F-150 Lightning to the recent unveiling of the all-new Ford Maverick, you might even find yourself asking if buying a diesel pickup truck is worth it. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of new diesel pickups worth your consideration. And according to Edmunds? The following models make up the best new diesel pickup trucks of 2021.

Why buy a new diesel truck?

There are several reasons to consider buying a new diesel truck. In fact, Autotrader reports that there are quite a few benefits to choosing a diesel truck over a gas-powered one. First and foremost, diesel trucks can often tow more than their gas-powered counterparts. 

Diesel trucks are typically more fuel-efficient than gas-powered trucks too. As a matter of fact, diesel engines are 15% more efficient than gas engines, Autotrader reports. That’s not all, either. Unlike gas-powered pickups, diesel trucks have better resale value.

The 2021 Ford F-150 diesel is one of the best new diesel pickups, according to Edmunds

2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

Sure, Ford recently unveiled an all-electric version of the iconic Ford F-150. But if it’s a new diesel truck that you’re after? The 2021 Ford F-150 is one of the best new diesel pickups on the market today, Edmunds reports. 

Available with a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine under the hood, the Ford F-150 diesel achieves 250-hp at 3,250 rpm and 440 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. With this diesel engine under the hood, the F-150 also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,100-pounds. It can manage a max payload of 1,840-pounds too.

An available diesel engine isn’t the only reason Edmunds highlighted the Ford F-150 as one of the best new diesel pickup trucks either. This year’s model is also available with a slew of sought-after features. Take, for example, features like Pro Power Onboard, which functions as a mobile generator.

Pick the 2021 Jeep Gladiator for one of the best new diesel pickups

A red 2021 Jeep Gladiator
2021 Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon | Stellantis

As iconic as the Ford F-150 is, maybe it’s just not the right new diesel pickup for you. The good news is that Edmunds also included the 2021 Jeep Gladiator among its picks for the best new diesel pickup trucks. And, much like the Ford F-150 diesel, the Jeep Gladiator diesel has plenty to offer. 

With its available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine under the hood, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator boasts a best-in-class torque rating of up to 442 pound-feet. It also offers up to 260-hp. And when it comes to maximum towing power? The Jeep Gladiator diesel is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds.

“More than just an extra powertrain choice, this addition gives the Gladiator even greater appeal if you’re one for road-tripping or overlanding and want the most range possible out of your rig,” Edmunds added.

The 2021 Ram 2500 is a new diesel pickup truck with serious towing power

2021 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty, one of the best new diesel pickup trucks according to Edmunds
2021 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty | Stellantis

Edmunds also included the 2021 Ram 2500 among its picks for the best new diesel pickup trucks. Available with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel I6 engine under the hood, this year’s Ram 2500 offers no shortage of power. In fact, with a Cummins diesel engine under the hood, the Ram 2500 boasts 370-hp and 850 pound-feet of torque. It can also tow up to 20,000-pounds. 

That’s not all that the 2021 Ram 2500 has going for it. As a matter of fact, since its debut just two years ago, Edmunds reports that the latest version of the Ram 2500 has also “set new benchmarks for the class when it comes to ride smoothness, interior luxury and touchscreen size.” 

Edmunds isn’t the only one to think so either. According to Car and Driver, the Ram 2500 rides better than both the heavy-duty Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. The Ram 2500 is also far more luxurious than many of its competitors. So much, so that Car and Driver gave this year’s model an Editors’ Choice award.

How to pick the best new diesel pickup for your towing and hauling needs

When it comes to shopping for the best new diesel pickup, you’ve got plenty of options to consider. But to determine the best option for your towing and hauling needs? Well, that’s going to take a test drive.

RELATED: The Least Reliable Diesel Pickup Trucks According to Consumer Reports

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Most Comfortable and Reliable Cars for Summer

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Summer is a great time to hop in the car and head to the beach. The only thing worse than beach traffic is your car breaking down in that traffic. U.S. News gathered up some of the most reliable cars with an enjoyable interior for long trips. Looking for comfort and reliability? Read on.

Is Honda Civic the most reliable car?

These are some of the most comfortable and reliable cars for summer | Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images

U.S. News compiled a list of reliable cars that are perfect for your summer vacation. The 2021 Honda Civic received a score of 7.6 out of 10 for the interior. The cabin has a wide center console, which means that you won’t have to cozy up to your passengers even if the car is packed. The front and backseat have plenty of room for all your friends, and the door openings are extra large for easy in-and-outs.

The Civic comes with cloth seats and has available leather seats for an upgrade if you’re into that. With a price of $21,050, the Civic is a pretty great option.

Is the Kia Forte a reliable car?

The 2021 Kia Forte has a host of extra modern features that make it a fun and reliable car. The interior is contemporary and pleasant to sit in, with all the bells and whistles kids and passengers might want. U.S. News gave the Forte a score of 7.8 out of 10 for the interior. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-inch infotainment system make road trips easy enough.

The Kia has a spacious trunk for coolers and beach chairs, plus tongs of legroom. The $17,890 price fits many budgets with enough left over to rent a chair on the beach if you are into that.

The Subaru Impreza is a good mid-size option

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received a score of 7.6/10 for the interior. While it has some harder plastic surfaced, the cabin is spacious and functional. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives. U.S. News notes that the backseat is comfortable for extra passengers and doesn’t compromise in this area. The Impreza offers the best of both worlds as far as a car and SUV go with good fuel economy and a large truck.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. Upgrade to leather seats and a steering wheel if you want some added luxury. The 2021 Impreza is priced at $18,795.

The best of reliable cars, the 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord received a score of 8.1 out of 10 for the interior. U.S. News says the Accord “blends the line between a family car and an upscale four-door sports sedan.” With 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space and plenty of room in the cabin, this four-door sedan checks all of the boxes. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and push-button start are all standard. Starting at $24,770, the Accord offers a lot of tech and features for the price.

Keep everyone cool with dual-zone climate control, and don’t worry about long drives due to the solid fuel economy. The Accord is a comfortable car that isn’t going to disappoint.

The comfortable cars on this list also offer the benefits of being a reliable car, too. If you are looking for an upgraded and spacious interior, these vehicles offer just that. Drivers don’t have to pick between comfortable and reliable anymore, you can get it all in one affordable package.

RELATED: 2019 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: Reliable Compact SUVs?

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Mini Reveals 2 Cooper Models Perfect for Summer Camping

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It used to be that vehicles equipped with features ideal for camping were attractive only to hard-core adventurers. But with the surge in family adventure road trips and camping, automakers like Mini recognize a group of consumers who appreciate those amenities. So in response to the growing popularity of van life, camping, and road trips, Mini has introduced two Cooper models perfect for summer camping.

A surge in camping adventures

The pandemic has left people itching to get out of the house. And the best way to venture out while avoiding busy airports is to hop in the family vehicle and take a road trip. Camping has become a popular way to adventure, too. As more Americans step into the camper life, automakers have noticed new opportunities. 

Today’s vehicles offer versatility and accessories, including roof racks, clever storage solutions, and even tent capabilities for camping. In fact, Mini is getting in on the fun with two of its most popular vehicles. And they might be the greenest in the Mini family.

The Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is ready for adventure

Packed with camping essentials such as carrier systems, luggage compartments, and roof tent mounting, the Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is likely to become a fan favorite. Equipping this plug-in hybrid with the ALL4 trim means having the railing racks perfect for tenting. BMW Group shows the versatility of this campsite-friendly ride and says users can erect this tent with its ladder in only minutes.

Also, Mini USA says enthusiasts will appreciate the all-wheel drive, making climbing dirt roads to rustic campgrounds a breeze. Other new features of the Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 include LED headlights with cornering functions, LED fog lamps, a new fascia, and fresh exterior colors.

Powering this camping-friendly ride is the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder capable of 134 hp. In addition, the electric motor cranks 87 hp, allowing the ALL4 to produce 221 hp total. Fuel economy estimates make it an excellent pick for road trips, too. This Mini gets 73 MPGe. And the overall driving range is 300 miles, The Auto Channel reports.

The Mini Cooper SE is a happy camper

The Mini Cooper SE comes equipped with all the camping necessities, too. You can outfit yours with mobile night quarters. It’s the only electric small car that can also be configured with tent-supporting roof rails.

Despite its few shortcomings, Car and Driver calls it impressive, with affordable price points and entertainment capabilities.

This Cooper can go 110 miles on a full charge. And the 32.6-kWh battery provides 181 horses, making the pep on this Mini fun and punchy. When hitting the road for a camping adventure, you’ll enjoy 108 MPGe.

The perfect vacation companions

These recently revealed Mini Cooper models make for perfect vacationing companions even beyond their tent capabilities. Expect plenty of energy to power all your must-have camping gadgets, including phones and tablets. Plug in a cooler to chill your beverages, too. And enjoy your best camping music and a relaxing ambiance in the great outdoors.

If you’re one of the many families planning road trips this summer, you’ll likely need a trusty ride to make it happen. Consider the Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 or Mini Cooper SE if you’re ready to camp in style. The tent capability and high-voltage energy will make your experience feel more like glamping. Plus, you’ll have a fun, peppy ride with EV tech that will translate to even more cost savings with every trip. 

RELATED: Want an RV or Campsite This Summer? You Might Have a Problem

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Consumer Reports: Cars To Avoid That Might Need Head Gasket Replacement

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Consumer Reports compiled a list of cars that tend to need a pricy head gasket replacement. Along with an engine or transmission replacement, the head gasket is one of the more expensive car repairs. While Consumer Reports suggests avoiding some of the cars below, there are also suggestions of more reliable options.

The head gasket seals the area between the engine cylinder head and the engine block. These can fail due to deterioration over time, overheating, or a variety of other issues. If the head gasket needs placing, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 or even more. The models on this list have an increased risk of this issue, as reported by owners.

Consumer Reports doesn’t suggest the 2011 BMW 3 Series

The 2011 BMW 3 Series might need a head gasket replacement | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

The 2011 BMW 3 Series comes in a variety of body styles and trim levels. Consumer Reports says that the 3 Series could start having issues between 72,000 to 122,000 miles. That’s fairly early on to need a head gasket replacement. The 3 Series has 11 open recalls and a reliability score of one out of five. You might be able to find one of these with lower miles for a good price, but beware it will likely need some costly repairs soon.

Buy this instead: 2011 to 2013 Infiniti G37

Consumer Reports says the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze needs many car repairs

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has a fairly poor score on the Consumer Reports site. For 2011, both the reliability and owner satisfaction came in with a score of one out of five. It currently has seven recalls varying from the power train to the possibility of an engine fire. The Cruze might need a head gasket replacement between 107,000 and 143,000 miles.

Buy this instead: 2011 to 2013 Honda Civic, 2012 and 2013 Mazda3, 2011 to 2013 Toyota Corolla

The 2014 BMW X1 SUV isn’t reliable enough

The 2014 BMW X1 isn’t as old as some of the other options on the list, but it has the same issue. For 2014, both the reliability came in with a score of one out of five. The owner satisfaction was only a two out of five. This X1 also has five open recalls. The typical mileage at which this SUV might need a head gasket replacement is 76,000 to 82,000 miles.

Buy this instead: 2013 and 2014 Acura RDX

Avoid the 2011 Subaru Impreza due to recalls

The 2011 Subaru Impreza is quite the vehicle. In the ratings by Consumer Reports, the reliability score was three out of five. The owner satisfaction score was one out of five. Unfortunately, there are 14 recalls for the Impreza. Some recalls include exploding airbags, the engine shutting off unexpectedly, and issues with the brakes. The head gasket issue could appear between 85,000 and 109,000 miles, but Consumer Reports suggests avoiding this vehicle.

Buy this instead: 2011 to 2013 Toyota Corolla, 2011 to 2013 Honda Civic, 2011 to 2013 Mazda3

Overall, some of the cars on this list are worth passing over. One of the suggested replacement options might still be within budget and cause less of a headache with car repairs.

RELATED: Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs Recommended by Consumer Reports

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