The 3 Safest Full-Size Pickup Trucks of 2021 According to MotorTrend

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A common belief is that full-size pickup trucks are safer than their smaller counterparts in other segments. This is largely true, but what makes a vehicle safe isn’t necessarily the metal between you and impact. Features like passive and active technologies and vehicle design also play a crucial role in car safety. This principle applies to not only full-size trucks but also large and midsize SUVs. 

So if the biggest truck doesn’t necessarily mean safer, how will you know which one to choose? Here are three that MotorTrend calls the safest pickup trucks of 2021.

The 2021 Ram 1500 earned excellent safety ratings

The new Ram 1500 is a game-changer, both off- and on-road. It has won MotorTrend‘s Truck of the Year three times in a row. It’s also the new benchmark that any super-truck must compete to beat. It comes with a 3.6-liter supercharged V6 base engine, producing 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. 

The Ram 1500 is not only comfortable but also safe. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it an overall “Good” safety rating and a Top Safety Pick designation, just short of the highest award. Plus, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a 5-star rating, the highest available, MotorTrend reports. In addition, this truck comes with semiautonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, a forward-collision warning system, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Furthermore, it improves the driving dynamics via a five-link coil-spring rear suspension and an optional air suspension. Additionally, it has a 360-degree surround view system that lets the driver see the entire vehicle on a screen.

The Chevy Silverado 1500 earned a 4-star NHTSA rating

The Chevy Silverado 1500 received a lower crash test rating from the NHTSA than the Ram 1500. However, it scored a 4-star safety rating. It also didn’t win an IIHS because of its “Poor” headlights and “Marginal” LATCH system’s ease of use. But overall, the 2021 Silverado is still a safe truck. It uses high-tensile, heavy-duty steel, giving it stability and extra protection in case of accidents.

Its regular cab model comes with many intelligent electronics that enhance its safety, such as hill start assist and proven trailer stability control technology. Also, expect forward-collision alert, automatic high-speed braking, forward automatic low-speed braking, hitch guidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

Other active safety features include brake gain memory, electric parking brake assist, and trailer theft alert. And a teen driver feature lets parents configure settings for younger drivers. Although most of these features do not come standard on the Silverado, buyers can add them to improve safety further.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 secured a 4-star safety rating

The Silverado’s premium cousin offers a full suite of driver assists and advanced safety features. 

The NHTSA gave the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 an overall 4 stars in the front crash test. And the IIHS gave it the highest rating in five out of six crash tests. Although it scored the same “Poor” rating for headlights and “Marginal” LATCH ease of use as the Silverado, the Sierra also offers innovative features such as a cargo bed viewer, jack-knife alert, and trailer length indicator.

Other driver’s aids include a rearview camera, teen driver settings, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.

Although many of the above features are available options, the GMC Sierra 1500 easily makes it onto the list of the safest trucks of 2021. You can also add other safety features such as lane keep assist, lane change alert, rear camera mirror, and safety alert seat. 

Overall, you can drive confidently knowing these three trucks are among the safest on the road.

RELATED: Is It Legal to Ride in the Bed of a Pickup Truck?

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Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Tesla Cybertruck: Which Electric Truck Do Americans Want?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The arrival of the Ford F-150 Lightning will likely put some pressure on the development team currently building the Tesla Cybertruck. While these two trucks were likely already the two most popular electric trucks, a new study confirms which model Americans are more interested in buying. What makes this study interesting is that we haven’t seen the production version of the Cybertruck or know when it’ll officially arrive.

PIPLSAY conducted the study by surveying Americans and asking them questions ranging from which truck is the most expensive and which of the two they are most likely to actually buy. Surprisingly, the gap between these two contenders isn’t as large as you might initially think.

Do Americans want the Ford F-150 Lightning or the Tesla Cybertruck?

According to the PIPLSAY study, the participators answered several questions about the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck. The first question covered which of these trucks was the most impressive. 32 percent of Americans chose the Lightning, while 24 percent chose the Cybertruck. It is worth pointing out that the Lightning is brand-new and fresh on the mind while the Cybertruck made its official debut back in 2019.

From there, the survey asked which of these two trucks would Americans most likely pick as their first electric truck. 25 percent of Americans said they would pick the Ford F-150 Lightning, while 24 percent said they want the Tesla Cybertruck. Since we haven’t seen the production version of the Cybertruck just yet, it’s tough to make a purchasing decision already. Regardless, the futuristic model made enough of an impression to compete with an EV based on America’s best-selling vehicle.

It is also worth noting that 25 percent of people that answered the survey stated that they would consider an electric truck as their next vehicle. As a result, these answers could easily turn into sales.

How much do these electric pickup trucks cost?

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

RELATED: Truck Buyers Want an Electric Ford F-150 More Than the Tesla Cybertruck

Before we dive into this next section, it is worth noting that while the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck have official pricing info, their exact specifications haven’t been finalized as of writing. Regardless, let’s start with the Ford. If you’re looking at buying a brand-new Lightning, expect to pay a base price of $39,974. However, if you want extended-range options and higher trim levels, you’ll pay significantly more than that. In fact, the American carmaker estimates that a top trim model will cost you around $90,474.

Since the Tesla Cybertruck is such a close competitor, it won’t surprise you to learn that it costs a similar amount of money. According to Tesla, its electric truck has a base price of $39,900. If you want a dual-motor setup, you’ll start at $49,900. Finally, we’ve got the top tri-motor version coming in at $69,900.

When will the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck arrive?

A steele Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup on display indoors
Tesla Cybertruck | Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

As you might imagine, the version of the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning you opt for will severely alter your delivery time. According to Tesla, the dual and tri-motor versions of its truck are expected to enter production toward the end of 2021. If this is anything to go by, we’ll likely see deliveries start sometime in 2022. If you want the base version with rear-wheel drive, that’ll go into production sometime in 2022.

Similarly, the Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to enter production toward the end of this year. This means that the first batch of trucks should reach customers by early 2022. Unfortunately, Ford hasn’t mentioned which trim level will arrive first.

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How Reliable Is the Genesis GV80?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When you think of Hyundai, you might think of Genesis. An upscale brand, Genesis offers value compared to many other luxury options. And the 2021 Genesis GV80 is a luxury-level bargain for consumers looking for an SUV with bells and whistles but without a hefty price tag. So, yes, the GV80 provides plenty of value, but is it reliable?

The 2021 Genesis GV80 at a glance

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Genesis GV80 starts at $48,900 to $65,550. It’s the first SUV Genesis has produced, and its goal is to put the luxury brand’s vehicles in the minds of more consumers. (Tiger Woods’ crash in a GV80 has certainly helped in that regard.)

Its price is affordable compared to other luxury midsize SUVs. And it boasts style, comfort, and luxurious touches. It also provides a zippy, quiet, and enjoyable ride. But there’s more to an SUV than looks and performance.

Genesis GV80 specs, features, and ratings

The 2021 Genesis GV80 scored 81/100 on its Consumer Reports road test and 4/5 in owner satisfaction. These positive scores are thanks to its great performance, comfort and convenience, road noise, and space. 

According to Genesis, the GV80 comes in three powertrains: a 2.5-liter turbo inline-four engine with rear-wheel drive, the same engine with all-wheel drive, and a 3.5-liter turbo V6 with all-wheel drive.

All GV80 trims also have an eight-speed automatic transmission. The first two powertrains can harness 300 hp, but the V6 bumps the horsepower to 375.

As for accessories, expect wheel locks to prevent theft, bumper appliqués to keep everything looking new, a cargo tray, LED quad headlights, and a two-tone interior with optional wood trim.

Advanced safety features abound. They include forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot assistance, lane-change assist, driver attention warning, and rear cross-traffic alert with collision avoidance.

Though all of the above is impressive, the Genesis GV80 loses points in fuel economy and reliability. Gas mileage is an abysmal 12 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for a combined 18 mpg. So expect a high annual fuel cost of almost $2,000.

Predicted reliability is also subpar. For example, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Genesis GV80 a predicted reliability score of only 2 out of 5. Plus, it already has a recall. However, because this SUV debuted only recently, we’ll have to wait to see its final reliability score. 

About that recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows the Genesis GV80 is under recall due to a possible fuel leak, dramatically increasing the risk of fire. That’s a serious issue. However, the recall concerns only the 2.5-liter engines and involves the high-pressure fuel pump’s connection to the fuel rail.

If you own an affected GV80, Hyundai will notify you, and a dealer will replace the high-pressure fuel pump for free. The number of units that may be affected is currently 147. Additionally, until recalled parts are fixed, Hyundai urges owners to park their affected GV80 SUVs outdoors and away from their homes. 

Should you purchase a Genesis GV80?

Overall, the Genesis GV80 has a lot going for it. Its price is competitive, it offers plentiful features, and it provides a fun, comfortable ride. And luckily, so far, the recall is limited. But the GV80’s low predicted reliability score from Consumer Reports could be a warning to steer clear of the 2021 model. Satisfied owners might beg to differ, though.

RELATED: Which 2021 Genesis GV80 Trim Should You Buy?

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F1 Cars are Much Heavier Than You Think

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Formula 1 cars are the pinnacle of automotive development. These peak racing cars are operating at the absolute limit of what a car can do. However, as the 2021 F1 season concludes and we prepare for the coming season, the 2022 F1 cars should be faster than ever but will also be the heaviest Formula 1 cars to ever hit the track. 

Mercedes Formula 1 car | TOLGA BOZOGLU/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

How much do Formula 1 cars weigh? 

F1 is nothing if not a rule book. The main thing that keeps the races interesting is keeping the cars well-regulated to not vary too much. Of course, there are plenty of variations as far as design and strategy go, but weight is something that must be closely watched. 

According to The Race, over the past decade (or so), Formula 1 has seen a few major weight gains. In 2009 (the last year of refueling), the minimum weight requirement was 605 KG (1333.8 lbs). Fast forward 10 years and the minimum weight in 2021 for F1 cars was 752 KG (1657.88 lbs). Now, for the 2022 Formula 1 season, the cars will have a hefty increase again to a minimum weight of 790 KG (1741.65 lbs). 

These weight minimums are based on dry weight, meaning not counting fuel. As you may know, liquids tend to weigh a lot. This weight increase means that with fuel, the starting weight of a 2022 F1 car will be a stout 900 KG (1984.16 lbs). 

Is F1 faster now than before? 

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Yes. Much faster. In this time period between the 2009 and 2022 Formula 1 seasons, the sport and its equipment have dramatically changed. These weight minimums aren’t slowing things down as one might expect. In fact, the weight gain is mostly a product of faster – and safer – cars.

The Race shows a graph that outlines all the performance changes over this period and shows the corresponding weight gain that occupancies each change. In 2014 F1 cars made one of the most significant changes to the rules and designs of the cars since the sport’s creation; the turbocharged V6 hybrid power plants. 

As one might expect, the addition of a battery-assisted engine came with a sharp increase in weight. In 2017 another dramatic shift happened when Formula 1 cars were made bigger and also faster. Following that, in 2018, the Halo driver protection system was introduced. And, in 2019, the rules stated that there is now an 80KG minimum for the driver, gear, and the race seat. 

Are F1 cars safe? 

Although adding the hybrid element contributed to a massive weight gain, smaller safety additions also add up in weight over the years. More importantly than weight, though, is the fact that these cars are now made to keep these elite drivers as safe as modern technology can allow. 

As formula one fans watched in horror this past season, Romain Grosjean smashed his Haas F1 car into a metal barrier at 119 mph, where it instantly exploded. This crash had the world holding its breath while the race fuel engorged fire raged with Grosjean inside. The fact that Grosjean managed to walk out of such a crash alive, much less relatively ok, is enough proof to keep the weight gain grumbling down. 

These changes might make for bigger, less aggressive, and less maneuverable cars, but the trade-off is a formula one series in which drivers are safer (and actually a bit faster).

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