by Gabrielle DeSantis

SUVs with third-row seating can be a necessity for some families, but they can also be quite expensive. This is largely because SUVs that can seat eight people also tend to be big SUVs, and that size drives up the price. However, the 2021 Subaru Ascent isn’t that big of an SUV, and as such, it can seat eight people comfortably without breaking the bank.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent seats 8 people affordably

Like U.S. News wrote, with the Subaru Ascent’s starting price tag of just over $32,000, the Ascent is easily one of the most affordable options when it comes to SUVs that can seat eight people. This largely has to do with the fact that, unlike some SUVs, third-row seating isn’t an option, it’s standard for the Ascent. On top of that, while full-size SUVs typically come with third-row seating as standard, the Ascent isn’t a full-size SUV.

Rather, the Ascent is a midsize SUV, and that size difference accounts for a lot of the price difference.

For example, the Chevy Suburban, which is a full-size SUV that can also seat eight people as standard, starts at about $52,000. That’s a nearly $20,000 price difference despite the fact that both SUVs can seat eight people as standard.

The Ascent’s seats are comfortable too

With that being said, the size difference between the Subaru Ascent and other full-size SUVs will lead to some differences in the interior. However, like U.S. News wrote, even though the Ascent is a midsize SUV, its seats are still roomy and comfortable.

Full-size SUVs may provide even more room, but for many customers, as long as the seats aren’t cramped, then they’re good enough. That’s exactly the case with the Ascent.

Not only are the Ascent’s seats spacious enough for most folks, but its interior is pretty good too. For example, when it comes to cargo capacity, the Ascent’s pretty spacious. With its seats folded down, it gets 86.5 cu. ft. of cargo space, which is one of the best cargo capacities in its class. The Ascent also has a 6.5-inch touchscreen display as standard, and it commands Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system.

On top of that, creature comforts like a tri-zone automatic climate control system and keyless entry are standard as well, among other features. Furthermore, the Ascent, like other Subarus, also has a lot of standard smart safety features.

According to U.S. News, smart safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure and sway warning are standard, just to name a few. 

An overview of the Subaru Ascent’s trims and pricing

While the standard Subaru Ascent and its $32,000 price tag may be a steal for some folks, others may want to spend a little bit more to get extra features on their new Subaru. For those folks, Subaru has three trims available on the Ascent. There’s the $35,000 Premium trim, the $40,000 Limited trim, and the $45,000 Touring trim.

For each of those trims, shoppers can opt to replace the second row of their Ascent with two captain chairs instead of a bench. This will reduce the max seating capacity of the Ascent to seven, but it’ll definitely increase the comfort for those sitting in the second row. That said, the Touring trim is only available with this seven-seat configuration.

In any case, these trims will all upgrade the interior of the Ascent, while the engine will remain the same. Depending on the trim, the Ascent’s seats can be leather instead of cloth, some seats can be heated, and some seats can be ventilated as well. Other premium upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen as well as a navigation system.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent certainly isn’t a bad choice for a midsize SUV with the eight-passenger seating you might need.

RELATED: The Subaru Ascent Actually Has a Suitable 3rd Row

The post The 2021 Subaru Ascent Is 1 of the Least Expensive 8-Passenger SUVs appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The all-new Ford F-150 Lightning has been out for less than a month at the time of writing. Despite this, a new study found that it is already the most impressive truck amongst American truck buyers. With a sub-$40,000 base price, the F-150 is certainly one of the cheapest new electric trucks money can buy. However, how does the rest of the competition stack up?

According to PIPLSAY, 57 percent of the folks surveyed answered that they were, in fact, excited for the arrival of the Lightning next year. Furthermore, a surprising amount of Americans answered that they have plans to purchase an electric truck in the near future.

How impressive is the Ford F-150 Lightning?

Since the Ford F-150 Lighting is based on America’s best-selling vehicle, it’s no surprise that buyers are interested. However, this PIPLSAY study went above and beyond to ask Americans which new electric pickup truck is most impressive. This includes competitors such as the Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Hummer, Rivian R1T, Atlis Motors Vehicles XT, Lordstown Endurance, and the Bollinger Motors B2.

According to the study, 32 percent of Americans said the Ford F-150 Lightning was the most impressive brand-new truck. 24 percent said they were most impressed by the Tesla Cybertruck, and 23 percent said the same as the Chevy Silverado. This last contender is particularly odd since Chevy hasn’t officially revealed an all-electric Silverado yet.

From there, 12 percent said the GMC Hummer was most impressive. The Rivian R1T, Atlis XT, and Lordstown Endurance shared the same three percent score. The Bollinger B2 landed in last place by impressing only two percent of Americans. This is particularly problematic for the B2 since it is by far the most expensive truck on offer.

Which electric pickup trucks are Americans interested in?

RELATED: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Receives Over 20,000 Reservations in 12 Hours

A surprising 25 percent of Americans answered that they are looking to purchase an electric pickup truck in the near future. As a result, the Ford F-150 Lightning will have to deal with some stiff competition. Despite this, 25 percent of Americans answered that they would look at the Lightning as their first electric pickup truck. Following in its heels is the Tesla Cybertruck with 24 percent.

From there, we’ve got the Chevrolet Silverado with 23 percent and GMC Hummer with 12 percent. This stat is particularly interesting since the Silverado technically doesn’t exist. However, the Hummers near-$80,000 base price most likely puts off most average potential buyers.

Rounding up the list is the Rivian R1T with five percent, the Atlis XT with four percent, the Lordswotn Endurance with four percent, and the Bollinger B2 with three percent. Above all else, we’re likely seeing the positive effects of brand loyalty, seeing as all of the competitors in this list bring unique elements to the table.

The Ford F-150 Lightning has 1 final hurdle to clear

While this study covering the Ford F-150 Lightning is certainly interesting, it highlights a unique problem. That’s the 31 percent of Americans that stated they wouldn’t consider an electric vehicle at all. While this stat will likely change in the near future, it shows that most of the population still isn’t on board with an electric future. However, to change that, these trucks will have to offer greater performance capabilities than their internal combustion counterparts.

The post Study: The Ford F-150 Lightning Is the Most Impressive Electric Pickup Truck appeared first on MotorBiscuit.