The 2021 Toyota Highlander Is Good for Occasional 8-Passenger Trips

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Do you have carpool duties or a large family but don’t want the expense of a full-size SUV? The Toyota Highlander has third-row seating to fit everyone without breaking the bank. This midsize crossover also earned pretty high ratings from Consumer Reports, beating the Subaru Ascent in 2021. And though the Highlander might not be the best-loved three-row SUV, it’s the best-loved Toyota SUV according to owners.

So, is it a good choice if you routinely need that third row? Let’s find out.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander can seat eight, but can it do so comfortably?

The Toyota Highlander appears on U.S. News’ list of the 14 best eight-seat SUVs. The article notes this SUV’s impressive safety rating, a long list of standard features, and pretty good engine performance.

However, although the Highlander can seat eight, it can’t do it comfortably for long stretches. It’s much more comfortable for only five people, but it can still seat eight if needed.

U.S. News recommends it as an eight-passenger SUV for short trips only, like carpool duty, but not long road trips.

The Toyota Highlander’s interior and amenities

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has a high-quality cabin and plenty of cargo space. It also boasts comfortable seats in general despite its notoriously cramped third row. The driver’s seat has an eight-way power adjuster, and the second-row bench seat slides back and reclines. Plus, buyers can add heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Also, expect standard tri-zone automatic climate control. 

Toyota’s infotainment system is user-friendly, and the Highlander comes with a standard 8.0-inch screen or an optional upgraded 12.3-inch screen. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa come standard, as do satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also add Driver Easy Speak, a cool feature that uses the speakers to amplify your voice in the back rows so that you don’t have to yell at the kids when you’re driving. 

Standard driver assists are plentiful. They include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, rearview camera, and rear-seat reminder.

You can also add optional advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a rearview mirror camera.

Trim levels and pricing

The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes in a whopping 13 trims and configurations, ranging in starting price from $34,810 to $48,915. The base model is the LE front-wheel drive, with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. In fact, this engine is the only one available. The XSE all-wheel-drive model is one of the mid-range trims, and the Platinum AWD is the top trim.

Every model comes with an automatic transmission and a front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrain. And all have roughly the same fuel economy — around 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander probably isn’t the best choice if you routinely need third-row seating for long trips. But it’s a good choice if you regularly transport passengers in the front and second rows. Plus, it’s one of the safest SUVs. And if you’re using your SUV to cart kids around, safety is probably a priority.

RELATED: Avoid Chip Shortage Anxiety and Get a Used Toyota Highlander for Under $20,000

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Which Porsche 718 Cayman Is the Fastest?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Porsche has a variety of vehicles in the 2021 lineup, five of which are a Cayman. The Porsche 718 Cayman lineup is composed of five different coupe options at various prices and power levels. If you are looking for a convertible or roadster option, you’ll want to check out the Porsche 718 Boxster lineup.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

A Porsche Cayman 718 GTS luxury automobile | Wolfram Schroll/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 starts at $87,400 for the manual and goes up to $91,130 for the automatic. This version gets 394 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. The engine is a naturally aspirated boxer six. The top speed for this option comes in at 182 mph on the track. It comes with a manual transmission standard, and the aforementioned package adds an upgraded sport-tuned suspension and exhaust.

A solid option: The Porsche 718 Cayman S

The 718 Cayman is the base model option. It starts at $72,500 and gets 350 hp. It has a 4.4 second 0-60 mph time. The top speed is 177 mph on the track for this option. If you want the manual transmission option, the price goes up to $75,710. It has a turbocharged boxer four engine under the hood. The 718 Cayman S is the most affordable of the faster options.

Middle ground: 718 Cayman T

The 718 Cayman T is going to be a bit different. This one starts at $69,600 but has a few options like the Sport Chrono Package. It has a turbocharged boxer four engine under the hood. The 0-60 mph time is 4.9 seconds with that package. It gets 300 hp and has a top track speed of 170 mph. If you want the manual transmission option, the price goes up to $73,330.

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman a good car?

The 718 Cayman starts at $60,500. This one gets 300 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 170 mph and also comes in an automatic transmission. It has the same turbocharged boxer four engine under the hood. In a review by Car and Driver, the author noted, “the Cayman’s otherworldly chassis provides an open line of communication between the driver, the car, and the road.”

It might not be the fastest on the list, but it is a pretty fair middle ground to land on. Car and Driver said this model was missing a little audio magic from the engine, but overall it got the job done.

The crème de la crème: The 718 Cayman GT4

The 718 Cayman GT4 starts at $101,200 and has been dubbed “Perfectly irrational” by Porsche itself. “No mild breath of air. No gentle breeze. The signs show a storm is brewing. A glance at 718 Cayman GT4 is enough to see: air resistance is not an issue,” the brand said about the aerodynamics of the GT4.

The GT4 has a top speed of 189 mph with a manual transmission and a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. For the automatic, the top speed is 188 mph, and the 0-60 mph time is 3.7 seconds. The max power came in at 414 hp from the naturally aspirated boxer-six engine. The curb weight for the manual GT4 is 3,208 pounds, and for the automatic, it came in at 3,276 pounds.

Even though the competition is fierce, the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and GT4 are impressive. Car and Driver left us with one final note worth reading, “This car is a sublime mix of heady handling and a relatively relaxed ride.”

RELATED: Why the Ruf Porsche 911 Is Not a Regular Porsche 911

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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ford recently unveiled the all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning, and Blue Oval has pulled out all the stops. Not only does the Lightning come with a host of features, but it also looks good next to its competitors. Here’s a look at how Ford is making sure the F-150 Lightning won’t fail.

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s full-blown ad campaign

Off the bat, when Ford announced the F-150 Lightning, it made sure everyone heard about it. Not only did the traditional automotive publications talk about the Lightning, but so did comedians. In fact, Ford bought a spot on The Tonight Show, and host Jimmy Fallon riffed about the new electric pickup truck. 

Fallon also mentioned some of the cool things the F-150 Lightning can do, such as its speed and fast-draining frunk. Speaking of which, the frunk can also act as a cooler or, as the host quipped, a hot tub. 

The Tonight Show wasn’t the only ones making jokes, though. According to MotorTrend, even Ford took the opportunity to fire some not-so-subtle shots at Tesla. For example, Ford said it designed the Lightning to not “look like a science experiment.” This was a jab at the otherworldly Cybertruck, which, for better or worse, doesn’t look like a typical truck.

What’s so great about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning?

Not only can the F-150 Lightning accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, but it can also power a home, MotorTrend reports. Indeed, in emergencies, the Lightning can power a house for three to 10 days, depending upon how much power is used and whether that power is rationed.

While that backup power system can be useful in an emergency, the Lightning’s batteries can also be useful for more routine things. That’s because the Lightning’s multiple outlets can provide up to 9.6 kW of power for things like power tools or electronics needed for a tailgate party.

When it comes to range, the Lightning also boasts some decent numbers. According to MotorTrend, the standard trim gets 230 miles on a single charge, while the extended-range battery version can go 300 miles. That said, charging can be a bit more complicated because how fast the Lightning charges depends upon what you’re charging it with. For example, with a DC fast charger, the Lightning can charge from 15 percent to 80 percent in about 41 minutes. 

This truck will probably succeed on price and looks alone

However, the two biggest draws for the Lightning will probably be its affordability and good looks. Ford was right — the Lightning doesn’t look like a science experiment. Instead, it looks like any other F-150, the world’s bestselling pickup truck. Ford fans can tell the difference immediately, but the electric version looks similar to the standard truck.

And when it comes to price, the Lightning is affordable for an EV. The standard trim will start at about $40,000, while the extended-range version will start at around $50,000, MotorTrend reports. Those might seem like high prices, but the Lightning is eligible for the EV tax credit, worth about $7,500. 

Some places, such as California, also have their own EV incentives, and they’ll drive the Lightning’s price down more. So, thanks to its relative affordability and attractiveness, the Lightning will likely be a hit when it comes out next year.

RELATED: The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Gives Nap Time a New Meaning

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The 2021 Honda Accord Is More Spacious Than Some Large Sedans

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Sure, SUVs are popular, but not everyone wants one. Shoppers looking at sedans for their handling and fuel efficiency will find several models to choose from, though there are fewer than there used to be. One of the most popular midsize sedans is the 2021 Honda Accord. It’s also one of the roomiest. Here’s what else is great about it.

The 2021 Honda Accord has a spacious interior

Both the 2021 Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid offer plenty of space for people and belongings. Both versions provide 42.3 inches of legroom in the front and 40.4 inches in the back, U.S. News reports.

With either powertrain, the Accord boasts a trunk that’s deep and wide. With 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, it’s one of the largest in its class. The 2021 model measures about 16 feet long.

Some full-size cars offer less space than the Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord actually boasts a bit more space than some large cars, including the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300, even though the Accord is slightly shorter.

The 2021 Avalon has 42.1 inches of legroom in the front and 40.3 inches in the rear. This full-size sedan offers an average amount of trunk space with 16.09 cubic feet, U.S. News shows. It measures 16.3 feet long — only a few inches longer than the Accord.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 is slightly smaller, with 41.8 inches of legroom in the front and 40.1 inches in the back. It provides 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which U.S. News says is about average for a large car. The Chrysler 300 is 16.6 feet long — 0.6 inches longer than the Accord.

The 2021 Honda Accord’s nice cabin

The 2021 Honda Accord’s cabin boasts premium finishes and an easy-to-use infotainment system. U.S. News calls the interior “one of the nicest in the midsize car class.”

LX trim and standard features

The Accord offers five trim levels: LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition, EX-L, and Touring. All come standard with a push-button start and dual-zone automatic climate control. A moonroof is available on all trims except the base model. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, four speakers, and Bluetooth are standard.

Every Accord also comes with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features. They include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, driver drowsiness monitoring, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. The base LX trim starts at $24,970.

Sport trim

The Sport trim, starting at $27,430, adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, along with two extra USB ports and an eight-speaker audio system. When the Sport trim has the larger of the two engine options (the 2.0-liter turbo-four instead of the 1.5-liter turbo-four), it comes with heated front seats, wireless device charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-seat reminder.

Sport Special Edition trim

The Sport Special Edition, which starts at $28,920, provides leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, and a rear-seat reminder.

EX-L trim

Starting at $31,090, the EX-L trim has a 10-speaker stereo system, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also adds blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Touring trim

The top-trim Touring, which starts at $36,900, comes with the larger of the two engines. It also boasts ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a head-up display, and navigation.

Plus, a hybrid powertrain is available in four trim levels, ranging from $26,570 to $36,440.

Overall, the gas-powered 2021 Honda Accord is the top-rated midsize car, according to U.S. News. In addition to its excellent interior space and features, it also offers a nice ride and relatively potent engines. Though it isn’t as long as some large full-size cars, the 2021 Honda Accord still offers more space for passengers and cargo.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Shares Its Honda Accord Picks for Best Used Cars Under $20,000

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