The 2021 Nissan Rogue Review Just Killed the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Review on Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Last year, Nissan was urging customers to test drive the 2021 Toyota Rav4 alongside the 2021 Nissan Rogue. This seemed like a pretty bold strategy, but maybe it wasn’t bold; it was just confident. After concluding the 2021 Nissan Rogue review on Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 review didn’t shine quite as brightly. 

2021 Nissan Rogue | Nissan Motor Corporation

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue a good car? 

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is the first refreshed model since 2014. That alone is exciting news. Consumer Reports gave the new Rogue an overall score of 76/100. While this isn’t the best score ever, it did land the Rogue tied in seventh place with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. 

A 181-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the 2021 Nissan Rogue. This power plant won’t be winning many drag races but seems fairly reliable based on previous models and returns an average of 25 mpg. 

Like the 2021 Toyota Rav4 review, the 2021 Nissan Rogue review showed a firm ride that left the CR testers with a sense of a lack of refinement. Overall the cabin keeps most road and wind noise at bay. However, the little four-cylinder can get noisy and annoying in the higher rev range. 

Is the 2021 Toyota Rav4 a good car? 

A ruby red 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited | Toyota

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Rav4 Is Good but the 2021 Kia Sportage Is Better

The 2021 Toyota Rav4 is a model that has been around for a long time with plenty of fans to keep its popularity alive. However, Consumer Reports gave it an overall rating of 69/100. 

The same kinds of issues that plague other Toyota SUVs on Consumer Reports continue to plague the Rav4. The 2021 Toyota Rav4 review shows that overall it is mechanically sound, but it doesn’t have the same refinement and feeling of quality that many of its competitors do. 

Consumer Reports didn’t have many bad things to say about the 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, they point out how much better the hybrid version is, which uses the same engine. The plain 2.5-liter with no electronic help gets an average of 27 mpg. 

Which has the best interior? 

2021 Nissan Rogue interior side view. The 2021 Nissan Rogue review shows a nicer interior than the 2021 Toyota Rav4 review showed.
2021 Nissan Rogue interior | Nissan

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Received a Disappointing Score From Consumer Reports

The updated Nissan Rogue has definitely seen a step up in the interior department. CR makes this point by saying the new cabin made one of their testers ask, “Is this a Nissan?” The SV trim Rogue tester was covered with a two-tone black/dark brown interior, features plenty of padded areas with fancy stitching, and a leather steering wheel. 

There are also plenty of small details that add an upscale vibe, like brushed aluminum trim pieces, gloss black around the steering wheel. All these touches really add up, especially at the Rogue’s $33,000 as-tested price.

On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota Rav4 interior feels cheap and plain. The Nissan Rogue uses a mix of soft and plastic materials; the Rav4 overuses hard plastics making the cabin far less inviting and comfortable. The CR testers even noticed gapped panels and trim pieces that felt more like an afterthought than a design choice. 

The 2021 Nissan Rogue costs less to boot

Not only is the recently refreshed 2021 Nissan Rogue an all-around better crossover, but it is also cheaper. The Rogue starts at $25,850 and tops out at $37,303. The 2021 Toyota Rav4, on the other hand, starts at $26,250 and tops out at $37,330. Admittedly, the prices are nearly identical, but the quality between the two crossovers is less so. 

The post The 2021 Nissan Rogue Review Just Killed the 2021 Toyota Rav4 Review on Consumer Reports appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Alfa Romeo’s Absurd DTM Competitor Can Be Yours for Some Money

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s an old saying about Alfa Romeo ownership: “before setting out, first dig two graves”. Maybe that saying is about revenge, but it can also be true of this particular Alfa. Of course, both those graves will be for your wallet, as this DTM car is sure to kill as many tires as it does dollars at auction. This particular 155 V6 DTM car is up for auction at RM Sotheby’s and is sure to fetch a pretty penny.

What on earth is DTM?

Alex Albon’s Ferrari DTM car | TF-Images via Getty Images

For some, DTM may be an obscure word. No worries, as it is a rather niche form of racing from an outside perspective. The series is a subset of the larger touring car racing genre, which has been around since just about forever. The touring car genre encompasses cars available for public purchase that are modified for racing.

Of course, the series fits the old adage “what races Sunday sells on Monday”. So too does DTM, or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. In its current iteration, DTM has been running since 2000, but previous series like the one this Alfa Romeo took part in date back to the 80s and 90s. As a matter of fact, some of the most famous names in racing, like Ayrton Senna, dabbled in touring car and DTM racing during the mid-80s.

The gavel rules all

The V6 engine of the Alfa Romeo 155 DTM car
The Alfa Romeo 155’s V6 engine | Collier Automedia

RELATED: The 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Gives You a Sporty Sedan in an SUV Package

While this particular Martini-liveried car wasn’t raced by the legendary Brazilian driver, it is a winning car. This particular 155, which participated in the 1996 season, carried its driver, Nicola Larini, to two race wins. Not only that, but it also brought Alfa Romeo a healthy second-place finish in the manufacturer’s standings for the 1996 season. Solid results and they certainly help to bolster the price of this particular 155, which also participated in the 2019 DTM Classics Series.

On the subject of price, this Alfa Romeo 155 is estimated by R.M Sotheby’s to sell for between 700,000 and 800,000 Euros. That’s about $973,000. A hefty price to be sure, but this race car is completely bespoke, with around $425,000 in restorations taking place over the lifespan of the car. But if you want to show up all the Corvettes at your local track day, you’ve got to pay the price somewhere.

Alfa Romeo makes one hell of a racer

The rear of the Martini-liveried 155 in the rain
The Alfa Romeo 155 DTM | Collier Automedia

Question is, what is it you’re paying for from a mechanical standpoint? Quite a lot as it turns out. The 155’s V6 churns out a massive 460 hp through a six-speed sequential gearbox. Of course, there’s plenty of aerodynamics to keep things in check. The 155 is bristling with wings, splitters, diffusers, and canards to keep you on the power as much as possible.

Honestly, as far as cool factor goes, there really isn’t much out there that’s going to beat owning a race-winning DTM car. Sure, there are plenty of million-plus dollar hypercars that might be faster around a circuit, but they won’t look anywhere near as cool doing it, and that’s really what all that money is going to. Besides, who doesn’t want to play race car driver every once in a while?

The post Alfa Romeo’s Absurd DTM Competitor Can Be Yours for Some Money appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s Biggest Issue Isn’t a Dealbreaker

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The larger 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is finally hitting the streets. So, far critics are finding it difficult to find anything negative about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. However, there is one potential drawback to consider. 

Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L a good SUV? 

2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk | Stellantis

Yes, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is an excellent SUV option to consider. It provides everything that you love about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus it has a third row of seats for your kids to enjoy. 

But we will get straight to the point. The one potential deal-breaker involves the V6 engine. According to Edmunds, the 3.6-liter V6 engine with 290 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque is underwhelming. With this engine, the Grand Cherokee L can tow up to 6,200 lbs. 

If you want a little more power, you can upgrade to the 5.7-liter V8 engine that provides 579 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 7,200 lbs. Both engines are strong enough to haul small to midsize trailers. 

The Grand Cherokee L is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The engines are paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. It could gain a hybrid powertrain later. 

How does the Grand Cherokee L perform? 

RELATED: This 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Trim Offers XL Value

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is incredibly capable. Finally, an SUV with three-row can genuinely rival the Toyota 4Runner. With the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, you can toggle a switch between Auto, Rock, Sport, Snow, or Mud/Sand for the proper off-roading settings. 

If your family needs to cross a stream, no worries. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L and ford water up to 24 inches deep. With up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, you can easily clear obstacles in your path as well. 

The optional Quadra-Lift Air Suspension includes electronic adaptive damping to automatically lower the vehicle at highway speeds. This helps with drag at highway speeds. It also enables you to raise the ground clearance to 10.9 inches as needed. 

Plus, the Grand Cherokee L has precision steering and an optimized wheelbase to provide an agile performance. You can use it to easily navigate through tight city areas or trails. It incorporates the maneuverability from the smaller two-row model. 

What are the Grand Cherokee L’s features like? 

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Interior with another model parked in front of it
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Interior | Jeep

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L features best-in-class legroom. It provides 39.4 inches of legroom so all passengers can stretch out and relax. You can get the Grand Cherokee L with six seats or seven seats. Also, you can add a console between the captain’s chairs in the second row or leave it open. 

There are 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold the third-row seats down for 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Also, there is up to 84.6 cubic feet total, providing tons of versatile space. 

You can opt for the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with dual-phone connectivity, and the 10.25-inch digital cluster display provides crucial information for the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available too. 

If you want the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, it’s a more innovative and more capable version of the Grand Cherokee and includes tons of value. However, some critics recommend opting for the V8 engine over the V6.

The post The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s Biggest Issue Isn’t a Dealbreaker appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

5 Serious Safety Mistakes Women Make Road Tripping Alone

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s no reason why a woman can’t enjoy traveling on her own, whether for business or leisure. And not having a companion on a road trip shouldn’t be a deterrent. But with only herself to rely on, how can a woman traveling alone enjoy a solo trip while staying safe? By taking precautions and practicing car safety, a woman can travel on her own worry-free.

If you’re a woman preparing for your next road trip, you should avoid making the following mistakes:

1. Failing to get your vehicle serviced before your road trip

Always take your vehicle in for service before any road trip, especially one you want to take alone. First, check your vehicle’s fluids and change the oil. Service techs can also check the tires and engine and make sure everything is in good working order.

A simple service visit can prevent breakdowns in unfamiliar areas that might have no cell service, USA Today reports. Checking your tires for worn spots or the lug nuts for breakage can avoid a flat tire or other wheel damage. In addition, it can keep you from getting stranded, leaving you dependent on others.

2. Not plotting your route ahead of time

These days, there’s really no excuse for not researching your route before your road trip. Plenty of free and paid apps can help you map out how to get to your destination. In addition, they can help you determine where you can safely stop for gas and food along the way and how to avoid high-crime areas and spots with poor cell reception.

By planning, you can make sure you don’t run out of gas in a bad neighborhood and know where to get service if you need it. Plotting your route will also help you better manage your travel time.

And remember to share your route with trusted relatives and friends.

3. Paying little attention to your hotel arrangements

If you have to stop overnight during your road trip, select your lodging with care. For instance, paying a little more money is worth it to stay in a well-populated area in a hotel with good customer reviews. If a hotel or motel has problems, reviews will usually reveal them. 

Try to arrive while the sun is still up so that you don’t have to walk through parking lots and deserted hotel grounds in the dark. Also, request a room that’s not on the first floor. That’s because higher floors are harder to access through windows or terrace doors.

Also, request a room near the elevator to avoid long walks down unoccupied hallways. Rubber wedges are inexpensive and easy to bring along to help reinforce the locks on your hotel room’s door. Finally, don’t advertise that you’re traveling alone. Making it seem as if someone is staying with you is a good idea.

4. Not bringing your own drinks and snacks

Think ahead and bring your own drinks and snacks on road trips. If you have dietary needs, it makes more sense to bring what you need to avoid scrambling to find these items on the road. And if you plan your route, you’ll know safe places to stop for snacks.

Plus, buying drinks and snacks on the road will likely be more expensive, especially if you stop at well-lit, safe highway rest stops.

5. Not being vigilant during your road trip

Remember to remain alert at all times, even when you’re not road tripping. Park under streetlights, don’t park next to vans or box trucks, and lock your vehicle when you’re not in it. In addition, before getting into your vehicle, check under it and in the backseat.

Further, avoid drinking alcohol in public, and don’t drink to the point that it impairs your judgment. Also, don’t hesitate to ask others for help if you find yourself in a threatening situation. For example, most people are happy to walk a woman to her car or hotel room to ensure her safety.

Overall, use common sense to avoid risk when road tripping alone. If your gut tells you a situation is dangerous, remove yourself from it.

RELATED: This 1 Skill Could Save You On a Road Trip

The post 5 Serious Safety Mistakes Women Make Road Tripping Alone appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by