by Gabrielle DeSantis

To say that the Ford F-150 Lightning has stirred up the world of full-size pickup trucks would be a massive understatement. From hardcore internal combustion enthusiasts to EV lovers, this new electric truck certainly stirs up all kinds of attention. However, the question now stands, when will the electric Ford Ranger join the fold?

Oddly enough, a new report by CarBuzz citing Hans Schep, the General Manager Commercial Vehicles for Ford of Europe, has the answer. While it certainly won’t arrive on the heels of the Lightning, this electric midsize truck might arrive sooner than you think. Additionally, an electric truck at a lower price point might be the best way to entice those hardcore internal combustion fans.

When will the electric Ford Ranger arrive?

2020 Ford Ranger | Ford Motor Company

If you’ve been waiting on an electric Ford Ranger, you won’t have to wait much longer. According to CarBuzz, this electrified model could arrive sometime before 2025. This makes sense considering that Ford plans to begin deliveries of the Lightning in 2022. As a result, we may see an official unveil before that projected 2025 date.

If you think about it, an electric Ford Ranger makes sense from two key angles. Firstly, there is no denying that the brand-new Lightning is expensive, despite its sub-$40,000 base price. At that price point, it’s about $10,000 more expensive than a base internal combustion model. When you get into the higher trim levels, you’ll quickly surpass $50,000 and $60,000.

As a result, a midsize version with a price-point closer to $30,000 and excellent range could be a way to entice your average internal combustion truck buyer. More importantly, it would allow a new generation of EV lovers to access the brand instead of going for one of the many other electric trucks available.

This truck started out as a plug-in hybrid

a red 2021 Ford Ranger pickup truck crawling up rocks
2021 Ford Ranger | Ford

RELATED: The Most Expensive 2021 Ford Bronco Costs $63,995

According to CarBuzz, this electric Ford Ranger didn’t start life as a full EV. In fact, CarBuzz reports that the original plan was to develop a plug-in hybrid version of the midsize truck that would work well across various global markets. However, strict European emissions regulations have pretty much killed this idea. Aside from the research and development costs associated with the hybrid, it’ll need replacing relatively soon regardless.

As it stands, the next-generation Ford Ranger is being developed alongside the upcoming Volkswagen Amarok. While this might be a bit of a weird pair, CarBuzz reports that this could lead to significantly lower production costs. If this is the case, perhaps the new electric variant could reach that aforementioned target close to $30,000.

How much power will the electric Ford Ranger have?

Ford Ranger Raptor jumping on a scenic sandy off-road trail
Ford Ranger Raptor | Ford

Since the arrival of the electric Ford Ranger is so far in the future, we don’t know anything relating to how much power it will produce. However, we can certainly look at the new Lightning for clues. That’s because the base Lightning develops 426 hp while an Extended Range variant puts out 563 hp. Since the midsize model likely won’t step on the toes of the flagship, expect a slightly lower hp figure. Regardless of when it’ll come out, more information is bound to leak soon.

The post All-Electric Ford Ranger Confirmed – When Will the Baby Lightning Arrive? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Leave it to Ford to come from behind in the electric pickup truck race and snap right into the running for the best electric pickup truck. However, only time will tell if the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s range will compete with the hypebeasts that are Rivian and the Tesla Cybertruck

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

The initial 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning range was said to be 230 miles as standard and 300 miles with the extended range unit. However, it seems that the Ford Lightning’s range might be even better than expected. 

What is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s range?

According to The Drive, Ford may have been literally sandbagging when it released those figures. YouTuber Marques Brownlee got the chance to check out the new electric Ford F-150 Lightning in person recently. In his IRL tour, he gleaned some new information from the folks at Ford.

Brownlee said, “I actually learned something from the people at Ford who were walking me through the car that I haven’t seen anywhere that is definitely worth sharing… that 300-mile range is the EPA-estimated rating with 1,000 pounds of cargo in the trunk.” 

Does this make the electric Ford F-150 Lightning the best electric pickup truck?

2022 Ford Lightning parked at night. This new electric Ford F-150 might be one of the best electric pickup trucks
Ford unveils their new electric F-150 Lightning | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

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Just like with gas mileage, an electric pickup truck will perform differently depending on weight. With this extra 1,000 pounds, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s range would definitely be lowered. So, without the extra cargo weight, how far can the Ford Lightning go on a single charge? 

Luckily, the F-150 Lightning happens to have an onboard range indicator that considers towing and payload using the new handy Onboard Scales. Brownlee says the Ford Lightning’s range readout showed 367 miles on around 80 percent charged without all that extra weight. 

67 miles alone is a decent step up, but with a full charge, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning might grab an extra 100 miles of range without the extra weight and a full charge. This is a significant increase by any measure. 

How do other electric pickup trucks compare?

A grey 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat, which may be eligible for EV tax credits
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat | Ford

With the old range of 300 miles, the Ford Lightning is on the lower end of the range battle between Rivian and Tesla. The Rivian R1T will get anywhere from 250-400 miles on a single charge, depending on the package. If Tesla delivers on its promises, the Tesla Cybertruck might get over 600 miles on a single charge. 

As far as the best electric pickup truck is concerned, that 300-mile range would have hurt the 2022 Ford lightning’s chances pretty significantly. However, if Ford can get 400 miles of range, it’s definitely still in the fight. 

The fight for the best electric pickup truck is going to be a battle for the ages. Pickup trucks are already a top moneymaker for many manufactures, and EVs are becoming increasingly popular. The best electric pickup truck will certainly be a golden goose for any company that can take charge of the field.

The post The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning’s Range Is a Lot Better Than you Think appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s a new Toyota in town! The Land Cruiser LC300 is about to make its global debut on June 9. While the brand announced the Land Cruiser was taking a break after this year, it seems it is already coming back to the market with all-new-everything.

Saying goodbye to the old Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 premiere is scheduled for June 9 | Edwin Remsberg / VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

In spite of protest from fans, Road & Track reported that the 200-series Land Cruiser would no longer be produced in the U.S. Clearly, this ruffled some feathers, but there is hope on the horizon once again.

“While it will be discontinued in the United States after the 2021 model year, we remain committed to the large SUV segment and will continue to explore future products that celebrate the Land Cruiser’s rich off-road history. We encourage loyal enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers to stay tuned for future developments.”

Toyota

While the initial news sounded a bit vague, Toyota was adamant the brand would be back with something even better. The 200-series LC was a bit dated, and even though it was capable, other vehicles in the segment were far more capable. Toyota has now started some buzz with the “Teaser 1” video below with a new Land Cruiser sneak peek.

What we know about the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300

As first reported by Motor1, the Toyota Middle East YouTube account uploaded a six-second teaser video, as seen above. The SUV is expected to be underpinned by the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The SUV is expected to lose the V8 engine and gain a turbocharged 3.5L V6 option, plus a 3.3L V6 diesel. The gasoline V6 is expected to get 409 hp and 480 lb-ft. The diesel will get 302 hp and 516 lb-ft.

There are rumored to be a few trim levels. The GR Sport trim is supposedly 195.4 inches long, while another option is 196.2 inches long. The new Land Cruisers will be 76.5 inches tall and will have a wheelbase measuring 112.2 inches long.

Motor1 confirmed there would be an aluminum roof, and the ground clearance will match the dead LC200. While the spy shots show a similar silhouette to the Land Cruiser we love, it certainly has a refreshed look. The LC300 is expected to be capable of all sorts of off-road adventures, while the GR Sport will be even beefier for adventures.

The competition is stiff for the large SUV category

Without a doubt, the competition in the large SUV category is stiff. For the 2021 version, Consumer Reports gave the Toyota Land Cruiser a fair score. Above the LC on the list were the 2021 BMW X7 and the 2021 Buick Enclave. Nevertheless, the Land Cruiser only came in two points behind the Enclave but was almost double the price.

According to the sales figures on GoodCarBadCar, the Land Cruiser has sold 3,310 units so far in 2021 in the U.S. In 2020, the brand only sold 982 units. Not great numbers compared to something like the Toyota RAV4 that has sold 185,168 so far this year. That’s compared to 147,354 units sold in 2020.

In conclusion, most of the information out there right now is still rumors. It should be noted that June 9 will bring some confirmation to what has been floating around on the internet so far.

RELATED: Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition worth it?

The post Leaked Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Dropping on June 9 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Whether you’re looking for a full size SUV for yourself or to transport your family, chances are safety is one of your primary concerns. Besides looking at safety ratings from Consumer Reports, how do you find the safest full size SUVs? SUVs with advanced safety systems can add a layer of protection. Three full size SUVs are loaded with safety features.

2021 Lincoln Navigator | Lincoln

What are the advanced safety systems that Consumer Reports recommends?

Consumer Reports recommends forward collision warning and pedestrian detection to alert drivers if a person or object is in the path of the car. Automatic emergency braking can apply brakes automatically if the driver doesn’t react to the object in time. All three full size SUVs come with automatic emergency braking for the city and the highway.

Similarly, blind spot warning uses cameras and sensors to monitor the surroundings of an SUV to make sure there is nothing a driver can’t see. Some blind spot warning systems will alert the driver if the driver signals to turn or change lanes in front of the vehicle in the blind spot. 

Lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning also use cameras and sensors to make sure that a car doesn’t wander into other lanes of traffic. Some SUVs will gently correct the steering if the driver doesn’t, to maintain position. 

2021 Ford Expedition

A red 2021 Ford Expedition against a white background. The 2021 Ford Expedition is one of the safest full size SUVs.
2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Ford Expedition is one of the full size SUVs with advanced safety systems. The Ford Expedition has a twin turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine and can tow 6,000 pounds. 

In addition to coming with all of the advanced safety systems, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Ford Expedition a 69 out of 100 in its overall tests. The NHTSA gives the 2021 Ford Expedition five stars in overall crash and frontal-crash tests. It also has five stars in the frontal-crash test on the driver and passenger sides. That’s pretty good, considering many of its competitors have a four star rating somewhere in there. 

Side crash ratings are also superb, at five stars for overall, driver and rear passenger. The side driver-crash and passenger-crash tests evaluate how well a vehicle traveling 17 MPH does when hit by a vehicle traveling 34 MPH.  

Tall, heavy vehicles are prone to rolling over, and the 2021 Ford Expedition is no different. Its rollover risk is average at three stars. 

2021 Lincoln Navigator

A dark blue Lincoln Navigator driving through a city.
2021 Lincoln Navigator | Lincoln

Similar to the Expedition, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator has a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6. However, it has slightly more power, with a max horsepower of 450. The Navigator can also tow a bit more, with a max towing capacity of 6,200 pounds.

 The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is another large SUV with all of the advanced safety features that Consumer Reports recommends. It scored a 64 in Consumer Reports overall tests. In addition to the safety equipment, the overall crash, overall frontal-crash, and overall frontal-crash driver and passenger test ratings for the Lincoln Navigator are five stars. 

The Lincoln Navigator had a no tip result in the dynamic tip result. This test measures the risk of a vehicle rolling over in a single-vehicle, loss of control accident. The Navigator’s rollover risk is 19.30%.

2021 Nissan Armada

A black 2021 Nissan Armada against a white background.
2021 Nissan Armada | Nissan

The third large SUV with advanced safety features is the 2021 Nissan Armada. With a 5.6-liter V8 engine, the Nissan Armada is capable of 400 hp and towing 8,500 pounds. 

The Nissan Armada wasn’t crash tested by the IIHS or the NHTSA, although it did receive a rollover risk rating of three out of five stars. Consumer Reports did a road test, and scored the 2021 Nissan Armada a 55 out of 100. Notable weaknesses include both routine and emergency handling, which received a two out of five. 

Which one should I choose?

With the highest overall score from Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ford Expedition is your best bet. It combines strong crash test and road test ratings with all of the advanced safety systems. The 2021 Ford Expedition offers a combination of comfort and safety that make it one of the safest full size SUVs. 

RELATED: 5 of the Safest 2021 Midsize Luxury SUVs, According to the IIHS

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