The 2021 Kia Telluride Finally Landed No. 2 on a List

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Since its debut in 2019, the Kia Telluride has been raking in the praise. Though it ranks number one on almost every list it appears on, the 2021 Telluride finally slipped to second place in the U.S. News roundup “14 Best Passenger SUVs of 2021.” So what exactly is so great about the Telluride, and which vehicle finally beat it?

A rare second-place ranking for the Kia Telluride

Reviewers have been raving about the Kia Telluride for years, and for good reason. It is an excellent SUV, combining value, comfort, and an impressive number of standard features. But on this U.S. News list, the Telluride’s amazing qualities weren’t enough to land it the number one spot.

Instead, that honor went to the Lincoln Navigator, earning an overall score of 8.7/10 from U.S. News. With a price starting at approximately $76,000 and rapidly spiking into the six-digit range, the Navigator is one of the pricier options. However, reviewers state that in terms of “interior quality, space, and power,” this luxurious SUV can’t be beaten.

Even so, the Kia Telluride ranks a close second. At 8.6/10, its overall score is a tad lower than the Navigator’s score. Though the Telluride couldn’t quite match the Navigator’s luxury, U.S. News still has plenty of love for Kia’s midsize SUV.

Why the Kia Telluride ranks so highly

With a starting price of approximately $31,990, the Kia Telluride already has one major benefit: It is incredibly affordable, particularly when compared to the Lincoln Navigator. The Telluride also won the U.S. News 2021 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award and sits comfortably at number one in U.S. News‘ midsize SUV rankings.

Where the Telluride excels is its interior. U.S. News says this SUV “optimizes interior space,” which is something that anyone purchasing an SUV will appreciate. The Telluride seats eight, and though the third row is slightly cramped, the first two rows are spacious enough to be comfortable even for adults.

The Kia Telluride’s cabin is also decked out in standard features, including synthetic leather upholstery, smartphone compatibility, and an 8.0-inch display. The infotainment system includes physical controls for climate and audio, making it easier to operate without taking your eyes off the road.  Overall, U.S. News praises the interior’s comfort and appearance, stating it “verges on luxurious” even in the base model. 

What else you can expect from this SUV

The 2021 Kia Telluride features a 3.8-liter V6 that makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. 

U.S. News calls the Telluride “comfy and relaxing” to drive, with an engine that makes this SUV feel surprisingly spry despite its roomy interior. The Telluride offers a competitive amount of cargo space: 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Though some competitors offer slightly more space, the Telluride is above average for the class.

This SUV is also highly reliable and boasts an expansive range of standard safety features. They include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and driver drowsiness monitoring.

Overall, it isn’t hard to see why the Kia Telluride continues finding itself at the top of reviewers’ lists. Though it slipped to second place this time, it held its own against a much more expensive option — and it is still likely to win the hearts of anyone looking for that magical combination of quality and value.

RELATED: Even the 2020 Kia Telluride Shock Absorbers Are Noteworthy

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Stretched 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Is the Latest Weird Creation You Can Buy

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When you think of a modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, chances are you imagine it with upgraded suspension, larger tires, and perhaps even extra lighting. However, one owner decided to take their Wrangler build in an entirely different direction. How different? How about stretching it by 4.5 feet and adding a row of seats. As you might imagine, this off-roader likely won’t be climbing any mountains any time soon.

If you thought this story couldn’t get better, it can. That’s because this unusual creation is currently listed for sale on Cars and Bids. As of writing, the big sits at $7,500 with a little over five days left to go. Let’s see if you should ditch the latest and greatest for this off-roading limousine.

Why would someone extend a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | Cars and Bids

As you might imagine, this Jeep Wrangler Rubicon left the showroom floor back in 2006 looking quite ordinary. However, that didn’t last very long. That’s because Motor1 reports that a company named Illusion Coach Builders LLC took it apart and stretched it in 2006.

While this Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is clearly stretched, it might be surprising to learn that it is 4.5 feet longer than a standard model. As you might imagine, this means stretching both the bodywork and the soft top. Judging from the photos, you can clearly tell that the rear section of this SUV is a little darker than the front. However, this is likely because you have two different paint finishes aging differently.

In terms of upgrades, the biggest improvement comes in the form of interior space. This modified SUV gets an extra set of rear half doors along with a completely new row of seats. While a four-door Wrangler is quite a common sight these days, the model didn’t offer this configuration until the 2007 model year.

What else is different with this off-roading SUV?

An image of a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon parked outdoors.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | Cars and Bids

RELATED: The Lamborghini Espada Is a Weird Four-Seater You Can Have For Less Than $100,000

As you might imagine, stretching a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon involves more than just a brand-new body. In fact, the entire frame needs to be cut, stretched and welded back together. Fortunately, this build was clearly done well since it’s managed to survive 42,100 miles and 15 years of being on the road.

Despite the stretched body, this off-roader still features air conditioning. Additionally, it sports a custom-made Magnaflow exhaust system. As you might imagine, the soft top is also completely custom-made for this build. Once you add up the tally, there is a surprising amount of bespoke parts on this build.

How much will this Jeep Wrangler Rubicon sell for?

An image of a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon parked outdoors.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | Cars and Bids

If you’re trying to decide how much this Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is worth, that’s a tough question to answer. While a normal version of this SUV sells for around $25,000, this one will require a special buyer. As stated earlier, the bidding currently sits at $7,500 with about five days left to go. With thirteen bids in place from multiple buyers, this unusual creation certainly has stirred up some attention. Chances are, it might even be weird enough to surpass the value of a normal version.

The post Stretched 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Is the Latest Weird Creation You Can Buy appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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How Does the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition Stack Up?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The segment for large SUVs isn’t particularly small, and with the popularity of SUVs steadily on the rise, it isn’t getting any smaller. Several options have been around for quite some time, and two, in particular, seem to go head to head year after year: the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. If you’re looking to save money by purchasing a slightly used model that’s only a year old, checking out the 2020 version of either SUV will still have you juggling back and forth between the two. Side by side, it’s easy to see why so many people would find it difficult to pick one over the other.

The 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition is the most modernly-styled variation of the SUV yet and considering previous model years that saying quite a bit. The starting MSRP for the Expedition begins at around $50,685 but can skyrocket over $84,000 with the highest trim levels and options. According to Edmunds, it’s notable for its “cavernous” interior space and surprisingly pleasant acceleration with the more modest V6 engine option.

In sheer size alone, it’s much larger than other competitors that offer three rows of seating, but you definitely won’t be feeling cramped in any row of seating.

The 2020 Expedition dominates its competition with its extraordinary towing capacity, making it a great option if you’re looking to bring your boat to the lake this summer, tow along with some jet skis, or even bring a camper for a nice summer road trip — like this scenic road trip in Florida you definitely have to take at least once. The Expedition has a towing capacity maximum of 9,300 pounds.

2017 Ford Expedition | Patrick Gorski, Icon Sportswire, Getty Images

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Unlike the Expedition, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe dominates the roadways in way of appearance, and modern styling is nothing new. For the base model, you can expect MSRP sticker prices of around $48,095 but the highest trim levels can run easily over $70,000 even for a used version. It’s often highlighted for its ample amount of interior space and available seating, having seating for as many as nine people.

Besides space, buyers enjoy the option for a V8 engine or can opt for a more basic drivetrain and improved fuel economy. For some, just the sheer appearances of the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe make the biggest difference between it and the Expedition, but there are a few more objective reasons that make it the better choice.

One major difference that gives the Tahoe a leg up over the Expedition is the interior cabin space which is better insulated from road noise, giving it a quieter riding experience that feels more refined.

A 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban on display
Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban | Raymond Boyd, Getty Images

RELATED: The 2021 Chevy Tahoe Has 3 Concerning Drawbacks

The 2020 Chevy Tahoe and 2020 Ford Expedition

When it comes down to it, both options are similarly priced and endowed with safety features and space, making both of them great options for road trip connoisseurs and families alike. All in all, there isn’t that much that sets these vehicles apart in the eyes of many buyers, meaning it comes down to the nitty gritty and personal preference.

RELATED: The 2020 Ford Expedition Is Nice, but Not $70k Nice

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Does the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Make the C-HR Irrelevant?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s safe to say the C-HR crossover hasn’t garnered rave reviews. But the smallest Toyota ‘SUV’ now has another issue, and it comes from Toyota itself. That’s the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, the Japanese automaker’s newest crossover. And it might be joining the list of C-HR alternatives.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross beats the C-HR on space, power, and AWD

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD | Toyota

Although the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross doesn’t look much like the Corolla sedan or hatchback, it rides on the same platform, The Drive notes. The Toyota C-HR also rides on that platform. However, not only is the Corolla Cross longer and wider than the hatchback, but it’s also larger than the C-HR. That makes sense, given Toyota intends for the Corolla Cross to slot between the C-HR and the RAV4.

One problem Toyota C-HR owners have with their crossovers is the car’s relative lack of power. And here again, the Corolla Cross beats the C-HR out. The smaller crossover has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 144 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque linked to a CVT. But while the Toyota Corolla Cross also has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it’s the 169-hp version from the Corolla sedan and hatchback, MotorTrend reports. As of this writing, torque figures aren’t specified, but Car and Driver expects an output of 150 lb-ft.

A white 2021 Toyota C-HR next to a blue brick building
2021 Toyota C-HR | Toyota

Like the Toyota C-HR, the 2022 Corolla Cross has a CVT and comes standard with front-wheel drive. However, unlike the smaller crossover, the Corolla Cross offers optional AWD, which also nets you independent rear suspension, Roadshow notes. And it’s worth pointing out that the lack of AWD is another common C-HR critique. Plus, unlike the C-HR, the Toyota Corolla Cross is tow-rated, with a max capacity of 1500 pounds.

There’s also a hybrid version coming

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has one more advantage over the C-HR. Or rather, it will have another advantage.

Initially, the 2022 Corolla Cross will only be available with the previously-mentioned 2.0-liter engine in the US. However, overseas customers can buy the crossover as a hybrid right now. And at some point, the hybrid Corolla Cross will come to the US, MT reports.

As of this writing, Toyota hasn’t revealed any specs or even a release date for the hybrid Corolla Cross. However, seeing as the standard version uses Corolla hardware, it’s likely the hybrid model will, too, Roadshow muses. That means a 121-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a 71-hp electric motor, Roadshow explains.

How much does the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross cost compared to the C-HR?

The gray front seats and dashboard of a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD front interior | Toyota

RELATED: Is the 2020 Toyota C-HR as Bad as Everyone Says It Is?

As of this writing, Toyota hasn’t released an official launch date for the 2022 Corolla Cross. But MT estimates the crossover will likely hit dealers starting in October 2021.

Toyota also hasn’t released official pricing details for the 2022 Corolla Cross. However, we do know the crossover will have three trims: L, LE, and XLE. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all three trims, but wireless charging and faux-leather seating are limited to the LE and XLE, Motor1 reports. And while each Corolla Cross offers several ADAS features, only the LE and XLE get standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

RELATED: 2021 Mazda CX-30 vs. Toyota C-HR: The Winner Is Clear

MT estimates the 2022 Corolla Cross will start at roughly $23K, with the XLE starting at about $28K. In comparison, a base 2021 Toyota C-HR LE starts at $21,595; the range-topping Limited starts at $26,650.

Right now, the C-HR arguably finds itself in the same situation as the Mazda CX-3 when the CX-30 arrived. When that happened, the smaller CX-3 lost out to the larger but similarly-priced CX-30 on the showroom floor.

A silver-gray 2020 Mazda CX-30 by a building overlooking tree-covered mountains and hills
2020 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

RELATED: The Mazda 6 Is Dead in the US, Leaving Just One Sedan

To be fair, it’s impossible to make a judgment call on Toyota Corolla Cross vs. C-HR without driving them back to back. And if it turns out that the Corolla Cross costs significantly more than the C-HR, the smaller crossover might win the value argument. But on paper, the larger crossover seemingly has its smaller sibling’s number.

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