U.S. News Calls the 2021 Lincoln Navigator the Best 8-Passenger SUV to Buy

by Gabrielle DeSantis

In the world of three-row SUVs, there are plenty of worthy contenders to consider. And for those who need the capability to seat eight passengers, there is a particular best-of list that is a must-see. The critics call the 2021 Lincoln Navigator the best there is in this class of SUVs capable of hauling eight adults. And looking at all the Lincoln Navigator brings to the table, it’s easy to see why.

If you’re thinking about buying a family SUV capable of shuttling your large family, you likely won’t be more comfortable in any other model than the Lincoln Navigator.

Rising to the top of this best-of list

U.S. News dove in to explore those SUVs with eight-passenger seating. Looking at comfort, storage, and performance, the team scrutinized over 48 different categories to rank these three-row rides from worst to best. They considered amenities, safety, and tech, as well, meaning this particular roster can be incredibly valuable if you’re in the market to buy.

One of the qualifying criteria for this list is, of course, that valuable third row, offering official seating for eight people. But nearly every other amenity, feature, and list of standard equipment vary for the SUVs in the running.

And while many have differing opinions about what makes one SUV better than another, the official findings suggest the 2021 Lincoln Navigator does eight-passenger seating better than the rest.

Pricing, trims, and package options for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator

There is plenty to love about the Lincoln Navigator, and Edmunds offers the shortlist including, tons of cargo, easy-to-use tech, and beefy power. Choose between the Base, the Reserve, and the Black Label trims, all equipped with the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine. 

There is a standard wheelbase and an extended (L) version, adding another ten inches to the SUV. It also adds cargo capacity and increases the fuel tank from 23 gallons to holding 27. And while the rear-wheel drive is standard, you’ll also have an optional all-wheel-drive configuration.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offers upscale materials throughout, spoiling anyone who settles into its comfortable seats. There is room for eight, but it’s the most comfortable kind of room, with a spacious and cavernous feeling regardless of the row you choose. The pricing reflects these more luxurious characteristics, with an MSRP range of $76,185 to $101,325.

Where the Lincoln Navigator shines

Where the Lincoln Navigator really shines may just be with its interior. With genuine leather, modern metal accents, and traditional wood trims, there is a feel about this SUV you just won’t experience elsewhere. Car and Driver calls it the “crown jewel in Lincoln’s SUV lineup” and suggests few competitors can compete with its comfort.

The coveted third row is more spacious than most others in this eight-passenger SUV segment. In fact, there is 1.1 inches more legroom than even the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The 2021 Lincoln Navigator gives you the option of having 30-way, adjustable and massaging front seats, too, a key differentiator from the pack.

Car and Driver says the Lincoln Navigator’s seats are so customizable that you can even adjust thigh support across different heights. In a way, these seats are designed to fold around each passenger in an almost sculptural way.

If you need to haul eight passengers, check out this latest list from U.S. News. And if you want to transport people in extreme comfort in a vehicle that exudes style and upscale touchpoints, check out the 2021 Lincoln Navigator. It seems out of all the SUVs capable of carrying eight people, not one SUV does it more comfortably than the Navigator.

RELATED: Would You Pay $6,000 More for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator Reserve?

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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ford has finally unveiled its all-electric F-150, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and it packs quite a few practical features. Not only is it an affordable electric truck, but it also has additions that will be useful wherever people take their Lightning models. Here’s a look at how these features allow the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning to bring a whole new meaning to nap time. 

A basic overview of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Like MotorTrend wrote, off the bat, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a lot in common with the regular F-150. It looks like an F-150, it has similar proportions to an F-150, and due to its starting $40,000 price tag, it’s even priced like an F-150 when EV tax credits are added on. Other than that though, the Lightning model obviously brings to the F-150 the powertrain of the future.

The standard F-150 Lightning gets about 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. This standard configuration also gets about 230 miles of range, and it should be able to go from 0 to 60 MPH in about 4.4 seconds. When properly equipped, the Lightning gets 563 hp instead, as well as 300 miles of range on a single charge. Its max payload capacity is about 2,000 pounds, with 400 pounds coming from the Lightning’s frunk. As far as towing, it tops out at about 10,000 pounds. 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has a lot of great features too

While the Ford F-150 Lightning has a similar cab and bed layout to a regular F-150, it also has some significant additions and upgrades. For example, the F-150 Lightning has the F-150’s 180-degree reclining front seats, which will come in handy for anyone looking to take a quick nap in their work truck.

It also has a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen display. When the gearshift is folded away, MotorTrend wrote that the Lightning’s console can also flip over to create an additional workspace in the cabin.

The tailgate also has a lot of features that would be useful on work sites or during tailgate parties. Not only can the tailgate become a workspace, but its bottle openers are still there. On top of that, since it’s an EV, the F-150 Lightning can export a lot of power due to how many outlets it has between its frunk and its bed. 

Lightning owners can export a total of 9.6 kW of electricity, with 2.4 kW coming from the frunk, and 7.2 kW coming from the bed. Overall, there are 11 power outlets, including four 120-volt outlets in both the frunk and the bed, and a 240-volt outlet in the bed. Additionally, according to MotorTrend, Ford said that the Lightning can even be used to power a home during a blackout for up to 10 days if the electricity is rationed. 

These features will be very useful when on the job

The Ford F-150 Lightning | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

While there are many reasons to buy a truck, many folks buy a truck because they need to. And for those folks, the Ford F-150 Lightning’s extra features are aimed at meeting and exceeding those needs when possible. For example, although the F-150 Hybrid can export some electricity via its outlets, the Lightning doubles down on that ability and then some. For reference, the F-150 hybrid can only export a max of 7.2 kW.

As a result, the Lightning can basically become a large, mobile battery for people who need a truck for their job. Not only can the Lightning charge up almost a dozen power tools, but the Lightning, like the regular F-150, can be a great place to nap. With its 180-degree reclining front seats and that massive 15.5-inch touchscreen display, there’s nothing stopping folks from taking a nap during lunch while watching a movie or a show. 

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

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These 2021 Subaru Models Are Both Consumer Reports ‘Top Picks’

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Consumer Reports released its Top Picks of 2021 list. As always, some brands made out better than others in terms of model afford the honor. This year, two 2021 Subaru models made the cut as Consumer Reports Top Picks. 

A logo of Subaru | Cezary Kowalski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Subaru is not the only brand with more than one model on the list. In fact, Toyota has four among the 10––if you include the 2021 Lexus RX which has a spot as the best midsize SUV priced from $45,000-$55,000. The other Toyota models on the list are the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Camry, and the Toyota Corolla. 

Which Subaru models are Consumer Reports Top Picks of 2021?

a red 2021 Subaru Forester driving on a scenic wooded road
2021 Subaru Forester | Subaru

The first model that you’ll see on the list as you scroll down the Consumer Reports page of winners is the 2021 Subaru Forester. This model earns its place as the favorite small SUV in the $25,000-$35,000 price bracket. The Subaru Forester has been a Top Pick for 8 years, Consumer Reports says. 

The next 2021 Subaru model that made it on the list is the 2021 Subaru Outback. Consumer Reports lists the 2021 Subaru Outback as the best SUV/wagon for a price between $35,000-$45,000. It’s a great vehicle for those that want a balance between SUV-like capability and car-like handling. 

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester is the No. 1 compact SUV 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Subaru Forester is the No. 1 Compact SUV. It’s won a spot as a Top Pick for eight years because it is a quality compact SUV with good safety ratings and appealing features. Plus, it starts in an accessible price bracket. 

The 2021 Subaru Forester gets 20 MPG in the city, 38 PMG on the highway, with an average of 28 MPG. This compact SUV has fantastic outward visibility. Plus, it’s easy to get in and out of. According to Consumer Reports, “the Forester stands out by being so easy to live with.”

The 2021 Subaru Outback has ‘hiking-boot styling’

a green subaru outback with bikes on top climbing a forested hill
Subaru Outback | Subaru

This is a wagon that’s aimed at a demographic that likes to go places. According to Consumer Reports, “The Outback deftly balances carlike driving manners and efficiency with SUV-like functionality.” Overall, this is just a good SUV that brings the best of both worlds together in one package. 

The 2021 Subaru Outback can handle intercity commuting and then hit the backcountry on the weekend. It features good safety ratings, a spacious cabin, and a good amount of cargo space. It’s Consumer Reports’ choice for the best-in-class midsize SUV. The 2021 Outback gets 16 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and an average MPG of 24. 

These 2021 Subaru models are some of the best SUVs you can buy

Considering these high-standing placements on one of the largest review websites out there, it’s safe to say that the 2021 Subaru Forester and the 2021 Subaru Outback are some of the best SUVs you can buy. If these two are in your budget, you might want to add them to your list of vehicles to take a look at. 

These 2021 Subaru models give the brand a nice presence among Consumer Reports’ Top Picks of 2021. They are both highly acclaimed SUVs in addition to being durable and safe (both achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick + status).

RELATED: Only 1 Full-Size Pickup Truck Earned the ‘Best Buy’ Badge From Consumer Guide

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Dodge Durango Recall: Airbags Could Deploy Wrong in 2020-2021 SUVs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Airbags are some of the most frustrating features of a vehicle. They’re designed to save lives, and when they work properly, they do an excellent job of it. There are many individuals who have been hurt by deploying airbags, however, and the Takata airbags keep getting recalled. Just when it seems like things are calming down, Dodge announced there will be a recall on the 2020 and 2021 Dodge Durango due to loose or missing parts.  

A few loose parts really do matter for the Dodge Durango

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook a few loose parts here and there. Things like a wobbly table may be annoying, but it’s not life-threatening. When it comes to vehicles, however, a loose or missing part can end up getting someone killed.

Dodge is the latest automaker to face this problem. According to Car Complaints, “Missing or loose parts on 2020-2021 Dodge Durangos have caused a recall of more than 3,000 SUVs, with 2,721 of those recalled in the U.S. and about 290 SUVs recalled in Canada.”

It all has to do with the side airbag curtain fasteners. It appears that some parts may be loose, or missing altogether. This isn’t due to a defect, but rather a mistake during assembly.

Dodge first learned that this might be an issue in December 2020. A 2021 Durango was brought in for service because the owner kept hearing a rattling noise that couldn’t be identified. That’s when Dodge found the missing pieces. 

Technicians were quick to discover that the C-pillar side curtain airbag fastener wasn’t where it should be. When it was reported, Chrysler decided to open an investigation instead of trying to cover it up. The investigation proved this was not a case of one bad vehicle, and that there are thousands of vehicles that may be impacted. 

According to Car Complaints, “The suspect period began on March 1, 2020, when the side curtain airbag C-pillar fasteners were first incorrectly torqued during production, through February 15, 2021, when torque operations were fixed.”

Dodge has a plan for these recalls

So far, there have been no reported accidents caused by the loose or missing parts. Dodge isn’t letting this lull it into inaction, however. Rather than ignoring the problem, Dodge has come up with a plan to fix the affected Dodge Durangos. 

The plan is simple. Dodge will issue a recall, alerting owners that their Durango needs to be brought in for repairs. Technicians will then inspect the Durango to see if there are any issues. If it is missing parts, they will be replaced. Loose parts will be tightened up. It’s a simple fix, but one that is very much necessary.

Let the Dodge Durango recall begin

Up to this point, there haven’t been many reports from owners. There have been a total of seven warranty claims, and two field reports. That’s not bad, but there’s no way to know if your Durango is on the list until you actually take it in for an inspection. With that being said, it’s important not to ignore the notice if you receive one.

The recall is expected to begin officially on June 11, 2021. Dodge will most likely begin notifying owners on this date, so they can come to a local dealership and get this repaired.

If you own a 2020 or 2021 Dodge Durango and don’t want to wait to be notified, you can take action now. Just call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 and refer to recall reference number Y16.

RELATED: The Most Common Dodge Durango Problems Owners Complain About

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