Does the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Have a Frunk?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

An electric car might not need to house an engine under its hood, but that doesn’t mean this compartment goes unused. EV engineers quickly realized that this was a useful cargo space, which is how the term “frunk” was coined. The Ford F-150 Lightning also has a frunk, plus a cargo box over five feet long.

According to MotorTrend, the Ford F-150 Lighting’s frunk is the biggest you can find on an EV. Here’s why we’re really impressed so far with the Lightning’s capable frunk.

How deep is the Ford F-150 Lightning’s frunk?

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s frunk has just over 14 cubic feet of space, about the size of your average sedan’s trunk. The F-150 Lightning also rides on a unique skateboard chassis, which puts the frunk lower to the ground. Ford says this frunk can hold up to 400 pounds, contributing to the Lightning’s already generous 2,000-pound payload.

The non-skid mats on the frunk’s floor can be removed for easy cleaning, and there are also drain holes underneath them. It’s also a great place to store groceries thanks to the included cargo net and tie-down hooks. The LED lights on the grille’s underside project onto the floor, allowing you to unload items at night without hassle. The frunk automatically locks when you lock the truck, so you can leave expensive items safely hidden.

You can also lock the frunk manually before you close it, or open it from the center touchscreen. Speaking of technology, the frunk has two USB outlets and four 120-volt outlets. Even more power can be utilized in the truck bed, which will undoubtedly make the F-150 Lightning a tailgating favorite.

What’s the point of a frunk?

For years, some EV enthusiasts have argued about the actual practicality of a frunk. For example, the Nissan Ariya actually gave up a frunk in favor of storing HVAC components under its hood. This unconventional move created a wide-open cabin without the need for a large center console.

However, the reason why automakers don’t want to put an actual battery in the front is somewhat obvious. Placing the battery on the floor ensures a lower center of gravity, which gives it better acceleration and handling. The Ford F-150 Lightning’s cabin is already pretty spacious, so it doesn’t have anything to lose from having a frunk.

More details about the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150 Lightning also has an impressive powertrain, two electric motors combined with a battery. The standard setup makes 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque, generating 230 miles of electric range. Opting for the extended-range battery grants you more horsepower and 70 more miles of range, according to MotorTrend. 

Drivers can charge their trucks with either the standard mobile charger or the available Ford Charge Station Pro. The latter is the ideal option for extended-range batteries since it can restore 85 percent power while charging overnight. Using the FordPass app, drivers can also locate DC fast-charging stations on the go. The standard Intelligent Range system calculates the remaining battery capacity depending on weather conditions and the truck’s current trailer load.

When properly equipped, F-150 Lightning models with the extended-range battery can tow up to 10,000 pounds. While it doesn’t quite match up to the gas-operated pickup’s 11,300 pounds, it’s still impressive for an electric truck. If the F-150 Lightning becomes available in different bed sizes, we may see its capability increase.

The Ford F-150 Lightning’s crew cab promises to be just as comfortable as the original pickup, complete with updated technology. A 12-inch touchscreen comes standard, but higher trims have a 15.5-inch touchscreen. With all its new features, it’s certain to please both old and novice F-150 fans alike.

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

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The Standard 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Presents a Ride Problem

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was introduced in mid-2015 as part of a third-generation facelift—previously labeled as the “M-Class.” A new coupe version featuring a sloping roof design was also introduced during this time. The GLE-Class received a full design makeover in 2020, with high-performance AMG variants debuting in 2021.

Today, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class competes against the likes of the Genesis GV80, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, among a growing list of others. But will the GLE-Class’ poor ride quality with the standard powertrain end up becoming a deal-breaker? Or will its brand name authority be enough for die-hard Benz fans?

The base GLE350 rides “extremely poorly” according to MotorTrend

In MotorTrend’s latest review of “The Best Midsize Luxury SUVs to Buy in 2021,” the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class only managed to earn seventh place out of the nine midsize luxury SUVs listed. The author of the review wrote, “Mercedes-Benz’s GLE-Class SUV presents an interesting conundrum.”

The “conundrum” is that while you have the turbocharged GLE450 with its inline six-cylinder engine and smooth air suspension, the entry-level GLE350 rides very poorly. On top of that, it’s powered by a “gruff” powertrain/transmission combo.

Per the Mercedes-Benz website, the 2021 GLE 350 has an MSRP of $54,750. Its 2.0-liter Inline-4 Turbo engine produces 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and accelerates from 0-60 in seven seconds. With an MSRP of $62,500, the GLE 450 4MATIC features a 3.0-liter Inline-6 Turbo engine with “EQ Boost.” It produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

The 2021 GLE 580 4MATIC has an MSRP of $78,900 and is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo engine with “EQ Boost.” It produces 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds.

A quick overview of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) SUV with a nine-speed transmission. Nine-speed transmissions are supposed to increase fuel economy at the expense of power. It boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s a lot better than the 2021 BMW X5 (MotorTrend’s second-place choice) and only slightly better than the 2021 Land Rover Defender (MotorTrend’s first-place choice). In addition to that, it has a fairly impressive towing capacity of 5,950 lbs.

With a push of a button, you can initiate the GLE-Class’ “ECO Start/Stop” system that automatically kills the engine at stoplights, while waiting in line at a drive-thru, and in other situations where the engine remains idle. This is supposed to help extend fuel efficiency while reducing exhaust emissions. The engine instantly restarts as soon as you lift your foot off the brake, promoting swift acceleration when needed.

Another standard feature that comes with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is “Dynamic Select,” a multi-mode drive program that allows you to “dial in the vehicle’s performance characteristics to suit your needs or your mood.”

Dynamic Select offers drivers three preset modes: comfort, economic, sport, as well as an additional personalized mode you can configure. Mercedes-Benz states on its website that “each mode adapts the throttle response, shift programming, ESP, and more.”

As for technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as navigation are all standard features. Each GLE comes standard with Mercedes-Benz’s dual-display interior design—a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

And if you’re someone who likes to party as you drive, Mercedes-Benz gives you two premium Burmester audio systems: a 13-speaker or 25-speaker system that includes ceiling-mounted speakers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class compared to the competition

When compared to the competition, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is definitely several strides behind. For example, not only is the 2021 Lexus RX significantly cheaper than the GLE-Class according to MotorTrend but its 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 295 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque.

Every RX trim comes with numerous standard features such as power-adjustable front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control with interior air filter, power-folding, auto-dimming outside mirrors, and a long list of others.

If you prefer an economical midsize luxury SUV, Lexus offers a hybrid model that features a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 308 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Per the Lexus website, the starting MSRP for the 2021 RX is $45,220. Its top trim model, the RX 450h F Sport AWD, has an estimated MSRP of $51,310. However, with a 0-60 mph time of over eight seconds and a top track speed of 112 mph, this midsize luxury SUV is more about exterior looks and interior comforts.

RELATED: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Has Some Major Drawbacks

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The 2021 Kia Forte Receives Dramatically Different Reviews from Edmunds and Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Kia Forte is one of the brand’s most affordable sedans, but if you’ve checked out reviews and ratings online, you may be feeling a bit conflicted. From certain angles, the Forte is a great bargain, offering just what you need for the price even if it skimps out on some features that you get from more expensive models. On the other hand, it lacks quite a bit in comparison to competitors of the same price. Really, the answer is that the 2021 Kia Forte is a good car for the right driver, but what determines who the right driver really depends on what you’re looking for in a car.

The logo of Kia Motors is seen on the front of its sedan ‘Forte’ | PARK JI-HWAN, AFP, Getty Images

Does Consumer Reports recommend the 2021 Kia Forte?

The 2021 Kia Forte receives dramatically differing reviews from several major websites, but it isn’t recommended by Consumer Reports. In fact, compared to other more popular models, the Forte receives a rather abysmal overall score, ranking in at just 42 out of a possible 100 points, and be ranked at the bottom of the barrel as #12 out of 14 ranked compact cars.

What is it that the reviewer dislikes so much about the Forte? It receives decent scores for drivability and is even noted for having some more positive aspects, such as handling, responsible fuel economy, and even standard safety features. But, there is one major pitfall for the 2021 Kia Forte: it doesn’t have a stellar history of reliability.

A red kia forte coupe being unveiled
A Kia Forte | Lee, Bloomberg, Getty Images

Does Edmunds recommend the 2021 Kia Forte?

Well, the 2021 Kia Forte isn’t recommended by Edmunds, either, but it does still offer a relatively high overall score, especially compared to what it received from the opposition. According to the site, the Forte was worthy of an average ranking of 7.9 out of 10, just on the cusp of gaining a recommendation from the website but missing the mark for just a few slight pitfalls.

Edmunds notes the Forte as being a great deal for the money, and buyers can expect to find them for a base-model MSRP of $20,115 and only increasing a few thousand dollars to the top trim level at $24,460. With the most affordable base model version, buyers can expect all of the standard safety features they’re looking for with vehicles in this price range:

  • Forward collision mitigation
  • Lane departure alerts
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Driver fatigue alerts

RELATED: Kia Forte: The Most Common Problems You Should Know About

The major difference between the reviews

The most significant difference that sets the reviews apart and leads one review to be more negative while the other is more positive is that Consumer Reports ranks predicted reliability based on the history of each model. In this way, the website isn’t making any direct accusations as to whether or not the vehicle will be reliable, but rather noticing that it hasn’t been reliable in the past several model years or has major reliability concerns.

That’s just the case for the 2021 Kia Forte — in previous model years, reliability hasn’t left us with a lot of hope, but that doesn’t mean that Kia hasn’t made major improvements behind the scenes to improve problems surfaced from previous model years, and as a brand new car it does still afford buyers with the standard new-car warranty.

RELATED: The 2021 Kia Forte Lacks a ‘Wow Factor’ but That Shouldn’t Be a Deal Breaker

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The Limited-Edition MV Agusta Rush 1000 Has a ‘Brutale’ Price

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As with supercars, there’s no shortage of expensive motorcycles on the market. And just like supercars, many of these bikes are limited-edition models, differentiated by everything from special paint to extra features. But do the unique touches on the 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 justify its price tag?

The 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000: when the Brutale 1000 RR isn’t quite enough

2021 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR side | MV Agusta

A rival for the Ducati Streetfighter V4, Cycle World calls the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR a “superbly refined naked superbike.” That appellation seems appropriate given the bike’s 208-hp 998cc inline-four engine. Not to mention the 2021 Brutale’s slew of tech features, including a semi-active steering damper and suspension.

Still, MV Agusta wanted to push the capabilities of the Brutale 1000 RR even further. So, when it updated the naked superbike for 2020, it also released the Rush 1000, Cycle World reports. Unfortunately for riders, the Italian brand only made 300 examples.

A low-angle front 3/4 view of a black-and-green 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 on black gravel
2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 front 3/4 | MV Agusta

But if you missed your shot at getting one, you now have a second chance. Because the MV Agusta Rush 1000 is back for 2021. And it’s been subtly tweaked in several places.

As before, the 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is based on the Brutale 1000 RR chassis and powertrain, Motorcyclist reports. That means a 998cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine rated at 208 hp and 86 lb-ft of torque and a chromoly steel trellis frame. And just like the Brutale, the Rush 1000 has semi-active fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension, carbon-fiber bodywork, and ABS-equipped Brembo Stylema brakes.

However, the MV Agusta Rush 1000 isn’t identical to the Brutale 1000 RR. The inline-four engine has different cam timing for more low-to-mid-range torque, as well as stouter and lower-friction valve guides, RideApart reports. And it’s Euro5-emissions compliant. Plus, the six-speed transmission has stronger internals and a reprogrammed electronic quickshifter.

MV Agusta also recalibrated the Ohlins suspension’s software. Considering Bennetts noted the Brutale’s ride quality was a bit, well, brutal, the recalibration may have resolved that issue. Based on MCN’s impression of the 2020 Rush 1000, that seems to be the case.

What else comes with the limited-edition naked bike?

The rear view of a black-and-green 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000
2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 rear | MV Agusta

RELATED: The 2021 Ducati Monster Has a New Spirit and the Same Soul

Speaking of software, that’s arguably the biggest change between the MV Agusta Rush 1000 and the Brutale 1000 RR. Thanks to a new IMU, the limited-edition naked bike has upgraded traction, wheelie, launch, and cruise control. And while the Brutale has ABS, too, the Rush has cornering ABS, RideApart points out.

The suspension and engine weren’t the only areas on the MV Agusta Rush 1000 to get a tech upgrade, though. Compared to the Brutale, the Rush has a larger TFT display. It’s also compatible with the MV Agusta ‘My MV’ app, which allows riders to adjust various settings remotely. And the 2021 Rush 1000 has a new leather-and-Alcantara seat, Bennetts notes.

RELATED: The Ducati Mach 1 Was a Genuine TT Racer for the Road

Plus, MV Agusta bundles the 2021 Rush 1000 with the company’s race kit. That means a CNC gas cap, auxiliary lights, CNC brake and clutch levers, carbon-fiber instrument and exhaust covers, bike and seat covers, and a matching AGV Pista helmet. The kit also includes an SC-Project exhaust with a corresponding ECU tune. It’s not street legal, but it does bump the engine up to 212 hp.

Is the 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000 worth the extra cost over the Brutale 1000 RR?

The side view of a black 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S
2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S side | Ducati

RELATED: The Yamaha YZF-R7 Sportbike Returns With an MT-07 Heart

If you want a 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000, you’ll have to act quickly. As before, the company is only making 300 examples. And they’re not exactly cheap.

The standard 2021 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 costs roughly $38,400. But the Rush 1000 costs just over $47,300. That’s about $13,000 more than the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, which also has 208 hp and semi-active Ohlins suspension. And at 392 pounds dry, it’s 18 pounds lighter than the Rush 1000. So, on paper, the Rush doesn’t make much financial sense.

RELATED: The 2020 Triumph Daytona 765 Moto2 Isn’t Racing Cosplay

But, as MCN points out, bikes like the MV Agusta Rush 1000 aren’t about on-paper practicality or value. As with supercars, subjective features like image, sound, design, and exclusivity are arguably bigger draw-points. Indeed, low-volume production is a key part of MV Agusta’s strategy going forward, RevZilla reports. And style is a key differentiator and selling point of another Ducati-rivaling MV Agusta, the Superveloce.

Plus, looking at what separates the MV Agusta Rush 1000 from the Brutale 1000 RR, the price increase isn’t necessarily excessive. For example, the helmet and exhaust alone cost $3000. Add in the software and hardware tweaks, plus the carbon fiber and CNC-machined components, and the $8900 upcharge is less brutal and more reasonable.

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