Consumer Reports Rates the 2021 Subaru Forester as the Best For City Driving

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Subaru makes some of the best cars on the market today, and it’s not unusual for a Subaru to get a great review. As such, it’s no surprise that the 2021 Subaru Forester is one of the best cars for city driving. Here’s a look at exactly why critics think that’s the case.

What’s necessary for the city

While many cars can and do drive around in the city, other cars are simply better equipped for the task. That’s because, like Consumer Reports said, a couple of factors matter more for city cars than they do for cars that are more common in rural areas. One of the most important considerations, for example, is a car’s size in all manner of speaking. 

If a car’s too big, then it’s probably going to have a tough time parking anywhere or even navigating through rush hour. If a car’s too small, then you’re not going to be able to do much shopping while in the city.

And then of course there are the ride considerations. If a car has an uncomfortable ride, then you are going to feel every single pothole. And if a car has a terrible city MPG, then you’re going to blow a lot of money being stuck in traffic. 

Safety’s also a concern, but namely for others. Cars that come with an automatic emergency braking system and a pedestrian detection system are great for city driving, according to Consumer Reports. With all of these factors in mind, it’s clear why the 2021 Subaru Forester is being recognized.

The 2021 Subaru Forester is the best SUV for city driving

As far as SUVs go, Consumer Reports rated the Subaru Forester as the best of them all. The Forester, which starts at under $25,000 MSRP, has everything that Consumer Reports wants in a car for city driving. It’s not the smallest SUV, nor does it have the smallest turning radius, but it strikes a great balance between those factors and having a roomy interior and more cargo capacity.

On top of that, the Forester gets a respectable 20 MPG in the city, and there’s also a PHEV option for those who want to pump those numbers up some more. Additionally, it has a very comfortable ride, and automatic emergency braking with a pedestrian detection system is also standard.

All those things make it a great car for city driving, but the Forester excels in other areas too. For example, Consumer Reports praised its controls, its handling, as well as its reliability. Overall, Consumer Reports gave the Subaru Forester a score of 89 out of 100, which made it the best compact SUV of the year.

There are other good options for city driving too

The 2021 Subaru Forester | Zhe Ji/Getty Images

Although the Subaru Forester may be the best option, it’s not the only good option for city driving, at least as far as SUVs go. Consumer Reports recommends two other SUVs that are great for city driving, and they’re both compact SUVs as well. 

The first is the Honda CR-V, which is similar to the Forester in many ways. The CR-V has good gas mileage, a great balance between size and space, as well as the standard safety features that are necessary for city driving. With that being said, the CR-V does have some issues, according to Consumer Reports. Namely, its owner satisfaction rating is about average, and as a result, its overall score is 81 out of 100.

A second option is the Toyota RAV4. As with the other two SUVs, the RAV4 meets the criteria for city driving that Consumer Reports wants. It has a good turning radius, a fair balance between size and space, and automatic emergency braking with a pedestrian detection system. That said, its ride is a bit stiff, and its reliability and satisfaction ratings are about average. Overall, Consumer Reports only gave the RAV4 a score of 72 out of 100.

You can’t go wrong with any of these options, but you can definitely go right with the Subaru Forester.

RELATED: The Most Popular 2021 Subaru Forester Trim Isn’t Necessarily the Best

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Buy This All-Electric Kia EV6 First Edition and You’ll Get a Free Apple Watch

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Kia EV6 First Edition is one of many new electric models the Korean carmaker plans to unveil over the next several years. As you might imagine, Kia wants buyers to get excited about these cars and seriously consider buying them. While the EV6 isn’t available for sale just yet, a limited run of First Edition models is now available for pre-order.

According to Kia’s latest press release, buyers who chose to reserve these cars ahead of time will get to pick between three available gifts. One of these is an Apple Watch. However, this might not be the best gift on offer.

How much does the 2022 Kia EV6 First Edition cost?

2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

Before we dive into these available gifts, let’s go over the 2022 Kia EV6 First Edition itself. As you might imagine, the first model to arrive won’t be an entry-level version with no options onboard. In fact, if you decide to be one of the first buyers, you’ll get a top trim model.

This means that your 2022 Kia EV6 First Edition will include an augmented reality heads-up display, remote smart parking assist, sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and a Meridian audio system. In terms of performance, you’ll also get the most powerful dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive and a 77.4 kWh battery.

With both electric motors, you’ll get a combined output of 313 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. Unfortunately, the Korean carmaker hasn’t released its official pricing for this model. However, Car and Driver estimates that this electric crossover could cost between $45,000 and $55,000.

If you buy this electric crossover, you’ll get a free Apple Watch

An image of a 2022 Kia EV6 outdoors.
2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

RELATED: 2021 Kia Telluride Recalled Due to 1 Child-Related Safety Issue

If you’re prepared to embrace electricity with the 2022 Kia EV6 First Edition, the carmaker has a unique strategy to entice you further. That’s because you’ll get a choice between three available gifts. The first is the aforementioned Apple Watch you’ll get for free if you opt for the First Edition model. The reason is so that you’ll be able to connect with your car via your smartwatch.

The second gift on offer is an at-home charger. This would allow you to easily charge your car overnight so that it’s ready to go whenever you get up for your daily commute.

While these are both great options, the final gift is likely the one you’ll want to get. That’s because Kia offers a credit you can use for a national charging network. While the carmaker hasn’t specified which network or how much credit you’ll have, Volkswagen offered up years of free charging with its ID4. If Kia steps in with a similar offer, it could be quite enticing.

When will the 2022 Kia EV6 go on sale?

An image of a 2022 Kia EV6 outdoors.
2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

If you want to reserve a 2022 Kia EV6 First Edition, it’s a fairly straightforward process. For the most part, you have to put down a $100 refundable deposit to secure an order. However, this version is limited to just 1,500 examples. The Korean carmaker hasn’t stated whether or not you’ll be able to reserve the standard model once these run out. Regardless, buyers that chose to reserve one will receive their electric crossover in the first quarter of 2022.

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The 2021 Ford Expedition Makes Each Drive Really Quiet

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For some drivers, there’s nothing better than a calm, quiet, and composed ride. These drivers typically favor upscale vehicles with well-appointed cabins that are well insulated against road and engine noise. There are many SUVs that meet these criteria though some of them aren’t strictly luxury vehicles. The 2021 Ford Expedition is an SUV that offers a quiet ride. How is the bigger SUV so quiet? We’ll take a closer look.

The 2021 Ford Expedition is a quiet SUV

Recently the car team at U.S. News put together a list of the 11 quietest SUVs in 2021. The 2021 Ford Expedition made the list and ranks second in the large SUV class according to U.S. News. It’s the most expensive vehicle on the list that’s not a luxury vehicle.

The Expedition is as powerful as you’d expect. It’s powered by a turbocharged V6 engine that isn’t a complete gas hog. It can tow more than all the other SUVs on the list, and it’s nimble for its mammoth size. It’s still a challenge to navigate in tight places.

The independent rear suspension in all Expeditions provides a smooth, comfortable ride that absorbs the bumps in the road. It’s quiet too. While the steering isn’t as accurate as that of its rivals, its suspension trumps that of its GMC and Chevy peers.

Great interior features

The 2021 Ford Expedition has a posh, spacious cabin with three rows of seats where adults can sit comfortably. The Expedition comes with a full slate of active safety features and tech. The interior only gets better as you move up through the trim levels.

The cabin uses quality materials no matter which model you go with. The dashboard is square with wide air vents. There are 15 cupholders in there which works great for large families and those who end up transporting their kid’s soccer team to and from games.

The third row of seats is power-folding in all but the two-row XL STX models. As you move up through the trims, you get more convenience and luxury features like a center console with real wood accents, leather door-trim accents, and multi-contour front seats with massage capabilities. There’s a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel too.

There are a few drawbacks like the generous use of cost-cutter plastic in a vehicle with its price tag. You expect more. 

You can get captain’s chairs for the second row instead of the standard three-person bench. There are lots of well-placed and useful storage spaces and folding second and third rows of seats make it easier to load your cargo.

It’s hard to beat the Expedition when it comes to tech because there are a lot of ways you can connect and even more available features. The base models offer the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. There’s a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features standard too.

You have to pay more to get weather data and navigation with real-time traffic data. You can get an infotainment system for the rear seats on the Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum models.

2021 Ford Expedition trim levels and pricing

The base Ford Expedition XL STX starts at $49,995. It’s the only two-row model in the lineup and aside from the features mentioned, it offers a six-speaker stereo, four USB ports, tri-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

You also get a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision alerts, a braking system, and rear cross-traffic alerts. You can add four-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential for $1,100 and rear parking sensors for $110.

The XLT models start at $52,810 and give you a power-folding third row of seating. You also get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors, and satellite radio. You also get a lot of option packages available at this level to add features for an additional price.

The Limited models start at $61,575. You get everything in the 202A package along with Co-Pilot360 Assist. Limited models get leather upholstery in the first two rows, heated second-row seats, a foot-activated liftgate, front parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You also get two more USB ports, HD Radio, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The 302A package and other options are available with Limited models.

The King Ranch models start at $72,735 with everything in the 302A Limited package along with better leather upholstery and some other distinct styling cues. The limited-slip differential and damping suspension are still options at this level.

The top-shelf Platinum models start at $73,775, and it comes with everything and the kitchen sink. The multi-contour massaging front seats, adaptive suspension, and a panoramic roof are included. It also offers 25 more horses with its EcoBoost V6 engine.

RELATED: The Newest Ford Expedition Is the Only Model Year to Get Consumer Reports Official Recommendation

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Cars and Bids Bargain of the Week: 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A status symbol for modern celebrities, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, aka the G-Class/G-Wagen, is more than just a boulevard cruiser. But its large price tag means few can experience its other strengths. At least, that’s the case for a new one. Thanks to depreciation, used G-Wagons can be surprisingly affordable. Take, for example, the one that’s this week’s Cars and Bids bargain purchase: a 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320.

An older W463 Mercedes G-Wagon: when you want Toyota 4Runner ruggedness with more luxury

1979 Mercedes G-Wagon Convertible | Mercedes-Benz

It might be a premium SUV today, but the Mercedes G-Wagon, or Geländewagen, didn’t start that way. The original 1973 design brief called for “‘an off-road vehicle for civilian and non-civilian use,'” Car and Driver reports. At the time, Mercedes already had the Unimog, but that was as much a farming tool as a vehicle. The G-Wagon, though, was designed as a competitor to Jeep, Land Rover, and the Toyota Land Cruiser, Automobile explains. That meant features like solid axles, multiple locking differentials, four-wheel drive, and a simple, tough interior.

From 1979-1989, that was the basic Mercedes G-Wagon formula. And it served military clients and overlanding enthusiasts well. Not to mention helping Mercedes win the 1983 Paris-Dakar, Hagerty notes. However, as Land Rover discovered in the ‘60s, not every SUV customer wanted a Defender. That’s why the British automaker created the first Range Rover. And Mercedes wanted in on that market segment, Top Gear explains.

Thus, in 1990 Mercedes split the G-Wagon lineup into two models, Road & Track reports. The OG rugged versions carried on as the W461 models. And for luxury buyers, there was the W463 G-Wagon.

Mechanically, the W463 Mercedes G-Wagon still delivers on the off-road front. It has three locking differentials, full-time 4WD with a transfer case, solid axles, and a body-on-frame design. However, it has more amenities than the W461, such as leather upholstery, airbags, wood trim, cruise control, running boards, and ABS, GQ and Car and Driver report. Add it all up, and a W463 G-Wagon can keep up with Land Rovers off-pavement and ride more comfortably on it.

The 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 on Cars and Bids

A modified matte-black 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 in a parking lot
Modified 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 | Cars and Bids

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Mercedes didn’t officially sell the G-Wagon in the US until the 2003 model year. However, before that, Europa International imported several European-market models and federalized them for US roads. Europa International still imports G-Wagons and parts, but because of the 25-year rule, any 1996 or earlier model is import-eligible. That’s why the 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 currently listed on Cars and Bids is now in the US.

As its name implies, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 has a 3.2-liter inline-six engine rated at 217 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. It’s linked to a four-speed automatic and the previously-mentioned 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case. And in addition to the three locking differentials, wood trim, and leather, this G320 has a sunroof, cassette player, and A/C.

The brown-and-black-leather-upholstered front seats and wood-trimmed dashboard of a modified 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320
Modified 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 front interior | Cars and Bids

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However, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 isn’t stock. It has a custom aftermarket exhaust system, 20” wheels, matte paint, a bull bar, tinted windows, a Brabus grille and sill plates, and aftermarket lights and bumpers. Plus, it has a hard spare tire cover, aftermarket speakers, an Alcantara headliner, and power-adjustable heated front seats.

With roughly 171,200 miles on the clock, this G320 is in fairly good condition. The only flaws are some wheel scratches and some cracked wood trim pieces. And in the Cars and Bids comments, the seller notes that all the electrics work.

It’s a classic off-road SUV that’s luxurious but still reliable

The rear 3/4 view of a modified matte-black 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 on a beachside parking lot
Modified 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 rear 3/4 | Cars and Bids

RELATED: Cars and Bids Bargain of the Week: 1995 W124 Mercedes-Benz E320

As of this writing, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 is listed on Cars and Bids at $18,000 with three days left in the auction. Although it’s possible to find even cheaper G-Wagons, many sell for over twice as much on Bring a Trailer. As such, this G320 is a luxury SUV bargain with genuine off-road credentials.

As with any used car purchase, a pre-purchase inspection is recommended. However, it’s worth noting that G-Class SUVs, especially older ones, are fairly reliable. The 3.2-liter inline-six engine from this generation and the four-speed automatic are stout, provided they’ve been maintained properly, PistonHeads reports. And while pre-2004 models can develop electrical and battery-drainage issues, this 1995 G320 doesn’t appear to have such problems. But then, that’s what the PPI is designed to check for.

RELATED: A W124 Mercedes-Benz Is the Best Classic Car for Beginners

Still, this 1995 Mercedes G-Wagon represents a significant bargain of a luxury off-roader. And with the modifications, it looks significantly newer than it is. So, you can enjoy the status without blowing your budget.

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