The 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline Seriously Means Business

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’ve already seen the Ford Explorer get the Timberline treatment, and now another SUV is next in line. The 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline is in the works to provide this massive SUV with incredible off-roading upgrades. 

The 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline is on the way 

2021 Ford Expedition | Ford

According to Motor1, the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline has been captured in a few spy shots. This is pretty exciting news as the current-generation Ford Expedition arrived in 2018, so it’s about time for an update. 

The Expedition is heavily covered in camouflage, but a few clues suggest an updated, rugged model. You can see the orange tow hooks that the Explorer Timberline has, as well as a skid plate to protect the undercarriage. 

The revised headlights look similar to those seen on the Ford F-150, and the grille has a similar design to the updated Explorer. Revisions to the front bumper suggest that it has more ground clearance for better approach and departure angles too. 

What to expect with the Ford Expedition Timberline 

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Expedition Adds More Enticing Standard Features

If the rumors are true, the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline will have a higher ride height. It may have a factory-installed suspension and extra suspension tuning for an enhanced off-roading experience. 

In the spy shots, you can clearly see some beefy Goodyear Wrangler tires wrapped around black wheels. They provide a pretty confident and aggressive look that provides a nice contrast to the orange tow hooks. It could also gain heavy-duty shocks, stabilizer bars, and springs.

It’s possible that the Expedition Timberline will stick with the current model’s powertrain. The 2021 Ford Expedition has a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 to 400 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

But it wouldn’t surprise us if the Expedition Timberline gains a little extra power to set it apart from the other models. Also, the addition of a hybrid powertrain wouldn’t be shocking as the Ford F-150 Hybrid has been out for a while. 

What are the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline features like? 

The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberland in the woods
2021 Ford Explorer Timberland | Ford

Currently, the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline is being kept under wraps, so we are eagerly waiting to learn more. But the 2022 Expedition is expected to gain technology upgrades from the 2021 Mustang Mach-E, including the large vertically oriented infotainment screen. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be included. 

This is pretty much all speculation at this point, but Ford has some pretty cool off-roading features. The 360-degree surround-view camera would be an exciting addition. Plus, the forward-facing trail camera has proven to be helpful while off-roading. 

The Ford Bronco Sport has a TrailMode feature that automatically adjusts your speed and braking power to take the guesswork out of climbing and descending over obstacles too. We aren’t sure if the Expedition Timberline will gain any of the Go Over Any Terrain (G.O.A.T) features, though. 

It’s possible that the Ford Expedition Timberline could make its debut in the next few months to be available for 2022. However, we will have to wait for more updates. Until then, we will try to contain our excitement.

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You Still Can’t Go Wrong With a Toyota Prius, the Top Hybrid of 2021 per Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

First introduced in Japan in 1997 and the United States in 2000, the Toyota Prius quickly became the first successful modern hybrid vehicle. With its unique look, the Prius is not a car that everyone loves. However, it’s one that Consumer Reports loves. The 2021 Toyota Prius is included on a Consumer Reports list of the best vehicles of 2021. Here’s a look at why.

Toyota dominates Consumer Reports’ “10 Top Picks of 2021: Best Cars of the Year”

Consumer Reports recently released a list of 2021 model year cars that “meet [their] very highest standards for performance, safety, reliability, and more.” The list of the best is based on Consumer Reports’ 50 vehicle tests and information from surveys from owners on reliability and owner satisfaction.

They have good crash test ratings and come standard with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. All of the top picks have Overall Scores from Consumer Reports that are some of the highest for their vehicle categories.

Toyota is the most dominant auto manufacturer on this list, with three top picks, all on the affordable end of the list. Consumer Reports named the 2021 Toyota Corolla the top pick for small cars (under $25,000). It named the 2021 Toyota Prius the top hybrid ($25,000 to $35,000), and it named the 2021 Toyota Camry the top midsize sedan (also $25,000 to $35,000).

Why the Toyota Prius is the best hybrid of 2021

The Toyota Prius | Toru Hanai/Bloomberg via Getty Images

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Prius Still Kills the Hybrid Game According to Consumer Reports

There are many hybrid options these days, but the 2021 Toyota Prius still stands out for having what Consumer Reports calls a “high-efficiency model with such a balanced overall package.” The Prius has great fuel efficiency plus reliability and satisfied owners.

Toyota also recently introduced all-wheel drive for the Prius and a plug-in hybrid version, called the Prius Prime. It earns Consumer Reports’ new Green Choice designation, showing it has low emissions and is environmentally friendly.

Of the five compact hybrid vehicles that Consumer Reports rated for the 2021 model year, the Prius has the highest overall score, with an 80 out of 100. It also has the top predicted reliability of five out of five rating along with the Honda Insight and Toyota Corolla.

And, it’s the only one that receives the top predicted owner satisfaction rating of five out of five. It rounds that out with the highest road-test score of 73. It does come in second best for fuel efficiency, with 52 MPG, just behind the Honda Insight, which gets 54 MPG.

The 2021 Toyota Prius

RELATED: Consumer Reports: The 2021 Toyota Prius Is the Most Reliable Brand-New Car

The 2021 Toyota Prius is recommended by Consumer Reports, and every model year of the Prius since 2004 has received a recommendation from Consumer Reports. The Prius has a practical hatchback design, although it doesn’t have great rear visibility, says Consumer Reports.

Its hybrid powertrain has a 1.8-liter gas engine and an electric motor, which combine to produce 121 hp. It doesn’t have great acceleration, and Consumer Reports feels the Ford Fusion Hybrid has more engaging handling.

However, it’s easy to drive using just electric power as long as the Prius is going less than about 40 MPH and the driver doesn’t accelerate quickly. It’s rated for 43 MPG in the city, 59 MPG on the highway, and 52 MPG overall.

The interior of the Prius has a modern design, but it is unusual in having its instrument panel in the center of the dashboard. Its gear selector is a little unusual too.

The infotainment system comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, but an 11.6-inch touchscreen is available, says U.S. News. Apple CarPlay is standard, and Android Auto is standard on all except the Limited trim.

The 2021 Prius provides plenty of advanced safety features. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking with low-light pedestrian and daytime bicyclist detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all trims except the base model. The starting price for the 2021 Prius is between $24,525 and $32,650.

The Toyota Prius has been a popular hybrid for many years, and Consumer Reports confirms that it’s among the best by including the car on its list of the 10 Top Picks of 2021.

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Consumer Reports: Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Toyota Cars

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are a variety of reliable 3-year-old cars on the market right now. Consumer Reports gathered up some of the best 2018 Toyota options available, including the Corolla, Camry, Avalon, and Prius.

What should I pay for a 2018 Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla is one of Consumer Reports picks | Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Consumer Reports listed the Toyota Corolla as a reliable and green choice. The average retail price is between $17,750 and $20,525, depending on the mileage. For reliability, the Corolla scored a five out of five. The owner satisfaction scored a three out of five, which isn’t bad.

For instance, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated all listed categories as “good.” That includes the front driver, front passenger, side crash, rear crash, and roof crush sections. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Corolla. The overall crash, side-crash, and frontal-crash driver section all scored five out of five stars. Only the overall frontal-crash and frontal-crash passenger section scored four out of five.

Which is better, 2018 Toyota Prius or Corolla?

RELATED: What Does Toyota Charge for an Oil Change?

The Toyota Prius average retail price is between $19,675 and $23,625, depending on the mileage. For reliability and owner satisfaction, the Prius scored a five out of five.

Firstly, the 2018 Prius had high safety ratings. Most of the scores by the IIHS for the front, side, and rear crashes were rated as “good.” However, sections like the front-small overlap scored a rating of “acceptable.” The NHTSA gave similar four and five-star ratings for the crash tests. Above all, that is a fairly safe car.

84% of owners surveyed by Consumer Reports noted that the Prius was reliable enough to purchase again. The reliability trouble spots many owners deal with all scored five out of five. This includes the engine and transmission. In other words, the Prius is a reliable choice.

How long will a 2018 Camry last?

RELATED: Toyota Camry Best-Selling Car in the U.S. for 19 Consecutive Years

The Toyota Camry is a well-loved and reliable car. It is priced between $21,675 and $31,775. The reliability scored four out of five. Owner satisfaction came in at a three. The IIHS scored most areas “good,” while the NHSTA gave important areas like driver and passenger frontal-crash a score of five out of five stars.

The Camry came equipped with easy-to-use controls, excellent fuel economy, and a comfortable ride for up to five passengers. However, the Camry is available with a variety of engine types to suit many needs. This includes 2.5L and 3.5L engines and a hybrid option.

Is the Toyota Avalon a good car?

The 2018 Avalon is priced at $22,900 to $29,850 currently. Consumer Reports gave the Avalon a reliability score of five out of five. For owner satisfaction, it scored four out of five. The IIHS rated the front moderate overlap, front driver, and side crash “good.” From the NHTSA, the frontal-crash driver and passenger both scored four stars. In other words, the Avalon is safe.

The reliability trouble spots like engine major/minor, transmission, drive system, and engine cooling, CR gave this car a perfect score. In conclusion, owners have been satisfied overall with the Avalon’s driving experience, comfort, value, and styling.

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Enormous Cargo Space Makes the 2021 Buick Enclave a Great Family SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Buick Enclave provides an affordable yet luxurious option for a solid family SUV. With enough passenger seating and cargo room, the Enclave is stylish and comfortable. But with all the different SUVs on the market, what makes the Enclave stand out? 

What are the 2021 Buick Enclave specs?

Highly affordable yet still luxurious, the Buick Enclave is an SUV made for families. The largest SUV in Buick’s lineup, the Enclave features three spacious rows of seating, allowing it to compete with the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. The Enclave handles nicely and offers up a smooth and quiet ride. With its large V6 engine, there’s plenty of power to tap into. 

Many premium and tech features come standard in the Enclave, adding to its overall allure. MotorTrend lists its starting MSRP at $40,000. Considering many of its rivals are priced thousands of dollars higher, Buick is a solid option for families looking for more space and reliability.

The interior tech is user-friendly with a wide arrange of features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard on all models. USB ports are included throughout each of the three rows of seats.

The vehicle also earned a five-star safety rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). U.S. News lists the Enclave as one of its top family SUVs, citing its spacious interior, safety rating, and affordability.

Upgraded features in the 2021 Enclave

RELATED: The 2021 Buick Enclave Sneaks Into a Spot on This Consumer Reports List

The 2021 Buick Enclave comes in four different models: Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir. Each additional level costs considerably more but adds safety and luxury items to the base model. The Preferred includes all the standard fare: hands-free powered liftgate, cloth upholstered heated seats (front seats only), 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and second-row captain chairs. 

For approximately $2,000 more, according to Autotrader, the Essence model adds blind-spot and cross-traffic warning systems and leather upholstery. All-wheel drive is available for the Essence model for an additional price.

The Premium model adds even more safety features like pedestrian detection, emergency braking, and lane assist. Added seat comforts like massaging lumbar support and heated second-row seating come standard with this model.  

The Avenir is the top-of-the-line Buick Enclave. Boasting upgraded exterior styling with more color selections, this model includes larger tires (20 inches) and a dual-panel sunroof. 

The cargo space seals the deal for families

Families searching for a new vehicle usually have one thing on their list — more space. The 2021 Buick Enclave delivers that. The spacious and airy interior offers seating for seven. The second row includes two captain chairs making the third row easily accessible, something important to many families. 

Of course, an important trait in any family vehicle is its cargo space — especially with a full third row. With all seats occupied, there’s still 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row. That means more space for groceries, luggage, and sports equipment.

When both the second and third rows are down, the Enclave boasts an astounding 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space according to U.S. News. That’s one of the roomiest interiors on the market today.

It’s also easy to access. A hands-free liftgate is standard and necessary to any parent who has ever held a crying baby in one hand and groceries in the other. There are LATCH connectors in the second row, allowing easy car seat installation. The third row uses tethers for additional child restraints. 

While the Enclave features more cargo space than most models out on the highway, there are also 3.1 cubic feet of underfloor storage if needed. If your family is looking for a generous interior with loads of storage space, the Buick Enclave might fit all your needs.

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