Apple CarPlay has become a staple in new cars. Apple CarPlay and its counterpart, Android Auto are arguably the best way to integrate your phone with your car and streamline the driving process. Both systems keep helpful apps like Spotify, Waze, and Google Maps are well within reach.
While most manufacturers have realized these systems are something consumers now expect to be included, some have been a little slower to catch on. This could be due to the fact that it’s no longer worth it to pay for navigation options in new cars. Why would you if Waze is free and able to be cast onto your navigation screen?
Come out to CarPlay
Ferrari’s new Roma during its debut in Rome, Italy | Cheng Tingting/Xinhua via Getty
Because Apple CarPlay is such a hit with consumers, a plethora of manufacturers have begun to offer the screen-mirroring tech as a no-cost option. It seems, however, that Ferrari didn’t get the message. Or, perhaps they did and decided to nickel and dime their customers anyways, charging north of $4,000 for the software. It’s not just limited to their ultra-exclusive models either. Apple CarPlay is optional for both the Roma and its convertible twin, the Portifino, according to AutoBlog.
While those able to afford a Ferrari can certainly swing the $4,000 for Apple CarPlay, it’s not really about the money. Consumers like to know that automakers put a little care into their product, and squeezing your customer who is already paying over $200,000 for one of your cars doesn’t send a great message.
Close, but not close enough
The dash of a new BMW in the factory | Mauricio Palos via Getty Images
Some manufacturers got wise to this, if not a little late in the game. Back in 2019, BMW decided they wanted a piece of the Apple CarPlay pie and then dropped the whole pie. BMW began charging a subscription fee for access to Apple CarPlay to the tune of $80 a month or $300 for the “lifetime” of the vehicle according to Car and Driver. In actuality, it was a 20-year subscription, and who knows if that will really be the life of these cars. While that is a ridiculous money grab that BMW was rightly accosted for, it is somewhat understandable as to why they would do something like that.
The advent of screen-mirroring tech for your phone being added into cars has effectively killed the in-car navigation system. Some automakers wanted to claw back a little bit of those lost profits, though the morality of this is debatable. It should also be noted that BMW did eventually decide to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with navigation in their cars.
Someone’s gotta do it right
The Apple Logo displayed outside one of their stores | Wang Gang via Getty Images
If you can’t beat them, you should join them. Knowing this, automakers such as Toyota have decided to make Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across much, if not all, of their models. A few others have followed suit, such as Hyundai. But Volvo has chosen a different path altogether.
It would appear that Volvo are not just pioneers of the safety realm. Their new infotainment system is based on an Android operating system and runs nearly identically to Android Auto. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android auto are still available. Now, you no longer need a phone to get the convenience and familiarity of screen-mirroring tech in a Volvo. Perhaps this is the best way to do this, giving consumers the best of both worlds
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/roma-1024x659-1.jpg6591024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-21 17:22:412021-05-21 17:57:36Most Expensive Apple CarPlay in New Cars – How Much Is Too Much?
Car shopping is stressful, whether it’s new cars or used ones. Adding a teenage driver into the mix can only heighten the stress level. From teaching them to drive to shopping for their new ride, in addition to used car prices are skyrocketing right now. In response, many families have turned to buying or leasing a new car for their children. Happily, Consumer Reports’ list of the best new cars for teens is looking to help out a little. They’ve put together a list of the best new metal for your teenage dirtbag, baby.
Consumer Reports: Is the Mazda3 the one for you?
The Mazda3 | Photo by Victor Decolongon via Getty Images
Small cars are just about as good as new cars for teens get, and the Mazda3 is no exception. All-new for 2020 and 2021, Consumer Reports ranks the Mazda3 highly for a plethora of reasons.
The new Mazda3 can be had as either a sedan or the more practical hatchback configuration. It’s also great to see some interesting color options like “Soul Red Crystal Metallic” on offer. If your teen prefers to row their own, there’s also a manual transmission on offer. Plenty of useable space, quiet ride, and strong brakes help to keep the Mazda3 safe and comfortable to boot.
Consumer Reports: The Toyota Corolla is just right
The Toyota Corolla hybrid | Photo by Chesnot via Getty Images
Perhaps the most economically-minded of Consumer Report’s choices, the Toyota Corolla made the list for a reason. The Corolla comes standard with some excellent safety and convenience features. Lane-keep and radar cruise are fantastic for distraction-prone teen drives. Like the Mazda3, the Corolla can be had in either a sedan or a hatch, with or without the stick shift.
Interestingly, the Corolla can also be specced as a hybrid for those teens who have to scrounge up their own gas money. However, the Corolla can be a little loud on the highway per Consumer Reports, but standard Car Play and J. Cole’s new album can help with that. Interior quality is far below that of the Mazda3, but who cares when your teen will cover it in filth anyway? As long as the seats are easy to clean and comfy (which they are) that’s all that matters.
Consumer Reports: Safest of them all, the Honda Accord
The Honda Accord | Photo by Jewel Samad via Getty Images
Though the 2021 Honda Accord only comes offered as a sedan, it is larger than both the Corolla and the Mazda3. Unfortunately, Car Play and Android Auto will have to be added to the options list, as they aren’t standard for the Accord.
More importantly, the Accord is arguably the safest of the three cars listed here according to Consumer Reports. Automatic highway and city emergency are standard, and the Accord boasts excellent crash safety ratings. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning systems are both optional and necessary for new drivers. Looks are subjective, but testers agree that of the three, the Accord isn’t much of a looker, with the Mazda3 handily winning in that category.
Regardless of which car you choose, Consumer Reports has picked some real winners for their best new cars for teens. The Corolla is easily the most affordable option, the Mazda the best all-rounder, and the Accord the safest. No matter what, teens will be safe, comfortable and happy in any of these choices.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/mazda3-1-1024x676-1.jpg6761024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-21 17:08:082021-05-21 17:57:38Consumer Reports: Best New Cars for Teens
When you walk into a dealership to buy a car, you’re probably not aware that a lot goes on behind the scenes. Of course, as the customer, you most likely don’t care either. But in some cases, your very presence could mean a bigger payout for the salesperson that’s helping you. Here is how it works.
A “bird dog” could mean more money for the salesperson
A man examines a new car sticker. | Tim Boyle via Getty Images
Don’t worry, your salesperson isn’t going to add any more fees or taxes to the car your buying in order to make more money. Instead, a “bird dog” in the car business refers to a salesperson, or third party, that refers a potential customer to another salesperson in exchange for part of the commission, according to The Free Dictionary.
The meaning of the term stems from the hunting dogs that are used to track down and retrieve birds that have been shot. It’s a catchy term and as you can see, it doesn’t really affect the customer. If anything, it’s actually helpful for customers since they’ll be pointed in the right direction, and possibly the right salesperson, to find the car that they want.
How much do salespeople make for bird dog referrals?
A couple shopping at a dealership. | Tim Boyle/Bloomberg News via Getty Images
Around $25 to $50 per referred customer. However, that referral fee can be much higher depending on the agreement between the two salespeople and what kind of car the customers buy. A lot of times, this practice of referring customers is set up between an auto broker and a dealership salesperson in order to help each other out when it comes to getting business.
Essentially, bird dogs are just “middlemen” in the deal. There have even been times when customers have been bird dogs for dealers as a way to make a little money on the side. But don’t expect to approach a salesperson with that type of proposal as it could be illegal in some states.
How can this referral service be good for customers?
(GERMANY OUT) DEU, Deutschland, Berlin: A turkish couple at AUDI.- Ali Haydar Berkpinar, a turkish salesman handing over the key. (Photo by Yavuz Arslan/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
While it sounds like a bird dog referral only benefits the salespeople involved – since they’re getting paid – it can actually benefit the customer as well. For example, if you’re looking for a specific make, model, and configuration of a certain vehicle, then you would want to ensure that you can find it in the easiest way possible, right?
In that case, being referred to another salesperson that can get the job done would be ideal. In that case, it wouldn’t really matter if they’re getting an extra spiff for helping you. Ultimately, if you end up liking the service that the salesperson provides, then you can ever refer your friends and family to them as well.
However, if you don’t want to deal with potentially being passed to another salesperson, then you can always conduct your car-buying research beforehand. By using tools like Edmunds, Autotrader, and Kelley Blue Book, you can find out as much information as possible about the car, or cars, that you’re interested in. By arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible, you can also skip the middleman – or bird dog – and find the car you’re looking for without having to talk to multiple people.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Woman-examining-car-sticker-1024x734-2-1.jpg7341024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-21 16:35:002021-05-21 16:56:41What Is a ‘Bird Dog’ in Car Sales?
Buying a new car can get expensive. In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, the average new vehicle cost shoppers approximately $40,857 in January 2021. There’s no denying that’s a good chunk of change. The good news is that if you’re on the hunt for an affordable new hybrid? Kelley Blue Book highlighted these models as the best affordable new hybrids under $30,000.
If you’re in the market for an affordable new hybrid under $30,000, Kelley Blue Book says you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Honda Insight. It boasts a base price of $23,130 and, at its most expensive, will cost you approximately $29,040. But an affordable price tag isn’t the only reason to consider this hybrid sedan.
Driven by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that comes paired with an electric motor, the 2021 Honda Insight is also remarkably fuel-efficient. In fact, according to the EPA, this year’s model can deliver an EPA-estimated 51 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.
It comes stock full of standard features too. Opt for a base model, and enjoy standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control, LED ambient console lighting, and a 5-inch infotainment display. The Insight is standard with a long list of driver-assist features, too, making it no surprise that the IIHS awarded it its highest safety rating.
The 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid was also included among Kelley Blue Books’ best affordable new hybrids under $30,000. This year’s model will cost you approximately $27,605. At its most expensive, this SUV costs $33,300.
Much like the Honda Insight, the Ford Escape Hybrid is fuel-efficient. According to the EPA, this year’s model can achieve an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. For a hybrid SUV, there’s no denying those fuel economy ratings are impressive.
And when it comes to standard features? This affordable hybrid SUV aims to please. Opt for the base model Ford Escape Hybrid and enjoy standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker sound system, SYNC 3, and FordPass Connect. Like the Insight, the Ford Escape Hybrid is standard with several driver-assist safety features and was tapped by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick for the 2021 model year.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Blue is unique because it’s available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric model. Choose the hybrid model, and you can expect to spend roughly $23,400. Upgrade to the range-topping Limited, and you’ll becan$31,400.
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Blue is fuel-efficient too. Equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that comes paired with an electric motor, the EPA reports this year’s model is able to deliver an EPA-estimated 58 mpg in the city and 60 mpg on the highway. Kelley Blue Book says that makes this year’s model slightly more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Prius.
The Hyundai Ioniq Blue also knows just how to please when it comes to standard features. Choose the base model, and you can expect standard features to include dual-zone automatic climate control, premium cloth seating, and an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display that’s compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Toyota Corolla has long been known for its affordable price tag. The good news is that the same can be said for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE, making it no surprise that Kelley Blue Book included it among its list of the best new affordable hybrids under $30,000. Choose this new Toyota hybrid, and you’ll be spending approximately $23,600.
As for how fuel-efficient this Toyota hybrid is? Well, according to the EPA, you can expect the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE to deliver an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway. All in all, that’s not bad.
This affordable new hybrid comes well-stocked with standard features too. It’s not only standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 but also comes outfitted with interior amenities like automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and an 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It’s also standard with a three-month WiFi Connect trial.
The Hyundai Ioniq isn’t the only Hyundai model Kelley Blue Book highlighted in its list of the best new hybrids under $30,000. It also chose the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue, which boasts a base price of $27,750. At its most expensive, this hybrid will cost you just over $30,000.
Driven by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that comes paired with an electric motor, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue also knows how to make the most out of every gallon. In fact, the EPA reports that this affordable new sedan delivers an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway.
Don’t let its affordable price tag fool you, either. This hybrid comes stock full of standard features that aim to please. Treat yourself to the base model, and you can look forward to standard features like premium cloth seating surfaces and an 8-inch color touchscreen display with HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Kelley Blue Book really likes Hyundai’s lineup of affordable new hybrids under $30,000. Making it no surprise that it included the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue in its list. After all, this year’s model does boast a base price of $23,500. Even at its priciest, this hybrid will have you spending less than $30,000.
And like other hybrids on the list? The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue is very fuel-efficient. According to the EPA, choose this hybrid sedan, and you can expect an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway.
A low price and fuel-efficient powertrain isn’t all the Elantra Hybrid has going for it either. Base models come outfitted with a long list of interior amenities. Among them are cloth seating, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.
If you’re shopping for an affordable new hybrid under $30,000, Kelley Blue Book suggests taking a gander at the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid too. This year’s model starts at $26,570. Treat yourself to the range-topping Honda Accord Hybrid, and you can anticipate shelling out $36,440.
As for how fuel-efficient the Honda Accord Hybrid is? According to the EPA, this year’s model can deliver up to an EPA-estimated 48 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. With those fuel economy ratings, the EPA reports this year’s model will save you $3,750 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle.
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offers no shortage of standard features, especially when it comes to safety features. All Accord Hybrid models are standard with Honda Sensing. The IIHS also tapped the Accord Hybrid as a Top Safety Pick+.
The Toyota Prius is a staple among the hybrid segment, making it no surprise that Kelley Blue Book included it in its list of the best affordable new hybrids under $30,000. Opt for the 2021 Toyota Prius L Eco, and you’ll be spending only $24,525.
As you might have expected, the 2021 Toyota Prius L Eco is a fuel-sipper too. It boasts 633 miles of total range and, according to the EPA, is rated at an EPA-estimated 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. All in all, the EPA says this year’s model will save you $4,500 in fuel costs over five years of ownership.
Much like other cars on the list, the 2021 Toyota Prius L Eco comes with plenty of standard features. All base models come outfitted with features like Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, an integrated backup camera, push-button start, and a touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
What’s a best-of list without the Toyota Camry? After all, much like the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry is a staple among its segment. Opt for the Hybrid LE, and the Camry is also among the most affordable new hybrids under $30,000. In fact, this year’s base model will only have you spending $25,045.
This Toyota hybrid is fuel-efficient too. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor. According to the EPA, with that pairing, the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. Those numbers make the Camry Hybrid slightly more fuel-efficient than competitors like the Honda Accord Hybrid.
And when it comes to standard interior amenities? All models are standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an integrated backup camera, and a 7-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Last but certainly not least is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Priced at $28,800, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is among the best affordable new hybrids under $30,000. However, opting for a higher trim level will have you spending more. In fact, the range-topping RAV4 Hybrid is priced at $37,330.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s engine is pretty thrifty too. The EPA reports that even though this affordable new hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive, it returns an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Kelley Blue Book reports that the RAV4 Hybrid can be had with a slew of premium features too. While base models come pretty well-stocked, this year’s model can also be had with sought-after amenities like a power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and wireless device charging.
How to choose the best new hybrid for your driving needs
There’s no denying that shopping for a new hybrid car can get overwhelming. But if you’re shopping for an affordable new hybrid under $30,000? These picks from Kelley Blue Book make for a good start.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-Honda-Insight-02-source-1-1024x720-1.jpg7201024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-21 16:05:002021-05-21 16:26:23The Best Affordable New Hybrids Under $30,000 According to KBB
