2022 Toyota 4Runner Drops Two Trim Levels

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is estimated to roll out this fall. Full details of the 2022 edition have yet to be announced, but the automaker has said it’s dropping two trim packages from the lineup. With no major redesign in the works until 2025, what will replace the outgoing options?

2021 Toyota 4Runners | Toyota

Two special edition 4Runner trim levels are on the way out

Currently, the Toyota 4Runner is available in the Nightshade edition. This sporty model features glossy black accents that give it a distinctive look. Surprisingly this trim package splits 4Runner fans into two camps. Some love its look, while others are happy to see it go. This trim level is mostly about appearances.

The Venture special edition may be more missed. It’s enjoyed popularity with 4Runner enthusiasts since it was introduced in 2002. Edmunds gave the Venture its seal of approval. One of the biggest perks of this trim level is the included Yakima roof rack. The Venture was built for off-roading, and this rack makes plenty of room for gear.

4Runner buyers don’t lack in options. Even if these packages were cut and no replacement was due, it wouldn’t be a hard hit. Both the Venture and Nightshade trim levels offer little in the way of new functions or features. Fans hope new trim levels will be more than skin deep.

Current 4Runner trim levels on offer

A blue and chrome Toyota emblem on a silver vehicle
Toyota emblem | Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

RELATED: How Reliable Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner will still be sold in the SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail Special Edition, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro trim levels. The remaining packages are more performance-based than the Venture and Nightshade editions.

Toyota hasn’t announced what will replace the outgoing options but buyers can expect more appearance-based changes. It’s likely that the upcoming year’s special editions will include similar touches to the outgoing grades. These outward updates give this model year a touch of personality.

With just 3 years until the next major redesign, it’s unlikely that Toyota’s offerings for 2022 will represent any drastic updates. Some buyers may be tempted to hold off on this year’s model in favor of the 2023 redesign. With a possible release date just months away, more details may be released soon.

The Toyota 4Runner is overdue for an overhaul

A silver 2021 Toyota 4Runner SUV driving through muddy woods
2021 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

RELATED: 3 Reasons You Need a New Toyota 4Runner in Your Life

Toyota has announced the 4Runner won’t see a major redesign until 2023. It’s safe to assume the base model will largely remain unchanged as it has since 2014. This breaks with typical industry practices. Buyers typically expect a redesign every 5 years. The 4Runner is overdue by that timeline.

Some critics feel the 4Runner is showing its age. Its blue LCD screen is often called out as particularly dated. The exterior of this SUV is equally out of place next to its contemporary rivals. Where other crossovers have softened, the 4Runner keeps its hard angles.

Fans of the SUV remain loyal, implying that the throwback look appeals to some. The 2022 4Runner will likely only see a small price change for the upcoming model. Whether the 4Runner gets an update or not, it’s a safe and solid SUV that remains popular with its fans.

The post 2022 Toyota 4Runner Drops Two Trim Levels appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

2022 Honda Civic Si and Type R Will Only Offer a Manual Transmission

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the 2022 Honda Civic’s refreshed styling, the arrival of this eleventh-generation car is exciting for other reasons. That’s because we’ll inevitably get brand-new Si and Type R variants along with it. As competitors move to offer automatic transmissions, rumors suggested Honda would follow the same path.

However, a new live video covered by the CivicXI forum shows Carl Pulley, Honda Western Region Media Relations Manager, confirming the retention of the manual transmission. Aside from keeping the manual, these cars won’t offer an automatic transmission option.

Does the 2022 Honda Civic offer a manual transmission?

Before we dive in to cover the sporty Si and Type R models, let’s talk about the 2022 Honda Civic itself. As of writing, only the sedan variant has made its official debut for the U.S. market. In sedan form, this new generation currently offers four different trim levels, none of which are offered with a manual transmission.

Your two only engine options are a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder pushing out 158 hp and 138 lb-ft or a smaller 1.5-liter turbo-four developing 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. Your only transmission option for these is a CVT.

As you might imagine, the 2022 Honda Civic won’t get stuck with just a sedan body style. While we won’t see a coupe variant, a hatchback version is due to arrive relatively soon. In the live video embedded above, Pulley confirms that the hatchback variant will offer a manual transmission. While we don’t know how many speeds it will offer, chances are it’ll be a six-speed unit as in previous generations.

The Si and Type R will only exist with manual transmissions

2021 Honda Civic Type R on a race track

RELATED: Is the 2022 Honda Civic Available With a Manual Transmission?

Aside from the standard 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback getting a manual, the Si and Type R variants will do so as well. Up to this point, these sporty variants didn’t offer an automatic transmission option, a decision that will carry on into the future.

As a quick refresher, the last-gen Civic Si offered up 205-hp from a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission sent all of the available power to the front wheels. The Si existed as both a coupe or sedan, and pricing started at just over $25,000.

In contrast, the Type R offered serious performance boosts. For starters, you got a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pushing out 306-hp. Again, a six-speed manual transmission sent all of that available power to the front wheels exclusively. In terms of major differences, the Type R exists only as a hatchback. Additionally, it carries a significant premium, starting at $37,895.

When will the 2022 Honda Civic Si and Type R arrive?

Since the 2022 Honda Civic is so fresh on the scene, these sporty variants could take their sweet time before arriving. However, Motor1 estimates that the Si variant could go on sale toward the end of this year. Since the Type R will likely remain a hatchback, chances are we’ll have to wait until next year before we get to see it in the flesh.

The post 2022 Honda Civic Si and Type R Will Only Offer a Manual Transmission appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Semiconductor Shortage Might Cost the Auto Industry $110 Billion

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The hits keep on coming for the automotive industry. While the semiconductor chip shortage started last year during COVID-19 complications, the issues have not yet been cleared up. Ford estimates losing between $1 billion and $2.5 billion this year alone.

Why is there a chip shortage?

The global semiconductor chip shortage is expected to cost the industry more than anticipated | Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images

CNBC reported that the semiconductor chip shortage could potentially cost the automotive industry $110 billion in revenue for this year alone. In early 2021, CNBC reported that AlixPartners estimated a loss of $60.6 billion due to the shortage. That has since increased 81.5% to $110 billion.

“The pandemic-induced chip crisis has been exacerbated by events that are normally just bumps in the road for the auto industry, such as a fire in a key chip-making fabrication plant, severe weather in Texas and a drought in Taiwan.”

Mark Wakefield | AlixPartners

Wakefield explained that now that these issues have been brought to light, the next step is to fix the supply-chain problems. A fire at the Renesas warehouse caused a major hiccup recently, while weather-related issues plagued the U.S. earlier in the year.

AlixPartners is predicting just under four million vehicles will be impacted this year due to the chip shortage. Initially, that number was at 2.2 million but has since increased.

Some automakers have switched to sourcing semiconductor chips from smaller manufacturers. Though these companies might have had less of an advantage at first, it seems some more chip-focused companies might have an advantage.

How long will the chip shortage last?

RELATED: Detroit Jeep Plant Plans Layoffs Due to Chip Shortage

This part is fairly unpredictable. The U.S. is currently reviewing supply chains for industries like semiconductors, batteries, medical supplies, and rare earth metals, CNBC says.

The White House plans to review gaps in domestic manufacturing and supply chains that are dominated by or run through “nations that are or are likely to become unfriendly or unstable.”

While it does not directly mention China, the ongoing issues with Chinese exports are likely a large part of the situation. By reviewing the current supply chain issues, these conditions can hopefully be fixed and avoided down the line.

Experts predicted these semiconductor problems could last up to two years, but the problems have already been around for a year or so. While the government seeks to learn more to avoid such global problems in the future, there is still a lot to be learned and improved upon.

More losses for Ford and GM

RELATED: Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger Outsold the Chevy Camaro by Double

The issues are not specific to one piece of the supply chain. All of the ways through, companies are out of money. The large factories and suppliers are out of revenue, just like the smaller companies. However, it is more likely the big companies will be able to weather the storm and rebound.

GM anticipates losing about $1.5 billion to $2 billion, while Ford anticipates $1 billion to $2.5 billion. Nissan and Honda expect to sell about $250,000 fewer cars.

And while the automotive industry is being hit hard, many other industries are feeling the chip squeeze. The chips are important for things like power steering and brakes, but the newer cars rely on these chips for a lot more than just that.

Dan Hearsch of AlixPartners notes that one car can have up to 1,400 chips in a typical 2021 vehicle. Hopefully, in the second part of the year, production can continue to ramp up.

The post Semiconductor Shortage Might Cost the Auto Industry $110 Billion appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

2021 Mazda CX-9 Review: First Impressions

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Zoom zoom are the only words on my mind as I want to spend more time driving the Mazda CX-9. This 2021 Mazda CX-9 review contains my first initial thoughts after spending about six hours in this three-row crossover so far, and there’s more to come. 

2021 Mazda CX-9 review: my first thoughts 

2021 Mazda CX-9 | Mazda

I have the pleasure of spending the week with a 2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD. The MSRP for this model is about $46,605, but with a few extra packages, the total rose to about $48,300. The unique shade of Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint cost extra, but it sure is pretty. 

When I first saw the Mazda CX-9, I thought, wow, this is a larger Mazda. It was bigger than expected because I’m used to seeing the CX-5 around town, then I realized that Mazda is unique with this series. The CX-3, CX-5, and CX-9 all look similar, just in different sizes. But the Ford Escape, Explorer, and Expedition all have different looks. 

How is driving the Mazda CX-9? 

A red 2021 Mazda CX-9 parked in a drive way near an excited dog named Bruce
2021 Mazda CX-9 Review | Allison Barfield

RELATED: The 2021 Mazda CX-9 Has 1 Potential Dealbreaker for Families

I’ll have an updated 2021 Mazda CX-9 review later in the week. So far, I’ve only spent a few hours getting to know this red hot model, and it’s a lot of fun. The turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 engine pumps out 277 hp and 410 lb of torque. It’s pretty darn fast with a peppy acceleration.

According to Edmunds, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, but it felt faster than that to me. There was plenty of power for merging onto I-26 and whipping around traffic if needed. 

The power-assisted steering is very responsive, and the paddle shifters on the steering wheel provide an engaging experience. It was very tempting to zoom zoom all the way from Charlotte, NC, to the Blue Ridge mountains. 

So, I engaged the adaptive cruise control to prevent getting pulled. The system adjusts your speed incredibly smoothly without jerky motions. Also, the CX-9 has some of the smoothest brakes I’ve experienced in a while. 

It has little body roll for excitement around curves and a smooth ride. Usually, vehicles with 20-inch wheels are a little bumpier. The cabin is quiet aside from an occasional engine roar upon quick accelerations. 

How is the Mazda CX-9’s interior? 

The interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD edition from the passenger side
2021 Mazda CX-9 interior | Mazda

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has an awe-inspiring upscale interior with quilted leather stitching around the bucket seats. It’s very comfortable and eye-catching. The heated and ventilated seats keep you satisfied on longer rides. 

Everyone who got to see or sit in this model so far has commented on the great-looking and comfortable interior. It also includes pops of wood paneling and soft-touch materials for a premium feel. 

I’m still getting used to the tech. The infotainment screen isn’t a touch screen, so you have to use knobs to select the options you want. I’ll have to dive in deeper to figure it out, but Apple CarPlay simplified setting up my navigation and podcasts. Also, the wireless phone charger works well. 

The head-up display is my favorite feature for now. It isn’t blurry or too high up to be distracting. It shows you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, displays your speed, and has traffic sign recognition. 

I’m planning on taking the Mazda CX-9 up on the Blue Ridge Parkway to find an area to test the all-wheel-drive capabilities. I’ll be climbing all through it to report on space as well. Stay tuned as my 2021 Mazda CX-9 review continues in a few days. 

The post 2021 Mazda CX-9 Review: First Impressions appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by