2020 Mazda3 Hatchback Owners Must Love Road Trips

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It took a little while for some to warm up to the latest and fourth generation of the Mazda3 hatchback. But those who gave it a shot found it had a lot to offer. Yes, with this compact car, Mazda took a step closer to the luxury class. It’s stylish, well-equipped, and practical.

The best part? For those who enjoy road trips, the 2020 Mazda3 hatchback is hard to beat.

The 2020 Mazda3 is a road trip favorite

The folks at MotorTrend drove a 2020 Mazda3 hatchback for over a year and agreed it was one of their favorite vehicles for road trips. It not only offers a quality ride with a quiet cabin even on the highway, but it also has several great features that make long trips a treat.

Both the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems work to keep navigation relatively hassle-free. They found the Mazda3 to be fun to drive on winding roads, which it can handle with ease.

Their model was equipped with a manual six-speed transmission, which wasn’t popular with everyone. Some staffers thought the shifter wasn’t as precise as those in the Honda Civic or Mazda Miata. Others found the clutch pedal too light.

Still, the manual transmission offered them a more dynamic driving experience than the more lethargic six-speed automatic. It made the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine feel more athletic and gave it better acceleration. With the manual transmission, it could reach 60 mph in 7.4 seconds.

The Mazda3’s interior is crafted with quality materials and is thoughtful in design. Buyers can add even more great features, like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a head-up display with higher trims. All seatsare comfortable and supportive.

The 2020 Mazda3 hatchback’s fuel economy

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The engine in the Mazda3 hatchback puts out 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a front-wheel drivetrain standard but, all-wheel drive is available. You can get the manual transmission with front-wheel-drive models.

Hatchback models outfitted with the automatic transmission get an EPA-rated 26/35 mpg city/highway. All Mazda3 hatchback models equipped with all-wheel drive have cylinder deactivation systems that boost their fuel economy by 1 mpg. The MotorTrend team got an average of 28.8 mpg, which matches the EPA combined rating of 29 mpg.

Note that when outfitted with the manual transmission, the hatchback loses 1 mpg.

This hatchback at a glance

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Simply put, the 2020 Mazda3 is one of the more refined hatches available. It looks elegant, offers a better driving experience than rivals, and can match most of its competitors’ features. Sure, there’s no performance model, but that’s one of this compact car’s few drawbacks.

The 2020 Mazda3 hatchback feels more sophisticated than top rivals like the Civic and Toyota Corolla. The four-cylinder engine provides a nice balance between adequate power and good gas mileage. The body styling on either the hatchback or the sedan proves Mazda has kept its promise to provide satisfying driver engagement.

For the 2020 model year, the Mazda3 got more standard driver-assist features. That’s a bonus because, with previous models, consumers had to buy a higher trim to get those features. Mazda’s i-Activsense suite is now available across the lineup. It includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure alerts, and lane-keeping assist.

Overall, the Mazda3 handles curves like a pro, and no matter how bumpy the ride gets, it’s always comfortable. The 2020 hatchback offers great style, convenience, and comfort for the price. It’s an appealing luxury alternative that can make long road trips a delight.

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Which EV Pickup Has The Most Range?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The EV market has a slew of exciting pickup trucks on the horizon. Established automakers and start-ups are both bringing green pickups to the streets. The biggest hesitation car shoppers have when considering an EV is range anxiety. Which electric truck won’t leave owners worried about running out of juice?

Tesla Cybertruck | Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Cybertruck gets a lot of attention, but how does it rank?

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been garnering attention since it was first revealed in 2019. Its bizarre appearance and incredible stats made it a topic of constant conversation in the automotive world. Cybertruck boasts armored glass and 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel panels. With towing capacities starting at 7,500 pounds, this is one of the most rugged trucks on the market.

A massive 17-inch infotainment screen gives the spacey cybertruck an even more futuristic feel. The single motor RWD Cybertruck has an estimated 250 miles of range. It goes from zero to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds. This electric pickup truck tops out at 110 miles per hour.

GM and Ford are neck and neck

A Silverado badge on the back of a silver truck
Silverado logo | Tim Boyle via Getty Images

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The upcoming electric Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado were built to play a spec cat and mouse game. Both trucks have strengths and weaknesses, but each pulls ahead in its own winning categories. The Ford F-150 has a range of 300 miles. It’s likely the Silverado will fall in this range as well.

The two trucks will likely be priced in direct competition with each other. The electric F-150 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,700 pounds. Chevy hasn’t released the numbers for the Silverado yet but buyers can expect the two models to remain competitive.

Rivan gives Tesla stiff competition

Rivan’s upcoming R1 is an impressive powerhouse. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds. Smaller battery Rivan R1s will have a range up to 300 miles per full charge. The R1 features an all-new 15.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A 12.3-inch infotainment system offers features like climate and radio control.

An exciting startup may have them all beat

Atlis Motor Vehicles is an exciting EV startup that’s shaking up the pickup truck game. Unlike traditional automakers, Atlis will not be releasing its XT pickup truck with packages or trim levels. Instead, the truck is offered a la carte with fully customizable specs.

The XT boasts a range of more than 500 miles. This puts it on par with the Cybertruck. The two trucks are similar in price as well. The Atlis XT starts at $45,000. Tesla’s midrange Cybertruck will set drivers back about the same. The XT has an edge with drivers who want a fully customizable truck.

Bollinger B2

A white Bollinger B2 electric pickup truck
Bollinger B2 | Bollinger

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The Bolinger B2’s motors supply 614 hp. This all-electric truck has a traveling range of 20 miles per full battery charge. What sets the B2 apart is its unique exterior. It looks like a primitive military vehicle but features removable and foldable body panels giving drivers unprecedented flexibility.

The B2 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It may have a lower range than most of its competitors, but it is quick. The B2 tops out at 100 mph and has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.

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It’s Not Easy Getting Out of the 2021 Genesis GV80

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Genesis GV80 isn’t to get out of. Not because it’s too tall, or the door frame is awkward. This reasonably priced luxury crossover SUV is just nice.

2021 Genesis GV80 | Genensis

The 2021 Genesis GV80

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After driving a ridiculous amount of cars and crossovers in one day at the Texas Auto Roundup, the GV80 was one of the last vehicles I drove. Even at the end of the day, tired, head swimming with all the models I drove back to back, I just didn’t want to step out of the 2021 Genesis GV80 luxury crossover SUV. It was comfortable and impressive––the fit and finish just felt right.

After receiving quite a bit of press after Tiger Woods’ accident, this Genesis SUV model has gotten more attention lately than usual. It’s a great luxury crossover with high safety ratings and the best warranty in the luxury segment. It’s one of the few vehicles I drop that day that I actually wanted to just drive home in.

The tester that the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) procured for the event is the 2021 GV80 AWD 3.5T Advanced model. The Monroney sticker MSRP is $65,775. For anyone shopping for a luxury crossover SUV in this price range, this model is a must-test option. In fact, Motor Authority calls this luxury crossover SUV a “budget Benz.” After testing it myself, I agree.

Base model specs

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I highly recommend the advanced package with its luscious leather seating and additional creature comforts. The 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 powertrain upgrade is smooth and satisfying. But the base model still holds its own.

The base model employs a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine. According to the Genesis website, this model is rear-wheel drive and starts at $48,900. The engine is paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the rest of the GV80 lineup.

The base engine produces up to 300 horsepower at 5,800 RPM. That same engine is good for up to 311 lb-ft of torque. The V6 upgrade changes these specs to 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. So the numbers aren’t wildly different. Car and Driver reports that “most drivers won’t miss the extra power.”

A luxury crossover SUV

The 2021 Genesis GV80 goes beyond "budget Benz" to offering value that virtually can't be beat by others in it's class. It's not easy getting out of this luxury crossover SUV.
A Hyundai Genesis GV80 SUV is on display| VCG/VCG via Getty Images

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In direct competition with the likes of class favorites like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and the Lexus RX350. It offers a cramped third row. So if you need a true mass human hauler this won’t be the one.

Still, the 2021 Genesis GV80 is an all-new installment in the luxury crossover SUV segment. It’s the Genesis brand’s first SUV. Overall, it hits the necessary marks to impress. In addition, even the range-topping trims are packed with value.

The warranty alone could deter buyers from other luxury options. Not only that, but the SUV looks and feels like the real deal because it is. It’s a new SUV in the luxury class that should do very well for itself. I liked it so much it was actually a little hard to step out of the all-new 2021 Genesis GV80 luxury crossover SUV.

The post It’s Not Easy Getting Out of the 2021 Genesis GV80 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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1 Popular 2021 Chevy Silverado Trim Is Also the Best

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Chevy Silverado is the third most popular full-size light-duty pickup after the Ford F-Series and Ram. Third place in a field this competitive is nothing to be ashamed of. The Silverado is a capable, comfortable, and technologically advanced truck offering plentiful trims and options. In fact, one trim is a critical and consumer darling.

The 2021 Chevy Silverado at a glance

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The Chevy Silverado is highly capable. Chevrolet indicates the 2021 model can haul 2,250 pounds and tow 13,400 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel mileage is EPA-rated at 23 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy varies depending upon the model and powertrain.

One of the 2021 Silverado’s strongest selling points is that consumers have many options to create their perfect truck. Besides different cab configurations (regular, extended, and crew), bed lengths (short, standard, and long), and engine options (four-cylinder, V6, V8, and six-cylinder diesel), there are eight trim options to choose from. Let’s compare crew cab models, though each trim level also varies by bed lengths and powertrains.

Trims range from the basic Work Truck, starting at $38,685, to the High Country, starting at $66,600. The other six trims in between, jumping in price a few thousand dollars each, are Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, and LTZ.

Choosing a Chevy Silverado trim

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When selecting a Chevy Silverado, cab configuration, engine size, and bed length are relatively simple choices that depend upon the buyer’s needs. Picking the right trim level is another matter entirely.

Edmunds reports that, overall, the 2021 Chevy Silverado offers substantial legroom for rear-seat passengers, a large-capacity bed well-appointed with tie-down points for securing loads, and an easy-to-use touchscreen display. The site recommends the LT and LT Trail Boss trims. It also notes the LT is also the most popular among consumers. The LT is available with extended cab and crew cab configurations, four engine options, and cloth or leather seats. An optional safety package adds parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

The folks at Car and Driver also recommend the LT trim, though they place the Chevy Silverado a distant third behind F-150 and Ram. Specifically, they recommend the crew cab, all-wheel drive, standard bed Silverado LT with the 5.3-liter V8, the Z71 off-road package, and the safety package. For a luxurious touch, they would also add heated front seats and a remote start.

Reviewer and consumer favorite: The LT trim

Chevrolet‘s online trim-comparison tool allows consumers to customize a Chevy Silverado LT to fit their needs. Some will opt for the extra seating capacity the crew cab offers, while others will choose a standard cab for a longer bed. Scrolling through the options reveals choices for engines, drivetrain, gear ratio, and a host of safety and convenience features.

Based on expert reviews, the Chevy Silverado is a capable competitor. But it also has a loyal fan base, likely due to its durability, capability, wide array of options, and modern styling.

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