Does the Chevy Silverado HD Need Adaptive Cruise Control?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2020 Chevy Silverado pickup truck had many features, but Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) wasn’t one of the included details. Is this something that Chevy should have included, or is it a more superfluous addition? Chevy thinks the heavy-duty truck doesn’t need it.

Does the Silverado have Adaptive Cruise Control?

The new GM 2020 Chevy Silverado HD | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Cruise Control helps drivers maintain a certain speed while on the highway. Most people use it while on longer trips or stretches of road that don’t require constant acceleration. This also helps improve fuel economy by maintaining a consistent speed.

Adaptive Cruise Control takes that a step further. Not only can you set your desired speed, but you can control the distance at which you follow a vehicle in front of you. For example, if a van enters the highway in front of you at a slower speed, your car will automatically slow down.

The argument can be made that this is not a totally necessary feature, depending on how you use your truck. Additionally, those upgrading from an older truck might find this feature unnecessary. Helpful? Yes. But not necessarily enough to deter drivers from purchasing a Silverado.

Does the Silverado need Adaptive Cruise Control?

RELATED: How to Improve Your Fuel Economy According to Consumer Reports

Many pickup truck drivers choose a truck for towing large loads or traveling long distances for work. The Chevrolet Silverado is no exception. When asked about the lack of Adaptive Cruise Control by GM Authority, Chevrolet didn’t think there was a need.

Bob Krapes, Director of Chevrolet Marketing, said, “We see it more on the premium trims in the light-duty, but as these HD trucks continue to grow [in popularity], it’s something to look at. But as of right now, no plans for that.”

The light-duty 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers Adaptive Cruise Control, as does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. In order to get this feature, you have to upgrade to the Safety Package II for $1,095.

In addition to Adaptive Cruise Control, some other included equipment is forward collision assist and lane-keeping assist. It also included automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian braking.

The Sierra 1500 has a similar upgraded safety package for $1,045. The Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 also offer ACC as an option from the factory.

RELATED: 5 Giant Diesel Trucks You Should Buy

In recent years, heavy-duty trucks seem to be gaining popularity. According to GM Authority, the popularity increased 14% between 2019 and 2020 for the Silverado HD. For the Sierra HD, that was 23.2%.

The Silverado sold 150,394 units in 2020 and 131,953 in 2019. The Sierra HD sold 73,777 in 2020 and 59,871 in 2019. While 2021 has seen an increase in the need for light-duty trucks, the heavy-duty options seem to be holding on fine.

What does all of this mean? While some drivers do want Adaptive Cruise Control, heavy-duty truck drivers don’t seem to mind. If that feature is important, drivers opt for a different trim level.

In addition to that, Chevy might offer Super Cruise on the Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty in the future. Skipping out on the need for Adaptive Cruise Control altogether. The good news is that there are options for every driver, even though who want a heavy-duty truck over a light-duty.

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Report: Toyota Bringing Back the Celica as a Hydrogen EV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Toyota is bringing back the Celica name from years past. It was a two-door sporty coupe not marketed as a performance vehicle but as a stylish two-door. Rumors are that Toyota is bringing it back but the real rumor is what will power it, and it is not electric.

Toyota is working on a “hydrogen combustion engine” for the Celica

Future Toyota Celica design | Bestcar

Toyota is working on a new form of combustion engine that is fueled by hydrogen to make a “hydrogen combustion engine.” The Toyota Mirai is a fuel cell vehicle that uses hydrogen to generate electromechanical power. This hydrogen combustion engine that Toyota is looking at to power the Celica uses hydrogen for combustion.

In some ways, this is a modified version of a regular combustion engine. But the characteristics of this type of engine make it better for constant load use rather than how engines are used in cars. So Toyota has been working on that aspect of the hydrogen combustion engine to overcome its inherent limitations.  

Toyota just recently registered “Celica” for a trademark

the original Toyota Celica from 1970
First Toyota Celica | Toyota

Toyota just recently registered “Celica” for a trademark. So whatever form this two-door takes we know that Toyota is bringing back the Celica model. The folks at the Japanese publication Best Car even supplied a rendering of what this new Celica might look like.

It definitely is low and stylish and goes off in a unique direction. It doesn’t share any visual cues with the Toyota 86 or Supra. The high beltline and low top give it a sports car proportion for sure. 

The first Celica debuted in 1970 and was a styling collaboration between Toyota designers in Japan and the Toyota designers at Calty in Newport Beach, California. It was available as both a coupe and fastback and was Toyota’s take on the Ford Mustang. It was available in various designs until 2006. So it has been 15 years since we last saw a Celica. 

Toyota wants to sell one million EVs and fuel-cell-powered vehicles by 2030

last Toyota Celica from 2006
2006 Celica GT | Toyota

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Mirai Actually Looks Like a Good Car Now

Toyota has already gone on record as wanting to sell one million EVs and fuel-cell-powered vehicles by 2030. As the first with a hybrid system and then the Mirai hydrogen-powered vehicle Toyota looks like it is stirring the alternative power market some more. Right now the only thing limiting larger adoption of hydrogen power is where to get the fuel.

While we see Mirai in and around Los Angeles, outside of Southern California, hydrogen power is almost non-existent. But whatever apprehension buyers might have with the Mirai could loosen up with a more conventional combustion engine that just happens to use hydrogen. 

Toyota has also stated it will have adopted all-solid-state batteries before 2024. This is somewhat of a technological breakthrough. So it isn’t abandoning EVs with the future Celica but augmenting its already diverse line of EVs. While it has seemed a little slow in embracing the all-electric vision of other manufacturers it is quickly getting on board. 

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The 2021 BMW X5 Is 1 of the Most Satisfying 2-Row SUVs, Says Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

In a market literally filled with SUVs, which midsize SUVs have earned the most owner satisfaction? One of them is the 2021 BMW X5. The two-row luxury SUV offers a comfortable, composed ride, a lot of great tech features, and is recommended by Consumer Reports. What makes the BMW X5 one of the most satisfying midsize SUVs? What do consumers think about it? We have all the details.

The best midsize luxury SUVs

Consumer Reports recently released their list of the most satisfying midsize SUVs, and the 2021 BMW X5 placed second on it. The consumer site gave it an overall rating of 84, only two points lower than the 86 earned by the 2021 Subaru Outback which was in the top spot on the list.

But it’s fair to say that the X5 is the top luxury midsize SUV. The team at Consumer Reports claims the X5 is one of the best vehicles that they’ve ever tested.

The X5 offers a smooth, fast drive with the xDrive40i’s smooth 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine. As potent as the system is, it still gets 23 mpg overall for good fuel efficiency. Its handling is composed and secure.

The cabin is everything you’d expect in a luxury vehicle. The interior is insulated against noise and the seats are comfortable even for extended periods of time on long road trips. The infotainment and controls are complex until you get the hang of it and there are great driver-assist features. 

As standard features, the X5 includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and blind-spot warnings.

How Consumer Reports determines satisfaction

RELATED: BMW’s 2021 Luxury SUV Lineup Earned Plenty of Recommendations

Each year, the CR team asks its members how happy they are with their vehicles. In the midsize SUV arena, there were five two and three-row SUVs that outshone all the others as far as their owners were concerned. According to CR’s Annual Auto Surveys, the five SUVs that made the list are vehicles their owners would happily buy again.

CR asks owners on the survey if they’d buy the vehicle again. They consider the percentage of owners who say they would when trying to determine the best of the bunch. Such recommendations from consumer sites like CR are good to have when shopping for your next vehicle. If a number of other people like a given SUV, there’s a good chance you’ll feel the same way. Such is the case with the 2021 BMW X5.

The 2021 BMW X5

The BMW X5 gets better with each generation. It’s a well-balanced vehicle offering comfort, luxury, and refinement. Its handling might not be as sharp as some of its peers. But it excels in build quality, agility, and power delivery.

The latest generation X5 has five seats standard with an available third-row seat that’s on the small side. The cabin is crafted from fine chrome, leather, and wood with sparsely used top-quality plastic. There is an abundance of innovative storage spaces in the cabin.

Its efficient powertrain pairs the engine with an automatic eight-speed transmission that’s a smooth shifter with no lag. The X5 drives like a luxury vehicle with a well-balanced suspension and confident handling. It also features a very capable braking performance.

The CR team was a big fan of the available head-up display for its crisp graphic presentation. It’s well incorporated into the infotainment center and displays data for audio, navigation, phone, and more.

The cargo area is nicely appointed with a handy two-piece tailgate. The big upper door pulls up while the small bottom door pulls down. The system allows you to easily load your cargo with a convenient button for mechanically closing both.

The CR team recommends the xDrive40i model with its balance of luxury and performance. They also recommend the Driver Assistance Plus package which adds active cruise control which helps you manage urban traffic with its frequent stops easily.

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Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy Your First Classic Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are few joys like a well-cared-for classic car. Everyone loves to see a rust-to-riches restoration story or a mint condition antique. There is a lot more to classic car ownership than changing the oil. Buying and maintaining a car that’s more than two decades old is a labor of love.

1956 Ford Fairlane
| Robert Alexander via Getty Images

A lot of research goes into finding the right classic

The biggest mistake classic car shoppers make is not doing enough research. Many factors could make it hard to live with a dream car. No one wants to come down from the excitement of buying a rare or exotic car to regret their purchase. It’s worth putting in the leg work to avoid a disappointing buying experience.

Each classic car presents its own unique set of challenges and unforeseen issues to owners. The availability of parts can vary wildly from one model to the next. Looking up the price and availability of a few critical parts can lend insight. This informal and practical research saves a lot of frustration. Understanding the fuel demands and cost of maintenance is important for owner satisfaction too.

One of the best resources a classic car lover can tap is other enthusiasts. Local car clubs and international model-specific forums provide a wealth of practical information and real-time support. Information on every aspect of ownership from professional inspection companies, shops that cater to specific classics, and insurance agent referrals can take the guesswork out of buying something special.

Specialty mechanics, complicated insurance, and professional inspections

A black 1974 classic Fiat 124 Spyder convertible with red interior
1974 Fiat 124 Spyder | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

RELATED: Why Are Classic Fiat 500s Worth More Than Some Modern Ones?

Repairing a classic, especially a rare model, isn’t as easy as taking a 3 year old car to the local dealership. Owners need to find a mechanic with the skills and experience relevant to their car before they commit to buying. This is where local car groups can be an invaluable resource to classic car drivers.

Insurance rates for older cars can be somewhat unpredictable. Specialty insurance providers and agents are the best source for information on rates based on specific models. Buyers can expect higher rates as rare cars present higher liability to insurers.

When buying a classic car, even more diligence is needed. A professional inspection is a must before money exchanges hands. Every car needs to be meticulously checked for structural damage and wear as well as general road readiness. This is more than a matter of protecting an investment. It’s a matter of safety.

A classic car needs to be a true passion project

An emerald green classic 1973 Karmann Ghia coup on display
1973 Karmann Ghia | Repke/ullstein bild via Getty Images

RELATED: Classic Cars Aren’t as Powerful as You Remember

In the age of buying cars from vending machines, buying a classic is a unique experience. Every step of researching, shopping for, buying, and owning a classic car represents hours of emotional labor. The experience can be gratifying and even profitable, but it requires passion. Considering the cost of maintaining a classic is about more than balancing the budget. Classic cars are pieces of history. It takes an investment of more than just cash to keep moving art on the road.

The post Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy Your First Classic Car appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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