3rd Row Seating Is Where the 2021 Honda Pilot Shines

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you transport a big family, then you want lots of space and lots of safety. Today’s three-row SUVs are able to provide both, although some do it better than others. The 2021 Honda Pilot stands out for its roomy third-row seating, but it also has excellent safety as well.

The spacious third row in the 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot has a “spacious interior,” describes U.S. News. It has 40.9 inches of legroom in the front seats, 38.4 inches in the second-row seats, and 31.9 inches in the third-row seats, says Honda. The Toyota Highlander has just 27.7 inches in the third row. The Mazda CX-9 has 29.7 inches of legroom in the third row.

The Pilot can seat up to eight people. With captain’s chairs in the third row, it seats seven. The seats are quite comfortable, and there are 15 cupholders available. It also has a good amount of cargo space. It has 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 55.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 109.2 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.

The Pilot pairs all this space with a nice ride and a strong V6 engine with good fuel efficiency. It doesn’t have the most agile handling though.

Excellent safety in the 2021 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot | Luke Sharrett for Bloomberg via Getty Images

RELATED: How Many Miles Will a Honda Pilot Last?

In addition to lots of space, the 2021 Honda Pilot has great safety ratings and features. The 2021 Pilot earned a stellar 9.1 out of 10 for its safety score from U.S. News. That goes along with its 8.4 out of 10 overall score.

It comes standard with a long list of advanced safety features. That includes a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

A few more safety features are available, including LED fog lights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Pilot five out of five stars for its overall safety rating. It also got four out of five stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests and five out of five stars in the side crash test.

The 2021 Pilot earned the highest rating of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in five out of six of its crash tests. It earned an Acceptable, the second-highest rating, in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test.

One negative of note

Along with the positives comes a negative. U.S. News describes the standard infotainment system in the 2021 Honda Pilot as having a “bare-bones” interface. It has a 5-inch display, and it isn’t compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It does come with a seven-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.

Luckily, only the base trim of the seven available trims comes with the standard system. There is an upgrade option for the other trims that is easy to use and does provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This system has an eight-inch touchscreen and also provides satellite radio, HD Radio, and HondaLink.

The upgrade comes with wireless device charging, a 10-speaker stereo system, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rear entertainment system. It also includes knobs to adjust the audio as well as the climate.

In addition to its lackluster infotainment system, the Honda Pilot has a very low predicted reliability rating as well. It also has fewer standard features (aside from safety ones) and a less updated interior than other midsize SUVs.

The predicted reliability ratings may cause some concerns for buyers, but the 2021 Honda Pilot shines in other areas. This midsize SUV stands out for its spacious seating in all three rows and its safety features and ratings.

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Can You Legally Run Long Red Lights on a Motorcycle?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s a tale riders have experienced time and again. You’ve got your boots and all your other gear on for a lovely day on your motorcycle, but you get stuck at a red light. And it just takes forever to change. No, it’s not because the traffic lights are broken, but because their sensors might not be picking up that you’re there. But as annoying as a long red light can be, can motorcycle riders run them without legal repercussions?

Traffic light sensors often can’t detect motorcycles

Motorcycle riders in Malaysia wait at a red light | Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

No, flashing your headlights doesn’t make the light turn green. But there are traffic light sensors that signal the, well, signals to change. And unfortunately, the most common kind doesn’t always sense the presence of two-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles and bikes.

There are several different kinds of traffic light sensors used on modern roads. Some are essentially video cameras, Automate Systems explains, while others use microwaves to ‘read’ the road. And incidentally, radar detectors can theoretically pick up the latter occasionally.

Induction-loop traffic light sensors embedded in a Pennsylvania intersection
Induction-loop traffic light sensors embedded in a Pennsylvania intersection | Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

But the most commonly-seen traffic light sensors rely on pavement-embedded induction loops. You know those strange rectangles and lines cut into the road by intersections? Those aren’t scales, as some people claim, Motorbike Writer reports, but induction loops. They’re wires that send out an electromagnetic field, and when a vehicle passes through it, it produces an electrical signal. The sensors pick this up and pass the information to the nearby computer controlling the traffic lights, the US DOT explains.

The induction-loop traffic light sensors work well for large road-going vehicles like cars and trucks. That’s because they both have large quantities of metal spread out over a large area, RideApart explains. However, in terms of conductive material mass, motorcycles and bicycles come up short in comparison, RevZilla explains. Plus, they’re significantly narrower, which exacerbates the problem, RideApart reports. And because the system doesn’t get a signal, the red light doesn’t change.

When can you run a red light on a motorcycle?

RELATED: Is There a Consumer Reports for Motorcycles?

Before you try to run a long red light on your motorcycle, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your bike is positioned as close to one of the induction wires as possible. If you can, try to stop right on top of the main loop, RevZilla reports. And if there are cars behind you, try to safely get them to move forward so they trigger the traffic light sensors.

But if it’s just you on your motorcycle at a long red light, you don’t necessarily have to just wait it out. A handful of states have laws in place that allow riders to, if necessary, run red lights that refuse to change, Cycle World reports.

Specifically, these states:

  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Oregon
  • Washington

RELATED: The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Is the First Motorcycle With This Safety Feature

These laws are often called “dead red” laws or “ride on red” laws, depending on the state. And each state has its own unique rules, Bike Bandit reports.

For example, Illinois, where I live, allows motorcycles and cyclists to treat long red lights as a four-way stop and “proceed with caution,” Patch reports. However, the light has to be red for at least 120 seconds, and it doesn’t apply “within municipalities of over 2,000,000 people,” the American Motorcyclist Association reports. So, while I could run a long red light on my motorcycle around the University of Champaign-Urbana, I couldn’t do it in Chicago.

Are there safer alternatives?

RELATED: Is it Time to Replace Your Motorcycle Gloves?

Naturally, the idea of running a red light on a motorcycle, even if it’s legal, might sound terrifying for some. After all, motorcycle armor and an airbag jacket only go so far. And what about in places without “dead red” laws?

Besides the options listed above, you could get off the bike and press a nearby crosswalk button. Some of these buttons only change the signal timing, rather than actively changing the light, but it could theoretically decrease your red light wait time.

An FHWA engineer tests induction-loop traffic light sensor sensitivity on a light-blue motorcycle
An FHWA engineer tests induction-loop traffic light sensor sensitivity on a motorcycle | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

RELATED: A New Study Confirms ‘Loud Pipes Save Lives’ Is a Safety Myth

Another option is to pull a U-turn and find another route, but this depends on several factors. Firstly, do you feel safe doing so? And secondly, are you allowed to do it? Just like the “dead red” laws, this is state- and municipality-dependent, so check up on your local regulations beforehand. But broadly speaking, unless signs explicitly prohibit it, it is a potential alternative to running a red light on your motorcycle.

Speaking of local regulations, though, there is an additional solution to dealing with long red lights on your motorcycle. The induction-loop traffic light sensors have variable sensitivity that gets adjusted every so often, RevZilla reports. If you notice a local traffic signal never seems to see bikes, a local or state government agency can request a sensitivity adjustment. That way, you’ll never have to wait at a long red light when you’re riding your motorcycle.

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The Best SUVs for Camping According to KBB

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Going camping requires not only the right gear but also the right kind of car. Take, for instance, a sedan. While they’re often the car of choice for city driving, you wouldn’t really want to hit the trails in one. Instead, you’re going to want an SUV for your next camping trip. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book has already done the heavy lifting. Let’s talk about their picks for the best SUVs for camping. 

The best features for car camping

Camping in an SUV. | Ford

There are a few things to consider before buying an SUV for your next camping trip. First, let’s talk about all-wheel drive. According to Kelley Blue Book, it’s important to determine what type of camping you plan on doing. If you see yourself really roughing it, you might want to consider an SUV with all-wheel drive.

Kelley Blue Book reports that how much space an SUV has to offer is equally important. So is how much cargo it can carry. Depending on how long you plan on camping, you’re going to need a good amount of space for transporting your gear.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs for camping

Pictured is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in the wilderness, the Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs for camping
2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk | Stellantis

RELATED: The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Is Actually Good for the Family

This one really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Jeep is known for manufacturing SUVs with lots of off-road prowess, the Jeep Grand Cherokee included. But its off-road reputation isn’t the only thing that this SUV has going for it.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is among the best SUVs for camping because of its 1,300-pound payload capacity, and 63.3 cubic feet of cargo volume. It helps that this camping SUV can tow up to 7,200-pounds too.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is no stranger to camping on the trails

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport SUV camping
2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Just Scored the IIHS’ Highest Safety Honor

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport may be new to the scene, but that doesn’t mean it’s not capable of doing some serious car camping. In all actuality, this all-new model is among the best SUVs for camping. As to why?

Kelley Blue Book reports that it all comes down to the Ford Bronco Sport’s camping-friendly features. From its rear cargo hatch designed to accommodate rooftop tents to its slide-out table and 65 cubic feet of space with the back seat folded down, there’s no denying that this SUV has plenty to offer camping enthusiasts.

The 2021 Subaru Outback is standard with all-wheel drive

Pictured is the Subaru Outback at a car show
Subaru Outback | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

RELATED: Consumer Reports Says the 2021 Subaru Outback Is the Most Satisfying 2-Row SUV

If you see yourself taking on unpaved trails, Kelley Blue Book reports that buying an SUV with all-wheel drive is likely a good idea. For an SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive, consider the Subaru Outback.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the Outback has been a favorite among camping enthusiasts for decades. But what makes this year’s model one of the best SUVs for camping? Well, it all has to do with its 75 cubic feet of space of cargo space and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. 

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has always been one of the best camping SUVs

2021 Toyota 4Runner on the trails
2021 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

RELATED: How Many Miles Will a Toyota 4Runner Last?

You can’t write a list of the best SUVs for camping and not include the Toyota 4Runner. After all, this SUV is an icon among both off-road and camping enthusiasts. And why shouldn’t it be? It’s a body-on-frame SUV with a reputation for durability.

That’s not all either. Check out the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, which benefits from features like crawl control and multi-terrain select. It also offers up a wealth of cargo space and can tow a maximum of 5,000-pounds when properly equipped.

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Are Turbocharged Engines Less Reliable?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While muscle car and big-block enthusiasts claim there is no replacement for displacement, the modern car industry doesn’t seem to agree. In fact, it isn’t uncommon to see many cars on the road with smaller engines supported by turbochargers. With this setup of having turbocharger-boosted engines that are smaller, automakers can provide buyers with responsible fuel economy without sacrificing an enjoyable driving experience. But, are turbochargers decreasing our car’s reliability?

Are turbochargers reliable?

Just like any mechanical system, adding additional parts can prove challenging, especially when they directly affect the performance of the system in question. In this case, the additional part is the turbocharger, and the major part of the system is the engine itself. Of course, whenever you add more parts to a system, that just means there are more parts that can break, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it makes the system unreliable.

The turbocharged four-cylinder motor of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe | Jonathan Fickies, Getty Images

What sources have to say

According to Consumer Reports, there are a lot of benefits to buying a car with a smaller, turbocharged engine. They’re very appealing to customers because they balance the factors of cars that we care about most, like fuel economy and driving experience.

“That might sound like a win-win situation, except not all automakers are making high-quality turbo engines”

Consumer Reports, from their annual Auto Reliability Survey

The problem arises when manufacturers don’t put their best foot forward when it comes to producing reliable turbocharged engines. In their annual Auto Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports polled members owning a wide variety of vehicles. The survey took into account as many as 500,000 vehicles including cars, minivans, trucks, and SUVs. The survey showed a mixture of results.

A prototype diesel turbocharged engine
Japan’s auto giant Nissan Motor displays a cut-model of the prototype diesel turbo-charged engine “M9R ” | YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP, Getty Images

RELATED: Turbocharging Your Cars Requires More Than Just a Turbo

What did the Consumer Reports survey say?

It seems that when consumers reported on having issues, the problems arose with the engine rather than the turbo — though, again, that wasn’t the case 100% of the time. The overall data showed turbocharged engines to be reliable and effective, with some issues arising due to a variety of reasons including the turbocharger itself and engine computer.

“Truth is, when automakers introduce such new technology, it can take several model years to get it working correctly.”

Jake Fisher, director of auto testing, Consumer Reports

It seems that there is a relatively direct correlation between how new turbocharging systems are to each company, meaning that as time goes on, they will likely get better and become more reliable and efficient for companies who are newer to the turbocharged engine market.

RELATED: Is a Turbocharged Mazda Worth the Extra Cash?

Consumer Reports did point out that these issues typically occur while the vehicles are still under warranty — but that isn’t always the case. If it is, owners can still find issues with their new car frustrating, as it takes time and planning to have the recall work repaired, even if it’s free to the consumer.

Overall, just like buying any new car, researching statistics and reviews on what experts think will be a reliable car is important, but sometimes only time will show if any problems will arise. While turbocharged engines themselves aren’t unreliable, they do add an additional factor for issues, and if companies aren’t taking the time to produce high-quality engines it can prove to be problematic.

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