Both 2021 Toyota Corolla Models Are Good for Teenagers

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Many parents dread the day they have to send their teens out on the road, worried about their inexperienced young drivers getting into accidents. Fortunately, vehicles have grown safer over the years, and many now abound with advanced safety features. The 2021 Toyota Corolla is one such vehicle. And it’s a great choice for teenagers for many reasons. 

An overview of the 2021 Toyota Corolla

RELATED: Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Better Than the Sedan?

Toyota is known for building reliable and practical vehicles, and the 2021 Corolla is no exception. This compact car provides a smooth ride with responsive controls, and it gets incredible gas mileage. According to U.S. News, the 2021 sedan gets about 38 mpg on the highway, and the hatchback gets around 37 mpg. If you opt for the larger 2.0-liter instead of the 1.8-liter engine, you’ll get not only more horsepower but also better gas mileage. The 2.0-liter Corolla sedan can get a whopping 40 mpg on the highway.

Your teens are more interested in the infotainment system. Though the Toyota Corolla doesn’t offer a super-long list of standard features, it still provides a commendable amount of modern tech. Expect a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alex, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. Those are pretty good perks for a car whose base model starts at $20,025. 

However, one common complaint is its small cargo area. The Toyota Corolla hatchback debuted a few years ago to combat that problem. It boasts over four additional cubic feet of space. That’s still pretty small for a hatchback. But if your teenager isn’t hauling around a ton of stuff, that’s probably not a huge deal. 

The 2021 Toyota Corolla’s safety features

RELATED: 2021 Toyota Corolla Head-Scratcher: Why in the World Did It Make This List of the Fastest Cars Under $20K?

Teens might not care much about safety features, but most parents do. Fortunately, the 2021 Toyota Corolla boasts tons of safety features and excellent crash test ratings that will elicit a sigh of relief from anxious parents. 

The 2021 Corolla comes standard with impressive driver aids. They include lane-keep assist, lane departure warnings, a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. You can also upgrade to get advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive headlights. These features work together to prevent accidents, but the Corolla does an excellent job of keeping occupants safe in the event of a crash. 

According to MotorTrend, the 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback both earned IIHS Top Safety Pick honors. Both models also garnered an overall 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

A good buy for teenagers

The 2021 Toyota Corolla’s safety features, fuel efficiency, and high predicted reliability rating make it a great new car for just over $20,000. Most parents don’t want to shell out too much cash for their child’s first car, but they also don’t want an unsafe vehicle or unreliable ride. 

The Corolla provides the perfect balance between price and features. Although teens might rather drive cars they think are cooler or more stylish than a sensible Toyota, they can’t argue with its practicality. 

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The 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum Trim’s Swankiest Features

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With the 2021 Ford F-150, you get a ton of options. You can start with the bare-bones base model or go for the Ford F-150 Platinum trim to live the life of trucking luxury. Check out the best features the Platinum package has to offer. 

Is the Ford F-150 Platinum package worth the upgrade? 

2021 Ford F-150 models | Ford Motor Company

Yes, if you’re looking for a luxurious truck, then choosing the 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum is an excellent idea. You get enhanced tech, luxurious leather materials, extra power, and convenience features for almost every aspect of the truck. 

But here’s the catch, luxury doesn’t come cheap. You can get started in the 2021 F-150 Platinum for about $59,100. Then adding the hybrid engine and other accessories can raise the price even more. 

I drove an F-150 Platinum Hybrid, so we had the 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 engine with 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this model can tow up to 12,700 lbs. Also, it’s got one heck of a peppy acceleration. The Platinum Hybrid can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds. 

How comfortable is the Ford F-150 Platinum? 

RELATED: Driving the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid Changes the Game

I may have an unfair advantage with the Hybrid model. The engine was so quiet, and the Platinum truck is incredibly insulated against wind and road noise. The F-150 Hybrid can be silent at times. It’s the quietest truck I’ve ever experienced. 

The truck has a smooth ride too. The seats are very supportive and comfortably hold you in place around curves. There is a very tall ride height, but body roll is limited. Also, the visibility is excellent. You can see all around the truck, which provides confidence in heavy traffic. 

The Platinum trim features a dual leather trim that’s attractive and plush. The max recline seats are optional and surprisingly relaxing. I folded the driver’s seat totally flat and looked out of the panoramic sunroof, and almost took a nap. 

You can fold the back seats up against the wall and access the flat floor in the back for storage. My dog stood on a durable rubber mat on the floor with more than enough space. He also napped extremely hard on the large back seat (Don’t worry, the seat was protected with a durable cover). 

In terms of interior convenience features, the steering wheel is heated, the seats are heated and ventilated. The front seats have massagers, there’s a wireless charging pad, a 12-Volt plug in the front and back. For phone connectivity, there’s Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Ford Sync. 

What are the coolest F-150 Platinum tech features? 

2021 Ford F-150 Pro Power Onboard Generator | Ford

When you approach the truck with the keyfob in your pocket, the mirrors and running boards automatically fold out. As you park and walk away, they fold back up. Also, you can activate the power tailgate from inside the cab or with the key fob. 

I got to see the multi-functional tailgate with rules for making measurements, pencil holders, a tablet holder, a cup holder, and more. It also had a fold-out step and rail to hold on to.

The power generator is very close to the tailgate, so you can plug in things such as your tools or your trailer. The workspace in the front folds out from the center console provides access to two cup holders. 

The 12-inch digital productivity screen behind the steering wheel displays how many miles you have to go before needing a full up, speed, speed limit, cruise control settings, and different driving modes. You can adjust the information that you would like to see.

Plus, the Ford F-150 Platinum comes with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0 package that includes notable features such as intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, speed sign recognition. The cruise control system allows you to change lanes without changing your speed and adjusts your speed based on traffic around you very smoothly.

This truck is perfectly equipped for work and play. It has enough muscle and power for the construction site and enough convenience features to reduce stress for a relaxing ride home.

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Only 3 Large Luxury SUVs Got Consumer Reports’ Recommendation for 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Consumer Reports makes it easy to compare vehicles you might be interested in. That’s especially true when the site slaps a “Recommended” label on vehicles that adhere to its high standards of safety, reliability, and owner satisfaction. In fact, only three large luxury SUVs earned the coveted CR Recommended badge for 2021: the BMW X7, Buick Enclave, and Toyota Land Cruiser. 

Here’s why they get Consumer Reports’ stamp of approval. 

2021 BMW X7: A super-comfortable performer

RELATED: 2021 BMW X7 vs. 2021 BMW Alpina XB7: What’s the $66,400 Difference?

For starters, the 2021 BMW X7 is a gorgeous machine inside and out. Consumer Reports gave it a 5 out of 5 in every parameter regarding comfort and convenience, aside from the ride. It got a 4. And the trunk/cargo area suffered from a 2-out-of-5 rating. Overall, CR gave the X7 a 100/100 for comfort. 

When it comes to performance, the 2021 BMW X7 largely delivers, too. CR’s reviewers appreciated its punchy acceleration, smooth transmission, and overall handling. As a result, the X7 earned a 91/100 for its overall driving experience. The BMW X7 is fantastic, but not perfect. 

Its predicted reliability sits at a so-so 3 out of 5, which isn’t bad, but for the hefty starting price of $74,900, one would expect fewer problems. The fuel economy, too, isn’t stellar by today’s standards, getting only 14 mpg in the city according to CR’s test. Despite the drawbacks, Consumer Reports gave it an overall score of 82 when taking the predicted owner satisfaction rating into account, the highest score in the luxury large SUV category. 

2021 Buick Enclave: A reasonably priced luxury SUV

Coming in second place in the category with an overall score of 76 is the 2021 Buick Enclave. Buick has put tons of effort into rebranding itself to entice younger car shoppers and rid itself of the stereotype that Buick cars are only for older buyers. The 2021 Buick Enclave helps with that image — this is a fantastic large SUV. 

Consumer Reports gave the Enclave a score of 77 for its overall driving experience. Testers enjoyed the feel of its acceleration, transmission, and braking. It didn’t score as highly in emergency handling maneuvers, but it still handles well in everyday situations. They also rated the interior highly for seat comfort, trunk/cargo area, and noise levels and gave it an 84 overall for comfort. 

The Enclave’s drawbacks were its disappointing standard safety features list, poor fuel economy (12 mph in the city based on CR’s tests), and a steep learning curve for gear selection.

But the 2021 Buick Enclave starts at $40,300, a reasonable price for a large luxury SUV.  

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser: A reliable owner-pleaser

RELATED: Is the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Worth $50,000 Over the Toyota 4Runner?

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser‘s overall score of 74 was enough to place it third on the list. And it’s the final large luxury SUV to get CR’s recommendation for this model year. 

But its $85,565 base price is significantly higher than the other two on the list, especially considering its poor fuel efficiency of just 10 mpg in the city per CR’s testing. Regardless, its transmission and acceleration received high scores, and it earned at least a 4 out of 5 in all comfort/convenience categories. 

Consumer Reports has yet to assign an overall comfort and driving experience score, but it’s safe it’s probably somewhat lower than the other two luxury SUVs on the list. According to CR’s review, the Land Cruiser doesn’t feel as athletic as advertised, and the last row is cramped.

All in all, though, it still got the recommendation, thanks to its high predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, as well as its overall score of 68 on the road test. 

The post Only 3 Large Luxury SUVs Got Consumer Reports’ Recommendation for 2021 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Don’t Assume Your Ford F-150 Can Tow Your Camper

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford F-150 is the most popular full-size truck ever and one of the most popular vehicles in America. And, as campers have become more popular than ever before, many people will use their trucks to tow a camper trailer for the first time. Before you take off for the great outdoors in your Ford F-150 and camper in tow, don’t assume it can haul whatever camper you have. 

2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

What is the Ford F-150 towing capacity? 

This can be a tricky question to answer if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Thankfully, new trucks like the 2021 Ford F-150 are getting scales to tell you how much your truck can take. However, older model F-150s weren’t graced with such luxuries. 

According to RVknowhow, the simple and general answer is that the average Ford F-150 towing capacity will fall between 5,000-8,000 lbs. Of course, that range is highly dependent on engine size, rear-axle ratio, and the addition of available options. Understand, there are exceptions to this generalized range, both above and below those numbers. 

Don’t get overwhelmed by the jargon

Part of learning how to tow a camper trailer safely is understanding what some of the common truck and towing terms are referencing. For instance, the term “half-ton” regarding a Ford F-150 or any other pickup truck isn’t referencing the truck’s weight. Most of these types of trucks can weigh anywhere from 5,000-7,000 pounds. 

Generally speaking, the half-ton term means that the suspension and bed can handle around a half-ton payload. This is important to know because the payload can directly affect the Ford F-150 towing capacity. 

New technologies will now be available for the 2021 Ford F-150 including class-exclusive Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch as well as continuously controlled damping, each engineered to help customers who tow and haul load their trucks up for the work they’re designed to do while also adding on-road confidence.
Infotainment screen for 2021 Ford F-150 showing payload scale | Ford

RELATED: GVWR vs. Towing Capacity: What’s the Difference for My Truck?

Typically, the towing limit is set, assuming that there is no payload in the bed. So, if carrying gear and towing a camper trailer, be mindful of how much gear and passengers are in the truck. 

Speaking of payload, that technically refers to the weight capacity of the box and springs. However, this directly correlates to tongue weight which RVknowhow defines as “the amount of pressure or weight that the hitch places on the F-150 or any other towing vehicle.”

Tongue weight essentially means the pressure applied to the hitch itself. The overall weight of the camper trailer and how the weight is distributed all affect the pressure on the hitch. The higher the total weight is, and how much of that weight is being placed on the hitch, the higher the tongue weight is.

Lastly, your truck GCWR is essentially the entire weight rating of a truck and a trailer in tow. This figure should be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door. 

Can an F-150 tow a camper trailer safely?

The F-150 receives “best in class towing” year after year. But, what does that really mean? The hard towing numbers come down to the exact model and configuration of the F-150. From the base-model Ford F-150 XL to the top-of-the-line Raptor, Ford currently offers seven different trim levels for the F-150. 

A Black 2021 Ford Raptor parked in the dust
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor | Ford

RELATED: What Is Included in the Ford F-150 Max Trailer Tow Package?

The main things to keep in mind are the engine strength, axle ratio, and the overall length and weight of the truck. In addition, some models will offer an optional towing package that will add towing ability and safety features to your truck. Once you assess these main factors, you then need to find out how much your camper trailer weighs and proceed accordingly. 

Time to calculate your truck’s towing capacity

Now that we understand some of the terms, you can figure out your specific towing and payload capabilities. First, find the curb weight of your truck on the VIN. Then calculate the weight of fuel, passengers, and gear. After that, subtract that number by the GCWR from the inside of the door, and there you’ll have your towing capacity. 

A 2021 F-150 driving down a field lined road
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

The Ford F-150 covers a wide variety of truck types and configurations. The towing capacity range is enormous, and exceeding towing capacities can get very dangerous very fast.

Please don’t assume your F-150 can tow your camper. Do the research and figure out the proper towing capacity for your specific model and configuration. 

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