2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: Which Three-Row SUV Goes Best Off-Road?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Are you looking for a three-row SUV that you can take on your wilderness adventures? Do you want a vehicle that has the chops to handle the rigors of off-road use, while offering the utility to make the most of your excursions? Two noteworthy choices in the three-row SUV segment are the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2022 Toyota Highlander. See how they stack up for off-road capabilities. 

VW Atlas and Toyota Highlander: all-wheel drive comparison

2022 Volkswagen Atlas | Volkswagen

Buyers of the 2022 VW Atlas can get the SUV equipped with either a front-wheel drive system or an all-wheel drive system. Undoubtedly off-road enthusiasts will opt for Atlas models with the all-wheel drive system, but it will cost extra money. The all-wheel drive system for the Atlas features an active control system, with selectable settings for different driving conditions, such as snow and off-road, as well as the ability to customize according to individual needs.

One of the most important factors to consider when heading off-road is the traction that a vehicle provides with its all-wheel drive systems. Buyers of the 2022 Toyota Highlander have three different options. For the gasoline-powered models, you can get the basic all-wheel drive system — and for even greater capabilities, an all-wheel drive with a torque vectoring system. The Highlander Hybrid model comes equipped with an electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system, which maximizes efficiency by activating the all-wheel drive only when it’s needed.

Engine specs comparison between the VW Atlas and Toyota Highlander

Silver 2022 Toyota Highlander parked by a marsh
2022 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

Another important consideration for off-road use is the power that the engine provides. The Atlas offers two engine choices. The base-level 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter V6 engine churns out 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.

For the Highlander, the gasoline-powered model features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which doles out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 186 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.

Additional off-road considerations for the Atlas and Highlander

When heading off-road, another important thing is to ensure that a vehicle has enough ground clearance to give you the confidence to drive over bumpy surfaces and debris. The Atlas and Highlander are evenly matched, with both models providing a ground clearance of 8.0 inches. You will probably want to load up your SUV with your gear and food when heading off the beaten path. The Atlas offers up to 96.8 cu-ft of cargo space, while the Highlander has a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft. 

While the VW Atlas and Toyota Highlander are fairly evenly matched for off-road capabilities, overall, the Atlas has a slight edge, but only if going with a trim that has an all-wheel drive system. It’s great that it offers settings for different driving conditions, as well as the ability to customize. The Atlas also has the advantage for cargo space, with the ability to store more items.

RELATED: What Is the Most Extreme Off-Roading Vehicle?

The post 2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: Which Three-Row SUV Goes Best Off-Road? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Ford Lightning Pro Is A Bargain

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro will start at $39,974. At this price, The Ford Lightning Pro is one of the best electric truck bargains. In addition, after some state’s tax incentives, the Lightning will be the cheapest full-size pickup–either ICE or EV. Here’s why the Lightning trounces everything at its price point.

The F-150 EV’s Base Trim: The Ford Lightning Pro

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro | Ford

According to the leaked Lightning trim pricing, the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro starts at just $39,972. After the federal EV tax credit, this Lightning will only set you back $32,474. Many states offer additional tax credits.

One differentiator for this entry-level Lightning is that it has two electric motors and AWD. 

Many other electric vehicle manufacturers reserve multiple engines for upper trim levels. The only other electric truck on the horizon for under $40,000 is the entry-level Tesla Cybertruck. The base-model Cybertruck only offers one engine and RWD.

Blue 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro towing a trailer. Pre-production model with available features shown. Available starting spring 2022. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro | Ford

The Lightning Pro’s two-engine drivetrain makes 426 horsepower and 775 lb-ft. of torque. That is almost as much as the top-trim F-150: the Ford Raptor. 

One benefit of electric engines is that they can produce their maximum torque from a standstill. This feature makes them invaluable while towing or off-roading. In addition, the base-level battery pack offers an estimated 230-mile range. Ford may offer an upgrade option for 300 miles.

The Ford Lightning Pro Comes Loaded

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro with a front trunk open and onboard power in use. Pre-production model with available features shown. Available starting spring 2022.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro | Ford

Ford is loading the Lightning Pro with features beyond AWD. The truck comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 2.0 Driver Assist Technology. It will also have a 12″ landscape-oriented touchscreen with Ford’s proprietary Sync 4 software. This software includes navigation and traffic updates and will benefit from over-the-air updates.

Many pluses in the Lightning Pro’s column are standard F-150 fare: It comes with a four-door and five-passenger Super Crew cab. It also will have a 5.5-foot bed with a 2,000-pound payload capacity. The truck will have a factory-fitted Class IV hitch and is rated to tow 5,000 pounds. The truck will ship with 18-inch machined aluminum wheels wrapped in A/T tires, vinyl seats, and a vinyl floor.

Other Lightning Pro features will not be available on the internal combustion engine (ICE) F-150. The Lightning Pro offers a 14.1 cubic foot front trunk with powered opening and closing. It also provides 2.4 kW onboard power with both 120V and USB outlets. This capability will prove invaluable on job sites or during power outages. Ford estimates that the Lightning can power the average home for three days in a pinch.

The Ford Lightning Pro Will Be Cheaper Than A Traditional F-150

Ford Motor Company unveils their new electric Lightning outside of their headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan on May 19, 2021. - One day after winning an enthusiastic endorsement from President Joe Biden, Ford will officially preview the all-electric version of its best-selling F-150 truck on May 19, 2021. The battery-powered Ford F-150 "Lightning" is part of the US auto giant's $22 billion campaign to ramp up its electric vehicle offerings by 2025. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP) (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images)
Ford F-150 Lightning Announcement | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

One of the reasons the Ford F-150 has been America’s bestselling truck for decades is its popularity as a fleet vehicle. Fleet customers purchase barebones, two-door, RWD F-150s for around $30,000. But the starting price of an ICE F-150 optioned like the Ford Lightning, with a four-door Super Crew cab and 4WD, is $42,850. At $39,974, the Ford Lightning is slightly cheaper. Once a truck owner claims their $7,500 Federal tax credit, their Ford Lightning will cost them $10K less than an ICE truck.

Residents of Maine, Vermont, Colorado, and Oregon will receive additional local tax credits. Maine offers such a generous rebate that low-income individuals will pay less for a Ford Lightning than the cheapest, RWD, two-door, ICE F-150.

Conclusion

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro powering a home during a disaster. Pre-production model with available features shown. Available starting spring 2022.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro | Ford

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro will be one of the best deals of 2022. It is the ultimate work truck, with powerful next-generation AWD, life-changing onboard power, and a price too good to ignore.

RELATED: 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro: A Cost-Effective Ford Raptor

The post The Ford Lightning Pro Is A Bargain appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Crisis Alert: Does the 2022 Toyota 4Runner Have This Safety Feature?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most popular SUVs on the market right now. Fans and dealerships alike are excited to get ahold of the 2022 4Runner, but there seems to be one discrepancy about the release. Did Toyota forget something on the new 4Runner?

What’s missing from the 2022 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

As first pointed out by Torque News, there seems to be something missing from the 4Runner brochure. There are a few significant updates to the Toyota 4Runner in general. Toyota is offering a new TRD Sport, plus some new colors like Lime Rush. There is something called Multi-Terrain Monitor for a better off-roading experience and a rear occupancy alert. But where is the Blind Spot Monitoring?

The addition of Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) has been requested by drivers for years now. As trucks and SUVs get bigger, more active safety features are needed. BSM is one of those safety features. Toyota said it would be bringing it to the upcoming 4Runner, but did the company forget?

Toyota confirmed BSM is on the 2022 4Runner

When hunting for the feature in the 2022 Toyota 4Runner brochure, it was missing. The paperwork only showed Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and BSM in one area. The TRD Sport trim has an optional Technology Package that offers RCTA and BSM. However, it seems this is just a mistake in the brochure and not in the SUV itself.

According to a recent press release from Toyota, the production included BSM. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offers Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert standard on most trims. The SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited offer BSM and RCTA. It is available on the TRD Sport with the Technology Package, as previously mentioned.

Plus, there are a ton of options within the 2022 4Runner lineup.  All options include the new TRD Sport, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro.

What’s new with the TRD Sport?

4Runner TRD Sport | Toyota

Everything is new with the TRD Sport because it is a new trim for the 2022 4Runner. The TRD Sport “focuses on agile road driving while retaining high capacity.” The brand says the Sport trim is similar to that of the Toyota Tacoma. Combining the best of both worlds, the Sport is ready for anything off-road but has plenty of features for the road as well.

“The TRD Sport sharpens its road-focused manners with sophisticated chassis technology while adding style and flair. The result is an exceptional combination of style and performance in a full-capability SUV.”

Toyota

The new suspension system is called Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS). X-REAS is only available on this trim and the Limited grade and automatically adjusts when going over uneven surfaces. No matter which version of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner you pick, it’s bound to be pretty cool.

RELATED: Toyota and GM Make the SUVs Most Likely to Run for Over 200,000 Miles

The post Crisis Alert: Does the 2022 Toyota 4Runner Have This Safety Feature? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

DMV Evaluators Make It Impossible for Tesla Drivers to Pass a Driving Test

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Going to the DMV to take your driving test for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking. Even if you aren’t a brand-new driver, it always seems to provoke at least some anxiety. Additionally, if your car has a manual transmission or is an EV, like a Tesla, it adds different layers of anxiety. Some driver-assistance features, such as a rear backup camera, are usually prohibited during a driving test. Furthermore, one driver found out that the advanced driver assist systems in a Tesla can cause you to fail the DMV driving test.

What are the basics of the driving test?

A Department of Motor Vehicles | John Paraskevas/Newsday RM via Getty Images

Different states, as well as different countries, have different requirements for getting a driver’s license. Generally, the test is composed of two parts: a written exam and an actual driving test. The written portion typically asks questions about the laws of the road and what different signs mean. Typically, a person must pass the written portion before being allowed to take the actual driving test. 

The driving test is usually composed of various maneuvers that drivers commonly come across while on the road. Most of the test is done on public, open roads and includes lane changes and entering and exiting intersections in various ways, such as stoplights, roundabouts, and stop signs. Additionally, drivers are typically required to navigate back and forth through traffic cones, perform emergency stops and evasive maneuvers, and execute reverse angled parking and parallel parking.

Are DMV evaluators biased against Tesla drivers?

According to an article posted on Teslarati, a website dedicated to Tesla and everything associated with Elon Musk, DMV evaluators are most definitely biased against Tesla drivers. In a rather unbelievable story, a professor at the University of California failed his driving test three times. The reason? Apparently, he failed because he was driving a Tesla. 

As the story goes, the first time the professor, a 38-year-old engineer, and scientist failed the test was because the “technology in the car was not off,” meaning the acceleration should have been on “Chill Mode” and the steering should have been on “Comfort.” The professor decided to take his second test through a different DMV and ensured the appropriate settings were in place. Unfortunately, he failed again because of the Model 3’s “automatic engine.” This time the examiner alluded to the regenerative braking being the problem.

The DMV manager informed the professor that he could retake the exam in a rental car but did not mention it had to be a rental car directly from the DMV. When the professor returned with a rental car, he could not take his exam as the car was not registered under his name. The DMV did offer a rental through their office, which the story implies he refused but is not explicitly stated. This resulted in a third failure for the professor.

Is it actually impossible to pass your DMV test in a Tesla?

Anecdotal accounts on Quora and Reddit show tales DMVs failing other Tesla drivers. However, there were several accounts of people successfully passing their driving test in a Tesla on the first try. You definitely will fail if you attempt to use the Autopilot feature, which Teslarati wrote about in 2020, confirming that most DMVs do not permit automated driving assist features to be used during a driving test.  

Whether DMV evaluators are truly biased against Tesla drivers is still up for debate. There is a lot about this particular professor’s experience that is just unbelievable. Furthermore, we can’t really know whether this story falls into the category of unbelievable but true or just exaggerated. If you are going to take your driving test in a Tesla, or any EV, check with your state’s laws regarding what is and is not allowed. Additionally, it is never a bad idea to talk to your specific examiner because even in cars without driver-assist features, different examiners might have different grading methods.

RELATED: Teenager Takes DMV Driver’s License Test in a Bugatti Chiron

The post DMV Evaluators Make It Impossible for Tesla Drivers to Pass a Driving Test appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by