The Jaguar E-PACE Earns the Top Spot for J.D. Power Small Premium SUVs Studies

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Discerning automotive buyers have many great choices for the luxury compact SUV segment. However, one standout model is the Jaguar E-PACE. It has a sleek and athletic design. The E-PACE provides quick acceleration and plenty of power. Also, it is chock full of an abundance of advanced technologies. J.D. Power recently confirmed these impressive characteristics of the E-PACE with two honors. 

The E-PACE demonstrates its high quality with J.D. Power honors

2021 Jaguar E-PACE | Jaguar

J.D. Power recognized the E-PACE by naming it the top pick in two of its studies. This includes the 2020 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study and the 2020 Initial Quality Survey. These honors carry a great deal of weight. J.D. is a highly-respected third-party leader for evaluating aspects of vehicles throughout the automotive industry. These honors for the E-PACE are memorable for Jaguar. It is the first time that a Jaguar model earned top spots for two J.D. Power studies at the same time. 

What is the purpose of these J.D. Power automotive surveys?

The J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey measures the quality of a vehicle for the first 90 days of ownership. Vehicle owners complete surveys that cover over 200 vehicle concerns that are grouped in nine different categories. The J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study is subjective. It solicits owner opinions in 40 different categories, such as performance, the interior, technologies, and driving comfort. In evaluating this survey, J.D. Power places a high emphasis on the emotional responses of the owners. 

The E-PACE achieved the top spot with an Initial Quality score of 159, which is a high point for Jaguar. Also, overall, Jaguar improved its Initial Quality Score rankings by several places compared to the previous year.

Jaguar E-PACE performance specs

The E-PACE may be desirable for those that want the legendary performance of Jaguar at a more accessible price point. Despite its relatively small size, the Jaguar E-PACE packs a considerable amount of punch with its two available engine options. The standard E-PACE model comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. It doles out 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The ultra-performance E-PACE R-Dynamic model features a more powerful variation of the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. It delivers an output of 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. 

The E-PACE can reach a top speed of 143 mph for the standard model. The E-PACE R-Dynamic tops out at 149 mph. The standard E-PACE model has a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds. The E-PACE R-Dynamic model achieves the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.1 seconds.

Gray 2021 Jaguar E-PACE driving on a coastal road
2021 Jaguar E-PACE | Jaguar

For road-gripping traction or off-road use, the E-PACE offers sophisticated all-wheel drive systems. The standard E-PACE model features an all-wheel drive system with torque on demand to the rear axle. With an emphasis on greater performance, the E-PACE R-Dynamic has an all-wheel drive system with an active control set-up. This enables the vehicle to seamlessly switch between front-wheel drive and torque on demand to the rear axle. 

RELATED: JD Power Says These Car Brands Lead In Excitement and Appeal

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This Toyota Avalon Model Year Is the Best Used Large Car for Teens, According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Toyotas can be a great, safe pick for teen drivers, and a great way to get more value from a Toyota is by buying it used. Some model years are better than others, and for the Toyota Avalon, the best model year for teens is the 2017. Here’s a look at why the 2017 Toyota Avalon is the best used large car for teen drivers.

How U.S. News determined the best used cars for teens

The 2021 Toyota Avalon Limited sedan | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Every shopper is different in terms of what they’re looking for in a car. However, when it comes to shopping for teen drivers, it’s usually simpler. Most parents want their kids to stay safe on the road, so safety is a must. Cost is also an issue, as many families can’t afford to buy a brand-new car just for their kids. Unsurprisingly, those were two of the main factors that went into this evaluation, according to U.S. News. 

While the sticker price is important, so are the ownership costs. This also makes reliability an important factor, as reliable cars are cheaper to own in the long term. When it comes to safety, the car’s crash tests matter a lot. That said, U.S. News also looked at a car’s smart safety features, as those can help avoid a crash in the first place. 

These were the main factors that U.S. News factored in, but they weren’t the only quality measurements. U.S. News also cared about a car’s fuel economy, cargo capacity, and similar practical features. When all of that’s considered, the 2017 Toyota Avalon came out on top in its segment.

Why the 2017 Toyota Avalon is the best used large car for teens

With price and safety being the top factors that U.S. News looked at, it’s no surprise that the Avalon did so well. Generally speaking, the older a car is, the fewer smart features that it’ll have. Despite that, the 2017 Avalon still has access to smart safety features, according to U.S. News. For example, the 2017 Avalon has automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist as standard features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also optional features, meaning it’s possible to find them on a used model.

Additionally, the 2017 Avalon has great crash test ratings. Combined with its smart safety features, the 2017 Avalon is a very safe car for teens. Plus, the Avalon is a large car, which means it’ll have more space than a smaller sedan like the Toyota Corolla. This is why U.S. News liked how much space the Avalon has, both for people and their cargo.

Additional perks include the 2017 Avalon providing a comfortable ride, which any driver can appreciate. However, while the Avalon is a reliable car, it won’t be the cheapest. A used 2017 Avalon can cost between $26,000 to $30,000, according to U.S. News.

What to avoid when buying a car for a teen

If that’s too expensive, then U.S. News has some advice for what not to look for in a teen car. Sports cars and cars with a lot of horsepower should be avoided. This is because they could encourage teens to “drive beyond their skill level.” Similarly, trucks and large SUVs should also be avoided. Like sports cars, trucks and large SUVs may require more driving skills than a teen would have and will also likely be far more expensive.

On top of that, U.S. News said that cars with high seating capacity are also bad for teens. This is because more passengers could raise the risk of teens crashing. That said, this doesn’t mean big cars are bad. Tiny cars also have their own issues, such as their crumple zones not being as safe as larger models.

RELATED: Teen Drivers Are Worse for Your Car Insurance Costs Than a DUI

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Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Worth Buying?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Toyota Tacoma is popular for being an affordable truck that has off-roading capabilities. Toyota Racing Division trims are adding style and performance to Toyota models. Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro worth buying, or is it just more of the same?

Is the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro trim worth it?

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 16-inch wheels | Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is already an incredible off-roading vehicle. The TRD Pro trim takes things up a notch by adding a touch of performance to the already fun truck. Thanks to the Taco’s affordability, the TRD Pro trim is still less expensive than some competing high trim level trucks in the Tacoma’s vehicle class. But does the trim really provide enough value for its price?

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is expected to release in late summer or early fall. Few details have been released on the truck. Luckily, this isn’t the first Taco TRD Pro, so we have some ideas of what the trim will include.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro starts at $44,325. It comes in standard four-wheel drive. The 3.5-liter engine makes an exciting 278 horsepower. This is 119 more horsepower than the Toyota Tacoma’s base model. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is getting a 1.5-inch lift in the front and a 0.5-inch lift in the rear.

According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will be available in a trim-exclusive Electric Lime color. The 2022 Toyota Taco TRD Pro is also getting new 16-inch TRD Pro wheels and Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires. Prices have yet to be announced, but if you were willing to buy the 2021 Toyota Taco TRD Pro, its newer iteration is definitely worth the money.

What’s new on the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro?

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro aluminum skid plate.
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro aluminum skid plate | Toyota

Aside from the aforementioned life, wheels, tires, and color, the new 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro still has more tricks up its sleeve. New aluminum upper control arms have been improved to make off-road performance that much sweeter. The new Tacoma TRD Pro also features new badge positions as well as optional hood graphics.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro’s powertrain is remaining the same, but no complaints there. It will also still offer both automatic and manual transmission options. Performance-wise the lift and upper control arms are the biggest new improvements for the Taco’s highest trim level. Appearance-wise, that Electro Lime color is hard to ignore.

Which Toyota Tacoma trim is best?

A white Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is on display during the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, United States on February 8, 2018.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is on display | Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro trim is the highest level trim, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best trim that the Taco has to offer. The Taco is known for affordability, and the TRD Pro is on the pricier side as far as compact trucks go. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, look no further than the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road offers many of the same off-road thrills as the TRD Pro but costs almost $10,000 less. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road starts at $35,780. Its standard powertrain is weaker than the Pro, but it comes with 16-inch wheels, plenty of driver-assist features, an electronic locking rear differential for off-roading, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro may come with all the goodies, but the TRD is still a great off-roading option. As long as you aren’t looking for comfort or a smooth ride, most Tacos won’t disappoint. Which Toyota Tacoma trim do you think is best?

RELATED: 2021 Toyota Tacoma: Is the TRD Off-Road Worth $5,000 Over the Base SR?

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The IRS Will Pay You to Buy a 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the EV tax credit. Basically, the government will pay you to buy a hybrid or EV. The plan is, it’ll get Americans into EVs and hybrids, working in conjunction with Biden’s new EV infrastructure moves to make American transport greener. However, the polar opposite of green now qualifies for the tax credit: a Bentley. Not just any Bentley, the 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid.

How much is the Bentayga Hybrid?

I’m a sucker for British Racing Green paint | Bentley

Let’s get one thing straight. The EV tax credit will not make a dent in the purchase price of your Bentayga Hybrid. The MSRP on a 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is $160,000. At least, to start. After all, Bentley is a boutique manufacturer of luxury goods. In reality, the sky is the limit. I’m sure if you asked Bentley nicely enough (and came with a big enough check), they’d build you a $1,000,000 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid.

In fact, Bentley’s configurator won’t even tell you how much your 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid will cost you. Because, you know, “if you have to ask you can’t afford it.” They offer ridiculously luxurious options like Lambswool floor mats and “Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus” veneer, which I’m pretty sure costs $500 to say out loud. Point being, the 449 hp 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is expensive. So, why are buyers getting a tax credit?

Should the 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid qualify for the credit?

"Hybrid" script on the side of the new Bentley
I’d like to know who Bentley’s photographer is | Bentley

Frankly, the 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid isn’t very green right now. I mean, how many eucalyptus trees will Bentley have to kill to make the veneer in my Bentayga or Continental? How many cows? Moreover, how many will they use during the vehicle’s life cycle? Now, in all fairness, Bentley is making changes to become greener. The brand’s first all-electric car in 2025 will be carbon neutral “cradle to grave.” By 2030, the brand will be fully electric and only offer vegan leather. So, that’s Bentley’s side of things taken care of.

However, there’s other reasons the Bentayga shouldn’t be on this list. The whole purpose of the EV tax credit is to incentivize your average Joe and Jane into buying a greener car next time around. That $7,500 is 18% off the purchase price of a Volkswagen ID.4, and that same $7,500 is barely 4% off the purchase price of a 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid. Guess which buyer needs that discount more.

This isn’t in the spirit of the EV tax credit

The flying "B" logo on the hood of a white Bentayga
Bentley pledges to become more sustainable, but is it enough for the here and now? | Harold Cunningham via Getty Images

And that’s the point I’m trying to make here. We’ve given this country’s wealthy plenty of ways to hide their money from the taxman. Now, the taxman is paying them. No matter how small the sum, the government is literally paying rich people to buy nice cars for themselves.

We’ve well and truly ruined the climate, and now more than ever our EV transition is more important. You’ll still get to keep your gas-powered cars for a while, but guess who’ll still have a barn full of them worth millions in 20 years? The same people getting paid by the IRS to buy Bentley’s.

RELATED: Range Anxiety Means Much of America Isn’t Ready for Biden’s EV Move

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