Tesla Owners Don’t Want the Full Self-Driving Update

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving release was supposed to be a big deal. It was long-anticipated, it was long speculated about, and once it was released, it was all Tesla owners talked about. And yet it seems that Tesla owners don’t want Full Self-Driving. Or at least not in its current iteration, at its current price. Only 11% of Tesla drivers have purchased the Tesla FSD package. Why isn’t it being adopted by a wider audience?

The interior of a 2021 Tesla | Tesla

What exactly does Tesla’s Full Self-Driving do?

Tesla FSD is a more autonomous version of their Autopilot function. While many people believe Autopilot allows a Tesla to operate independently, or autonomously, this is not the case. Tesla’s website includes the following information about the level of autonomy that FSD offers: “Note: These features are designed to become more capable over time; however the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous. The currently enabled features require a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment.”

The capabilities of each individual Tesla will depend on the configuration and location of your Tesla. FSD has the capabilities for Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, autosteer, and navigate. FSD also comes with auto lane change, autopark, summon, and smart summon. Smart summon allows Tesla owners to call their cars to them. 

Full Self-Driving also includes technology called Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. Tesla recognizes a stop sign or traffic light, and behaves accordingly. 

It’s possible Tesla owners don’t want to pay too much for something so new

It’s important to remember that the new FSD is a beta package. This means that Tesla owners are basically testing it for the company. As FSD operates based on a neural network, it will constantly be adapting and making corrections. A neural network collects information and shares it with the network. It ‘learns’ from the information being collected by all of the Teslas using FSD.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving costs $10,000. Tesla owners can also purchase it as a subscription for $99-$199 per month, depending on the configuration of the vehicle. Tesla owners who purchased their cars between 2016-2018 may also have to pay for an upgrade so their computer can handle Full Self-Driving.

Add to that the fact that Full Self-Driving hasn’t been without its issues. There have been reports of Teslas with FSD having accidents, sideswiping bushes, and being otherwise ineffective. Consumer Reports is concerned about the feature, and two senators want Tesla investigated as to whether their marketing claims make it sound as though Autopilot and FSD are more autonomous than they really are. 

Not many Tesla owners have upgraded their software

According to Electrek, the take rate, or the number of Tesla owners who purchase the Tesla Full Self-Driving package, shows how much confidence people have in Tesla being able to deliver a good FSD package. Worldwide, only 11% of Tesla owners have purchased the package. 

Electrek does note that there are a few factors that could make the worldwide take rate lower than the actual confidence level in Tesla. Some of these include the FSD package not being as useful in other countries as it is in the United States. 

As Tesla has increased the cost of FSD, the take rate has also decreased. Tesla says they may continue to raise the rate for FSD as they enable it to be able to do more. The take rate for the more expensive Teslas (the Model S and Model X) is higher than for the less expensive models (the Model 3 and Model Y). 
Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that people aren’t eager to pay $10,000 for something that they’re essentially beta-testing for Tesla. At the same time, Tesla will be releasing its newest Full Self-Driving package to the public in just a few weeks, and it’s possible that more people will be interested in it then. We’ll have to see how long it takes – if ever – for more people to feel comfortable using Tesla’s semi-autonomous Full Self-Driving.

RELATED: Teslas Keep Crashing Into Emergency Vehicles

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What Is the Best Third-Row SUV for Families?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While sedans can still be great family vehicles, they’re not always suitable for large families. The largest three-row SUVs can seat up to seven or eight riders and have enough cargo space to store everyones’ belongings. However, just because an SUV is big enough for your family doesn’t mean you should buy it.

That SUV should also get decent gas mileage to justify the price jump over smaller vehicles. Additionally, you also want to make sure it will last as long as possible. Here are some of the best three-row SUVs for families, according to trusted auto review sites.

2022 Kia Telluride | Kia America, Inc.

Chevy Traverse

The 2021 Chevy Traverse made it to the top three in the U.S. News list for best three-row family SUVs. It has one of the most comfortable rides among its rivals, though it also exhibits more body lean. It also doesn’t have the best acceleration, especially when hampered by as many as eight riders.

The third row is best suited for smaller passengers, but every row is easy to access. The Traverse has a bigger cargo hold than some large SUVs, over 98 cubic feet in total. Anxious parents can monitor their offsprings’ driving behaviors closely with the Teen Driver program. However, it’s one of the few advanced safety features on the base trim alongside a rear-seat reminder.

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango often gets overlooked on other lists, but Car and Driver editors placed it highly on theirs. It has one of the highest towing capacities amongst its rivals, which is excellent for adventurous road-tripping families. It has an available V8 engine that comes with a stiff suspension that compromises comfort on some trims. 

The performance-oriented engines also don’t get the best mileage. Still, all three rows of the Durango are roomy enough for most adults, and it has an intuitive infotainment interface. 

Ford Explorer

Car and Driver also praised the Ford Explorer, noting that it was the only midsize SUV to match the Traverse’s cargo capacity. However, that means less space for passengers. The interior also doesn’t look that different even after a redesign, and the infotainment system isn’t the greatest.

Still, the Ford Explorer has an agreeable ride and gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg highway with the base engine. Its handling is also more engaging than rivals without suffering from noticeable body lean. However, it’s only average in terms of reliability.

Kia Telluride

Unsurprisingly, both U.S. News and Edmunds put the popular Kia Telluride at the top of their Best Family SUVs lists. It gets some of the best mileage in its class, up to 23 mpg combined. Its steering is surprisingly light around corners, and the suspension soaks up any hard bumps that might disturb napping little ones.

Drivers of all sizes can get comfortable in every row without sacrificing any precious cargo area. The infotainment system is user-friendly and comes with a big library of advanced safety features. An intercom comes standard, allowing the driver to communicate clearly with unruly riders in the rear rows. The Kia Telluride also boasts top-notch safety scores, excellent reliability ratings, and a 10-year powertrain warranty.

Ford Expedition

Edmunds was also impressed with the Ford Expedition for its massive interior accommodations. The first two rows are the most comfortable and supportive, but the ride remains smooth for all passengers. It has less cargo room than some rivals, but the flexibility of the seats makes it easy to haul unusually shaped items. However, the Expedition’s large size takes a toll on its fuel economy, rated for only 19 mpg combined.

Which to choose?

When considering which SUV to choose, it can be a difficult choice for any family. However, no family will go wrong with these picks. Whether gas mileage is more important, legroom, or storage, there is a three-row vehicle out there for every family.

RELATED: Here’s What to Look for in the Perfect Family SUV

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The New Pickup Truck Consumer Reports Gave the ‘Avoid’ Label

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Pickup trucks are a popular automotive segment in North America. Some trucks are ranked high among others in their class. However, this new pickup truck got the ‘avoid’ label from Consumer Reports. 

2021 Chevrolet Colorado | Chevrolet

According to Consumer Reports, buyers should probably pass on the 2021 Chevy Colorado pickup truck and opt for something else instead. The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck that scored low in CR tests and reviews. Yes, the 2021 Colorado ZR2 off-road designated model is appealing and the starting price of $25,200 for the base model is affordable. So why is it a 2021 pickup truck model to avoid? 

Why does Consumer Reports recommend avoiding the 2021 Chevy Colorado? 

An orange 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 driving
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 | Chevrolet

The 2021 Colorado is a new pickup truck Consumer Reports gave the ‘avoid’ label. But why? What factors contributed to the low score of this pickup truck? 

The outgoing Chevrolet Colorado earned a 6/100 road test score from Consumer Reports. Overall, this really isn’t so bad considering it’s a midsize pickup truck. The acceleration, transmission, and braking all received a 4/5 rating. However, Consumer Reports rated other elements such as emergency handling, ride, and seat comfort 2/5. 

Consumer Reports also rated the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado pickup 2/5 for predicted reliability. Additionally, highlights both the lack of favorable adjustments available for the cloth seats as well as the “awkward driving position.” And, despite the decent road test score, CR still describes the ride as “stiff and choppy.” 

Is the 2021 Chevy Colorado a good truck?

Yes, the 2021 Colorado is a good midsize pickup truck. However, it’s not the best according to Consumer Reports. That said, CR does highlight the Colorado’s strengths as well––and the list of pros isn’t short. 

It’s handling is praised, and a high 24 mpg gas mileage rating for the 2.8 liter diesel powertrain. Other engine options for the Chevy Colorado include a 2.5 liter four-cylinder and a 3.6 liter V6. These get an average of about 22 and 19 mpg respectively, depending on the configuration. 

The body styles include an extended cab and a crew cab Chevy Colorado. This new pickup truck Consumer Reports gives the ‘avoid’ label is an OK total package. CR says it is more sophisticated than the ever popular Toyota Tacoma.

“Sure, this truck is far more refined than the rough-and-tumble Toyota Tacoma that perennially tops the sales charts in this class. But ultimately the Colorado and twin GMC Canyon break little new ground beyond offering an extremely efficient diesel engine.”

Consumer Reports

However, the 2021 Chevy Colorado’s admirable diesel powertrain emits a loud groan. Plus, the seats and driving position knock its appeal. Combine these issues with a low predicted reliability rating and only average consumer satisfaction score and the 2021 Colorado doesn’t make a strong argument.

What should you buy instead? 

Honda's Ridgeline sits in a meadow
The new Ridgeline | Honda

Rather than spend the money on this new pickup truck Consumer Reports gave the ‘avoid’ label, the publication actually recommends that buyers turn to the midsize pickup trucks rated at the top of their class. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is the best midsize pickup truck according to Consumer Reports. Then, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator came in second.

Each of these trucks scored higher than the Colorado in every category. For those that want a more refined experience, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is likely a good choice. But if you want the option to go off-road in your truck, you may want to turn to something more off-road capable. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a great choice as well, receiving high marks in virtually every category. 

A 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in Gecko Green parked on the edge of a rocky incline on a cloudy day
2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in Gecko Green | Stellantis

Some buyers will still end up with a 2021 Colorado. When it all boils down, people will buy the truck they like the most. Still, Consumer Reports recommends that we avoid the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado and opt for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline or 2021 Jeep Gladiator.

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Why? 2022 Ram 1500 Dropping Lots of Options

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are a bunch of changes coming to the 2022 Ram Quad Cab and Crew Cab pickups. Most of it has to do with options being dropped. But why is Ram doing this? In this age of electronics most new vehicles get more options not less. 

Ram is making these changes to optimize its production line due to chip shortages

2021 Ram 1500 | Stellantis

The moves are for neither cost-cutting nor other reasons according to Mopar Insiders. Ram is making the moves in an effort to avoid manufacturing delays so it can continue to feed the beast. It starts with limiting trim levels for the 1500 Quad Cab.

Both the Laramie and Rebel versions of the Quad Cab have been dropped. So now you can only get a Quad Cab with the Tradesman or Big Horn/Lone Star trim packages. But the limits go further than that.

For both the Quad Cab as well as all Ram 1500 Big Horn models, you can’t get any of the sunroof options, power running boards, air suspension, or technology groups. All of these deletions are due mainly to the microchip shortage. It affects both parent Stellantis, but also outside suppliers for some components. 

Both the Ram North Edition and Rebel have been dropped

Ram 1500 TRX
Ram 1500 TRX | Stellantis

The Multi-function Tailgate has been dropped from all Tradesman and Big Horn/Lone Star trucks. And the Tradesman EcoDiesel now only comes with HFE or High Fuel Efficiency. Also, the North Edition and Rebel models have been completely dropped across all lines.

Both the Mountain Brown and Frost Beige interiors have been eliminated across all lines. The cloth and vinyl bucket seats now only come in red or black. Two-Tone paint is no longer an option with the Laramie Level 1 Equipment Group or on Limited Longhorn trims. The one exception is on Ivory White trucks.

On Limited models, the Protection Group and Advanced Safety Group have been dropped.  But Ram isn’t taking options away from every model. The Level 2 Equipment Group option on TRX models now includes a heads-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, and the 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. So in this case there are taketh and giveth. 

Parent Stellantis says the changes are more in line with what customers want

Ram 1500 TRX
Ram 1500 TRX | Stellantis

Stellantis is saying that these changes reflect more of what truck customers want. It also says that Ram sales lean heavily toward Crew Cab models. And it wants to optimize the production line to crank out more trucks. 

If you have placed an order for any of these Ram models the production orders will be changed to reflect these latest moves. So you might want to look over your order form to see how it might have changed. 

As you already must know, the microchip shortage is wreaking havoc with all automakers, not just Stellantis. As the industry sees the issue continuing into 2022, we are likely to see these types of changes from other company’s lineups for next year. 

RELATED: We Know More About the 2022 Ram 1500 Refresh

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