5 Midsize Trucks with the Best Gas Mileage in 2021, According to TrueCar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Trucks aren’t exactly known for being fuel-efficient. But if you find yourself in the market for the best most fuel-efficient midsize trucks? You’re in the right place. In fact, TrueCar reports that new trucks like the 2021 Ford Ranger and the 2021 Toyota Tacoma are among the five midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021. Read on to find out more about the most fuel-efficient midsize trucks.

The best most fuel-efficient midsize trucks by gas mileage

2021 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

This list of midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021 includes several options that have been ranked by TrueCar. Each new truck has been ranked utilizing a system that leverages industry research, consumer surveys, and data gathered by a team of data scientists and vehicle experts. 

The midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021:

1. 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2. 2021 Ford Ranger
3. 2021 GMC Canyon
4. 2021 Chevy Colorado
5. 2021 Toyota Tacoma

1. 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 23 MPG combined 

A grey 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz parked at dusk
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an all-new midsize truck. According to TrueCar, it combines the “usefulness of a pickup bed with a refined and comfortable five-passenger interior.” This all-new midsize truck is also one of the top five midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021. In fact, it comes equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

2. 2021 Ford Ranger: 23 MPG combined

A red 2021 Ford Ranger off-roading, the Ranger is one of five midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021
2021 Ford Ranger | Ford

The 2021 Ford Ranger also found itself among TrueCar’s picks for midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021. The new Ford Ranger comes driven by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Opt for a Ford Ranger 4WD and those numbers dip to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. According to the EPA, opting for this fuel-efficient truck could save you between $1,500 and $2,000 in fuel costs over five years of ownership.

3. 2021 GMC Canyon: 22 MPG combined

2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition takes Canyon’s capability to a higher level with increased protection and maneuverability.
2021 GMC Canyon | GMC

Perhaps the 2021 GMC Canyon is more your style. You’ll be pleased to know then that this year’s model is one of five midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021. Though, that should come as no surprise. The new GMC Canyon comes equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that, with 2WD, delivers an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Opt for a GMC Canyon 4WD instead and this year’s model delivers an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

4. 2021 Chevy Colorado: 22 MPG combined

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

The 2021 Chevy Colorado is another fuel-efficient midsize truck that made TrueCar’s list of the midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021. It comes standard with a  2.5-liter 4-cylinder, though several additional engine options are available. However, with its standard 2.5-liter under the hood, this year’s new Colorado manages an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. However, if you’re after the most popular Chevy Colorado, which features the available 3.6-liter V6 engine and four-wheel drive, you can anticipate an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

5. 2021 Toyota Tacoma: 21 MPG combined

A silver 2021 Toyota Tacoma parked in the mountains
2021 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

Last but certainly not least is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Perhaps one of the most popular midsize trucks, this year’s Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Upgrade to a Toyota Tacoma 4WD with the available 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood and this new midsize truck manages an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. 

These new midsize trucks have the best gas mileage in 2021

Shopping for a fuel-efficient truck doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, TrueCar’s list of midsize trucks with the best gas mileage in 2021 consists of several excellent options. From the 2021 Ford Ranger to the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, these midsize trucks know how to make the most out of every gallon.

RELATED: 3 Best 4WD Trucks of 2021 According to TrueCar

The post 5 Midsize Trucks with the Best Gas Mileage in 2021, According to TrueCar appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Bugatti So Rare, Jay Leno Can’t Buy One

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Bugatti is one of the most prestigious car brands in history. The French company won races across Europe with cutting-edge Grand Prix cars–until World War Two. The Bugatti badge also graced luxurious art-deco-era grand tourers. Jay Leno famously said, “There aren’t many cars that are as exciting to drive as a Bugatti.” So naturally, Leno owns several Bugattis. But one of Bugatti’s final cars–a futuristic coupe named the Bugatti Atlantic–is so rare, Jay Leno can’t even buy one if he wanted to.

The 1936 Type 57S Bugatti Atlantic

Bugatti Atlantic #57374 | Markus Cuff/Corbis via Getty Images

Like many modern cars, the Bugatti Atlantic began life as a prototype. Ettore Bugatti–owner of Bugatti–spent decades experimenting with lightweight materials. In 1924, he pioneered the aluminum wheel for his race cars. And in July 1935, he completed a coupe made entirely of a magnesium alloy he called Elektron.

Bugatti could not find a way to weld his magnesium body panels together. So instead, he designed them to rivet together. As a result, the most recognizable feature of Bugatti’s “Elektron Coupe” is a riveted ridge running the car’s entire length, where its two sides join. 

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 01: A 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is seen at Retromobile 2012 Convention at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles on February 1, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images) A Bugatti so rare, Jay Leno can't buy one.
Bugatti Atlantic #57374 | Richard Bord/Getty Images

The prototype made the rounds to the British International Motor Show and the Paris Motor Show. In Paris, the car earned the nickname La Aérolithe, meaning “fast as a meteor.” 

The following year, Bugatti advertised a car styled after the Aérolithe, called the Type 57S Atlantic. A British tennis star, a Greek race car driver, a Parisian businessman, and a Rothschild Baron from the United Kingdom ordered Bugatti Atlantics. Bugatti disassembled the Aérolithe prototype for parts and built four Atlantics.

Bugatti built one Atlantic with a supercharger, designating it the Type 57SC Atlantic. Two 57S Atlantics would later return to the factory where Bugatti fitted them with superchargers and renamed them Type 57S(+C). While Bugatti probably built hundreds of cars on various Type 57 chassis, he only ever made four Atlantics. This makes the Atlantic rarer even than the Bugatti Royale Kellner. The Atlantic would eventually give way to the slightly more common Bugatti Atalante Coupe.

Two Bugatti Atlantics Crashed Or Were Lost Forever

Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Atlantic #57591 FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 08: Old cars show in Bagatelle in Paris, France on September 08, 1991 - Bugatti Atlantic 1938. (Photo by Marc DEVILLE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) A bugatti so rare, even Jay Leno can't buy one.
Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti Atlantic #57591 | Marc DEVILLE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

The Parisian businessman drove his Atlantic–chassis number 57473–until World War Two when he was arrested and killed by the Nazis. After the war, the car’s new owner was touring in France when he was struck by a train. The driver and the woman with him were both killed. The remains of the Bugatti were sold for scrap, but a collector bought the car. In the 1960s, the collector restored what parts he could and remanufactured everything else. The resulting vehicle entered Pebble Beach in 2010, but the judges snubbed the incomplete car, calling it “a replica.” 

Bugatti 57C Atlantic (1938, 3 models). (Photo by Pool GEORGEON/ROSSI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) A Bugatti so rare, Jay Leno can't buy one.
Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti Atlantic #57591 | GEORGEON/ROSSI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

After the Greek race car driver received his Atlantic, he decided he would prefer a convertible. So he had a custom body built and fitted to his Type 57 chassis. He sent the rare body back to Bugatti, who mounted it on chassis number 57453. At some point, Bugatti renamed the resulting car chassis number 57454. After World War One, pilot and racing driver Robert Benoist won the 1937 24 hours of Le Mans in the Bugatti 57G “Tank,” Ettore gave his friend 57454.

When the Nazis invaded Europe, Benoist had a chance to rescue one car from the doomed factory and made the fateful decision to escape with Ettore’s personal car–a Type 57C with chassis number 57335–which he hid for his friend. Benoist then joined the French resistance and was captured and killed. Meanwhile, 57454 appears to be destroyed or lost forever.

Surviving Bugatti Atlantics Are Rare

A Type 57 S(C) Bugatti Atlantic 1938 is shown on April 27, 2011 at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs museum in Paris, during the "L'art de l'Automobile" exhibition, the first ever auto show presented in Europe of American fashion designer Ralph Lauren's private collection of historical sports cars from the 1930's to nowadays. Seventeen legendary sports cars will be on display for four months from April 28. AFP PHOTO MEHDI FEDOUACH (Photo credit should read MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images). A Bugatti so rare, Jay Leno can't buy one.
Ralph Lauren’s Bugatti Atlantic #57591 | MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images

Ralph Lauren eventually bought the tennis star’s Atlantic–chassis number 57591. Lauren had the car completely restored to its original condition, changing only the color–to black. Afterward, the car won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in n 1990.

The Rothschild Atlantic–chassis number 57374–made its way to the U.S. in 1945. After a complete restoration, 57374 also won Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 2003. Peter Mullin later bought the car, and today it is on display at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, CA.

The only two fully-intact Bugatti Atlantics known to exist were finally reunited to lead a Bugatti parade in Saratoga, New York.

Jay Leno’s Bugatti Atlantic Replica

With only two entire Bugatti Atlantic’s surviving, and neither Ralph Lauren nor Peter Mullen interested in selling, this is a Bugatti too rare for even Jay Leno to buy. But Leno is an admirer of the beautiful, magnesium-bodied grand tourer. So, with no original Atlantics available, Leno had a replica built.

As cool as original Atlantics are, their $30 million+ pricetag would leave any owner nervous about taking theirs out for a spin. A replica, however, is easy to drive down the road and display at a car show. At the end of the day, Jay Leno’s Atlantic is probably more fun than an original.

RELATED: Why Jay Leno Doesn’t Own A Single Ferrari

The post The Bugatti So Rare, Jay Leno Can’t Buy One appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

This Dancing Tesla Bot is Both Awkward and Entertaining

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you haven’t heard of the new Tesla Bot from its debut at this year’s Tesla AI Day, you have probably seen the comical and awkward video that brought it into the eye of the internet. Clips of the introduction of the Tesla Bot featuring a man dressed in a robot costume performing some kind of awkward yet entertaining interpretative and potentially improvised dance moves have taken the internet by storm. Perhaps this was Elon’s intention in maximizing marketing and ensuring the newest AI technology from Tesla is viewed as something more lighthearted than what we’ve come to expect from science fiction movies that cast humanoid robots as unstable and dangerous.

Tesla logo on-screen | Daniel Fung, SOPA Images, LightRocket, Getty Images

What is Tesla Bot?

Tesla Bot is the latest and greatest technology being developed by Tesla — what, you didn’t think they just built cars, did you? In fact, Tesla has been building solar charging stations, battery packs that can power your entire home as well as charge your car, and even electric semi-trucks. The Tesla Bot itself is just the average bipedal, humanoid robot that we’ve been seeing in science fiction movies for years come to life, which undoubtedly leaves some feeling a bit uneasy. The purpose of the Bot is to perform tasks that are repetitive and mundane, allowing humans to tackle the more important tasks at hand.

“Develop the next generation of automation, including a general purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot capable of performing tasks that are unsafe, repetitive or boring. We’re seeking mechanical, electrical, controls and software engineers to help us leverage our AI expertise beyond our vehicle fleet.”

Tesla

What to expect from the Tesla Bot

We haven’t heard much from Elon Musk about the Tesla Bot as of yet, at least in the way of pricing and availability, though it will likely need many more prototypes and tests before it is released into the world. The nearly 130 lb robot measures in at 5′ 8″. The reveal itself was rather unexpected, taking the stage at this year’s Tesla AI Day. The Tesla Bot fits in well with the weird and futuristic offerings from the pioneering company, and while Tesla is mostly known for its electric cars, their steady advancements in technology serve many purposes outside of the automotive realm.

Doing the robot dance…as a robot?

The Tesla Bot itself was really just a man dressed up like a robot doing a rather uncomfortable dance. While it wasn’t inappropriate by any means, it definitely gives viewers a sense of second-hand embarrassment for sure. If you’ve kept up with Elon Musk and his late-night Twitter feed, this awkward display isn’t all that surprising, but it does serve its purpose to garnish attention and bring awareness to the new Tesla Bot — which will not be a person dressed up in a robot costume dancing.

With Elon Musk at the helm, there is no doubt that Tesla will continue to create new and innovative technologies, and the bot only works to reinforce the brand for its user-friendly nature and desire to entertain, as we’ve seen with so many unnecessary Easter Eggs in many Tesla vehicles. The Tesla Bot display here may be rather cringe-worthy, but it does stir up attention in an enjoyable and entertaining way nonetheless.

RELATED: Nerdy and Fun ‘Easter Egg’ Features Tesla Created

The post This Dancing Tesla Bot is Both Awkward and Entertaining appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Consumer Reports Gave the SUV Low Predicted Reliability

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The newest Hyundai electric vehicle to hit the market is the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. While Consumer Reports hasn’t fully rated the EV, it already has a below-average predicted reliability score. What caused the score for the Ioniq 5 to come in so low?

Why did Consumer Reports rate the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 low?

Consumer Reports Gave the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Low Predicted Reliability | Hyundai

There isn’t much data based on the current Consumer Reports review for the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. In fact, it says “Not Tested” at the top. However, Consumer Reports rated the predicted owner satisfaction and predicted reliability. The predicted reliability only scored a two out of five. The predicted owner satisfaction was above average, with a four out of five.

While nothing else was tested or rated, why is Consumer Reports so confident in the low predicted reliability? In the “first drive” section, CR notes that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has cool features that will make this EV stand out among the competition.

The 2022 Ioniq 5 uses the new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) from Hyundai. Hyundai will use this E-GMP platform for other models across the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands in the future. It sounds like the predicted reliability might be automatically generated behind the scenes.

Is the Hyundai Ioniq electric reliable?

The Ioniq is supposed to be an all-encompassing electric sub-brand, similar to Prius and Toyota. It is just the start of Hyundai’s small SUV segment. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a solar-powered roof, an augmented reality Head-Up Display, and 800-volt charging.

Hyundai says the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a 118-inch long wheelbase, which is four inches longer than the Hyundai Palisade’s wheelbase. The wheelbase length, along with the interior design, makes for extra room inside. The single motor option offers a 77.4-kWh battery, 300-mile-range, and rear-wheel-drive platform. The other option is a dual-motor all-wheel drive option getting 244 miles. While Consumer Reports has not thoroughly tested the Ioniq 5 yet, it seems to have high hopes.

When Edmunds discussed the Ioniq 5, the critics had positive things to say about Hyundai’s newest vehicle. It did note the storage space is 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the seats folded, that changes to 59.3 cubic feet. Edmunds reports that it is pretty small for such an SUV, but it will do for most everyday situations. The Ioniq 5 can tow 1,500 pounds. This is enough to pull a small utility trailer or something similar, but not much more than that.

These are similar options in the segment

In the same segment are the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevy Bolt EUV. Consumer Reports thinks the Hyundai Kona Electric is the best EV tested under $50,000. Edmunds considers the Tesla Model Y and the Nissan Ariya to also compete with the 2022 Ioniq 5.

It sounds like CR plans to purchase and test the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as soon as possible. For now, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 will keep its below-average predicted reliability score until testing is complete. Will Hyundai be able to live up to the critic’s expectations when it comes to testing? It has enough technology and features to do so.

RELATED: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Earns Highest IIHS Top Safety Pick, but That’s Not All It Offers

The post 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Consumer Reports Gave the SUV Low Predicted Reliability appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by