by Gabrielle DeSantis

Holy efficiency, Kia! The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV has an excellent fuel economy. The new Plug-in Hybrid Kia Sorento will take you pretty far on a single tank of gas. Check out what else it brings to the table. 

The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV is efficient 

2022 Kia Sorento PHEV | Kia

Guess what you can do with the Kia Sorento now? You can plug it in! The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV is on the way and targets 32 miles of electric range. It’s expected to travel 460 miles on a full tank of gas and full battery charge. 

It’s the latest model under Kia’s Plan S electrification strategy, meaning we’re going to see a lot more hybrid models. Some models are even going fully electric. But more on that later, today it’s all about the Sorento PHEV. 

What to expect with the plug-in Sorento 

The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV is powered by a 13.8-kilowatt-hour battery and an electric motor that is paired with the 1.6-liter turbo-four engine. It provides 261 hp. Along with a 32-mile electric range, it should get an estimated 79 MPGe. 

Plus, the SorentoPHEV comes with standard all-wheel drive. It’s already equipped to tackle slippery situations such as snow and other challenging conditions. However, it’s expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds. 

This is an average acceleration speed. You won’t be racing other drivers around town, but you will have enough power to merge on the highway and to pass other drivers as needed. The Toyota RAV4 may be a sportier option to consider. 

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid doesn’t plugin, but it’s still pretty efficient. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, 1.5-kWh lithium battery, and an electric motor to pump out 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. So, the PHEV is more powerful. 

With the hybrid, you get an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. This is an excellent fuel economy, but the Sorento Hybrid is only available in front-wheel drive, so that’s a bummer. 

How is the interior of the Sorento PHEV? 

2022 Kia Sorento PHEV interior
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV interior | Kia

The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV packs in premium touches and is loaded with technology. We don’t know its official price yet. However, the Sorento Hybrid starts at about $33,590. The PHEV may cost a few extra thousand dollars. 

The SX is the base trim and includes 19-inch wheels, three rows of seats with captain’s chairs in the second row, and synthetic leather. You also get smart keyless entry, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and wireless phone charging. 

If you upgrade to the SX-P trim, you get more tech, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge closure, blind-spot monitors, and a surround-view camera. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot collision avoidance, the Kia Highway Driving Assistant. 

How long it takes to charge the battery and the official release date, haven’t come out yet, but we could learn more soon. The Sorento PHEV is expected to arrive at dealerships within the next few months.

RELATED: Never Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander Instead of the Kia Sorento

The post The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV Goes Really Far on a Single Tank appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Towing is one of the more common methods of getting a broken down car to the dealership. However, using a donkey to tow a vehicle to the dealership for repairs is, well, not so common. Still, this angry Ford owner in India did just that in order to deal with recurring Ford Endeavor engine problems. 

A donkey | Emmanuele Contini/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Since the busted Ford Endeavor couldn’t make it to the shop without some help, it fell to one of the earth’s most humble creatures to get the three-row Ford SUV to the mechanic. 

What is a Ford Endeavor? 

a gold Ford Endeavor SUV parked off-road in the mountains
2021 Ford Endeavor | Ford India

The Ford Endeavor is a three-row Ford SUV that’s sold abroad in Ford’s global markets. It seats seven and competes with other global models like the Toyota Fortuner SUV. The Ford Endeavor looks a little like a cross between the Ford Explorer and the Ford Ranger pickup truck. 

Its connection to the Ford Explorer speaks for itself, as these are both midsize three-row Ford SUV models. However, the similarities with the Ford Ranger pickup truck are more cosmetic. The Ford Endeavor front end and grill take some design cues from the new Ford Ranger pickup truck.  

2019 Ford ranger in orange at a press event
The 2019 Ford Ranger | Jewel SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images

This story is about a particular owner dealing with repetitive issues with a Ford Endeavor in India. You can watch the video of the Ford owner pulling their Endeavor down a busy city street with a donkey. Ford Endeavor engine problems lead this owner to a last straw attempt at getting their SUV repaired. 

This owner was apparently fed up. They didn’t want to spend extra money on a tow truck. But, luckily for the owner (not for the donkey), there was another option for towing that costs a lot less than hiring a rig––and also draws a lot more attention. With the help of this amazing donkey, the owner took towing to the dealership into their own hands.

Ford Endeavor engine problems

In a report from CarBlogIndia, continuing Ford Endeavor engine problems and growing struggles within the Indian auto market may mean that “it will become very difficult for the American carmaker to sustain its business in India.” According to the report, this Ford owner bought the Ford Endeavor SUV about a year ago. Since then, it’s had some issues. 

The first time the Ford Endeavor owner took the SUV to the dealership, the service center repaired the Ford Endeavor SUV and the owner took it home. But the problem persisted. The owner was allegedly having trouble with the vehicle slowing to very low speeds while the driver was accelerating. For obvious reasons, this is a bit of a dangerous problem. 

When the Ford Endeavor visited the shop for a second time, the mechanic speculated that the issue was not with the engine, but the gearbox. After the service techs manually repaired the SUV, it went home only to break down again. 

Enough is enough, time to tow the Ford Endeavor with a donkey

The video shows quite a procession. The owner didn’t just tow the Ford Endeavor SUV with engine problems to the shop with a donkey. There are accompanying drummers in what shaped up to be an all-out parade. To watch the video of the event, the procession is found in this YouTube clip.

Due to the recurring issues with the Ford SUV, the owner felt the need to make a statement. The manager of the dealership claimed to be unaware of the problems, according to the report. What happens next is anyone’s guess. We only hope that the donkey got a nice big drink of water, some pets, and a treat after its feat of towing that midsize three-row Ford SUV down the street.

RELATED: Recall Alert: Ford Recalling Affected F-350 Super Duty Trucks

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’ve been around for more than four decades, you likely have a favorite car or two from the 1970s. Cars from those days were iconic; often long and sleek, designed to go fast but without safety features that we take for granted today. What were the best cars of the 1970s, and is your favorite on the list? Let’s look at some cars ranging from the 1970 Pontiac Trans Am to the Ford Mustang.

1970 AMC Gremlin | Warren K Leffler/US News & World Report Magazine Photograph Collection/PhotoQuest viaGetty Images

The 1970 Pontiac Trans Am’s long hood is unforgettable

1970 Pontiac TransAM | The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images via Getty Images

The 1970s Trans Am had a long nose and a shaker scoop, which you may remember as the bump in the hood of the car. According to Motor Trend, you could get the 1970 Trans Am with a bright blue interior, though they did away with this by 1971. The 1970 Trans Am was capable of 345 horsepower. Fewer than 4,000 1970 Trans Am’s were made, meaning if you’re looking for one, you’ll be lucky to find it.

The 1970 AMC Gremlin was sorta hideous

A white 1970 AMC Gremlin against a white background.
1970 AMC Gremlin | Hulton Archive via Getty Images

The 1970 AMC Gremlin wasn’t exactly an attractive car, but it sure is memorable. WIth its hunched design and boxy spaceship rear, the Gremlin sticks out in a lot of people’s memories. All Collector Cars says that it wasn’t “particularly popular or reliable,” but that doesn’t keep it from being well-known. All Collector Cars notes that it was a competitor of the Ford Pinto, which was known for catching on fire, so it’s a wonder that Gremlin sales weren’t better. Add to that its initial cost of $1,879, and it’s a surprise that the Gremlin didn’t persist. 

The 1970 Jeep Wagoneer is a classic that’s still a sign of the 1970s

A dark 1979 Jeep Wagoneer outside.
1979 Jeep Wagoneer| National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

When you think back to beach movies of the 1970s, images of the Jeep Wagoneer certainly come to mind. They were a staple of the 1970s, the epitome of family vacations and surf trips to the coast. Its wood paneled sides give it a classic 1970s look that people will still pay big bucks for. 

According to Auto Week, the Jeep Wagoneers from 1968 to 1971 used a Buick engine. This engine was a 5.7-liter, 230 horsepower V8. 1970 also saw a front grill change, giving it the ice-tray look it’s known for. 

The 1970 Ford Mustang

A Ford Mustang on an outdoor racetrack.
Ford Mustang | Alvis Upitis via Getty Images

The 1970 Ford Mustang was one of the first muscle cars, and its image has persisted to this day. The Mustang was a competitor to the Trans Am, a rivalry which lasted several decades. The 1970s Ford Mustang was the first one to switch from four headlights to two, according to MotorTrend. These headlights were mounted inside the grille, and the famous Mustang symbol rests in the center of the grille. MotorTrend also notes that the tail lights were recessed into the rear grille in the 1970 model, a change from 1969. 

Each of these cars has a unique trait (or traits) that make it memorable. Whether you like the look of the Trans Am or the vibe of the Wagoneer, these cars are reminiscent of the early days of design. While there may not be many on the road anymore, they definitely define a highly memorable era of cars.

RELATED: Tesla’s Model Y Butts Heads With Ford’s Electric Crossover

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Subaru Impreza isn’t wildly different from the previous model. Still, major changes weren’t needed to make this compact car a serviceable option for those looking for a new ride. The Impreza exudes comfort for both drivers and passengers, and it does so at a reasonable price point. However, other compact cars on the market excel in similar ways. Here’s the lowdown on the Impreza and other compact cars worth considering if you’re interested in buying a car anytime soon.  

What makes the Subaru Impreza so comfortable?

The 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan model | Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru made no major changes to the 2021 Impreza, but substantial changes weren’t needed to make U.S. News‘ list of the most comfortable cars in 2021. 

The Impreza is designed to offer a smooth ride for men and women of any size. Up to five people can fit inside the Subaru without any problems, even with taller people sitting up front. The seats have plush cushioning that keeps long rides pleasant, and an insulated cabin helps block out open road noises. Heated front seats and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are also available.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both gave the Impreza the highest safety ratings on offer thanks to its performance in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. The vehicle is one of two compact cars with standard, all-wheel drive. Its brake system is strong, and the steering is responsive enough to make swerving around turns a breeze. If you have a young child on board, there are two sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. 

The Impreza also has other features that don’t directly tie into safety but make for a more enjoyable and comfortable driving experience. The model’s StarLink infotainment system includes a touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a four-speaker stereo. Automatic climate control can be added, and the Impreza’s fuel economy estimates are among the best in its class.  

The Subaru Impreza could still do with some upgrades

There’s plenty to like about the Impreza’s feature set, but there are still some aspects of the car that could be made better. 

For example, there’s only one engine under the hood, and that sole engine isn’t terribly impressive. It’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that only puts out 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This won’t be an issue for most, but the lack of acceleration will bother some drivers. 

Impreza shoppers have the choice of a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). CVT models also come paired with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), enabling a more intense Sport mode. However, the powertrain can get a bit noisy under hard acceleration, and the CVT can hinder response time more than vehicles with manual transmissions. 

Lastly, there’s also the issue of a lack of cargo space. The sedan’s trunk only has 12.3-cubic-foot in space, which ranks among the smallest in the class.

The Subaru Impreza earned a U.S. News interior score of 7.6 out of 10 and an overall score of 7.9. The price for the sedan starts at $18,795, and the hatchback costs $19,295. The Limited trim levels cost $25,895 and $26,395 for sedan and hatchback models, respectively.

What other cars filled out U.S. News’s list?

The Impreza is clearly a fine car to drive off the lot, but other vehicles rose to the top of U.S. News’ list, albeit at a higher price point. 

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks third on the list with an interior score of 7.9 and an overall score of 8.7 and has a price tag of $27,750. Its gas-electric powertrain pumps out a combined 192 horsepower and returns a fuel economy of 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the open highway. Higher-level trims have slightly lower figures, but the Sonata Limited makes up for it with a solar panel on the roof that claims to add two miles of range per day. 

The Sonata Hybrid model also features comfortable front and rear seating, remote keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and push-button start.  

Coming in second place is the 2021 Chrysler 300. The luxury sedan provides an enticing combination of comfort and style, thanks to its assembly of powerful engines (up to 363 horsepower in certain models), ample cabin space, and welcoming seats. Seating is available with Nappa leather upholstery, sport seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The 300 model can seat up to five people and has 16.3 feet of cubic space. U.S. News gave it an interior score of 8.0, and it is currently priced at $30,445. 

The top spot on the list, with an interior score of 8.1, and an overall score of 8.9, is the 2021 Honda Accord. Its features satisfy every need for most customers. The Accord has two engine options that provide smooth and powerful acceleration, gets great gas mileage, and handles better than most midsize cars. The interior ranks as one of the best in its class, thanks to its generous amount of cabin space and high-level materials that give off the extravagance of a luxury vehicle. The Accord also has a trunk with 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space and was named the 2021 Best Midsize Car for Families and the Best Midsize Car for the Money by U.S. News. Pricing begins at $24,770. 

Nevertheless, the Impreza remains a worthwhile purchase for those looking for a comfortable and affordable compact car. 

RELATED:  3 of Consumer Reports’ Most Comfortable Compact Cars You Can Buy In 2021

The post U.S. News Calls the 2021 Subaru Impreza 1 of the Most Comfortable Cars to Buy appeared first on MotorBiscuit.