The Best Affordable New Car for Teens According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

So your teen has reached legal driving age, and it’s time to hand over some cash for this inexperienced new driver’s new vehicle. Do you really want to break the bank on a vehicle that’s bound to incur some scratches and dings? U.S. News & World Report revealed the best new car under $25k so you can save some cash on your teen’s new ride. This car is perfect for teens that are new to driving.

The 2021 Hyundia Elantra Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Hyundai

New Hyundai Elantra models are known for being spacious compact vehicles that integrate plenty of modern technology for drivers to enjoy. They are extremely fuel-efficient and reliable. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid takes the Elantra’s fuel economy to the next level, making it a great option to save money at the pump.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the perfect new car for teens because it combines a classy, futuristic exterior with standard safety features and tech that is usually offered at high trim levels. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a great affordable new car for anyone and may help your teen form a lifelong relationship with Hyundai.

Hyundai Elantra models are far from the most speedy compact cars. They lack the horsepower that competitors like the Honda Civic offer. The Elantra is more concerned with providing a safe and comfortable driving experience than an exciting one. The Elantra will allow you to sleep a little easier while your teen is out and about.

Why are Elantras so cheap?

A blue Hyundai Elantra.
A Hyundai Elantra car is on display during the 19th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition | VCG via Getty Images

According to U.S. News, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the best affordable option for your teen driver. But why is it so affordable despite its many standard features? The compact car is so affordable because Hyundai works hard to cut costs and focus only on including parts that will enhance the driver experience.

Hyundai models are reliable, but they don’t tend to last as long as models from competitors. They also may develop small annoying issues after years of ownership and heavy usage. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at $23,550. This new hybrid should last your teen driver until their mid to late 20s without any major issues.

Is the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid a good car?

A blue Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.
A blue Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Hyundai

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a great compact car for a new teen driver. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine makes 139 horsepower. It does not accelerate quickly and is hardly the fastest compact car, but speed isn’t its forte. What the 2021 Elantra Hybrid lacks in speed is easily forgotten when considering its amazing 54 miles per gallon average gas mileage.

The 11-gallon fuel tank should take drivers almost 600 miles before needing to refuel again. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid comes with standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. It also features Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, and many more safety features. 100,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty come standard as well.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid will keep your teen driver safe and save them money at the pump. It also comes with a great 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. The Elantra Hybrid comes with great tech and safety features for a bargain and gas mileage that even the most inexperienced driver can appreciate.

RELATED: The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Just Won This Important Safety Award

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The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Is Grand by Design, Not by Name

by Gabrielle DeSantis

After becoming a desirable classic SUV in its own right, the Grand Wagoneer is back for the modern age. But just as before, it’s joined by another luxury SUV: the 2022 Wagoneer. And yes, Jeep considers it part of a Wagoneer sub-brand, rather than a ‘Jeep’ product, hence the different badging. Regardless, considering the premium features the Grand Wagoneer offers, it might seem like the 2022 Wagoneer lives in its more opulent sibling’s shadow. However, the truth is that the new Wagoneer doesn’t need ‘Grand’ in its name to feel luxurious.

How much does the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer cost?

2022 Wagoneer Series II rear 3/4 | Stellantis

Just like the Grand Wagoneer, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer offers several trims called ‘Series.’ As of this writing, the most ‘basic’ trim, the $57,995 Series I 4×2, isn’t available. The other 2022 Wagoneer trims, though, break down like so (all prices include destination):

  • Series II
    • 4×2: $68,590
    • 4×4: $71,590
  • Series III
    • 4×2: $73,590
    • 4×4: $76,590

Originally, the 2022 Wagoneer trims offered individual ‘sub-trims’ or ‘configurations’ that grouped multiple optional features. The Series II, for example, was available in Standard and Premium form. Now, though, customers can freely choose between different option packages.

Package 2022 Wagoneer Series II price 2022 Wagoneer Series III price
Convenience Group $3,995 $2,195
Premium Group $2,995 $5,495
Advanced All-Terrain Group (4×4 only) $2,295 $1,095
Rear-Seat Entertainment Group $1,995 $1,995
Heavy-Duty Trailer-Tow Group $1,495 $1,495
2nd-Row Seating Group $995 $595
All-Weather Mat Group $395 $395

What’s included in that price?

A red 2022 Wagoneer with Advanced All-Terrain Group off-roading through the forest
2022 Wagoneer with Advanced All-Terrain Group off-roading | Stellantis

Both the 2022 Wagoneer Series II and Series III offer the same powertrain options. However, although buyers can pick between RWD or 4WD, the body-on-frame luxury SUV only has one engine. It’s a 5.7-liter mild-hybrid V8 rated at 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque linked to an eight-speed automatic. But while the Grand Wagoneer has an optional 6.4-liter V8, both SUVs have the same 10,000-lb max towing capacity, MotorTrend notes.

Those looking to take their Jeep Wagoneer off-road will want to get a 4×4 model with the Advanced All-Terrain Group. That adds an electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, off-road wheels, a different axle ratio, tow hooks, and multiple skid plates. On the Series II Wagoneer, this package group also adds off-road cruise control, hill-ascent and hill-descent control, adjustable air suspension, and a two-speed transfer case. Those features are standard on the Series III 4×4. All 2022 Wagoneer 4x4s, though, come standard with multiple off-road driving modes.

The Nappa-leather-upholstered front seats and dashboard of a 2022 Wagoneer with a sunroof parked in a forest
2022 Wagoneer front interior | Stellantis

However, if luxury is the goal, the 2022 Wagoneer Series II comes well-equipped on its own, MT says. Even without any extra packages, the SUV has a 10.25” digital gauge cluster, Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system. Plus, tri-zone automatic climate control, power outlets for every row, as well as keyless entry and ignition with remote start.

Also, the Wagoneer Series II has a 10.1” touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation, and Wifi. And it comes with multiple advanced driver-assistance system features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, Car and Driver reports.

The 2022 Wagoneer Series III, though, goes even more premium. For one, it’s the only Wagoneer trim to offer a McIntosh audio system. It also has heated second-row seats, bigger wheels, a heads-up display, automatic headlights, power-folding third-row seats, and the previously-mentioned air suspension. The Series III also has some additional optional features, such as a built-in locking safe and power-deployable running boards.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is a grand luxury SUV all on its own

In terms of luxury features, the 2022 Grand Wagoneer does offer more than the Wagoneer, Car and Driver says. The former SUV offers things like massaging seats, more (and larger) screens, American walnut interior trim, and Palermo leather. And the Grand Wagoneer’s McIntosh audio system is even more impressive than the Wagoneer’s system.

However, apart from maybe the wood and metal trim, the 2022 Wagoneer is no less luxurious inside than its ‘grander’ big brother, MT reports. And while the Grand Wagoneer offers a bigger V8, the extra power comes with extra thirst. Plus, for low-speed off-roading, the mild-hybrid V8’s greater low-end torque makes it the better choice, Roadshow notes. Also, the smaller V8’s cylinder-deactivation is less noticeable, Cars.com reports.

Out on the road or off it, the 2022 Wagoneer also rides much the same as the Grand Wagoneer, especially with the air suspension. While both SUVs transmit a bit of “body-on-frame jiggle,” Car and Driver says, their independent suspensions offer a plush, comfortable ride. And with the air suspension, both offer up to 10” of ground clearance and 24” of fording depth. But while neither 2022 Wagoneer model is sporty per se, they handle as if they were smaller and lighter, MT muses.

Is it worth upgrading to the Grand Wagoneer?

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series I starts at $87,590. A Series III Wagoneer 4×4 equipped to a similar level costs $85,475. So, the ‘regular’ Wagoneer is still cheaper than a base-level Grand Wagoneer, if only slightly. However, it’s worth pointing out that most of the Grand Wagoneer’s exclusive features are found on higher trims. Getting the Palermo leather, for example, requires stepping up to the $94,590 Series II.

In this case, unless you want or need those extra features, you don’t lose out on anything by going with the ‘regular’ 2022 Wagoneer, MT says. It might not be called ‘Grand,’ but it sure offers a grand luxury SUV experience.

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RELATED: Unusual 1969 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Has a Ferrari Face, and It’s Called the Jerrari

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The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Wins Safety Award

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is a spacious SUV that has a really cool safety feature: Rear Seat Reminder. Rear Seat Reminder is designed to remind parents to check the backseat to make sure children are not forgotten. The 2021 Chevy Traverse also gets good safety ratings all around. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded it a Top Safety Pick Award. 

2021 Chevrolet Traverse | Chevrolet

What is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award?

To be awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, an SUV must score a good rating in all IIHS crash test ratings. These include the driver-side small overlap front, the passenger-side small overlap front, and the moderate overlap front. Additionally, the vehicle must get a good score in the side crash tests, roof strength, and head restraint tests. To get a Top Safety Pick+ award, the vehicle must ace all these tests.

The SUV must also have an advanced or superior in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. Headlights must have a good or acceptable rating available. Oftentimes one trim level has good headlight ratings while another trim level does not, so it’s important to check the test results of the trim level you’re considering purchasing. To receive the Top Safety Pick+ award, the headlights on all trim levels must be good or acceptable. 

The crashworthiness test ratings are all good

The small overlap front: driver and passenger side and moderate overlap front test ratings are all good. The structure and safety cage rating within the passenger side test does get a marginal rating. 

The small overlap on the driver side test simulates how well a car does when the front left corner of the vehicle strikes something like another car or a tree or utility pole. This test is important in part because it measures how well the vehicle’s airbags and seatbelts do. 

Side crash test ratings are also good for the 2021 Chevy Traverse. All subcategories within the side crash test ratings are also good. 

The head restraints & seats and front crash prevention in the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse are good

The head restraints and seats all get good ratings. The roof strength gets a good overall evaluation. The front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle is superior in all but the optional High Country trim level, which is advanced. 

The headlights aren’t great in the Traverse. There are three headlight variations, and only one of them gets an acceptable rating. The other two are poor. Without the acceptable rating, the Traverse wouldn’t have won the Top Safety Pick award. 

If you’re looking for an SUV, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is a great choice – provided you get one with acceptable headlights. If the Chevy Traverse is on your short list, do your research carefully and make sure you choose the safest SUV within your budget.

RELATED: The 2021 Chevy Silverado Dominates the 2021 Toyota Tundra In Consumer Reports’ Road Test

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Can You Rent a Camper Van In New York City?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As the camper van market continues to boom, the diversity of people trying to live the #vanlife is also growing. Now camper lovers are popping up everywhere, even the opposite of the great outdoors; New York City. As most New Yorkers can hardly handle parking a car in the city, a camper seems nearly impossible. So, instead of owning one in the city, renting a camper van in New York City makes far more sense. 

RVs parked next to a river | Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images

Why rent a camper in NYC? 

Owning a camper van in NYC without a proper place to store it would surely end in utter disaster. In NYC, parking is a luxury, as is owning any kind of camper. So unless a would-be camper has serious cabbages to burn, renting a camper van in NYC is clearly the more practical option. 

For the reasons previously listed, there aren’t major stores of rental vans ready to roll, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on one. In fact, Outdoorsy and Escape Campervans both service the New York metro area. 

Rent a camper van in New York City with Outdoorsy

The Alabama made Storytellers 4x4 Camper with a couple leaning against it at sunset
Storyteller 4×4 Ford Transit camper van | Storyteller

Outdoorsy is an RV and camper van rental service that works like Airbnb. This peer-to-peer rental service allows you to rent a camper directly from the people who own them. Despite the many challenges of owning something so cumbersome in NYC, Outdoorsy shows plenty of good options from owners in all five boroughs. 

Like Airbnb, you can add certain filters to find the right rig for whatever adventure you have planned. Most rentals charge by the day, and some have mileage limits. 

Escape Campervans means what it says

A rental camper van sits in a desert style area with a red chair sitting next to a campfire that recently went out.
Camper van | Getty Images

Another good option for renting a camper van in New York City requires leaving the city. As will all car rentals, all New Yorkers know that you have to go to New Jersey to rent cars and not get hosed. Escape Campervans understands this, which is why it is located just across the Hudson River in Jersey City. 

Unlike Outdoorsy, Escape keeps camper vans on hand, ready to roll for any weary New Yorker to snatch up and head north. Although it’s not technically NYC, this location only requires a short train ride from Manhattan to access the fleet. 

Where to take a camper van rental in New York

Many people don’t understand that while NYC is a massive city with nothing in the way of camping to offer, within an hour’s drive of Times Square (depending on traffic), you can be well into the Hudson Valley. This area is beautiful, tranquil, and deeply endowed with all the camping, hiking, and scenic drives you could ever want. 

Travel a couple of hours further north, and you pass through the Catskill mountains and end up in the Adirondacks. These are a wild and wonderful range of mountains that will make you completely forget the world’s greatest city is a short day trip away. So, not only is renting a camper van in NYC possible, it is something everyone should try. 

As the camper and RV markets continue to grow and diversify, we will see more urban adoption along the way. Don’t let the city stop you from leaving and seeing its wild backyard.

RELATED: How to Rent a Camper Van?

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