Why the 2021 BMW X5 Dominates the 2021 Lexus RX L

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 BMW X5 and 2021 Lexus RX L are the two top-rated midsize luxury SUVs, but the BMW dominates the RX L in Consumer Reports ratings. The BMW X5’s road test score is much higher than the Lexus RX L. What’s behind that difference?

2021 BMW X5 | BMW

The 2021 BMW X5 and 2021 Lexus RX L have good road test scores, but the BMW’s is better

Consumer Reports conducts over 50 tests at their facility in Connecticut. These tests include everything that a person buying a car might be interested in, like acceleration, handling and braking. 

The 2021 BMW X5 has a near-perfect road test score, at a 98. Consumer Reports gives the 2021 BMW X5 a 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine handling receives a 4/5, while emergency handling only gets a 3/5. The BMW X5’s max avoidance speed is 52 mph.

Braking is excellent in the X5. It scores a 5/5 and can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 129 feet. On wet pavement that becomes 142 feet. The X5’s headlights only score a 2/5.

The Lexus RX L’s road test score is still pretty good

Although the road test score for the 2021 Lexus RX L may not be quite as good as that of the 2021 BMW X5, it’s still pretty good at an 80. Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Lexus RX L a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine and emergency handling receive a 3/5. The Lexus RX L’s max avoidance speed is 52 mph.

Braking is very good in the RX L. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 136 feet. On wet pavement that becomes 139 feet. The RX L’s headlights score a 4/5.

Neither the X5 or the RX L have a ton of storage space

The trunk and cargo space in the X5 scores only a 3/5, with just 36.5 cubic feet of storage space. Similarly, the trunk and cargo space in the RX L scores only a 3/5, with just 31 cubic feet of storage space.

As far as comfort, the 2021 BMW X5 gets a very good 4/5 for its ride. It’s quiet: it scores a perfect 5 for its noise. Front seat comfort also gets a perfect score, while rear comfort gets a 4/5. Interior fit and finish get a perfect 5. 

The 2021 Lexus RX L is even better. It scores a 5/5 for its ride and also a perfect 5/5 for its noise. Front seat comfort also gets a perfect score, while rear comfort gets a 4/5. Interior fit and finish get a perfect 5. 

Although the 2021 BMW X5 and 2021 Lexus RX L are the two highest-rated midsize luxury SUVs, it’s clear that the X5 is a better choice. With its almost perfect road test score, the X5 is the best option for a midsize luxury SUV.

RELATED: This Newcomer to the Midsize Luxury SUV Class Can’t Compete Against the 2021 BMW X5

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The Hottest Compact SUV Deal of August: The Chevrolet Equinox

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Chevrolet Equinox is the hottest compact SUV deal of August this summer. Chevrolet doesn’t have the most competitive compact SUVs, but the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a great affordable SUV option. This August, the 2021 Equinox is even cheaper, thanks to a new discount.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a scorching summer deal

The Chevrolet Equinox | Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images

According to Cars.com, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is currently one of August’s hottest compact SUV deals. Cars.com claims that all 2021 Chevrolet Equinox models are eligible for $3,000 cash discounts, excluding the base model. Consumers with eligible credit scores can also get the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox LS, LT, and Premier trims for 0% when financing for 72 months through GM. The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is here, and dealerships want to get the 2021 models off the lot.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox LS starts at $26,400. The LT trim starts at $27,600. The 2021 Chevy Equinox Premier trim starts at $31,400. Each trim comes with Chevy Safety Assist. The LS adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The LT has a power driver seat with lumbar control and optional heated driver and front passenger seats.

The 2021 Chevy Equinox Premier comes with leather heated front seats. It also includes a hands-free power liftgate and 18-inch aluminum wheels. With the $3,000 cash discount applied, the LS would start at $23,400, the LT at $24,600, and the premier at $28,400. A compact SUV’s highest trim level starting at a price under $30,000, is an incredible deal.

Which 2021 Chevy Equinox trim is the best deal?

A navy blue Chevrolet Equinox.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet

The 2021 Chevy Equinox is a scorching-hot summer deal that is surprisingly affordable at every trim level. The current discount brings the LS trim within $800 of the base model, making it a steal. The LT and Premier trims both offer some great creature comforts like heated power seats.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox LT is the best deal because it balances affordability with some awesome interior cabin features. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine only makes 170 horsepower. The Equinox isn’t a fast SUV, and its acceleration is downright stubborn at times, but this compact SUV isn’t about speed. The LT perfectly represents the best of the Equinox as an affordable compact SUV that is comfortable and includes great cabin materials.

Is the Chevy Equinox a good SUV?

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox interior.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox interior | Chevrolet

The Chevy Equinox hasn’t exactly been a frequent competitor in the SUV of the year rankings for quite some time. Competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback often outrank it. The Chevy Equinox doesn’t do much for drivers who enjoy SUVs with more pep to them.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is built for drivers who enjoy great fuel economy and comfort at an affordable price. The compact SUV is reliable, it handles well, and its technology is easy to use. A discounted LT model may be the perfect compact SUV for consumers looking for a quality SUV that won’t break the bank. Is this 2021 Chevy Equinox discount the hottest new SUV deal of the summer?

RELATED: What’s Included With The Chevy Equinox Base Model?

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McLaren 765LT vs 660 HP Chevrolet Malibu: Who Wins?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Vehicles like the McLaren 765LT supercar are meant to do everything well. A proper supercar should be fast in a straight line but also exceptional at cornering. This is why most manufacturers test their sports cars at places like the Nurburging.

On the other hand, classic muscle cars like the Chevrolet Malibu are completely different animals. They’re all about throwing down as much power as possible to the rear tires and plowing through a quarter-mile faster than it takes to salute the American flag. So what happens when a 2021 McLaren 765LT lines up against a purpose-built 1980 Chevrolet Malibu drag car? The Hoonigans wanted to find out in the latest episode of “This or That.”

2021 McLaren 765LT

2021 McLaren 765LT | McLaren Automotive

The McLaren 765LT is a limited edition supercar meant to pay homage to the legendary McLaren F1 “longtail” race car from the 90s. The 765LT comes standard with a twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 755 horsepower. It also has a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, launch control and only weighs 2,592 pounds.

By no means is this car a slouch. Beyond the capable powerplant, the McLaren 765LT was designed by expert aerodynamicists who ensured that the 765LT took full advantage of airflow for optimal downforce and thermal management. The particular 765LT participating in this race is completely stock except for bucket racing seats from the McLaren Senna.

Considering the numbers and features, it would seem that the McLaren 765LT will have this race in the bag. Though before making a prediction, let’s meet its competitor.

1980 Chevrolet Mailbu station wagon drag car

A 1980 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon drag race car shown from the rear.
1980 Chevrolet Malibu drag race car | Hoonigan YouTube

When it was first released, the 1980 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon was not much to write about. Despite having a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the Malibu only made about 155 horsepower. The draw to the Chevrolet Malibu is the potential. The Malibu’s engine was easy to tweak for more power, and the large engine bay makes motor swaps convenient for those looking to go that route. This is why an early model Chevrolet Malibu makes a great drag race car platform.

A Chevrolet Malibu drag race car is exactly what is lining up against the McLaren 765LT in Hoonigan’s “This or That” battle. The 1980 Chevrolet Malibu seen in the video is a purpose-built bracket drag race car. Under the hood, the Malibu is equipped with a GM LS3 engine which has been stroked out to 6.8 liters. The motor has no forced induction but pumps out 660 horsepower. Those horses are sent to massive drag slick tires in the back. 

The large body and large engine add up to a  total weight of 3,500 pounds, but with that much power and those massive slicks, it should have more than a fair chance against the McLaren.

Who wins?

Hoonigan YouTube channel

We won’t spoil the ending, but we will say that two cars ran against each other three times. There was also a bit of negotiation between races. However, there is a clear winner of the best two-out-of-three battle by the end of the video.

In the end, the real winners are those of us who get to watch crazy match-ups like this happen on the Hoonigan YouTube channel. Maybe one day, we’ll get the chance to line our favorite modern supercar up against our favorite classic muscle car. 

RELATED: The 2021 McLaren GT Has One Magical Luxury Feature all High-End Cars Should Adopt

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Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Is Officially Sold Out

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’ve been waiting to purchase your 2021 Tesla Model 3, you’re out of luck. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 standard range is sold out for the rest of 2021. That’s at least according to the Tesla website, which is where prospective Tesla owners go to purchase their new electric vehicles. However, if you’re willing to shell out a bit more, you can still get the Tesla Model 3 long range in a few months.

2021 Tesla Model 3 | Tesla

Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 standard range definitely sold out?

Although Tesla hasn’t made any official announcement, it appears that the 2021 Tesla Model 3 standard range is sold out. That’s because the Tesla configurator, where you’d go to buy a new Tesla, is showing delivery dates for the Model 3 standard range only as early as January. However, you can still get the Model 3 long range as early as November, but it will cost you extra. 

Maybe you’re thinking it isn’t such a big deal to spend the extra money on a new Tesla. So what’s the difference between the Tesla Model 3 standard range and the long range models? For starters, the standard range can go up to 263 miles on a single charge, while the long range can go 353 miles. The long range will also cost you an extra $10,000. There’s also a performance model, which goes for an extra $7,000 and gets 315 miles per charge. This would be delivered within four to seven weeks of ordering. 

Why are the cars taking so long to be delivered?

There have been many recent delays with Tesla, and there isn’t a ton of information about why that is. The 2021 Tesla Model S has been experiencing delays without a clear reason, though there are signs that if you’re willing to pay an updated price for the Tesla Model S (at $10,000 over the original price), you can still get yours now. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait. 

The long-awaited Cybertruck is also experiencing delays. People had been expecting the Cybertruck to be released by the end of 2021. Now it seems it won’t come out until early 2022. Initially, Tesla tried to push out the date of the Cybertruck’s release and only recently admitted that the Cybertruck won’t be released until 2022.

Tesla is known for its unique communication style. It may be some time before people get answers about what’s going on. Without a public relations department, people generally rely on Elon Musk’s tweets and customer emails for information. 

When can you get other Teslas?

So the Tesla Model 3 standard range isn’t available until next year, the long range in November, and the performance model in four to seven weeks. The Cybertruck is looking at 2022. What about other Teslas?

According to Inside EVs, if you order a Model X you could get it in March to April of 2022. Same with the Model X Plaid. Want the Model Y? You could get the long range in December, and the Performance model in five to seven weeks. 

It isn’t so easy to just jump to another Tesla if you have your heart set on the Model 3 or your budget won’t allow it. If that’s the case, it looks like it will be a long wait to get your Tesla. Hopefully the delays with Tesla end soon so that everyone can get the cars they’ve been waiting for.

RELATED: 5 Luxury Cars That Are Actually (Mostly) Vegan

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