by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to reliability, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is a good choice to buy. While sales weren’t doing so well during the Pandemic, Nissan decided to amp things up a bit to draw more interest in its compact pickup, which it did for the 2022 model year. According to MotorTrend, the new changes are mostly interior and exterior updates, but it’s enough to breathe some new life into the Frontier. 

Nissan Frontier’s updates for the 2022 model

The 2022 Nissan Frontier pickup truck | Nissan Motor Corporation

The Nissan Frontier hasn’t seen many updates in the last 15 years or so. There were a few styling adjustments along the way, but not many changes took place. Finally, it’s about to get a much-needed refreshment for its 2022 model year. However, don’t expect the powertrain to be included in the updates as it will remain the same with the 3.8-liter V6 engine introduced for the 2020 model. On its redesigned frame, this grants the Frontier a max payload capacity of 1,610 lbs and a max towing capacity of 6,720 lbs.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier’s exterior gets a new boxier look with square fenders and a more muscular-looking front end. The interior is also seeing much-needed improvements to what was previously an outdated design. The squared details you see on the outside are brought to some of the interior pieces as well. 

Standard features of the redesigned Frontier include a 7-inch gauge cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen display with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. As for options, you can choose a 9-inch infotainment screen, a wireless phone charging device, automatic braking systems for both the front and rear and adaptive cruise control, to name just a few. 

What will Mexico’s Nissan Frontier Pro-4X offer?

The Nissan Frontier is sold globally but usually under the Navarro name instead of the Frontier. However, Mexico’s Pro-4X model is currently marketed under the Frontier name instead, according to MotorTrend

The Mexican-built model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, or you can also choose a diesel-powered motor instead. According to Nissan Mexico‘s website, the gas engine produces 166 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel generates 188 hp and 332 lb-ft. 

With the diesel motor, you can tow around 7,700 lbs  (3,500 kg) or 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with the gasoline option. This version comes with four cameras to view all sides of the truck so that you can park or maneuver through tight spaces. Drivers also get blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning features. 

For convenience, the Mexico Pro-4X model offers rain-sensing windshield wipers, smart key technology, folding outside mirrors, and plenty of small compartments to hold your personal items, like sunglasses and maps. Additionally, you can opt for a power-adjustable leather driver and passenger seats. 

What was the influence of the redesign?

If you look at both the U.S. model and the Mexican-built version, you’ll notice similarities. Both have the same boxy design on the body and the front end. When looking at the Pro-4X trim from the US line, you’ll also see the same orange accents on the off-road model of the Mexican-built version. 

On the inside, both models have the same 7-inch driver information screen. When it comes to connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on both models. The same goes for the navigational system and the Nissan Connect program. 

What’s interesting, though, is that MotorTrend thinks the Pro-4X model in Mexico might disappear since Frontier offers a Pro-4X package for the global models of the truck, which will give your pickup most of the same details you find in the Mexican-built version. 

Regardless, the Nissan Frontier is finally bringing some freshness to the model’s outlook, despite other parts refusing to change. However, that’s OK for many fans of this pickup, who have been looking forward to a new design for the Frontier.

RELATED: The 2022 Nissan Frontier Is Much Better Than Its Predecessor, but Can It Compete With Ford and Chevy?

The post The 2022 Nissan Frontier Redesign Looks More Like Mexico’s Pro-4X Trim appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The new Hyundai Santa Cruz is finally out and about. Meaning it’s time to put the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz to the test. As it roams the streets and off-roading trails, we will be able to determine if it lives up to the hype or not. So far, it only has three drawbacks to consider. 

Three reasons to possibly avoid the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz 

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

First, for a bit of background information, you can get started in a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz for about $23,990. The top of the line Limited Turbo trim increases the price to $40,905. Going up in trim levels can get expensive pretty quickly. 

The Santa Cruz shares the same platform as the Hyundai Tucson. It has a unibody design for a sportier and more comfortable performance. But it can still tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. 

1. The Santa Cruz’s interior could be better 

According to Cars.com, the interior of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a little disappointing. The interior includes soft-touch surfaces, but they aren’t padded. Your fingers sink into the materials, which takes away that quality feel. 

In the rear, the soft-touch materials are replaced by hard plastics. But this could be to enhance its rugged appeal. Also, storage space is limited. The bin between the front seats is decent, and there are a few storage cubbies in the front. 

Finding places to store your gear may be a little challenging. The wireless charging pad takes up the storage space in front of the gear selector. But hey, at least there’s a wireless charging pad. 

2. The 2022 Santa Cruz is tiny 

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz interior | Hyundai

Of course, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is tiny. It’s a compact truck. But is it too small? It’s four inches shorter than the Ford Maverick and over a foot shorter than the Honda Ridgeline. The bed is just over four feet long. 

Space can feel limited in the cab. There is enough headroom and should space for larger adults. However, the floor has an elevated position that puts your knees at a higher angle. This can be slightly fatiguing. Leg space is cramped. The small rear windows add to the cramped sensation. 

3. The Hyundai Santa Cruz could be sportier 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with optional 20-inch wheels. This can make the ride a little bumpier than expected. The team at Cars.com mentions that you can feel road imperfections that could be worse on harsher roads. 

The Santa Cruz has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This is the same drivetrain that’s found in the Sonata N-Line, but the sportiness isn’t on the same level as the sedan. But this is as to be expected with a truck. 

There is only a minimal delay with the power delivery, and the handling is pretty impressive. But the Cars.com mentioned that they couldn’t tell that a sports car was hiding under this truck’s exterior. 

But these drawbacks are not dealbreakers. The truck bed has innovative solutions to expand space and enhance utility, the smaller size delivers truck capability without being massive, and the interior is loaded with modern tech.

RELATED: The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels Explained

The post The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz May Have 3 Potential Drawbacks appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Toyota trucks aren’t just popular in the U.S., even though the Toyota Tacoma is incredibly popular here. In Brazil, Toyota allows customers to purchase a Toyota Tacoma (or the Toyota Hilux as it is called) through a trade program. So don’t head to your local dealerhsip with cans of corn just yet. You probably don’t qualify for the program.

Buying your Toyota Tacoma with corn

The Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Hilux truck | Toyota Global

Back in 2019, the global automaker started a program called Toyota Barter. Though the Toyota Barter program, Toyota will accept soy or corn grains as a payment for a new truck. The official announcement from August on this year has more information.

“Named as Toyota Barter, the business model offers farmers the possibility of purchasing the Hilux pickup truck and the SW4 and Corolla Cross SUVs, by exchanging soybeans and corn, considering the market value of the bags – unit of measure of weight of pulses and cereals.”

Toyota

This program is accepted in nine Brazilian states and offers more vehicles than just the Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Hilux. The brand is also offering it for the Toyota Fortuner (Toyota SW4) and the Toyota Corolla Cross. Both of these are larger SUVs in the lineup. While there are arguments about the Tacoma and the Hilux not being the same car, it is as close as we will get.

The Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Barter

Toyota operates grain warehouses through a company called NovaAgri. Part of the Toyota Group, the company Toyota Tsusho acquired NovaAgri back in 2015, according to a press release from the company. Toyota accepts the grains instead of cash and is able to help the local residents get into a vehicle.

This project started as a pilot program back in 2019 and has grown to become official since then. Toyota accepts grain and corn through this method and pays for the goods using the market value of the bags. Not only does this allow Toyota to make an impact on the main economic staple on Brazil, but it also is a way for the company to make an contribute to the local economies.

Those that agree to the terms in order to purchase a Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Hilux undergo a verification process to ensure sustainable practices are in use. Toyota wants to neutralize the companies environmental impact by 2050.

The barter program benefits local farmers

While trades are a less common source of income these days, in situations like this, it makes sense. For some farmers, the idea of a Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Hilux, SW4 or Corolla Cross is just a dream. The distinctive Toyota Barter programs allows this personal goal to realized. According to Toyota Brazil, 16% of direct sales go to the agricultural industry.

While this might be a bit unorthodox for us in the U.S., it seems to be working just fine in Brazil. A well-equipped truck like the Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Hilux would be a huge advantage on farms. There is likely something missing from this situation that is lost in translation, but we appreciate the Toyota Barter program for what it is on the surface: corn for truck.

RELATED: Best Selling Pickup Trucks of 2020 on the West Coast: Toyota Tacoma, Ram 1500

The post You Can Buy Your Next Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Hilux With Corn appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

In the ultimate example of not knowing what you’ve got till it’s gone, the Canadian border has been closed to Americans since March of 2020. As the novel Coronavirus was picking up steam and freaking the world out, Canada blocked Americans, and for good reason, as we also closed our borders. Now, after nearly a year and a half, Canadians are graciously letting their friends from the south drive across the border once more for their end-of-summer road trips. The newly opened northern border is definitely giving off Vietnam war vibes as the border is flooded with American drivers trying to get to greener pastures. 

The American / Canadian border is not a two-way street

Although the Canadian border is open to Americans, the American border is still closed to our Canadian friends. The U.S. recently extended its border closure to August 21st. In efforts to keep transmission down, the border is only open to fully vaccinated US citizens, though unvaccinated children under age 12 are also allowed to travel to the north country. But that’s not the only restriction. 

Every American traveler hoping to drive into Canada will still need a negative COVID test. With that in mind, travelers must have a quarantine plan in case they test positive. 

Although the Canadian Border is open that doesn’t mean it’s simple to get in

A U.S. Border Patrol Agent patrols U.S. Canada border | Darren McCollester/Newsmakers)

According to Motor1, although the Canadian border is open to vaccinated Americans now, the Canadian government is still not playing with us. In order to get in, Americans have to upload their travel plans and vaccination records to the Canadian government’s ArriveCAN platform 72 hours before arriving in the country. Be warned; travelers who fail to do this step will be promptly turned away. 

The Canadian government is also suggesting that road trippers keep their negative COVID test, vaccination records, a list of recently visited locations, and of course, a passport on them at all times. 

Despite the laundry list of rules and regulations for getting in, photos of the Canadian border show a border slammed with Americans trying to get to the friendly, less viral north. At first glance, it may seem like Americans taking their first shot at getting the heck out of our strange nation of “personal liberties above all else”. While there are plenty of reasons to fleet our land of the (unvaccinated) free, the Canadian border is also a common summer road trip destination.

Crossing the Canadian border is the start of a great summer road trip

The great white north is a slamming location to execute a monster road trip. There is a long history between the two neighboring nations, traveling back and forth with ease. There is a massive tourist market built on the back and forth of Americans and Canadians visiting border towns like Niagra falls. 

One of the finest road trips in North America is the route around the coast of Nova Scotia. Although this wild and rugged coastline splattered with lighthouses is one of the best, it is still only one of many incredible road trip routes stretching across Canada. Before shuffling off a big Canadian road trip, always make sure your car is up for the journey.

Like the U.S., Canada is a massive country with sprawling landscapes and dramatic natural environments that mirror our own in many ways, but just a bit colder.

RELATED: Canadian RVs Are Sneaking Into the U.S. Using This 1 Major Loophole

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