The 2021 Range Rover Velar Has Only a Minor Drawback

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Most likely, when you visualize a Range Rover, you see a vehicle that will meet and even go beyond your expectations on different terrains. Well, indeed, Range Rovers do well on and off-road, including its 2021 model year lineup that features striking looks in addition to performance. So, if you are looking for a luxury compact SUV, the 2021 Range Rover Velar will be an ideal choice. That is if you can get over one minor issue the model has.

Where the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar excels

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar PHEV | Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

The  exterior

It is safe to say that the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is surprisingly sleeker than other Range Rover options. That is the case since it comes with flush door handles, which pop out when you need to gain access. Additionally, a standard panoramic glass sunroof with floating all-black pillars, an expansive front grille, and a pair of subtle fender vent-like accents add to the sleek appearance of the 2021 Range Rover Velar.

Driving impressions and handling

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar has features enhanced by the available air suspension setup to lower the vehicle for better handling. That, in turn, promotes a controlled and comfortable driving experience with little direct steering and body roll. Additionally, you will hardly go without noticing the SUV’s stopping power since the braking system does a great job of bringing the Velar to a complete stop. 

If you are planning an off-road trip, the Range Rover Velar will come in handy just like other Range Rover models that can go anywhere in supreme comfort. Also, Velar’s competent all-wheel drive system allows for some off-road adventuring. Fording almost any stream with the 2021 Range Rover Velar is also possible since it has a wading depth of up to 25.5 inches.

Interior space and seating 

The five-seat 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar treats front occupants to 14-way power-adjustable seats with memory, and there is a wealth of legroom and headroom in the front and back to make journeys as comfortable as possible. Large door openings allow you to access the vehicle with ease, and you can also lower the SUV for greater ease of access if you choose the air suspension option. Equipping the 2021 Range Rover Velar with running boards for those who want to savor a more graceful entry is also possible.

The 2021 Range Rover Velar’s minor drawback

The absence of any immediately recognizable iconography or controls when you step inside the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is a minor drawback. That is the case since everything is either a screen or backlit, including the center stack, the steering wheel buttons, and the instrument panel. However, this is more or less a trivial issue compared to the strengths of the Range Rover Velar and can be overcome after a bit of a learning curve.

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar specs and pricing

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar comes with a 113.1-inch wheelbase, and the car’s overall length is 188 inches, while its width is 80.3 inches with its mirrors folded. When it comes to the SUV’s engine, it has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six replaces the previous supercharged V6 as an optional upgrade, and a 48-volt electrical system drives the auxiliary compressor that augments the 3.0-liter engine.

It is also worth mentioning that each Land Rover Range Rover Velar version has an eight-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission performs well since it has smooth, jerk-free shifts and quick responses as you gun it. Velar’s 2.0 engine has an EPA gas mileage score of 21/27/23 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. The 3.0-liter turbocharged engine option has an EPA gas mileage of 20/26/22 mpg on similar cycles.

As for cargo concerns, even with five occupants inside the 2021 Range Rover Velar, there is plenty of space in the trunk since it has 30.9 cubic feet of volume. That space is more than enough for luggage for each passenger.

If you are planning to buy the 2021 Range Rover Velar, you need at least $56,900. According to U.S. News, the turbocharged six-cylinder model of the Velar will cost you $63,900, and if you need a Range Rover Velar equipped with a list of multiple optional features, that can raise the SUV’s price to $110,000.

RELATED: 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Roars Onto Car and Driver List

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3 Reasons the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition Is a Better Buy Than the TRD Pro

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re an SUV lover that likes to traverse the roads unknown on the weekends, then you either own a Toyota 4Runner or it’s on the top of your list. Either way, you’re probably well aware of the 4Runner’s top trim, the TRD Pro, which is decked out in heavy off-road artillery. With that trim, your 4Runner will be outfitted with Fox Racing shocks and TRD front springs, not to mention a set of TRD wheels and even a TRD roof rack.

But for the 2021 model year, Toyota released the 4Runner Trail Edition, which is a dressed-up version of the base SR5 trim level. However, that doesn’t mean that it skimps on value. In fact, here are three ways that we think the 4Runner Trail Edition is actually a better buy than the 4Runner TRD Pro.

The Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition looks as tough as the TRD Pro

2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition is mainly geared toward the “outdoorsy” folks, according to the automaker. It sure does look the part, with its 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, black emblems, and Yakima roof rack. Additionally, the Trail Edition is available in four different colors: Midnight Black, Super White, Cement, and Army Green.

If those last two colors sound familiar, that’s because they were once offered on some TRD Pro models in the lineup. That’s an added plus if you’re a TRD fan since you can now buy a 4Runner that looks the part, without having to pay the higher price for it.

The Trail Edition’s lower price means value

A white 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro climbing rocks
2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | Toyota

Speaking of pricing, the 2021 4Runner Trail Edition has a starting price of $38,740 for the two-wheel-drive model and $40,115 for the all-wheel-drive model. By comparison, the 4Runner TRD Pro starts at $50,745, which is a $10,000 difference for a skid plate, upgraded shocks, and a slight lift.

OK, so we can see where that extra money is going. But the good news here is that if you don’t have the extra money to shell out for the TRD Pro, the 4Runner Trail Edition is within an easier reach. Even if it doesn’t come as ruggedly equipped.

The 4Runner Trail Edition is easier to drive every day

2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition
2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition | Toyota

Despite the fact that you won’t get all of the off-road bits in the Trail Edition as you would in the TRD Pro, one thing that you will get is a better daily driver. Since the Trail Edition doesn’t have a higher lift, it’s easier to get in and out of. Additionally, it doesn’t come with the same all-terrain tires as the TRD Pro, which is better for on-road commuting.

Keep in mind that the Trail Edition is one step above the base SR5 trim, which means that it’s still the “normal” 4Runner that’s better suited for daily driving right out of the box.

The Trail Edition has what you need

Ultimately, the 4Runner Trail Edition could prove to be a better buy than the TRD Pro if you’re the type that likes to go off-road but doesn’t need the serious capability that the higher trim provides. Let’s face it, most 4Runner owners use their SUVs for commuting at least 90 percent of the time, so we recommend saving $10,000 and getting the Trail Edition instead.

RELATED: Is a Used Toyota 4Runner as Good as a Brand-New One?

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The 2021 Volvo XC90 Holds Its Own Against the 2022 Acura MDX

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Volvo XC90 and 2022 Acura MDX are top-rated midsize luxury SUVs from well-known names. And yet the 2021 Volvo XC90 is able to retain its status as a top SUV against the 2022 Acura MDX, despite the MDX’s excellent safety ratings. What keeps the XC90 on top?

2021 Volvo XC90 | Volvo

Unsurprisingly, both the 2021 Volvo XC90 and 2022 Acura MDX come with all the safety features

Consumer Reports says that there are a lot of advanced safety features that new car shoppers should prioritize. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking at city and highway speeds, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure warning. Consumer Reports also says that pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning are important to have. Rearview cameras are standard in all new cars. Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights are also important features.

Both the 2021 Volvo XC90 and 2022 Acura MDX come standard with all of these features. 

Both the IIHS and NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volvo XC90. The IIHS gave the XC90 all good scores. The NHTSA gave the XC90 five stars for everything except the rollover ratings. These are four stars. 

The NHTSA hasn’t crash-tested the 2022 Acura MDX, but the IIHS has. It gives the 2022 Acura MDX all good crash test-ratings.

The XC90 has a higher road test score

The 2021 Volvo XC90 gets an 84 for its road test, while the 2022 Acura MDX gets a 77. They each get a 5/5 for acceleration, though the XC90’s transmission score is a 4/5 to the MDX’s 3/5. However, the MDX has a better routine handling score at a 4/5 to the XC90’s 3/5. They each get a 3/5 for emergency handling. 

The Volvo XC90 gets a perfect 5/5 for its braking. It can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 126 feet and 137 feet on wet pavement. The XC90’s headlights only score a 3/5.

Braking is also just okay in the MDX. It scores a 3/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet and dry pavement in 139 feet. However, the MDX’s headlights score a pretty good 4/5.

As far as comfort, the 2021 Volvo XC90 gets a mediocre 3/5 for its ride. However, it’s fairly quiet: it scores a 4 for its noise. Front and rear-seat comfort gets a perfect 5/5, while the third row comfort is only a 1. It’s not the ideal 3-row SUV for large families.

On the other hand, the 2022 Acura MDX gets a 4/5 for its ride. It scores a 4/5 for its noise. Both front and rear seat comfort also get perfect scores. Interior fit and finish get a perfect 5. The trunk and cargo space scores only a 3/5, with just 37 cubic feet of storage space.

Neither SUV has great reliability

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Volvo XC90 only a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. Despite this poor reliability rating, Volvo XC90 owners rated the owner satisfaction a 3/5. It scores a 75 for predicted driving experience, an 85 for comfort, a 93 for styling, and a 48 for value. 66% of XC90 owners would buy their XC90 again.

Consumer Reports also gives the 2022 Acura MDX a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. Acura MDX owners seem to love their SUVs even with the low predicted reliability. The owner satisfaction score is a 4/5. Owners give the driving experience a 74 and comfort a 79. Syling gets a 72 and value gets a 49. 

It’s a tough choice between the 2021 Volvo XC90 and 2022 Acura MDX. If you’re torn, the 2021 Volvo XC90 does have a slight advantage. With its higher road test score, abundance of safety features and excellent safety ratings, it’s a great choice.

RELATED: The 2022 Acura MDX Smokes the 2021 Audi Q7

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New Audi RS 3 Sets Nürburgring Lap Record in Compact Class

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Though not in customers’ hands yet, the 2022 Audi RS 3 has already ripped up a Nürburgring lap record. The revised sport sedan just set a new best time for compact cars on the famous Nordschleife circuit. Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler piloted the RS 3 to establish the new record of 7:40.748.

More power and traction courtesy of quattro

Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler after setting the compact class record at the Nürburgring | Audi

The RS 3’s output of 394 hp and AWD were likely key factors in beating the previous record by 4.64 seconds. The Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R had maintained that class record since 2019 with a time of 7:45.39. The front-wheel-drive Mégane has less power at 300 hp, but it also weighs nearly 600 lbs less than the Audi.

Compared to the previous RS 3, the latest version has a wider front track by 1.3 inches. The RS adaptive dampers are independently computer-controlled, adjusting based on the surface and driving mode selected. Combined with new drivetrain technology at the back of the car, Audi’s suspension tweaks have improved handling significantly.

“In general, the new RS 3 is much more agile when driving from the middle of the curve to its end and when accelerating out of the curve,” said Audi Sport racing and development driver, Frank Stippler. “For me, the torque splitter is a quantum leap in terms of agile driving.”

Torque-splitting rear differential reduces understeer

2022 Audi RS 3 Torque Splitter
2022 Audi RS 3 Torque Splitter | Audi

One of the new RS 3’s party tricks is a torque-splitting differential that adjusts power between the rear wheels individually. Under hard cornering, the outside rear wheel typically experiences the heaviest load, and torque adjustment can reduce understeer. Optional Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” tires were equipped for the runs, and air pressure was the only adjustment made to the car.

“We don’t have unlimited opportunities to try for a record like this,” said Stippler. “That’s why a little is always necessary on the day when it matters – particularly with respect to tire pressure, because that also affects how the torque splitter functions. We succeeded. It was a triumphant day all around.”

The RS 3 has the fastest compact car time, for now

“I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day,” said Audi RS 3 Technical Project Leader Marvin Schwätter, when the record time appeared on the board. “When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife,” he explained. “But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record.”

Even with the Nürburgring compact car record in hand, it’s unlikely that Audi will rest on its laurels. Rivals like Renault and Mercedes-Benz won’t be sitting idly either, because Nordschleife lap records are highly coveted and great for marketing. When the RS 3 is eventually dethroned, it could even be an all-electric Audi of the future taking the crown.

RELATED: Audi Testing for Dakar Rally With RS Q e-tron Electric Hybrid

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