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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Nissan Frontier hasn’t left the market yet despite some dismal sales in previous years due to the pandemic. Nissan appears to have some ideas to freshen it up for the next few years. 

According to Nissan, the 2022 Frontier will get a major makeover, which is what we’ve been waiting for. The question is, will it be enough to make it a true competitor?  

What does the 2022 Nissan Frontier bring to the table?

2022 Nissan Frontier | Nissan Motor Corporation

The Nissan Frontier has always been a decent pickup, but it hasn’t seen many changes since around 2008. However, this year a transformation will take place. There will be many improvements set to come with the 2022 model, and it couldn’t come soon enough. 

Nissan is adding a massive new grille to adorn the front, along with a chiseled hood. Framing the front-end are new interlocking headlights with enhanced tail lights dressing up the back. Under the hood, Nissan dropped a 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine that generates 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Paired with it is a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

The interior is getting upgrades as well. You’ll get a seven-inch Advanced Driver Assist Display with a nine-inch color touchscreen. Among the tech features are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi, and wireless charging. As for safety features, you’ll get Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which is available for all trims of the Frontier. 

Are there enough improvements to the Nissan Frontier to compete with the Tacoma?

As previously mentioned, the Frontier produces 310 hp, which appears to be more than the Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition. This model is set to generate approximately 278 hp with 265 lb-ft of torque. That’s about 32 hp less than the Nissan, which makes a huge difference. 

With the Tacoma, you get Toyota’s safety suite, which is similar to what you get with the Frontier and Nissan’s safety shield. As for upgrades on the Tacoma, we know there will be two new sporty models coming, which are the TRD and the Trail Edition. The pickup reportedly will get suspension improvements as well. 

Toyota hasn’t announced any other upgrades coming for the 2022 model year, but some speculate that we may see some changes in the 2024 model year. So, it can reasonably be said that Frontier has an excellent chance of being a top competitor for Tacoma. 

Can it compete with the Ford Ranger and the Chevy Colorado?

As with the Frontier, the Ford Ranger will get some major upgrades for the 2022 model. While we don’t know what powertrains will be available for the Ranger, we know it will have close ties with the Bronco, so it could come with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 300 hp with 325 lb-ft of torque, which is close to Frontier’s offering. 

There may also be an option to upgrade to a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that generates approximately 330 hp with 415 lb-ft of torque. The Frontier, however, reportedly comes with only one motor option, which could make a difference when competing against Ford. 

The Chevy Colorado isn’t slated to receive upgrades for the 2022 model year, but reports say that there are major upgrades coming for 2023. Since General Motors had issues filling orders for the Colorado due to the chip shortage, the Frontier might be the better choice for 2022, which could see a delay if semiconductor chips don’t get back to normal production. 

The Nissan Frontier is forging ahead for the next model year. If you’re wondering if it’s able to compete, the answer seems like a resounding yes. We’ll see just how well it stands up to its rivals in the late summer of 2021 when the 2022 model rolls off the production line. 

RELATED: The 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Is Like the Pro-X but Better

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Insane Barn Finds: YouTuber Discovers Rare Hummer Collection

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Finding rare cars in a barn might not sound like a great prize for many people, but for car enthusiasts, you might be surprised what gets found abandoned in old barns and garages. Barn find cars can range from boring, beaten down cars to rare and exciting cars, and for one YouTuber, that meant finding a hoard of rare Hummers and even a few H1 Hummers worth buying.

Tyler Hoover’s barn find H1 Hummer collection

Hummer H1 | Tim Boyle, Getty Images

Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage is popular for his starring role in the CarTrek series, as well as his own channel showcasing his private collection of cool and weird cars. This barn find is owned by a private H1 Hummer enthusiast and collector who has been working to collect these cars, as well as their parts, in order to repair them and keep these collectible machines running and on the road. Among the vehicles for sale, the cheapest one came from Hawaii and was being sold for an impressive $30,000 in running, driving condition with some TLC required for the aesthetic aspects of the car. Several of the cars in the collection, however, were not for sale.

Striking gold with these barn find Hummers

While most barn finds are typically in rough shape, Tyler made his way to the buyer’s collection to discoverer that the barn find was a bit more of a well-kept garage find. When asking the collector how he came to accumulate so many of these rare cars, he said simply that it was just “Dedication…about 20 years of a passion.” The H1s came in several variations, from colors to packages to conditions. The cars have become even rarer since Hummer stopped producing cars altogether several years ago.

The perils of buying barn-find cars

Barns aren’t typically kept to the same standard that collector car garages are. There is no air condition it humidity control, and sometimes there is actually very little shelter from harsh climates and bad weather. If the car isn’t covered, it can be sitting under decades of dust and debris that can etch into the paint, and that is only a minor problem if the car has been left in the moisture to rust. Besides that, if you’re buying a barn-find car, there is a high chance that the vehicle hasn’t been started or moved in a great while, meaning that the vehicle will need a complete service and fluid change before you can turn it over — and, when the time comes, hopefully, the engine will turn over.

Barn finds cars are usually worth buying to collectors if they are rare, and in some cases, they can be incredibly rare. Hummers may not seem like a vehicle that is considered all too rare or collectible, but the first generation Hummer, the H1, is surprisingly expensive even for the age.

RELATED: A Barn Find Horde of Vintage Range Rovers Could Be Yours For Only $73,000

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Consumer Reports Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now, With 3 Subaru Options

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some of Consumer Reports‘ best SUVs have high marks in the performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction categories (especially the Subaru options). The 2021 Kia Telluride topped the list, but that’s to be expected. The 2021 Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback all made the list.

Consumer Reports best SUVs list starts with the Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride is one of Consumer Reports best SUVs you can buy | Kia

This is an obvious choice. The 2021 Kia Telluride was highly rated on Consumer Reports’ 10 best SUVs list. The predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction both came in at five out of five. The Telluride has an overall fuel economy of 21 mpg. In the road test, the SUV scored a 97 out of 100. It came in first on the list of midsize SUVs with three rows. The SUV has automatic emergency braking (AEB) but not at highway speeds. It has landed departure warning (LDW) and lane-keeping assist (LKA).

Price Range: $32,190 – $44,390

The Subaru Forester is at the top of the best SUVs list

The 2021 Subaru Forester is a solid SUV. It got 28 mpg overall and came in first on the list of compact SUVs. Consumer Reports found that the Subaru Forester had above-average predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction. It also comes with forward collision warning (FCW), pedestrian detection, AEB, and LWD standard. With Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Subaru EyeSight safety suite, the Subaru Forester has rightfully earned its spot on Consumer Reports best SUVs list.

Price Range: $24,795 – $34,895

The Subaru Outback made the list too

The 2021 Subaru Outback ranked second on the list of best-midsized SUVs. The Outback has FCW and AEB, but blind-spot warning (BSW) is optional. The SUV gets 24 mpg overall, which is pretty solid. It also has above-average predicted owner satisfaction. The predicted reliability was just average. The 2021 Subaru Outback is one of the only vehicles on this list ready for off-road action.

Price Range: $26,795 – $39,945

CR reccomends the 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is pretty similar to the Kia Telluride but isn’t quite as popular. It offers 21 mpg overall and above-average reliability ratings. It ranked third on the list of midsize SUVs with three rows. Consumer Reports says it is one of the best SUVs but isn’t as agile as similar vehicles. The Palisade has FCW and AEB standard, plus a rear-occupant alert.

Price Range: $32,675 – $47,900

The Toyota Highlander is one of the best SUVs

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is another midsized SUV with three rows. The Highlander gets a little pricey with the higher trim levels and only gets about 22 mpg overall. However, it offers above-average predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction. Plus, buyers can’t beat Toyota’s reliability. This SUV provides FCW and AEB, but blind-spot warning is optional. It also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for those long road trips.

Price Range: $35,085 – $50,640

The third option from Subaru is the Crosstrek

The third Subaru to make the Consumer Reports best SUVs list is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The Crossrek got 29 mpg overall and was the number one subcompact SUV. Consumer Reports found that it had above-average predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction. While Subaru is known for making reliable, compact SUVs, the Crosstrek is comfortable, compact, and offers enjoyable handling. FCW and AEB aren’t standard, but Subaru EyeSight is optional and recommended by CR.

Price Range: $22,245 – $35,345

While car shopping isn’t something most buyers want to do right now, sometimes there isn’t another option. Consumer Reports best SUVs have tons of safety features and technology to offer buyers to keep everyone entertained on the road. While Subaru has the most vehicles on this list, don’t count out the Toyota and Kia options.

RELATED: Consumer Reports: 2021 Ford Edge One of the Best SUVs Under $40K

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The Most Satisfying Car Brands According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to car shopping, potential buyers are typically pleased to hear that the models they’re shopping for make owners happy. In Consumer Reports’ annual consumer satisfaction survey, there are some brands that really shine in terms of owner satisfaction. Of all the carmakers out there, these are the most satisfying car brands according to Consumer Reports. 

Tesla logo and cars | JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images

What is the best car brand? 

It’s difficult to say exactly which car brand truly reigns supreme. There are so many different brands and some of them produce cars intended for niche markets. But when it comes to Consumer Reports satisfaction ratings, Tesla is actually the best car brand. 

Overall, Tesla owners are the most satisfied consumers in the survey. Consumer Reports asked car owners if they would buy the same car again when they have the chance. Then, the CR team organized the results of the survey to show which brands scored the positive response. 

The information provided by the study reveals not only Tesla as the most satisfying car brand according to Consumer Reports. It also tells us that other brands receive high consumer satisfaction ratings as well. Brands like Lincoln, Ram, and Chrysler also scored some of the highest consumer satisfaction ratings. 

Which cars have the highest consumer satisfaction ratings? 

the rear of a white Lincoln Corsair with promotional LINCOLN license plate
Lincoln’s newest luxury SUV, the Corsair | Michael Tran/Getty Images

According to Consumer Reports, the top 10 brands all scored over 70/100 for consumer satisfaction. Among these, the top five most satisfying car brands are Tesla, Lincoln, Ram, Chrysler, and Subaru respectively. However, it’s important to note that each brand offers a different number of models. For example, the survey accounts for six Subaru models and two Ram models. 

Following these top car brands for the highest consumer satisfaction ratings are Hyundai, Porsche, Dodge, and Mazda. Then Consumer Reports lists Toyota and Kia in a tie for the tenth spot. Toyota and Kia scored 71/100. The CR satisfaction survey includes 13 Toyota models and 8 Kia Models. 

The most satisfying car brands according to Consumer Reports

A black 2021 Ram 1500 driving down a dusty road.
2021 Ram 1500 | Ram

Sitting pretty as the top five most most satisfying car brands according to Consumer Reports are Tesla, Lincoln, Ram, Chrysler, and Subaru. Tesla scored the highest consumer satisfaction rating of any other brand with a score of 88/100. The ratings are an average of the survey results for four of Tesla’s models––the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model Y, and Tesla Model X. However, the Tesla Roadster has a predicted owner satisfaction rating of 5/5 which remains on trend with the other models in the Tesla lineup. 

Following Tesla, Lincoln (also with four models covered by the survey) comes in second place with a consumer satisfaction score of 79/100. Then Ram comes in (two models) with a score of 76/100. Chrysler ties Ram for third with a score of 76/100 for its two models as well. For buyers on the hunt for a vehicle that is a proven pleaser, the information provided by this Consumer Reports survey could prove invaluable.

RELATED: There’s Only 1 Reason You Shouldn’t Buy the 2022 Toyota Highlander

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