4 Best Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos of 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s summertime, and that means it’s time for fun days on the water with friends and family. If you’re considering buying a Jet Ski or other personal watercraft, you probably already know they aren’t cheap. So it’s important to make sure you’re spending your money on a quality machine.

The popular watersports website Boat International recently released its picks for the best jet skis this year. Learn more about which models made the cut, and check out our comparison below.

The best Jet Skis and other personal watercraft

A person rides a jet ski on a river at sunset | SABAH ARAR/AFP via Getty Images

Boat International‘s “The Best Jet Skis to Buy Now” includes eight models, ranging from Best for Beginners to Best for Comfort. One interesting category on the list, Best for Exploring Offshore, goes to the Gibbs Quadski — a jet ski/quad hybrid. You can transition from the road or the beach to the water without changing your position, and it certainly provides an eye-catching cool factor. 

The list even includes a Best for Kids category. The winner is the Yamaha Aqua Cruise, an inflatable battery-operated model that goes only about 2 mph to keep little ones safe. 

For those who want the thrill of a genuine Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, or WaveRunner, there are plenty of spots on the list for you. 

Best Sea-Doos for stunts and touring

The Sea-Doo Spark Trixx is the best model for stunts, thanks to its adjustable handlebar riser that gives the driver fantastic stability and control. Its variable trim system also allows riders to bring the nose up or bury it deeper than other models, making tricks look and feel more impressive than ever. The Rotax 900 H0 ACE engine is quite powerful, and it’s easy to get this machine up to the desired speed. Plus, it features intelligent brake and reverse systems that provide a safe and smooth ride. This Sea-Doo model starts at only $7,699 on the Sea-Doo website. 

If you want a more leisurely personal watercraft (PWC), the Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 is a fantastic choice. It offers a generous swim platform to hang out on. It also has a shock-proof and water-proof storage area with USB ports to charge your phone and other devices, and its boarding ladder makes getting on and off a breeze. It packs a Rotax 1630 ACE Supercharged engine providing plenty of zip, and the intelligent throttle makes it easy to control. 

This model starts at $17,999, and the Sea-Doo website can help you locate a local dealer. 

Best luxury WaveRunner and best speed Jet Ski

Boat International picked the Yamaha WaveRunner FX SVHO as the winner in its Best for Comfort category, and this three-seat mini superyacht is perfect if you want tons of bells and whistles. It has 20 liters of storage space for your gear, and its cruise control and adjustable steering system offer a smooth and fun ride.

It also comes equipped with a Yamaha Super Vortex High Output 1812cc engine to give you the speed and power you want for an adrenaline rush. This machine starts at $16,499, and you can even build your own model on the Yamaha website. 

Finally, the best Jet Ski for speed is the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX. With its huge 1,498 Eaton Twin Vortices engine, it’s the fastest PWC on the market, Boat International reports. If you’re looking for unmatched thrills, this is probably the machine for you. It also has smart steering, adjustable handlebars, and simple No Wake Zone controls. This beast starts at $18,199, and the Kawasaki website can help you find a local dealer. 

RELATED: 3 of the Best Towable Tubes Under $100

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This Four-Door Porsche 911 Was The Original Panamera

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s weird, wonderful, and one of a kind. Back when Porsche’s were air-cooled, this one-of-one four-door 911 was created by two guys fascinated by fabrication. But this homemade masterpiece is just more than cobbled-together cars. It served as an example of how Porsche could expand their demographic, a forward-thinking rendition of a Porsche passenger car.

The four-door Porsche 911

Four-Door Porsche 911 | Porsche

It’s a custom car to rival all custom cars. It started as a normal Porsche 911 before it was cut in half. That, however, was the easy part. From there, Tom Barnes and Dick Troutman machined a brand new roof, installed a center B-pillar, and created a rear door well that could house a Porsche 911 door.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that this four-door 911 has “suicide doors,” or doors that open in different directions. The rear door of this four-door 911 is actually just a regular door flipped backward. Of course, some metalwork had to be done so the windows would match, but the handles and hinges are all in the right places.

And then there’s the interior, composed of a custom leather taken off of Dick Troutman’s shoe. After sending a sample of the leather, as well as some money, Porsche returned to Dick two front seats and a matching rear seat in that orange-brown color.

But the car was still rear-engined, and still air-cooled. It was just elongated. Road and Track got a chance to drive the creation on their test course back in 1968, but beyond that, we’re not sure what’s happened to it. What we do know is why the car was built, and how much money was sunk into it.

How much did it cost, and why was it built?

Four Door Porsche 911
Four-Door Porsche 911 | Porsche

To build this, it cost about as much as a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. But this is back in the 60s when a Rolls Royce cost just $30,000, fairly cheap by today’s standards. But after throwing that number into an inflation calculator, this one-off likely cost around $230,000 in today’s money. A lofty sum of money for this labor of love, but a worthwhile one.

Dick Troutman presented this car as a Christmas gift to his wife, which was the main reason for building the car. But the car did have a secondary purpose. Dick wanted to showcase his creation to Porsche and prove that there was potential in making a four-door version of their iconic sports coupe. And while it’s never been directly stated that Porsche was inspired by this build, some design elements hold true.

Four-door Porsches of the modern era.

The Four Door Porsche Panamera (Top) and 989 Concept(Bottom)
The Four-Door Porsche Panamera (Top) and 989 Concept(Bottom) | Porsche

Today, the Porsche Panamera and electric Taycan are the closest examples we have to the original. Neither of them boasts a rear-engined layout, or suicide doors, or a custom leather interior (though with enough money, you could make that happen). But these aren’t the only recent examples of four-door Porsches heavily inspired by Dick and Tom.

Back in 1988, Porsche revealed the 989 concept. Heavily inspired by the 911, and perhaps the four-door version from 20 years prior, the car was never destined to be a 911. The engine wasn’t in the rear, nor was it an air-cooled flat-six. Instead, Porsche stuffed a water-cooled 4.2L V8 in the front, otherwise, it would’ve been in the same market segment as Tatra. Comparing a family-oriented luxury car to those budget commuters wouldn’t make the 989 as glamourous.

But this luxury family car wasn’t destined for the success Dick had believed it could’ve, and at the time Porsche needed a hit. Instead, they shifted their funding to the uglier, but marketable Porsche Cayanne. It sold fast, putting the dreams of a four-door 911 to rest.

So we don’t have a proper four-door 911 today, and chances are we never will. In a world where SUVs are the only way to appeal to families, the idea doesn’t have much merit. But even still, the passion behind Dick and Tom’s creation can’t be discredited.

RELATED: A Used Porsche Panamera Is a Surprisingly Awesome Bargain

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Consumer Reports Calls the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace the “First Real Challenger” to Tesla

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Is the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace or 2021 Tesla Model X a better electric midsize luxury SUV? That’s a question many people never would have thought to ask, but now it’s a legitimate one. Consumer Reports says that the Jaguar I-Pace is “a luxurious, fun-to-drive electric vehicle that’s also the first EV that can truly challenge Tesla’s mixture of technology and luxury.” What is it about the I-Pace that makes it a contender against the longtime favorite Model X?

2021 Tesla Model X | Tesla

Does the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace or 2021 Tesla Model X have a better road test score?

The Model X has a better road test score – by one. This is almost a tie, but the Model X gets the advantage. Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Tesla Model X a 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in a super fast 4.9 seconds. However, it’s worth noting that the I-Pace, which also gets a 5/5 for acceleration, can go from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds. Advantage = I-Pace.

The Model X’s transmission scores a perfect 5/5. Routine and emergency handling both receive a very good 4/5. The Tesla Model X’s max avoidance speed is 54 mph. The I-Pace also gets a 5/5 for its transmission, as does its routine handling. Emergency handling receives a 4/5. The Jaguar I-Pace’s max avoidance speed is 52 mph.

Braking is fantastic in the Model X. It scores a 5/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet pavement in 127 feet and dry pavement in 135 feet. However, the X’s headlights score a not-great 2/5.

Braking is very good in the I-Pace, but not quite as great as in the Model X. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet pavement in 136 feet and dry pavement in 142 feet. The I-Pace’s headlights are better than the Model X, at a 3/5.

It’s hard to compare their safety systems

Because of Tesla’s Autopilot (and now Full Self-Driving), which host its safety features, its hard to do a direct comparison of safety features. However, the Model X comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning. It also has a rear camera, anti lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights. There’s no option to get blind spot warning or rear cross traffic warning. 

The 2021 Jaguar I-Pace comes standard with almost all of the recommended safety equipment. Standard in the I-Pace is forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking for the city, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and blind spot warning. It also has rear cross traffic warning, a rear view camera, anti lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights. Emergency braking for the highway and blind spot warning are optional in the I-Pace. 

Advantage = tie

They both have low reliability scores and high owner satisfaction scores

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Tesla Model X just a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. Despite this poor reliability rating, the owner satisfaction score is a perfect 5/5. Owners give the driving experience a 95 and comfort a 76. Syling gets an 85. Value is only a 26. 82% of people would buy their Tesla Model X again. 

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace just a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. There isn’t any additional data available about why they gave it such a low score. The 2021 Jaguar I-Pace has an excellent owner satisfaction score, at a 5/5. 82% of people would buy their Jaguar I-Pace again, which is second highest in its class.

Advantage = tie

The takeaway from these low reliability ratings and high owner satisfaction scores is that people who buy these electric SUVs feel that what they’re getting is better than whatever problems are coming with their SUVs. That makes both the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace and 2021 Tesla Model X a great option for electric SUV shoppers. And with two ties and a one-point win for the Model X’s road test, both SUVs get a participation trophy, too.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Thinks the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Is a Better SUV Than the 2021 Tesla Model X

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Kelley Blue Book Reveals 5 Best Luxury SUVs of 2021, Genesis GV80 Lands the Top Spot

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Hoping to spoil yourself with a new luxury SUV? These days, you’ve got no shortage of options worth considering. But if you’re after the best of the best? Kelley Blue Book (KBB) revealed its picks for the best luxury SUVs of 2021. Read on to find out who made the cut.  

5. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact luxury SUV

Price: $43,200-$45,200

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC secured a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021. This particular Mercedes-Benz model is a compact luxury SUV that KBB says lives “up to the prestige represented by the three-pointed star in the grille.” 

It comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that KBB claims “feels refined.” As for how fuel-efficient this Mercedes-Benz SUV is? According to the EPA, with its standard turbocharged engine under the hood, the GLC SUV delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

This new luxury SUV makes nary a compromise when it comes to amenities too. In fact, standard on all models are sought-after features such as a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This year’s model also offers features such as a self-parking system and a powered tailgate.

4. The BMW X5 is a midsize SUV and one of the best luxury SUVs of 2021

Price: $59,400-$105,100

The BMW X5 landed a spot on KBB’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 too. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the BMW X5 is a new midsize luxury SUV. The X5 isn’t just one of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 either. As a matter of fact, KBB also chose this year’s model as its Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner.

As for what this SUV has to offer? Choose from a full lineup of engines, including a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with an electric motor, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that churns out a thrilling 600-hp.

And when it comes to the BMW X5’s interior? All BMW X5 models come standard with features like SensaTec faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, panoramic moonroof, and remote engine start. Also standard are tech-savvy amenities such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.

3. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a city-friendly subcompact luxury SUV

Price: $36,230-$54,500

Are you a city dweller? If you are, KBB says the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a city-friendly subcompact luxury SUV. It’s also one of the best luxury SUVs of 2021. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The GLA offers up plenty of cabin space. It also comes stock full with plenty of tech and upscale features, KBB reports.

KBB isn’t wrong, either. While it might look like a small SUV on the outside, the second-generation GLA provides an additional 4.5 inches of rear-seat legroom and nearly an inch of extra front headroom compared to the previous generation. 

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA also comes brimming with standard features. In fact, standard on all models includes dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch fully digital instrument panel, and the MBUX system.

2. The 2021 Audi Q5 won KBB’s Compact Luxury SUV Best Buy Award

Price: $47,800-$56,500

Sitting near the top of KBB’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 is the 2021 Audi Q5. The new Audi Q5 also recently won KBB’s Compact Luxury SUV Best Buy Award, which is certainly nothing to scoff at. According to KBB, the Q5 provides an “excellent combination of amenities, technology, design, and luxury, without sacrificing SUV practicality.”

The Q5 offers plenty of engine options to choose from too. Standard is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Also available is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with an electric motor and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that can move from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

The 2021 Audi Q5’s interior aims to please as well. According to KBB, it’s both comfortable and practical. It also comes outfitted with standard features like leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

1. The Genesis GV80 is the best luxury SUV of 2021

2021 Genesis GV80 | Genesis

Price: $48,900-$65,550

The 2021 Genesis GV80 landed the top spot on KBB’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021. It’s also KBB’s pick for its Midsize Luxury SUV Best Buy for 2021. According to KBB, Genesis hit a homerun with its first-ever SUV. In fact, the organization praises it as the ideal blend of “innovative, intuitive high-tech features with a cushy interior.”

The interior of this luxury SUV is cushy too. The SUV’s 12-way power-adjustable front seats not only offer up plenty of room to get comfortable but are also heated. Meanwhile, the rest of the interior offers up features like a 14.5-inch screen, 12-speaker premium audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and four USB ports. 

As for what it’s like to drive this luxury SUV? KBB likens it to driving a sports sedan. Though, that’s likely because the SUV comes standard with rear-wheel drive. Regardless, KBB reports that the SUV’s standard 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine boasts “plenty of power and provides brisk acceleration.”

Which is the best luxury SUV for you?

Whether you opt for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA or the 2021 Genesis GV80, KBB’s picks of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 make for an excellent place to start if you’re shopping for a new luxury SUV. However, before making any final decisions, we recommend taking each of these luxury SUVs out for a spin.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Calls the 2021 BMW 2 Series a “Hidden Gem,” One of the Best New Cars that Nobody Buys

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