3 Best 4WD Trucks of 2021 According to TrueCar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are plenty of reasons to buy a new truck with four-wheel drive (4WD). In fact, Edmunds reports that 4WD pickups have the advantage when it comes to acceleration, traction, and towing. 4WD can also boost a truck’s overall resale value. As for the best 4WD trucks? TrueCar recently revealed its choices for the best 4WD trucks of 2021. Let’s talk about their top three picks. 

The 2021 Ram 1500 is one of the best 4WD pickups of 2021

2021 Ram 1500 | Stellantis

TrueCar included the 2021 Ram 1500 among its picks for the best 4WD trucks of 2021. Though, it’s really no surprise as to why. The Ram 1500 is a new full-size pickup truck that aims to please in far more ways than one. It’s available with a full lineup of engines and can be had with 4WD. It also boasts a 12,750-pound max towing capacity and can manage a 2,300-pound payload when properly equipped.

And if you find yourself asking how much does the 2021 Ram 1500 cost? A base model Ram 1500 will cost you roughly $32,795. However, adding 4WD will drive up that base price just a tad. In fact, opting for a base model Ram 1500 with 4WD adds approximately $3,500 to the price of this new truck.

The 2021 Ford Ranger is a new truck available with 4WD

A red 2021 Ford Ranger parked a top lots of rocks
2021 Ford Ranger | Ford

The 2021 Ford Ranger also landed a spot on TrueCar’s list of the best 4WD trucks of 2021. Unlike the Ram 1500, however, the Ford Ranger is a midsize truck. The new Ford Ranger isn’t just one of the best new pickups available with 4WD either. This year’s model also delivers best-in-class payload and torque ratings. It can also tow up to 7,500-pounds when properly equipped.

The new Ford Ranger is one of the most affordable trucks of 2021 too. As a matter of fact, this year’s new model starts at $25,070, making it the ideal truck for those in the market for a new truck under $30,000. And if you opt for a 4WD Ford Ranger? You can expect to spend just under $4,000 to add it.

The 2021 Ford F-150 claimed the top spot as the best 4WD truck of 2021

A black 2021 Ford F-150 parked on a dirt hill at dusk
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

The 2021 Ford F-150 successfully snagged the top spot on TrueCar’s list of the best 4WD trucks of 2021. 4WD is available across just about every model too, giving buyers the luxury of choice when it comes to deciding between a gasoline-powered pickup and a hybrid truck. TrueCar added that this 4WD pickup offers “more than enough power for hauling and towing” and will have you towing a maximum of 14,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Perhaps the only downside to the Ford F-150 is its price, TrueCar reports. This year’s model boasts a base price of $29,290 but exclusive options can drive up that price fairly quickly. Opting for a 4WD Ford F-150 will drive up that price too. In fact, opting for a 4WD Ford F-150 adds approximately $4,645 to the truck’s base price.

Which new 4WD pickup is the best fit for you?

There are plenty of advantages to choosing a new truck with 4WD. But when it comes to determining which new pickup is the best 4WD truck for you? We recommend taking each of TrueCar’s picks out for a test drive.

RELATED: The 2013 Toyota Tundra Dominates as the Best Used Full-Size Truck Under $20,000    

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Steve McQueen’s First Husqvarna Is for Sale

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Steve McQueen is Mr. Cool, period. Not only was he a major movie star, but he was also simultaneously a legitimately skilled professional racer in multiple events. For all Steve McQueen did within the car racing scene, he was probably best known for his love of motorcycle riding and racing. McQueen is most known for riding desert sled Triumphs, but his love of Husqvarna cannot be overstated. Steve McQueen’s first Husqvarna Viking 360 is now heading to auction at RM Sotheby’s this August. 

What motorcycle did Steve McQueen ride?

Of course, Steve McQueen rode and owned many, many motorcycles. He was probably best known for riding the Triumphs, but the desert sled converted Triumph TR6C is one of the more iconic – that is, until he found the Husqvarna Viking 360. 

According to Silodrome, Steve McQueen was so impressed by watching Swedish motocross champion Bengt Åberg race the brand-new Husqvarna Viking 360 that he literally bought it out from under him after the race. Aberg agreed to sell the Husqvarna Viking 360, making this Steve McQueen’s first Husqvarna, and Aberg had to finish the season on a new bike. (Reckon when Steve McQueen wants your bike, you sell it to him.)

What was so special about the Husqvarna Viking 360? 

Steve McQueen’s first Husqvarna Viking 360 | RM Sotheby’s

People like McQueen, who raced on dirt, often look for a lightweight bike with snappy power and strong suspension. In 1968, when the Husqvarna Viking 360 came out, it was clear that the spritely two-stroke would spell trouble for some of the heavier four-stroke bikes, like McQueen’s old Triumphs. The Viking 360 had a raucous 37 horsepower, which may not sound like all that much, but these little Huskies only weighed in at 215 lbs. Those numbers paired with the Viking’s already off-road-tuned suspension made these bikes easy to love.

There is also the added racing pedigree that put the Husqvarna Viking 360 in McQueen’s mind. The Viking was a direct descendant of the 1966 and 1967 250 World Championship winning 250cc Husqvarna. As more American riders were getting interested in these Swedish bikes, Husqvarna sealed the deal when they sent Bengt Åberg over to race in the states. 

After McQueen, the crowned King of Cool, bought Åberg’s bike off him, Husqvarna’s coolness was cemented in the States. As if the Viking 360 needed any further endorsement, Åberg went on to win the World Championship on a Husqvarna in 1969 and 1970. 

What movie did Steve McQueen ride a Husqvarna in? 

“On Any Sunday” was a cult motorcycle film that still swirls around motorcycle circles today. This film is little more than a string of badass shots of desert riders drifting, ramping, and all-around hell-raising with a few Husqvarna’s. Although these bikes dominated the motocross racing circuits, seeing Steve McQueen riding them on the big screen was all Americans needed to know. 

As Husqvarna kept improving upon this Viking 360, bigger and badder models came and went, and with each one, McQueen continued to upgrade. Over the years, this led to Steve McQueen’s first Husqvarna Viking 360 getting fewer miles in the sand. 

Steve McQueen’s first Husqvarna can be yours

Vintage Husqvarna Viking 360
Steve McQueen’s first Husqvarna Viking 360 | RM Sotheby’s

After Steve McQueen’s death, the Viking 360 was sold on into private hands, and in 2014 it was subject to restoration, which brought it back to as-new condition so the new owners could ride it themselves if they wished. 

Now, for the first time in many years, Steve McQueen’s first Husqvarna is going to auction. The bike is expected to bring somewhere north of $100,000. Knowing the importance of this bike and the way many automotive auctions have gone lately, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this bike climb the tax brackets. 

RELATED: Triumph Announces Shocking Plans to Build Motocross and Enduro Motorcycles

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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Ford Edge might not be the first SUV that comes to mind when you head to purchase a new vehicle, but Consumer Reports thinks it is worth a second look. When it came to the best SUVs under $40,000, the 2021 Ford Edge, Kia Telluride, and Subaru Outback made the list.

Consumer Reports thinks the 2021 Ford Edge is a good buy

Consumer Reports liked the 2021 Ford Edge | Ford

On Consumer Reports list of best SUVs under $40,000, the 2021 Ford Edge ranked reasonably high. This SUV came in second on the list of midsized SUVs and scored and 83/100 overall. The Ford Edge had an above-average predicted reliability score and an average score for predicted owner satisfaction.

The 2021 Ford Edge has a 2.0L turbo engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you upgrade to the ST trim, the engine is a V6 turbo with all-wheel drive. Consumer Reports says the Edge rivals the comfort of some similar luxury SUVs. In addition, it offers an advanced infotainment system and a large 12-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. The SUV has tons of room throughout and is relatively capable for its size.

In addition, the 2021 Ford Edge has a lot of safety features standard. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ranked all of the crash test ratings “good.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) scored almost all of the crash test five stars, with four stars in the rollover sections.

Edmunds Consumer Reports thinks the 2021 Ford Edge

When Edmunds rated the 2021 Ford Edge, the critics noted many of the same specs. Edmunds found the seats comfortable, and the cargo area was room. Critics found the SUV to be fuel-efficient with both engine options, and the cabin was quiet. If the 2021 Ford Explorer is too big and the 2021 Ford Escape is too small, the 2021 Ford Edge is just right. It comes in five trims, the SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium, and ST.

When given an overall ranking, the Edge scored a 7.6 out of 20 overall. It excelled in the areas of comfort, interior, and storage. One of the areas that Ford could improve is interior design. Edmunds found it outdated and boring. The visibility was a bit below average with the design of the roof pillars, and the transmission wasn’t as responsive as it could be. Edmunds suggests the SEL trim over the SE if you are set on the Edge.

What other SUVs made the list?

Though it may not come as a surprise, the 2021 Kia Telluride was highly rated by Consumer Reports. The predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction both came in at five out of five. 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. CR found that the design of the Telluride was well-thought-out and took the drivers and passengers into consideration.

Next up was the 2021 Subaru Outback. It came in first on the list of midsized SUVs, and the 24 mpg overall was respectable. With a score of 86 out of 100 overall, the Outback had above-average predicted owner satisfaction. The predicted reliability was just average. Consumer Reports and drivers love the outback for the comfortable ride, capable handling, and long list of included safety features.

RELATED: 3 Used Subarus Consumer Reports Gave the Never Buy Label

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GM Recalls New Full-Size SUVs for Power Steering Assist Failure

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It feels like GM cannot catch a break. Recently, the company had to recall six million SUVs and pickups because of airbag inflators. Now, General Motors is once again looking to deal with a car safety issue. This recall might be for you if you are driving a full-size SUV from the 2021 model year.

GM 2021 SUVs have power steering assist problems

General Motors logo | Getty Images

Several 2021 GM SUVs have a software problem. It leads to a sudden loss of the power steering assist in as many as 27,000 affected vehicles. The problem may happen right when you start the SUV. As noted by CarComplaints.com, GM opened an investigation in April of this year.

A system failure typically results in the sounding of a warning chime. You will see an indicator light on the instrument panel alerting you to a problem. When the failure occurs right after starting, it is possible to stop the engine and restart the SUV. Doing so may turn off the warning light, but it does not fix the problem.

It gets dicey when you are on the road. The sudden loss of this convenient feature can cause some confusion on the part of the driver. As pointed out by the experts at GM Authority, you still have the ability to steer manually. Because this requires more effort, an affected driver may not make the needed adjustments in time to avoid a crash.

How to tell if your GM power steering has a problem and what to do when you are driving

Turning the steering wheel suddenly requires extra strength. As a result, it becomes difficult to take turns and navigate lane changes as easily as you did before. You can take some steps when the sudden loss of this power steering assist occurs as you are driving.

Switch on your turn signal to let other drivers know that you plan to navigate to the closest road shoulder. You can also honk your horn to emphasize that you have a car problem, not a typical lane change. Remember to brake in increments to avoid any fishtailing that you cannot counteract with steering.

General Motors dealers will replace steering gear motor kits or update faulty software

As with other mandated recalls, there is no cost to the vehicle’s owner for fixing the SUV. Rather than troubleshooting individual cars for the presence or absence of the power steering assist, dealers have the option to replace the entire kits on qualifying 2021 SUVs.

For the vehicle owner who has enabled wireless updates and accepted the terms and conditions of this feature, the company intends to update the software remotely. Therefore, you may be able to skip the trip to the dealership — unless you want to be certain that the fix is done right.

Is your SUV part of the car safety recall?

Who needs to visit their dealership for the steering gear motor kit replacement or software update? At this time, the affected vehicles are all 2021 model year larger SUVs. This includes the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.

Although General Motors intends to send out letters on August 2, it would be best if you did not wait to get the issue resolved. If you are unsure whether the GM recall applies to your SUV, visit GM’s recall center and enter the vehicle’s VIN. Connect with the brands’ customer service departments directly for additional information:

  • Chevrolet Customer Service 800-222-1020
  • Cadillac Customer Service 800-458-8006
  • GMC Customer Service 800-462-8782

Reference the GM recall number N212333901.

You might also connect with the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 for more information. The campaign number for this recall is 21V455.

RELATED: Recall Alert: These Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Tires Are Still Dangerous

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