Why You Should Wait Until 2024 Before Buying an Electric SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric SUVs are slowly taking over the automotive industry. SUVs are one of the most popular vehicle classes, and now automakers are producing electric alternatives. Electric SUVs will go from rare to common in just a few years. Here’s why you should wait until 2024 before purchasing an electric SUV of your own.

The race to produce the best electric SUV

The Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV | Ford

Huge changes are coming to the automotive industry. Gas-powered vehicles are dominant today, but in just a decade, electric vehicles could account for half of the new vehicles produced. President Joe Biden wants 50% of new vehicles produced in 2030 to be electric in America. Automakers feel 40% of all new vehicles is a more realistic goal. Either way, consumers are just a few years away from plenty of new electric SUV options.

Today consumers have a few electric SUV options to choose from. If buyers wait until 2024, electric SUV models from Honda, Toyota, and many other automakers will be available. Purchasing an electric SUV today without having plenty of options to compare to could prove to be a huge mistake. Consumers benefit most from the race to create the best electric SUV because automakers are trying to produce the most competitive options.

Here are three electric SUV options that are worth the wait:

  1. 2023 Toyota bZ4X
  2. 2024 Honda Prologue
  3. 2022 Volkswagen ID.5 GTX

The Toyota bZ4X is ushering in a new era for Toyota

A silver Toyota bZ4x electric SUV.
The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is Toyota’s upcoming electric SUV. Toyota is a pioneer in alternative energy vehicles such as hybrid vehicles. The company has lagged behind other automakers in producing an EV, but the bZ4X is just the first of many new Toyota electric vehicles. Toyota will produce 15 battery electric vehicles.

Toyota’s bZ4X is ushering in a new generation of vehicles as part of the company’s Beyond Zero initiative. Toyota may have been late to the party, but it plans to make quite the entrance. The bZ4X is slated to release in 2022 as a 2023 model. The electric SUV is worth waiting on because Toyota has proved it knows how to create a popular SUV with the Toyota RAV4. The bZ4X will be a Toyota and Subaru collaboration.

RELATED: Toyota bZ4X Has an AWD System Developed by Toyota and Subaru

Toyota also has shown that it can produce great vehicles with hybrid powertrains, so a Toyota model with a fully electric powertrain isn’t a huge leap away from the vehicles the company has been producing. According to MotorTrend, the electric SUV is estimated to have between 250-300 miles of battery range on a full charge. Toyota is working to produce a battery that will retain 90% of its total capacity after 10 years, so the vehicle should have similar longevity to its predecessors.

The Honda Prologue is Honda’s chance at redemption

The Honda Prologue is one of the most anticipated Honda releases in a long time. Why? Honda has failed to create a popular EV before. The Prologue is the company’s chance to stake a claim to the electric future. If the Honda Prologue flops, it could be very bad news for the Japanese automaker.

Honda has partnered with General Motors to produce the electric SUV. GM launched the Chevy Bolt in 2017 and received immediate praise. Just four short years later, Chevy Bolt models have been going up in flames. Honda may have looked to GM as an authority on electric vehicles before, but now GM’s electric future and Honda’s are uncertain.

RELATED: Is Your Chevy Bolt In Danger Of Spontaneously Combusting?

The Honda Prologue is expected to have a range of 300 miles on a full charge. It should run on GM’s Ultium platform like many of the company’s upcoming EVs. Despite its EV missteps, Honda can still produce an amazing electric SUV. If it’s anything like the Honda CR-V, it will be a winner. The Honda Prologue is expected to release in 2024.

Volkswagen is doubling down with the Volkswagen ID.5 GTX

A red Volkswagen ID.5 electric SUV is seen at he Volkswagen stand before the start of the International Motor Show (IAA Mobility).
The Volkswagen ID.5 GTX | Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images

Volkswagen has been responsible for many emission scandals. Now the company has been forced to take a cleaner route. Volkswagen has invested millions of dollars in both charging infrastructure and electric vehicles. The company’s Volkswagen ID.4 has made a splash on the EV scene.

The Volkswagen ID.4 has a battery range of 260 miles on a full charge. It makes 201 horsepower. The Volkswagen ID.5 GTX will take things up a notch. It is expected to come standard with the ID.4’s largest battery option. The ID.5 GTX is an electric SUV to watch because Volkswagen is gaining traction in the EV space. It has a huge investment in electric vehicles despite the company’s history. Volkswagen is just as competitive about the electric future as other automakers.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Really an EV for Everyone?

The post Why You Should Wait Until 2024 Before Buying an Electric SUV appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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2022 Porsche Macan: Don’t Call the Macan S the Middle Child

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This year, the 2022 Porsche Macan isn’t playing any jokes, and it’s all business in this new Porsche lineup. What makes the 2022 Macan a better buy over the 2021 version? If you ask Porsche, the entire lineup is “stronger, sharper, and sportier.” Plus, the new 2022 Porsche Macan S has more to offer between the base and GTS models.

How much is a 2022 Porsche Macan?

2022 Porsche Macan S | Porsche

Porsche has a variety of Macan SUVs available for 2022. Car and Driver says that the Macan, Macan S, and Macan GTS might all share a name but have very different characteristics. The middle child, the Macan S, happens to have a lot of offer buyers for a fairly reasonable price. However, all three options jumped in price over the 2021 Macan.

When it comes to the price of the 2022 Porsche Macan, the base model starts at $56,250, with delivery fees included. It offers 261 hp and 144 mph of top speed. The 0-60 mph time is six seconds.

The 2022 Porsche Macan S price is going to run buyers $66,750 with 375 hp. The 0-60 mph time got quite a boost at 4.6 seconds. It also has a higher top speed of 160 mph. The top-of-the-line Macan GTS price jumps a bit to $81,250. The GTS gets 434 hp, a 4.3 seconds 0-60 mph time, and a 169 mph top speed on the track.

Is the 2022 Porsche Macan worth the money?

RELATED: How Reliable Is the Porsche Macan?

When Porsche killed off the Macan Turbo, the S got the hand-me-downs. But not in a negative way. The new Macan S has all of the positives leftovers and made its way into the world. The 2022 Macan S has the 2021 Macan GTS’s 375 hp turbo V6.

Porsche offers the new Sport Chrono package for $1,220 that provides launch control for even more fun. With the Sport Chrono package, the 0-60 mph times show significant improvement, each one gaining 0.2 seconds. There are a ton of other additions available on the 2022 Porsche Macan should the standard options not be enough.

Another upgrade worth looking at is the Premium Package Plus for $4,790. The package adds a Panoramic Roof System, 14-way power seats, LED headlights, and Lane Change Assist (LCA). Plus, heated and ventilated seats. While the Macan isn’t the cheapest car in the lineup, buyers don’t want it. It offers horsepower, safety, and a fun ride that most SUVs can’t offer.

An SUV with sports car character

Porsche wasn’t aiming for an SUV when the brand whipped up the Macan. The lineup already included the popular Porsche Cayenne SUV, so the automaker filled that niche. The Macan was purpose-built, and the 2022 Porsche Macan is proof of that.

“Five doors, five seats, yet incomparable, unmistakable and unstoppable. In its latest generation, the Macan is and remains the sports car of compact SUVs.”

Porsche

The base model Macan will get the job done, but the Macan S is worth taking another look at. If you aren’t willing to go all-in on the GTS, the Macan S checks all of the boxes. The 2022 Porsche Macan should arrive at the start of next year, with the S and GTS models following.

RELATED: Recall Alert: Consumer Reports Says Porsche Macan Has Open Recall

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First There’s a Shortage of New Cars, Now There’s a Shortage of Car Parts

by Gabrielle DeSantis

New car prices are on the rise, thanks to the ongoing chip shortage and the continued Covid-19 pandemic. Because of this, the used car market has been hotter than ever, since those cars have already been built. But that advantage may not last much longer, as now other vital car parts are in short supply. Without those, the time it takes to repair a car might get longer.

SRS Airbag Installed On Car | Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

What car parts are in short supply?

There are many little brackets and bits that just aren’t available according to a CNBC report. But the heaviest hit parts seem to be headlights, hoods, bumpers, and now electronics. The first three weren’t terribly inconvenient, as sheet metal is in greater supply than other parts. But the lack of electrical components equates to a lack of vital equipment.

The components in question are the aforementioned computer chips, as well as wires and harnessing which run all throughout the car. Without them, you can’t build technologies like touchscreens or airbags. And dealerships or auto shops can’t ship a car without working airbags.

With these delays, cars that were involved in accidents may take even longer to get back on the road. So how are repair shops planning to deal with these shortages?

How are auto shops handling the shortage?

Pep Boys Auto Shop Servicing Cars Amidst Chip Shortage
Pep Boys Auto Shop Servicing Cars | Andrew Woodley/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

RELATED: How 7 Car Parts Got Funny Names

The key difference between businesses that have been “winning” during these trying times versus those that are buckling at the knees is all about supply chain management. In order to understand what that entails, here’s a small lesson in economics.

Supply chains are made up of three tiers, each representing a different part of the manufacturing process. Let’s say you’re making a t-shirt. Tier One is the shirt itself, Tier Two is the fabric the shirt is made of, and Tier Three is the cotton or raw material the fabric is woven out of.

Managing all aspects of that supply chain is important, that way you know when to slow production if one aspect of the chain is weakened, or find other sources for that same material, supply, or car part. Auto shops and even automakers have been in communication with these suppliers to make sure parts are delivered as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, things are still looking rocky for a lot of the big players.

Automakers are still struggling to keep up with demand

Toyota dealership sign with the logo and company name written underneath.
Toyota Logo | Getty Images

RELATED: How Self-Driving Cars Could Shake the Supply Chain

Toyota, who learned about managing a strong supply chain after a tsunami hit Japan in 2011, has faired best throughout the pandemic and the chip shortage. Only last month did they finally announce a 40% cut in production, closing down select factories.

Meanwhile, GM just paused production in eight of their 15 North American plants according to Detroit Free Press, and Ford is slowing their production of pickups. And you know there’s a problem when Ford stops building America’s most beloved truck.

Every automaker will continue to be impacted by this unholy combination of Covid-19 and chip shortages. And while there will be an end, it’s hard to pinpoint when. Experts are saying prices may remain sky-high until 2023, meaning that for a while, buying a new car isn’t exactly a smart move.

RELATED: Is Using OEM Parts on Your Car Worth the Extra Cost?

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Does the 2022 Chevy Silverado’s Interior Live up to the Hype?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The pressure is on for the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500. It just made its debut with mid-cycle updates before the new Toyota Tundra comes out in a few days. Did the new Chevy Silverado do enough to outshine rivals? 

Does the 2022 Chevy Silverado live up to the hype? 

2022 Chevy Silverado | Chevrolet

For the past few years, critics haven’t been impressed by the Chevy Silverado’s interior, especially compared to rivals. It seems too outdated, bland, and relied on too many cheap plastics. 

But the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is here to fix these issues. It’s bringing hands-free driving technology, an updated interior, and new tech to the table. It should be better equipped to tackle the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. 

What’s new for the 2022 Silverado 1500? 

The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 gained a 13.4-inch touchscreen. The F-150 and Ram 1500 have screens that are only 12.0-inches large. So, the Silverado has a win with the largest screen. 

Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google voice assistance, maps, and an app store are included. This is a pretty modern upgrade to consider. Plus, a new 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster comes standard. You can also opt for a rear camera mirror and a head-up display. 

The big takeaway here seems to be with the Super Cruise hands-free driving tech, but it’s currently only available with the High Country trim. We wish it were on lower trims too, but it could be added later. 

With the Super Cruise system, you can take your hands off the wheel. Lidar map data, high-precision GPS, cameras, radar sensors, and a driver attention system work together to steer for you. The system can be used while hauling a trailer. You have to keep your eyes on the road ahead for it to work, and your hands don’t have to stay on the steering wheel. 

The new 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 interior replaces drab plastic with soft-touch surfaces, black gloss plastic, matte finishes, and pops of color. There are chrome accents and pieces of wood trim. You’ll notice that the truck has a new electronic console shifter. 

However, there’s a catch. The new interior is only available with the LT and higher trims. The three trims below the LT model, including the Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss, will feature the old design. 

What else is new for the 2022 Silverdo? 

2022 Chevy Silverado interior
2022 Chevy Silverado interior | Chevrolet

The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 has an enhanced turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that’s more refined and has a returned eight-speed automatic transmission. It now develops 420 lb-ft of torque instead of 383 lb-ft of torque. 

Plus, the Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six engine receives chassis updates and can be paired with the Max Trailering Package. It can now tow up to 13,300 lbs which is up from the previous max of 9,500 lbs. 

Standard safety features across each model include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. You can also take the new ZR2 off-roading trim for a spin. 

Pricing for the 2022 Chevy Silverado hasn’t been revealed. The 2021 model has an MSRP of 29,300. Pricing will probably increase by a few $100 to cover the standard updates. Trim levels with the new interior may cost more. 

So far, the new Chevy Silverado 1500 sort of lives up to the hype. It looks better, but we won’t be sold until we can try it out. We hope it’s more comfortable than before with an enhanced sense of luxury.

RELATED: The 2022 Chevy Silverado Won’t Drive Until You Buckle Up

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