‘Ted Lasso’ Star Jason Sudeikis On His New Tesla Model X and the “Fast as Hell” Nissan Maxima He Grew Up With

by Gabrielle DeSantis

‘Ted Lasso’ star Jason Sudeikis sat down with The Wall Street Journal to chat about his favorite tools, tech, and toys. During the sit-down, Sudeikis revealed that he only recently purchased his first car. And that car? Was an electric Tesla SUV known as none other than the 2020 Tesla Model X. Sudeikis also took a trip down memory lane, detailing the “fast as hell” Nissan Maxima he grew up with.

Jason Sudeikis looks back at the Nissan Maxima he grew up with

1982 Nissan Maxima Wagen | Nissan

Sure, the 2020 Tesla Model X is the first car that Sudeikis has ever owned. But prior to that? The movie star spent his childhood in the backseat of a Nissan Maxima station wagon. The wagon was driven by his mom and, according to Sudeikis “was fast as hell.”

“It seemed like it had the same engine as a Nissan 300 ZX, but it was in this family car,” Sudeikis added.

Now, as it turns out, the Nissan Maxima station wagon didn’t actually have the same engine as the Nissan 300 ZX. In fact, first-generation Maximas came driven by a 145-hp 2.4-liter engine. Meanwhile, second-generation Nissan Maxima models came equipped with a 154-hp 3.0-liter V6. Unless Sudeikis’ family opted to replace the engine under the hood of their Nissan Maxima, odds are it came equipped with either the 2.4-liter or the 3.0-liter V6 engine. 

The 2020 Tesla Model X SUV is the first car Jason Sudeikis has ever owned

Jason Sudeikis has never owned a car. Yes, you read that right. Jason Sudeikis, the star of “Ted Lasso’ and the lead in movies like ‘We’re the Millers’ has never owned a car. That is, of course, until now. 

When it came to buying his first car, Sudeikis went with none other than the 2020 Model X. Sudeikis’ first Tesla car is a luxury hybrid and electric Tesla SUV that consistently ranks among the best electric cars. According to Sudeikis, the Tesla SUV is also a pretty enjoyable electric SUV to drive.

“The first time I test drove the Tesla, I floored it, then I looked back at my son, Otis, and said: “How ’bout that, huh?” He just looked at me with a big smile on his face,” Sudeikis lamented.

The biggest difference between driving a new Tesla Model X and driving a Vespa

A dark Tesla Model X driving down an empty road with the sun shining behind it, the Tesla Model X is a Tesla SUV and is the first Tesla car 'Ted Lasso' star Jason Sudeikis has ever owned
Tesla Model X | Tesla

While the 2020 Tesla Model X is both the first car and the first Tesla SUV ‘Ted Lasso’ star Jason Sudeikis has ever owned, he did own not one but two Vespas prior to it. If you’re unfamiliar with what a Vespa is, a Vespa is an Italian luxury scooter manufactured by Piaggio. And, as you might have guessed, Sudeikis noticed some stark differences between driving a new Tesla Model X and hitting the road on the Vespa.

“When you tell people you drive a Tesla, they’re like, “OK, cool.” When you tell someone you drive a Vespa,” Sudeikis continued, “They immediately jump to: “Oh, my God! Aren’t you scared of dying? Aren’t you scared of getting hurt?”

Want to drive a Tesla SUV just like Jason Sudeikis? It’ll cost you

Now, there’s no denying that the Tesla Model X has a lot going for it. After all, Sudeikis upgraded from a Vespa to the Tesla SUV. The newest Tesla Model X comes driven by an all-electric powertrain that delivers up to 1,020 hp. And when it comes to how far this Tesla SUV can drive on a single charge? The automaker claims that the Tesla Model X range maxes out at 360 miles.

As for the Model X price? There’s no denying that this Tesla SUV is expensive. The Tesla Model X Long Range model starts at just under $90K. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model X Plaid starts at $114,190. But if you want to drive the same car as ‘Ted Lasso’ star Jason Sudeikis? Then the Tesla Model X price may not seem too bad.

RELATED: The Best Luxury SUVs for Tall Drivers According to U.S. News

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Tesla Lost to Polestar for Best Electric Luxury Sedan of 2021, but It’s Not All Bad News for Elon Musk’s EV Maker

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla has set the bar high in the EV segment, but steep competition is hot on the automaker’s heels. The electric sedan space, specifically, continues to grow with worthy rivals. And in one recent assessment, the Polestar 2 beat the popular Tesla Model 3. 

Not that Elon Musk should be worried, though. It wasn’t all bad news for his EV maker on this best-of list. But it implies there’s more than one excellent EV out there, and Tesla might need to keep an eye in the rearview mirror.

You can’t have a best-of-EVs list without Tesla

Model 3 EVs at Tesla’s gigafactory in Shanghai, China, on October 26, 2020 | Xinhua/Ding Ting via Getty Images

For “The Best Electric Cars of 2021, According to Engineers,” Good Housekeeping charged its engineers with a tall order: Evaluate and rank the best electric vehicles of 2021. Those experts spent quality time with each contender. They evaluated driving dynamics, comfort, user-friendly tech, and more. And before making its final determinations, the GH team also took insights from Car and Driver into consideration. 

The best electric cars for 2021 include the Audi e-tron in the luxury compact SUV category and the Volvo XC40 Recharge in the luxury subcompact SUV category. In the compact car segment, the Chevy Bolt EV took top honors, while the Kia Niro EV dominated the subcompact SUV space, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E won for best electric compact SUV.

But you can’t rank the best EVs without mentioning Tesla. And the Model 3 took the win for best electric sedan. However, there was an upset in the luxury sedan category, where the Polestar 2 prevailed.

Polestar 2 for the win among electric luxury sedans

The Polestar 2 rose to the top in Good Housekeeping’s electric luxury sedan category, in part because of its high-quality interior and robust list of tech features. GH’s testers also love the front trunk. But there were plenty of other standout features, including the 11-inch infotainment screen and giant panoramic roof.

But the Polestar 2 impressed, too, with its 408 hp and 233 miles of range. And the reviewers at Roadshow concur that this electric luxury sedan is fast.

Both are worthy electric contenders

But Tesla can’t be too mad that it lost to Polestar in the electric luxury sedan class. Musk’s brand earned its own spot at the top of the leader board in the general EV sedan segment. And it’s worth a look regardless, thanks to its 260 miles of driving range on the base variation and luxurious extras. The starting MSRP isn’t too shabby, either, at $36,990.

But don’t forget to check out the Polestar 2, especially if you want a quick EV with all the bells and whistles. The folks and Car and Driver especially like that it’s the first car to leverage Google’s Android Automotive infotech, calling it one of the best systems available today. It’s a fun-to-drive ride that feels high-tech and high-quality. But the base-model Polestar 2 will set you back nearly $59,900, which might sway your EV-buying decision.

Tesla may have led the charge in the EV race. But it’s clear that the competition is getting fierce, and critics are taking notice. The Polestar 2 earns recognition for being the best electric car in the luxury space. The Tesla Model 3 got a nod of its own, though, so no hard feelings.

In the end, the Polestar 2’s win demonstrates that when it’s time to buy an EV, Tesla isn’t the only name in the game worth considering anymore, especially if range, performance, and luxury matter.

RELATED: Tesla Fell to Ford for 2021 EV of the Year, but Don’t Get Too Upset

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The New German Alphavan 4×4 Features Mercedes-Benz Tech

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There is a new smart van in town, known as the German Alphavan 4×4. Why is it smart? Because it’s based on the Mercedes Sprinter, one epic camping van. Check out what the German Alphavan 4×4 is bringing to the table. 

The Alphavan 4×4 incorporates Mercedes Sprinter features 

Alphavan 4×4 | Alphavan

The Alphavan 4×4 seeks to provide a premium and advanced camper van. Instead of settling for entry-level accommodations, you can live the glamping life with the smart van that borrows quite a bit from the Mercedes Sprinter. 

Take advantage of premium connectivity and digital control with the 4×4 Edition. It’s built on the Mercedes Sprinter platform, making it incredibly capable of tackling backcountry roads and slippery conditions. 

It also features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience MBUX navigation system. It includes real-time traffic information, Wi-fi, and remote access to the van. This is a brand new feature to enjoy with caravanning. 

With the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control (MBAC) system, you can control the heating, battery status, lighting, and all electrical system. It can be controlled with the app on your smartphone or with the 10.25-inch touchscreen in the entry area. 

How luxurious is the Alphavan? 

The Alphavan 4×4 hasn’t had its official debut yet, so we’re still waiting to learn more about its upgrades. But we do know that it features more space with smarter storage options to make the most of available room. 

It’s almost 10 feet tall and 24 feet long to provide the roominess of home while away from home. The rear is divided into two floors to extend the range of possibilities for guest accommodations and storage. 

The living loft provides a separate area for privacy. The Flexport beneath it can be used to store equipment such as bikes or transformed into an additional space for your kids or guests. It can easily be adjusted to suit your needs. 

You need to check out the kitchen. The single case countertop features smooth rounded edges with spacious drawers and soft-close technology. The storage compartments feature LED lighting, and the fridge holds 90 liters. Plus, a smart TV is above the refrigerator. 

What about the Mercedes Sprinter? 

2021 Mercedes Sprinter van parked on the beach
2021 Mercedes Sprinter | Merceded-Benz

While the Aplhavan takes the best features from the Mercedes Sprinter and adds unique luxury touches, it’s currently not available in the United States. But you can get your hands on a highly capable Sprinter van. 

You can get started in a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van for about $36,335. But modifications will be required to add a bathroom and kitchen. It can easily be configured to meet your work or lifestyle needs. 

The passenger option can seat up to 15 people, the 360-degree camera helps you easily park and, and the Active Distance Assist Distronic automatically keeps you at a safe distance from other vehicles. 

You can tow up to 7,500 lbs when the van is properly equipped and carry a payload of up to 6,735 lbs, depending on which build you choose. There are also three roof height and three length options available. 

While we hope the Alphavan 4×4 comes to the United States, we will have to wait to learn more. Until then, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a highly capable 4×4 option to enjoy for work, travel or both. 

RELATED: People Complain About These Mercedes Sprinter Van Years the Most

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Is Your Car Burning Oil? Here’s How To Check

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Checking your car’s oil, and fluids in general, is one of the simplest ways to keep the vehicle happy and healthy. However, it’s also one of the most overlooks aspects of automotive maintenance. People often wait till the light goes on, then take it in for service only to forget about it a little later. However, it’s incredibly important to check your oil frequently in order to make sure it hasn’t caught a case of excessive oil consumption. And yes, even new cars burn oil, so be diligent.

Oil Dipstick | Wayne Hutchinson/Farm Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

How to check for burning oil

Checking your oil takes all of 5 minutes. Refer to your owner’s manual or online as to whether or not you should run the car until it reaches operating temperatures or if you should check it cold. Every car is different, but the process is fairly the same. Most dipsticks are also the same, with two little lines or dots indicating how much oil is in there. The bottom dot represents the “fill line.” Be sure your oil level doesn’t drop below that. The top dot is the “full line.” Make sure your oil level is never above that.

First, remove the dipstick, which is easily indicated by an orange or yellow tab right on your engine. As you pull it out, you’ll find it’s got some remnants of oil in it. Wipe it down with a paper towel (I keep a roll in my car), and then slide it all the way back in. Pull it out again and take a peek at the oil. Wherever it ends between the two dots is your oil level.

But one oil check can’t prove whether you’re burning oil or not. Before putting the dipstick back, snap a clear photograph and hang on to it. Drive for about 1000 miles or so, then check the oil again. If it’s where it was before, or relatively close, then you’re likely not burning oil. It’s a good practice to check your oil every 1000 miles, because what may look like a minor change in oil levels after 1,000 miles be a large difference after 3,000 miles.

If you are burning oil, hop over to your nearest parts store or gas station to see if they have a quart of your car’s oil, and a funnel just to make life easier. Always refer to the owner’s manual and fill your engine with what’s recommended. Unscrew the large black cap on your car (it often has the engine oil grade written on it. Mine is 0W-20) and fill the engine a quarter bottle at a time to make sure you don’t overfill.

What can you do to fix burning oil?

You’ve caught the problem, but what can you do to help stop burning oil now? There are a number of things that could be wrong with your car, some of which are more expensive than others. The easiest fix to oil burning issues are engine oil additives, but be very cautious. Some of these additives are like snake oil, they do nothing and no harm to the engine. Others, however, can do more harm than good in the long run. And if an engine is in bad enough shape, the additives won’t do anything to stop it from burning oil. It’s best to look at the mechanics of your car.

Very often, excessive oil consumption is caused by a dirty or damaged PCV valve. Short for positive crankcase ventilation, it gets harmful emissions out of the engine and through the tailpipe. But when it gets clogged up, it creates a vacuum that sucks oil into the engine, which ends up getting burned. Lucky for you, it’s a $10 part, and it’s so easy to fix you can do it at home. If, however, the issue persists, it could have something to do with your engine’s internals.

Piston rings are often the next culprit, and while having those replaced can help with oil consumption, it’s also a lofty bill. Be sure to have this done professionally, as rebuilding an engine is no easy feat. If you’re lucky, your car’s warranty will cover excessive oil consumption, though not every automaker acknowledges the issue.

Is burning oil a common issue?

Father And Son Checking Oil on a Volkswagen
Father And Son Checking Oil | Tim Brakemeier/picture alliance via Getty Images

No car should burn oil, but many cars do. According to Consumer Reports, even new cars fall victim to excessive oil consumption. And to automakers, it’s seen as a nonissue. Excessive oil in and of itself isn’t exactly dangerous, car recalls and warranties worry more about damage to the occupant.

But checking your engine’s oil and making sure it’s topped off every now and then makes excessive oil consumption a symptom many grow to live with. Leaking oil is a cause for alarm, but burning oil happens as a car ages. So if you want to make sure your car’s life is extended, be sure to check every 1,000 miles. Now, if you’d excuse me, I’m going to check my oil.

RELATED: What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

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