GM Confirms New Electric GMC Pickup Truck and SUV Line Will Be Different Than the Hummer

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With GM’s new electric Hummer looming on the horizon and new releases like the Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric pickup segment is gaining momentum. There has been quite some excitement surrounding the rise of the large EV, it’s no surprise that manufacturer GM confirms a new electric GMC pickup truck and SUV line. 

GM logo | Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

When is the new electric Hummer coming out? 

GMC’s website says that the EV Hummer pickup truck will come out in the fall of 2021. The first model is a 2022 model year. The EV Hummer SUV on the other hand will come out as a 2024 model year electric SUV. We expect to see this one coming off the line by late 2023. 

Until then, EV shoppers can reserve their Hummer pickup trucks or SUVs via the GMC Hummer web page. The suspense continues to build until then. These trucks and SUV models are designed to be “lifestyle vehicles” and have high prices starting at about $80,000 and reaching up past $100,000 for top trim levels. The new GMC EVs will be different in the hummer in that they are intended for a more mainstream market.

Will there be an electric GMC pickup truck? 

An overhead view of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, parked on an expanse of beige dirt, with its roof removed
2022 GMC Hummer EV | General Motors

Yes, GM confirms that an all-new electric SUV and pickup truck line is emerging in the coming seasons. Large SUVs and pickup truck have long been the gas guzzling automotive segment. Now, with the excitement of the EV mounting, manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, and GM are announcing big plans to electrify their respective lineups. 

According to CNBC, GM just confirmed that the electrified lineup of GMC trucks and SUVs is coming. These will parallel models like the GMC Sierra pickup truck and the GMC Yukon SUV. New large trucks and big family-hauling SUVs make sense as upcoming EVs, as the electric powertrain can eliminate high fuel consumption costs that keep some buyers from purchasing such large vehicles in today’s gas- and diesel-powered market. 

Both the Hummer EV truck and SUV will offer long electric ranges of 350 and 300, respectively. So similar numbers could be in store for the new electric GMC Sierra pickup truck and Yukon SUV EVs. However, we still don’t know what the name of these new electrified beasts will be. 

GM global head, Duncan Aldred, would not confirm whether or not the new electric pickup truck or SUV models would bear the name Sierra or Yukon. It could mean we need to look out for an additional word added to the existing nomers (think Ford F-150 Lightning). Or, GM could roll them out as an all-new electric vehicle lineup with brand new names.  

No one has ever sold an electric pickup truck yet 

A silver Ford F-150 lightning electric pickup truck
Ford F-150 Lightning | Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Although automakers like Tesla and Ford have debuted their electric pickup trucks, no one has actually sold a fully electric pickup truck yet. Over 500,000 Tesla Cybertruck reservations and over 100,000 Ford F-150 Lightning reservations have been sold. But the market space is still wholly unproven as of yet. 

With so many automakers ramping up their efforts toward electrification, announcements like this are unsurprising. However, they are still exciting. Looking forward to releases like this is just the beginning. There is no telling what each automaker’s lineup will look like as electrification continues taking shape.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Recommends Every Model Year of This Mazda SUV It’s Ever Tested

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All Jeep Models to Have Plug-in Hybrid Model Options by 2025

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As more sustainable and eco-friendly vehicles continue to gain popularity, more brands are trying to keep up with the competition by offering electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Stellantis is one of the latest to make an announcement about their lineup, focused on Jeep. 

Learn more about this monumental announcement, current EV and hybrid Jeep vehicles you can purchase, and other Stellantis brands that will transition toward more sustainable options. 

The Stellantis EV Day announcement on Jeep models

Jeep logo | Getty Images

Many people are not familiar with Stellantis as a carmaker. It is the main umbrella company over several well-known brands, including Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Ram, and many more. Stellantis has been pretty quiet about its future electric vehicle plans compared to other major players in the industry. 

That all changed earlier this month. Stellantis held a summit, Stellantis Electric Vehicle Day, to provide detailed announcements and presentations about where the company is headed with EV tech regarding some of their most notable brands, like Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and more. 

On EV Day, the company revealed that they have plans to roll out electric options for its entire lineup in the coming years. According to AutoBlog, this means that the brand will offer 4xe plug-in hybrid versions of its existing models by 2025. For those who can’t wait four more years, the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid will join the lineup in 2022. 

Jeep hasn’t always been known as environmentally friendly, but it appears they are trying to change their image with these announcements. 

Current EV and hybrid Jeep offerings

Jeep isn’t currently a major player in the EV and hybrid world, which is why the Stellantis announcement was such big news for Jeep fans. Jeep currently has a hybrid offering, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, which has been met with much enthusiasm. According to Car and Driver, it isn’t a perfect hybrid vehicle. It gets less all-electric range than previously promised and offers a complex hybrid system.

It’s a promising first attempt for Jeep to produce a plug-in hybrid of one of their best-selling models. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is a great choice for those who want a plug-in hybrid that has a strong engine and can tackle off-roading. When the battery is fully charged, drivers can expect to get about 49 MPGe, but it only gets about 20 mpg when the battery is depleted. 

Jeep wasn’t the only Stellantis brand with big announcements on Stellantis EV day. 

Other Stellantis brands that will join the electric bandwagon

On EV day, Stellantis announced that Ram would offer a battery-electric 1500 truck in 2024, according to AutoWeek. This is launching a bit later than its competitors, like the Ford F-150 lighting and the Tesla Cybertruck, but many have high hopes that this Ram 1500 iteration will be among the best electric trucks. 

Stellantis also teased a Dodge all-electric performance car that should also debut around 2024, though not many details have yet been revealed about the mystery muscle car. There isn’t yet a name, but the teaser trailer at least makes the car look powerful enough to pique any muscle car enthusiast’s interest. The mystery car did come with an interesting catchphrase, “Tear Up the Streets… Not the Planet,” The Verge reports, and it will certainly be interesting to see what this vehicle will actually be capable of upon its release. 

AutoWeek also reported that Robby DeGraff, an Industry Analyst at AutoPacific stated, “Several of the products in Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Chrysler lineups sit atop old platforms that aren’t set up for serious electrification. By ditching those and focusing on just four capable iterations of the STLA platform, that gives these brands such more flexibility in terms of guaranteeing electrification (whether mild-hybrid, PHEV, or full-on EV) in every segment possible.”

It looks like this means several Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles that aren’t easily electrified may be discontinued, but there haven’t yet been announcements as to which models this may include. 

RELATED: Jeep Named America’s ‘Most Patriotic Brand’ for 2021

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The 2021 Porsche Cayenne Demolishes the 2022 Acura MDX in Consumer Reports’ Ratings

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne and 2022 Acura MDX are both popular midsize luxury SUVs, but which one is the better choice? Let’s look at whether Consumer Reports recommends the 2021 Porsche Cayenne or 2022 Acura MDX, and what makes it a great choice.

2022 Acura MDX | Acura

Both the Porsche Cayenne and Acura MDX have a good road test score

A silver 2021 Porsche Cayenne speeding with mountains in the background.
2021 Porsche Cayenne | Porsche

Consumer Reports gives both the 2021 Porsche Cayenne and 2022 Acura MDX a 4/5 for acceleration. 

The Cayenne’s transmission scores a 4/5. Routine handling receives an excellent 5/5, while emergency handling only gets a 3/5. The Porsche Cayenne’s max avoidance speed is 50 mph.

On the other hand, the MDX’s transmission scores a 4/5. Routine handling receives a very good 4/5, while emergency handling only gets a 3/5. The Acura MDX’s max avoidance speed is 54 mph.

Braking is better in the Cayenne. It scores a 4/5, while the MDX gets just a 3/5.

The MDX has better headlights, scoring a 4/5. The Cayenne’s headlights only score a 3/5.

As far as comfort, the 2021 Porsche Cayenne gets a reasonable 3/5 for its ride. It’s quiet: it scores a perfect 5 for its noise. Both front and rear seat comfort get perfect scores as well. 

The MDX scores similarly, with a 4/5 for its ride. It’s fairly quiet: it scores a 4/5 for its noise. Both front and rear seat comfort also get perfect scores. 

Both the Porsche Cayenne and Acura MDX value safety   

A white 2022 Acura MDX against a white background.
2022 Acura MDX | Acura

Consumer Reports recommends a slew of advanced safety features that car shoppers should consider. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking at city and highway speeds, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure warning. Consumer Reports also says that pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning are important to have. 

Rearview cameras are standard in all new cars. You should also look for anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights.

The 2022 Acura MDX comes standard with all of these safety features, which is excellent. The 2021 Porsche Cayenne comes standard with nearly all of these features. The exceptions are lane-keeping assist and blind-spot warning, which are optional. Unfortunately, rear cross-traffic warning isn’t available. 

Reliability and owner satisfaction is excellent in both the Porsche Cayenne and Acura MDX

A red 2021 Porsche cayenne with trees in the background.
2021 Porsche Cayenne | Porsche

To determine the reliability of a vehicle, Consumer Reports sends out surveys to people who have bought previous versions of the vehicle. They then combine this survey data with what they know about the current model. They say that with these two pieces of information, they can “expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.”

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Porsche Cayenne a 3/5 for its predicted reliability, while the MDX scores just a 2. Problem spots in the 2019 Cayenne include the engine minor, brakes, and power equipment.  Major problem spots in the 2020 Acura MDX include the drive system, paint and trim, and body hardware. Other problem areas include the transmission minor and the body integrity.

Both the Porsche Cayenne and Acura MDX get a 4/5 for owner satisfaction. Most notably, the Cayenne’s driving experience and comfort are a 92. Owners give the MDX driving experience a 74 and comfort a 79.

Overall, it isn’t difficult to see why Consumer Reports gives the 2021 BMW X5 an 84, making it the highest-rated midsize luxury SUV. On the other hand, the 2022 Acura MDX scores just a 61, though it still has good overall ratings. If you’re shopping for a midsize luxury SUV, you really can’t go wrong with either.

EXCERPT: The 2022 Acura MDX Smokes the 2021 Audi Q7

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Goodbye Forever: Porsche Kills the Porsche Macan Turbo SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The automotive market is going through some growing pains right now, and some brands are scrambling to keep up. Porsche just killed off the Porsche Macan Turbo SUV ahead of 2022, but it isn’t all bad news. Better things are cooking for the Porsche brand and the Macan SUV.

Is the Porsche Macan Turbo reliable?

The Porsche Macan SUV | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

The Porsche Macan was an “SUV with sports car character,” according to Porsche. That might be the case, but the Macan turbo SUV wasn’t cutting it. Porsche has decided to ax the option from the 2022 lineup in favor of other options. The Macan will be offered in an all-electric option next year, while the gas-powered version is getting a bit of an update as well.

According to CNET, the Macan is the brand’s best-selling vehicle right now. Porsche offers the base model, S, and GTS trim levels for the Macan. The turbo model is gone for good, but as previously mentioned, there is a silver lining. The GTS offers a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 getting 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan GTS output is the same that the Turbo model provides. The Macan turbo 0-to-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds also matches the new GTS.

Additionally, Porsche is offering the new Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) on the Macan. These new brakes supposedly will revolutionize the braking industry. The brake rotors will be coated in a tungsten carbide coating and paired with newly created pads to increase performance and longevity.

2022 Porsche Macan upgrades and changes

The base 2022 Porsche Macan offers a 2.9L turbo engine getting 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It has a 5.8 second 0-to-60 time and is all-wheel drive. This is up 13 hp and 22 lb-ft over the previous base model Macan.

Porsche offers a Sport Package for the Macan GTS that offers 18-way adaptive seats, 21-inch wheels, and special tires. It doesn’t offer any performance upgrades. The 2022 Macan S will use the same 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine, but Porsche will water it down slightly to 375 hp. It will have a top speed of 160 mph and a 0-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds.

CNET noted that drivers will find one of the most significant differences inside the Macan. Porsche is changing the button-heavy infotainment section to offer a more modern 10.9-inch backlit panel. The luxury SUV offers Apple CarPlay, but no Android Auto yet. Porsche is offering a variety of new wheel designs in sizes 19 to 21 inches.

Porsche knows what it is doing

For 2022, the Porsche Macan pricing changes a big. The base model starts at $56,250. The Porsche Macan S starts at $66,750, and the Macan GTS starts at $81,250. The destination charge is $1,350 for all of the options. The price increases are $2,800, $5,200, and $7,800 for each model over the 2021 pricing.

The good news? The 2022 GTS is almost $5,000 cheaper than the Macan turbo, and it has the same power numbers. Not a bad tradeoff. Porsche says buyers can expect the 2022 Porsche Macan early next year, with the Macan S and GTS versions dropping sometime in spring.

RELATED: Used Trucks and SUVs That Cost More Than New Trucks and SUVs

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