Everything Tesla’s FSD Subscription Includes

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla’s FSD subscription is here, and even if you didn’t buy Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package before, you have the chance now. Tesla has released a subscription service for those who want Full Self-Driving, but maybe don’t want to pay $10,000 for it upfront. So just what does the FSD subscription include?

2021 Tesla Model 3 | Tesla

What is Tesla FSD?

Tesla FSD is a more autonomous version of their Autopilot function. Autopilot has been Tesla’s semi-autonomous driver assistance system up until this point. While many people believe Autopilot allows a Tesla to operate independently, or autonomously, this is not the case. Autopilot is an advanced system that incorporates safety systems such as lane keep assist, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. 

Full Self-Driving, or FSD, takes this one step further. It’s important to remember that the new FSD is a beta package, meaning that customers are basically trialing it for the company. As FSD operates based on a neural network, it will constantly be adapting and making corrections. A neural network collects information, shares it with the network, and ‘learns’ from the information being collected by all of the Teslas using FSD.

Tesla’s website includes the following information about the level of autonomy that FSD offers: “Note: These features are designed to become more capable over time; however the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous. The currently enabled features require a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment.”

What’s included with FSD?

The capabilities of each individual Tesla will depend on what the configuration and location of your Tesla. Some features come disabled, and the operator will need to enable them in order to use them. 

FSD has the capabilities for Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer, and Navigate. Tesla’s website says that Navigate “is designed to get you to your destination more efficiently by actively guiding your car from on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggesting and making lane changes, navigating highway interchanges, and taking exits.” Tesla drivers who have engaged this feature are currently reporting mixed experiences with this feature. 

FSD also comes with auto lane change, autopark, summon, and smart summon. Smart summon allows Tesla owners to call their cars to them, like a seriously well-behaved dog. Or maybe a not-so well-behaved dog, we’ll have to see how effective this feature is. 

FSD also includes technology called Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, where the Tesla recognizes a stop sign or traffic light, and behaves accordingly. Tesla owners have also reported mixed results with this so far. 

Teslas come standard with automatic emergency braking, forward and side collision warning, obstacle-aware acceleration, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure avoidance, and emergency lane departure avoidance, regardless of whether it is equipped with FSD.

How much does Tesla’s FSD cost?

Tesla’s website says that whether your current Autopilot package includes Basic Autopilot or Enhanced Autopilot determines the FSD capability price. The price could be $99 per month or $199 per month.

To use FSD, your Tesla must have a 3.0 computer. Teslas beginning in mid-2019 came with these computers, but those produced between 2016 and 2019 came with 2.0 and 2.5. Teslas operating with those computers will have to undergo an upgrade. Tesla owners who need this upgrade are reporting that it costs $1500, though they were told that the hardware their vehicles came with would be able to handle FSD, whenever it came out. 

Tesla FSD has been a long time coming, and it will be exciting to see how it performs. The fact that it is operating using a neural network will allow it to become better with time and use, and will allow those unsure of FSD time to see how it works. If FSD becomes nearly flawless, it could mean great things for car safety in the future.

RELATED: Tesla’s Table Salt Patent Could Be a Game Changer

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Design Makes the 2021 Volvo XC40 a Top Luxury SUV, Says U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Volvo is a premium brand, so it’s no surprise that the 2021 Volvo XC40 is one of the top luxury SUVs of the year. Cars can be great in many ways, but what gives the XC40 a leg up is its design. Here’s a look at why the design of the 2021 Volvo XC40 made it one of the most luxurious SUVs of 2021.

The 2021 Volvo XC40’s luxurious design

2021 Volvo XC40 | 2021 Volvo Car Corporation

Some may think that the XC40 is too cheap to be a luxury SUV at a starting price tag of just under $34,000. U.S. News wrote, the XC40’s “attractive, stylish cabin” clearly makes it a worthy luxury competitor. The XC40’s design is simple but functional and quite luxurious.

Despite being a subcompact SUV, U.S. News said that the XC40’s seats are spacious and comfortable. They’re not perfect, as taller drivers might have a harder time. With that being said, leather upholstery for the driver’s seat is standard. This will give the XC40 an upscale feeling that customers are shopping for.

Lots of standard interior features

Another great aspect of the XC40 is its interior features. According to U.S. News, the XC40 comes with a 9-inch touch screen display, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The XC40’s infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. More importantly, they also connect to Volvo’s impressive safety features. 

Volvo is well-known for making safe cars, so the XC40 not only has some great crash test ratings but also a large suite of standard smart safety features. U.S. News said that things like forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are all standard, to name a few. That said, the XC40’s tech isn’t perfect. U.S. News wrote that the infotainment system could be slow and confusing to use.

Additionally, the XC40 is equipped with quite a few creature comfort features. According to U.S. News, things like automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-speaker premium stereo system are all standard. Options will upgrade the XC40’s interior. They include things like a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging capability, and adaptive cruise control, among other things.

An overview of the 2021 Volvo XC40

One of the design quirks about Volvo is its engines. All Volvos now have 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, but their upgraded versions will have significantly more power. In the case of the XC40, its standard engine for the T4 is very capable, and its optional T5 engine is even more capable. 

The T4 gets 184 hp, while the T5 gets 248 hp. U.S. News said that both engines are generally pretty good, though they’re not perfect by any means. Their fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways is average. Another thing that’s about average with the XC40 is its cargo capacity. It gets 47.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity with its seats folded down, which is slightly below average for the segment.

Volvo offers two trims for the XC40, the R-Design, and the Inscription. The R-Design trim starts at about $39,000, and the Inscription starts at about $39,500. However, the most expensive version of the XC40 is the all-electric Recharge. It starts at about $54,000, and it’s Volvo’s first-ever EV.

RELATED: The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Just Earned the Highest Safety Award Possible

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Stay Away from These 3 Used Trucks This Summer

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Used trucks have reached ridiculous prices this year. Thanks to a global chip shortage, many automakers do not have enough working units to keep up with demand. As a result, used vehicle prices have skyrocketed. Trucks like the GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Tundra have experienced crazy price hikes.

The GMC Sierra 1500 is worth more used

The GMC Sierra | GMC

It sounds strange, but the GMC Sierra 1500 is actually currently worth more used than new. Why? Scarcity has increased the value of vehicles everywhere, especially vehicles that are in high demand. The once affordable GMC Sierra 1500 is now much more expensive as a used truck.

According to a study conducted by iSeeCars, the GMC Sierra 1500 costs 6.4% more money as a used truck. It costs $3,466 more than buying a brand new GMC Sierra 1500. What’s even more confusing about the Sierra 1500s used truck markup is its lack of popularity. The GMC Sierra 1500 is a good pickup truck, but it is far from the truck of the year. If you’re in the market for a GMC Sierra 1500, then you are better off buying it brand new.

The Toyota Tacoma is overpriced as a used truck

2022 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition | Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is an affordable mid-size pickup truck. The Tacoma does a decent job as an off-road vehicle. It also proves itself as a workhorse. It even comes standard with great driver-assist features.

The major issue with the Toyota Tacoma as a used truck is it just isn’t great enough to justify a price hike. The Toyota Tacoma comes in some great trims, but the base model leaves much to be desired. One of its most popular trims, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, starts at $36,000.

Used Toyota Tacomas are selling for as much as 5.2% more than new vehicles. That’s an extra $1,955 for absolutely nothing. Considering the fact that many of the Toyota Tacoma trims only differ by a few thousand dollars, this is especially disturbing.

The Toyota Tundra is one of the worst used trucks out

A brown Toyota Tundra rolls down a country road
The Toyota Tundra | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Tundra didn’t exactly get raving reviews from consumers. Most wouldn’t even call it adequate. While some drivers enjoy some of the Toyota Tundra’s trims and off-road capabilities, it just isn’t a popular truck.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Ford F-150 and, 2021 Ram 1500 are all much better full-size pickup trucks. They all either boast more power, towing capability, better cabin quality, or a combination of qualities that make the 2021 Toyota Tundra look like a worse choice.

The Toyota Tundra costs 3.7% more used than new. This works out to an extra $1,831 for a truck that pales in comparison to many of its competitors. If you do happen to like the Tundra, be sure to avoid spending an extra $1,800+ just because it’s limited.

Used trucks aren’t what they used to be

020 Toyota Tacoma is on display at the 112th Annual Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place.
The Toyota Tacoma | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

Buying a used truck was once a great way to save money on a truck that may have been overpriced. Used models were more affordable than new models for decades, but this strange chip shortage development has flipped the automotive industry on its head.

Now buying a used truck could cost more than a new truck and probably isn’t worth it. If you are looking for a truck, make sure you are paying a fair price, or you could waste thousands of dollars.

RELATED: The Best Used Diesel Pickup Trucks Are Worth Hunting For

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There’s Only 1 Reason You Should Ever Buy a Base Model Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Are you shopping for a new car? Hung up on which trim level to buy? Maybe you’re considering purchasing a base model. As it turns out, however, there’s really one reason you should ever consider buying a base model car. And that reason? It all comes down to whether or not you want a cheap new car with no frills to its name.

What is a base model car?

A base model car is a vehicle in its simplest form. It has the most basic features and doesn’t come outfitted with any premium amenities. As Autotrader explains it, think of a base model car the same way you think of a pizza. The most basic type of pizza is a cheese pizza. That’s because it has no toppings, right? Add a few toppings, and that pizza is no longer just a cheese pizza. Instead, it’s been upgraded. 

It’s the same with new cars. A base model vehicle is typically the cheapest, most basic trim level. The higher the trim level, the more features a vehicle is likely to have. Of course, opting for a higher trim level will have you spending more money. After all, adding heaps of features to a new car is going to drive up its price considerably.

The one reason you should buy a base model

Hyundai Kona | Hyundai

There’s really only one reason ever to buy a base model car. And that reason? It comes down to price. If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and aren’t after one that’s stocked with amenities, then buying a base model isn’t such a bad idea. It will get you behind the wheel of a cheap new car, and your wallet won’t take a significant hit.

There are plenty of reasons not to buy a base model car, however. In fact, if you’re in the process of buying a new car and plan to sell it down the road, buying a base model could make for a very poor choice. That’s because base models don’t hold their value as well as higher trim levels, Autotrader reports.

Does anyone regret buying a base model?

If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and can do without the latest and greatest features, you probably won’t regret buying a base model vehicle. That being said, it is easy to regret buying one. After all, they don’t come very well-equipped. 

To avoid that sense of regret, Autolist recommends first determining how much you’re willing to spend on a new car, then writing a list of “must-have” items for your new vehicle. These must-haves could include features like Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and even air-conditioning. Then, make another column for features you’d like to see in your next car. Features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, navigation – you get the idea.

Using that list, you can then determine whether or not buying a base model is the right choice for you. And if it isn’t? Having such a list on hand will help you narrow down your choices and choose the best new car for satisfying your daily driving needs.

Which base model car is best?

As for which base model car is best? If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and would prefer to stick with the base model, you can’t go wrong with the 2022 Toyota Corolla. This year’s model is one of the most affordable new cars and boasts a base price of $20,075. It also comes stocked with features, including several driver-assist systems, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

And if the Toyota Corolla isn’t quite your style? The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a cheap new car that starts at $20,950. Its base trim level offers up plenty of features too. In fact, opting for the base model Hyundai Kona will have you enjoying standard features like an 8-inch color touchscreen display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Is buying a base model car worth it?

If you’re shopping for a cheap new car and don’t mind a vehicle that has absolutely no frills to it, then buying a base model car may be worth it for you. But if you plan to sell your vehicle down the road or would prefer a new car that’s stocked with features? Then you might want to consider upgrading to a higher trim level.

RELATED: The Best American Cars, SUVs, and Trucks According to Consumer Reports

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