The 2021 Honda Pilot Is Consumer Reports’ Top Midsize Three-Row SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Three-row SUVs are family-friendly. They have loads of passenger and cargo space. As an added bonus, their size makes them safer in a crash with a smaller vehicle. You don’t have to sacrifice style for safety and comfort, either. Consumer Reports ranked all of the three-row SUVs out there. The 2021 Honda Pilot is the best midsize three-row SUV.

2021 Honda Pilot | Honda

What criteria does Consumer Reports use to rate cars?

Consumer Reports focused on three-row SUVs with a good, usable third row. Many three-row SUV shoppers really want a usable third row. 

All of the top midsize SUV choices have a Consumer Reports recommended badge. This means that they scored well in the road test, and also have a really good reliability rating. Consumer Reports prioritizes safety features, so the best three-row SUV has to have the most important safety features. The best three-row SUV must also have good crash test ratings.

Road test ratings and safety equipment make the Honda Pilot the best midsize three-row SUV

The 2021 Honda Pilot gets a four out of five for its acceleration. It can go 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds. Its transmission is excellent, at a five out of five. The transmission is measured in part by its shifting smoothness and response.

Both the routine and emergency handling in the 2021 Honda Pilot are just okay, at a three out of five. Routine handling is measured by how agile Consumer Reports finds the SUV to be, and emergency handling is rated by several factors, including its max avoidance speed. 

Braking is also just okay, at a three out of five. The 2021 Honda Pilot can stop from 60 mph on dry pavement in 136 feet and on wet pavement in 153 feet. 

The 2021 Honda Pilot comes with a whole bunch of advanced safety systems. The Pilot comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking at city and highway speeds, and pedestrian detection. 

The 2021 Pilot also comes with lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, a rearview camera, anti-lock breaks, and traction and stability control. It also comes with daytime running lights, but you’ll have to pay extra for blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning.

The IIHS gave the Pilot mostly good ratings, except for the front small overlap, passenger side. This is just acceptable. 

The NHTSA also rated the 2021 Honda Pilot, and it gave it mostly five stars. However, the overall frontal-crash, overall frontal-crash: passenger, and 2WD rollover ratings are only four stars. The 4 WD fared even worse, at three stars. 

The reliability and owner satisfaction contribute to the 2021 Honda Pilot being one of the best  midsize three-row SUVs

Every year, Consumer Reports sends reliability and owner satisfaction surveys to people who have bought previous versions of the Honda Pilot. Then they combine this data with what they know about the current model. This helps them predict how reliable a vehicle the newest Pilot will be. 

The reliability score for the 2021 Honda Pilot is a three out of five. Consumer Reports notes that there are currently three recalls on the 2021 Honda Pilot.

The overall owner satisfaction score for the 2021 Honda Pilot is a three out of five. Consumer Reports collects data from owners to determine how happy they are with the vehicle. Pilot owners are pretty happy with the driving experience, giving it a 64 out of 100. Comfort gets a 74 out of 100, and styling gets a 69. However, the value is only a 48 out of 100. 

Overall, Consumer Reports thinks the 2021 Honda Pilot is the best midsize three-row SUV out there. It’s important to remember that when ranked against other midsize SUVs with better safety ratings and reliability scores, the Honda Pilot has a spacious third-row. If you’re looking for a midsize three-row SUV, check it out. 

RELATED: The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Is Actually Safer Than the 2021 Toyota Tacoma

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These New Cars Are Being Sold for Over List Price, Here’s What You Should Buy Instead

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a new car is expensive, especially if you’re in the market for a popular new car like the 2021 Ford Bronco or even the Kia Telluride. In fact, according to Autotrader, both new cars are being sold for over list price. The good news is that there are still bargains to be had when shopping for a new car. So instead of buying a new car being sold for over list price? You might want to consider buying one of these cheaper alternatives instead.

How much do car dealerships mark up new cars?

Car Dealership | Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.

How much dealerships mark up new vehicles is an important question to be asking when you’re shopping for a new car. Before answering this question, however, it’s important to understand what goes into determining the price of a new car.

First, you need to understand what a car’s invoice price is. This is the price the car dealership paid for the vehicle after it arrived from the factory, Autotrader reports. While some high-volume dealers may get a price break on a car’s invoice price, that price is typically a fixed amount. Car dealer markup, on the other hand, is the price car dealerships tack on to the invoice price of a car.

These days, car dealerships are tacking quite a lot on to the price of new cars too. In fact, dealerships across the U.S. are jacking up the costs of new vehicles to the tune of $10,000 and even $20,000, Torque News reports. According to the publication, the markup on new cars can be attributed to a shortage of microprocessor chips, electric car batteries, and even tires. 

A 2021 Chrysler Pacifica parked in a driveway
2021 Chrysler Pacifica | Stellantis

As for those new cars that are being sold for over list price? The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is one of them, Autotrader reports. Though, it should come as no surprise that the Pacifica is in such high demand. After all, this new minivan boasts a flexible interior, a long list of family-friendly features, and according to Autotrader, is the best family hauler in the business.

But if you’re not willing to pay over the list price for this new minivan? Autotrader suggests taking a gander at the Honda Odyssey. This year’s model starts at $32,390 and, much like its Chrysler competition, boasts a family-friendly interior with plenty of tech-savvy features. There are also roughly three times as many new Honda Odysseys listed on Autotrader than Pacifica models. Several show discounts off of the minivan’s list price, too, Autotrader reports.

Missed out on the 2021 Ford Bronco? Buy the Jeep Wrangler instead

A 2021 Ford Bronco climbing a trail, the Bronco is a new car being sold over list price
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

Have you heard about the 2021 Ford Bronco? Of course, you have. Who hasn’t? This new SUV is in very high demand. So much so that if you didn’t order one before it hit dealerships earlier this summer, chances are you’ll be waiting for quite a while before getting your hands on one. And if you do happen to come across a new Ford Bronco? Many Ford dealerships are asking for $15,000 or more over the new SUV’s list price, Autotrader reports.

But if you choose the 2021 Jeep Wrangler instead? The odds are that you won’t be paying quite as much as you would have if you’d stuck with the new Ford Bronco. In fact, not only does this year’s new Jeep Wrangler start at $28,900, but several new Jeep Wranglers are listed on Autotrader for less than a new Ford Bronco. If you’d rather not pay over the list price for a new car, that certainly positions the Jeep Wrangler as a cheaper alternative to the Ford Bronco.   

The Chevy Traverse is a cheaper alternative to the 2021 Kia Telluride 

A green 2021 Kia Telluride driving down an empty road, the Telluride is a new three-row SUV
2021 Kia Telluride | Kia

The Ford Bronco isn’t the only new car being sold for over list price. The 2021 Kia Telluride is in a similar position, Autotrader reports. Though, that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The Kia Telluride is a new three-row SUV under $40,000. It offers up plenty of space, interior amenities, and safety features. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick for the 2021 model year. 

But if you’re in the market for an alternative to the Kia Telluride? Autotrader reports that the Chevy Traverse makes for a cheaper option. While the 2021 Kia Telluride starts at $32,790, the Chevy Traverse starts at $29,800. Much like the Telluride, the Traverse also offers plenty of space and interior amenities. 

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is hard to find, choose this new pickup instead

A silver 2021 Toyota Tacoma parked at the trailhead
2021 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

If you’re shopping for an affordable new truck, chances are you’ve got the 2021 Toyota Tacoma somewhere on your list. This year’s model starts at $26,400 and, at its most expensive, will only have you spending $44,325. The bad news is that the Toyota Tacoma is in extremely high demand and is one of many new cars being sold for over list price. For many, that makes buying a new model more expensive than their budget may allow.

The good news is that the 2021 Ford Ranger is easier to find, Autotrader reports. The even better news is that the new Ford Ranger is a cheaper alternative to the Toyota Tacoma and won’t have you spending more than $25,070 on a base model. The Ranger can also tow more than the Toyota Tacoma. In fact, while the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800-pounds, the new Ford Ranger boasts a max towing capacity of 7,500-pounds.

Should you pay more than list price for a new car?

It all depends. If you’ve got your heart set on a new SUV like the 2021 Ford Bronco and don’t mind paying up to $15,000 over the list price, then it may not be such a bad idea to pay over the list price for a new car. But if you’re hoping to get the best deal possible? Buying a new car that’s being sold for over the list price is probably a bad idea.

RELATED: The Best New Cars Under $40,000 According to TrueCar

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Red Bull Racing Still Has the Best Car Ahead of Silverstone Formula 1 Race

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It is no secret that the Red Bull Racing team is dominating the 2021 Formula 1 season. With the highly anticipated Sprint Qualifying debut during the upcoming British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit, many exciting things are happening. Before this weekend’s race, what has Red Bull been up to with the current car?

Red Bull Racing is full-speed ahead for the British Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing won’t be changing the car ahead of the Silverstone Formula 1 race | James Bearne/Getty Images

Motorsport reported that ahead of the 2021 British Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team is still pushing ahead with changes. Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez have been driving exceptionally well in the last few races, and the car has been impressing right along with the drivers. The team is still working on minor improvements for the RB16B vehicle to keep the lead.

Christian Horner was quick to note that although Red Bull currently has a lead on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, the focus has not shifted to 2022 yet. “You’ve got to go week by week, race by race, and I think the team’s doing a great job of balancing the challenges of this year and next year,” Horner said.

Horner said the team is evaluating the most pressing needs for the current season before all of the new changes are implemented. The team might have a lead right now, but a lot can change from one race to the next. Mercedes has a home-field advantage for this race, and Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly going in with his eyes on the prize.

McLaren is trying to take on Red Bull Racing and Mercedes

The McLaren Formula 1 car, the MCL35M, has been going through some changes lately. That is evident in the performance of McLaren in the past few Formula 1 Grand Prix races. According to Motorsport, McLaren has been taking stock of what the other teams are doing. The strengths of particular designs and the weaknesses of others are all influencing how the team moves forward through the season.

McLaren also debuted a new rear wing endplate design. This design uses horizontal louvers on the lower half of the endplate to allow airflow in the correct direction. The usual design favors vertical strakes as opposed to the flat design. While the 2022 cars will be completely different, it is interesting to see how such small changes have had such a positive impact.

The release of the 2022 F1 cars is upon us

The highly anticipated 2022 Formula 1 cars will be released this week ahead of the historic British Grand Prix. These cars will not simply be improved upon versions of the 2021 cars, but totally new and redesigned vehicles. Various official Formula 1 accounts have been offering teaser images ahead of the Thursday reveal, which shows a radically redesigned car.

No matter what happens at Silverstone this weekend, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, and all of the other teams are making big moves. If fans of F1 have learned anything in the last few seasons, it is not to count out the underdogs.

RELATED: How Fast Are Formula 1 Cars vs. Nascar and Other Race Cars?

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Never Let a Car Salesman Talk You Into a Worse Deal After the Sale

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Going through the whole car buying process can be stressful enough without worrying about getting scammed by a smarmy car salesman. After deciding what kind of car you want and finding that car in the right color, you have to talk about financing. Unless you won the lottery, navigating the complexities of financing, interest rates, loan terms, and credit scores can pile on the stress. Finally, you get your car, sign the loan paperwork, and drive home thinking you can relax.

The next day, you get a phone call from a salesman and are introduced to one of the worst auto scams: yo-yo financing. And, no, we are not talking about a free yo-yo with purchase.  

Beware of the yo-yo salesman scam

Car dealership | Getty Images

The basics of yo-yo financing scams are when the dealer salesman calls you after you have taken your new car home and informs you that there is some problem with your financing, typically that the bank denied your financing. They will generally ask you to come back down to the dealership to sort it out and present you with new financing that either has a higher interest rate, a higher price, usually in the form of down payment, or both. And salesmen will also throw out words like “criminal charges” or “loss of down payment” to convince you to sign the new deal. 

Don’t compromise on your promised rate or price with your salesman

So, what should you do if the dealer calls you and tries to change the financial terms? First, you should know that you can’t be charged with auto theft if you refuse to sign the new deal unless you also refuse to return the car. If you receive this type of call, you should look through the paperwork given to you at the dealership for a “spot delivery” form. This document states that your loan is not approved, and if the bank denies your financing, you may have to return the car. If the dealer did not provide this form, they have no legal right to take the car back or renegotiate your financing. 

If your dealer did provide this form, that does not mean you have to take the car back or accept the new financial terms. According to one Reddit user, who states they are a “25 year industry vet,” you should be firm and tell the dealer in no uncertain terms that you do not want any other deal that is not identical to the one they provided. If they refuse, which they can, let the dealer know they can pick up the car, but not until you receive your down payment back in the form of a certified check. 

And do not go down to the dealership to discuss it

You have more leverage over the car salesman if you refuse to go back to the dealership. As the Reddit user says, “let him sweat.” Dealers want you to stay in the car. They don’t want to take it back and give you your money back. Many cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot, which means the dealer will not be able to get as much if they take it back and try to resell it. 

One of the best ways to avoid falling prey to this scam is to obtain financing before going to the dealership. If you do get financing through the dealership, ask for the lender agreement and proof of loan approval. And if the dealer asks you to sign the “spot delivery” form or a “borrowed car agreement,” it likely means your financing was not approved, and you should wait until you have official approval, even if that means not driving home in your new car. Remember, unless you are buying an ultra-rare car, you can always go somewhere else to buy.

RELATED: Which Credit Score Do Lenders Use for Car Loans?

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