Ford Announced Big Plans for the Maverick and More at the Biggest Auto Show of the Year

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As the world reopens post-pandemic, events are back on calendars. Sports stadiums are filled with eager fans, and worldwide enthusiasm for the 2021 Summer Olympics is palpable. Much like sports fans, car enthusiasts are eager to return to automotive events. Luckily, the biggest auto show in the nation will happen this month. The Chicago Auto Show is back, and Ford has big plans. At the 2021 show, Ford will debut the Maverick and other exciting activations. 

The Chicago Auto Show at a glance

Ford truck lineup: F-250, F-150 Lightning, F-150, Ranger, and Maverick | Ford Motor Company

The Chicago Auto Show is not just any car show. It is the largest car show in North America, and it dates back to 1901. The massive car show brings together car manufacturers and enthusiasts from around the nation to experience the newest innovations in the auto industry through exhibits, demonstrations, test drives, and more. 

This year, the Chicago Auto Show will take place July 15 through 19 at McCormick Place. The 2021 show plans to take advantage of the summer’s warm weather by expanding the event with more outdoor space, and car manufacturers are thrilled to embrace the change. The additional outdoor room allows for more hands-on experiences and test drives than ever before.

The 2022 Ford Maverick will make its global debut

The Blue Oval is particularly excited to exhibit a new truck at the Chicago Auto Show. One of the most exciting announcements is the debut of the all-new compact pickup truck, the 2022 Ford Maverick.

The Maverick is making waves with auto lovers for two reasons. First is its size. Fans who love the utility of a standard truck but want a smaller size will enjoy this new compact option. Even better, the Ford Maverick rides on a hybrid powertrain. It boasts 40 mpg in the city while preserving features truck enthusiasts expect. 

The Maverick’s capabilities and features make it ideal for worksites. The hybrid powertrain can tow an impressive 2,000 pounds and has a 1,500-pound payload. The bed of the truck is fully equipped, including an outlet to charge power tools and more. Best of all, Ford is releasing its impressive truck starting under $20,000.

What are Ford’s other exciting activations?

The Maverick’s debut isn’t the only experience Ford has planned for the 2021 show. “Ford jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of our expanded outdoor space to showcase its latest models to the public,” Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan said. “It’s also exciting that Chicago Auto Show attendees will be the first in the world to experience both the ‘Built Wild’ and ‘Built to Electrify’ activations as both will make their global debut at our show.”

Built Wild will be a hands-on activation focusing on the new generation of Ford Bronco. Attendees can experience how the Bronco and Bronco Sport incorporate technology, connectivity, and accessories to provide the perfect driving experience. The immersive activation will happen in a huge 30,000-square-foot exhibit hall and will include a Bronco off-road course designed by race car driver Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Ford’s other activation, Built to Electrify, will focus on the company’s commitment to the future of electric vehicles. The automaker has released several new electric models, including the F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit. Specifically, this activation will give attendees an immersive Mustang Mach-E experience.

RELATED: What Are the 2022 Ford Maverick Trim Levels?

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Is Buying a Flood-Damaged Car Worth the Risk?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Every year, thousands of cars are damaged by floods. Many of those damaged cars are then repaired and sold at dealerships in other parts of the country. But does that mean you should ever consider buying a flood-damaged car? Not necessarily. In fact, when it comes to flooded cars, buying one isn’t worth the risk. Let’s find out why.

Are flood-damaged cars sold at dealerships?

Thousands of vehicles are damaged by floods every year, says Consumer Reports. And while you might think those flood-damaged cars wash up primarily at junkyards, that’s not always the case. In fact, as it turns out, some flooded cars are repaired and resold at car dealerships in other parts of the country. 

According to Consumer Reports, that’s because flood-damaged cars are often transported to locations where car shoppers may not be aware of what warning signs to look for when buying a vehicle that’s been damaged in a flood. The problem, however, is that water can ruin a vehicle’s electronics, lubricants, and even its mechanical systems. And those problems? They can “haunt buyers for the life of the car,” says Consumer Reports.

In fact, John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic, recommends avoiding new or used vehicles with any sign of flood damage “even if a vehicle looks acceptable and may be working when you inspect it.” Fortunately, spotting a flooded vehicle isn’t all that difficult. Keep an eye out for telltale signs of flood damage, including wet carpets, mud, and debris in the gaps between panels in the trunk and under the hood, along with any signs of rust. Consider having the car inspected by a mechanic too.

What problems do flooded cars have?

Flooded car. | Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

There’s really no beating around the bush here. Flooded vehicles have plenty of problems to contend with. In fact, according to Market Watch, the moisture from flood damage can short a car’s electrical system. It can also compromise safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes. That’s not all, either. Flooded cars can also develop mildew and mold, which, for many, can trigger everything from allergic reactions to asthma attacks.

Flood damage can affect a vehicle’s engine too. In fact, cars these days come equipped with thousands of wires, relays, sensors, and computers, Advance Auto Parts reports. And, as you might have guessed, those parts aren’t designed to take on water. So too much of it? It can certainly harm the car’s engine.  

How hard is it to fix a flood-damaged car?

A mechanic working on a car
Mechanic | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Let’s say you come across a flood-damaged car at your local dealership. It’s the make and model that you’ve always dreamed of owning and is being sold for an unbeatable price. You may find yourself asking how hard it is to fix a flood-damaged car? While some flooded cars are fixable, that’s not always the case, at least not according to HowStuffWorks.

“Rain water isn’t as damaging as salt water, and so this can prove to be a major deciding factor in choosing whether to repair your car. That being said, only experienced mechanics should be trusted with the task,” explains HowStuffWorks.

However, keep in mind that if you do buy a flooded vehicle, water damage can be pretty unpredictable. In fact, according to Chris Basso, a spokesman for Carfax, “Sooner or later that car is going to die and the last thing you want is for that to happen while you’re driving it. You’ve got a ticking bomb on your hands.”

Should you ever buy a flood-damaged car?

If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle and have the budget to buy one that hasn’t been affected by a flood, then, by all means, do it. Buying a flood-damaged car can make for a risky purchase, and if you don’t want to deal with flood-related problems? Then buying a flood-damaged vehicle isn’t worth the risk.

RELATED: Is It Worth It to Buy a Used Car With a Replaced Engine?

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Can the 2021 Kia Telluride Remain the Best Over the Jeep Grand Cherokee L?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s a three-row SUV throwdown! The 2021 Kia Telluride and the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L are evenly matched on the surface. CNET compared the Telluride, Grand Cherokee L, and the Land Rover Defender 110 to see which SUV was worth taking home (and off-road).

How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Telluride?

2021 Kia Telluride | Kia

The Kia Telluride doesn’t have many secrets these days. Drivers are willing to pay extra for the vehicle due to its popularity. Consumer Reports highly rated the 2021 Kia Telluride. The predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction both came in at five out of five. In the road test, the SUV scored a 97 out of 100. It came in first on the list of midsize SUVs with three rows. CR found that the design of the Telluride was well-thought-out and took the drivers and passengers into consideration.

CNET compared the Telluride to the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, but how did it stack up? The Telluride starts at $32,190 (plus a $1,225 destination charge) putting it at $33,415. However, both the used and new Tellurides have been going for over MSRP by quite a bit.

CNET noted that the Land Rover Defender 110 price starts at $50,000 with a $1,350 destination charge. That brings the total to around $51,850. The starting MSRP of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is $39,730, according to Jeep. That puts it right between the Defender and the Telluride.

Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L available?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been a bit of a loaner. It isn’t a full-size SUV, it isn’t a regular SUV, and now it has a third row of seats. However, it can still go off-road like some of the full-size competitors. Now that the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has all of the above, where does it land in the world of SUVs?

CNET chose the Land Rover Defender 110 and the 2021 Kia Telluride to compare to the new Jeep. The Defender is likely the best three-row SUV on the market for 2021 that can also go off-road. The Telluride is arguably the most popular SUV on the market right now.

When it comes to towing, the Cherokee L comes with a 3.6L V6 that gets 290 hp. It is offered in four-wheel-drive or rear-wheel drive and can tow 6,200 pounds. It also comes in a 5.7L V8. The Land Rover Defender is a 2.0L turbo inline-four with 296 hp. It only comes in four-wheel drive and can tow 8,200 pounds. Kia’s Telluride has a 3.8L V6 engine with 291 hp. The SUV comes in 4WD or front-wheel-drive and can tow 5,000 pounds.

When it comes to size, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the biggest in the bunch. It comes in at 121.7 inches long for the wheelbase and 204.9 inches long for the overall length. The Defender is 119.0 inches long for the wheelbase and 187.3 inches long for the length. Kia’s Telluride is the smallest of the SUVs, with only 114.2 inches long at the wheelbase. The overall length is 196.9 inches long.

Three-row SUV off-roading capabilities

When it comes down to the off-roading specs, the Kia Telluride sort of falls out of line. The Land Rover Defender and 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L are more capable in such conditions. The Jeep gets 10.9 inches of clearance for the ground clearance, while the Defender has 11.5 inches of clearance. The Telluride has eight inches of clearance and doesn’t compete in this area. The approach/departure/breakover angles for the Jeep are 30.1/23.6/22.6 degrees, and the Defender angles are 38.0/40.0/28.0 degrees.

The 2021 Kia Telluride is an excellent family-friendly SUV for those not looking to go off-road when it comes down to it. The Land Rover Defender 110 is a perfect option for those looking for a bit of luxury and the occasional off-roading capability. While we don’t have the complete picture of the 2021 Grand Cherokee L right now, it certainly stacks up with the best of the best.

RELATED: Is the Kia Telluride SUV Worth the Money?

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The Ford F-150 Just Discontinued Its Power Stroke Diesel Engine

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you want a Ford F-150 with the Power Stroke diesel engine, then you better hurry! You might not be able to order your Ford F-150 with the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine as Ford focuses more on hybrid and electric technology. 

The Ford F-150 drops the Power Stroke diesel engine 

2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

Say goodbye to the Power Stroke diesel engine in the Ford F-150. The 3.0-liter V6 option with 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque is being discontinued. This information was reported by a leaked dealer bulletin. You have until July 16 to order a 2021 Ford F-150 with the diesel engine. 

The diesel engine is being canceled due to overwhelming orders for the EcoBoost V6 gasoline engines. Also, a Ford spokesperson shared that the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid is the ideal option for maxim towing torque. 

It features the ideal combination of power, capability, and fuel efficiency. The PowerBoost Hybrid wasn’t an option when the Power Stroke diesel was first introduced. But now, it provides a few benefits over the diesel option. 

How much power does the F-150 PowerBoost have? 

The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid uses the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine and an electric motor to generate 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. With this beast, you can tow up to 12,700 lbs. With the Power Stroke diesel, you can tow up to 11,500 lbs. 

With the Hybrid, you get an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, while the Power Stroke provides 23 mpg combined. Also, the PowerBoost Hybrid has a range of up to 700 miles on a single tank of gas. 

But not to worry, the PowerBoost is actually cheaper than the Power Stroke diesel. It costs about $5,000 to add the diesel engine to compatible trims, while the PowerBoost is $500 cheaper where offered. 

Plus, the Pro Power Onboard generator is standard on the PowerBoost F-150. It provides 2.4 kilowatts of exportable power at all times with the outlets found in the cabin and carbo box. The optional 7.2-kilowatt output offers up to 18 times more exportable power than the nearest competitor. 

It has enough juice to power tools at a construction site, to everything at your tailgate event, and 72 hours’ worth of power for camping. When we put the F-150 PowerBoost to work, it was very impressive. 

What about the F-150 Lightning? 

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning parked in front of buildings
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford

With the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning debut, it’s not too surprising that the Power Stroke diesel is being discontinued. Ford is working toward a more environmentally friendly lineup across the board. 

The F-150 Lightning Pro begins at about $39,974. With the standard battery, you get 426 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the extended range battery for 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. 

When properly equipped, you can tow up to 10,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,000 lbs. The standard range battery provides an EPA-estimated 230 miles and the extended range battery ups the ante to a 300-mile range. 

If you’re sad about the Power Stroke diesel engine going away, you can still get it for a few more days. Otherwise, it might be time to consider different techs such as the PowerBoost Hybrid or Lightning. You could always switch truck brands too.

RELATED: The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning May Face Limited Production

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