No One Wants the Subaru BRZ, but You Should

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The small, rear-wheel drive sports car is a dying formula. The sales numbers for the Subaru BRZ reflect this, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want one. That dying formula is due largely to the rise in popularity of both SUVs and EVs. Of course, sports cars don’t exactly fly off the shelves, unless it’s a Porsche 911. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want to own a Subaru BRZ.

The Subaru BRZ is Subie’s worst selling car

The nose of the Subaru BRZ | Rene Johnston via Getty Images

According to Subaru and P.R Newswire, the BRZ gets some pretty poor sales numbers. Unfortunately, last September Subaru only sold 251 American BRZ models. Of course, the semiconductor shortage is also affecting the production of newer models. It also comes down to a simple fact. A lot of these vehicles are sold as second cars for people.

BRZ owners, like other sports car owners, often aren’t daily driving their Subaru BRZ. Frankly, that lifestyle just isn’t compatible with most people. Having a small, rear-driven, two-door sports coupe requires certain sacrifices. Unfortunately, a lot of folks just aren’t willing to make those sacrifices in the name of an excellent driving experience. And the BRZ is an excellent driving experience.

Worst-selling doesn’t mean “bad”

The BRZ's interior, complete with manual transmission and Apple Carplay
The BRZ’s interior is surprisingly practical | Will Ireland via Getty Images

So, that begs the question? Is the BRZ really that bad to live with? As said above, it often comes down to lifestyle. For the single 23-year-old with no kids, the Subie is perfectly reasonable. It’s not like he or she needs to transport a great deal of stuff. Additionally, a set of good winter tires solves any climate-related driving issues. Moreover, those who can make the BRZ life work get quite a lot in exchange.

The Subie is new enough to have modern features, such as Carplay and a decent smattering of safety features. But, it’s also part of an age-old formula for driving fun. “Slow car fast” is definitely as applicable to the BRZ as it is the Miata, and I can personally attest to the fun driving experience the BRZ provides. That is exactly why, should you be willing to make the sacrifices, you should want a Subaru BRZ.

The BRZ is part of a dying breed

A silver BRZ under a light box in Chicago
A silver BRZ under the lights | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

Moreover, this experience likely won’t be around for much longer. SUVs and EVs are taking over the streets, and it’s becoming more and more uncommon to see vehicles like this around. Yes, the Subaru BRZ‘s poor sales numbers are to be expected given what the vehicle is, but a global shift in our views on transportation is also to blame. Manufacturers won’t be making cars for car people much longer, and if they do, expect them to be electric-only with an automatic transmission. For now, it’s best to enjoy the experience while you can if this lifestyle appeals to you.

RELATED: If You Own a Subaru Impreza WRX You Just Made $81

The post No One Wants the Subaru BRZ, but You Should appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Is More Beloved Than You’d Expect

by Gabrielle DeSantis

You might not expect stellar performance from a family hauler, but many midsize SUVs prove it’s possible. By now, most people are familiar with the impeccable reputation of the Kia Telluride. Still, plenty of other midsize rivals are on equal footing, including the Lincoln Aviator.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Aviator ranks just below the 2021 Telluride in terms of owner satisfaction. This might be a shock considering the Lincoln Aviator’s low reliability rating and disappointing fuel economy. What makes the Aviator so appealing despite these flaws?

How well the Lincoln Aviator performs

2020 Lincoln Aviator | The Lincoln Motor Company

The Lincoln Aviator’s driving experience garnered the most praise from CR’s owner surveys. Its base engine is a twin-turbo V6 capable of 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both Grand Touring trims also offer a plug-hybrid powertrain making 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Each powertrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

CR’s testers drove only the gas-powered model but were surprised by the Aviator’s speed. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in an average of 6.2 seconds, with no noticeable delay from a dead stop. Other than the occasional clunky shift at lower speeds, the 10-speed gearbox is also a good match for this engine.

Riders also won’t feel any excessive body lean from the Aviator, and its steering is satisfyingly precise. It requires more braking distance than most of its rivals, but at least the pedal is easy to modulate. The cabin is pleasantly quiet at highway speeds, and the suspension can absorb most bumps easily.

MotorTrend recorded a quicker 0-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds for the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring despite being heavier. You might lose momentum quickly in hybrid mode, but the ride is just as smooth as the gas-only Aviator. The standard adaptive air suspension also allows it to conquer larger potholes.

Is the Lincoln Aviator a roomy SUV?

Many owners were also pleased with the styling and comfort of the Lincoln Aviator. Even the lower portions of the cabin were built with soft-touch padding, enhancing both its luxury aesthetic and passenger comfort. Chrome and matte wood accents also decorate the cabin, and the standard seats come with heating and synthetic leather.

The Aviator offers ventilation and heating for the first two rows, both of which are big enough for taller riders. CR says that each of these seats is comfortable, but the second row doesn’t have as much support. The third row is better suited for children because of its cramped dimensions.

The doors are a little annoying to open because the handles have an extra button that needs to be pressed. Seat access is great for the first two rows, but only smaller occupants can reach the third row easily. The second-row seats can fold and have automatic sliding capability, though CR reported it doesn’t always work.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator also has plenty of storage, over 18 cubic feet of space behind the third row alone. It has nearly 78 cubic feet of space in total, plus several large interior storage bins.

Is this luxury SUV a good value?

Most Lincoln Aviator owners didn’t think the vehicle was worth the price they paid. However, the infotainment system is still highly intuitive and comes with a decent selection of tech features. Also, the Lincoln Aviator’s partial automation technology really impressed CR’s testers. 

The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology operate smoothly, though the controls have a somewhat steep learning curve. The lane-keeping assist also didn’t always keep the Aviator inside the lines. Still, instructional videos programmed into the center screen show drivers exactly how to use each advanced safety feature.

RELATED: The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Beats Out a Handful of German Rivals

The post The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Is More Beloved Than You’d Expect appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The GMC Canyon Has Unbelievable Upgrades on the Way

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The old GMC Canyon serves as an excellent midsize truck option for years. However, it’s been aging for a while and could benefit from some upgrades. From the sound of things, the 2023 GMC Canyon will change the game. 

The 2023 GMC Canyon gains incredible updates 

2023 GMC Canyon spy shot | GM Authority

The GMC Canyon had a complete redesign back in 2015, marking its second generation. Not much has changed since then, aside from mild refreshes. But the good news is that we don’t have to wait much longer because it’s expected to be fully redesigned for 2023. 

Spy photos reveal that significant upgrades for off-roading and brand new looks are on the way. We will most likely see a new GMC Canyon AT4X off-roading variant to tackle rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Tremor. 

What to expect with the new Canyon 

The spy shots of the 2023 GMC Canyon are heavily camouflaged, so we can’t see its new face or interior yet. However, they reveal a few clues about the upgraded suspension that feels similar to the Chevy Colorado Z2R. 

You’ll notice that the off-roading upgrades look like they go beyond what typically comes with the AT4 trims. This could be why the new off-roading Canyon is being called the AT4X. It’s taking things to a new extreme. 

The Canyon AT4 appears to have disguised DSSV shocks. It also rides pretty high, meaning a factory-installed lift kit could be available. It’s sitting on a set of 17-inch wheels wrapped in chunky Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires too. 

These are the same tires that the upcoming 2022 Chevy Silverado Z2R has been spotted with. The Silverado’s tires measure at 285/70R17 or 33-inches. These could be the same tires that the updated Colorado will receive too. The Colorado and Canyon are cousins, after all. 

The 2023 Canyon will ride on an enhanced version of General Motor’s current GMT-31XX midsize body-on-frame platform. It’s known as the 31XX-3. Hopefully, it will improve its ride quality both on the pavement and in the wild. 

What else do we know about the new Canyon? 

When the 2023 GMC Canyon arrives, it’s expected to have a more confident boxy shape. It could have LED lights at the top with vertically oriented light sources running down the sides of its face. It will have a similar look to the 2023 GMC Sierra HD prototypes. 

The fender flares look slightly wider for a more confident stance with an intricate treatment on the doors. The taillights are covered in camouflage, meaning that in the current spy shots, they could be placeholders. 

Along with a new interior and exterior, the 2023 Canyon might get the 2.7-liter inline-four LB3 engine with 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. But on a sad note, the diesel engine may not make the cut. Also, there hasn’t been any mention of a hybrid powertrain yet. 

Pricing information hasn’t been released. The 2021 Canyon starts at around $26,800. Its upgrades could increase the price a little. We will keep an eye out as more information about the AT4X emerges.

RELATED: What’s the Difference in the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado?

The post The GMC Canyon Has Unbelievable Upgrades on the Way appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The price of used cars is through the roof right now, but trucks and SUVs seem to be taking the brunt of the increase. If you are looking for a used truck for sale, be sure to compare prices to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Also, don’t be fooled by dealer markup on popular vehicles like the Kia Telluride.

An expensive used truck for sale is the Toyota 4Runner

Used trucks that cost more than new cars, such as the Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The Toyota 4Runner is a bigger SUV that has quite the following. According to iSeeCars data, the 4Runner usually costs around $45,382 new. Based on use car prices for the vehicle, buyers usually pay around 3.3% more for it. That is only an increase to $46,867, but it is still more than the new price.

Toyota 4Runner new price: $45,382

Toyota 4Runner used price: $46,867

The Toyota Tacoma has quite a following, much like many pickup trucks on the market. Since new truck production has been heavily impacted by the semiconductor chip shortage, used trucks prices have gone through the roof. Prices of the used Tacoma are up 5.2%. A new Tacoma was priced around $37,902, while the price of a used truck could cost $39,857. That’s almost $2,000 extra for a used truck.

Toyota Tacoma new price: $37,902

Toyota Tacoma used price: $39,857

A luxury used option, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was at the top of the list. The G-Class starts at around $182,631, but buyers are willing to pay more. Even if it is used. If you plan to buy a G wagon of any kind, iSeeCars suggests you might pay around 4.1% over MSRP. That would take buyers up to just over $190,078 for the G-Class. While a G-Wagon might be out of some budgets, the used truck market knows no bounds, especially in the luxury category.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class new price: $182,631

Mercedes-Benz G-Class used price: $190,078

The impossible to find Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is actually the first SUV on the list. Many in-demand cars are marked up to weed out the less passionate buyers. Additionally, the high demand for cars, in general, this year means that prices are often driven higher. The Telluride costs about $44,166 new depending on the trim.

“The price hikes have trickled down to the used car market, where used Tellurides aren’t yet abundant and buyers may be willing to overpay for a used version that is likely the only one available,” iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer said. Right now, a used Kia Telluride is going for about $47,730. That’s over 8.1% up from the new price and over $3,500 more. The Telluride has taken the market by storm and these prices won’t likely change much until the 2022 Kia Telluride shows up on dealership lots.

Kia Telluride new price: $44,166

Kia Telluride used price: $47,730

A smaller SUV option is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Another day, another popular Toyota SUV. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the perfect size: it isn’t too big, isn’t too small, and gets increadible fuel economy. The price of a new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will run you about $34,995 from the dealership. However, if you plan to buy used, buyers can expect to pay $36,352. That’s a 3.9% increase over the price of a new SUV.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid new price: $34,995

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid used price: $36,352

The used car market is expected to start leveling out towards the end of the year, but prices of used trucks and SUVs will likely stay high for a bit longer. When the 2022 vehicles start to hit the pavement, there should be more availability across the board. That is, if the industry finds more semiconductor chip availability.

Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are always a good option, and most of the 2019 – 2020 vehicles on this list are likely to have warranty left over.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Kia Telluride Worth an Extra $25K?

The post Used Trucks and SUVs That Cost More Than New Trucks and SUVs appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by