These Diesel Trucks Aren’t as Horrible for the Environment Than You Might Think

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Annual petroleum consumption, greenhouse gas ratings, and smog ratings are scores given to cars to rate their eco-friendliness. Comparing the scores of gas and diesel-powered trucks provides some fascinating insight. Despite their reputation for being dirty, some diesel trucks outshine gas-powered versions when it comes to emissions. 

Diesel fuel pump | Mark Renders via Getty Images

Both gas and diesel GMC Sierras have a nearly identical environmental impact

Smog ratings are where diesel trucks often fail to impress. In this rare case, the diesel GMC Sierra offers a slightly better than dismal rating of three. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, its gas-powered sibling comes in at six, just better than average. The diesel sierra consumes one barrel less petroleum than the gas option. 

In greenhouse gas ratings, the diesel wins again with a score of five. It emits 394 grams per mile of greenhouse gases. The gas-powered Sierra puts out 421 grams per mile of greenhouse gasses and scores a four on the one to ten scale of greenhouse gas ratings. 

The diesel Ram 1500 two-wheel drive outperforms gas but for one category

Both the gas-powered and diesel-powered Ram 1500s are neck and neck in annual petroleum consumption. The diesel option consumes 14.7 barrels per year, and the equivalent gas option consumes 14.2. Both trucks have a greenhouse gas rating of five, with only ten grams of emissions per mile more for the gas-powered truck. 

Smog ratings show the failings of diesel powertrains. The diesel Ram 1500 gets a lowly one. The gas-powered version scores a five. Aftermarket parts can dramatically slash smog emissions, making gas and diesel equally ranked. 

Jeep’s EcoDiesel may not be aptly named

The badging of a Jeep Gladiator pickup truck
Jeep Gladiator | Xinhua/Joel Lerner via Getty Images

Hands-down, the gas-powered Jeep Gladiator beats its diesel sibling in all three environmental ratings. There is very little difference in annual petroleum consumption between both versions. The gas truck consumes 17.3 barrels per year, while the diesel consumes 15.9.

Gas Jeep Gladiators have an excellent smog rating of seven, uncommonly high for its class. The EcoDiesel, like many other diesel powertrains, comes in at one. Jeep’s EcoDiesel saves some face in greenhouse gas emissions with a rating of four, putting out 423 grams per mile. 

The gas version scores a three greenhouse gas rating. It puts out 466 grams per mile of emissions. The closeness of this score does little to boost the EcoDiesel’s performance against its gas-powered sibling. 

The gas-powered F-150 outshines diesel, even where diesel usually wins

The front grille of a red Ford F-150 pickup truck
Ford F-150 grille | Scott Olson via Getty Images

Diesel trucks are known for fuel-efficiency. They produce more power with less fuel. That doesn’t always translate to less consumption. 

The F-150 PowerStroke consumes 16.6 barrels of petroleum per year. Its gas all-wheel drive counterpart consumes 13.7. Gas beats diesel again in greenhouse gas ratings. The diesel scores a four and puts out 446 grams per mile. Gas scores a five and puts out 368 grams per mile. 

The two powertrain options of this truck get predictable smog ratings. The diesel option scores a one, and the gas option scores a five. Overall, the gas-powered F-150 is more environmentally friendly.

Diesel trucks have a reputation for spewing choking black clouds of smog. That’s not necessarily the case anymore, and some diesel trucks pollute less than gas-powered options. More importantly, aftermarket parts can further improve the emissions and ratings of diesel trucks, giving them more of an edge against gas options. 

RELATED: Why People Think Diesel Is Worse or the Environment and How They’re Wrong

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The Dashing Good Looks of the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Are Matched in the Interior

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We all prioritize different things when choosing a car to buy. But no matter your criteria, comfort is probably a requirement. After all, you’ll likely spend considerable time inside your vehicle. U.S. News recently compiled a list of the most comfortable cars, which is a good starting point. Of the 12 models listed, three are from Honda, including the 2021 Accord Hybrid. Here’s why this model made the list.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid’s exterior and performance

For some, comfort begins with knowing you’re in a reliable vehicle that can get you and your passengers where you want to go safely. Starting at $26,370, the Accord Hybrid looks great with a restyled grille and the sleek lines that define this generation. But it also provides solid handling, acceleration, cornering, and braking.

Honda’s smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission pairs with a 2.0-liter inline-four and two electric motors. Combined, they get an impressive 48 mpg in the city or on the highway. (However, it should be noted that the Touring trim’s fuel efficiency drops to 44/41 mpg city/highway.)

The Accord Hybrid’s mileage is a bit better than comparable sedans like the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid (44/47 mpg) and 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (45/51 mpg).

The Honda Accord Hybrid has an interior to match its attractive exterior

The Honda Accord Hybrid gets high marks from U.S. News for its spacious cabin and features.

The interior is spacious with 42.3 inches of legroom in the front and 40.4 inches in the rear. The trunk is also fairly spacious at 16.7 cubic feet, which is impressive because hybrids often sacrifice cargo space for their electric components.

The interior styling is also attractive, with cloth seats for the standard model. The Accord Hybrid also comes with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration and a four-speaker sound system.

Comfort also includes peace of mind, and you’ll have that with an Accord Hybrid. It’s a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning the highest scores in all IIHS tests. It also earned 5 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Every Accord Hybrid trim comes with the Honda Sensing Suite, a package of advanced safety features. They include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition. If you want rear cross-traffic alert or blind-spot monitoring, you’ll need to upgrade to any trim above the base model.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid’s trim levels

If you’re looking for a bit more comfort than the base model provides, you can opt for the EX trim. It comes with enhanced LED headlights, a moonroof, an eight-speaker sound system, and a 12-way power driver’s seat. You also get blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert as part of the Honda Sensing Suite. But you’ll pay about $4,000 over the base price for the EX.

The EX-L costs about an additional $2,400. This trim comes with leather upholstery, a four-way power front passenger seat, front and rear parking sensors, and a 10-speaker sound system. Plus, it has a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The minimal price difference between the EX and EX-L might make the EX-L a better buy.

But if you’re looking to splurge on all the comforts the Accord Hybrid has to offer, opt for the Touring, the top trim, which starts at $37,895.

More about the Touring trim and other options

The Honda Accord Hybrid Touring, which rides on 19-inch wheels, comes with ventilated and heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, and leather upholstery. You also get rear heated outboard seats and a passenger-side mirror that slopes down when you’re driving in reverse. And for the extra $3,500 the Touring costs, you get a low-speed automatic braking system that kicks in if you’re about to hit objects when you’re moving at up to 5 mph.

To keep your 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid running, you can take advantage of the standard limited warranty covering 36,000 miles or three years. The powertrain warranty covers 60,000 miles or five years, but unlike warranty packages for competing Camry and Hyundai models, the Accord Hybrid offers no scheduled complimentary maintenance.

However, no matter which version of the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid you purchase, you’ll be assured knowing you’re riding in comfort and style.

RELATED: The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Is Actually Pretty Fast Too

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Is Mileage or Age More Important When Buying a Used Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The debate of mileage vs. age is one as old as the auto industry itself. There are benefits and costs to each, and this formula is the key to determining the answer to this hotly debated issue for used car buyers. In some instances, an older car with lower miles is a better choice. However, in others, a newer car with more miles is better. It depends entirely on what you, the consumer, need from your vehicle. With that in mind, let’s get into the cost-benefit formula.

The cost-benefit formula

A pre-owned Infiniti sedan | Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

This formula applies to any purchase of any vehicle, whether you realize it or not. Effectively, a vehicle is, at its core, a cost. This cost comes with benefits, and whether those benefits outweigh the cost determines the merit of your purchase. Now, we’ll break down the formula as it pertains to age vs. mileage. First, age. The years take a toll on cars, but only if they have been poorly maintained. This is why collector cars with a low odometer and good service history are so valuable.

Now, mileage. A car with lots of mileage and strong service history is going to function better than a car with 6 miles that’s been sitting in a barn being driven a few feet a month. So, if we apply these factors to the cost-benefit analysis of a vehicle, we reach an interesting conclusion: a balancing act of sorts. Maintenance is king and the key to the formula. As long as strong maintenance history applies, there’s almost no reason to fear an older car or one with some miles.

Mileage can be a blessing

A car's odometer showing 100,000 in mileage
An odometer showing 100,000 miles | Universal Education via Getty Images

So, let’s talk about mileage. Most people are cautioned by those in their lives to avoid buying a car with too many miles. The logic being that a car with a big number on the dash will be fraught with mechanical peril. In most cases, this logic stands. However, some models defy this logic. For example, the Toyota 4Runner. It isn’t uncommon to see these cars surpass 200,000 miles with little to no problems.

Conversely, there are cars where this logic certainly does make sense. Older sports cars for example. An old BMW M3 with a string of owners and poor maintenance history is likely a ticking time bomb. Sports cars are often complex things, and these older complex systems will fail rapidly with miles and improper service. This is also true of luxury vehicles.

Older cars have their merits- and their quirks

An old GMC badge in decay on the back of one of the brand's pickup trucks
A tired old GMC logo | Robert Alexander via Getty Images

Older cars are much the same story with a few caveats. Once again, it’s all about the service history for the cost-benefit formula to work out for you. The biggest caveat is safety. Newer cars are safer, full stop. The human race has come a long way in keeping people from being hurt by automobiles. Once again, if that isn’t as much a concern for you, add that to the cost-benefit formula.

Should you find a car that works out well when applied to the formula, it’s a safe buy in most cases. So, in summary, only buy an older car if it’s been well maintained, and the same for a high-mileage car. Use common sense and the tips provided here and you’re sure to come out on top.

RELATED: Take Advantage of Used Market Craziness by Selling Your Yellow Car

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4 Best Electric Handheld Leaf Blowers According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Yard maintenance is a must, even though most people don’t enjoy it. Leaves can especially be a pain in the late summer and fall because they can do a lot of damage to your car. But the right leaf blower can make the job much easier. Consumer Reports has an extensive list of leaf blowers, and we’ve picked the top four electric handheld models that will make yard work a breeze.

Worx WG520 electric leaf blower

Electric handheld leaf blower | François Guillot/AFP via Getty Images

The Worx WG520 lacks some of the features consumers want most, including vacuum capability. Regardless, Consumer Reports stated, “This model had no discernible flaws in its performance.”

It received an overall score of 73, which places it in last place on this list. Even so, this leaf blower has a few nice features, like multiple speeds. This can make life easier if you find yourself in a tight position and don’t want the speed going full blast.

With a cost of $60, this model is fairly affordable. However, it’s not the cheapest on this list, so it’s worth taking the time to look at other models before committing to a purchase.

Ryobi RY421021 electric leaf blower

This leaf blower came in third place with an overall score of 76. Consumer Reports likes its aggressive power and the way it can remove even embedded leaf particles. 

Retailing for $40, it’s the perfect leaf blower for anyone on a budget. There is one issue you need to be aware of, however.

If you’re looking at a used model, you might want to reconsider. According to Consumer Reports, in 2017, there was a recall alert for Ryobi RY421021 leaf blowers that were originally sold between December 2015 and December 2016. The serial numbers you should be on the lookout for are EU15401D170001 and EU16239N999999. It was recalled due to the fan blades, which could discharge from either end of the blower. 

Toro UltraPlus 51621 leaf blower

The Toro UltraPlus 51621 is the most expensive leaf blower on this list, retailing for $100. It takes second place with an overall score of 79 and has enough features to help validate the relatively high price.

For example, its ability to suck up leaves makes the job much less stressful. It moves leaves quickly and can remove even the most embedded of leaves.

But Consumer Reports was less than pleased with the noise level, so the Toro UltraPlus received a score of 2 out of 5. Despite this, it’s a nice leaf blower. However, it’s not the best, and there’s one more leaf blower you should consider before buying this one.

Toro 51624

The Toro 51624 is proof that a higher price doesn’t necessarily make a leaf blower better. This model costs a mere $55, making it $5 cheaper than the Worx WG520 and $45 cheaper than the Toro UltraPlus 51621. It received an overall score of 81, which is the highest on this list of electric handheld leaf blowers. So, what helped it take the number one spot?

According to Consumer Reports, one factor is the ability to fix the blowing speed, which means you don’t have to hold the trigger as you try to walk while controlling where the leaves are headed. Another factor is that it’s fairly quiet from a distance. That means you won’t disturb your neighbors every time you pull it out, though you’ll still require ear protection. Finally, it comes with the vacuum feature that the Worx WG520 lacks.

RELATED: 5 Best Small Shop Vacs for Your Car According to Popular Mechanics

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