by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re looking for a mid-size sedan that can safely tote around your family in comfort and style, then the Toyota Camry is a good choice. In its current generation, the Camry has seen a bevy of upgrades including a more aggressive look and tech-savvy features. But for the forthcoming 2022 model year, the Toyota Camry will receive a little more in the form of a new trim level and a new color.

What are the changes for the 2022 model year?

Rear trunk on the 2021 Toyota Camry | Toyota

According to Motortrend, the 2022 Toyota Camry will remain mostly unchanged as it just underwent a mild styling refresh for 2021. This means that the Camry will still be anchored by the base LE trim, but it will also come in higher trims that are value-packed with features. There’s no official word from Toyota about all of the forthcoming Camry’s specs, but it should carry over a lot of the same stuff like the current model.

For instance, Kelley Blue Book reports that the 2022 Camry will likely be powered by the same four-cylinder engine as the current model, in addition to having the option of a more potent V6. The Camry Hybrid will stick around as well, however, it will have a new trim level.

The Camry Hybrid is going goth

A black wheel shown on a 2021 Toyota Camry
A black wheel shown on a 2021 Toyota Camry | Toyota

Get out your black nail polish and lipstick because the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid will be adding the goth-like Nightshade Edition to its trim-level lineup, according to Torque News. For those keeping score, the Japanese automaker currently has five different Nightshade Edition models in its lineup, so the Camry Hybrid will be the sixth.

Again, there’s no official word from Toyota yet about the specs on this particular trim level. However, we can take an educated guess and say that it will likely come in black, white, and silver, just like the other Nightshade models. But that’s not all, accompanying the neutral, but edgy paint palette will most likely be darkened features like black wheels, black trim, and black badging. We can’t blame Toyota for adding this (kind of) new trim level as it adds a nice contrast to the Camry Hybrid’s comfortable and fuel-efficient demeanor.

The new paint color is a little more colorful

To top things off, the 2022 Camry will also be available with a new paint color, Torque News also reports. In its current form, the Camry can be dressed in nine different solid colors and four color combinations with black accents and contrasting rooftops. However, the word around the campfire is that the 2022 Camry TRD will also be offered in Calvary Blue.

If you’re not familiar with this special hue, then just know that it’s a muted light blue color that can be found on the Tundra and on the FJ Cruiser. So for Toyota fans, it’s kind of a special thing. Nonetheless, it’s a good-looking color that should contrast well with the Camry TRD’s sporty look. We just wish they went with something a little more vibrant, like the Nitro Yellow color that can be found on the Supra.

RELATED: The 2022 Toyota Prius Nightshade Edition Shows That Black Is the …

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

In the summer of 2020, RV sales jumped as people stuck at home during the pandemic looked for safer ways to travel. In the summer of 2021, these new RV owners may want to explore further, even going off-grid. So, what is going off-grid, and is it really possible to go off-grid with an RV?

What does going off-grid mean?

Off-Road RV | Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

While most RV users connect back to civilization and communities for their utilities, those who go off-grid don’t. Going off-grid means leaving these public utilities behind, with no electricity, water, or waste disposal being supplied at the camping location. Other names for going off-grid with an RV are free camping, dry camping, and boondocking. Going off-grid lets RV users escape the campgrounds for public land or any location, points out The Drive.

How to power your RV

To go off-grid with an RV, some supplies are needed. The most obvious need is an RV. While any motorhome can go off-grid, travel trailers are the most popular way to do it. To generate electricity, either a gas generator or solar panels are needed. Gas generators are the older technology option. They are noisy and need gas to run, so they’re not peaceful or environmental.

Solar panels convert sunlight into energy and store it in a battery pack. These systems can be either portable or built into the RV and are likely preferable over gas generators. Generally, one to four panels are needed. Portable systems are more affordable, but they do need to be set up, and they don’t store much energy. Built-in systems can be either aftermarket or from the factory. Aftermarket solar systems let drivers pick exactly what they want, but they are more expensive and need to be installed by an aftermarket shop. Manufacturers like the Keystone RV Company have models with integrated solar systems. These are very convenient, although they can’t be customized and might be difficult to upgrade later.

Dealing with water and waste in an RV

An RV’s holding tanks can probably store enough water for a few days to possibly a week, says RVBoondocker. Keeping a full tank can reduce fuel efficiency, so look for places to fill up that are near where you’ll be camping. You can also bring a collapsible, refillable water container. Be sure to use a filter if you plan to collect rainwater or moving river water. Don’t drink from still water or water you don’t know the source of. Lastly, there are also filtering cans and water dispensers that are great.

For waste collection, the RV comes with a black tank. Depending on the size of the model, the tank may fill up in five to seven days, says Drivin’ & Vibin’. It’s illegal to dump the tank on the ground, and there aren’t any supplies to solve this problem. RVs will need to leave the camp to dump at a dump station located at an RV park, truck stop, interstate rest stop, county park, or fairgrounds.

With a little preparation, it’s possible to leave the campgrounds behind and go off-grid to explore the country in an RV.

RELATED: Never Worry About Charging Your EV Again With This Camper

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

Most EV shoppers are concerned with one number and it isn’t the price. EVs are commonly ranked by range when compared to each other. So which EVs cause range anxiety and which can go the distance?

Nissan Leaf | Getty Images

Tesla Model S

The model S changed the EV market. Its high price tag was predicted to slow down sales, but the EV excel expectations. For EV shoppers, price is not a primary concern. Buyers were happy to hand over the base price of $81,190 for an EV with excellent exterior styling, a sleek minimalist interior, and the best range of any EV, up to 373 miles.

Tesla Model 3

With a combined EPA range of 353 miles, the Tesla Model 3 has one of the most extended ranges on the EV market. It’s quick, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. 

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X has the largest touchscreen infotainment system in the segment. It can travel 328 miles before needing to be recharged. This long-range eliminates the anxiety many EV owners feel.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla pulls out an impressive 326 miles from the extended range all-wheel drive option of the Model Y. The base model range is closer to 300 miles. 

Ford Mustang Mach E

The Mustang Mach E puts out 634 ft-lbs of torque, more than the V-8 Shelby Mustang GT500. It can travel a range o 300 miles before needing to be charged. The Mustang Mach E accelerates from zero to 60 in 5.1 seconds. 

Chevy Bolt EV

The Chevy Bolt is a popular option with a range of 259 miles. It beats out the Tesla Model 3 Short Range Plus at a much lower price point

Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkwagen ID.4 has a range of 250 miles. Its price and range put it on par with the Kona Electric and Mustang Mach E. Starting at the base price of $41,190, the ID.4 is an affordable option. 

Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro EV is an often overlooked option. It doesn’t have the pickup of some of its competitors and accelerates from zero to 60 in 6.5 seconds. It does have a respectable range at 239 miles. 

Jaguar I-Pace

This is the first EV model on offer from Jaguar. It makes a strong competitor for the Tesla Model X. Starting at $70,875, the Jaguar sells for significantly less. This luxury option accelerates from zero to 60 in under 5 seconds. The whole family can ride along as the I-pace offers seating for 5. Its full battery range is 234 miles. Not the best range in the segment, but a respectable number.

Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 has an EPA combined range of 222 miles per charge. This understated and sophisticated EV accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. It’s the first car to use Google’s Android operating system. 

Audi e-tron and Audi Sportback (tied)

The Audi e-Tron has a battery range of 222 miles, tying it with the Porsche Taycan. The smaller sleeker e-Tron Sportback nets 4 miles less in range at 218. The full-size third-row SUV is heavier than a Ram 1500 but still accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Starting at $66,995, this EV is a great competitor in its price range. Some options have a towing capacity of 4,000

Hyundai Kona Electric

A silver Hyundai Kona Electric SUV parked in gravel outside a concrete building
Hyundai Kona Electric | Mark Kolbe via Getty Images

The Hyundai Kona Electric has impressed all around. Car and Driver awarded it a spot on its 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list. Its range of 258 miles is competitive with similar models.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

This all-wheel drive compact crossover accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The Volvo XC40 Recharge can travel 208 miles on a full battery. This is an affordable alternative to an I-Pace.

Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan (pronounced TIE-Kahn) is the first EV produced by the luxury brand. This EV is the biggest competitor of the Tesla Model S in desirability, but it’s the least efficient and most expensive of the EV pack. Every $105,150 Taycan is available with all-wheel drive and has a range of 222 miles.

Hyundai Ioniq

This economy option offers an impressive 170 miles per charge. It features an impressive infotainment system. This is one of the best options for budget shoppers. 

BMW i3

The quirky BMW i3 instantly grabs attention with its rear suicide doors. Its range of 153 miles is the middle of the pack for a car in this price range. 

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf was the most popular EV on earth. Its range of 149 miles per charge is beat by its main competitor, the Chevy Bolt. 

Mini Electric

The Mini Electric has a mini range compared to some of its competitors. At 110 miles of travel range [per charge, it’s not making headlines. 

RELATED: Best New and Used Electric Vehicles Under $35,000

The post Every New EV for Sale Ranked by Range From Best to Worst appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s no secret that Consumer Reports loves the 2021 Mazda CX-30. It earned a coveted position on the publication’s Top Picks list this year and has one of the highest reliability ratings out of every vehicle the site reviewed. But when it’s all said and done, the Mazda CX-30 outshines most of the class due to this one “superpower.”

Mazda Motor Corp. CX-30 | Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is a super subcompact SUV

This is a small crossover SUV that stands out for its athletic acceleration and driving dynamics. After hearing about it for so long, I finally got to drive one at the Texas Auto Roundup and it met every expectation. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has some soul. 

It’s not your boring (but totally practical) CVT transmission lifeless four-cylinder subcompact. This is a small crossover designed with the true driver at its core. Consumer Reports says that it “out-accelerates most competitors, even with the base 2.5 liter four-cylinder.” 

It’s certainly not perfect, but its value and all that the 2021 Mazda CX-30 brings to the table make it an easy choice for the Consumer Reports Top Picks list this year. But there are even more compelling qualities than immediately meet the eye. 

What is the Mazda CX-30’s ‘superpower?’

a side view of a light blue 2021 Mazda CX-30 on display at an indoor auto show
The Mazda CX-30 | Didier Messens/Getty Images

Once we get past the satisfying base engine, decadent Premium trim, and satisfying new turbo upgrade option, there’s more to the 2021 Mazda CX-30. This small crossover SUV has what Consumer Reports calls a “superpower.” It combines near-perfect reliability ratings with a long list of important standard safety features.

“Its main superpower is the winning combination of key standard safety equipment and much-better-than-average predicted reliability.”

Consumer Reports

How reliable is this subcompact SUV? 

a red 2021 Mazda CX-30 on display at an indoor auto show, front quarter view
Mazda CX-30 | Guillaume Payen/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In terms of reliability ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is at the very top of the class. With a total score of 95/100 for reliability, this is a subcompact SUV with substance in more areas than just being fun to drive. When it comes to buying a new car, reliability is often a box-checking item for many shoppers. 

Consumer Reports gives it a 5 out of 5 for predicted reliability. However, Consumer Reports ratings aren’t the only ones that sing the same tune. J.D. Power also gives this subcompact SUV a reliability score of 82/100. It rates the 2021 CX-30 “Great” in terms of reliability. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 isn’t perfect, but it makes a compelling argument

It’s not all rainbows and unicorns in terms of Consumer Reports’ opinion of this subcompact SUV. It has noisy (though quick) acceleration. The publication also isn’t keen on the way some of the packages are configured, making it costly to add simple features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

 
Plus, it’s a little tight in the interior with visibility that’s nothing to write home about. That said, it is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with some of the highest reliability scores in its class from multiple critics. While it’s not perfect, the 2021 CX-30 uses its superpower to make a compelling argument.

RELATED: The 2021 Subaru Outback Is ‘Simply a Smart Choice’ According to Consumer Reports

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