Kelley Blue Book Better Buy: 2021 Kia Telluride vs. Subaru Ascent

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Not all drivers need room for eight passengers, but the options are limited if you do. Kelley Blue Book compared the 2021 Kia Telluride and the 2021 Subaru Ascent, both of which have room for eight. How did these two SUVs compare? Both the Kia and the Subaru do a lot of things right.

Kelley Blue Book on the 2021 Kia Telluride

Consumer Reports says the Kia Telluride is one of the worst deals on new cars right now | Kia

Kelley Blue Book likes the 2021 Kia Telluride, as does everyone else. Some of the noted positives about the Kia SUV include the many awards it has won and the value it offers. KBB gave the Kia Telluride the Best Buy Award and noted that that the variety of trim levels and options make the Telluride customizable for anyone.

If buyers don’t want eight seats, the second row can be ordered with a set of captain’s chairs instead of a three-row bench seat. The design of the SUV is modern and offers a lot of the newest technology. The interior is spacious, and the list of safety features is long.

What are some of the drawbacks noted by Kelley Blue Book? The 2021 model does not offer a Wi-Fi hotspot like some similar vehicles. The glove box is also small, which is a humorously minute detail.

The consensus offered was that the 2021 Kia Telluride is packed with technology and safety features that make it a good value. “The Kia Telluride basically gets everything right, according to our expert reviewers,” KBB said. The brand says to pick the Telluride if you want a stylish SUV with a solid warranty.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent gets it right, according to Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book was quick to mention that the 2021 Subaru Ascent can go off-road and has tons of safety features. Plus, all-wheel drive is an option buyers don’t have to pay for. This makes the Ascent a good choice for families who might camp or spend time outdoors.

When it came to the drawbacks, the single four-cylinder powertrain option was noted. It was also said that the turbo engine wasn’t really as smooth as it could be. The power steering was described as “light.”

When it came down to it, the 2021 Subaru Ascent didn’t miss the mark. It combines the Subaru brand reliability with a three-row SUV offering, enticing a whole new group of buyers. Though the engine offerings weren’t great, KBB called it “spunky and economical.”

“The Eyesight Safety suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, and a head-up display warning. Upgrades include blind-spot monitoring, reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic assist, and a front-view monitor.”

Kelley Blue Book

Add to that the high ground clearance and all-wheel drive, and you have quite an adventurous SUV. KBB says to choose the Ascent if the all-wheel drive feature is important to your future activities. With all of the safety features that come standard, this is a safe new SUV.

The two SUVs are evenly matched

When it came down to it, both the Kia SUV and Subaru SUV have the right features for most drivers. Some people might not benefit from all-wheel drive should off-roading or weather not be an option. Others might find the Telluride just too big overall, with the trim levels out of budget for some features.

The Kia warranty is five years, 60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty is 10 years, 100,000-miles. Under Kia’s Warranty program, the Telluride has five years, 60k miles of bumper to bumper coverage with roadside assistance. For the Subaru, it is three years, 36,000-miles. The powertrain warranty is five years, 60,000 miles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave both vehicles a five-star safety rating. Additionally, both SUVs have a 23 mpg combined fuel economy.

The good news is that if you pick the 2021 Kia Telluride or the 2021 Subaru Ascent, both SUVs will serve you well. With the included safety features and warranties, buyers can be sure the Kia and Subaru vehicles will be around to go on adventures for many years to come.

RELATED: Is the Kia Telluride SUV Worth the Money?

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3 Reasons to Pick the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Over the Ford Bronco

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’ve got a battle of the boxy-shaped SUVs for you today. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is taking the 2021 Ford Bronco on. While the Jeep Wrangler has a history that spans over 70 years to serve as a trusted and reliable option, the Ford Bronco is making an incredible return. 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler vs. the 2021 Ford Bronco 

2021 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

First of all, we aren’t saying the Ford Bronco is better than the Jeep Wrangler or vice versa. We just know that the 2021 Ford Bronco is pretty popular as it’s constantly being talked about. But if you don’t want to wait for the Bronco to become widely available, you can consider getting a 2021 Jeep Wrangler today. 

You can get started in a new Jeep Wrangler for about $27,900, and the Ford Bronco begins at about $28,500. So, these boxy off-roaders are pretty competitively priced, but let’s see what the Wrangler has to offer over the Bronco. 

1. The 2021 Wrangler has more engine options 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe crawling over rocks
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe | Jeep

The 2021 Ford Bronco has two engine options. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 275 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.7-liter twin-turbo for up to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque using premium fuel. 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-liter V6 engine provides 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can also go diesel with the 3.6-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine that delivers 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. 

Plus, you can get V8 power with the Rubicon 392. It has a 6.7-liter V8 Hemi with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid Wrangler 4xe also pumps out 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco may gain a diesel and hybrid powertrain later. 

2. The Wrangler may have preferred equipment 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has solid axles, while the 2021 Ford Bronco has an independent front suspension. This gives the Bronco a smoother ride quality on the road but makes it more expensive to lift to fit larger tires. 

According to Motor Trend, with the manual Bronco, you get 94.7:1 gearing. But the manual transmission can’t be equipped with the more powerful V6 engine or the Sasquatch off-roading package. 

The Sasquatch package, 35-inch tires, and more potent engine bring the crawl ratio down to 67.8:1. The gas-powered Wrangler Rubicon has a 77.2:1 ratio, and with the manual gearbox, you get an 84.2:1 ratio. 

3. The Wrangler better connects with nature 

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco compact SUV traveling on trail near a wooded area
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford Motor Company

While the 2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2021 Ford Bronco both help you get out in nature, the Wrangler provides a more connected feeling. It still has a manual transfer case, allowing you to pull a level and feel engaged to provide a deeper understanding of the off-roading experience instead of just twisting a knob. 

The Wrangler 4xe can operate in silence, providing a peaceful ride through nature. You can also fold the windshield down to feel the breeze on your skin. Maybe the Bronco will gain this feature later. 

When you remove the doors from a Wrangler, the mirrors come off too. They can’t be removed in the Bronco, which could limit visibility and could get in the way on more narrow trails. But maybe you can fold them out of the way. 

Both the Wrangler and Bronco are excellent options to consider, but don’t let the Bronco steal the spotlight. If you want to avoid a long waiting list, you can enjoy adventures in the 2021 Wrangler or a used model.

RELATED: Is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Worth the Extra Cash?

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These Are the Best Used Electric Cars

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric cars are becoming more popular. Whereas before they were a novelty, an oddity even, EVs are finding themselves more mainstream. Car shoppers are realizing the benefits of owning an electric car, including savings on gas and environmental reasons. If you’re looking for the best used electric cars, you have some options.

2019 Nissan Leaf | Nissan

What should I look for in a good used electric car?

Charging times have decreased in recent years, so you may want to consider a slightly newer electric vehicle. Even if you (or your budget) would prefer something a little bit older, charge time should definitely be a consideration. 

You should also pay attention to the electric car’s range. How far can it go on a single charge? You don’t want to buy something that has to be charged all the time, or you may regret buying one in the first place. Also, pay attention to where charging stations are located for the car you’re considering. Teslas use Superchargers, which are rapidly expanding throughout the nation (and world). Other EVs use third-party chargers, so you’ll want to know where you can take your car. 

And, as with any used vehicle, you’ll want to know what kind of safety features the car has, as well as its crash test ratings. It’s always a good idea to find out what, if any, accidents your particular vehicle has been in before, so you’re aware of any underlying damage that may be lurking. 

Without further ado, here are the three best used electric cars:

2019 Nissan Leaf

The 2019 Nissan Leaf is recommended by Consumer Reports. There aren’t many crash test ratings from the IIHS, but the ones that Consumer Reports shares are good. The 2019 Leaf gets 215 miles of range from its battery. 

It takes a long time to charge the Nissan Leaf. Even the optional bigger battery only cuts down this charging time to 10.5 hours. On a regular 120-volt outlet, it takes a painfully long 30 hours to fully charge. 

The Leaf is roomy and comes with advanced safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. There are additional, optional safety features to consider, like blind-spot warning and ProPilot Assist.

2017 Chevy Bolt

The 2017 Chevy Bolt is another Consumer Reports recommended EV with a range of over 200 miles, at 238. It takes 10 hours to charge on a 240-volt outlet, but Consumer Reports notes that with its range, you won’t often have need to fully charge it. 

The 2017 Bolt can go from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds, which isn’t bad for a used electric car. It has a 60 kWh battery and Consumer Reports called it “fun to drive.”

2019 Hyundai Kona

Consumer Reports recommended the 2019 Hyundai Kona, calling it “playful and inexpensive.” The 2019 Hyundai Kona has a range of 258 miles and takes 9 hours to charge on a 240-volt outlet. Although there is a gas-fueled Hyundai Kona, the electric Hyundai Kona is front-wheel drive only. It was also only available in some states, so availability now may be somewhat limited where you are.

If you’re looking for a solid electric car, you can’t go wrong with any of these three options. Just pay attention to the particular model that you’re looking for. Has it been in any accidents? Does it have good range? What safety features does it come with? Don’t forget to check the car out on safety organization websites like Consumer Reports, the IIHS, and NHTSA before you buy.

RELATED: Canadians Could Be Buying Their Last-Ever Fuel Powered Cars This Year

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Only 1 SUV Beat the 2021 Audi Q3 on This List of Luxury SUVs This Year

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Audi offers various SUVs in all sizes, but the Q3 is perhaps one of the best. It’s among the most affordable vehicles in the segment, making it a good buy for entry-level luxury vehicle shoppers. It has also won awards from various critics, like the Autotrader award for Top Luxury Subcompact SUV for 2020.

The 2021 Audi Q3 also ranked second on the “22 Most Luxurious SUVs” list from U.S. News. Despite all its good qualities, it couldn’t take the place of the Lincoln Navigator. Still, what makes the Q3 so much better than its many rivals?

Few luxury SUVs can top the Audi Q3

Audi Q3 | AUDI AG

The BMW X1 is one of the Audi Q3’s most popular competitors, most likely because of its energetic handling. However, unlike the Q3, the X1 feels too stiff after long drives. The interior of the BMW X1 also has some hard plastics that make it appear less glamorous than its rivals.

As you’d expect from this automaker, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class also has one of the best interiors in this segment. However, the infotainment controls can be hard for newbies to navigate, which is why the Audi Q3 ranked higher. The Q3 is also a better value, considering even its fully-loaded trim is less expensive than the base GLB-Class model.

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is no doubt the best luxury subcompact for off-roading adventures. Unfortunately, it’s not very fun to drive, and many critics report rough shifting from the transmission. It’s also around $20,000 more than the base price of the Audi Q3.

Why the Lincoln Navigator gets first place

As for the Lincoln Navigator, it has one of the most spacious interiors by large SUV standards. All three rows can fit adults, the seats recline, and the cushions retain their comfort during long trips. The Navigator also has a big list of standard features to justify its large price tag.

One of the biggest flaws of the Audi Q3 is its limited cargo capacity, which obviously isn’t a problem for the Navigator. Behind the rear seats alone, it offers almost 21 cubic feet of storage on the longer-wheelbase model. It’s predictably heavier to handle than the smaller Audi Q3, but the suspension provides a smooth and velvety ride.

The Audi Q3’s best qualities

While it’s not the sportiest subcompact, the Audi Q3 feels lively around corners and accelerates quickly from the start. It gets its power from a turbo-four engine capable of 228 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, unlike many of its rivals, the Audi Q3 comes equipped with AWD as a standard feature.

The 2021 Q3’s suspension absorbs almost every bump in the road, adding to the interior’s exceptional level of comfort. It has some nicer materials than its 2020 model, and the driver’s seat has been adjusted to accommodate taller individuals. Additionally, the driver and front passenger get treated to heated seats with many adjustability options. Meanwhile, the rear seats can recline, and every seat has adequate cushioning for extended trips. The reclining rear seats also make it easier for tall passengers to remain comfortable despite the limited space.

For 2021, Audi simplified the Q3 model’s infotainment controls to make them more user-friendly. The standard 8.8-inch touchscreen registers inputs with haptic feedback, so users don’t have to press too hard on the screen. Wireless smartphone integration is already installed, and nice options include a Bang & Olufsen speaker setup and a wireless charging pad.

The base Audi Q3 doesn’t have many standard driver’s aids, but the next trim up isn’t a huge price increase. You can also get a package that includes Audi’s Virtual Cockpit on the range-topping Premium Plus trim. This feature functions like a larger head-up display, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

RELATED: Why a Used 2019 Audi Q3 Is Good Enough

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