Is the Volkswagen Atlas Really a Better Family Car Than the Chrysler Pacifica?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The minivan is the ultimate family car, right? Well, it actually looks like SUV sales have officially taken over the family segment. In fact, some critics think the Volkswagen Atlas is an even better family car than the Chrysler Pacifica.

What is the best car for families? 

2021 Volkswagen Atlas | Volkswagen of America, Inc. Newspress Limited

For shoppers in the market for a family car there are a lot of things to consider. The number of passengers families expect to accommodate on a regular basis obviously comes into play. Cargo space for gear is also an important factor. Plus, families may need to check car seat compatibility.

On top of that, families typically want to actually like the car they end up in. The minivan stigma is no secret, but some people think that new models like the Chrysler Pacifica and all-new Toyota Sienna might change the game and encourage more families to turn from the ever-popular SUV. According to Cars.com, however, the Volkswagen Atlas reigns supreme over the Pacifica minivan. 

The Cars.com Family Car of the Year Award 

2021 Chrysler Pacifica parked
2021 Chrysler Pacifica | Stellantis

Each year, Cars.com dishes out several awards. The Family Car of the Year Award is one of such awards the website bestows upon deserving models. In 2018 and 2019, the Chrysler Pacifica held the family car title for minivans everywhere by gleaning the award. 

Up against the Pacifica in 2018 and 2019 were the Honda Ridgeline and the Subaru Outback. So it’s pretty clear to see that Cars.com is looking for diversity when it comes to the best family car. Then in 2019, the trend continued with the Chrysler Pacifica taking the award again; it was up against the Ford Expedition and the Volkswagen Atlas were the other contenders for the award this time. 

The following year, the Family Car of the Year Award for 2020 passed on from the Chrysler Pacifica to the Volkswagen Atlas. The Ford Expedition and the Hyundai Santa Fe were the other nominees in 2020. Then this year, up against the Ford Expedition and the Kia Telluride, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas took the win again. 

So, yes. According to Cars.com the Volkswagen Atlas is really better than the Chrysler Pacifica.

Is the Volkswagen Atlas better than a minivan? 

An image of a Volkswagen Atlas, one of the most discounted new SUVs according to Consumer Reports.
Volkswagen Atlas | Volkswagen

According to Cars.com, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is better than any car, truck, SUV, or minivan when it comes to family-friendly accoutrements. For the 2021 model year, the Atlas gets a refresh that adds some updated design components. Plus, new assistance features like lane-centering are added. 

“Three-row mid-size SUVs have become the de facto standard of today’s families, even if minivans edge them out for absolute practicality. If the family car is indeed an SUV, then, it’s a good thing families have choices like the Volkswagen Atlas.”

Cars.com

Overall, Cars.com tells us that the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV took the title again based on its execution of family-oriented fundamentals. The award “emphasizes seating accommodations, storage space and overall practicality.” These qualities are certainly found in several other models, but stand out especially for the Atlas compared with competitors.

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Class Action Lawsuit: Ford Pickup Tailgates Fly Open While Driving

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A class-action lawsuit filed last week alleges that Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty power tailgates fly open while driving. This is after a 2018 NHTSA investigation into the issue. Based on that Ford was ordered to recall the trucks at the end of 2019. It affects Super Duty pickups made between 2017-2019.

How many Ford Super Duty trucks are affected?

A Ford F-450 XL Super Duty Truck | Ford

That recall took in over 231,000 of the trucks according to carcomplaints. At the time Ford said, “Water entering the electrical wiring system may cause a short circuit resulting in the unintended switch activation and release of the tailgate latches. This could cause unintended opening of the tailgate either when the vehicle is not moving or is in motion.”

While the NHTSA closed the tailgate investigation in January 2020, it announced a year later that owners were still having unintentional tailgate openings after the dealer fix. That fix was to add jumper pigtails so that the tailgate release control circuits were isolated. Dealers were also advised to replace the handle release switches with new ones.

With the recall query open, how many trucks are affected now?

2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty | Ford

Now the recall query is open and potentially affecting 300,000 Ford trucks with the power tailgate. The class-action lawsuit states that not only did the recall not fix the issue but that it didn’t include all Super Duty trucks affected. It should have included 2020 and 2021 Super Duty trucks. 

Owners of those model year Super Duty trucks are also experiencing unintended tailgate openings when the trucks are being driven. The tailgates should only be activated when a key fob button is depressed. The button is located above the emergency brake release switch and also on the tailgate. 

In the lawsuit, two plaintiffs say there are wiring issues and that the tailgate latch isn’t strong enough to keep the tailgates closed. They also claim that some owners were charged for tailgate repairs and the dealers didn’t tell the owners about the recall. Some of the repairs have cost several thousand dollars according to the lawsuit. 

This class-action lawsuit follows two other Super Duty lawsuits from May 2021

2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty white fleet truck
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty | Ford

This class-action lawsuit comes on the heels of one filed in May over Ford Super Duty trucks having wheels fall off of their trucks. And also in May another class-action lawsuit over incorrect F-350 labeling of tire pressures and acceptable payloads. Both can be critical to truck stability when towing or carrying heavy payloads. 

So for the F-350 alone, there have been three class-action lawsuits filed against Ford within the last three weeks. Of course, this latest one takes in F-250 and F-450 Super Duty trucks, also. 

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The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Operates Under Code Orange

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Just in time for summer fun, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is heating things with a new color. It’s time for the Ford F-150 Raptor to shine bright and proud for fun in the sun. But what else is new for this beastly off-roader? 

What’s new for the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor? 

2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in Code Orange | Ford

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor just gained a few new colors, including an exclusive shade of Code Orange. This name sounds like it could come from a Mountain Dew flavor or from secret detectives. But in reality, it’s just allowing this truck to have a bright personality, like the Electric Lime Toyota Tacoma. 

According to Ford Authority, the F-150 Raptor just gained seven new colors. You can opt for Antimatter Blue, Space White, Guard, Kodiak Brown, Carbonized Gray, Smoked Quartz Tinted Clearcoat, and Code Orange. Code Orange is a no-cost option that’s exclusive to the Raptor. It can be ordered with the Black or Rhapsody Blue interior color options. 

If you like this bright orange color, you may want to jump on it. The F-150 Raptor will enter production at the Ford Dearborn Truck plant on July 6th, and it’s expected to be popular. You may want to consider checking with your local Ford dealership about price and availability. 

Is the F-150 Raptor worth buying? 

Yes, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is an excellent off-roading truck to consider. Sure, it doesn’t have the 6.2-liter V8 engine with 702 hp and 602 lb-ft of torque like the 2021 Ram TRX, but it has plenty of upgrades to increase its value. 

The F-150 Raptor comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 8,200 lbs, while the Ram 1500 TRX can tow up 8,200 lbs. The Raptor can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and the TRX reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. These trucks are still pretty close. 

V8 power doesn’t even make the TRX a whole second faster, and a V8 option is coming. The 2022 Ford Raptor R is expected to gain the 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 engine from the Mustang Shelby GT500. It has 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of power in the Mustang, but it could provide more muscle in the Raptor. 

For off-roading, the Raptor gained improvements such as 3.1-inch-diameter anodized shock bodies and revised transmission mapping. It also gained a long-travel suspension and can be paired with 37-inch all-terrain tires. The suspension also includes a five-link rear coil-spring setup, and the ground clearance sits at 13.1-inches. 

Does the F-150 Raptor have good features? 

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in a new shade of Code Orange
2021 Ford F-150 Raptor in Code Orange | Ford

You can get started in a 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor for about $64,145. It has the same cabin space and layout as the regular F-150 SuperCrew. A ton of luxury is included with the price, such as the 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. 

Enhanced interior materials include a steering wheel with a laser-etched logo, race-car style orange accents, aluminum paddle shifters, carbon-fiber accents, and aggressively bolstered Recaro front bucket seats. 

The 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen features the Ford Sync 4 system and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can equip a 2.0-kW mobile generator. You also get standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. 

Despite not having V8 power yet, there is more to come for the new Ford Raptor. It includes a variety of features for a luxury experience while racing through challenging terrain. Now it even shines brighter with Code Orange paint.

RELATED: 3 Reasons the 2021 Ford Raptor is Better Than the Ram TRX

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The Best Luxury Electric SUVs According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s no denying it. The number of electric SUVs on the market is growing. That’s especially true of luxury electric SUVs. These SUVs strike the perfect balance between impressive performance and luxury amenities. They also boast more than enough range to get you to your next destination. And when it comes to the best luxury electric SUVs? U.S. News recently ranked every new luxury electric SUV based on their U.S. News overall scores. Let’s find out the organization’s top picks for the best luxury electric SUVs.

The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace is one of the best luxury electric SUVs

2020 Jaguar I-Pace | Gisela Schober/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover

Sitting near the top of U.S. News’ list of the best luxury electric SUVs is the 2020 Jaguar I-Pace. According to U.S. News, if you’re in the market for a luxury electric SUV that’s off-road capable and offers decent range estimates, you really can’t go wrong with the Jaguar I-Pace. In fact, U.S. News gave it an 8.2 overall score. And for good reasons, too.

The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace comes equipped with two electric motors that produce a combined 394-hp and 512 lb-ft of torque. Standard with all-wheel drive, U.S. News reports that the I-Pace delivers a “comfortable ride over most surfaces, and it takes turns with poise.” According to the EPA, it also boasts up to 234 miles of total range. Though, that range does “diminish quickly under hard acceleration,” U.S. News added.

The good news is that this luxury SUV doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to premium interior amenities. Slip into its synthetic leather seats and enjoy standard features such as a panoramic sunroof, a dual-screen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch adaptive driver display, turn-by-turn navigation, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The 2020 Tesla Model X is an electric SUV with plenty of range

A white 2020 Tesla Model X in front of a Tesla store
2020 Tesla Model X | Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images

For another electric SUV, consider the 2020 Tesla Model X. This Tesla SUV offers up more range than any electric SUV on the road today, U.S. News reports. In fact, the Tesla Model X delivers up to 360 miles of range when you opt for a long rage model. Treat yourself to the Tesla Model X Plaid instead, and you can expect this luxury electric SUV to deliver up to 340 miles of range.

U.S. News gave the 2020 Tesla Model X some high marks too. In fact, the organization gave it an 8.4 overall score, ranking it slightly ahead of the 2020 Jaguar I-Pace. According to U.S. News, the Tesla Model X ranks near the top of the luxury electric SUV segment thanks to its “swift acceleration, buttoned-down handling, superb all-electric driving range, spacious cabin, and advanced features.”

Perhaps the only downside to the Tesla Model X is its build quality. According to U.S. News, its interior build quality isn’t the most consistent. In fact, reviewers identified many inconsistent gaps between the SUV’s interior panels. Consumer Reports made a similar observation, though with the SUV’s exterior. 

“While not counted as interior fit and finish defects, there were also some exterior and body finish issues that we seldom encounter in luxury cars, including roughly-finished spots and gaps around the wheel well trim.”

Consumer Reports

The 2021 Audi e-tron is the best luxury electric SUV

A blue 2021 Audi e-tron parked outdoors, the best luxury electric SUV
2021 Audi e-tron | Audi

As for the best luxury electric SUV? That honor went to the 2021 Audi e-tron. U.S. News gave it an 8.5 overall score, ranking it just slightly ahead of the Tesla Model X. According to the organization, the electric SUV’s high marks can be attributed to its engaging ride, eager acceleration, and standard all-wheel drive. This year’s model also offers up to 222 miles of estimated range, which is slightly lower than its competitors. Fortunately, the new Audi e-tron does have plenty else to offer.

Slip behind the wheel of this luxury electric SUV, and you’ll be pleased to find that it makes nary a compromise when it comes to interior amenities. In fact, standard are sought-after features like leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The e-tron also comes outfitted with tech-savvy amenities like dual touch screens, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. 

The Audi e-tron has more to offer than luxury amenities too. As it turns out, this electric SUV is very safe. It comes standard with several driver-assist safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alerts, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. With so many safety features to its name, it’s no surprise that the 2021 Audi e-tron is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

Which luxury electric SUV is the right choice for you?

If you’re hoping to treat yourself to a luxury electric SUV, U.S. News’ list makes for an excellent place to start. In fact, before making any final decisions, we recommend taking each of these options out for a spin. After all, that is the best way to determine which luxury electric SUV is the right choice for you.

RELATED: Does Google Maps Show EV Charging Stations?

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