by Gabrielle DeSantis

Dealer incentives are scarce amid the semiconductor shortage. Now, GMC is offering a different kind of incentive to Yukon Denali owners: free WiFi. On the surface, it’s not a terrible idea. The recent shifts in the auto market are forcing people away from dealerships and into the used market, if not out of the market entirely. However, is free WiFi something people will actually use? More to the point, is it worth it on what can easily be an $80,000 vehicle?

GMC WiFi lets you work from anywhere

2021 GMC Yukon Denali | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

As the ramifications from the COVID-19 pandemic begin to decline and people return to work, a new work culture has emerged. An increasing number of companies are allowing employees to work from home entirely or only visit the office periodically. That appears to be the inspiration behind the brand’s free WiFi offer.

Additionally, the program seems to be an interesting way to get people out of their home office, which according to this study by Indeed, can help with those feeling burnt out by working from home and looking for a change of scenery. It’s important to point out that the range of the WiFi network in GMC models allows you to work near the vehicle in addition to in it. However, there is a bit of a catch.

Dealer incentives are few and far between

A white Yukon Denali at an auto show
2021 Yukon Denali | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

This nice little incentive is somewhat hampered by the fact that existing owners are the only ones eligible for the program. Now, that could potentially mean that you’d be able to go out and buy any number of new GMC models and then qualify for the program. However, there’s another small snag. The offer is only available to the first 20,210 vehicle owners. As such, if you’re interested, you’d better ring up your local dealer as soon as you can to take advantage.

Regardless, we should be happy this incentive exists. It’s an interesting play well outside the norms of dealer incentives. Now, in an increasingly tight auto market, dealers are looking to innovate. With any luck, this type of incentive will catch on and lead to yet more interesting perks of new car buying. To some consumers, the convenience of a portable WiFi network based around their vehicle is worth more than your standard lease discount.

Is free WiFi enough to bring in buyers?

A red Yukon Denali with its tailgate open at an auto show
’21 GMC Yukon Denali | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

But, is free WiFi really that much of a convenience? Like many aspects of car buying, it depends on what you want out of your vehicle. Maybe you’ve had your fill of working from home and would like to be able to work “out of office” every once in a while. Or maybe, you’re like me, and the thought of you leaving the home office you’ve invested much time and money building is a horrible thought. Regardless, it’s good to see GMC making an effort to do more for their customers in interesting and unique new ways.

RELATED: GMC Hummer EV vs. Tesla Model X: Off-Roading Machines?

The post Make GMC Your Internet Provider With Free in-Car Wifi appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s no denying that Toyota has a solid reputation for performance, practicality, and reliability. The brand has also earned itself plenty of accolades. In fact, U.S. News tapped four Toyota models as the Best Cars for the Money. It also awarded the automaker with four 2021 Best Cars For Families accolades. Most recently, U.S. News highlighted the best new Toyota models. Let’s talk about some of the most popular new Toyota models that made the list.

Some of the best Toyota models are new SUVs

While Toyota’s 2021 lineup offers everything from sedans to pickups, sports cars, hybrids, and even a minivan, models like the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the RAV4 Hybrid make up some of the best new Toyota models. Both new SUVs earned an 8.0 overall score, which is nothing short of impressive. According to U.S. News, the RAV4 Hybrid also won its Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money award for 2021. As for the gas-powered RAV4? It received U.S. News’ Best Compact SUV for Families Award in 2021.

If the RAV4 isn’t quite your style, U.S. News also included the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the Highlander Hybrid among its picks for the best new Toyota models. While the Highlander SUV earned a 7.8 overall score, the Highlander Hybrid SUV secured a slightly higher overall score of 8.0 out of 10. Though, the difference in ratings isn’t too surprising. As it turns out, the Highlander Hybrid was tapped as the Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families in 2021.

The 2021 Sienna is the best new Toyota for families

2021 Toyota Sienna | Toyota

This year’s new Toyota lineup offers no shortage of vehicles to choose from. That’s especially true when it comes to car shoppers in the market for the best family car. That should make it no surprise that the 2021 Toyota Sienna made U.S. News’ list of the best new Toyota models. After all, it did earn itself an 8.3 overall score.

But a high overall score isn’t all that the 2021 Sienna has going for it. According to U.S. News, the new Toyota Sienna offers up plenty of interior space, along with seating for up to eight passengers. It’s also comfortable enough to drive daily and comes well-stocked with the latest tech. 

This year’s model comes standard with plenty of driver-assist safety features, too, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. With so many standard driver-assist safety features to its name, it’s no surprise that this year’s model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. 

The 2021 Toyota Supra is a new luxury sports car

Toyota’s 2021 lineup features a new luxury sports car, too, the 2021 Toyota Supra. U.S. News even tapped it as one of the best new Toyota models. Though, U.S. News had plenty of reasons to do so. This year’s new Supra earned itself an 8.3 overall score and outranks new luxury sports cars like the 2021 Jaguar F-Type, Acura NSX, and the BMW Z4. Naturally, that’s not all the 2021 Supra has going for it.

According to U.S. News, the new Supra offers “punchy acceleration, agile handling, and quick steering.” Its interior is as stylish as it is comfortable too. And when it comes to cargo space? The 2021 Toyota Supra offers up a surprising amount of trunk space. Further, this year’s model is available with several enticing features, including integrated navigation, a heads-up display, and Qi wireless smartphone charging. 

The 2021 Toyota Camry is the best new Toyota model

A black 2021 Toyota Camry parked, the 2021 Toyota Camry is one of the best new Toyota models
2021 Toyota Camry | Toyota

While the 2021 Supra may be a blast to drive, it’s not the most practical vehicle that Toyota has to offer. Fortunately, the 2021 Toyota Camry and the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid were also included in U.S. News’ list of the best new Toyota models. Both new sedans earned an 8.4 overall score. The 2021 Toyota Camry was also tapped as the 2021 Best Midsize Car for the Money.

As for which Toyota Camry model is the best pick of the two? It all comes down to what you’re looking for. While both vehicles offer plenty of power under the hood, along with a spacious interior, and several standard driver-assistance features, it’s the Toyota Camry Hybrid that’s remarkably fuel-efficient. In fact, the Camry Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway, and, compared to the average new car, will save you up to $4,000 in fuel costs over five years. That’s definitely nothing to scoff at.

What is the best Toyota to buy?

If you’re shopping for a new car and are after the best of the best, you really can’t go wrong with a new Toyota. To determine which model is the best Toyota to buy, we recommend asking yourself what you’re looking for in your next car. If it’s a fuel-efficient sedan that you’re after, consider the 2021 Camry Hybrid. And if you’d prefer a new SUV? Try taking the 2021 Highlander or the 2021 RAV4 out for a test drive.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Confirms the Toyota Camry Is Still the Midsize Sedan to Beat

The post The Best New Toyota Models Shouldn’t Surprise You appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

More drivers are considering switching from gas to electric, but finding affordable models is still a concern. Consumers also want enough electric range to get to their destinations and back without frequent charging. The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 looks like it might fill both of those needs nicely, but it has some competition. 

The 2020 Kia Niro EV has made a positive impression on critics for its value and performance. However, Car and Driver shows that one of these EVs easily tops the other.

Driving the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

In C/D’s opinion, the Volkswagen ID.4 provided the better driving experience overall. Though it doesn’t have the quickest acceleration from the get-go, its power delivery is so smooth that drivers won’t mind the wait. The ID.4 also boasts a quiet interior that isn’t easily jostled by bumps in the road.

The ID.4 is powered by a 201-hp motor paired with a 77-kWh battery pack capable of 250 miles. However, during C/D’s official highway-only driving test, the ID.4 had a range of only 210 miles. Its battery also needs more power to get the same range as the Kia Niro EV. However, C/D found that the ID.4’s battery recharges faster.

You also can’t turn off stability control while driving, which hampers its performance potential. Still, C/D’s testers loved riding on its 20-inch wheels. It also provides a comfortable interior and ample cargo space, with over 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

In addition, the Volkswagen ID.4 features an all-new infotainment system, complete with a bright 12-inch touchscreen. Disappointingly, the system is slow and difficult to navigate, C/D reported. On the plus side, it comes with plenty of standard convenience and safety tech.

According to Volkswagen, the ID.4 retails for $39,995. However, C/D’s test model ended up costing $45,190 with options. And the 1st Edition model, already sold out, costs $4,000 extra.

How the 2020 Kia Niro EV compares

The Kia Niro EV is definitely quicker off the starting line, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. It accomplishes this with an electric motor capable of 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. Like the Volkswagen ID.4, the Niro EV fell somewhat short of its estimated range during highway driving.

Though the Niro was more efficient than the ID.4, its overall handling didn’t impress C/D. Also, its smaller tires make a lot of noise when pushed to their limits, requiring more braking distance. However, its regenerative braking still shines when this EV travels at a leisurely pace.

The Kia Niro EV also offers a quiet ride, but some might dislike the driver’s seat’s high position. The rear seats aren’t as roomy as the ID.4’s seating but are still comfortable. Testers also thought the Niro’s interior has too many hard plastics at its price point.

And cargo room is lacking compared to the ID.4, and the rear seats don’t fold flat. The infotainment screen is also smaller, but C/D had no complaints about its functionality.

The Kia Niro EV EX retails for $39,090, while the EX Premium costs $44,590. C/D’s testers ordered more options, which brought their Niro EV’s total cost to a whopping $47,145.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is the better choice

The Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia Niro EV are evenly matched in pricing and range. However, the ID.4’s ride is more balanced, and it boasts a better interior. Though Kia Niro EV might be more exciting to drive, it needs improvement in other areas.

RELATED: Reasonably Priced 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Is a Serious Competitor

The post 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs. 2020 Kia Niro EV — Which EV Deserves Your Money? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Among the brands pledging to go all-electric, some are just starting to dip their toes into the metaphorical pool. Others, though, like Volvo, are beginning to properly swim. Not only does Volvo have an electric vehicle sub-brand, Polestar, but it’s also begun rolling out EVs badged as Volvos. And recently, the Swedish automaker rolled out a concept car that it calls “a manifesto” for its future EVs: the Volvo Concept Recharge.

The Volvo Concept Recharge is a preview of electric Volvos to come…with suicide doors

Volvo Concept Recharge | Volvo

Taking the form of a two-row SUV, the Volvo Concept Recharge is the brand’s way of demonstrating its upcoming EVs’ design language. In other words, all future electric Volvos will resemble and/or take inspiration from it in some way. And that doesn’t just apply to the Concept Recharge’s appearance, either.

As Car and Driver notes, Volvo’s current electric models, such as the XC40 Recharge, ride on platforms designed for internal combustion powertrains. But the brand’s working on a dedicated EV platform for its future products that will likely feature a floor-mounted battery pack. Many other EV companies, such as Rivian and Tesla, rely on this setup. And it’s a setup that the Volvo Concept Recharge takes advantage of with its design.

For example, the floor-mounted pack’s space demands mean the SUV’s wheels are pushed relatively far out. That gives the Volvo Concept Recharge extra interior space and a completely flat floor, Motor1 notes. And because the floor is relatively low, it means the electric Volvo concept can have a slopey, aerodynamic roof without causing headroom issues, MotorTrend explains. Plus, the lack of an engine in front means the hood is lower for better range and efficiency. Also, the seats are more spread out.

That being said, the Volvo Concept Recharge does share some design elements with the brand’s current cars. The ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED DRLs come immediately to mind, as do the vertical rear lighting elements. And the electric concept’s interior features the same minimalist design modern Volvos feature.

A new look isn’t the only thing the EV concept demonstrates, though

The maroon-and-gray interior of the Volvo Concept Recharge
Volvo Concept Recharge interior | Volvo

Speaking of the interior, it uses “natural and sustainable materials,” MT says, from the wood trim to the seat fabrics. It also features a relatively large heads-up display, a 15” center touchscreen, and a configurable digital gauge cluster. And not only are the seats mounted on pedestals for more legroom, but they also have built-in footrests.

The interior is also where the Volvo Concept Recharge shows off another brand hallmark: safety. For one, the rear captain’s chairs’ cushions can raise and lower to act like built-in child booster seats. And mounted on top of the windshield is a lidar sensor, one part of the concept’s 360° sensor suite. It’s part of Volvo’s planned Level 3 driver-assistance package, which should function like GM’s Super Cruise, MT says.

Will the Concept Recharge become a real production electric Volvo?

To be sure, suicide doors are available on a few production cars. But the Volvo Concept Recharge is a design study, so it won’t be on sale anytime soon, The Drive reports.

However, as noted earlier, elements of the Concept Recharge’s design will appear on future Volvo products. One of them, the lidar sensor, is already confirmed for the 2022 XC90 successor. Said successor will also likely closely resemble the Concept Recharge, Car and Driver muses.

At least in terms of design, then, Volvo’s electric future looks fairly sleek.

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RELATED: The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Just Earned the Highest Safety Award Possible

The post Volvo’s Electric Future Looks Like the Concept Recharge appeared first on MotorBiscuit.