There’s 1 Type of Driver That Won’t Want the 2021 Jaguar XF

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you want a new Jaguar sedan, the XF is your only option. And the XF has a hefty discount thanks to sluggish sales, making it a great entry-level luxury car. However, the Jaguar XF has seen one controversial change this year that might turn some shoppers away.

The automaker nixed the V6 engine, leaving the XF with only two 2.0-liter turbo-fours. Its interior is still befitting of a high-end model, but what about performance? According to MotorTrend, the XF might disappoint one type of driver.

Who shouldn’t buy the 2021 Jaguar XF?

MotorTrend tested the more powerful motor of the two, producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s available only with all-wheel drive and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive XF models pack a turbo-four making 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with the same transmission.

The AWD-only XF 30t is reportedly quicker than the 25t, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. However, when MotorTrend tested the car, it was almost a full second slower than advertised. The all-season tires also reduced the XF’s braking performance, made worse by the stuttering transmission. 

Though it can’t handle the twistiness of a test track, the Jaguar XF still handles corners well during everyday driving. Because the suspension is tuned for comfort, most imperfections under the wheels won’t disturb riders. And fuel efficiency is surprisingly decent, with the XF 25t getting about 25/34 mpg city/highway.

The Jaguar XF might be a fine cruiser, but the supercharged V6 allows it to reach its full potential. It harnesses 380 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, pushing the 2020 XF to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. It’s definitely not as efficient as the turbo-fours, rated for 20/28 mpg city/highway.

If you’re looking for a sporty ride, the 2021 Jaguar XF probably isn’t for you. The V6 probably won’t return, thanks to the lack of customer demand, the automaker said.

What’s the 2021 model like inside?

Unsatisfying powertrain options aside, the Jaguar XF’s updated interior impressed MotorTrend. The XF can still seat only five, but the front seats are wider than before. Supportive leather seats come standard, with dual-zone climate control and heating controls for the front riders.

The backseat is also roomy without compromising the XF’s ample cargo area. The dashboard now has some open-pore wood, which MotorTrend says produces a delightfully fresh scent. The shifting lever and drive-mode selector are new, too, as are the climate control knobs. 

The center stack now has a curved 11.4-inch touchscreen and a standard wireless charging pad. The graphics are sharper and faster than the outgoing system, and drivers can also marvel at the new digital gauge cluster. A Meridian audio system and smartphone integration come standard, as do several useful driver’s aids.

Shoppers can spruce up the 2021 Jaguar XF even more with ventilated seats for everyone and heated second-row seats (they come standard in the front row). Buyers can also upgrade the Meridian sound system to 17 speakers and choose an optional head-up display. Other extras, such as adaptive dampers and a fancy rear spoiler, might make the XF slightly more engaging to drive.

Who should buy the 2021 Jaguar XF?

Despite its disappointing performance, the Jaguar XF offers excellent ride quality. MotorTrend reports that the fully loaded models are as nice as a Mercedes-Benz sedan but without the hefty price tag. The XF’s insulated and spacious interior also makes this car an excellent choice for families.

RELATED: Jaguar Just Killed Most of Its 2021 Jaguar XF Trim Levels

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The 2021 Tesla Model 3 Is the Most American-Made Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For many car shoppers, where the car they’re thinking about buying comes from is a priority. Many Americans want to buy only American-made vehicles. When people think of American made cars, SUVs and trucks, they often think of the mainstays: Ford, Chevy and Dodge. And yet none of these are the most American made car. That distinction goes to a surprising vehicle: the Tesla Model 3. 

2021 Tesla Model 3 | Tesla

How was the list of most American cars made?

To rank the most “American” cars, Cars.com collected information about a number of vehicles including where their parts came from. This includes the U.S. and Canada. It’s important to note that Cars.com gathered this information from the Monroney labels, which includes Canada in its American parts category. 

Cars.com also used statistics about U.S. factory employment, as well as where engines and transmissions come from. It didn’t include vehicles with small production numbers, fleet-only vehicles, and vehicles in their last year of production. After taking all of this into account, the Tesla Model 3 topped the list of most American cars. 

Many people have no idea where Teslas are made. They’d be surprised to learn that the Tesla Model 3 is made in Fremont, California. Because the number of parts made or sourced in each car is part of the calculation of the most American made cars, that means that most of the Tesla parts are made in America, too. 

What makes the Tesla so American?

It’s important to remember that an electric vehicle will have less parts than a traditional fuel-powered car. Because of this, there are less chances for a car to have parts sourced from, or made overseas. Additionally, Tesla makes most of its parts itself, and they do this in their California plant as well. 

In previous years, Tesla didn’t top the list because of its batteries. In the past, the batteries for Tesla’s electric vehicles were made in Japan. Since Panasonic began making their lithium-ion batteries in Nevada though, that has changed.

Last year the Tesla Model 3 was ranked number four on the Cars.com index of the most American cars. Its sibling, the Model S, was ranked number three. This year the Tesla Model S didn’t make it onto the list at all, because of updated production and a lack of information about where its parts are made. However, the Tesla Model Y takes number three, with only the Ford Mustang separating them. 

The Tesla Model 3 is an affordable option for an American made EV

The basic 2021 Tesla Model 3 costs $39,990 and gets up to 263 miles on a full charge. If you have range anxiety or need more mileage from your car on a regular basis, you can opt for the Long Range car, which offers up to 353 miles per charge. This will set you back $48,990.

Other positives if you’re considering purchasing a Tesla Model Y are its good crash test ratings: the NHTSA gave it a five-star rating, and it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

Even if you aren’t interested in the Tesla Model 3, there are still plenty of other options on the list of American made cars. And there might be a few more that surprise you. 

RELATED: The Tesla Model Y Is On a Price Roller Coaster, and It’s Making People Dizzy

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The Smaller Chevy Tahoe Is More Popular Than Its Big Sibling Chevy Suburban

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban are among the most popular SUVs in America. Although the two are in the same vehicle family and share many traits, these siblings also have several differences. And sales numbers reveal that bigger isn’t always better. In fact, the smaller Chevy Tahoe is more popular than the Suburban.

More consumers choose the Chevy Tahoe over the Suburban

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe is a full-size SUV that’s in high demand. According to GoodCarBadCar and GM Authority sales data, unit sales have been consistently higher for the Tahoe than the Suburban over the past few years.

In 2018, Chevrolet sold 104,152 Tahoe units — 43,000 more than the Suburban. In 2019, the Tahoe experienced a slight drop in sales, with 101,189 new units sold nationwide. Even with the slight decrease in sales, Chevrolet sold nearly twice as many Tahoe units as Suburban units in 2019.

2020 was a challenging year for everyone, including the automotive industry. People hunkered down at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, resulting in a temporary drop in demand for new vehicles. Considering how drastically the pandemic changed lives during 2020, Chevrolet still performed well and sold 88,237 Tahoes in the United States, more than double the number of Suburbans.

These 2 full-size SUVs have plenty in common

Buyers typically consider the sales price when purchasing a vehicle. The Chevy Suburban’s MSRP starts at $52,300. The Tahoe has a slightly lower starting price of $49,600. Because the base prices for the two are so similar, cost probably isn’t a factor in popularity.

Both SUVs are engine options. The 5.3-liter V8 makes 355 hp, and the upgraded 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 boasts a max of 420 hp. These massive SUVs are gas-guzzlers, rated for 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Large SUVs like the Suburban and Tahoe had an outstanding advantage during the pandemic due to their size. While many people stayed home in 2020 due to social distancing, others hopped into their SUVs and hit the open road for socially distanced camping trips.

The Chevy Suburban and Tahoe are impressive inside and out and offer smooth handling and a quiet ride. With third-row seating, plenty of cargo space, and all the latest infotainment features, these two SUVs pack plenty of fun into every trip.

But the Chevy Tahoe’s slightly smaller size is its strength

Though the mammoth Chevy Suburban packs the same engine power as the Tahoe, the beefy Suburban can tow only 8,300 pounds. That’s a whole 300 pounds less than its smaller sibling can tow. The Suburban needs a lot of engine power to support its weight, which likely contributes to its slightly lower max tow weight limit.

The Tahoe’s smaller size gives it an acceleration advantage. It can roar from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. The bulkier Suburban takes 7.1 seconds to reach the same speed. That’s still pretty impressive, considering its enormous size.

Though the Chevy Tahoe is smaller than the Suburban, both SUVs are massive. Consumers aren’t just buying new Tahoe models; they’re also happily purchasing used models, such as the 2018 Tahoe. U.S. sales consistently perform well and show no signs of slowing anytime soon. So no matter how luxurious the Suburban may be, the sales figures speak volumes: American drivers prefer the Tahoe.

RELATED: Is the Ford Expedition Bigger Than the Chevy Tahoe?

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Study: Alfa Romeo Drivers Are the Most Likely to Have a Speeding Ticket

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It is no secret that buying a quick and flashy car such as an Alfa Romeo will likely help you snag a speeding ticket. While the car itself certainly can’t press the accelerator for you, people interested in buying sporty vehicles such as Alfa Romeos certainly don’t do it to drive slowly. In fact, a new study found that these Italian cars are owned by the people most likely to have a speeding ticket on their record.

This recent study comes from Insurify, which looked at the national average for speeding tickets to determine which car brands have the most citations. Surprisingly, three of the top five are owned by Stellantis.

Why are Alfa Romeo owners most likely to get a speeding ticket?

2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Alfa Romeo

Since Alfa Romeo is at the top of this list of makes with the most speeding tickets, let’s start there. For context, Insurify reports that 10.53 percent of drivers on the road in the U.S. have at least one speeding violation on their record. However, Alfa Romeo owners far exceed that stat with 14.91 percent. This means that Alfa Romeo owners are 41.45 percent more likely to have a speeding violation than the average driver.

If you’re wondering which specific Alfa Romeo model is the worst offender, it’s the brand’s entry-level model, the Giulia. According to Insurify, 16.35 percent of Giulia owners have a speeding violation on their record. On the other hand, the safest drivers within this Italian brand are the Stelvio owners, of which only 12.08 percent have speeding violations.

Part of what makes these stats interesting is the fact that the brand’s mid-engined sports car, the 4C, didn’t manage to rack up a ton of tickets.

Here are the other speedy brands

A white 2021 Subaru WRX parked, the 2021 Subaru WRX is one of the fastest new cars under $40,000
2021 Subaru WRX | Subaru

As you might expect, Alfa Romeo is far from the only brand to have a speeding ticket issue. According to Insurify, Subaru follows closely behind with 12.41 percent of owners with a speeding violation. However, unlike Alfa Romeo, the bulk of Subaru’s citations come from WRX owners, of which 20.03 percent have a speeding violation on their record.

Next up is Volkswagen, with 12.24 percent of drivers with a speeding ticket on their record. As you might imagine, the main model responsible for this stat is also performance-oriented. That’s because 15.88 percent of GTI owners had a speeding violation on their record.

Maserati comes in third place, with 12.23 of its owners showing a speeding ticket on their record. This means that two of the top five brands feature Italian cars. The worst offender from Maserati is its sports car, the GranTurismo. That’s because 13.62 percent of its owners have a speeding ticket on their record.

Ram owners are the most likely to have a speeding ticket on their record

three ecodiesel 2021 ram 1500 models in gravel near a wooded lakeshore.
2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesl pickup trucks | Ram Trucks

RELATED: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Pay Your Speeding Ticket Immediately

Rounding up the top five spots is Ram as the truck brand with the most speeding tickets. Like Alfa Romeo and Maserati, Ram is owned by Stellantis. On average, 12.22 percent of Ram owners have a speeding violation on their record. The worst offenders are the 1500 owners, of which 12.28 have a speeding violation.

While none of the vehicles listed above play a part in their owners’ driving habits, it’s interesting regardless to see what kinds of vehicles speedy drivers buy.

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