Was The Amazon Echo Auto Prime Day’s Biggest Steal?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ah, Prime Day, the perfect day to load up on all the technology most people probably wouldn’t have bothered to purchase on any other day. That being said, Prime Day does offer some exciting deals from time to time. This year’s Prime Day may have come and gone, but the relief or regret of passing up on some of Amazon’s big discounts could last for much longer. So, what is the company’s newest auto accessory, the Amazon Echo Auto, and was it the best deal of Prime Day?

A shopaholic’s perfect day

Amazon Warehouse | Nathan Stirk via Getty Images

Prime Day is about as close to a national or even global holiday that a sale day can come because of how ubiquitous Amazon has become. The company now delivers food and medicine on top of the infinite list of products it offers. Amazon’s appeal has always been its pricing, variety, and speed of delivery.

Amazon Prime is the brand’s unique rewards/perks subscription service. Being a Prime member comes with benefits like free two-day, one-day, and even same-day delivery depending on the product and area it is shipping from. The subscription also includes Amazon’s video streaming service Prime Video, which offers Amazon exclusive films and shows. Then, there are the savings that come with being a member.

Prime Day is the ultimate savings day for Prime members. It’s the day most members get an offer they can’t refuse. Having enough willpower to deny the tech deals and various knick-knacks is a commendable rarity. The brand has found a way to make Prime Day even more addicting and popular by offering deals on its original products.

Noteworthy Amazon original products include the Kindle e-reader, Fire tablet, and Fire stick streaming device. The company’s most recent hit-product is the Amazon Echo, a personal assistant device that includes many smart features designed around making the lives of consumers easier (and more reliant on Amazon).

Amazon’s newest auto accessory

The Amazon Echo Auto.
The Amazon Echo Auto | Amazon

The Amazon Echo has been heavily marketed toward consumers, and it has caught on. Owners use the device to help keep organized and control smart devices through voice. The Echo Auto offers the same experience but brings that organization and convenience to your car. It isn’t Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but it comes with its own quirky features.

The auto accessory uses the Alexa app to connect users to Alexa from inside their vehicle. Drivers can then use Alexa’s voice control to make calls, set reminders, play music, and check the news, all while driving. Auto Mode turns smartphones into a display for the Echo Auto and reveals helpful easy-touch shortcut features.

Deal or no deal?

The Amazon Echo Auto.
The Amazon Echo Auto | Amazon

The device will usually run consumers $49.99, but Prime Day is a magical day. According to The Drive, this year, Prime members were able to snag an Echo Auto for just $15. A 70% discount is pretty steep, even for Prime Day. The discount also captures the essence of the Echo Auto. It’s not essential, it is an affordable accessory that could be fun to have, and its low price perfectly represents that.

Knowing that Amazon still profits after such a steep discount does devalue the Echo Auto, but it also brings much-needed attention to the accessory. Its ideal target audience is folks with older vehicles that don’t incorporate the tech that the Echo Auto features. Drivers that have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay could care less about the accessory. Another huge pitfall is its limited compatibility.

The Amazon Echo Auto can bring some older automobiles into the future with Alexa or satisfy fans of the personal assistant that want an Echo around 24/7. The company’s new auto accessory could be the biggest steal for grandma, grandpa, and Alexa-lovers, but this huge discount was one most average consumers could afford to miss. Hopefully, next Prime day brings some more memorable tech deals.

RELATED: Amazon Can Now Install Your Electric Vehicle Charger

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How to Spec Your 2021 Buick Encore GX Entry-Level Luxury SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying an entry-level luxury SUV can be a great way to get all of the features and qualities you want from a seemingly more expensive vehicle without breaking through your budget. SUV options like the 2021 Buick Encore GX sit on the cusp of average and luxury, but the price is surprisingly low. It’s far from the most popular SUV in its price range, too, where most people prefer the common options from Nissan and Toyota. Because of that, the 2021 Buick Encore GX stands out from the crowd, and if you’re interested in getting the best value out of it, here are the best ways to spec one out, according to Edmunds.

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

The Buick Encore GX | Raymond Boyd, Getty Images

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has a very friendly entry-level MSRP of $26,260, and while it isn’t exactly the cheapest brand new SUV you can buy, it does well to compete with its lower price. The value of the vehicle doesn’t increase dramatically as you go up in trim levels or even add options, making it reasonable to go for a higher trim level than the base model. If you want to compare each trim level by price, you won’t be disappointed:

  • Buick Encore GX Preferred: $26,260
  • Buick Encore GX Select: $28,600
  • Buick Encore GX Essence: $33,135

With only three trim levels to pick from, it might seem easy to balance all of the differences to decide which one is really worth the money. When it comes to the overall picture, Edmunds rated the 2021 Buick Encore GX pretty highly regardless of what trim level you choose by looking at the vehicle overall. But, the reviewers did have a favorite trim level option, and it wouldn’t hurt to add on some optional packages, either.

Overall the 2021 Buick Encore GX has a lot of positive aspects to it regardless of what trim levels or packages you choose. It’s modern styling outside hints at the upscale interior that works to make the car feel like a true entry-level luxury SUV. Besides appearances, it offers a responsive and surprisingly sharp driving and handling experience while still remaining comfortable and collected. But, when it comes down to it, you can only pick one trim level (well, unless you are buying two or three SUVs) and according to Edmunds, the best trim level to buy is the mid-tier Select option.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Select trim offers all of the driving aids and standard safety features of the base model, along with a few luxury options that you would expect from higher-end luxury vehicles. This includes the cold-weather comfort package, which offers a remote start, adjustable driver’s seat, and heated seats. You can also expect roof rails for extra cargo and storage, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear armrest, and the addition of even more driving aids like rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring.

Additional packages and options worth considering

For the 2021 Buick Encore GX Select, there are two packages available that might spark your interest, though they will increase the price slightly, of course. Of all of the options, you can’t go wrong with the hands-free liftgate, which makes loading groceries and cargo so much more comfortable. You can also opt for the Sport Touring package on this trim level as well.

The upgrade to the Advanced Technology package is perfect for buyers who want something tech-savvy and full of modern-day features. With this package, you get useful features such as a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and navigation.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has several trim levels, options, and packages to choose from, and you may not know what you want or can get until you check them all out. When it comes down to purchasing a new vehicle, most buyers have a general idea of what features and options they are looking for, but also want to balance them with cost to make sure they are getting the best value that they can, and with the mid-level Encore GX and optional packages, you can get everything you’re looking for without breaking the bank.

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The Aging Chevy Colorado Is Finally Being Redesigned

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s a little surprising that the Chevrolet Colorado is up for a redesign already. It still looks great. However, the third generation was introduced way back in 2015. That’s why the 2023 Chevy Colorado will be totally redesigned. 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado is getting incredible upgrades 

2023 Chevy Colorado rendering | AutoBison

According to Motor Authority, the 2023 Chevy Colorado has been spotted for the first time. However, the truck is heavily camouflaged in the photos. Also, it’s about time this truck got a makeover. The Chevrolet Colorado is currently competing against newer versions of the Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier. 

It looks like the new Colorado has slim headlights that are similar to the options found on the Silverado. It has sharper lines for a more defined shape, too, especially around the front fenders. 

It’s safe to expect new LED headlights and taillights with revised bumpers. Also, from the photos, you might be able to see the indents of a CornerStep rear bumper and a single-exit side exhaust tip on the passenger side. 

What to expect with the 2023 Colorado 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado may use an updated version of the current model’s 31XX platform. However, it looks like the truck is getting a little larger in size. The spy shots probably show a crew cab with a short bed, but a single cab variant and long bed options could be available. 

Rumors suggest that the Colorado could gain the Sierra’s 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the GMC Sierra can tow up to 9,100 lbs. However, it’s unclear if the Colorado will gain more muscle. The current model can already tow up to 7,700 lbs, which is more than rivals. 

The 2023 Colorado might gain an electric battery platform too. A V6 hybrid option may appear before an EV variant arrives. The current powertrain options could be carried over as well, giving us hope for the diesel inline-four. 

Plus, it could adopt General Motors’ new Global B electric architecture, which is known as the Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP). It allows over-the-air (OTA) updates to all vehicle components and allows for the latest infotainment and active safety tech. 

What will the 2023 Colorado interior be like? 

It’s hard to say what the 2023 Chevy Colorado interior will be like at the moment. Chevrolet is still keeping things under wraps. However, it’s safe to expect a new modern layout with higher-quality materials and a little more space. 

Upgrade tech features may include a larger infotainment screen with updated graphics, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new digital gauge cluster display, and possibly a head-up display. 

The 2023 Colorado is expected to arrive about six months after the 2022 Ford Ranger is released. Until then, we will have to wait to learn more. It will be built in the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri beside its cousin, the 2023 GMC Canyon. GM invested $1 billion into the facility to build these new midsize pickups, so it’s safe to predict that significant upgrades are on the way. 

RELATED: The Chevy Colorado Has a Surprising Resale Value

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The 2022 Acura MDX Type S Leaves Other SUVs in the Dust

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Acura, Japanese automaker Honda’s luxury division, produces quality automobiles like its parent company. Acura’s SUVs have gained a devoted fan base thanks to the standard of luxury and performance that they offer. The times have changed, and the standards have risen, but the Acura MDX remains one of the top competitors in its class. The 2022 Acura MDX Type S outclasses all of its rivals.

The competition is stiff

The Acura MDX | John Taggart/Bloomberg via Getty Images

It’s hard to outdo Acura’s previous SUVs. The brand has mastered the art of manufacturing powerful vehicles with premium materials and technology. As a result, the luxury crossover usually provides an entertaining driving experience. Acura is also diligent with keeping its technology up to date.

Despite Acura’s history of delivering an enjoyable luxury crossover to consumers, the competition is still stiff. The Acura MDX is available in many trims, but the 2022 Acura MDX Type S is the trim that makes the competition eat its dust. The Type S’ V6 engine makes a massive 355 horsepower.

The 2022 Acura MDX | Acura

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S: Top of its class

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S is a complete unicorn in the luxury crossover market. The SUV uses the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine as the popular 2021 Acura TLX Type S, a model known for its performance. This is the sportiest version of the MDX consumers have ever seen, and it’s difficult for other luxury crossovers to compare.

The 2021 Kia Telluride has received recognition for being a great all-around SUV. With a max horsepower of 291, it hardly can compete with the 2022 Acura MDX Type S’ powertrain. When it comes to the new MDX, good just isn’t good enough.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has great fuel efficiency and is incredibly stylish. The SUV is considered as a breath of fresh air in its class to many. Still, it just isn’t the same type of beast as the 2022 Acura MDX Type S. Even the CX-5 trim that includes a turbocharged engine only makes 250 horsepower, over 100 hp less than the MDX Type S. The interior is luxurious, but Acura offers premium cabins as well. The CX-5 is an amazing SUV, but the numbers don’t lie when it comes to performance. Even luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and Lexus RX can’t compare.

A league of its own

The 2022 Acura MDX.
The 2022 Acura MDX | Acura

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the brand’s signature all-wheel drive system. It also features a Sport+ drive mode specially made for the Type S. The MDX Type S uses Brembo front brakes, adding to the performance feel and aesthetic.

According to MotorTrend, The luxury SUV can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds, making it easily one of the fastest SUVs Acura has ever produced. The towing capacity is still a maximum of 5,000 lbs like the standard version, but its speed and power make up for its lack of increase in towing capacity.

The 2022 Acura MDX Type S is essentially an SUV inhabited by the spirit of a sports car. Think Acura TLX Type S but roomier and with a nicer cabin. Acura is constantly pushing the envelope and improving upon its vehicle designs. That consistent innovation and drive to create unique experiences has created an SUV that is in a league of its own.

RELATED: The Redesigned 2022 Acura MDX Is Worth the 2-Year Wait

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