The Most Dangerous Things You Should Never Do in Parking Garages and Lots

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When we think of car safety, we will often picture advanced safety features and careful driving. However, it is important to also consider your safety when entering and leaving your vehicle. According to FBI data from Crime Data Explorer, parking garages and lots are the third most common location of violent crimes in the United States. Here’s what you should know about the dangers of these areas, as well as tips for staying safe.

The dangers of garages and parking lots

The most recent FBI crime data comes from 2019. In that year, there were a total of 534,196 violent crimes in the United States. Of those, 34,618 — or six percent — occurred in a parking lot or garage. This makes parking lots and garages the third most common site of violent crimes, beaten only by personal residences (49 percent) and alleys or sidewalks (19 percent).

The data indicate that 133,989 victims were attacked by a complete stranger. Both victims and offenders were most commonly between the ages of 20 and 29, although 30- to 39-year-olds were also at high risk.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the FBI considers parking areas to be “among the most dangerous” places. The dangers of these areas are typically due to their design. Parking lots and garages are often poorly lit and isolated and are very easy for the general public to access. 

In fact, to improve car safety in these areas, Milwaukee implemented a new ordinance requiring owners of parking areas to provide police with detailed security plans before they’re able to open to the public. This increased focus on safety is a result of the 2019 death of a nurse practitioner, who was murdered while walking to her car after a shift.

Just one year earlier in another hospital’s parking lot, a woman was stabbed over a dozen times. She survived and brought a lawsuit claiming that the parking lot had a lack of adequate security.

What not to do

A parking garage | Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

While the onus is on the owners of these parking areas to provide increased safety measures, there are some actions you can avoid in order to improve your safety. Whenever possible, avoid parking in dark areas far away from the building you will be entering. The National Security Council (NSC) also advises against leaving purchases clearly visible within your vehicle.

Additionally, it is important to be aware that larger parking garages and lots are typically the most vulnerable to crime. Although you cannot always control this, if possible you should try to avoid large parking areas with heavy foot traffic, as these are easy for anyone to access. Instead, seek out parking areas with restricted access and/or heavy use of video surveillance equipment.

Car safety tips for parking in a garage or lot

There are a number of car safety tips you can follow to reduce the risks of parking structures. Perhaps the most important safety measure is simply increased awareness. Knowing that these areas are more dangerous than you might expect, you can pay increased attention to your surroundings at all times. If possible, avoid looking at your phone, listening to music, or lingering in the parking structure longer than necessary.  

The NSC states that one of the most vital steps you can take in deterring crime is being mindful of the parking spot you choose. Try to stay in well-lit areas, and park as close as possible to your intended location. When entering your car, lock your doors as soon as you are inside.

Violent crimes are always the fault of the perpetrator, not the victim. However, an increased awareness of potential threats can help keep you safe in these dangerous areas.

RELATED: 5 Best and 5 Worst Cities for Car Theft in the U.S.

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2022 Honda Civic vs. Toyota Corolla: Which Sedan Is Faster?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The rivalry between the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic is a heated one. And it’s only getting more so with the launch of the redesigned 2022 Civic Sedan. Being compact sedans, Corolla and Civic buyers aren’t necessarily focused on speed. But then, no one wants to struggle to merge onto the highway. Hence why YouTube team Throttle House lined up a 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Touring and a 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE to see which was quicker.

The 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Touring gets more power, but not necessarily more speed

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Touring | Honda

Although redesigned, the 2022 Honda Civic Sedan has the same engines as its 2021 predecessor. The lower LX and Sport trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the EX and Touring have a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. And in the 2022 Civic Sedan, both engines only pair with a CVT.

However, the 1.5-liter engine is slightly more powerful going into 2022. Instead of 174 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque, it now makes 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. And it also has a slightly higher EPA city fuel-economy rating.

The 2022 Honda Civic Sedan’s redesign gave it a stiffer chassis and retuned suspension, but also a slightly higher curb weight. Honda claims the weight gain hasn’t changed the car’s performance. However, based on Car and Driver’s testing, that might not be the case.

In Car and Driver’s hands, the previous-gen Civic Sedan Touring went 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The 2022 Civic Sedan Touring, though, needed 7.5 seconds to do the same. It’s a similar story with the cars’ ¼-mile times. Car and Driver found the 2022 car ran the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds, 0.6 seconds more than the previous-gen model.

It’s worth noting that Car and Driver’s test 2022 Civic Sedan was a low-mileage example. So, the powertrain might not have been properly broken in yet; with more miles, acceleration could improve.

On paper, the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE might struggle to go fast

A gray 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE next to a white 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE parked underneath a city bridge
2021 Toyota Corolla XSE (left) next to a 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE | Toyota

However, those test figures might still give the 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Touring the win. Because on paper, the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE is a bit out-gunned.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE eschews turbocharging for a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s rated at 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, sent, as in the Civic, to the front wheels. On the plus side for enthusiasts, you can get the Corolla XSE with a manual. However, it’s only available on the Corolla Hatchback. Instead, the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE exclusively comes with a CVT.

Although Car and Driver found the 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Touring slower than expected, in testing, the Toyota Corolla XSE was even slower. Not only is it down on power compared to the Civic Touring, but it’s also slightly heavier. As a result, Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds and a ¼-mile of 16.3 seconds.

Things only get worse for the Toyota Corolla XSE when looking at other speed-related metrics. In its 5-60 mph, 30-50 mph, and 50-70 mph tests, Car and Driver found the Corolla was consistently slower than the Civic. To be fair, the difference between the two was typically 0.1 or 0.2 seconds. But that’s still slower—at least, on paper.

Which was faster in Throttle House’s tests?

The Throttle House co-hosts’ races were straightforward. First, the sedans lined up for a standing-start ¼-mile drag race. The cars then repeated the run, but from a rolling start rather than a standing one.

Sadly, for the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE, its on-paper disadvantage carried over to the real world. Although the XSE did slightly better in the rolling race, the 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Touring beat it both times. In a straight line, it’s the faster compact sedan.

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RELATED: The 2022 Honda Civic Sedan Makes a Great Car Even Better

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Steal a 2021 GMC Terrain With This Great Lease Deal

by Gabrielle DeSantis

GMC knows how to make an SUV. The Yukon Denali is one of the more popular large SUV options at the moment, and for good reason. But, a gigantic 18-row V8-powered monster of a vehicle is not what everyone needs. Nor is the depreciation associated with buying a brand new SUV. That’s where this fantastic deal on a new 2021 Terrain compact SUV comes in.

The 2021 GMC Terrain is a bargain SUV

The GMC Terrain | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

It’s time to talk up the Terrain a little bit. The smaller Terrain SUV is a fantastic option for those looking for something a little friendlier to live with and park than a full-fat Denali. Additionally, the Terrain boasts an excellent infotainment system found in other GMC models. However, it should be noted the interior is a little noisy and bland, per MotorTrend.

It’s all on the up and up from there, thankfully. The Terrain comes in front or all-wheel drive spec, great for winter weather. Surprisingly enough, the Terrain’s tiny 1.5-liter engine doesn’t leave you hanging when you ask for some get-up. This smaller motor also means the small SUV manages a fantastic 26/30 MPG in the city and on the highway.

Lease values are down

The rear of the GMC Terrain SUV
The GMC Terrain | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

So, overall, not a bad little ride to be parked up in for a few years while you wait for all this semiconductor nonsense to blow over. Speaking of the lease, it’s about time to get down to brass tacks. The deal is nationwide, which means you won’t have to look very far to find a Terrain to lease; a nice upside nowadays. The term of the lease offer isn’t terrible, though a few months longer than some competitors at 39 months.

As for the money, it’s all good news for the GMC Terrain. Far and away the best news is just how little money is due at signing. A Honda HR-V needs more money down at signing than this more premium offering, which needs only $759 up front. Payments are equally as manageable, coming out to $249 a month. It’s slightly more money than other competitors, but you get what you pay for with the GMC Terrain.

Now may be the time to lease

The 2021 white Terrain SUV
The GMC Terrain | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

To sum up, that’s really not a bad deal at all. With so little due at signing it’s hard not to jump at the offer. What’s more, it’s a perfect time to lease. A lease now would hypothetically allow you to take advantage of the high used market prices, without having to pay outright for another vehicle, new or used. You’re also able to keep away from the depreciation associate with newer vehicles by leasing, and that’s always a good thing. On top of that, you’re ending up in one of the more competitive offerings in the compact SUV segment, and for astoundingly little money upfront.

RELATED: The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Can’t Hold a Candle to the 2021 Dodge Ram

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The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Isn’t Too Much of a Good Thing

by Gabrielle DeSantis

AMG’s offerings have evolved significantly since the days of the Red Pig. These days, Mercedes-Benz offers AMG-tuned versions of many of its models. For 2021, this list of cars includes the GLB, in the form of the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. And while it’s by no means AMG’s most extreme SUV, it’s exactly what it needs to be.

Topping the GLB range, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 offers more power and features

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 | Matthew Skwarczek

For 2021, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 serves as the highest rung on the GLB-Class lineup ladder. As such, it’s more expensive than the GLB 250 models. With all-wheel drive, the 2021 GLB 250 starts at $40,050. In contrast, the GLB 35 starts at $49,500.

However, the higher price does come with more standard features—and more performance. That’s because the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has the same powertrain as its platform cousin, the GLA 35. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard AWD, both tweaked by AMG. That’s good for a claimed 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

Some of the extra features on the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 have to do with performance. For example, stiffer suspension with AMG-tuned springs and adaptive dampers, larger brakes, performance exhaust, a sport steering wheel, and variable-ratio steering. But the range-topping GLB model also has several features that are optional on ‘lesser’ models. Among them are adjustable ambient interior lighting, carbon-fiber interior trim, and a touchscreen and digital gauge cluster that both measure 10.25”.

If that’s not enough luxury or sportiness, though, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 does have an options list. On the premium side are features like a Burmester audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation with augmented reality, keyless entry, and an expanded driver-assistance suite. Performance options are more limited, but buyers can spec larger wheels, different steering wheel wraps, and the AMG Drive Unit. That last feature puts controls for the driving modes, suspension, transmission, and stability control on the steering wheel.

But as I and Edmunds discovered, options quickly drive up the luxury SUV’s price tag. The GLB 35 I recently drove stickered at $64,110 after destination.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 combines luxury with just the right amount of performance

The black-and-red-leather front seats and the black dashboard of a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 front interior | Matthew Skwarczek

In 250 trim, the Mercedes GLB is already a solid luxury SUV, if not exactly “particularly rousing…to drive,” Edmunds notes. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, though, fixes that neatly. And the best part is, it does that without going overboard.

Switching to sportier driving modes sharpens the GLB 35’s throttle response and speeds up the steering, Autocar reports. It also makes the DCT shift faster and the steering heavier, the suspension firmer, and changes how the AWD and stability control systems behave.

And there’s a ‘hidden’ launch control, MotorAuthority explains. It’s activated by switching to Sport+ Mode and putting one foot on the brake and one on the accelerator. Just let the boost build, and step off the brake. It’s no GLS 63, but the launch control in the GLB 35 will firmly push you back in your seat.

The result of all of this is a practical luxury SUV that is genuinely fun to drive on a curving road. No, it’s not a ‘bloodthirsty animal’ like the E63 S. But then, as evidenced by the lack of options like carbon-ceramic brakes, it’s not supposed to be. This is M Performance, not full-on M. And for something that can seat up to seven, the GLB 35 “is as lithe and agile as they get,” Top Gear says. That’s a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.

Driving and living with the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

The driver's side front interior of a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 with its ambient lighting turned on at night
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 driver’s side front interior ambient lighting low-angle | Matthew Skwarczek

Although there’s little-to-no road feel through the wheel, in Sport+ Mode the GLB 35 turns in sharply and accurately with minimal body roll. And the torque-vectoring AWD gives plenty of grip, Autocar adds. It never shrinks around you but hustling it puts a smile on your face. The burbly exhaust no doubt plays a role in that.

It’s very easy to find yourself going faster than you expected in a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. Luckily, the brakes are strong and easy to modulate. And while the ride is a bit too firm in Sport+, you can change the driving-related settings individually.

The rear 3/4 view of a black 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 in a parking lot
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 rear 3/4 | Matthew Skwarczek

Also, the GLB 35 is still a luxury SUV. The sport seats are comfortable and the interior is quiet, even at highway speeds. And overall visibility is good, with no glaring blind spots. However, the optional 20” wheels introduce more impact vibrations and noise into the cabin.

Speaking of the interior, the material quality is excellent, especially at this price point, Autoblog notes. The one or two hard-plastic pieces are placed where no one really touches, but they still feel solid, not cheap. And there’s plenty of soft-touch plastics and metal trim. Plus, while the MBUX infotainment system requires a bit of set-up time, it’s an excellent system overall.

Is it an SUV worth considering?

To be sure, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 isn’t perfect.

The 2.0-liter engine has a bit of turbo lag, though the transmission mostly mitigates it. Autoblog and Motor Authority also note the optional third-row seats are rather cramped, even for kids. And as previously noted, optioning up a GLB 35 can get expensive rather quickly, especially where aesthetics is involved.

That being said, the 2021 GLB 35 strikes a fine balance as an SUV. It offers luxury and performance without veering too much in either direction. And it does so better than some of its rivals, such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, Edmunds muses. It’s not too hot, and not too cold, but just right.

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RELATED: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Tells Time in More Ways Than 1

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