The 2021 Kia Niro EV Is Giving You More at No Added Cost

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Kia has been working to improve its reputation as well as the performance of all of its vehicles. Now that it’s becoming more reliable on the road, Kia is seeing success with some of its lineup, including vehicles like the Kia Niro. 

MotorTrend reports that the Niro will be offering more with its EV model, but the price will remain the same as before. What’s new with this model and how well does it perform? Let’s see what MotorTrend thinks about the EV version of the Niro.

What’s new for the 2021 Kia Niro EV?

The Kia Niro EV | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

There are some sweet new changes with this model of the Kia Niro EV, but don’t expect them to include any performance improvements or design elements with either the interior or exterior of the crossover SUV. In fact, as MotorTrend reports, it looks and drives just like the 2020 model. So, what’s the difference between the two versions?

This year’s model kept things to a minimum. What you get are more standard features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard using the wireless version instead of the wired connection it had in the previous model. Both offer specific benefits to its own respective group of users. You also get a standard rear-occupant alert, and remote start function so that you can pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle before driving. 

The list goes on, though. The Kia Niro EV also offers the new DriveWise driver’s assistance package. This will gain you a leading vehicle departure alert, which will detect the movements of the car in front of you. It also offers navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and the Level 2 driving assist. 

How much does the Kia Niro EV cost, and what features do you get?

If you’re looking at the base model, the Kia Niro EX, you can expect to pay $39,000 for the all-electric version, according to U.S. News. The EX version is only one of two Niro models that offer the all-electric powertrain. This particular model gets you heated front seats, cloth upholstery, wireless device charging, electronic stability control, integrated turn signal mirrors, and daytime running lights. 

The EX Premium comes in at $44,600 and is the other Niro model offering not just an all-electric version, but also a plug-in hybrid powertrain. With this model, you can expect heated and ventilated front seating, rear parking sensors, synthetic leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. 

How well does the Kia Niro EV perform?

The Kia Niro EV is powered by an electric motor that can produce 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. This model, like other EVs, gives power to the accelerator pedal instantly, while other non-EV versions build it up and then release it. 

When it comes to driving range, the Kia Niro EV has one of the best in the class with an estimated 239 miles. The biggest drawback, however, is the charging time. For a Level 2 charging system, which is often used at home, it can take around 10 hours to fully charge the vehicle. If you can get to a Level 3 charger, that time drops to an hour or so.

MotorTrend also remarked that the Kia Niro EV handled pretty well for an electric vehicle. The same can be said for its direct, responsive steering. It just made for an all-around fun drive, especially when you compare it to the Niros with the hybrid powertrains. 

All in all, the Kia Niro EV is offering more this year, even though it’s not improving its driving dynamics or its overall performance. What it is doing is giving you more features standard, which will help tremendously with how much you end up spending on your EV. 

RELATED: The 2021 Kia Niro Is 1 of the Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid SUVs to Buy

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What To Do If Your Car’s Gas Pedal Gets Stuck

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Chances are, you’ve never experienced this situation yourself. In fact, a car’s gas pedal getting stuck isn’t very common. But when it does happen? It can make for a pretty frightening and unsafe experience. In just seconds, your vehicle can accelerate to high speeds and become unresponsive to you hitting the brakes. The good news is that there are a few quick steps you can take to ensure your safety if your car’s gas pedal is stuck.

What causes a car’s gas pedal to get stuck?

Speedometer | Oliver Berg/picture alliance via Getty Images

Stuck gas pedals are rare. But when it comes to what causes a car’s gas pedal to get stuck? There could actually be a couple of reasons. First, Fix Auto reports, a stuck gas pedal could point to human error. Such an error could be as simple as one of your car’s floor mats getting wedged under the car’s accelerator pedal. 

Misplaced floormats aren’t the only reason a car’s gas pedal might get stuck. In fact, BreakerLink reports that a stuck gas pedal could also mean a faulty throttle. If you find that your car’s accelerator pedal is getting stuck or if the car’s speed picks up in irregular bursts, you may want to check in with your local mechanic before getting behind the wheel again, reports BreakerLink.

What do you do if your accelerator pedal gets stuck?

Now, say you do find yourself behind the wheel and your car’s gas pedal gets stuck. While the situation is both dangerous and frightening, State Farm does have a few quick steps you can take if your car’s gas pedal sticks. First and foremost, try to stay calm and not panic. While that’s likely easier said than done, staying calm in such a situation is beneficial.

Next, try pushing the brake down. Use both feet and hold the brake down as firmly as possible. Don’t, however, pump the brake pedal or release it. According to State Farm, doing so could cause your car’s brakes to become stiff. Once you’ve applied the brakes, try shifting your vehicle into neutral. State Farm says to depress the clutch and shift gears if you own a car with a manual transmission.

Once your car is in neutral, begin looking for a safe place to pull over your vehicle. This could be a hard shoulder on the highway or even an empty parking lot. Be sure to avoid any quick lane changes, however. According to State Farm, doing so could cause your vehicle to swerve and even crash.

After you’ve come to a complete stop and are out of the way of traffic, turn your car’s engine off. Once your car has been turned off, inspect your vehicle to be sure a stuck floor mat didn’t cause the issue. If your accelerator is clear of floor mats, State Farm recommends not driving your vehicle until a mechanic has checked it out. 

A stuck gas pedal is a dangerous problem

While a car’s gas pedal getting stuck is rare, it is the kind of car problem that you should be prepared for. After all, a car with a stuck gas pedal is a dangerous problem and could result in a crash. 

RELATED: The Easiest Car Maintenance Tasks You Should Know How To Do

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How to Find an Amazing Deal on a Used Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

New cars are currently in short supply, which has driven up the price of used cars significantly. With car buyers nationwide trying to find good used car deals and dealers pricing them higher than ever, it can be downright daunting trying to find the right deal for you. Here are a few tips to help you on your way to finding an amazing deal on a used car.

Find the price point that best suits your budget

Anne Pochek inspects the window sticker of a 2010 Honda Accord Sedan at AutoPark Honda. | Jim R. Bounds/Bloomberg

While there’s no doubt that used car prices have shot up to the stratosphere, that doesn’t mean that you need to get discouraged. First and foremost, Dough Roller suggests that you should find the right price point that suits your budget comfortably.

You might not be able to get that used BMW that you’ve always wanted, but settling on a nice Honda Civic could mean that you won’t have to worry about making hefty payments every month. Keep in mind when buying a used car, you still have to factor the registration, taxes, and other fees, in addition to any potential repairs.

Form a shopping shortlist

Once you have a budget in place, it’s now time to do figure out which car would work best for you. We recommend looking at sites like Car Gurus, Carmax, and Carvana to find a used car that will meet the budget that you set. These sites are handy because you can sort through all of the cars with your custom criteria in order to find one, or a few, that could work.

After doing some exhaustive searching, we recommend writing down which cars you like the most and narrow the list down to two or three to help make up your mind.

Do your research

A BMW at a used car dealership.
A BMW at a used car dealership. | Getty Images

Now that you have honed in a few different cars that you like, it’s time to do a little research. In order to make sure that you find the right vehicle for you and your family, be sure to check out the reviews of each car on your list. We recommend checking out Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or Car and Driver for some solid reviews. Although, we’re sure you can find plenty of information right here on MotorBiscuit as well.

Narrow down your list and search for cars locally

After doing all of your research, it’s time to pick one car that suits you best, if possible. When you figure out which car you want, be sure to check out sites like Autotrader to find a few in your local area that you would like to see in person.

Check to see what others are paying

used cars are for sale at a dealership
Used Cars At Dealership | JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

After finding a couple of different cars in your area that would work, it’s time to do a little more research to arm yourself before visiting the dealer. One really good tip from Dough Roller is to download the TrueCar mobile app to your phone. That way, you can find a TrueCar certified dealer lot and see what other customers have paid at that dealership. You can also use the app to find out pricing on whatever cars you’re looking at by scanning the barcode on them when you’re physically on the lot.

Get pricing from the salesperson

When you make the trip to check out the car that you’re interested in, be sure to have the salesperson give you the pricing with all of the associated fees attached to it. We recommend taking those numbers and running, as the salesperson will likely try and negotiate with you right there and then to see if you’ll buy right away.

Sleep on it, then decide

Potential car shoppers walk around Charles Hurst Usedirect used car dealership on Boucher Road
Car shoppers at a dealership | Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images

Buying a car is a big purchase, so it’s a good idea to sleep on it for the night to make your best decision. At this point, you’ve done all of your research, figured out which car you want, and even compared pricing to make sure that it’s right for your budget. If everything checks out, then we recommend reviewing all of the sales numbers that the salesperson gave you and even applying for financing with a credit union to get the lowest rate possible.

Once you have everything lined up, you’re good to go! Congratulations, you’re well on your way to buying a used car that fits your needs and your budget.

RELATED: Consumer Guide Gives 5 Important Tips for New Car Shopping

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The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder Finally Earns Its Namesake

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Following a gap year, an all-new generation of the Nissan Pathfinder has arrived for the 2022 model year. The redesign helps return the Pathfinder to its former glory. The fourth generation’s style earned it the name of “Mallfinder” from MotorTrend. The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder returns the SUV to a more aggressive styling, but more importantly, it also enhances its off-road capabilities.

Off-road enhancements in the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder now includes a knob that lets the driver adjust the driving mode for the appropriate terrain. The seven driving modes are Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow, reports MotorTrend. It includes a hill descent control switch as well, which keeps the speed when you release the accelerator. The previous model year Pathfinder had only a four-wheel-drive lock.

Improvements to the system that engages drive to the rear wheels are also a help for off-road driving. As MotorTrend explains, “a motor-actuated clamp can now proactively engage drive to the rear in varying amounts up to a 50/50 split.” The Pathfinder also features a forward camera to give drivers a view of the trail ahead when going over a hill.

Driving the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has a completely different transmission. It has a nine-speed planetary-gear transmission instead of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) of the previous generation. MotorTrend reports that the new transmission “has a 55 percent broader gear ratio spread” than the old CVT did. While power and torque largely remain the same for the Pathfinder, acceleration should improve.

The new transmission should also make it easier to tow up to 6,000 pounds, and the Pathfinder now has a new trailer-sway control system. All-wheel drive is now available in addition to front-wheel drive. The powertrain includes a 3.5-liter engine, producing 284-hp and 259-lb-ft of torque.

Auto stop/start is new, and fuel efficiency generally improves (although all-wheel drive drops the fuel efficiency by one MPG). And, despite being much boxier, the Pathfinder is more aerodynamic. The Pathfinder has increased stiffness and a firm ride. Additional sound-dampening materials have been added, making the cabin quieter than in the past.

The interior is no slouch either

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is great for passengers and cargo. The rear doors open nice and wide, helping easily load kids or car seats. The Pathfinder has proximity-key unlocking on the rear doors as well.

All trims except the base model have a power release to lift and tilt the second-row captain’s chairs out of the way for entry to the third row. This works even when an empty child seat is in a second-row seat. The third row is wide enough to comfortably fit three kids.

In addition to a spacious cargo area, the Pathfinder also has almost two cubic feet of underfloor storage. The front seats have extra-large cupholders in the door, and the passenger side has a wide shelf that can hold two smartphones.

Available tech features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, a larger 9-inch touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an around-view monitor, a Bose audio system, wireless device charging, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360. Additional advanced safety features are available as part of the ProPilot Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is truly able to go out on the path now. The starting price is $34,560, but adding all-wheel drive is an additional $1,900. If you go all the way to the top trim, it starts at $47,430. The new Pathfinder will go on sale in July 2021.

RELATED: There’s No Reason to Buy a 2022 Nissan Rogue Over the Pathfinder and Murano

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