Which 2021 Acura TLX Trim Is the Best?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Acura TLX makes a splash among sport sedans, with its style and interior finishes. It has several versions available now and one with a different engine coming soon. So, which one should you buy? We take a look at which trim of the 2021 Acura TLX is the best.

Which 2021 Acura TLX trim is the best?

The Acura TLX | Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The 2021 Acura TLX currently has just one trim: the 2.0T. However, there are three available packages: Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. Also, the high-performance Type S model is expected to join the group soon. Picking the best trim means weighing the costs against the features that are added to each trim level.

MotorTrend recommends the A-Spec trim, saying it has a good number of features and performs about the same as the Advance trim. Car and Driver points to the great value that the Acura TLX offers when compared to other luxury sedans. To get the full benefit of that value, it recommends the base trim, saying that, despite the smaller wheels on the base trim, the upgrades in the Technology Package aren’t worth the additional cost.

The base trim – the 2021 Acura TLX 2.0T

The 2021 Acura TLX 2.0T’s base trim comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, and headlights with automatic high beams. In the cabin, it comes with synthetic leather upholstery, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Its infotainment system has a 10.2-inch display and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This trim comes with satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB ports, and keyless entry, according to U.S. News.

Its standard advanced safety features are part of the AcuraWatch suite and include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition. This trim starts at $37,500. This base trim has more features and a lower price than the Audi A4 or the BMW 3 Series. 

Technology Package of the 2021 Acura TLX 2.0T

The Technology Package adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery with contrast stitching, plus interior ambient lighting with 27 color themes. It provides the technology promised in its name. It includes a navigation system with voice recognition, a 13-speaker audio system, and two additional USB ports.

It also adds front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. This package has a starting price of $41,500, which is a $4,000 jump over the base trim.

The best TLX configuration – the A-Spec Package

The A-Spec Package includes everything from the Technology Package plus appearance upgrades. It has a rear diffuser, a trunk lid spoiler, and black window trim. Inside it has leather upholstery with Ultrasuede accents plus ventilated front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and stainless-steel pedals.

It also features red instrument panel illumination. For tech upgrades, this package provides wireless device charging and a 17-speaker audio system. This package starts at $44,250.

What does the Advance Package add?

The Advance Package also includes everything from the Technology Package. It adds an adaptive suspension plus acoustic front side glass and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icing system. For added comfort, it provides ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.

This package swaps the aluminum interior trim for wood. It also has remote start, a 10.5-inch head-up display, a surround-view parking camera system, wireless device charging, and a 17-speaker audio system. The Advance Package has a starting price of $46,300.

The 2021 Acura TLX

Fully redesigned for the 2021 model year, Car and Driver points out that the Acura TLX now has “longer, lower, and wider proportions.” The current 2.0T trim and its available packages all have the same engine: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s more power than in either the Audi A4 or the BMW 3 Series. However, both competitors have better fuel efficiency than the Acura TLX.

The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for an additional $2,000 with the base trim or any package. The upcoming Type S will have a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 354 hp. It’s expected to start at less than $55,000.

The 2021 Acura TLX offers good value in any of its trims. The base trim does have smaller wheels, but it has a good assortment of standard features. Buyers looking for additional features may like the A-Spec package best, with its added technology and comfort.

RELATED: Does the 2021 Acura TLX Redesign Make It a Better Buy?

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2020 vs. 2021 Volvo XC90: What’s the Difference?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Volvo XC90 is the only three-row SUV from Volvo. This midsize luxury crossover offers plenty of tech and safety features, although its performance isn’t that engaging. Both the 2020 and 2021 model years are excellent options, but what are their differences? Are they important ones, and should you buy the 2020 or 2021 Volvo XC90?

2020 vs. 2021 Volvo XC90: what’s changed?

The Volvo XC90 | Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

While the starting price of the 2021 Volvo XC90 has gone up to $49,000 from 2020’s starting price of $48,350, the U.S. News overall ratings have gone up as well. The 2021 XC90 has an overall score of 8.1, beating the 2020 XC90’s score of 7.6.

Most of the changes between the two model years are pretty minor. The 2021 XC90 has a few additional standard features, including adaptive LED headlights that aim with the steering wheel, front parking sensors, and wireless device charging, says U.S. News. Additional newly standard features include two USB-C ports for the rear seats, high-pressure headlight washers, and Care Key, which lets the owner limit the maximum speed.

The 2021 XC90 plug-in-hybrid T8 is now called the Recharge. Also new for 2021 are a Savile Grey metallic paint option and, for the R-Design trim, a gloss-black grille, explains Car and Driver. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system now has updated speaker cones. Running boards are an available option for 2021 as are wheel locks and a trailer hitch receiver.

2020 and 2021 Volvo XC90: what stays the same?

The dimensions of the XC90 stay the same. Both model years offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo along with good fuel efficiency and plenty of standard safety features. There are 103.8 cubic feet of passenger volume for seven people. The cargo area has 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 35.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 65.5 cubic feet behind the first row.

While the Volvo XC90 can go off-road driving, it’s tuned for streets. Both model years offer nice ground clearance, though. Car and Driver says the 2020 has 9.4 inches of ground clearance, and the 2021 model has 9.4 inches as well.

The XC90 has a choice among two four-cylinder engines and a plug-in hybrid. The T5 engine produces 250 hp, and the T6 engine produces 316 hp. The plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge does have 400 hp but a short range of just 18 miles on electric only. Both model years have a bit of a rough ride when equipped with larger wheels.

The interior of the XC90 is very attractive with high-quality materials. Seating is available for either six or seven. Synthetic leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats come standard. Leather upholstery is available as are heated and massaging front seats and heated second-row seats. A heated steering wheel is also an option.

Both model years come standard with a 9-inch tablet-style touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The XC90 also offers a semi-autonomous drive mode. Volvo is known for its safety, and the XC90 has plenty of advanced safety features. The 2021 XC90 has a few more standard ones, as mentioned earlier.

Which model is a better buy?

With only a $650 difference in starting prices between the 2020 and 2021 Volvo XC90, it may be worth buying the newer option. However, Consumer Reports does point out that a used 2020 Volvo XC90 now has an average starting price of $45,800, which is a $3,200 difference. The updates between the two model years are minor enough not to make that extra amount worth it. Unless one of the new standard features sounds really exciting (like wireless device charging), a used 2020 XC90 is the better buy.

RELATED: Skip the Lincoln Aviator, Choose the 2021 Volvo XC90 Instead

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The 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Goes Black and Yellow–Er, Steel

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Power cruisers offer a more ‘muscle car’ take on the usual cruiser motorcycle. And it’s not just American motorcycle companies that offer them. British brand Triumph, for example, has the Rocket 3. And from Italy, there’s the Ducati Diavel 1260. Which, for 2022, is getting a new trim with a concept-inspired aesthetic.

Mechanically, the Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S are unchanged for 2022

2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S | Ducati

While the Monster was significantly revamped for 2021, the Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S were updated back in 2019. So, for 2022, the power cruisers are essentially the same as the 2021 models, Bennetts notes. However, considering the Diavel 1260 beat its Harley-Davidson rivals in a recent Cycle World comparison, updates weren’t necessarily required.

Both the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S use a 1262cc liquid-cooled 90° V-twin (L-twin) engine. The engine makes 157 hp and 95 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission. And it’s a stressed member of the trellis frame. At 538 pounds fully fueled, these bikes aren’t necessarily light. But the seat height is only 30.7″, Motorcyclist notes, and the cruisers are noted for their agility.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 comes standard with Brembo brakes, cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, wheelie control, and launch control. The power cruiser also has multiple riding modes, a TFT display, keyless ignition, LED lighting, and fully adjustable front and rear suspension. An electronic quickshifter is available as an optional accessory, as is the smartphone-linking Ducati Multimedia System.

If you get the 1260 S, though, the quickshifter is standard, as is DMS. The Diavel 1260 S also comes with fully adjustable Ohlins suspension and lighter cast-alloy wheels. Plus, it gets an LED daytime running light.

Moreover, the Diavel 1260 S is the only one of the two Diavel models to get the Black and Steel trim.

The 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel, though, sports a fashion-inspired paint scheme

A yellow-and-matte-gray-and-black 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel
2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel | Ducati

In 2020, Ducati partnered with Lamborghini to release a limited-edition version of the Diavel 1260. With its matte-green paint job and bronze-accent wheels, it honored the Sian hybrid hypercar. And while the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel is also an appearance package, it’s not a car reference.

Instead, the 1260 S Black and Steel is an homage to a 2019 Ducati concept bike, the Materico, RideApart explains. The Materico commemorated the Milan Design Week and featured an asymmetrical gray-black-and-yellow paint scheme. And while it was never intended as a production model, the Materico’s look lives on in the Black and Steel bike.

The rear 3/4 view of a yellow-and-matte-gray-and-black 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel
2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 S Black and Steel rear 3/4 | Ducati

What that means is the Diavel Black and Steel has yellow trellis frame elements, a matte gray-and-black paint scheme, and asymmetrical tank graphics. The bike’s seat’s underside is also yellow, as are a few smaller body panels and parts of the wheels. And speaking of the seat, it gets some unique stitching and upgraded materials, Cycle World notes.

How much does the Black and Steel model cost compared to the others?

Both the 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260 and 1260 S, Black and Steel included, arrive in US dealers in September 2021. But if you want the black-and-yellow power cruiser, there is a slight premium.

In base form, the 2022 Diavel 1260 starts at $20,295. The S model, with its extra equipment, starts at $23,395. Getting the S also lets you choose another color besides black. And as for the Black and Steel 1260 S, it starts at $24,395.

Given that it’s an appearance package, the value of the Black and Steel trim depends on individual preference. If you like it, go for it. But if you don’t, the Diavel 1260 S doesn’t need a special paint scheme to be a solid power cruiser.

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Does the 2022 Ford Maverick Have Apple CarPlay?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The anticipated new Ford pickup is coming and some reviewers are already pitting it against some of the most popular trucks out there, like the Honda Ridgeline. The Ford Maverick is already turning heads, so it will be interesting to see how far it will go in its first year of sales. 

According to MotorTrend, the Maverick will offer quite a bit of useful features for just about any type of truck lover. The question on many people’s minds will be whether it will offer some of the more popular features sought after today like Apple CarPlay?

The Ford Maverick offers an infotainment system that comes with an 8-inch center touchscreen. Among the many apps installed on the display, Apple CarPlay is included, along with Android Auto. 

Apple CarPlay is a feature that’s being included on more and more vehicles nowadays. Some are offered as wired integration, while others are going the wireless route. This type of feature allows you to access your favorite apps and information from your Apple smartphone. It helps you get what you need without taking your eyes off the road for too long trying to view the phone’s screen. 

Some of the features that are included with Apple CarPlay are a calendar to capture your appointments, maps for navigating, your favorite music playlist, and even access to Siri who can navigate the apps for you. 

How well does the  Ford Maverick perform?

The Ford Maverick will come as a hybrid pickup, which is the first of its kind in the market. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor that produces a total of 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.

Paired with that engine is a continuously variable automatic transmission. When it comes to fuel economy, the truck doesn’t disappoint. You can expect approximately 40 mpg when traveling on city roads. As far as the driving range goes, the Maverick is expected to slam it out of the park with a 500-mile range. 

The biggest drawback, however, is that the hybrid powertrain comes only in the front-wheel drive. There is no all-wheel drivetrain offered for the Maverick Hybrid in 2022. Hopefully, that will change in the future, though. 

The price tag is in the more affordable range, which begins at $21,490 for the base XL. For the XLT and the Lariat trims, which offer an off-road package, you can expect them to start at $24,000 and $27,000. 

Who can benefit from buying the Ford Maverick?

The 2022 Ford Maverick may not have the hefty specs that you get with the full-size pickups, it still offers plenty of usefulness to some people. One of the best features you can get is its towing capability. 

For a small compact truck, the Maverick can haul up to 4,000 lbs maximum and has a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. For someone who does their own projects at home, the truck offers more than you’ll ever need to haul wood planks, and boxes of flooring tiles. 

It’s also a nice entry-level pickup for those who have been considering a truck but were too intimidated by the size and the price. The 4.5-foot bed doesn’t seem very long when you compare it to a half-ton truck, but it can still haul around bikes, motorcycles, and all your camping supplies for an evening out under the stars in your tent. 

The 2022 Ford Maverick is a game-changer as far as small pickups go. Not only does it offer the hybrid powertrain and get great gas mileage, it also is easy on your pocketbook. Its anticipated release appears to be pretty late in the 2021 model season. 

RELATED: The 2022 Ford Maverick Looks Bigger Than Expected

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