The 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Fails to Live up to Its Twin – the Chevy Colorado ZR2

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There is a battle raging for supremacy among off-road-oriented midsize pickup trucks between entries from Jeep, Toyota, Ford, and General Motors. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon offers a well-rounded truck based on the ever-capable Jeep Wrangler platform. The impressive Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro reigned supreme for a few years but may be losing ground to its competition. The Ford Ranger Tremor is a truck designed to climb to the top and be king of the hill. But it is hard to find a rivalry that compares to the competition between the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, at least in their base-model form.

The 2021 GMC Canyon

The base-model GMC Canyon Elevation crew-cab is a midsize pickup truck capable of seating up to five adults and is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 200 hp. Other engine options, cab configurations, and bed lengths are available.

A review by MotorTrend notes that the interior of the Canyon, like other GM trucks, is not on par with similar offerings in the category and rear-seat legroom is cramped for taller passengers. All Canyon trim levels come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A navigation system is available for $995 but seems unnecessary considering the capability of most smartphone navigation apps.

MotorTrend reviewers were pleased with the handling and ride characteristics during testing on twisty paved roads, calling it “superb for a pickup.” The Canyon is available in two-wheel or four-wheel-drive, the latter featuring a two-speed transfer case with low range gearing to tackle off-road obstacles.

What’s the AT4 model all about?

True off-road enthusiasts should consider the GMC Canyon AT4 when looking at midsize GMC trucks. While starting MSRP jumps an additional $7,600, comparing a similarly equipped elevation to the AT4 reduces sticker shock considerably. The $38,595 Canyon AT4 boasts some features aimed at tackling the most sensible off-road obstacles, such as 31-inch all-terrain tires, four-wheel drive with an automatic locking rear differential off-road-tuned suspension, and hill descent control.

The GMC Canyon AT4 comes standard with a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 that produces 275 lb-ft of torque, or choose the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel option with 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AT4 is equipped with LED fog lights, and luxurious options like premium leather front seats with the AT4 logo stitched into the headrests, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium sound system.

AT4 buyers should consider adding the $3,195 “Performance Edition” package that levels the truck by lifting the front suspension one inch and deletes the front air dam. Together, these two actions improve the truck’s approach angle, allowing the front tires to contact obstacles before other parts of the truck.

The performance package also changes the wheels from the standard 18 inches to 17 inches, which allows for a more flexible tire sidewall and enhanced traction in off-road situations.

Is the GMC Canyon AT4 better than the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2?

The short answer, according to MotorTrend, is no. While the engine and transmission offerings and the cheap interior are identical for the two trucks, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is designed and built to have more off-road capability.

Both the GMC Canyon AT4 and the Colorado ZR2 are indeed designed with an eye toward off-road adventure. Both trucks are equipped with 31-inch tires, four-wheel-drive, two-speed transfer cases, and enhanced suspensions. The Colorado ZR2 has a few extra goodies that the AT4 does not.

To set the ZR2 apart from the AT4, Chevrolet starts with a standard Colorado, widens the front and rear stance 3.5 inches, and lifts the suspension 2 inches higher. The Colorado ZR2 is equipped with dynamic suspension dampers, coil-over shocks, and a locking front differential in addition to extra skid plates missing from the Canyon AT4.

No doubt that the Colorado ZR2 is a more capable off-road truck than the Canyon AT4, but with a starting MSRP of $42,495, it may be more off-road capable than the average person really needs. This provides the Canyon AT4 with a niche that it comfortably fills.

RELATED: The GMC Canyon Has the Unfortunate Distinction of Being the Least Satisfying Truck

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The Volkswagen Atlas Has Already Taken This Impressive Award Twice

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Each year, Cars.com gives out the prestigious Family Car of the Year award. This is an incredibly important title, as a large number of car shoppers are out there looking for the next family vehicle for their household. Winning Family Car of the Year in 2021 means the Volkswagen Atlas has already taken this award twice since its recent debut in 2018. 

Volkswagen Atlas on display | Volkan Furuncu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Let’s take a look at the details and features of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. What is it about this three-row crossover SUV that keeps winning this significant award? In fact, how did it beat other contenders like the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Telluride, and Ford Expedition. 

What is the best family car of 2021? 

An image of a Volkswagen Atlas, one of the most discounted new SUVs according to Consumer Reports.
Volkswagen Atlas | Volkswagen

According to Cars.com, it’s the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. In fact, this three-row crossover SUV gets the award this year for the second year in a row. However, it’s not uncommon for a vehicle to remain ahead more than one model year in a row. 

The Chrysler Pacifica, for example, earned the Cars.com Family Car of the Year award in both 2018 and 2019. Before that, the Nissan Rogue held the title from 2016 to 2017. Now, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has earned the award for the second time. 

The first time the Volkswagen Atlas won this award was last year, in 2020. For the 2020 model year, the official nominees included the 2020 Ford Expedition and the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. 

What is the criteria for the 2021 Family Car of the Year award from Cars.com?

Any model is eligible for the Cars.com Family Car of the Year award. Regardless of the chronology of updates or the date a manufacturer introduces a vehicle, it’s fair game for this prestigious honor in terms of the best family car. 

Naturally, the way in which a vehicle accommodates people and their stuff plays a high part. Plus, safety features and crash tests are taken into account. In addition to this, a vehicle has to uphold a certain standard when it comes to “family-friendly features and overall excellence,” according to Cars.com.     

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is the winner for several reasons

Despite the fact that minivans are largely considered the ultimate family vehicle, the three-row crossover SUV has taken massive precedence over the traditional family van. Sure, the Chrysler Pacifica won in 2018 and 2019. But before that the Nissan Rogue prevailed for two years. It’s no secret that a large number of families is turning from the minivan to the family SUV instead. 

If the family car is indeed an SUV, then, it’s a good thing families have choices like the Volkswagen Atlas.

Cars.com

Cars.com bases the award on fundamentals like cargo space and passenger accommodations. The 2021 Atlas also saw some appealing styling updates for 2021. However, it would likely have won the Family Car of the Year award anway. It’s a shining star in terms of car seat accessibility. 

Shockingly, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas fits more luggage bhind its third row than a Chevrolet Tahoe. Plus, the Atlas three-row crossover SUV has excellent drivability and handling. In addition to that, the Atlas has good ride quality and offers gentle steering. 

A good family car

Overall, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas (as well as the previous model year) is a superb family vehicle in all of the important ways. It also has fresh styling cues. 

While there are certainly other compelling options the 2021 Atlas has so much to offer any family. It’s a solid and high-quality three-row crossover SUV. Not only that, but it starts as low as $30,545 for the five-seat models (two-row) and $31,545 for the seven-seat models, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

RELATED: Chevrolet Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks Are in a Weird Top Spot

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BMW Begins Testing of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Daily Drivers

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With a big push by many manufacturers to become sustainable, it appears evident that internal combustion engines have the potential to be phased out entirely. While electric seems like the obvious option, many manufacturers are taking steps forward to giving buyers and the market more options that balance sustainability with people’s resistance to buying electric vehicles. It seems like every day, more and more major manufacturers are working on producing and testing hydrogen options as an efficient alternative fuel source, and BMW has recently begun to test the option not only on higher-end flagship vehicles but the more standard daily-driven commuter car.

Testing hydrogen fuel in everyday scenarios

A hydrogen engine beside a BMW Hydrogen Next | Andreas Gebert, Bloomberg, Getty Images

While some vehicle owners have a weekend car, a majority of American households focus on owning vehicles that can be driven on a somewhat daily basis. This means that any new fuel source with its salt has to stand up to the tests and trials of daily driving, and regular road conditions. While supercar and hypercar manufacturers test their latest tech on controlled courses, every day driving is far less controlled. So, to truly test how hydrogen fuel cells will work for the majority of the market, it is important for testers such as BMW to see how these systems will work in everyday driving.

Is there potential for alternative energy in the larger automotive market?

When it comes to purchasing and maintaining vehicles, many buyers like to stick to what they know, but the sharp rise in popularity and increasing market of electric and hybrid vehicles show that the general market is eager for a change. Of course, internal combustion engine enthusiasts might not agree, but there are many benefits to owning a vehicle powered by alternative energy sources, and according to BMW’s testing, hydrogen is worth looking into.

Rather than testing hydrogen engines, BMW is focused on how hydrogen fuel cells can be used to effectively supplement battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and even internal combustion engines. Testing the hydrogen fuel cells in everyday driving conditions allows BMW to measure reliability, safety, and convenience, and allows the brand to fine-tune their new flagship hydrogen car, the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.

What is the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT?

The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT will be the manufacturer’s entry for flagship hydrogen-supplemented electric vehicles. The drivetrain, fueled by the hydrogen fuel cell, is reported by BMW to be low emission and CO2-free, which matches what we have been seeing from BMW in the past few years as they have worked on becoming more sustainable all around, from the vehicles they produce to the way they source their most important materials.

The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT isn’t just a vehicle, it is a large step forward for the manufacturer that may set the trend for future vehicle development. In this way, it is part future, part experiment, where only time will tell how the consumer base will really feel about hydrogen-focused cars, and if they will prove to be truly reliable and efficient vehicles.

“We are convinced that various alternative powertrain systems will exist alongside one another in future, as there is no single solution that addresses the full spectrum of customers’ mobility requirements worldwide. The hydrogen fuel cell technology could quite feasibly become the fourth pillar of our powertrain portfolio in the long term.”

Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Research and Development

RELATED: Another Step Towards Sustainability: BMW Invests in CO2-Free Steel Production

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Consumer Reports Calls the Kia Telluride the Worst New Car Deal

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Consumer Reports is not impressed with the Kia Telluride‘s price hike. It called this popular SUV the worst deal of all current new cars. The designation isn’t because the SUV lacks features or fails to deliver. It’s because demand has driven prices higher than the publication can endorse.

Kia Telluride | Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

This family-friendly SUV has a smooth, quiet ride and a spacious interior. The third row is much larger than rivals, comfortably seating adults. Rear climate controls and a total of five charging USB ports keep passengers comfortable and connected. Conveniences like a power liftgate and keyless entry add an extra layer of luxury to this high-end SUV.

Simulated leather seating looks more expensive than it is. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a USB media port keep the Telluride on par with competitor’s interior tech. Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert make this a smart safety choice.

Kia hit a grand slam with the Telluride. This third-row SUV is wildly popular and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2020 Kia reported the best retail sales year in the company’s history. This record year was, in part, because of Telluride sales.

Consumer Reports is not impressed with recent price hikes

Consumer Reports compiled a list of the wort deals on new cars in the current market. The worst value by price is the Kia Telluride at more than 19% over MSRP. These high prices didn’t come out of nowhere. Supply chain interruptions and inflation have been driving car prices through the roof.

Outside of its price, Consumer Reports loves the Telluride as much as buyers. The publication gave the SUV an overall rating of 96, which earned it Consumer Reports’ coveted recommendation. It scored a 97 on the publication’s road test.

The Telluride’s greenhouse gas and smog ratings are less than impressive. Its EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 21 mpg does little to motivate buyers. Owner satisfaction for the Telluride is high, but it might be worth it to compromise for a cheaper option.

So what’s the best deal on a new SUV?

A silver Buick Encore SUV on display
Buick Encore | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

The current automotive market does not favor buyers. Prices are sky-high, and supply is at rock-bottom. It’s not all bad news. There are still deals out there for careful shoppers. As such, Consumer Reports compiled a list of the best deals on new cars this year. At the top of the list was the 2021 Buick Encore.

This SUV is currently available up to 17% off MSRP, including $3,350 cashback through January 3. The Encore has a five-star predicted reliability rating and earned a Consumer Reports recommendation. Unlike the Kia Telluride, the Buick Encore has no open recalls.

This subcompact SUV is smaller than the Honda CR-V. Ironically, owner satisfaction scores suffered in the value category. Buyers did not feel they had gotten what they paid for. The cramped interior and lack of power contribute to the impression that the Encore isn’t worth the price.

RELATED: The 2021 Kia Telluride Is the Most Satisfying 3-Row SUV to the Surprise of No One

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