The 2022 Ford Maverick Means a New Pickup Truck Segment Is Coming

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Ford Maverick is here. It’s a small hybrid pickup truck, all new to the pickup truck market space. It’s a true compact pickup truck. In fact, the 2022 Ford Maverick means a new pickup truck segment is coming. 

2022 Maverick | Ford

Prior to the debut of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick, whether a truck was a compact pickup truck or a midsize pickup truck was a little confusing. However, these new trucks are showing us what it means to be a real compact pickup truck. We can reserve others like the Ford Ranger or the Chevrolet Colorado for the midsize truck segment. 

What is a compact pickup truck? 

side view of an electric green Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 2022 model driving on a sandy trail
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | Toyota Newsroom

Lately, the “compact pickup truck” class is bigger than ever. In fact, many of what some places like Consumer Reports call a compact pickup truck are, in fact, midsize pickup trucks. Models like the Jeep Gladiator, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma are all about 17 to 18 feet long. 

The first generation Toyota Tacoma was 14 and a half feet long, according to Good Car Bad Car. So today’s modern compact trucks are in reality more in the midsize category as opposed to being true compact pickup trucks. With all-new entries to the truck market like the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz or the 2022 Ford Maverick, it looks like a new pickup truck segment is coming. 

Is this the revival of the true compact pickup truck?

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz in a gray color driving along the road in the desert
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

There are actually going to be some big differences, so it’s hard to really call what’s happening an actual revival of the true compact pickup truck. The new trucks like the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2022 Ford Maverick are certainly shorter. However, not really by that much. 

Both of these trucks are still over 16 feet long. They are also going to be offered as full cab vehicles with seating for five and four doors. This new pickup truck segment means that we will get some small trucks, but the calling card isn’t necessarily the size. 

The unibody design of the 2022 Ford Maverick and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2022 Ford Maverick | Ford

One of the interesting features of the Ford Maverick is its unibody construction. It’s a small truck that’s built over a car-like platform like a crossover. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz also has a unibody design. The new pickup truck segment is more about the purpose and versatility than the size. 

In fact, Hyundai doesn’t even want us calling the Santa Cruz a pickup truck. These new small trucks are about an urban lifestyle blended with a love for outdoor recreation. You can DJ in the city one night, fit your friends and gear in your small truck. 

Then the next day load up your partner, your dog and all of your equipment to head to your favorite outdoor climbing spot outside of the city. 

A new pickup truck segment

The Hyundai Santa Cruz on the move
The Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

So yes, there is a new pickup truck segment coming. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 202 Ford Maverick are new trucks that make up a new version of the true compact pickup truck class. There are more on the way too. 

Both Kia and Volkswagen may have trucks like this on the market in the next year or so. Subaru has also been rumored to bring a unibody truck to the market. With more models rounding out the pickup truck classes, there will soon be a clearer line between the compact, midsize, and full-size pickup truck segments.

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Honda is Killing the Most Advanced Model it Makes: Clarity

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Recently a number of auto manufacturers have doubled their research and development into hydrogen power. Specifically, Toyota is doubling down on hydrogen power development announcing it believes there is more to solving carbon output levels than with EVs. So it is surprising that Honda’s Clarity Fuel Cell, its most advanced and ambitious model, is being discontinued. 

Nikkei reports that the factory where the Clarity Fuel Cell and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid are built in Sayama, Japan, is closing next March. Granted, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles aren’t blasting off of dealer lots. But a lot of that is due to the lack of infrastructure. Hydrogen fueling stations are mostly found in California. And some hydrogen-powered vehicles also limit sales to California. 

Why did the Honda Clarity see so little sales?

2020 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell | Honda

That doesn’t make for universal adaptation nationwide. Inside EVs recently did an analysis and found that fewer than 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were sold in the US in all of 2020. That was less than half of what was sold in 2019. On average, for the last nine years, about 1,000 fuel cell vehicles have been sold each year. In all of 2020, just 4,215 Clarity models of all varieties were sold. That was significantly down from the 11,654 Clarity variants sold in 2019.

Another reason for low sales is that the Clarity EV was only sold in California and Oregon. And the Fuel Cell Clarity was only available in California. The only Clarity model available elsewhere was the PHEV model. It was sold nationwide. 

What Honda says about killing the Clarity

2020 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell front 3/4 view
2020 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell | Honda

In a statement, Honda states, “We are evolving our strategy with a focus on the increased application of our two-motor hybrid system to core models in advance of the introduction of our first volume BEV models in 2024. Consistent with this strategy, Honda will conclude the production of the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Clarity Fuel Cell in August 2021.  This will ensure we have the Clarity Fuel Cell available for lease through 2022, and Honda will continue to support our Clarity customers in the marketplace.”

Besides the loss of the Clarity models, the Odyssey and Legend are also built at that plant. So those models will also be ending production in Japan. The Odyssey van in the US is made at Honda’s Alabama factory. So, at least for the short term, it will continue in production for the US. 

The Clarity arrived on the scene in 2015 at the LA Auto Show. It went into production in 2017. Both the EV and PHEV models also became available in 2017.

RELATED: The 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Has a Lot Going for It

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Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 600D Diesel Worth the Upgrade?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

You can go diesel with the Cadillac Escalade. But is going with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 600D Diesel worth the upgrade price? It could be, especially because the diesel engine doesn’t cost anything extra. 

Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 600D worth buying? 

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Sport | Cadillac

You can go diesel in your Caddy!! The 2021 Cadillac 600D is packing diesel power, and according to Truck Trend, it doesn’t cost anything extra to opt for the diesel engine. So, it seems like a pretty good deal already. 

But you still need to pay a pretty penny for the Escalade. You can get started in a new Cadillac Escalade for about $76,195. Then you have two engine options. The 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine provides 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder 277 pumps out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. 

How much power does the Escalade have? 

RELATED: The 2021 Cadillac Escalade Ignores Its ‘Industrial’ Third Row

With the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, you can tow up to 8,200 lbs. This is with the gasoline engine. The Cadillac Escalade 600D can tow up to 8,000 lbs, so that’s only a 200 lb difference. Also, you need four-wheel drive and the Heavy-Duty Trailering package to achieve these figures. 

The Escalade can carry a payload of up to 2,056 lbs, according to Car and Driver. The Heavy-Duty Trailering Package includes a rear vision trailer camera, auxiliary trailer camera, two-speed electronic transfer case, trailer tire pressure monitoring system, and trailer assist guidelines. With the gasoline engine, an extra capacity cooling system is also included. 

Both the diesel and gasoline engines feature an automatic start and stop system. Output from the 600D is rated at 277 hp and 3,750 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm compared to the gasoline’s 4,100 rpm. The diesel provides more low-end torque for improved towing performance. 

According to Fuel Economy, with the gasoline engine, you get an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and up to 19 mpg on the highway. With the diesel engine, you get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. 

How does the Escalade perform? 

A dark 2021 Cadillac Escalade parked in front of trees
2021 Cadillac Escalade 600D | Cadillac

One drawback to consider with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 600D is that it might be a little slower than models equipped with the gasoline engine. With the V8, the Caddy can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, but it may take up to eight or nine seconds with the diesel. 

Both options deliver smooth gear transitions with the 10-speed automatic gearbox. Also, the diesel engine is surprisingly quiet, but it does sound less refined than the gasoline option. But that’s part of the trade-off for an improved fuel economy and more low-end torque. 

The 2021 Escalade gained an all-new platform with an independent rear suspension that provides a much smoother ride. High trim levels also come with an air suspension with adaptive dampers that use computer-controlled shock absorbers. 

Of course, the Caddy is exceptionally luxurious with tons of leather, ambient lights, aluminum speaker grilles, and more to provide an upscale feeling. But one key feature to note is that the model with the longer wheelbase offers more space in the third row for passengers. 

Both the gasoline and diesel engines provide excellent performance. If you want to go diesel, it will live up to your expectations to suit your towing needs. Plus, it’s a no-cost upgrade to enjoy. So, why not?

The post Is the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 600D Diesel Worth the Upgrade? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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6 Tips to Make the Most out of Android Auto

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Using your cell phone while driving has been outlawed for years, making the invention of Android Auto extremely helpful to motorists worldwide. Android Auto is a phone integration program that allows the driver to connect their Android phone to the car’s onboard infotainment system and use various applications. If you’re currently using it, or plan to, here are six tips to help you make the most out of Android Auto.

1. Google Assistant can make your driving life easier

In this photo illustration, the Android Auto logo is seen displayed on a smartphone. | (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Are you used to using voice commands while using your Android phone? If so, then you’ll like the fact that you can use them while your phone is connected to Android Auto as well. In fact, it’s the safest way to use your phone while driving as you can simply press the voice command button on your car’s steering wheel or the microphone button on the phone to access the Google Assistant.

In order to use it, you’ll need to make sure that the voice commands are enabled. To do so, open Android Auto and slide out the left menu and then choose “Settings.” Tap the “OK Google detection” and make sure that you have the feature on “While Driving.” Now that you have voice commands enabled, here are some useful voice commands after saying “OK Google,” as listed by MakeUseOf.com:

  • “Call” or “text” ____
  • “Navigate to ___”
  • “What’s the news?”
  • “Remind me to buy paper towels in ten minutes”

2. Downloading more Android apps can liven up your experience

In addition to telling your Android phone what to do, you can also download some Android Auto-compatible apps to liven up your in-car experience. To see which apps you can download, slide out the left sidebar and tap “Apps for Android Auto.” That will bring up the Google Play store and allow you to download whatever apps will work with Android Auto. Some suggested apps to use are:

  • Pandora, Spotify, Amazon music
  • Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp
  • iHeartRadio, New York Times, or other radio station apps

3. Organizing your apps can make the interface easier to use

Android Auto is presented at the CES electronics and consumer technology tradeshow.
Android Auto is presented at the CES electronics and consumer technology tradeshow. | (Photo by Britta Pedersen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Now that you know how to download Android Auto-compatible apps, it’s likely that the launcher screen will become messy. Fortunately, you can arrange and organize those apps by choosing “Settings,” and then “Customize Launcher.” From there, you’ll be able to customize the app order as you see fit.

4. Setting a default music player can streamline your music playing

If you’re used to using a certain music player on your phone like Spotify, then you’ll have to specifically tell Android Auto to play a song on that application. For example, you can tell Android Auto to “play ___ on Spotify.”

However, that can get a little cumbersome over time, so setting a default music player can help. To do so, open the “Settings” menu and then tap “Google Assistant.” Then scroll to the “Services” tab and select “Music,” after that, you should be able to select which program you want to use as your default music player.

 5. Organizing your phone contacts

A mobile phone with the Google Maps application is seen in this photo.
A mobile phone with the Google Maps application is seen in this photo. | (Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto)

In addition to organizing your applications in Android Auto, you can also organize your phone contacts so that they’re easier to scroll through. To do this, click on “Contacts,” then select a contact. Then tap the “Star” icon on the top right corner to add them to your list of “Favorites.” By using this method, you’ll be able to quickly scroll through a smaller list of contacts, which will make your Android Auto experience easier.

6. A few more Android Auto tips

Now that you have almost everything set up to make your Android Auto experience easier, here are a few more tips from MakeUseOf.com:

  • Toggle “Automatically resume media” will have Android Auto resume playing whatever music you were playing when you turned off the car.
  • The “Weather” function will allow you to see the current weather conditions on the top part of the Android Auto display
  • You can also “preview incoming messages” if you want to get a sneak peek of your text messages on the screen.

RELATED: How to Add Wireless Android Auto to an Older Car

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