by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you find yourself lusting after a car that offers the ultimate in comfort, performance, and the latest in high-tech features, you really can’t go wrong with a new luxury car, says Consumer Reports. The good news is that today’s market offers no shortage of luxuriously outfitted models to pick from. The even better news is that Consumer Reports recently highlighted its picks for the best new luxury cars of 2021. Let’s find out what they are.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the best new entry-level luxury car

Perhaps you’re in the market for your very first luxury car. If that’s the case, Consumer Reports recommends looking no further than the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Starting at $35,700, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is among the most affordable new luxury cars under $40,000. An affordable price tag isn’t all the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has going for it, either.

In fact, Consumer Reports lauded this new car for its extremely smooth engine and quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The organization was also impressed by the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s interior, adding that while the cabin may not be the most luxurious, it does have a high-quality feel to it. Opt for a 2 Series Gran Coupe that’s been outfitted with the Convenience package, and Consumer Reports says this new luxury car benefits from features such as keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and satellite radio.

The 2021 Audi A4 is the best new luxury compact car

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe isn’t the only new luxury car that found itself on Consumer Reports’ list. As a matter of fact, the organization also included the 2021 Audi A4 among its picks for the best new luxury cars. Though, having given it an 87 overall score, it’s no surprise that Consumer Reports would include the A4 in its list.

But Consumer Reports didn’t just give the A4 an 87 overall score. It also gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Even better, the organization gave this year’s model an 88 overall score in road tests. According to Consumer Reports, the A4’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine continues to impress. Further, its interior is a “high-tech wonderland” that can be outfitted with features such as Audi virtual cockpit plus, which features a high-resolution 12.3″ screen, and the ability to show your location in Google Earth.

The 2021 Lexus ES is the best luxury midsized car

Perhaps the 2021 Audi A4 is just too small of a vehicle for you. The good news is that Consumer Reports also included the 2021 Lexus ES among its picks for the best new luxury cars. This year’s model starts at $40,000 and, at its most expensive, will have you spending approximately $49,000. 

Much like the Audi A4, Consumer Reports also gave the 2021 Lexus ES high marks. This year’s model earned itself an 82 overall score, which is nothing short of impressive. It also earned a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. Its interior is impressive too, says Consumer Reports. In fact, according to the organization, the interior of this year’s model is a significant improvement over previous years.

The 2021 BMW 7 Series is a luxury car that “delivers a first-class travel experience”

There’s a lot to like about the 2021 BMW 7 Series. Consumer Reports gave it an 88 overall score, ranking it the best new ultra-luxury car of 2021. It also gave this year’s new 7 Series a 99 overall score in road tests, which is just short of perfect. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 BMW 7 Series “delivers a first-class travel experience.” It boasts a serene ride, a long list of high-tech features, and is surprisingly fuel-efficient.

As for how much the 2021 BMW 7 Series costs? There’s no beating around the bush here. This new luxury car will cost you a pretty penny. Choose a base model 7 Series, and you can anticipate spending approximately $86,800. Opt for the M760i xDrive instead, and the 7 Series will have you spending upwards of $155,000. 

Are you ready to treat yourself to one of the best new luxury cars?

For those in the market for a new luxury car, Consumer Reports’ picks for the best new luxury cars make for a fantastic start. But when it comes to determining which luxury model is the best fit for you? We recommend getting behind the wheel for a few test drives.

The post The Best New Luxury Cars According to Consumer Reports appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The battle between Kia and Toyota is starting to heat up! The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is finally here to take on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Both serve as excellent SUV options, but the Kia Sorento could have a few enticing features to rival the Toyota Highlander. 

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid vs. the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid emerged as a totally redesigned three-row SUV that includes an enhanced fuel economy. Its closest rival is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which also serves as an excellent three-row option for families. 

You can get started in a new Kia Sorento Hybrid for about $33,590. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid begins at about $38,735. So, the Sorento has a lower starting price, but the Highlander may include enough extra goodies to be worth paying about $5,000 more for. 

How do the Sorento and Highlander perform? 

RELATED: Is the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid As Adventurous as it Looks?

With the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid, you get a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a 44-kilowatt electric motor, and a 1.5-kWh battery for 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. According to Cars.com, it can tow up to 2,000 lbs. 

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with two electric motors for a combined output of 243 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. But it can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

With the Sorento Hybrid, you can get an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. The Highlander Hybrid provides an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. 

One drawback to consider is the fact that the Kia Sorento Hybrid isn’t offered in all-wheel drive. The Highlander Hybrid does come with AWD, making it heavier. This may explain why it has a slightly lower fuel economy. 

Both of these options provide a fairly smooth ride and are fast off the line. They don’t have grabby brakes and do make the occasional hybrid engine whirs. The Sorento could have a quieter cabin, and the Highlander could have sportier handling. 

Does the Sorento or Highlander have better features? 

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid only comes with captain’s chairs in the second row. This feature is optional in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While captain’s chairs can be preferred by families, this may limit utility. 

In the Sorento Hybrid, you’ll find 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row with up to 75.5 cubic feet total. The Highlander Hybrid is slightly larger, with 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet total. 

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard in the Highlander, but you can upgrade to the 12.3-inch screen. The Sorento comes with an 8.0-inch screen, too, with an optional 10.25-inch screen. Both come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Both vehicles come with standard safety features such as forward collision prevention and lane departure warning. The Sorento Hybrid is a Top Safety Pick, while the Highlander Hybrid is a safety pick+. 

The Kia Sorento Hybrid serves as a three-row option with a lower price and slightly better fuel economy. But the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a little more muscle, optional AWD, and is a slightly safer option.

The post The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Makes the Toyota Highlander Nervous appeared first on MotorBiscuit.