Consumer Reports Weighs In On 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has a 5.3-liter V8 engine. It gets 17 mpg and has some of the advanced safety systems recommended by Consumer Reports. The most important question remains: is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safe? Let’s look at Consumer Reports’ safety ratings for the GMC Sierra 1500. 

Consumer Reports tested two trim models. We’ll look at the Crew Cab SLE V8-Cyl 8-Speed Automatic pickup. 

GMC Sierra 1500 | GMC

What safety features does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

While some pickup trucks come standard with forward collision warning, it is only optional in the GMC Sierra 1500. So is automatic city braking. Automatic highway braking isn’t available at all, which means that the automatic braking system will be unable to operate at high speeds. 

Likewise, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, and blind spot warning are all optional in the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. All new cars come with backup cameras, but rear cross traffic warning is only optional in the Sierra 1500. 

Anti lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights are all standard in the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. 

The IIHS crash test ratings are mostly good – except for one

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings measure the front moderate overlap, as well as driver and passenger small overlap crash ratings. Consumer Reports includes these with their own tests and the IIHS tests to give an overall view of the safety of a vehicle. Overlap testing evaluates how well a car does when part of the front strikes a barrier. 

The front moderate overlap and front small overlap: driver are good. However, the front small overlap: passenger is only marginal. Not only that, but the structure and safety cage rating is poor, which is the worst rating a vehicle can get. The IIHS side crash, rear crash, and roof crush tests all got good ratings. 

The NHTSA also tested the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

The NHTSA ratings measure an overall frontal crash, as well as crashes that impact the driver and passenger separately. It also includes an overall crash rating, which combines the frontal and side-crash results.

The NHTSA overall crash rating for the GMC Sierra 1500 is four out of five stars. The overall frontal-crash rating is also four stars. The overall frontal-crash, driver side and passenger side crash test ratings are also four out of five stars. 

The NHTSA side-crash test rating is five stars. So are the side-crash, driver and side-crash, rear passenger tests. The side pole-crash test rating, which measures how well a truck does when it slides sideways and crashes into a tree or pole on the driver’s side at 20 mph. The GMC Sierra 1500 got five stars in this test. 

The rollover ratings for both the GMC Sierra 1500 2WD and 4WD were both four out of five stars. 

So is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safe? Overall, it gets mediocre overall crash test ratings. Combined with its basic interior and lack of standard safety systems, and you may want to look elsewhere for your new pickup truck. 

RELATED: The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Can’t Hold a Candle to the 2021 Dodge Ram

The post Consumer Reports Weighs In On 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Ford Says: Maverick Owners Can 3D Print Their Own Accessories

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A ford executive revealed that Maverick owners will be welcome to design and 3D print custom accessories. Ford will also release compatible plans designed in-house. Some exciting specifics were mentioned, and there are more to come. The possibilities are endless, and the implications are exciting.

The modular Ford Maverick system for custom accessories

3D printed cup holder | Ford

The Ford Maverick includes a dynamic storage solution known as the Ford Integrated Tether System or FITS. On the backside of the Maverick’s center consul sits an unassuming slot. The slot is designed to house a series of accessories meant for storage and organization.

Maverick fans are already excited about the FITS system. Speculation has begun as to other models that could employ the storage solution too. This minor detail is creating a lot of excitement for potential buyers ready to customize their Maverick interior.

Ford has some ideas in mind but opens the floor to custom designs

A red-orange 2022 Ford Maverick 2L-EcoBoost AWD Lariat hybrid pickup truck on a paved road
2022 Ford Maverick 2L-EcoBoost AWD Lariat | Ford

There are several FITS system accessories available directly from Ford. Maverick buyers imply opt for the additional package and receive a variety of interchangeable FITS products. Those with 3D printer access can opt to create the same list of accessories themselves. A Ford executive revealed that new designs are on the way.

On Twitter, Ford Director of Communications Mike Levine said: “With the #FordMaverick FITS (Ford Integrated Tether System) slot, you can 3D print DIY items, including cupholders, a storage bin, a cord organizer, and under-seat storage dividers. More in development!”

Creators have been using 3D printers to create car accessories since the technology was first launched. A quick internet search will turn up table holders, flower pots, and more. Automaker backing makes the process of designing compatible accessories faster and easier.

The implications for the future are exciting

Blue oval Ford logo
Ford Logo | SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

3D printing has revolutionized the at-home DIY market. The technology makes it easier than ever before for creators to machine plastic components at home. Then, with some careful geometry, consumers can recreate broken or lost components independently, avoiding the hassle of ordering them from manufacturers.

An automaker encouraging owners to make their own accessories is a new privilege of the post-3D printing world. Releasing proprietary designs to the public to facilitate custom creations hints at an exciting future. Global industries have slowly begun to embrace more open-source philosophies. As these ideas continue to influence consumer products, some exciting shifts could begin to emerge.

At-home 3D printing technology is currently best suited to smaller, light-duty objects. Industrial and laboratory applications have used every material from carbon fiber to edible proteins. Home units will continue to become more affordable and more versatile. It’s entirely likely that car owners will be able to download specifications for parts and print them at home.

The creative accessories that Maverick owners design are sure to be exciting. Owners of vehicles with similar modular systems have already developed innovative and helpful designs for 3D printed accessories. This compact hybrid truck is revolutionary, right down to the homemade cup holders. The relationship between the automotive industry and at-home 3D printing is on an exciting trajectory.

RELATED: 2022 Ford Maverick: Consumer Reports Is Already Pitting It Against …

The post Ford Says: Maverick Owners Can 3D Print Their Own Accessories appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Best Road Trip Cars According to TrueCar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Road trip season has finally arrived. Do you have the right car for your next road trip? If you don’t, we’ve got you covered. As a matter of fact, TrueCar recently highlighted its picks for the best road trip cars of 2021. Let’s find out what they are.

The 2021 Honda Accord is one of the best road trip cars

2021 Honda Accord | Honda

If you’re planning a road trip anytime soon, the 2021 Honda Accord is one of the best road trip cars, reports TrueCar. This model delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Opt for the Honda Accord Hybrid, and this year’s model achieves 48 combined mpg. 

The Accord isn’t just fuel-efficient. It’s also safe. The IIHS even tapped it as a Top Safety Pick+. And when it comes to road trip-worthy features? This year’s Accord aims to please with features like a head-up display, a wireless phone car, and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto

Now, the Honda Accord isn’t the only car included on the list. TrueCar also tapped the 2021 Mazda3 as one of the best road trip cars of the year. This year’s model delivers up to an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. However, it’s much more than a fuel-sipper, TrueCar reports. Much like the Honda Accord, this year’s Mazda3 can be had with features like a heads-up display, a leather interior, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.

These SUVs are some of the best road trip cars of 2021

A red 2021 Toyota Highlander
2021 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

As for the best road trip SUVs? TrueCar tapped the 2021 Toyota Highlander, the 2021 Subaru Outback, and the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E as its top picks. But, first, let’s talk about the Highlander. As TrueCar explains, the Highlander is the best road trip car for folks that require ample storage and seating for up to eight passengers. TrueCar also highlighted its many standard safety features and its extensive warranty, which includes two years of roadside assistance.

As for the 2021 Subaru Outback? TrueCar called it the perfect pick for adventurous road trips. Not only does it come standard with all-wheel drive, but it also boasts more than enough ground clearance to take on uneven terrain. Even better, the 2021 Subaru Outback comes stocked with driver-assist safety features and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. And if you’re not sold on the Outback but still want a Subaru? TrueCar suggests taking a gander at the 2021 Subaru Forester instead.

The 2021 Ford Mach-E found itself among the best road trip cars too. Though, the Mach-E isn’t like other cars on the list. Instead, this SUV is all-electric. However, it does boast an EPA-estimated range of 305 miles. That’s not all it has going for it, either. The Mach-E also comes standard with an impressive 15.5-inch touchscreen display. TrueCar also lauded it for its suite of standard self-driving features.

Yes, these models made the list too

2021 Chrysler Pacifica parked
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | Stellantis

As it turns out, you don’t need a car or SUV for your next road trip. As a matter of fact, TrueCar also included two very different cars in its list of the best road trip cars. First up, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. While this family hauler might not seem like the best road trip car, there’s plenty to like about it. Pick from front- or all-wheel drive, gas, or plug-in hybrid versions of this year’s Pacifica. You’re going to want to check out road-trip-worthy features like Chrysler’s new “FamCAM” interior camera too.

TrueCar also tapped the 2021 Ford F-150 as one of the best road trip cars. While the Ford F-150 might not seem like the best road trip car at first glance, this year’s model does have a lot to offer. It’s available as a hybrid and can tow up to 14,000-pounds. It’s also available with an onboard generator and a navigation system.

The right car can make your trip an even better experience

There’s no getting around it. The right car can make or break your road trip experience. Fortunately, TrueCar recommends quite a few road-trip-worthy vehicles. To find out which is the best road trip car for you, we suggest starting with a few test drives.

RELATED: The Best New Cars and SUVs Under $30,000 According to Consumer Reports

The post The Best Road Trip Cars According to TrueCar appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace Hasn’t Quite Recovered From the Pandemic Yet

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The dreaded year of 2020 needs no introduction, but one thing that 2020 didn’t completely trash was the auto industry. In fact, despite a steep decline in car sales early in 2020, things started rebounding pretty fast for some automakers. However, that was absolutely not the case for the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace, which simply hasn’t recovered just yet.

The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace didn’t sell well in 2020

The Jaguar F-Pace | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Obviously, when the COVID-19 pandemic started blowing up in America in March 2020, the economy was simply in free fall. Factories were put on pause, people were staying home, and generally speaking, cars simply weren’t getting sold. It’s no surprise then that the F-Pace simply didn’t sell well.

According to GoodCarBadCar, in April 2020, the Jaguar F-Pace’s sales dropped to just 342 units in the entire U.S. This was a nearly 1,000 unit decline from the prior month, but things got a bit better for the F-Pace. After all, the F-Pace, which is a luxury car, was usually bought by people who were well off. 

While the economy got a lot worse for most folks, for folks who are rich, the flow of money went just fine. As such, it’s no surprise that a luxury car like the F-Pace started rebounding in sales pretty quickly.

In May 2020, it almost doubled its sales from the prior month. And by December 2020, it sold over 1,150 units, which is respectable. That said, in 2020, the F-Pace sold a total of 10,891 units, which is still a steep decline from its peak.

It still isn’t selling well in 2021

According to GoodCarBadCar, the Jaguar F-Pace’s peak was in 2017, which was the second year that the luxury compact SUV was available in the U.S. In 2017, the F-Pace sold 19,238 units, but since then, Jaguar has continued to see a drop in sales pretty much every year. In 2019, for example, the F-Pace only sold 15,491 units, which means that in 2020, the F-Pace sold about 4,600 fewer cars than it did in the prior year.

This trend has continued to be true in 2021, for in the first quarter, GoodCarBadCar said that Jaguar only sold about 2,063 units of the F-Pace. That means that in the first three months of the year, only about 700 F-Pace models have been sold each month. 

That’s a massive decline from 2020, and obviously, it’s an even bigger decline from 2019. In the first quarter of 2020, Jaguar sold about 3,992 units of the F-Pace, while in 2019, Jaguar sold about 4,540 units of the F-Pace. As such, as far as car sales go, the F-Pace is still far from normal.

An overview of the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace

At a starting price tag of about $50,000, the Jaguar F-Pace is a pretty affordable luxury SUV. Not only that but since it’s a Jaguar, the F-Pace also brings a healthy balance of luxury and performance. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and that standard engine gets about 246 hp. Those aren’t really remarkable numbers for a compact luxury SUV, but there are options.

For example, in addition to the optional supercharged V6, Jaguar also offers an even more powerful 5.0-liter supercharged V8. This V8 engine gets over 550 hp, and it simply allows the F-Pace to be very sporty. Its 0 to 60 MPH time, with that V8 engine, is 3.8 seconds, and it even has a top speed of about 178 MPH.

As far as pricing goes, the F-Pace SVR, as that V8 trim is called, may cost about $85,000. If that’s too expensive, then the standard F-Pace should be good enough. After all, Jaguar updated the F-Pace’s standard infotainment system as well as improved the comfort of its seats.

Although sales might not reflect it, this is still an SUV you’ll want to consider if your budget allows.

RELATED: The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace’s Safety Systems Need Some ‘Tweaking’

The post The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace Hasn’t Quite Recovered From the Pandemic Yet appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by