by Gabrielle DeSantis

Thanks to an ongoing global microchip shortage, buying a brand-new car is tougher than ever before. With dealership inventory dwindling and discounts becoming harder to come by, it’s tough to know where you can actually save big. To help out, Consumer Reports put together a list of the most discounted new cars available.

To compile this list, Consumer Reports looked at transaction data to determine exactly how much folks are paying for all brand-new cars. From there, the researchers took a look at which models had the biggest discounts from their original MSRP’s. It is worth noting that since this data comes from recent transactions, the discounts don’t rely on promotions or last-minute deals.

2021 Volkswagen Arteon: 7 percent off

Starting this list of most discounted new cars by Consumer Reports is the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon. While it doesn’t typically sell in huge numbers, the Arteon is undoubtedly the best-looking model in its segment. In terms of VW’s lineup, the Arteon sits right above the Passat in both size and price. According to Consumer Reports, you should expect to pay between $36,995 to $46,995 for one of these. However, you should be able to save around $2,532 off a car with a $36,995 MSRP.

While you can save a sizable amount, you’ll want to tread carefully when considering the Arteon. That’s because Consumer Reports gave it an average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction score. As a result, you may encounter more than a few issues throughout your ownership experience. Despite this, the Arteon received a near-perfect road-test score, making for an excellent daily driver.

2021 Acura TLX: 7 percent off

Next up in this list of most discounted new cars by Consumer Reports is the 2021 Acura TLX. According to Consumer Reports, you’ll typically pay between $37,500 to $48,300 for this sleek sedan. Like the Arteon, the TLX carries a sleek look that sets it apart from its main rivals. Thankfully, you should be able to save around $2,622 off a car with a $39,500 MSRP. While this is great for the consumer, it’s strange to see decently sized discounts on a relatively revised model.

Like the aforementioned Arteon, the TLX struggled with reliability ratings. Despite being an Acura, the TLX received a poor predicted reliability score, and an average predicted owner satisfaction rating. It also struggled in key areas of the road test, such as the noise, fuel economy, and cargo area categories. As a result, you’ll want to do in-depth, long-term research before pulling the trigger.

2021 Volvo S60: 7 percent off

RELATED: Fuel-Efficient Used Compact SUVs Recommended by Consumer Reports

Rounding up this Consumer Reports list of the most discounted new cars is the 2021 Volvo S60. Out of all the cars mentioned today, this is most likely the one to go for. For starters, Consumer Reports estimates that you should pay between $38,950 to $64,800 for one of these. However, you should be able to save around $2,827 for a car with a $41,250 base price.

Unlike the Acura or the VW, the Volvo received positive predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. As a result, this might turn out to be the most trouble-free and affordable model to own out of this list. Additionally, the S60 also aced most major categories during Consumer Reports’ road test, making it a serious contender.

The post Most Discounted New Cars According to Consumer Reports appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to SUVs that can tackle off-road trails, a few manufacturers stick out. From Land Rover to Jeep, to the Hummer, SUVs are paving the way, so to speak, for true adventurers. If you have seen modern-day crossovers, you may have noticed that some are now offering more ground clearance than before. Why would consumers want that?

U.S. News reported which 14 SUVs have the highest ground clearance measurements on the market currently. Which ones allow you to sit the tallest on the road?

Why is a higher ground clearance so appealing to consumers

Having an SUV sit taller on the road has a few different advantages. One reason consumers like it is for off-roading adventures, which includes plowing through snowy terrain as well as crawling over rocks. The extra ground clearance prevents the vehicle from getting stuck or obtaining damage. 

Another benefit to having more space under the vehicle is the ease with which a driver can slip in and out of the SUV. Those who may be older or those who have experienced injuries might find it difficult to stoop down to get into a low-riding car or to climb up into a truck. Accessing the driver’s seat when the seat is closer allows them to avoid causing more stress on their joints. 

The last advantage people see from having a higher ground clearance is the visibility it can open up. Sitting up higher in the driver’s seat allows you to see more of the road and what’s going on. Sitting closer to the road makes you have to see up and over the hood as you drive. 

Which SUVs have the highest ground clearance?

The top five SUVs that are the tallest on the road begin with the 2020 Volvo XC90. With 10.5 inches of ground clearance, this Volvo handles different road surfaces pretty well; however, it isn’t really tuned to tackle off-road paths. 

Moving down the lineup to No. 4, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk stands with 10.8 inches of ground clearance. Unlike the XC90, the Trailhawk can go off the beaten path quite easily.

Next up is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It also has 10.8 inches of clearance from the ground and is designed to handle the most challenging terrain. It can handle pavements, but not as well as rough terrain areas. Another great off-road handler is the Land Rover Discovery, which slides into the No. 2 spot on the list. It’s known for handling rock crawling, and plowing through snow, but it comes with a hefty starting price of $52,300.

The tallest SUV on the list is the Land Rover Range Rover that stands at 11.7 inches tall. It also costs quite a lot. At $90,900, the Land Rover comes with some mighty powertrain options. You can get a hefty turbo V6 motor producing 254 hp, or you could go for another more powerful engine – a V8 that generates 577 hp. 

What other SUVs make the list?

2020 Nissan Armada Review & Buying Guide | Big, not bad: https://t.co/wf6q5uQYxL pic.twitter.com/oCDjpcBWtj

— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) December 3, 2019

Out of the ones on the list, the one that might surprise you the most is the Tesla Model X. With 9 inches of clearance under the chassis, this all-electric SUV is making the Tesla brand more versatile in the market. While you’re not likely to take it on extremely rocky terrain, it can handle some minor off-road paths.

It’s not a surprise to see the 2020 Nissan Armada on the list, because it does have a powerful V8 engine that produces 390 hp, and it sits 9.2 inches off the ground. Its performance lacks a bit, however, since it guzzles fuel and rides like a truck, as the old SUV structures did. At $47,100, it’s not the most expensive, but it’s not the cheapest either. 

One stellar example of a vehicle that can travel on some of the toughest terrains is the most expensive one out of all the 14 listed. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV tackles rocky, sandy, and dirt trails with a price tag of $130,900 and 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The best part is that the G-Class holds more of its value than most other SUVs, so the high price could very well be worth it. 

Having a higher ground clearance on an SUV offers many benefits without making you feel like you’re stepping up into a monster-sized truck. Whether you’re interested in taking to the rocky trails or if you’re driving through snow, the extra inches will help get you where you want to go.

Related: Why Are Range Rovers so Expensive and Are They Worth It?

The post 5 SUVs With the Highest Ground Clearance to Tower Over Everyone Else appeared first on MotorBiscuit.