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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are a whole slew of pickup trucks on the market. Most of them are made by well-known, solid car manufacturers. Maybe you’ve been looking at the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 and the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. Is the Dodge Ram safer than the GMC Sierra? Or is the GMC Sierra safer than the Dodge Ram? Let’s compare IIHS crash test ratings to get a clearer picture of these two trucks.

2021 Dodge Ram 1500 | Dodge

The 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick

A red 2021 Dodge Ram between piles of dirt.
2021 Dodge Ram | Dodge

An IIHS Top Safety Pick is awarded to a vehicle which gets good ratings in the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front crash ratings, and moderate overlap front crash ratings. A vehicle must also get a good rating in the side crash tests, roof strength and head restraint tests. 

Additionally, a vehicle must get a superior or advanced rating for front crash prevention in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. A Top Safety Pick must also have acceptable or good headlights available. 

The 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 scored well in each of these tests. The IIHS Top Safety Pick applies only to the large, crew cab Dodge Ram pickups with optional crash prevention and certain headlights. 

On the other hand, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 got a good overall rating in the small overlap front: driver side crash test. However, it only received an acceptable rating in the structure and safety cage crash test. 

The overall evaluation of the small overlap front: passenger side tests for the Dodge Ram 1500 was good, but the structure and safety cage was only acceptable. The GMC Sierra 1500 was much worse, scoring a marginal overall evaluation.  Not only that, but the structure and safety cage rating is poor, which is the worst rating a vehicle can get. 

How were the moderate overlap tests for the Dodge Ram and the GMC Sierra?

A dark gray 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 driving down a highway.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | GMC

To conduct the moderate overlap frontal test, the IIHS creates a situation similar to what would happen if two same-size vehicles hit each other at just under 40 mph. Forty percent of the width of the vehicle strikes an aluminum honeycomb barrier on the driver side.

The 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 scored a good rating in the moderate overlap tests.. On the other hand, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 got all good ratings except for the leg/foot, right, which received a marginal rating. Both trucks got good side crash test ratings.

How was the roof strength, head restraints and seats?

If you’ve thought about roof strength when car shopping, you’re probably already on top of all these crash test ratings. If not, pay attention: the roof strength is an important factor in a rollover crash.

Both the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 and the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scored a good result for roof strength. They also got good scores in the overall evaluation for power leather seats, as well as good dynamic ratings and seat/head restraint geometry. 

How did the Dodge Ram and GMC Sierra do in crash prevention?

A red 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 on the beach.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | GMC

The Ram 1500 scored a superior rating in the overall vehicle-to-vehicle evaluation with the optional Advanced Safety Group or Level 1 Safety Group. In both the 12 mph and 25 mph IIHS test, the Ram 1500 was able to avoid a collision. 

A variety of trim levels were tested in the vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention. The Ram 1500 scored advanced and in the 12 mph crossing child test, the Ram 1500 avoided a collision. In the 25 mph test, the speed was reduced by 21%. 

In the crossing adult 12 mph and 25 mph tests, the Ram was able to avoid a collision. It also avoided a collision in the parallel adult 25 mph test. However, in the 37 mph, the Ram 1500 didn’t slow down. A warning was issued 2.4 seconds before the collision. 

The GMC Sierra 1500 did well in this test too. It got a superior vehicle-to-vehicle overall evaluation. The GMC Sierra 1500 met the requirements for forward collision warning. It avoided a collision in the 12 mph IIHS test and the 25 mph IIHS test. 

The 2021 Dodge Ram 1500s better crash test ratings and IIHS Top Safety Pick make it a better choice than the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 for a pickup truck. If you’re torn between the two trucks, go with the safer one.

RELATED: Advanced Safety Systems: What Are They All About?

The post The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Can’t Hold a Candle to the 2021 Dodge Ram appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Tesla Model S Plaid Ridiculous Perfect Power Curve: Event Updates

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Depending on how closely you follow Tesla, the information released at the Tesla Model S Plaid delivery event might not be very new. However, the delivery event did provide a bit of an update about the new Model S cars. And yes, you can play CyberPunk if you really want to.

The Tesla Model S Plaid gets the controversial yoke

The new Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla

This week, the new Model S Plaid delivery event took place. Since there has been much controversy surrounding Tesla in the news recently, this was an important event. As we know, the biggest change thus far has been the “yoke” steering wheel change. The shape of the steering wheel looks more like a video game controller than a steering wheel, but drivers will probably adapt quickly.

In addition to the yoke steering wheel, Tesla removed the stalks that normally would allow drivers to shift into gear. Instead, touch buttons on the wheel now allow you to shift.

Tesla introduced the smart-shift or auto-shift feature. This feature uses autopilot and AI to determine which direction the car should go in. So if your car is parked in a garage with a wall in front of it and an open garage door behind it, the car should automatically know to reverse. This removes a step in the process for drivers.

The vehicle will also learn the driver’s habits. If the car normally backs up to go to work in the morning, it will learn to optimize the driving experience. There are still manual buttons to shift in and out of gear should you want to.

The ever-important Model S Plaid range and 0-60 mph time

Tesla advertised the Model S Plaid range as being 350 miles, but it says 405 miles on the window sticker. Online, the Plaid version still says 390 miles of estimated range. The Long Range model is listed as 405 miles. The window sticker also notes that the 405-mile range is equivalent to 120 MPGe. That’s definitely a welcome improvement.

Tesla notes that the Plaid is now the “quickest accelerating car in production today.” The 0-60 mph time is 1.99 seconds with 1,020 hp from the three motors. The Plaid had a 1/4 mile time of 9.23 seconds at 155 mph, and a top speed of 200 mph. Tesla also says that the Model S Plaid has the lowest drag coefficient of any production car.

One of the coolest updates is the introduction of the Perfect Power Curve. The Model S Plaid gets peak power all the way through. During the Livestream, Elon Musk noted that he wanted to demonstrate how powerful a performance electric vehicle can be. Some buyers were disappointed when the Plaid+ was scrapped along with the 500+ mile range. The range of the Plaid might not be enough.

Some other interesting features

The Model S Plaid comes with 19″ Tempest Wheels, or buyers can upgrade to the 21″ Arachnid Wheels for $4,500. The interior options are black (no charge), black and white for $2,000, or cream for the same price. The exterior color Pearl White Multi-Coat has no extra charge. Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, and Deep Blue Metallic are $1,500. The Red Multi-Coat is $2,500.

You can still purchase Full Self-Driving for $10,000, even though that remains a controversial issue. The order page says that Autosteer in city streets is coming “later this year,” but it does not elaborate further.

Overall, the event went off fairly well and provided answers to some questions the public had. If you were looking for a 500-mile range Tesla, that might not be on the table yet. It seems Musk is focusing more on the performance side of things over the range.

RELATED: Recall Alert: Over 5,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Cars Recalled

The post The Tesla Model S Plaid Ridiculous Perfect Power Curve: Event Updates appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Are ATVs Street Legal?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The all-terrain vehicle, aka ATV, first appeared in the 1960s as a six-wheel amphibious variety. The first straddle ATV had three wheels, and this version grew in popularity during the 1970s. Models for performance, beginners, and farmers soon joined the group. Then, in the early 1980s, four-wheelers appeared, soon replacing their three-wheel predecessors.

Many people of various ages ride four-wheelers today for various reasons. But can they ride them on public roads legally?

Today’s 4-wheelers

According to the ATV Safety Institute, all-terrain vehicles are motorized off-roaders with four low-pressure or non-pneumatic tires, a seat the rider straddles, and handlebars for steering. Two types of ATVs are manufactured. Type I models can hold one person, and Type II versions carry the driver and a passenger.

ATVs also come in various sizes. Younger operators should use youth models, which travel at slower speeds. Many even include a label listing the manufacturer’s minimum age recommendation. The labels mark the vehicles for kids not younger than 6, 10, 12, or 14. Young people aged 16 or older can ride adult-sized ATVs.

What are ATVs used for?

ATVs designed for adults come in sport and utility models. The utility version is sometimes called a UTV, MotoSport.com explains. The two types have different sizes, drivetrains, and capabilities, Dirt Wheel Rider reports.

Sport ATVs are designed for speed and have good handling. Riders even use these vehicles in motocross and off-road races. They boast performance engines and sport suspensions. These models are also smaller and less expensive than UTVs. Sport ATVs have two-wheel drive, while UTVs have four-wheel drive. In addition to racing, riders use sport ATVs for general recreation and on trails.

The larger UTVs can haul and tow. Though they don’t handle as well as sport ATVs, UTVs can go off-road just about anywhere, whether in the mud or up hills. In addition to towing and hauling, UTVs are great for hunting and plowing. Plus, their designs offer more comfort than the sport variety.

You might not want to trade in your car for an ATV, but having a street-legal four-wheeler can be helpful for connecting from one trail to another or crossing a street. The legality of ATVs on public roads varies from state to state, though.

Some states require safety features, such as lights and mirrors, to make a four-wheeler street legal. Other states ban all-terrain vehicles from streets entirely. Even states that allow four-wheelers on streets usually ban them from highways and state routes. States also have individual regulations on minimum ages, where ATVs can be used, and whether a license, title, registration, and insurance are required.

Your local DMV will have information on all-terrain vehicles in your state. It’s important to look up your area because local municipalities often have regulations different from state rules.

For instance, Alabama and Washington, D.C., are among the most restrictive places for riding ATVs on the street. On the other hand, Idaho, Kansas, Utah, and West Virginia are among the least restrictive. In addition, many states don’t allow four-wheelers on streets except for specific uses or with certain safety requirements. National forests and parks also have their own regulations.

As with most vehicles, it’s important to know the laws and safety regulations for your area. So before you take your ATV out on the street, check to ensure it’s allowed wherever you are.

RELATED: Recall Alert: ATV Steering Problem Could Cause Riders to Lose Control and Crash

The post Are ATVs Street Legal? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Build Your Own Luxury SUV With Genesis’ GV80 Configurator

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Genesis GV80 is the new kid on the block in the luxury SUV world. Most importantly, the GV80 hopes to make an impact through its competitive pricing and disruptive sales model. Moreover, the purchase process can be done entirely online, and so can maintenance. Then, a similar car is simply dropped at your door when your Genesis GV80 needs service. So, an interesting sales model to be sure. Now, it’s time to take a look at the best way to spec out your Genesis GV80.

Genesis GV80: exterior

The GV80 on display | VCG/VCG via Getty Images

In keeping with the budget-conscious pricing of Genesis’ GV, I wanted to keep the price under $70,000. The Korean automaker’s website lists three powertrain options that determine the starting price of the vehicle. I determined the middling one to be the best. Genesis’ 3.5-liter turbo motor makes a healthy 375 hp and starts the car at just under $60,000. This also grants you all-wheel drive.

What’s more, this Genesis spec also nets you the panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and nicer alloy wheels. I found the default blue exterior paint to be a little bland for my tastes. So, I splurged and spent an extra $500 on Cardiff Green paint, just like the car above. This limits the interior color to one option, seen below. Again, not particularly my thing, but worth it for the fantastic green paint.

Interior and options

The cream colored interior of the GV80
The Genesis GV80’s interior | Seong Joon Cho via Getty Images

When it comes to option packages and interiors, the GV80 is a little different. There are really only three to choose from, Standard, Advanced, and Prestige. Once again, the middling option seemed best to keep the GV80 within budget. Not that the advanced package is lacking for features at its roughly $5,000 price point.

LED head and taillights, as well as triple-zone climate control, are just some of the highlights. Your $5,000 goes a long way with the Genesis to be sure. Befitting of a luxury SUV, this package also grants you leather seats and rear sunshades. You’ll also be getting a 16-way powered driver’s seat, heating for the second-row seats, and Lexicon’s 21-speaker audio system. All in all, not bad for a premium SUV that’s going to come in under $70,000.

GV80: all hype or bargain?

The GV80 in front of a large Genesis logo
The Genesis logo and GV80 | Seong Joon Cho via Getty Images

Miscellaneous accessories are somewhat thin on the Genesis GV80, but that’s because of how extensive the option packages are. Most of them are, however, recommended. The first aid kit is only $45 bucks and a nice thing to have just in case. Additionally, the rubber cargo tray is a must for SUV duties at $150. Finally, I picked up the $85 wheel locks. Can’t be too careful.

As specced, my Genesis GV80 came in well under my $70,000 budget. The whole shebang cost $66,675. That’s only a hair above Toyota Highlander money, and for a much more premium package. Not only that, but this extremely competitive pricing, combined with the sales model above makes the GV80 a fantastic luxury bargain.

RELATED: Which 2020 Genesis Model Should You Buy?

The post Build Your Own Luxury SUV With Genesis’ GV80 Configurator appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by