Editorial archive

January 2021

2021 Land Rover Defender 110 — Defender returns and it’s a sweetheart

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By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 21, 2021) With the large, expensive SUVs back en vogue, Land Rover decided that now would be a great time — after a 22-year hiatus — to bring the Land Rover Defender, one of the world’s most iconic nameplates, back to the U.S. market. It’s all-new, funky fresh, still boxy, and an off-road triumph of capability that more than lives up to its go-anywhere English heritage. And there was, indeed, a lot to live up to.

New year sees gas prices steadily increase

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(January 20, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C.  —  Since the beginning of the year, the national gas price average has increased 13 cents. Today’s average is $2.38. That's a nickel more than last week. However, still cheaper year-over-year by 17 cents. The last time the nation saw a substantial January pump price increase was in 2009. That year, the national gas price average jumped 23 cents inside of the first three weeks of the year. At that time U.S. gasoline demand and supply were lower and crude oil prices had been increasing, similar to today.

The best and worst states to drive in according to WalletHub study

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(January 19, 2021) Everyone hates being stuck in traffic. It makes you late, and causes many people’s tempers to flare up. But it’s also quite bad for your wallet — in fact, congestion cost U.S. drivers $88 billion in 2019, as well as an average of 99 hours of their time. The U.S. also has five out of the world’s 25 worst cities for traffic, and 19 of the worst 25 in North America, according to statistics compiled by WalletHub.

Kelley Blue Book names 10 Best Automotive Technologies of 2021

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(January 18, 2021) IRVINE, Calif. — As cars become more advanced, electronic technology and integrated systems are musts to consider when shopping for a new vehicle. The array of safety, security, connectivity, and communication systems available in today's cars makes life on the road easier without causing driver distraction. Today, Kelley Blue Book names the 10 Best Automotive Technologies of 2021 to help consumers make sense of what to look for when it comes to the latest and greatest car tech this year.

2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel: Is it worth the cost?

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By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 17, 2021) Prior to introducing Gladiator, one of the most commonly asked questions by Jeep customers was, “Will you please offer a Jeep truck?” Followed closely by, “Will it be offered with a diesel engine?” The first question was answered with the Gladiator almost a year ago. It was Jeep’s first pickup truck in 28 years after the discontinuation of the Comanche, which was sold from 1986 to 1992.

There's more to the new Corvette than just the mid-engine configuration

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 15, 2021) There was so much made in the months leading up to the debut of the first mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette in the summer of 2019 that you might have wondered if the vehicle itself could live up to all the hoopla. But after a week in this beauty to start off the new year, I’m here to say that the C8 Corvette Stingray has not only lived up to expectations, it has taken the Great American Sports Car to a new, higher level.

Why winter isn't a worry for modern electric vehicles like the VW ID.4 SUV

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(January 15, 2021) As winter takes hold in much of the United States, Americans’ interest in electric vehicles continues to warm up – driven by models such as the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV, due to hit dealers in a matter of weeks. But the season can spark questions among EV-curious drivers about how an electric vehicle can stand up when the temperatures drop. The answer is: quite well, if owners prepare a bit and take advantage of the benefits EV technology can offer.

How Volkswagen Automotive Cloud will help shape the connected car of tomorrow

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(January 13, 2021) Seattle may not be known as a hotbed for the U.S. automotive industry, but that’s changing thanks to the increasing importance of cloud computing for connected and autonomous vehicles. In recent years, Seattle’s nickname of “Cloud City” has not only referred to the weather, but for the industry built around some of the best cloud companies and experts in the world. That’s why Volkswagen Group chose the city to help shape the future of connected vehicles with the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud.

Gas prices rising despite plummeting demand

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(January 12, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — At $2.31, the national gas price average is at its highest in 10 months. Pump prices have increased despite gas demand falling from 8.1 million barrels a day to 7.4 million barrels a day — the lowest level recorded since the end of May 2020, according to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest weekly report. Today’s average is six cents more than last week, 16 cents more than a month ago, but still cheaper than last year by 27 cents, according to AAA.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a solid compact luxury SUV



By Russ Heaps
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 12, 2021) The redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA250 puts a little more emphasis on “utility” in this, the smallest of Benz SUVs. Make no mistake, there is still a certain amount of fun-to-drive in the GLA250, but in its re-imagining, Mercedes added some traditional SUV cues resulting in a more mature, more substantial carryall.