2024 Chevrolet Camaro: What We Know About the EV Sedan
WHAT IT IS: An all-electric performance model, reported to be a sedan and effectively a replacement for the two-door Camaro. It may retain the Camaro name, as Chevrolet has recently used the Blazer moniker on a crossover that bears no resemblance to historical models.
WHY IT MATTERS: Parent company GM is transitioning all its brands to electric vehicles during the next 13 years, performance models included. The Corvette is already slated to adopt hybrid and pure electric powertrains in the next few years, but the Camaro's future is unclear after today's generation ends production in 2024 or so. In presenting its plans for an all-EV future, GM provided an illustration of its Ultium EV platform with an outline of a sports car hovering above. The picture bears striking resemblance to a profile view of the present Camaro, though Chevrolet wouldn't comment on the similarity. Reports indicate the car will be a sedan even if it retains the name despite all past Camaros being coupes. Although Chevrolet could theoretically put any type of body on the Ultium skateboard platform, Camaro sales in recent years have dropped sharply, and coupes in general have faded in popularity over the past a decade.
PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: All of GM's EVs in the foreseeable future will be built on the company's Ultium platform, which can be tailored to fit any vehicle size or style. It also supports one to three electric motors, so this EV sedan could be anything from a classic rear-drive performance car to a 1,000-hp all-wheel-drive supersled. Chevrolet has given no indication what route it will take or whether it will offer multiple battery and motor configurations as GMC now does with the new Hummer EV pickup and SUV.
ESTIMATED PRICE: $40,000
EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE: 2024
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kia ev6 Full OverviewAround 2012 a certain upstart electric automaker out of California you might have heard of really started to show car buyers the myriad perks of engineless driving. Kia says its top brass took notice, foresaw change, and that same year commanded its ranks to pivot toward electrification. Initial products of that effort, the Niro and Soul EVs, highlighted the challenges of creating electric cars with fewer compromises than compelling factors. Neither left Tesla looking over its shoulder for Kia, but neither did Kia give up trying to create a standout EV. The EV6 is the result of that decade-long push.Launching alongside the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60—all three share the Electric-Global Modular Platform, E-GMP, set to underpin numerous upcoming HMG products—the EV6 does what earlier electric Kias could not: It appeals on multiple levels, among them style, practicality, technology, and performance.EV-SixyKicking off with the style aspect, there is the EV6's category-defying form, made possible by its not-based-on-a-gas-car, clean-sheet design. At 184.3 inches, this dedicated electric is less than 1.0 inch longer than the 2023 Kia Sportage compact crossover. Yet the EV6's wheelbase spans 114.2 inches, identical to that of our 2020 SUV of the Year winner, the one-size-up three-row Telluride. At 74.0 inches wide, it's almost a half an inch broader than the largish Kia Stinger. The 6.1 inches of ground clearance is slightly less than offered by the subcompact Soul, backing up the visual impression of lowness. A Volkswagen ID4 or Ford Mustang Mach-E stand at least 3.0 inches above the 60.8-inch-tall EV6; its Hyundai Ioniq 5 platform-mate is more than 2.0 inches taller.Dramatic proportions complement the dramatic sheetmetal. Fiercely squinting headlights capture attention at the front, notably free of the "tiger nose" grille providing familial recognition between combustion-powered Kia vehicles. Behind those, the absence of an engine allows the hood to be almost impossibly compressed; this clamshell stamping cleanly integrates shutlines with the top of the headlights and wheel arches. The sharp rake of the A-pillar is mirrored by the rear windshield—elements in particular that keep the EV6 from being lumped in with conventional SUVs, and rather, impart it with a sporty, sleek wagonoid presence.Within that long wheelbase are E-GMP's batteries, offered in 58.0-kWh standard-range or 77.4-kWh long-range capacities. The standard pack is single-motor/rear-drive only, and dual-motor/all-wheel drive is available with the big battery. EPA-certified range for the EV6 is as low as 232 miles with the standard battery and as high as 310 miles on the big-battery, rear-drive model, while the big-battery, all-wheel-drive setup falls in between with 274 miles on a charge. It is one of today's most efficient EVs.E-GMP's 800-volt charging capacity means that a 350-kW DC fast charger can jump the battery from 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes—very quick. The Ioniq 5 and GV60 share these capabilities, though the Genesis is offered exclusively with the 77.4-kWh battery.The wheels aren't all that the battery can power. Its available vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality allows external electric devices to plug in, creating the potential to run accessories anywhere the EV6 can travel. That load can even go to a different electric vehicle in need of juice. Or it can be used to make actual juice; we witnessed V2L firsthand as a blender plugged into an EV6 puréed a tasty tomato soup during our drive's lunch stop.How Does It Drive?Kia invited us to drive the EV6 through hills and valleys in Northern California's Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino counties. The verdant scenery is fine, but the area's incredibly technical and sinuous roads are better.Having already sampled the standard-battery, rear-drive EV6 overseas, we focused our drive time on the big-battery, all-wheel-drive version of the EV6. Its 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque is delivered smoothly, linearly, and immediately—not so different from other similarly powerful EVs, but still thrilling. The EV6 rapidly reaches any speed within the range of posted limits; Kia estimates a 5.1-second 0-60-mph time, likely conservative given the 4.4-second sprint our test team recorded from an equally powerful Ioniq 5.The accelerator pedal's directness makes shifting the car's balance intuitive. It is easy to get the EV6 to squat down on its rear tires and leap out of corners. Toggling through Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes changes the pedal's responses, from intentionally lazy in Eco to almost alarmingly aggressive in Sport. Those modes also change the torque balance between the front and rear drive motors, minimizing the front's involvement in Eco to maximize range and adjusting the split dynamically in Sport to optimize traction.Don't mistake those paddles on the steering wheel for shifters—they're toggles that allow the driver to choose the level of regenerative braking. The driver can completely switch off the regenerative effect (like engine braking), allowing the EV6 to keep momentum when the accelerator is lifted. When fully armed, the regenerative function allows for one-pedal driving—which Kia calls I-Pedal—by slowing the vehicle strongly, even on downhill gradients. In I-Pedal or any of the three levels below it, the driver can choose their desired braking effect while putting charge back into the battery.These options proved useful on varied roads. On straight, flat sections where a consistent speed should be maintained, we'd switch regen off to ease coasting. If the road turned downhill, we'd tap to a higher setting to keep speed from building and recharge. On twisty sections we'd alter the settings depending on the corner ahead, similar to dropping gears in a combustion car for engine braking. Through town, I-Pedal made it easy to keep with traffic and avoid the friction brakes. When we did press the brake pedal, transitions between regen and friction were typically imperceptible. There's also a Sport mode for that pedal, which firms it up and shortens its travel slightly.An Electric Carving KnifeAs we discovered in our earlier drive, ex-BMW engineer Albert Biermann's tuning acumen is evident in the EV6's handling. (The former BMW M boss took charge of Hyundai Motor Group's R&D department in 2018, and although he recently retired from that post, his legacy is sealed in the EV6's E-GMP platform; Kia calls it Biermann's capstone project.) The steering's quick ratio and relatively light effort make the vehicle easy to place on a road, especially given its width and wheelbase. How the steering and powertrain interact makes the EV6 feel pointy, engaging.Yet its claimed curb weight of 4,661 pounds is obvious. Like with other EVs packing an underfloor battery, the center of gravity is low, which minimizes body roll. Yet a feeling of inertia, of the car's weight straining against its tires, is a factor in any fast bend. The GT-Line examples we drove have no chassis changes over the lower Light or Wind trims, but their 235/45R20 tires give a clearer picture of available grip.Again that weight is felt in how the EV6 handles undulations, but its body motions are predictable and adeptly controlled. Ultimately, the EV6 comported itself enjoyably on the truly demanding roads Kia plotted for our drive route—and the dual-motor version we zeroed in on here helps offset that heft when punching out of corners. The Kia seems accurately positioned as a sporty counterpart to the Ioniq 5, while the upcoming Genesis GV60 should feel more luxurious.… And a Comfortable CruiserIn terms of highway cruising, the EV6 is one of the most relaxing vehicles we've sampled as of late. At such speeds it feels eminently settled and smooth. Wind noise is hardly intrusive, though it is noticeable only due to the absence of other mechanical sounds. The latest version of Kia's Highway Drive Assist, which we've found useful and effective in other contemporary Kias, makes things even easier for those willing to give up steering and accelerator control to a computer on the freeway.Although the sections of Highway 101 we traveled are coated in ultra-smooth pavement, most of the rest of the drive route's roads were not. Unlike our experience in the Ioniq 5, we felt textures and imperfections through the EV6's suspension and steering wheel, though it comes off more as a feeling of connection than harshness. Impacts are felt but comfortably rounded off. Genesis may opt for a plusher tune in its interpretation of E-GMP, but Kia's rendition balances ride and handling impressively.Sustainable, Autonomous, and Sporty?The EV6 is the tip of the brand's electric spear. Kia is readying a diverse range of electrified vehicles, and it plans to invest $25 billion into 11 new global EVs by 2026. Sustainability will be a focus, and to that end the EV6's interior contains the equivalent of approximately 100 beverage bottles' worth of recycled plastic, as well as vegan leather upholstery. But the brand admits that it still has things to learn in making its battery sourcing and manufacturing processes greener end to end.Autonomy is the buzzword of the day, yet it's intriguing how Kia has delivered such a driver-focused vehicle while touting its goals in this area. The brand assures us that self-driving cars won't dominate its lineup. Drivers who enjoy driving will still have options—to be sure, they have one now in the 2022 Kia EV6—but inevitably future electric Kias will push harder on supported-driving technologies. Until that day, the EV6 will shine not for its futuristic tech but rather for its delightful dynamic characteristics and, get this, its affordability. The EV SUV starts at under $35,000—kind of—and is available for sale in Kia dealerships in all 50 states.Looks good! More details?2022 Kia EV6 BASE PRICE $42,115-$57,115 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, RWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV MOTORS 168-hp/258-lb-ft AC permanent-magnet electric; 225-hp/258-lb-ft AC permanent-magnet electric; 99-hp/188-lb-ft front and 225-hp/258-lb-ft rear AC permanent-magnet electric, 320-hp/446-lb-ft comb TRANSMISSIONS 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT 4,000-4,700 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 114.2 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 184.3 x 74.0 x 60.8 in 0-60 MPH 5.1-8.0 sec (mfr est) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 116-136/94-101/105-117 mpg-e ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 29-31/25-33 kWh/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.00 lb/mile (at vehicle) ON SALE IN U.S. Now Show All
lincoln navigator Full OverviewThe Lincoln Navigator is well established among ginormous three-row luxury SUVs, having initiated the full-size segment some 25 years ago. The latest iteration of the Navigator made its debut for the 2018 model year and has been refreshed for 2022 with updated styling and some new technology. We usually welcome changes like these, but in the case of the 2022 Navigator at least one addition isn't, er, particularly great.ActiveGuide Is New but Has FlawsLet's dive right into the trouble: The headline technology for the updated Navigator is Lincoln's ActiveGlide semi-autonomous driving technology, effectively an adaptive cruise control and lane centering system that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on certain pre-mapped roads, the ever-expanding database of which will be beamed to Lincolns through over-the-air updates. (ActiveGlide is effectively a rebadged version of the BlueCruise system used in the parent company's Ford-branded vehicles. Lincoln offers it free for the first three years before owners need to subscribe.)Like all hands-free systems, in order to let you take your hands off the wheel, ActiveGlide needs to be able to detect that you are watching the road. To do this, the Navigator employs cameras atop the steering column that detect head and eye movements. If the system senses that the driver's eyes are off the road, it sounds repeated aural warnings before canceling lane guidance.We are intimately familiar with this sequence of events because we experienced it repeatedly—not because we weren't watching where we were going, but because we forgot to bring sunglasses to the press preview. Turns out that if you squint, ActiveGlide loses track of your eyes and thinks you aren't looking at the road. It also turns out that if a short driver doesn't position the steering column low enough, the steering wheel hub partially blocks the camera, generating more false alarms."Watch the Road"? We Are Watching the Road!We experienced ActiveGlide's full automation on Phoenix's 202 loop freeway and found it worked beautifully—right up until the road curved west into the afternoon sun, when it started shouting warnings to our squinting selves. (Interestingly enough, when the Navigator came to a section where it couldn't steer itself and needed the driver to put hands back on the wheel, the warnings were silent.)Now, we'd normally dismiss this as not such a big deal if it only affected hands-free driving, but there is a major caveat here: The face-recognition camera is also required for the normal lane centering function. So even when we weren't letting the Lincoln do the driving—so, when we were on non-ActiveGlide-mapped roads and turned on cruise control and lane guidance, with our hands firmly on the wheel—the Navigator continued to yell at us to watch the road, even though we were.This annoyance is piled on top of another one: Like most vehicles, when lane centering is engaged, the Navigator sounds a warning if it believes you've taken your hands off the wheel. Instead of a capacitive touch sensor, Lincoln uses the cheaper torque sensor, which detects inputs on the steering wheel. The problem—which we've experienced on other vehicles as well—is that on long straightaways, which require no steering, the Navigator yells at you to put your hands on the wheel even when they are already there. This is the reason why the Cadillac Escalade, equipped with GM's competing Super Cruise system, invested in the pricier touch sensors. Lincoln could do better for its top-of-the-line vehicle—after all, it's not like it's selling these full-sizers at razor-thin profit margins.Were these isolated incidents or due to a malfunctioning vehicle? We don't think so. We drove two different Navigators, and both exhibited the same behavior. Furthermore, other staffers have experienced these issues with the BlueCruise-branded version of the system in Ford vehicles. However, aside from the bedeviled lane-centering system, we found lots to like in the face-lifted Navigator.The Actual Improvements to the 2022 Lincoln NavigatorThere are other changes to the '22 Navigator, and some are genuine improvements, like the styling. The 2022 model has thinner headlights, a bolder grille, and better taillights, i.e., ones that no longer look like they've been installed upside down. There's a new Central Park Edition available with a dark green interior that looks in person better than it sounds on paper, as well as the blue-upholstered Yacht Club version. (Is this a return to the 1970s, when you could get your car's interior done up in colors other than black and beige? Gosh, we hope so.)The newly expanded 13.2-inch center screen, which runs Ford's Sync 4 system, is intuitive and easy to use, and the optional premium sound system is nothing short of spectacular. We also remain fascinated by Lincoln's 30-way power front seats, though we're not convinced they're a great idea. Automakers pay ergonomic experts to craft seats that are supportive and comfortable, with a few simple adjustments so we can tweak them to our needs. Lincoln's 30-way seats make, well, the occupants into the experts. Except most people aren't orthopedic spine physicians, and they will have the same trouble we do molding the seats into a perfect position. Perhaps there is such a thing as too many choices. Lincoln, how about a few ergonomically optimized presets that we can then fine-tune?The Best Seats Are the Rear SeatsWe had a much better time in the back seat (stop giggling, you children). Before our drive, we were chauffeured around in a Navigator equipped with Lincoln's new-for-'22 rear-seat entertainment system, which now incorporates Amazon Fire TV. Two of us streamed two separate programs from Amazon Prime (the system also does Netflix and Disney Plus), all while enjoying the class-exclusive massaging rear seats. (OK, so maybe there isn't such a thing as too many choices.) It was a far more enjoyable experience than being yelled at by the lane-centering system.The 2022 Lincoln Navigator also gets the latest version of Ford's Pro Trailer Assist system, which lets you steer a trailer in reverse via a knob on the dash. Programming is now easier than ever: No separate transponder is needed (as on the Ford F-150), just a checkerboard sticker on the trailer that Ford devotees will recognize from the system's first generation. In addition, no measuring is required to set up the system as with the original sticker-based system. Drive a calibration pattern, and the cameras do all the measuring for you. We're pleased to see this in the Navigator; its ability to tow up to 8,700 pounds—more than half a ton better than the Escalade—is a compelling reason to buy it.Likable, But Still Needs to Be BetterIn all other respects, the 2022 Navigator is basically the gentle giant we've come to know and love enough to make it our top-ranked full-size luxury SUV. It has authoritative power from the 440-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, a smooth-shifting 10-speed transmission, and a somewhat noisier, choppier ride than you might expect from Lincoln's flagship. And, of course, the Navigator is woefully inefficient—count on fuel economy numbers in the mid-teens. Lincoln tells us it has no plans to add a hybrid powertrain because gas mileage is not high on the priority list of the Navigator's target buyer.Hopefully said buyer is willing to deal with the driver-assistance foibles, too. Lincoln could dramatically mitigate the Navigator's problem by disabling the face cameras for hands-on lane centering, but it would be better still if the brand invested more in the engineering of the system. ActiveGlide's current functionality is enough to give us major pause, and that's really a shame—among big SUVs, the Lincoln has a lot to offer. Let's hope Lincoln sees the wisdom in investing in a rapid update to this update.Looks good! More details?2022 Lincoln Navigator Specifications BASE PRICE $78,405-$107,720 LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 7-8-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE 3.5L/440-hp/510-lb-ft twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC 24-valve V-6 TRANSMISSION 10-speed auto CURB WEIGHT 5,700-6,050 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 122.5-131.6 in L x W x H 210.0-221.9 x 79.9 x 76.1-76.4 in 0-60 MPH 5.9 sec (MT est) EPA FUEL ECON, CITY/HWY/COMB 16-17/22-23/18-19 mpg EPA RANGE, COMB 414-513 miles ON SALE Now Show All
ford bronco Full OverviewOnce upon a time there was something called the Ford Bronco. People loved the off-roader, and to this day, they recount memories of adventuring in the family Bronco. The 2021 Ford Bronco has brought the nameplate back to the fore, but the original Bronco hit the scene in 1966 and galloped speedily until its ultimate demise in 1996. Unfortunately, after 30 years and various generational changes, the Ford Bronco was no more. Gone but not forgotten-especially that first-generation 1966-77 iteration—it's still sought after by restorers, off-road racers, and classic iron aficionados. It was one of Ford's most iconic nameplates.Fast-forward to 2021. Twenty-five years after Ford kicked its popular SUV out of its stalls, the forlorn Bronco returned. While many 2021 Ford Bronco owners still await their vehicle's arrival, we've had the chance to get behind the wheel of a few. Most recently we tested a two-door 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond powered by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 and backed by the seven-speed manual transmission. The exterior may look black from certain angles, but it's actually Antimatter Blue Metallic, a color Ford will not offer for model year 2022.Black Diamond vs. BadlandsBut wait, haven't we tested this two-door, 275-hp, 315-lb-ft 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder, manual-transmission 2021 Ford Bronco before? Yes, but that was the more-outfitted Badlands trim with different suspension goodies. For what it's worth, we also tested a four-door Bronco Outer Banks.How did the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond stack up against the Bronco Badlands? After putting both on the scale, a weight discrepancy arose in the former's favor: the Bronco Black Diamond registered 4,491 pounds, the Badlands 4,732 pounds. That means the Black Diamond is 241 pounds lighter, a not-insignificant difference, and we wondered how much it would play a part in our track testing.The previously tested two-door Bronco Badlands galloped to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 86.4 mph. The Black Diamond managed 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and trotted the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 85.8 mph. Those figures represent a 0.2-second difference in acceleration and a 0.6-mph difference in the quarter mile, both favoring the heftier Badlands. Why was the heavier car slightly quicker to 60? Likely because it rode on all-season tires with a bit more grip than the all-terrain rubber the Black Diamond wore.The differences equate to nothing in the real world and especially on the trail, as these are not high-performance track cars vying to shave every hundredth of a second. Rather, these Broncos are bricklike SUVs with removable tops and doors, meaty all-terrain tires, good ground clearance, heavy off-road components, and G.O.A.T. modes to help conquer impassable trails. They're just not quintessential traits when it comes to the track.We first tried to launch the Bronco Black Diamond at 4,000 rpm, and the engine bogged. Stepping up to 4,500 rpm also did not produce a good run. We were concerned an even more aggressive approach might break the drive train, but 5,000 rpm did the trick: The Bronco launched with some wheelspin, and the rear even kicked out a little bit. The manual transmission did not like quick, rushed shifting; it's happier with a gentler approach to the clutch. The engine felt lively enough to make the SUV feel light.HandlingWhen it came to our figure-eight course—which evaluates acceleration, handling, and braking, as well as the transitions in between—the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond recorded a 28.8-second lap. We noted the Bronco was quite playful with the traction and stability control systems turned off, and we were shocked at the ease of heel-toe downshifting the SUV. The Badlands recorded a 29.6-second lap, 0.8 second slower than the Black Diamond.As expected, there was some nose dive and body roll when it came to hard braking and cornering. We likened the dive under hard braking to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, a comparison that evoked a chuckle every time we experienced the phenomenon.On the RoadThe Ford Bronco Black Diamond we tested tracked nicely on the highway, wandering less than a Jeep Wrangler thanks to its independent front suspension rather than a live axle setup. Some off-road vehicles are really a handful to keep in one lane on the highway—a real white-knuckle experience—but that wasn't the case with the Bronco. Wind noise was our biggest complaint, as it was loud enough that we could barely hear the person riding in the passenger seat.The 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond doesn't come with the upgraded suspension of some other Broncos or modded off-roaders, so it wasn't able to soak up heavier hits on the road. Rather, we bounced and jolted our way through rough patches. We slowed down for dips and respected it for what it was: an entry-level true 4x4 off-roader that'll get the basic job done while being a perfectly capable on-road transporter. Those who want more may need to wait for the Bronco Raptor, which also isn't a trophy truck.We had the rare treat of driving the Bronco Black Diamond in some significant SoCal rain, and it was fun. We slipped the transfer case into 4-Auto and selected Slippery mode just to ensure we didn't get sideways on freeway entrances. Traction was ample, and although we didn't need to, we liked knowing we could have forded a couple feet of water should the need arise.As for the stick shift, the clutch was user-friendly and easily mastered by any seasoned manual driver within about four stoplights. It's technically a seven-speed, but one of those gears is a 6.588:1 crawler gear. The manual option, however, isn't compatible with some Bronco tech options such as trail control, trail turn assist, and trail one-pedal drive. Those features require the 10-speed automatic. The manual versus an automatic debate for off-roading is something we won't tackle in this piece, and besides, both sides are 100 percent sure they are correct.What Makes the Bronco Black Diamond Cool?There are half a dozen Ford Bronco trims, and the specifics of each can be mind-boggling. Ford describes our Black Diamond tester as "next-level outdoor adventure," and it falls third from the bottom of the lineup after the base and Big Bend models. For being relatively low on the pecking order, it had a rad feature palette for less than $40,000. However, opting for the 2.7-liter turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine ($1,895), 10-speed automatic ($1,595), and the four-door ($2,345) quickly elevates the price.Solid DetailsFirst, check out those wheels. Those are 17-inch glossy black steelies, and they're standard on the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond. Sure, the base Bronco—which may have already disappeared—has 16-inch silver steelies, but the black is oh-so-spot-on. The Black Diamond also offers an optional aluminum wheel for people who aren't down with the steelies. The tires, 265/70R-17 General Grabber A/TX's, aren't too shabby for a modest trim. Many would consider Grabbers an upgrade.Next, the interior. The Ford Bronco Black Diamond barely misses the cut for the larger 12.0-inch screen, but we can live with the 8.0-incher. But our attention was drawn to the interior material, a Dark Space Gray with Black Onyx marine-grade vinyl paired with rubberized flooring—complete with drain plugs that make the whole interior less vulnerable to water. The vinyl felt super soft, plush, and inviting, not at all like the plasticky vinyl you may be thinking of. It looked classy, too.Finally, a few random traits distinguish the Bronco Black Diamond: It is the lowest trim to have seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes, it comes with standard rock rails and underbody protection, and it features the heavy-duty powder-coated modular steel front bumper and powder-coated steel rear bumper. You'll also appreciate auxiliary switches in the overhead console.Two-Door Family LifeFull disclaimer: We sold our four-door Jeep Wrangler upon news of kiddo number two. Our first born has still not forgiven us for selling "her" Jeep; we stand firm that its replacement, a Ford Raptor, is a roomier fit for family life.Hence, we found no surprises when squeezing a family of four into the two-door 2021 Ford Bronco tester. It was tight, and the car seat process was cumbersome (but it always is). But it worked, despite our larger Chicco car seats filled by preschool/early elementary children. But it wasn't necessarily pleasant. Getting out of the Bronco after securing the seats took some ninja skills, as does hoisting children into those seats and tightening their belts. The driver and passenger seats were perpetually in the way.As for luggage? Pack light. With just a backpack per person, your cargo room disappears quickly. The kids were afforded a nice view, as they were seated relatively high; merely an arm's length away, they might as well have been driving. The smaller child was confused as to why he had no door, despite our assurance there was none and that it was OK."Bronco" may be much easier for toddlers to say than "Wrangler," but the truth is, both SUVs—and even the larger four-door versions—are marginal tools when it comes to family life.All the FeelsDriving the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond felt fun, sporty, and adventurous, almost nostalgic but modern. It felt youthful, vibrant, and it has an impact across a wide swath of the population: A mom during school drop-off noticed it. We couldn't quite tell how Jeep Wrangler drivers or old-school Bronco purists perceived us, but we imagined the best. Competition raises the bar, and the Wrangler needs a strong rival. And we all needed the Bronco's return, even if just for the grins.Looks good! More details?SPECIFICATIONS 2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door Black Diamond (Advanced) BASE PRICE $38,340 PRICE AS TESTED $38,935 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door SUV ENGINE 2.3L Turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 POWER (SAE NET) 275 hp @ 5,700 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,491 lb (55/45%) WHEELBASE 100.4 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 173.7 x 75.9 x 72.9 in 0-60 MPH 7.9 sec QUARTER MILE 15.8 sec @ 85.8 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 135 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.71 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.8 sec @ 0.57 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 17/19/18 mpg ON SALE Now Show All
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