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The Best Hybrid Cars for Tall People

The Best Hybrid Cars for Tall People

Tall drivers might need additional head space or legroom to be comfortable during the drive. No one wants to be squished in the driver’s seat as they try to navigate the roads. Not every popular vehicle is a good fit for every driver. Tall drivers might worry about hybrid models and the space they offer. In the past, hybrids were compact and perhaps space constrained (think the Toyota Prius). Now, though, hybrids come in all sizes and many offer plenty of space for tall drivers. The best hybrid cars for tall people include these spacious and budget-friendly models:   * Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid * Hyundai Sonata Hybrid * Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid * Honda Accord Hybrid * Honda Insight Hybrid Cars for Tall People [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/A-Few-Considerations-for-Taller-Drivers.jpg] A FEW CONSIDERATIONS FOR TALLER DRIVERS Those who are taller in stature or who might just have longer legs might look for a few features in their vehicle to simplify their space needs and maximize their comfort. While headroom and legroom are obvious space needs, consider these features, too (some might be upgrades, though): * Power seats (this can make positioning seats a bit easier) * Memory seats (this feature could let drivers program their seat position) * An extra spacious back seat (this can provide even more room to adjust the front seat) * Adjustable steering wheel Not all vehicles might offer every option. In addition, some buyers might not wish to pay an additional charge if these features are upgrades for a particular vehicle. However, these features could make the drive a bit more comfortable for those who are taller, plus features like memory seats also are extremely convenient since car owners won’t constantly have to readjust their seat. ABOUT THE BEST HYBRID CARS FOR TALL DRIVERS The best hybrid cars for tall drivers also could include luxury or premium models. However, this list focuses specifically on vehicles that are budget-friendly and accessible to all buyers. Those who are looking for spacious hybrids can compare models based on headroom and legroom. Safety also could be a concern for buyers.  Most models on the list received top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 2022 SUBARU CROSSTREK HYBRID The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is priced at $36,345. Drivers looking to maximize fuel efficiency will appreciate that the Crosstrek Hybrid can get up to 90 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). How spacious is the Crosstrek Hybrid? It offers 39.8 inches of headroom in the front seats and 43.1 inches of legroom in the front. The Crosstrek Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid, and owners could opt for either a level 1 or level 2 charger. The level 1 is a cord that plugs into a standard outlet. However, the level 2 is an additional cost and requires a 240 volt outlet; the level 2 charges faster than the level 1. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is the highest safety recognition from the IIHS. 2022 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is fairly economical for a hybrid mode; it has a starting MSRP of $27,350. The Hybrid can get up to 54 MPG combined (city and highway). Taller drivers will appreciate the extra space in the Sonata. The Sonata Hybrid offers 40 inches of headroom for front seat passengers and 46.1 inches of legroom in the front seat. The 2022 Hyundai Sonata received a Top Safety Pick award/rating (with specific headlights) from IIHS; the Hybrid did not have a separate safety report. 2022 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $34,300, which is more affordable than the Crosstrek. It offers 36 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway and 34 MPG combined. The Santa Fe isn’t the most fuel efficient option, but city drivers could appreciate the bump in efficiency. The Santa Fe Hybrid offers the most space of the models listed. The Santa Fe features 41.2 inches of head room and 44.1 inches of space to stretch out the legs. The standard Santa Fe received a Top Safety Pick+ award/rating from IIHS. However, the IIHS did not provide a separate safety report for the hybrid. 2022 HONDA ACCORD HYBRID The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $27,320 and offers 48 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway. The Accord Hybrid offers plenty of head and leg room for taller drivers. The front seat has 42.3 inches of legroom for drivers who need to stretch their legs. Those who have a longer torso will benefit from 39.5 inches of head room. The 2022 Honda Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the IIHS. However, the hybrid did not have a separate safety report. 2022 HONDA INSIGHT The 2022 Honda Insight has a starting MSRP of $25,760, making it the most affordable model on the list. The Insight also offers great fuel efficiency—55 MPG in the city and 49 MPG on the highway. How much space does it offer for taller drivers, though? The Insight provides 37.5 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of leg space in the front seat. The Insight also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from IIHS. WHAT MODEL OFFERS THE MOST LEG ROOM? Car buyers might have different space needs. Tall drivers might have longer legs and want a hybrid model that offers the most leg room. Of all the models on the list, what hybrid has the most leg room? The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the best choice for leg room; it offers drivers 46 inches of space to stretch the legs. WHAT MODEL OFFERS THE MOST HEAD ROOM? Some tall drivers need more head room. They might sit higher and need that extra space. What model offers the most head room? The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is the best choice for those who need extra head room. The Santa Fe Hybrid offers 41.2 inches to help ensure that drivers don’t have to crouch down while driving. Hybrid Cars for Tall People [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/What-About-Fuel-Efficiency.jpg] WHAT ABOUT FUEL EFFICIENCY? Taller drivers might simply look for the hybrid with the most space in the front seat. However, fuel efficiency might play a part in the decision, too. A hybrid model typically is more fuel efficient than their standard model counterparts. The most fuel efficient hybrid that also offers extra space for taller drivers is the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The Crosstrek is a plug-in hybrid and offers up to 90 MPGe. The Crosstrek Hybrid also is the most expensive option on the list, with a starting MSRP of more than $36,000. ADD THE PRIUS TO THE MOST SPACIOUS LIST, TOO! Gone are the days when fuel efficient vehicles like hybrids were smaller or more compact. When the Prius first debuted it might have been more spacious than many realized. The Prius became en vogue among celebrities. Today’s models offer space for taller drivers and many include spacious back seats for passengers, too. The 2022 Prius offers 39.4 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of legroom. In fact, it can be added to the list of spacious hybrid models for tall people. While those small Prius models might seem diminutive, they actually are fairly spacious for drivers. Hybrid Cars for Tall People [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dont-Forget-the-Test-Drive.jpg] DON’T FORGET THE TEST DRIVE Analyzing specs can help car buyers understand what hybrid models could be best for their height. However, the best way to determine if a vehicle is a comfortable fit is to take it for a test drive. While the front seat specs might seem spacious, drivers could find that the vehicle isn’t comfortable to drive. Maybe they still have to move the seat back, and this could create a smaller space for potential back-seat passengers. In addition, the space of a car doesn’t tell the whole story. The driver might not feel that the car has decent acceleration. The seats might not be comfortable. Maybe the steering wheel isn’t easy to adjust. Taking a test drive lets potential buyers test out different aspects of the vehicle. Buyers might even have a list of two or more models that they want to compare. Take them for a test drive to determine the model that is the best fit and offers the smoothest ride. If drivers feel that they need to move their seat back towards the rear passenger space, they might have a partner or friend sit in the back to determine if moving the seat impairs the back space. This could be a problem if the car needs to have back seat space for children or other family members. Consider a test drive to be a final interview for the vehicle. If the potential buyer isn’t impressed, they might keep looking. RELAYCARS CAN HELP BUYERS FIND THE BEST CAR Drivers who want to find the best hybrid can visit RelayCars’ website via a mobile device or download the app. RelayCars includes thousands of images of makes and models that buyers can explore when they are researching their vehicle options. RelayCars’ mobile website lets buyers explore vehicles via 3D imagery on the screen. Use a fingertip to rotate the car to check it out from any angle. The mobile site also gives buyers the option to explore cars in an augmented reality showroom. Drop a model of a vehicle into the real environment. The RelayCars app lets buyers explore vehicles via 3D imagery or using virtual reality technology (with Google Cardboard). Interact in a virtual space with favorite vehicle models.  Car buyers also can use RelayCars to find all the data on their favorite models. Compare MSRP and vehicle specs of different models. When buyers are ready to purchase their car, they can visit CarSaver.com (a RelayCars partner). Ready to explore and research? Download the RelayCars app today!

Why Was the 2023 Nissan Z Release Date Delayed?

Why Was the 2023 Nissan Z Release Date Delayed?

Many drivers have been anxiously anticipating the release of the 2023 Nissan Z. This cool new car was originally set to make its debut in the spring of 2022. Now, however, the release date has been moved to the summer of the same year. This particular car isn’t the only one to be delayed either. There are many vehicles that aren’t going into production as expected and for a variety of reasons. With that said, though, most feel that the long wait will be worth it once the car finally does become available to the public. WHY IS EVERYONE SO EXCITED? With supply chain issues sweeping the post-pandemic world, it’s not really a surprise for the Nissan Z to have a delayed release. But, why is everyone in such a fit over this car not coming out when it should? Well, for one thing, people have been really excited for it. It’s the successor to the incredibly popular Nissan 370Z. So many people love that car and are loyal to it, so they were super hyped to see what Nissan would come up with next. Furthermore, it has an impressive V6 engine that everyone is talking about. Beyond the engine and neat features, though, people were just plain primed for a spring release. Many first got wind of the delay when the Japan debut was pushed back. Some may have convinced themselves that the problems would resolve and that they’d be able to check out the car as planned. But, as is often the case, the delayed overseas release was telling of what was in store for the United States as well. WHISPERS AND RUMORS There’s another factor at play here too. When something unexpected happens, people like to start talking. They come up with reasons all their own for why a delay might have happened. For example, you may have heard some people making wild claims about major problems with the vehicle. You may even have been told that the iconic brand is going under. Thankfully, none of these rumors are based in fact. The reason for the delay is actually a lot smaller and simpler. But, people do love to talk, and the more they talk, the more rumors spread, which adds to anticipation, fear, and just general gossip. However, don’t pay any of that any mind. Instead, rely on more trusted sources to deliver the straight facts. A STATEMENT WAS RELEASED Speaking of trusted sources, who better to deliver the truth than Nissan itself? The company came out with a statement and confided that the reason for the delayed release was, in fact, a supply chain issue. This should come as no surprise since many other automakers have faced similar problems in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the company did not specify what specific shortages it is facing, it is likely they are similar to those of other automakers, including: * General supply shortages * Shipping delays * Microchip shortages * Impacted communications with suppliers. Why Was the 2023 Nissan Z Release Date Delayed [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/No-Pricing-Details.jpg] NO PRICING DETAILS While people are definitely concerned about the late release of the 2023 Nissan Z, many are more concerned about the lack of details related to the car. In particular, a lot of people are desperate to know its asking price, especially those who are planning on buying it as soon as possible. Based on past pricing trends and brand history, though, most industry experts are speculating the vehicle will have a starting price right around the $40,000 mark. Of course, that’s still just a guess, though an educated one, so the exact pricing may vary once the release finally happens. TRIM LEVELS While exact pricing might not be public knowledge just yet, there are a few facts that have been verified. One of the big ones is that the car will come in three different trim levels. The names for each trim have also been released. These include: * The Z Sport * The Z Performance * The Z Proto Spec THE Z SPORT Despite the fact that the car hasn’t been released yet, there’s still quite a bit of information about each available model. It all starts with the Z Sport, the most basic iteration of this much-talked-about Nissan. It may not have all the fancy features of some of the upgraded options, but it does have a nice, comfortable interior. Also, like so many Nissans, it’s rumored to have plenty of cool features, including performance seats and lots of entertainment and information technology too. THE Z PERFORMANCE If you’re hoping to take things up a notch with your next Nissan, the Z performance is the perfect choice. While it’s still set to be reasonably priced, the buzz is that it has a better suspension system than the most basic model. It also has cool 19 inch wheels, and the brakes boast bigger rotors too. Why Was the 2023 Nissan Z Release Date Delayed [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/The-Z-Proto-Spec.jpg] THE Z PROTO SPEC While the Nissan Z Proto Spec sounds pretty neat, don’t get too excited. The word on the street is that it will be a limited edition car with less than 300 produced in the United States. Even if you won’t be one of the lucky few to own one, it’s still worth checking out if you get the chance. It’s a nice throwback to the 2020 Z Proto. WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT With any luck, the 2023 Nissan Z, in all of its varieties, will be released very soon. But, until that happens, what are you supposed to do? If you were planning on making it your next big purchase, you really only have two choices. You can either wait it out, or you can opt for another vehicle, even another Nissan. If you go with the first option, pay careful attention to the latest car news. You may even want to check the Nissan website daily for updates. If you opt for the second, know that there are tons of amazing Nissans out there, as well as many reasons to love these incredible cars. STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION No matter which Nissan you ultimately choose, whether that’s the newest option or not, you’ll be treated to a stylish design. That’s just one of the things the brand is known for. In particular, its cars feature a distinctive grille and surprisingly sporty styling that car enthusiasts just love. Of course, there are a few Nissans that break the mold, but they still look great. So, consider all of your options and all of the styles before you decide how to proceed. A GREEN CHOICE If you care about Mother Nature and are doing your part to reduce the size of your carbon footprint, Nissans are definitely for you. Just look for the ones that feature the Pure Drive branding. These vehicles are designed to lessen CO2 emissions and come with environmentally-conscious engines. SPACIOUSNESS No matter how cool or efficient a car, it’s hard to love if it’s cramped and uncomfortable. Luckily, that’s not really a problem with most Nissans. They’re designed with comfort in mind and typically feature spacious front and back seats. That’s why they’re commonly recommended for taller drivers and passengers. But, really, anyone who wants to stretch out and enjoy the ride (or drive) would do well to choose a Nissan. RELIABILITY Everyone wants and deserves a reliable car, and Nissans fit the bill. They are known for being made from high quality, durable materials. While you should treat them with care just like you would any car, they can definitely take a beating if it comes down to it. Of course, every car will have its own reliability rating, Nissans included, and you should pay attention to those ratings as you make your purchasing decision. Online reviews written by real customers can also be helpful. SHOULD YOU WAIT IT OUT? As you can see, there are lots of things to appreciate about virtually every Nissan. But, what if you really had your heart set on the 2023 Nissan Z? If that’s the case and you know you’re going to be disappointed with anything else, even another NIssan, go ahead and wait it out. You could always lease a car in the meantime or keep on driving your old vehicle for a while longer than planned. Also, if you don’t really need a new car any time soon, waiting just makes sense. After all, you deserve the vehicle you truly want. SHOULD YOU PURCHASE SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD? The Nissan Z is slated to come out soon, but that’s not soon enough for everybody. If you’re absolutely desperate for new wheels, you might want to make another purchase in the meantime. Remember, cars aren’t forever. You could always sell your current vehicle or trade it in in order to get the Nissan Z when it comes out. Plus, who knows? You might end up with a car you really love and decide to keep it even after the big debut. There’s no doubt about it. Delayed release dates are frustrating, but Nissan does have some good reasons for the hold-up. How you handle it on your end is up to you. But, now that you’re armed with this information, you can at least make a more knowledgeable choice.

The Best Sports Cars for Tall People Ranked by Price

The Best Sports Cars for Tall People Ranked by Price

Tall individuals might have challenges when shopping for a vehicle. The driver’s seat needs to offer enough head space, and drivers also need enough space so that they aren’t crunched while trying to steer and maneuver the gas and brake pedals. Drivers don’t want their knees up to their chin. Space can be especially tight in sports cars, many of which are designed with only two seats. Those with back seat space might let tall drivers move their seat back to provide even more room.  The best sports cars for tall people offer enough room for comfortable driving, but some also are quite affordable for those who have a limited budget.. Autobytel offered a list of recommendations for the best sports cars for tall people. The most affordable sports cars on the list included: * Chevrolet Camaro * Dodge Challenger * Ford Mustang * Honda Civic Coupe * Fiat 500 All five of these models are fairly budget-friendly, at least for sports cars. Compared to luxury brands like Infiniti and BMW or high-end couture-adjacent vehicles like Bentley and Lamborghini, the five most affordable sports cars for tall people might seem like a bargain. How fast are these models, and how much do they cost? Here’s what buyers need to know about the best options for taller drivers. The Price of Space [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/The-Price-of-Space.jpg] SPORTS CARS FOR TALL PEOPLE: THE PRICE OF SPACE Buyers might be more than willing to pay for speed and acceleration. Sports cars are designed to look cool, but they also are designed for function—the function of speed. Sports cars and muscle cars are not among the cheapest models on the market, but there are a few that are more affordable than a buyer might assume for this type of automobile. Here’s how the models stack up by affordability: * 2019 Fiat 500 MSRP $17,750 * 2018 Honda Civic Coupe Estimated Price: about $22,990 * 2022 Chevrolet Camaro MSRP $25,000 * 2022 Ford Mustang MSRP $27,205 * 2022 Dodge Challenger MSRP $29,450 ABOUT THE MODELS The Fiat 500 and the Honda Civic Coupe can only be purchased as older models. While the Honda Civic continues to be a popular selling on the market, the coupe design is no longer available. In addition, the Fiat 500 was discontinued in 2019. For buyers interested in a pre-owned Fiat 500 or Honda Civic Coupe, the prices might vary depending on the features, mileage and the market, too. Currently, used car prices are higher than normal. Buyers who want a specific model might need to research their options to find the best price for the budget. Among the new models on the list, the most affordable option is the Chevrolet Camaro, which has a base MSRP of $25,000. Upgraded features, though, will increase the price tag for buyers. BEST SPORTS CARS FOR TALL PEOPLE: WHAT MODEL IS THE ROOMIEST? The best models for tall people should include plenty of space for the driver. How much front seat space is available in each of the most affordable sports cars? Here’s how each model ranks for space in the driver’s seat: * Chevrolet Camaro Front seat leg room: 43.9 inches Front seat head room: 38.5 inches * Dodge Challenger Front seat leg room: 42 inches Front seat head room: 39.3 inches * 2022 Ford Mustang Front seat leg room: 45.1 inches Front seat head room: 37.6 inches * 2018 Honda Civic Coupe Front seat leg room: 42.3 inches Front seat head room: 38.2 inches * 2019 Fiat 500 Front seat leg room: 40.7 inches Front seat head room: 38.9 inches (2018 model) The 2022 Ford Mustang offers the most legroom for drivers. However, the 2022 Dodge Challenger offers the most headspace. Depending on body type and build, buyers might zero in on one of these measurements. Some individuals have a longer torso, but others have longer legs. ARE SPORTS CARS SAFE? Safety might be another key factor when buyers are shopping for the best sports cars. While sports cars are known for their speed, some also perform well in crash tests. The safest option on the list was the 2018 Honda Civic Coupe, which earned a Top Safety Pick rating/award (when equipped with certain headlights) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Buyers can visit the IIHS website and search vehicles by make and model to review their safety ratings and the safety report. Sports Cars for Tall People [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/The-Sports-Cars-with-the-Best-Acceleration-and-Top-Speeds.jpg] THE SPORTS CARS WITH THE BEST ACCELERATION AND TOP SPEEDS While taller buyers might have several choices for sports cars that would offer plenty of space and a comfortable driving experience, speed could be another buying point. What models on the list offer the quickest acceleration and top speeds? The Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, for example, can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.25 seconds. The 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody can reach speeds of 203 MPH. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds (a hair slower than the Challenger). The Shelby GT500 has an estimated top speed of 220 MPH. The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro can accelerate from 0 to 60 in about 3.5 to 6 seconds. The top speed for the Camaro is noted as 183 MPH. Stats for the Fiat 500 are a little more sluggish. The 2019 Fiat 500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.7 to 8.7 seconds. The 500’s top speed is around 132 MPH. The 2018 Honda Civic Coupe also is a bit slower to accelerate. The Coupe can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.9 to 8 seconds. The little Coupe also has a maximum speed of about 132 MPH. Base model stats for the Challenger and the Mustang are a bit more difficult to pin down. It’s important for buyers to understand that the quoted stats were for upgraded models. The Shelby  GT500 isn’t a base model. In fact, it’s quite an investment; the Shelby costs more than $76,000 for a new 2022 model. WHAT’S THE BEST SPORTS CAR FOR TALL PEOPLE? There are five affordable sports car models that are great choices for those who are taller. The 2022 Mustang offers the best space for leg room, while the Dodge Challenger offers the most headspace. Every individual’s body type can be different. For this reason, buyers might want to rank their favorite models according to price, speed (or features) and, of course, space. To ensure that the car is the best fit, they can take a test drive. While stats can help buyers better understand the space of each model, driving the car is the best way to determine if it’s comfortable or roomy enough. Again, some drivers might need more head room. Others might want more space for their legs. Base MSRP stats include just the most basic standard features for the vehicle. Any additional upgrade that the buyer chooses will add to the cost. In addition, the Fiat 500 and the Honda Civic Coupe are no longer in production. Buyers who want to purchase these models would need to search used models. Since the price of used inventory has increased because of issues with the supply chain, prices may vary by region. However, availability also could be crunched. RELAYCARS CAN SIMPLIFY THE RESEARCH FOR A NEW CAR When buyers want to research different makes/models before visiting a dealership, they can use RelayCars to better understand the design and space of different vehicles. Buyers can access RelayCars by downloading the RelayCars app or visiting the RelayCars website on a mobile device. Using the RelayCars app, buyers can explore thousands of vehicles via immersive and interactive 3D imagery or in virtual reality (for those with Google Cardboard). Using just a fingertip, buyers can interact with an image of their favorite models; turn the car around and explore the interior, too. RelayCars also lets buyers view the car in different paint hues. Every model in RelayCar’s virtual inventory can be viewed in every paint trim offered by the manufacturer. This lets buyers decide what color fits their preference and their personality. Buyers also can surf onto the RelayCars website to explore vehicles via 3D imagery or even in augmented reality. The augmented reality option, though, can only be utilized when the website is accessed via a mobile device. Augmented reality lets car buyers preview their favorite vehicles in their own environment. Drop a vehicle into the garage or explore it in the driveway. The camera on the phone will display the 3D augmented reality image in whatever environment the user selects. Walk around the car and explore it. Both the RelayCars app and the mobile website provide pricing, specs and other data for every vehicle in the RelayCars inventory. Using this information, buyers can compare different vehicles or better understand the features of favorite vehicles. RelayCars also has partnered with CarSaver.com. With CarSaver, buyers can find the best car for their driving needs at the best price for their budget. Use RelayCars and CarSaver to simplify the new car search, save time and compare prices of all the most affordable sports cars that are designed for tall drivers.

2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Which Model Dominates the Road?

2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Which Model Dominates the Road?

Nissan and Hyundai both offer budget-friendly vehicles and models that offer similar styles and features. Nissan is based out of Japan, and Hyundai is based out of South Korea. However, while the Nissan Rogue was the seventh best-selling vehicle in 2021, the Santa Fe wasn’t among the 25 most popular models from the 2021 sales year. Why is the Rogue so popular and how does it differ from the Santa Fe? In a matchup between the 2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, here’s how the two compact SUV models compare related to price, safety, dependability and fuel efficiency. Which one dominates the road? 2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Nissan-Rogue-vs.-Santa-Fe.jpg] NISSAN ROGUE VS. SANTA FE: THE PRICE COMPARISON Many new car buyers focus on their budget to help determine the best vehicle for their financial situation. Affordability may be the difference when a buyer needs to choose between two similar models by competing manufacturers. The 2021 Nissan Rogue has a base price of $26,050. However, buyers need to understand that 2021 models might be considered pre-owned (depending on if they are purchased used). Some 2021 models could still be considered ‘new.’ Base models are not always available at dealerships, especially if the dealership needs to sell previous model year vehicles. The models could have a few upgrades, and these features impact the price. However, when comparing the Rogue and the Santa Fe, focusing on the base price is the fairest means of comparing the two. The Rogue is moderately priced. While it might not be the least expensive compact SUV on the market from the 2021 model year (that would be the 2021 Kia Soul), the Rogue still appeals to the mid-range buyer. The 2021 Santa Fe has a base price of $27,000, which is slightly higher than the Nissan Rogue. While the Santa Fe is still priced for the mid-range buyer, those who are truly watching every cent might opt for the lower-priced Nissan Rogue. The Winner for Price: 2021 Nissan Rogue NISSAN ROGUE VS. HYUNDAI SANTA FE: WHICH MODEL IS THE SAFEST? Nissan and Hyundai both produce models that are known for their safety features. However, while buyers can opt for advanced safety features in most models, reviewing the safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) might be the best resource for determining how a vehicle will fare in a crash. The 2021 Nissan Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ award/rating. This is the highest rating bestowed by the IIHS. In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe received a Top Safety Pick award/rating from IIHS. The difference between the + and the Top Safety Pick rating comes down to headlights offered for the model. The IIHS notes that the Top Safety Pick award/rating is only given to models with specific headlights. Models that receive Top Safety Pick+ awards/ratings offer the best headlights as a standard feature. The Winner for Safety: The 2021 Nissan Rogue (because of the headlights) HYUNDAI SANTA FE VS. NISSAN ROGUE: WHICH MODEL IS THE MOST DEPENDABLE? Every year, J.D. Power reviews ratings from tens of thousands of car owners to determine the most dependable models. The top-rated car for each segment receives the award for most dependable. Models are reviewed after three years of ownership. This means that 2021 award winners were 2018 models. These dependability ratings, though, can help buyers spot trends related to models. Some models consistently rank high in scores each year. While the model might not win every single year, they might always score high by owners. How do the Santa Fe and the Rogue compare? These models were actually rated in different categories for the 2018 model year. The Santa Fe was placed in the mid-size SUV category, while the Nissan Rogue was placed in the compact SUV segment. The 2018 Santa Fe was rated 7th for dependability with a total score of 81. The Santa Fe received a score of 82 for quality/reliability, a score of 79 for driving experience and a score of 85 for resale value. Among the competing compact SUVs, the 2018 Nissan Rogue placed 6th overall with a score of 81 (the same as the Santa Fe). The Rogue received a score of 80 for quality/reliability, a score of 79 for driving experience and an 81 for resale value. The Most Dependable (per 2018 models): The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Santa-Fe-vs.-Rogue.jpg] SANTA FE VS. ROGUE: WHAT MODEL IS THE MOST FUEL EFFICIENT? Car buyers might need a smaller SUV for a work commute. While SUVs tend to have lower fuel efficiency, smaller models can offer better gas mileage. The 2021 Nissan Rogue offers decent fuel efficiency for buyers who need to maximize their fuel. The 2021 Rogue can get 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offers less fuel efficiency. The Santa Fe can get 25 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The Winner for Fuel Efficiency: 2021 Nissan Rogue KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ROGUE AND THE SANTA FE Both the Rogue and the Santa Fe have space for a total of five passengers. Neither the Rogue nor then Santa Fe offers a third row of seating. However, the Santa Fe is categorized as a larger SUV than the Rogue. The Santa Fe is about five inches larger than the Rogue. They are so similar, though, that perhaps the extra few inches won’t matter much to buyers. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) notes in its comparison of the two models that the Rogue has a more luxurious design. The Rogue could be a great choice for buyers that want the look of a higher-end model without the larger price tag. KBB also noted, though, that the Santa Fe offers a hybrid model. While the Rogue surpasses the standard Santa Fe in fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe hybrid could be appealing to buyers that want an eco-friendly option that gets great gas mileage. However, the Santa Fe HEV has a larger price tag for its fuel efficiency. The base price of the hybrid model is $33,650. The hybrid model can get up to 36 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Those who have urban commutes might gravitate to the hybrid Santa Fe. ROGUE VS. SANTA FE: WHICH MODEL IS BEST? Choosing the better model might be a matter of preference for buyers. While the Rogue is slightly more affordable and the 2021 model nudged out the Santa Fe for the IIHS safety awards, the difference for safety is related only to headlights. In addition, both models (from the 2018 model year) offer decent dependability. However, the Santa Fe may hold the advantage for resale value. Buyers need to understand, though, that dependability ratings were related to 2018 models; the dependability of the 2021 models may fare differently. Fuel efficiency figures give the Rogue a slight advantage over the standard Santa Fe. However, buyers could opt for the hybrid Santa Fe, which offers better fuel efficiency than the standard Rogue. The hybrid Santa Fe is more expensive than the Rogue; buyers on a tighter budget might not want to invest in the hybrid. Both models offer space for five, which makes them a great choice for those with families or buyers who just want more space. With the seat space, the Rogue offers slightly more cargo space. However, the standard cargo volume between the two vehicles is fairly comparable (the Nissan Rogue only slightly nudges out the Santa Fe). The ideal model for each buyer could come down to personal preference or perhaps a brand preference. These two models are fairly similar, although KBB does note that the Rogue has a higher-end looking design. USE RELAYCARS TO EXPLORE THE ROGUE AND THE SANTA FE Car buyers can use RelayCars to research both the 2021 Nissan Rogue and the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Download the RelayCars app and explore the models via interactive 3D imager or in virtual reality (for those with Google Cardboard). Using RelayCars’ app, buyers can use their fingertips to interact with 3D images of both models. See these SUVs from all angles and explore their interior features, too. RelayCars also offers specs, MSRP and other data for buyers who want additional data for particular models. Buyers also can access the RelayCars app via their mobile device. Using a tablet or smartphone, buyers can explore vehicles on the website in augmented reality or via 3D imagery. Choosing augmented reality, buyers can preview a model in their own environment. RelayCars’ augmented reality tool transforms the user’s real environment into an augmented reality showroom. Drop a Santa Fe or a Rogue into the garage or preview the vehicles in the driveway. Walk around the SUV model to see it from different vantage points. RelayCars also lets buyers switch out the paint hues for each model within its inventory. Thousands of models—including older model years—can be accessed via the platform. For each model, buyers can explore every paint hue offered by the manufacturer. Use RelayCars to determine if the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Nissan Rogue dominates, and have fun exploring all the different tools to research these popular car models.

Good Cars for Tall People

Good Cars for Tall People

Being tall has its advantages. However, a lengthy stature can also make for an uncomfortable riding experience, at least in some cars. The last thing you want, as a tall person, is a vehicle with inadequate leg room or a low roof. And, fortunately, there are plenty of cars that can keep you comfy. If you’re been searching for good cars for tall people without much luck, don’t worry. These suggestions are right up your alley. STRETCH YOUR LEGS Before you can find the best car for tall people, you have to know what makes a car tall-friendly. While the answer can vary from person to person, most tall people would agree that legroom is important. Anyone who has long legs knows how awful it feels to be squished into a small space. Thus, as you shop for your next vehicle, pay attention to legroom measurements. In particular, think about where you are most likely to spend your time and check those measurements specifically. Legroom can often vary significantly from the front seat to the back depending on the make and model of the car. SKIP THE SUNROOF A car with a sunroof might sound great. After all, you can open up that sunroof and get a nice, fresh breath of air whenever you want. But, when you’re tall, the benefits may not be worth the drawbacks. A sunroof’s structure and mechanisms often take up quite a bit of space in a vehicle. And, while that might not matter to a shorter person or someone of average height, it can make all the difference to you. The room that a sunroof takes up could mean driving or riding hunched over, which is bad for your back. Of course, if you’re just dying to have a sunroof, you can look around for a vehicle that offers both space and sun. But, more often than not, taller folks will be better off if they skip the sunroof altogether. CONSIDER STEERING WHEEL STYLES Most people take for granted that their car’s steering wheel will hit where it should and be easy to reach and maneuver. For tall people, though, this isn’t always the case. For best results, look for a car that has a telescoping steering wheel. That way, you can easily move and position the steering wheel to a spot that’s both safe and comfortable for you. DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE DOORS Tall people are often concerned with how much headroom and legroom a vehicle offers. While those things are definitely important, it’s not just the inside of the vehicle that counts. You also have to think about actually getting into the vehicle. Thus, be sure to check out the doors. Will you have to duck and maneuver into uncomfortable positions just to sit down? That can get old pretty fast. So, if you find a car with doors that don’t work well for you, you’ll probably want to consider other options. Good Cars for Tall People [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Look-for-Adjustable-Seating.jpg] LOOK FOR ADJUSTABLE SEATING When you’re tall, adjustable seating is a must. While the perfect car for tall people would make all the seats adjustable, the driver’s seat matters most. If you can’t get comfortable while you’re driving, long trips are difficult. Plus, there’s a risk for strain and fatigue, which can be dangerous.  As you shop for your dream car, ask which seats are adjustable and just how adjustable they are. Ideally, you want seats that can shift backward, forward, upward, and downward. You can ask for specific measurements. Or, even better yet, actually get in the car and adjust the seats yourself. That way, you’ll know for sure if they’re adjustable enough for you. WORRY ABOUT THE WINDSHIELD Unfortunately, most cars are designed with people of average height in mind. What some car manufacturers fail to understand is that windshields that work for a shorter person can be hazardous to taller drivers. Depending on the way the windshield sits and its design, you may find that you have obstructed vision, which is the absolute last thing you want when driving. And, just like with the seats, your best option is to actually sit in the car and see for yourself if the windshield works for you. SOME ADVICE You don’t get to choose how tall you are. But, you do get to choose your car. As you can see, though, that’s not always easy for those of greater heights. While that can be frustrating, it’s important to be proactive about finding the best possible car. Considering all of the above factors can help. You should also ask about and review all specs and measurements carefully. Don’t just rely on photos or written descriptions as these can sometimes be misleading. Additionally, there is really no substitute for a test drive. It’s your chance to see, feel, and truly experience a car in action. Even if you plan to buy your vehicle online, it’s best to visit a dealership and try out the car in person. A FEW POSSIBILITIES Now that you’re armed with some great general advice, it’s time to look at a few specific vehicles that are largely considered some of the best cars for tall people. Of course, your preferences may vary. It also matters exactly how tall you are. But, for many, the following options are, quite literally, a good fit. Good Cars for Tall People [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-GMC-Canyon.jpg] THE 2022 GMC CANYON This first one on the list doesn’t really count as a car, but it still deserves honorable mention. If you’re open to trucks and are on the taller side, the 2022 GMC Canyon could be just what you’ve been looking for. It boasts 41.4 inches of front headroom, so you won’t have to worry about hitting your head on the ceiling or hunching over. Plus, the seats are wide and comfortable. And, no matter what your height, you’re sure to appreciate the smooth handling this vehicle is known for. THE 2022 GENESIS G90 If a truck just won’t do the trick, that’s okay. As promised, there are plenty of small cars for tall people. This includes the 2022 Genesis G90, a surprisingly roomy sedan. With a starting price of only $74,000, it will allow you to stretch your legs without stretching your wallet. It’s also packed with plenty of standard features for increased comfort and safety. The only downside is that some people feel the design isn’t “cool” or sporty enough, but that all comes down to personal taste. THE 2022 TESLA MODEL X Another one of the top cars for tall people is the 2022 Tesla Model X. It has an impressive 41.1 inches of front legroom. Unfortunately, though, it’s priced on the higher side. Buyers can expect to spend close to $115,000. If that price doesn’t make you balk, you’ll find a speedy electric SUV that has plenty of room for you and four more of your tallest friends. THE 2022 KIA K5 If style matters to you, then you’ll probably think the 2022 Kia K5 is the absolute best car for tall people. It’s sleek, cool, and will make you feel like a star. You can also choose from five different trim levels, though all of them include a roomy, comfortable interior suitable for taller folks. THE 2022 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is another stylish addition to this list. You can stretch your legs and sit up straight with 41.3 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches of front headroom. The only space it runs short on is storage space. But, if you don’t cart around a lot of cargo, you’ll love the powerful engine options and cool tech features, which include several driver assistance systems and the ability to connect your smartphone. Good Cars for Tall People [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2022-Hyundai-Sonata.jpg] THE 2022 HYUNDAI SONATA If you like having choices, you’ll appreciate the 2022 Hyundai Sonata, which comes in 9 different trim levels. Each option has impressive tech and safety features. Even better, the more basic models are very reasonably priced. Just be aware that while the front seat is tall-people-friendly, some find the back seat to be a bit on the cramped side. THE 2022 NISSAN PATHFINDER Rounding out the list is the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, a large and in-charge SUV with 44.3 inches of front legroom. The second row of seating is also quite spacious, and up to eight people can travel comfortably. Furthermore, if you’re budget-conscious, you’ll appreciate the reasonable $34,640 starting price, as well as the surprisingly good fuel economy.   TAKE YOUR PICK Tall people may have a harder time shopping for cars. But, thankfully, there’s no shortage of great vehicles available, and this list proves it. Hopefully, one of these cars will be the perfect choice for you. If so, why not go ahead and take your pick? If not, this advice should still come in handy as you continue your search.

How Much Should I Put Down on a Car?

How Much Should I Put Down on a Car?

Some car dealerships might require a very minimal or no down payment when purchasing a new or used car. Often, though, buyers try to allocate a down payment to offset the price of the new vehicle. Some buyers combine a down payment with a trade-in value to further decrease the purchase price. New buyers might wonder, though: How much should I put down on a car? Experts have recommendations related to down payment amount, but buyers also need to know the value of their down payment. The benefits of a down payment include: * Possibly accessing a lower interest rate for financing * Paying less interest over time * Offsetting the impact of depreciation * Lowering the purchase price and possibly opting for a shorter loan term How Much Should I Put Down on a Car [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-Much-Should-You-Put-Down-on-a-Car.jpg] HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PUT DOWN ON A CAR? Car buyers should opt for a down payment that fits into their budget. Food or housing costs shouldn’t be in jeopardy because of a down payment, and car buyers need to review their budget to find the down payment that works best for their financial situation. What do the experts recommend as an ideal down payment amount? Nerdwallet recommends that car buyers try to allocate 20 percent of the purchase price of a new car for the down payment. The site recommends putting 10 percent down for a used car. Other experts advise 10 percent down on a new car purchase. HOW IS A DOWN PAYMENT BENEFICIAL TO BUYERS? A down payment for a car might have numerous benefits for buyers. In some cases, dealership financing deals (like 0 percent interest loans) could require a down payment. The biggest benefit of a down payment is that it decreases the purchase price of the vehicle. Here’s why that’s important. How Much Should I Put Down on a Car [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lower-Interest-Rates.jpg] A DOWN PAYMENT COULD LEAD TO LOWER INTEREST RATES When a car buyer offers a down payment for a vehicle, it decreases the price of the vehicle and it also decreases the amount of financing the buyer needs (if they require financing). The down payment reduces some of the risk for the lender. If a car buyer has a decent credit score and allocates 20 percent of the purchase price for a down payment, this could increase the borrower’s credit worthiness. A down payment might lead to lower interest rates for financing. However, this isn’t the case for all buyers or borrowers. PAY LESS INTEREST OVER TIME Even if a down payment doesn’t lead to a lower interest rate, it could help buyers pay less in interest over the course of their loan. Again, a down payment decreases the purchase price of the car. This means that interest is applied to a lower overall purchase price. In addition, Investopedia explains that monthly payments also might be lower, too. Buyers might be surprised at how the price of interest stacks up over time. Nerdwallet offers a car payment calculator that buyers can use to estimate their monthly loan payments. The tool also can help buyers understand how the costs of interest change with each percentile increase. How Much Should I Put Down on a Car [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Cost-of-Depreciation.jpg] OFFSET THE COST OF DEPRECIATION The value of a new car depreciates between nine percent and 11 percent once buyers drive it off the dealership lot. In the first few years of ownership, the vehicle will lose more value—60 percent over the course of five years. A down payment can help lessen the impact of depreciation. While the car will still depreciate, making a down payment will essentially help offset the loss of value. A down payment also could mean the difference between having a car with a little bit of equity and a car that’s underwater (worth less than the loan balance). A 20 percent down payment for a new car could help pay for the vehicle’s depreciation during that first year and keep a buyer from being upside down on their loan. OPT FOR A SHORTER LOAN TERM While a down payment can help a buyer pay less interest and help reduce monthly payments on the loan, buyers might find another added benefit. When a buyer offers a down payment—perhaps a substantial down payment—the cost of the vehicle could decrease enough to allow the buyer to choose a shorter loan term. The buyer might pay more per month but could pay off the loan in less time. A shorter loan term means that the buyer would own the car outright sooner. While shorter loans aren’t an option for all buyers, a larger down payment could provide enough of a price reduction for the vehicle that the shorter term becomes feasible. COMBINING A TRADE-IN WITH A DOWN PAYMENT Investopedia recommends that buyers offer a down payment versus just a trade-in. This is due to the fact that some car owners might receive less than the car is actually worth when offering it up as a trade-in. However, a car buyer could combine a trade-in with a down payment. This combination could help further offset the cost of the new vehicle. While dealerships could allow the trade-in to serve as the down payment, buyers can add additional cash to the deal to help lower that purchase price. One issue that car buyers could have with a trade-in is if the car is worth less than an outstanding loan value. If the trade-in is underwater, a dealership could add this amount to a new loan. The problem with adding the outstanding balance to the new car is that it perpetuates a cycle of negative equity. Adding a previous loan balance to a new car purchase would cause the new car to be financed for more than its true value. What are the options, though, if the potential trade-in has a balance? Car owners could contact their lender to inquire about the payoff amount. It could be low enough that the buyer might be able to simply pay it off in full. However, if the balance is too high to pay in full, car owners could ask the lender if they could sell it privately; the lender could have stipulations on the selling process, which is why the borrower needs to contact the lender before selling privately. THE ZERO OR MINIMAL DOWN PAYMENT Some dealerships could require a 0 down payment or even just a negligible down payment. This could sound appealing to buyers who don’t have the budget for a down payment. In some cases, a 0 percent down payment could depend on other qualifications. However, even if the buyer qualifies or if the deal applies to all buyers, the buyer still needs to understand how that minimal down payment would affect their loan. Again, a down payment can help lower the amount of interest paid over time but it also helps to offset the impact of depreciation. If the buyer opts for a minimal down payment, the car could be underwater the moment it’s driven off the lot. Buyers also should review their financing terms. What is the interest rate for the financing with a small—or zero—down payment? What are the terms? Will the buyer be entering into a long loan (like 84 months)? Longer loan terms would mean that the buyer would pay more in interest over the life of the loan. UNDERSTAND FINANCING OPTIONS When consumers are reviewing their finances to allocate a down payment amount, they also might take the opportunity to review their credit report. Consumers are entitled to a free credit report each year. This can help them better understand their creditworthiness or credit risk. While the score on free reports might not be the exact score lenders see, the free report should give consumers an indication of their credit health. In addition, requesting a credit report can help consumers find any errors in their credit. Understanding credit health helps consumers when they research their loan options. If they know that they have an excellent credit score, they might be in a great position to shop around to find the best rates. If a consumer learns that their score is poor, they can begin to take measures to try to repair their credit. They can focus on paying their bills on time or make other changes. In addition, the score can help them understand that they may face higher rates; they may shop around to find the best options. DO CONSUMERS NEED A DOWN PAYMENT ON A LEASE? Some consumers might not want to buy a vehicle. Instead, they might find that leasing a car is their best option. With a lease, the dealership takes care of general car maintenance needs (like oil changes). A lease is a bit like renting a car for a long duration. Lease agreements are usually around three years in duration. At the end of the lease, the car could be purchased at an agreed upon price or the driver might just return it. While lease arrangements can be convenient and offer lower monthly payments, they also place limitations on mileage. While those who lease might consider making a large down payment, Carfax actually recommends against making a large down payment. Leasing is different from buying, and, in many cases, a large down payment doesn’t necessarily make financial sense. However, lease agreements do often require a specific amount at signing. HOW MUCH IS THE BEST DOWN PAYMENT? Car buyers wondering “how much should I put down on a car,” should try to put down a down payment that helps reduce their depreciation but that doesn’t put them in financial arrears. Experts recommend that buyers should try to put 20 percent down on a new car and 10 percent down on a used car. However, not all buyers have this much saved for a down payment. Buyers should look at their budget to understand how much they can feasibly present as a down payment. In addition, they can use car payment calculators to better understand the impact of that down payment and the price of interest, too.

What are the Greatest Cars of All Time?

What are the Greatest Cars of All Time?

What are the greatest cars of all time? This is a question that has been asked by many. And, depending on who you ask, it can have many different answers. In fact, a car that one person considers “great” might not seem so great to the next person. With that said, though, there are some features that can help classify a car as better than average. There are also certain cars that are generally considered amazing by the vast majority of people. Here, you can learn what makes a car great and what some of these awesome vehicles have to offer. SAFETY When cars were first invented, safety wasn’t as much of a priority as it should have been. Unfortunately, this led to many preventable accidents, injuries, and even deaths. Thankfully, modern cars tend to be much safer, on the whole, than the vehicles of years past. That doesn’t mean that every car is as safe as the next, though. Cars can actually vary quite significantly in terms of how safe they are. It really all comes down to the design and the included safety features. Thus, in order to be considered truly great, a car should be as safe as possible. It should have undergone extensive safety testing and should have as many safety features as are reasonable for the price. ATTRACTIVENESS A lot of people say that looks don’t matter, but that doesn’t make it true. The actual truth is that everyone wants a car that makes them feel good. They want a car they’re proud to own and that they’re more than happy to show off. That’s why the best cars are as stylish and attractive as they are reliable.  Of course, preference does play a role. A car that one person finds ugly can be the height of sophistication to another person. It’s all about what you’re looking for. Ideally, you should find a car that appeals to your sense of style. Some also argue that the greatest cars don’t just look nice for a few years after they’re manufactured. Instead, they maintain their attractiveness for decades to come and are true classics. Aesthetics are subjective, though, so the real key is to choose a car that you like to look at. SPEED The whole purpose of owning a car is having the ability to get up and go somewhere. As such, no one wants a car that is slow and can’t reach high speeds. That’s why really amazing cars are strong, powerful, and fast. In order to qualify, a car needs an engine designed for performance, as well as an aerodynamic build and a near perfect powertrain. If you can find a car that has all of that and then some, then chances are you’ve found a wonderful car. Greatest Cars of All Time [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Comfort.jpg] COMFORT No matter how great a car looks, that doesn’t mean much if it’s uncomfortable to sit in or, even worse, to drive. And, just like beauty, comfort can be somewhat subjective. However, most people would agree that, in order to be comfy, a car needs ample seating for its passengers and should never feel cramped or crowded. Plush seats, attractive interiors, and reliable heating and cooling systems help as well. REASONABLE PRICING Different people have different definitions of “affordable.” With that said, though, the best  vehicles are those that are reasonably priced for what you get. If you’re paying rock bottom prices, you probably just want something that runs. If you’re paying higher amounts, you deserve lots of great features. A car’s price should always reflect its quality and what it has to offer. Furthermore, cars in the “great” category will probably offer you a little bit more than you might expect based on the cost. LONG-TERM AFFORDABILITY While a low upfront price is always nice, remember that there are long-term costs involved with owning a vehicle. Good cars will be affordable to purchase and to own. For example, they might offer great gas mileage, which means you spend less on fuel over the car’s lifespan. Or, they might require very little maintenance or have parts that last for the long haul. Usually, the longer a car can last and the cheaper it is to own and operate, the greater it is. ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES With any car, safety and reliability are vital. However, people also want a car they can enjoy. That’s why top cars will offer both things you want and things you need. Entertainment features, such as infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and more are all highly desirable and are marks of an excellent vehicle. RESALE VALUE You’ve probably heard that a new car starts depreciating the second you drive it off the lot. And, while this is true to a certain degree, it’s more true for some cars than others. Superior vehicles have and maintain high resale values for quite some time. As a result, you should be able to sell it and recoup some of your investment at just about any time during the car’s life. EXCEPTIONAL OPTIONS Now that you know a little bit more about what elevates a car from “good” to “great,” it’s time to explore some options. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the greatest cars of all time. They may not check every single box in the list above, but they’re vehicles that, overall, most people would consider pretty amazing. Greatest Cars of All Time [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1886-Benz-Motorwagen.jpg] THE 1886 BENZ MOTORWAGEN If you step way back in history, you’ll find that some cars of the past were actually quite extraordinary. Case in point is the 1886 Benz Motorwagen. While some people argue over its status as the first motor-powered car, it was at least one of the first. It definitely wasn’t fast. But, if it wasn’t for this little car, drivers probably wouldn’t have the vehicles they know and love today, which is why it deserves a spot on this list. THE BMW E30 M3 A great car doesn’t necessarily have to be a perfect car. In fact, the BMW E30 M3, first produced in 1986, had one major shortcoming: a not-so-powerful engine. Despite that fact, it was incredibly versatile and could be driven just about anywhere. Plus, it was very reliable, which is why so many still remember it fondly. THE 1994 AUDI RS2 The 1994 Audi RS2 can be hard to find these days, especially in the United States, and especially if you want one in working order. If you ever get the chance to check out this little car, though, do it. It was lauded for its stellar performance, plush interior, and extreme collectability. In fact, on the off chance you find one for sale, snatch it up for safekeeping or turn around and sell it yourself. You’ll make a bundle. THE PORSCHE 911 RS 2.7 When you hear the name “Porsche,” you probably think of luxury, and the Porsche 911 RS 2.7 definitely fits the bill. Much like the aforementioned BMW, this car was known for killer performance across a variety of terrains. It can also get some major power very quickly, so it’s more of a car for the adventurous. THE 2022 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID If you’re looking for something a lot more modern that still classifies as illustrious, then turn to the 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. As you can imagine, it’s still very much on the market and attainable. It’s also known for a gorgeous, comfortable interior and near perfect handling. Anyone searching for a hybrid is sure to appreciate this one. THE 2009 ALFA ROMEO 8C When it comes to sporty style and general attractiveness, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything cooler than the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C. Yes, it’s expensive, but the lucky few who own it tend to feel like the price is more than justified. It has a V8 engine and can reach incredibly high speeds in a matter of seconds. However, like the Audi RS2, it’s not a common car, so your chances of actually finding one are slim. THE 1985 MERCEDES-BENZ W124 Many people consider the 1985 Mercedes-Benz W124 to be the perfect midsize vehicle. And, it must have done something right since it influenced a lot of the cars that came after. Back when it was released, it cost just over $32,000, but that was actually a steal given the fact that these cars lasted indefinitely. Cars have a long history in America and around the globe. While some vehicles won’t be remembered or won’t be remembered fondly, others made a major impression. What’s nice is that you can learn a lot from history. You can learn what makes a car great, which, in turn, can help you make more informed buying choices. So, the next time you’re shopping for a vehicle, be sure to keep this list in mind.

What Does APR Stand For?

What Does APR Stand For?

Buying a vehicle can be an endeavor. If this is a consumer’s first car shopping experience, the process can seem overwhelming and maybe even slightly stressful. Buyers have to figure out their budget and decide what car is best for their needs. The perfect car might not even be available when inventory is low. In addition, buyers also have to decide how they want to pay for their purchase. More than 80 percent of car buyers finance their vehicle. However, loans vary and many buyers might notice that APR isn’t consistent. What does APR stand for and why is it an important acronym in the financing process? What Does APR Stand For [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Deciphering-APR.jpg] DECIPHERING APR The acronym APR stands for “annual percentage rate.” This refers to a loan’s interest rate. The APR can be impacted by the market, the consumer’s credit worthiness or risk and/or perhaps even the length of the loan, too. According to Investopedia, “APR is calculated by multiplying the periodic interest rate by the number of periods in a year in which it was applied.” In addition, the site explains that lenders need to disclose the APR as required by the Truth in Lending Act. For this reason, car buyers will be able to review their APR of the loans that they are considering. They can review their options to decide which loan offers the best interest rate (per the listed APR), or they might gravitate towards the loan with the lowest payment or maybe even the best terms. What Does APR Stand For [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Why-is-APR-Higher.jpg] WHY IS APR HIGHER? Car buyers shopping for a new car might notice that last year’s posted interest rates might have been lower than those advertised now. The same is true for mortgage rates. When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, this often reverberates to consumers. Interest rate hikes can lead to higher borrowing costs for consumers purchasing a new or used car. In addition, the consumer’s credit score also impacts the interest rate they receive from a lender. To better understand their credit scores, consumers can request a credit report. Every 12 months, a consumer can receive a free report. When reviewing a credit report, consumers should look for any errors in their credit. In addition, they should pay attention to their credit score. The score on free reports might not mirror the exact numbers that lenders see, but they should be close. A high credit score can help consumers get more favorable interest rates. Those with poor or low scores might need to work on trying to repair their credit; however, the scores also could prepare them for higher rates. The interest rate of a loan also could be influenced by the length of the loan. According to NerdWallet, car loans beyond five years have higher interest rates. In addition, long loans also will mean that the consumer will pay more in interest over time; the principal is divided into more payments, but the interest payments extend longer, too. GETTING PRE-QUALIFIED OR PRE-APPROVED TO UNDERSTAND RATES Car buyers shopping for a loan might have the option to get pre-qualified or pre-approved online. These two terms do not mean the same thing, although some may use the terms interchangeably. Typically, getting pre-qualified for a loan doesn’t require the consumer to enter a social security number. Pre-qualification is known as a soft credit inquiry and, for this reason, shouldn’t impact a credit score. Consumers will need to enter basic data related to their housing costs, their work history and income. Once the consumer inputs this information, the site might show loans for which the consumer might qualify. Then the individual can review potential interest rates, monthly payments and loan terms. Pre-qualification doesn’t mean that the individual has been approved for the loan. Consider pre-qualification as more of an informational resource to consider loan options. Some sites might conflate pre-qualification and pre-approval, though. They might require more information like a social security number. If a consumer feels uneasy about entering information, don’t continue with the process. Instead, reach out to the business to inquire if entering information will impact the credit score or be considered a ‘pre-approval’ for the loan. Standard pre-approvals will typically ask for more detailed information from the applicant. For car loans, Experian explains that tax returns, proof of income and other documentation might be required. Pre-approvals for mortgages and car loans often will impact a credit score; credit inquiries are part of credit score compilations, however inquiries done at once are often considered one inquiry. This can get confusing, and consumers should talk to a lender if they have questions. Experian notes that these credit inquiries will only appear on a report for a few months and won’t have a big impact. Again, though, if consumers are confused or concerned about the process, they should reach out to the lender before proceeding. What Does APR Stand For [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/APR-Loan-Lengths-and-Monthly-Payments.jpg] APR, LOAN LENGTHS AND MONTHLY PAYMENTS Every consumer is different regarding their loan preferences. For example, some buyers need the lowest payment possible to afford a vehicle. This might mean that they are ok with accepting a longer loan term (even if the rate is slightly higher). Other car buyers want to own the car as soon as possible. They might look for a three-year loan and tackle higher payments to ensure that they aren’t stuck with an extended loan (and years of car payments). However, buyers also might understand that they have many choices when applying for financing for a new car. They can compare rates offered by their bank or another financial institution. Some credit unions or banks could offer a better interest rate than the dealership might offer. There are times, though, that dealerships offer promotions that a bank can’t beat. In the past, dealerships were able to offer 0 percent financing to qualified buyers. These buyers might have been consumers with outstanding credit; the loan also could have included a set loan term. This might have meant that even with the 0 percent interest, payments might have been too high for some buyers (who needed longer loans to lower the monthly payments). Some websites let consumers search different lenders to find the best loan for their needs. Again, some buyers want the lowest APR, others want the lowest monthly payment. These sites can help buyers find a loan that works for their financial situation. DOWN PAYMENTS CAN HELP LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS While the APR influences the monthly payment and can lead to buyers paying more or less for their car each month, there is another aspect of the buying process that can help buyers lower both their purchase price and perhaps their monthly payment, too. Down payments and even the amount of a trade-in can help offset the final purchase price of a vehicle. Down payments also can help lower the impact of depreciation when purchasing a new car. Experts recommend that buyers allocate 20 percent of the purchase price for the down payment; if the car price is $30K, the down payment should be $6,000. Since the value of a vehicle can depreciate about nine to 11 percent once a car owner drives their new car off the lot, a good down payment can be important to ensuring that a new car doesn’t immediately go underwater. The term ‘underwater’ refers to the loan balance being higher than the value of the vehicle. In addition to a down payment, some car buyers also might have a vehicle to offer the dealership as a trade-in. However, before visiting the dealership, car owners should research the value of their trade-in vehicle via Kelley Blue Book (KBB). The site will ask the owner to enter the VIN, license plate number or just the make/model/year of the vehicle. Then the owner will need to select the vehicle’s trim as well as any options or upgrades (or they can simply select the base). They also will need to note the condition of the vehicle; KBB explains each condition category to understand each option. Car owners can then review either the trade-in value of the vehicle or the resale value. The resale value will be higher than the trade-in value, as the price of the trade-in needs to account for the dealership’s profit margin. Once car owners understand the value of their trade-in, they can be in a better negotiating position. However, buyers should be honest about the condition of their vehicle. Trying to boost the value of the vehicle by selecting a better condition won’t do much good at the dealership; they know the difference. UNDERSTAND APR AND ALL THE LOAN DETAILS While the APR of a loan influences the monthly payment and how much the buyer will pay for the vehicle over the life of that loan, some buyers might need longer loans to afford the car they need. When choosing financing for a vehicle, consumers should understand how much they can feasibly spend each month. They need to review their budget and their income and expenses. Experts recommend that a car payment should be less than 10 percent of a consumer’s monthly take-home pay. However, some may be able to afford more or less. Ultimately, buyers need to know how the APR impacts their monthly payment. They can shop around for the best rates and review all their options. In addition, car buyers should never be afraid to ask questions during the process.

What is the Best Looking Minivan?

What is the Best Looking Minivan?

The once-popular minivan started to fall out of favor when sports utility vehicles drove onto the automotive market. However, the minivan is starting to become a popular choice for families yet again; in fact, sales for minivans surged more than 80 percent for the second quarter of 2021. What is the best looking minivan? The model with the best design might be a matter of opinion, but buyers have four models from which to choose: * Chrysler Pacifica * Honda Odyssey * Toyota Sienna * Kia Carnival Two models—the Pacifica and the Sienna—are available as hybrids. While the Sienna is only available as a hybrid, consumers looking at the Pacifica could choose a standard model or a hybrid Pacifica. THE FOUR MODELS COMPARED The four minivan models remaining on the market are quite comparable in price and safety. The Pacifica, Sienna and Odyssey all received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Kia Carnival received a Top Safety Pick (for models built after March 2021 and equipped with specific headlights) from the IIHS. All four models also are comparable in price. The Kia Carnival is the least expensive option among the four; the Carnival has a base price of $32,300. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the most expensive minivan model, with a base price of $48,478. In addition, the Sienna and the Pacifica Hybrid offer the best fuel efficiency. The Sienna offers an estimated 36 MPG (combined). The Pacifica Hybrid can get an estimated 84 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). In addition, the Pacifica Hybrid is the only plug-in hybrid on the market. WHAT’S THE BEST LOOKING MINIVAN? The preference for a car’s design might be a matter of personal opinion. Gear Patrol picked the 2022 Toyota Sienna as the best looking minivan for 2022. The site noted that the choices were focused on two models: the Sienna and the Carnival. The Sienna was chosen for “its sex appeal” as it embraced the van life with a massive grille. Can a minivan really be “sexy?” Compared to the other options, the Sienna might just be the best design. Gear Patrol posited that the Carnival had a design that tried to embrace more of an SUV aesthetic. Best Looking Minivan [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/The-Best-Looking-Minivans-of-the-Past.jpg] THE BEST LOOKING MINIVANS OF THE PAST Unfortunately, buyers don’t have many new minivan models from which to choose. Through the years, the options have whittled down as many manufacturers discontinued the minivan from their lineup. What’s the coolest minivan of the past? Again, this could be a matter of opinion. However, consumers might look at the humble beginnings of the minivan. While the ‘van’ technically drove onto the scene in the ‘80s, the minivan really surged in the ‘90s. The minivan had an earlier ancestor, too: the microbus. Volkswagen’s iconic microbus eventually became synonymous with the summer of love, hippies and a nomadic lifestyle. Some consumers might consider the microbus as the coolest design for a bus or van. As more individuals have embraced the van life, the microbus and minivan might have become more intriguing options. Families convert these vehicles to include a bed and other amenities that make them conducive for life on the road. ARE THERE NEW MINIVAN MODELS? Choices for new minivan models might be limited now, but the future could hold some new models for consumers. For example, Volkswagen is set to debut an updated microbus called the VW ID. Buzz. The new bus will be an electric model with an estimated range of about 260 miles. Car and Driver notes that the new ID.Buzz should debut in 2024. While buyers might have a few years to wait for this new van option, it could be a nostalgic and popular model. Car and Driver estimates that buyers might expect to pay around $40,000 for the new bus. This price point would make the model one of the more expensive bus/van options on the market. THE DESIGN OF A MINIVAN VS. AN SUV Gear Patrol compared the design of the Carnival to an SUV, and consumers might wonder how these two vehicles differ in design. An SUV is built on a truck chassis, and this design makes the SUV heavier. Some consumers like the heft of the SUV as it makes them feel safer on the road. Minivans are not built on a truck chassis. They also typically feature sliding side doors; buyers can often opt to purchase automatic sliding doors as an option. Hit a button on the key fob, and the doors conveniently slide open. This is a great feature for parents who need to place a sleeping child into the minivan or drivers whose hands are full. While some buyers might assume that SUVs are the most spacious option, the minivan actually offers the most cargo space. Minivan models might include seats that can be removed or folded down to open up the back space. Drivers who need a vehicle for towing, though, might be better suited for an SUV. Some larger SUVs can tow more than 8,000 pounds. Most minivan models, though, have towing capacities limited to about 3,500 pounds; the Pacifica offers the highest towing capacity (3,600 pounds). Best Looking Minivan [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Used-Minivans-Present-Possibilities.jpg] USED MINIVANS PRESENT POSSIBILITIES As buyers have only a handful of minivan models from which to choose, some might decide to shop for a pre-owned or used model. Pre-owned minivans also could be more budget-friendly. When shopping for a used minivan, though, buyers also might want to have more details about the safety ratings of the older options. Buyers can visit the IIHS website to research older minivan models; the site provides a search query tool that lets buyers search by make and model. Once buyers enter the make/model, they can select the model year to review the safety scorecard of earlier models. Those who are looking at older minivans also can research the dependability of a particular model. J.D. Power releases its yearly Dependability Award winners; winners are always models from three years prior. The 2021 Dependability Award winner for the minivan category was the 2018 Toyota Sienna. For each individual category, buyers can click on a link to see the scores of all the other models. All models are reviewed from ‘verified owners,’ and J.D. Power reviewed vehicle data from more than 80,000 owners. The 2021 awards reviewed 2018 models, and there were several minivan models that have since been discontinued. For example, the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan came in at second place (behind the Sienna). The list also included the now discontinued Kia Sedona (which ranked last among the models). Best Looking Minivan [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Research-Minivans-Using-RelayCars.jpg] RESEARCH MINIVANS USING RELAYCARS Car buyers looking for a new minivan can explore all their options by downloading the RelayCars app or using the RelayCars mobile site. The RelayCars app lets buyers preview minivan models in virtual reality (if they have access to Google Cardboard) or by using 3D imagery. The RelayCars mobile website includes explorative preview options that integrate augmented reality. However, consumers also can explore models on the screen via interactive 3D car models. With 3D imagery, app or site visitors can use their finger to interact with the photo of a selected vehicle. The immersive model can be turned around and viewed from any angle. Consumers also can explore the interior. The RelayCars mobile website also provides users with an augmented reality showroom experience. Using a camera from a smartphone or tablet, consumers can select a vehicle model that can be transported into their own environment. The car, minivan, SUV or truck appears as a 3D model and can be dropped anywhere—view the vehicle in a garage, on the front lawn or in the driveway. RelayCars also gives consumers the option to switch out the paint hue of any vehicle. For every model in the inventory, RelayCars includes all the available color options offered by the manufacturer. Preview the vehicle in every color to find the best hue. Consumers also can use RelayCars to gather more information about a particular model. The app and the website provide data on every vehicle’s base price and specs. Use RelayCars to compare multiple models or just to find out more information on a favorite model. When an individual is ready to purchase their car, the RelayCars app also provides a portal to Carsavers.com; consumers can explore a vehicle in an interactive 3D vehicle showroom. They can even explore the interior of different models and look around each vehicle. Navigating to Carsaver.com transports the buyer to a site that allows them to browse available vehicles and find the best prices on a new car.   Finding a new minivan is an immersive and interactive experience with RelayCars. Buyers can use the site as their one-stop destination to explore different older and newer minivan models. Change out the paint hues, look inside the van and even preview different models in the real world with augmented reality. RelayCars links up to Carsaver.com so buyers can find the best prices for the vehicle they want after comparing and previewing their favorite options via RelayCars.

Kia vs. Hyundai: How Do the Brands Differ?

Kia vs. Hyundai: How Do the Brands Differ?

Car buyers have a long list of automobile brands from which to choose. Every brand offers an extensive lineup that features sedans, compact cars, SUVs, trucks and maybe even hybrid or electric models, too. Kia and Hyundai are affordable brands and are headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. How do the cars from these brands differ? Are they the same company? In a matchup of Kia vs. Hyundai, the most popular models for each will be compared by price, fuel efficiency and safety. The matchups are: * Hyundai Accent vs. Kia Rio * Hyundai Elantra vs. Kia Forte * Hyundai Venue vs. Kia Soul * Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Sorento IS KIA OWNED BY HYUNDAI? Buyers might wonder if Kia is owned by Hyundai. In fact, Kia Corporation is owned by Hyundai Motor Company. While the brands are separate, Hyundai Motor Group purchased a majority share in Kia Corporation in 1998. Think of Kia and Hyundai a bit like GM and Chevrolet. General Motors has GM and Chevrolet as brands (or divisions). GM and Chevy models, though, sometimes overlap in features and specs. When comparing Kia and Hyundai, car buyers also shouldn’t be surprised if there are more similarities than differences. THE MATCHUPS: KIA VS. HYUNDAI When comparing Kia versus Honda, buyers might need to look closely to find differences. Again, buyers shouldn’t be surprised to find some similar specs.  HYUNDAI ACCENT VS. KIA RIO First up, the Hyundai Accent vs. the Kia Rio. Both models are compact vehicles, and they are the most affordable models for their respective brands. The Hyundai Accent has a base price of $16,645 and the Kia Rio has a base price of $16,250. For price, the Rio has a slight edge. How do these two models compare for fuel efficiency, though? The Hyundai Accent offers an estimated 41 MPG on the highway, while the Kia Rio also offers 41 MPG on the highway. Both models are perfectly matched in this regard. Both also featured similar safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Winner: the Rio, but only because it’s slightly less expensive. HYUNDAI ELANTRA VS. KIA FORTE While the Rio and the Accent are subcompact cars (very small), the Elantra and the Forte are considered small in size. The Hyundai Elantra is designed like a small or compact sedan and has a base price of $19,950. The Forte has a base price of $19,090. Both the Elantra and the Soul offer decent fuel efficiency. The Elantra can get up to 43 MPG on the highway, and the Forte gets 41 MPG on the highway. The Elantra has the slight edge in this category. The 2022 Hyundai Elantra received a Top Safety Pick rating (when equipped with certain headlights) from IIHS. The Winner: The Elantra for safety and fuel efficiency. However, the Forte offers the best price. HYUNDAI VENUE VS. KIA SOUL The Hyundai Venue and the Kia Soul are both smaller SUVs. However, the Soul is designed in the body type of a wagon. The Venue has a base price of $19,000, and the Kia Soul has a base price of $19,290. Both are fairly fuel efficient for SUVs. The Venue can get up to 33 MPG on the highway, and the Soul can get up to 35 MPG on the highway. Both are evenly matched in this regard. Which model is the safer choice? The Kia Soul received a Top Safety Pick (when equipped with front crash prevention and specific headlights) rating from the IIHS. The Hyundai Venue also received a Top Safety Pick rating (with specific headlights). The Winner: The Venue wins for offering a lower price. HYUNDAI PALISADE VS. KIA TELLURIDE The Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride are both full-size SUVs. The Palisade has space for up to eight passengers, and the Kia Telluride has room for seven or eight (depending on the choice of the buyer). Both offer the third row that many families need. How do these models compare related to price? The Hyundai Palisade has a base price of $33,350, and the Telluride has a base price of $33,090. As both models are larger SUVs, fuel efficiency might not be as ideal as smaller vehicles. However, both the Palisade and the Telluride can get up to 26 MPG on the highway. The Hyundai Palisade also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, and the Kia Telluride received a Top Safety Pick rating (when equipped with specific headlights). The Winner: The Telluride offers the best price, while the Palisade has the best safety rating. KIA AND HYUNDAI: IS ONE BRAND THE BETTER BRAND? Kia and Hyundai models tend to be comparable in price and fuel efficiency. Some models score better than others related to safety ratings, and this might be a key area that buyers research when determining their best option. The two brands offer similar automobiles, and, in fact, their models are often quite similar in many ways. Kia’s reputation, though, has always been about offering budget-friendly, economical vehicles. When it comes to affordability, Kia offers some of the best prices on the market. Hyundai, though, doesn’t offer prices that are far beyond that of Kia. While Hyundai models might differ from a similar Kia model by a few hundred dollars, this is a minimal difference for automobiles. Both brands offer models with great fuel efficiency. When the similar models for Kia and Hyundai are compared, their MPG specs are often identical. Some buyers might simply prefer one brand over another brand. Again, Kia and Hyundai are a bit like GM and Chevrolet. They are very similar, but there are a few differences. A test drive could be a determining factor when buyers are trying to decide which brand is best for their needs. ARE KIA AND HYUNDAI THE SAME COMPANY? Kia and Hyundai are owned by the Hyundai Motor Company. However, in regards to Kia, Hyundai Motor Company owns the majority stake of Kia Corporation. Kia is a corporation, and it’s also a brand. Hyundai Motor Company also includes the luxury brand Genesis. While Kia and Hyundai are owned by the same company, they also function as different brands. Kia vs Hyundai [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Do-Kia-and-Hyundai-Offer-Hybrids-or-Electric-Models.jpg] DO KIA AND HYUNDAI OFFER HYBRIDS OR ELECTRIC MODELS? Some buyers might be interested in the fuel efficiency offered by hybrid or electric models. Both Kia and Hyundai offer hybrid and electric models. Hyundai’s energy-efficient models include: * Kona Electric * Tucson Hybrid * Tucson Plug-In Hybrid * Santa Fe Hybrid * Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid * IONIQ 5 * NEXO Fuel Cell * Elantra Hybrid * Sonata Hybrid * IONIQ Hybrid * IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid * IONIQ Electric Kia also offers a large selection of hybrid and electric models. Kia’s energy-efficient lineup includes: * Niro * Sportage Hybrid * Niro Plug-In Hybrid * Sorento Hybrid * Niro EV * EV6 * Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Kia’s most expensive fuel-efficient model is the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, which has a base price of $45,190. The Niro (hybrid) is the most budget-friendly option, with a base price of $24,690. Hyundai’s most expensive fuel-efficient option is the hydrogen fuel cell model, the NEXO. It has a base price of $59,435. The least expensive model is the Elantra Hybrid, which has a base price of $23,850. Kia vs Hyundai [https://blog.relaycars.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-RelayCars-Helps-Buyers-Explore-Kia-and-Hyundai-Models.jpg] HOW RELAYCARS HELPS BUYERS EXPLORE KIA AND HYUNDAI MODELS Choosing between Kia and Hyundai models might not be easy for buyers. Both offer similar vehicles, so how can buyers explore their options when shopping at home? The RelayCars app and the RelayCars website provide car shoppers with immersive solutions for car exploration. The RelayCars app lets shoppers preview vehicles using 3D immersive and interactive imagery or in virtual reality (for consumers who have Google Cardboard). The RelayCars website lets shoppers use 3D imagery or augmented reality to explore different vehicles. However, the augmented reality option is only available when accessing the website via a mobile device. How do these immersive tools help buyers in their decision? With 3D imagery, car shoppers can use their fingers to turn the model of the vehicle around; they can look at the car from any vantage point. With virtual reality, shoppers are transported to a virtual showroom where they can view the vehicle of their choice. Augmented reality offers the option of previewing a car in any space. Using a camera on a smartphone or a tablet, a 3D car image can be transported into any area. View a car model in the garage or in the driveway. RelayCars also provides shoppers with specs and data for thousands of makes and models. For those comparing models from Hyundai and Kia, use RelayCars to find the MSRP and other details. If shoppers are experiencing RelayCars via the website, they can open two different browser pages for the site and explore models from different brands simultaneously. Once buyers find their ideal vehicle on RelayCars, they also can connect to a site within the app to find that car in their area. RelayCars lets buyers research and explore any car model that they want, but they also can use the app to shop for that vehicle, too. RelayCars is a one-stop shop for car research and for finding the best vehicle prices, too!