Matt Barnes

Matthew Barnes is an experienced towing expert. He works as a mechanical engineer and his day job involves testing a variety of vehicles while towing trailers of all types and sizes. Matt shares his knowledge by writing for automotive news outlets in the evenings. When he's not working he can be found spending time in the great outdoors with his family. He enjoys camping, hiking, canyoneering, and backpacking. Whenever possible he spends time riding in or on any power sports vehicle he can find and claims he can drive anything with a motor, which probably isn't true. Matt lives in the Utah mountains and often posts cool off-roading videos to his Instagram and YouTube channel.
Bouge RV Aspen Pro 40 Beach

Bouge RV Aspen Pro 40: True Dual Zone Fridge/Freezer

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Bouge RV Aspen Pro 40: Budget Friendly Performer Bouge RV has sponsored us in the past with the CR30QT. It functioned so well over the past 3 years that when they reached out to work with us again that we were more than happy to accept. The Aspen Pro 40 with lithium ion battery was provided to us free of charge. Bouge RV also provided Car Revs Daily readers with a 25% discount off all fridge. Use AFF25 at checkout. What is the Aspen Pro 40? Bouge RV makes a variety of RV, car camping, and traveling accessories. Aspen fridge/freezer …

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2024 Tundra TRD Pro Towing: Toyota’s Best Hybrid!

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2024 Tundra TRD Pro: How Does It Tow? Toyota’s 2024 Tundra TRD Pro is based on the hybrid version of the 3rd generation Tundra, but with additional off-pavement goodies. In the past, off road suspension was typically softer and not as capable at towing. With modern high performance shocks and the use of weight distribution and sway control devices Toyota rates the Tundra TRD Pro at 11,175 lbs. Trailer Specs For this test the trailer weighed in at 4,770 pounds. At this weight, the Tundra is nowhere near its limit. However, the large flat front and billboard like sides make …

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2023 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid Drive Review

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2023 Honda According Touring Hybrid; Outstanding by Being Normal The 2023 Honda Accord Touring carries on the excellent Accord legacy. Since it’s inception, the Honda Accord has been known for its blend of style, comfort, and performance. Landing on Car and Driver’s 10 Best an incredible 38 times since the list started 40 years ago. Honda knows what they’re doing by creating value in the mid-size sedan market. Yes we know that the EPA classifies the Accord as a full-size sedan, but Honda and its competitors consider it a mid-size.  Design The 2023 Accord Hybrid Touring features a sleek and …

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2023 Venza Nightshade Review: Toyota Knows Hybrids

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2023 Venza Nightshade: Toyotas Upscale Rav 4 The 2023 Toyota Venza Nightshade is a stylish and modern hybrid powered two-row SUV that stands out in the crowded midsize crossover segment. 2023 Venza Design and Exterior Exhibiting a sleek and sophisticated design, the venza differentiates itself from other crossovers with unique styling. Its exterior boasts a contemporary look, with clean lines and a sporty profile. LED headlights and taillights contribute to its modern aesthetic. The Nightshade edition is a popular package offered by Toyota, typically showcasing dark-themed accents and cosmetic upgrades for various models. These features often include blacked-out elements such …

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2023 LC 500 Drive Review: Lexus’s LFA Successor

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2023 Lexus LC 500: Lessons From the LFA The 2023 Lexus LC 500 is a stunning embodiment of the automaker’s commitment to creating vehicles that seamlessly blend luxury and performance. This grand tourer coupe, first introduced in 2018, is a testament to Lexus’ dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and delivering an unforgettable driving experience. With its captivating design, potent powertrain, and impeccable interior, the LC 500 is a modern masterpiece that has earned its place among the elite in the luxury sports car segment. Exterior Design At first glance, the Lexus LC 500 is a true head-turner. Its low-slung, aggressive stance …

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2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT Review: A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing

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The 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT brings rugged looks without sacrificing the Tucson’s good on-road driving dynamics. We know it’s 2023, but not much has changed for 2023 from the 2022 model. Exterior Design For 2022 Hyundai brought XRT equipment to the Tucson for the first time. With wider fender flares, black cladding, darker bumpers and side steps, the XRT trim adds adventurous looks. Also featured are black accents including the 19” wheels, window trim, and mirrors. It certainly looks the part. Inside 2022 Tucson XRT Space and Comfort One of the greatest benefits of having a crossover in this class …

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2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Drive Review: Blending Efficiency with Adventure

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6th Generation CR-V The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the first model year of the 6th generation CR-V. As such it has been redesigned outside and in and has additional powertrain improvements.  Driving the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Terrain Management While the CR-V Hybrid lacks a dedicated off-road mode like some of its competitors, it does offer multiple driving modes to adapt to various conditions. The ECON mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the Sport mode enhances throttle response and steering feel. In slippery or uneven terrain, you can engage the Snow mode, which optimizes power distribution for improved traction. These …

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Genesis G90 E-Supercharger VS Lexus LS500 F Sport: 2023 Battle of the Luxury Beasts

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G90 vs LS500 Review and Comparison The Genesis G90 E-Supercharger and the Lexus LS 500 F Sport are both luxury sedans that offer a premium driving experience, but they have distinct features and characteristics that set them apart. We had the chance to test these two back to back. Be aware that the Genesis had a significantly higher price tag than the Lexus, so while this is apples to apples, it’s maybe a pink lady apple to Gala apple comparison. Performance The G90 E-Supercharger boasts a powerful electric supercharged 3.5-liter V6 twin turbo engine that delivers impressive acceleration and ample …

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2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Snowy Drive Review

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The 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD represents the apex of Hyundai’s lineup, offering a harmonious blend of opulence and practicality. This SUV caters to those who seek a refined driving experience with the added confidence of all-wheel drive. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the Palisade Calligraphy AWD stand out. Elegant Design and Styling The Palisade Calligraphy AWD shows exactly what it is. A bold and distinctive front grille, LED headlights, and 20-inch alloy wheels help it stand out from other vehicles on the road. Separating the Calligraphy trim from other Palisades are exclusive touches like a unique …

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2023 Lexus RX 350h Snowy Drive Review

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2023 Lexus RX 350h Drive Review Lexus is implementing the tech suite from the NX into the all new 2023 RX 350h. Updating the top selling SUV in Lexus’ lineup has to be done very precisely. Creating a new innovative design while not alienating the current customers can be a very difficult task.  Lexus sent us a Pre-Production model to review, as such there is no window sticker and the fit and finish might be lacking in some areas. Outside With the new update, Lexus has done a really good job of modernizing the RX. We think it looks good …

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2023 Honda HR-V Drive Review

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The 2023 Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV that is designed to offer drivers a spacious and versatile interior, along with agile handling and fuel efficiency. With a starting price of around $25,000, it competes with other popular subcompact SUVs like the Mazda CX-30 and the Kia Seltos. About That Body On the outside, the 2023 HR-V features a sleek and modern design with a bold front grille and sculpted lines that give it a sporty look. The LED headlights and taillights are standard across all trims, while the EX and higher trims get a power moonroof and roof rails. …

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Undercoating in a Can: The Easiest Way to Protect Your Rig

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Protection in a Can Whether doing work on a vehicle new or old, or restoring and protecting an older vehicle rust must be prevented and stopped. For Project XJ we need a strong undercoating that can handle snowy, icy, and salty roads with 0°F temperatures in the winter. It also needs to withstand dirt, mud, sand, and gravel in the summer with 100°F + temperatures. While there are many undercoating solutions on the market. Each solution works, but each of them have flaws. Some companies will spray a recycled motor oil mix into every nook and cranny leading to drips …

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Project XJ Frame Stiffeners

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Stronger = Better Jeep Cherokee XJ’s are known for being capable off-road vehicles. However, they do have some short comings. The unibody frame makes the XJ lightweight and is plenty strong for stock applications. Even when modified with a lift and large tires the unibody is strong enough for daily driving and on road use. However, modifications along with significant off-road use can take it’s toll on the frame. So to go from this: To this: We decided to start Project XJ off right and reinforce the frame with a set of Iron Rock Off Road unibody XJ frame stiffeners. …

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Introducing Project XJ

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Project XJ Begins Car Revs Daily is teaming up with Engine Adventures on Project XJ, affectionately named Jeep Car by a 2-year old. The goal is to build a stock 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport, into a reliable daily driver and weekend warrior. Follow along with this video series as we show everything we do to build an auctioned XJ to a well balanced daily driver and off-road machine. This will be roughly a 5 year project. We’re sorry, but XJ Brief History The Jeep Cherokee began life in 1984 under AMC and Renault. AMC, known for their AWD sedans and …

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2023 GMC Sierra AT4X Review: Luxury Truck or Off-Roader?

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With the Silverado ZR2 arriving for the 2022 model year, it was all but expected that GMC would bring a fancier version to market. Now with the 2023 AT4X that idea has come to fruition. Exterior One thing that really sets the AT4X apart from other high end off-roaders is the understated exterior. Yes, there are a few tell tale signs like the Duratrac tires and rock rails, but overall the AT4X looks just like the AT4. There are no crazy exterior graphics or wide body cladding to tell the 2023 AT4X apart from a regular AT4, and we like …

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2023 Infiniti QX80 Sensory Review: HBMC Matters

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The 2023 Infiniti QX80 remains largely unchanged with only a few features being added over the 2022 model year. Mechanically the QX80 hasn’t changed much in over a decade, but the interior and tech suite has been updated substantially in that time. Exterior Sharing a platform with the Nissan Armada, the two have very similar body lines. Of course the grill, lighting, and bumper contours are a little different. Up front the grill is large but not overly so. It’s more on par with the GLS 63 than the LX600. The bumper has faux brake vents which also house LED …

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2022 Lexus LX600 F Sport Review: First Real Update in 14 years!

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Finally the LX has received a major update with the 2022 LX600! Toyota is known for getting the most out of their tooling by running vehicles with minimal changes for extended periods. The previous LX, the LX570, ran for 14 years on the same platform. Exterior Largely defining the rest of the size of the vehicle, Toyota has decided that the perfect wheelbase is 112ish inches (2850mm). Beginning with the 80 series Landcruiser in 1990, every Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX sold in the US since then has had this same wheelbase. That continues with the 2022 LX600. Outside …

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2023 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus Review: Turbo Power!

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Adding a much needed optional turbo to the 2023 CX-50 Turbo fills in a major gap that used to exist in the automakers lineup. All new for 2023, the CX-50 is similar in size to the CX-5. While the two are nearly identical in cargo capacity, the CX-50 is lower and wider. This gives is a sportier stance and might even improve the driving dynamics. Outside Up front the grill is very large, but not overly so. Slanted LED headlights give the CX-50 Turbo a menacing face. Amber LED strips low in the bumper function as turn signals and marker …

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GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate Review: The Ultimate 1/2 Ton Truck?

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With the 2022 Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, GMC is finally bringing a luxury truck to compete with the Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn. Ram has been the top dog for interior luxury for nearly a decade, so how does the Denali Ultimate stack up? Exterior On the outside, the Denali Ultimate comes packed with high end features. Starting from the front there is a massive dark chrome grill with a chrome outlined GMC badge. Chromed tow hooks sit in the bottom of the bumper with an additional chrome surround. Fog lights are pushed out to the edges and as low down …

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2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport: The Ultimate Rav4

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All new for 2022, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport has been updated in a very competitive market. Outside Better aerodynamics can increase performance in just about every way. As such the 2022 NX has a very sloped windshield and slippery profile. Our tester was adorned in beautiful Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint that really accented the body creases.  From the front the NX is very aggressive. This is mostly due to the massive grill and faux brake vents. The silver front splitter is a nice accent when contrasted with the black grill and blue paint. LED headlights angle into the …

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2022 Nissan Rogue AWD Review: More Capable Off-Road Than You Think

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2022 Rogue, New Engine For The Win With a new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder variable compression turbocharged engine the 2022 Nissan Rogue is a performer. Pretty much everything else is a carryover from 2021. Disclosure: Nissan sent us a 2022 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD to test for a week. 2022 Rogue Exterior This 2022 is nearly identical on the exterior to the 2021 Nissan Rogue SL we tested a year ago. Therefore we won’t dive deep into the exterior design. Suffice it to say that many people around the office like the look of the new Rogue and it received numerous compliments …

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2022 Toyota Corolla Cross: Feeding America’s Crossover Hunger

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America is hungry for crossovers and this hunger is why the 2022 Corolla Cross exists. We aren’t exactly sure why Americans love crossovers so much. Maybe it’s the higher ride height for better visibility. Maybe it’s the higher ride height for ease of entry and exit. Or maybe it’s the higher ride height for ease of loading kids or gear into. What it is The 2022 Corolla Cross is exactly what it sounds like, a Corolla crossover. Basically Toyota has taken the Corolla, made it a wagon, and lifted it a couple of inches. This makes it a little more …

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2022 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD The Ultimate Utility Vehicle

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Minivans have long been looked down upon as a vehicle for mom’s to take their kids to soccer in. However, a minivan is possibly the most useful vehicle ever made, and the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD has the most utility of any vehicle on the market. What are you talking about? Hear me out! The Pacifica has stow and go seating, making it super easy to transition between passengers and cargo. Even when the seats are up there is a ton of cargo under the floor where the seats stow. It gets great fuel mileage, especially if you get …

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2022 BMW M240i xDrive: A SuperCar In Disguise

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BMW has a long history of impressive inline 6 cylinder engines. Of course this continues with the B58 turbo inline 6 used in the Toyota Supra and 2022 BMW M240i xDrive. Exterior With a design that is reminiscent of the Z4, the 2022 M240i is low and wide with a long hood. The aggressive stance and aero kit make it very attractive. While it has grown over the years, it still remains a very compact coupe.  The front features a large kidney grill, but much smaller than on other BMW vehicles. The active shutters close to help with aerodynamics and …

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2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review: The King of Reliability

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Last time Toyota did a major update to the 4Runner was in 2010. Despite the Tacoma getting a new engine in 2016, the 4Runner keeps the venerable 4.0-liter V6. There is a reason for this that we will cover later. Overview Outside the 2022 4Runner TRD Pro Rather than focus on the over a decade old design, let’s talk about the unique features of the TRD Pro. For starters the 2022 4Runner TRD Pro comes with all the features that are on the TRD Off-Road Trim. In addition, the TRD Pro adds a TRD roof rack up top, ¼” thick …

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Titan XD Off-Pavement

2022 Nissan Titan XD Review: The In-Betweener

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Modern Nissan vehicles are overcoming past issues. The updated Armada, new Frontier, and the Z are great examples of this push for change. At the beginning of this changes was the Titan XD. Two years ago it was updated with a more premium interior and some exterior design features. Since then not much has changed. It is still powered by the excellent 5.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. That power runs through a well tuned 9-speed automatic. Where does the 2022 Titan XD fit into the truck market? How the XD is Different When compared to …

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2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Perfect in its Element!

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The 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro is getting old. While the Tacoma hasn’t received a complete new sheet design since 2005, it did receive a major update in 2016 including a 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed auto. It’s certainly aging, however it remains the top seller in the mid-size class. Outside the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro For some reason Off-Road trimmed vehicles often come with bold and aggressive styling and decals. The Tacoma TRD Pro has a few of those features, but it isn’t quite as bold as many competitors. Some TRD Pro distinctions are; Headlights specific to the trim with illuminated …

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2022 Chevy Traverse RS: Rally Sport to its Roots

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Traverse RS Review When Chevy debuted Rally Sport in the 1960’s it was an appearance package. A Camaro SS could be ordered with the RS package, making it a Camaro SS/RS. The original RS package included hidden headlights, with vacuum activated covers that would slide out of the way when the headlights were turned on, unique tail lights, RS badging and bright trim, but no performance upgrades. 2022 Traverse RS Highlights Things take a different route for the 2022 Traverse RS. Instead of hidden headlights, there are LED lights low in the bumper with running lights up high. In place …

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2022 Blazer Feature Image

2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD Review: Rally Sport Goes Off-Pavement

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2022 Chevy Blazer RS: When Rally Sport Makes a Difference The 2022 Blazer RS is the only RS trimmed crossover from Chevy that gets performance upgrades. In the case of the Blazer there is a dual clutch rear differential that can torque vector. Oddly enough this dual clutch feature can also essentially lock the rear axle shafts together for excellent off-pavement traction. 2022 Blazer RS Exterior For 2022 Chevy has added Nitro Yellow and Blue Glow to the color lineup of the Blazer. Our tester was adorned in the very bright Nitro Yellow. Many manufacturers are offering distinct new colors …

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2022 Tahoe Z71

2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71: No Compromises

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History of the Tahoe Z71 Where the 2022 Tahoe Z71 began. While the Tahoe name didn’t appear until the mid-90’s, it traces its roots back to the longest running vehicle name in automotive history, the Suburban. Technically the Tahoe evolved from the K5 blazer (itself being a 2 door version of the Suburban) and was originally available in both 2-door and 4-door variants. Today it is approaching 30 years of continuous production and is more refined than ever. Inside One thing the Americans do much better in full-size body on frame SUVs is interior layout. When compared to the Nissan …

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Climbing Machine

Chevy’s 2022 Colorado ZR2 is Still Great!

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2022 Chevy Colorado ZR2: End of a Generation Chevy needs to update the Colorado, and they know that. The 2022 Colorado ZR2 is the last year of this generation before the newer, more efficient, more powerful version arrives. Outside the 2022 Colorado ZR2 In an automotive world that mostly exists in grayscale, and red, this Bright Blue Metallic ZR2 pops. From any angle a ZR2 is easily distinguished from other Colorado and Canyon trim levels. From the front, the bumper has very large clearance cuts so the tires have better access to the terrain. This also takes away the mounting …

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2022 S580

2022 Mercedes-Benz S580 Review: Why Full Size Sedans Are King

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2022 S580: The World Standard Sedans have fallen out of favor in the US market, the 2022 S580 proves this is a major mistake on the consumers’ part. Read on to find out why! Outside Approaching from the front the 2022 S580 has all the right proportions. With the exception of the hood badge and hood ornament, it is an understated design. The front end is low, wide, and incredibly well sculpted. AMG body lines on the bumper tie in well with the slight bulges and creases in the hood. The Grill is massive with a noticeable portion being used …

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Equinox RS

2022 Chevy Equinox RS Drive and Off-Pavement Review

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2022 Chevy Equinox RS The Chevy Equinox RS is a new trim for 2022. Chevy introduced the RS  in the Camaro in the late 1960’s. RS stands for Rally Sport, and debuted as an appearance package that could be added onto any other trim level Camaro. It included hideaway headlights, reverse lights, and other trim pieces. Following that history, the Equinox RS is very much an appearance trim without any performance upgrades. However, instead of a standalone package it is a separate trim level. Outside the Equinox RS Separating the RS from other trim levels are some unique features. It …

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Ford Maverick Featured Image

2022 Ford Maverick XLT: The Best Value Available

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All New for 2022! Ford welcomed the Maverick nameplate back to the US market. Originally produced in the USA from 1969 (1970 model year)-1977. The Ford Maverick was a 2 or 4-door sedan built to fight the smaller competitors from overseas. Today the Maverick is again a compact vehicle but with utility and functionality at the forefront of its design.  Exterior Design With a platform that is shared with the Escape and Bronco Sport the Ford Maverick mini-truck is built on a unibody. This drives many of the exterior design features, including the sizable C-pillar with a very large curve …

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2022 GMC Canyon AT4 Review

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Radiant in Red! The 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 is nearing the end of its life. GM is planning to release an all new Colorado/Canyon duo in 2023, but how does the 2022 stack up to current competition? Outside Despite being near the end of a generation the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 doesn’t look outdated. The front end is big and bold with an aggressive dark chrome grill. Going with the AT4 brings you some off-road styling that is also functional. The front bumper curves up at the edges to allow more clearance in front of the tires. Bright LED headlights …

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Nissan’s 2022 Armada, The Patrol for America

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Nissan Armada, The Patrol for America 2022 Armada Driving Having recently come off of a makeover in 2021, the 2022 Armada remains largely unchanged. The 5.6-liter V8 puts out 400 horsepower and 413 foot-pounds of torque. The V8 is extremely smooth and produces a stunning sound when run up to its redline. While many Nissan vehicles now have excellent 9-speed automatics, the Armada is still using a 7-speed. The 9-speed offers a significantly lower first gear, which affects launching from a stop while towing. Other than that, the 7-speed isn’t missing out on much. Nissan doesn’t try to hide the …

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2022 QX60 Beach

2022 Infiniti QX60 Review

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Infiniti QX60: A Luxury Pathfinder With the release of the new Pathfinder it was all but set in stone that the 2022 QX60 would be all new as well. Both vehicles use the same platform, but has Inifniti done enough to set the QX60 apart from its sister vehicle? 2022 QX60 Exterior While the R53 Pathfinder has sharp and boxy lines, the QX60 is smooth by comparison.. From the front we see a large open grill with additional faux brake cooling vents on the sides. The active LED headlights are very bright, slim, and slant upward as they move rearward. …

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2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Limited

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Limited Review

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Not updated For 2022! While GMC will have a mid-life refresh for the Sierra 1500 coming soon, this is not that truck. Until things start to settle down from the pandemic we get this “AT4 Limited” trim stop gap model, which is basically from 2021. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not an excellent truck! The Overview GMC sent us a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Limited with the 3.0 turbo diesel for our review. This engine has 277 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. Power is sent through a 10-speed auto, 2-speed transfer case with an auto 4wd setting, and …

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2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x Review + Off-Road Videos

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Finally updated! Nissan has updated the Frontier Pro-4x significantly for the 2022 model year. Getting the most they could out of their tooling, Nissan kept the Frontier running for 17 years in one single generation. At last we have received a new generation Frontier for 2022, albeit with an old frame. Be sure to check out the video reviews at the end! Outside Everything is different on the exterior of the truck from the previous generation. Up front the grill is bigger and bolder than ever before. Of course the Pro-4x has red accents in the badges and tow hooks …

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LightFox 20″ LED Light Bar and 4″ Pods Review

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LightFox LED Light Bars Vic Offroad sent us a few LightFox LED light bars to test. The items they sent are the LightFox Rigel Series 20 Inch LED light bar with a combo beam and the LightFox 4 Inch LED light bar 2 Pack. We tested them in comparison to the factory headlights on an upcoming project vehicle and found them to be significantly brighter. Even the little 4″ pods put out more light than the headlights. Overall we found them to be very bright and well built. There are many budget LED lights on the market, but we are …

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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Review

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The Plug In Hybrid Wrangler With the market moving away from fossil fuels, Jeep has brought us the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe as an excellent stepping stone to an electric future. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to check out the videos. Outside Outside of the Rubicon 4xe we find all of the features on a standard Rubicon. However, many of those features come in a different accent. Starting from the front, we can see blue colored accents on the recovery points and on the hood decal. While the headlights are a traditional round shape, they are modern LED’s that …

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D6-10 Lightbar

4WD King D6-10 Lightbar Test

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4WD King 10″ LED Light Bar 4WD king reached out and asked if we would test one of their D6-10 LED lightbars, of course we were happy to oblige. As a manufacturer, 4WD King makes a variety of budget LED lighting systems. Despite being on a budget they still have IP68 and IP69k ratings for resistance to water and dust intrusion. The IP68 rating means that it must be dust tight during a test that lasts up to 8 hours and water tight to at least 1 meter for continuous water submersion. The IP69k rating means that it can withstand …

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BMW x5 45e

2021 BMW X5 45e Review

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The Plug In Hybrid X5 The X5 has been a big hit worldwide since its inception and now the plug in hybrid BMW X5 45e is adding another aspect to the lineup. Outside To the untrained eye, there isn’t much to obviously set the X5 45e apart from the rest of the X5 lineup.  Up front the kidney grille is just as large and in your face as on other X5’s. The lower bumper opening is also oversized with additional large vents on the outside edges. Everything about the front end is big. Newer to the US market are the …

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2022 Chevy Trailblazer AWD ACTIV: Made in Korea for the USA

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Trailblazer: A Blazer but smaller With Blazer styling but in a more Korean and Chinese friendly size, the Trailblazer ACTIV is an attractive and fun city car that is slightly larger than the Trax. Outside Setting the ACTIV apart from the rest of the Trailblazer lineup is a unique front end. The grill has a different style mesh, and the front bumper features a plastic bash plate and higher clearance for better off-pavement capability. Lighting up front is divided into three segments. Up top are the daytime running lights and signals, in the middle sit the actual headlights, and down …

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2021 Lexus NX 300h

2021 Lexus NX 300h Luxury Review

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On It’s Way Out The 2021 Lexus NX is being redesigned for 2022, but how does this outgoing model stack up to the competition? Outside The exterior of the 2021 NX 300h is sleek and modern and really doesn’t look like it’s in need of an update. Up front, the signature Lexus spindle grill is massive and prominent. Projector LED headlights sit up high with Nike swoosh daytime running lights just below them. LED fog lights sit inside of aesthetic cooling ducts at the bottom of the bumper. Moving down the side, the small proportions of the NX become more …

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2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival Review: Better Than Ever

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Changing the Game Over the past decade Kia has made great strides in every aspect. Their vehicles are more powerful, more capable, more reliable, and more comfortable than ever before. All of that rings true for the 2022 Carnival. 2022 Kia Carnival Worldwide Kia’s minivan has been known as the Carnival for years, but now Kia is bringing that nameplate to the United States. With the name change, Kia has taken the opportunity to revamp the design of the minivan which they call an MPV or Multi-Purpose Vehicle. We had more people asking about the Carnival than just about any …

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder Drive Review

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Heading Back To Its Roots For many, the R51 Pathfinder is the peak of the Pathfinder era. It had a stout 4.0 V6 and an optional V8. Power was run through a reliable 5-speed auto to a transfer case with a true low range. Finally it had body on frame architecture, making modifications for off-road much easier. So how does the 2022 Pathfinder stack up? Nissan sent us a pre-production model to test for a week. As such there may be some minor flaws that are still in this vehicle that will be worked out before production begins. 2022 Pathfinder …

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2020 Kia Sportage SX AWD Review

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Kia Sportage Old but Pertinent We are expecting an updated Kia Sportage for 2023, but for now our local media fleet has a 2020 model still available. We decided to take a look at this soon to be replaced model to see how it compares to the newer competition.  Outside Reminiscent of the Subaru CrossTrek, the Kia Sportage appears to be a lifted, more off-pavement capable version of a compact sedan. However, unlike the CrossTrek, there is no sedan counterpart for the Sportage. In the front, the familiar Kia grill is actually small by today’s standards. The hood bulges on …

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2022 Infiniti QX55 Review

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QX55: Beauty and the CVT? All new for 2022 is the QX55 from Infiniti and what a looker it is! Infiniti has done an excellent job in the design of the QX55, making it stand out from the competition. Exterior From any angle the QX55 looks beautiful. The design has flowing curves and sharp creases. The LED headlights, bulging hood, large grill, front splitter, we could go on, all combine and work together to complete eye catching design. From the front the grill is the most prominent feature immediately drawing the eye to the giant Infiniti logo in the center. …

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San Hima Bike Rack: The Easy Way

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San Hima Hitch Mounted Bike Rack San Hima makes a variety of cargo solutions, and one of those is a hitch mounted bike rack. With so many options on the market at varying prices, how does the San Hima bike rack stack up to the competition? What sets it apart from the others? Is it worth the price? Full Disclosure: Vicoffroad.com sent us a San Hima hitch mounted bike rack free of charge for our review Installing the San Hima Bike Rack When we opened the box, we were pleasantly surprised to find that no assembly was required. We removed …

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Kicks by lake

2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review

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2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review Nissan has updated the Kicks with new styling outside, some improved surfaces inside, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Underneath, it remains largely the same as the 2020 model. Exterior On the outside the Kicks gives the appearance of a vehicle that would be used for outdoor activities. The slightly higher ride height and roof rails with cross members let people know that it wants to go exploring with some kayaks or bikes up on top. Being designed for a younger crowd the Kicks comes in vibrant and eye-catching colors. Our tester was adorned …

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2021 GLA 250

2021 Mercedes GLA 250 Review

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2021 Mercedes GLA 250 The smallest crossover in Mercedes lineup, the 2021 GLA, is an all new generation for 2021. It can be had in front wheel and all-wheel drive formats. All versions, including the AMG specs, use an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine. However, power and torque range from 221 hp and 258 ft-lb of torque in the GLA 250 to 382 hp and 354 ft-lb of torque in the AMG GLA 45. Along with the twin scroll turbo, the engine is equipped with a 48-volt system to power some accessories and another compressor, …

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS Review

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2021 Chevy Blazer RS While not much has changed for 2021 on the Blazer vs the 2020 there is one major difference. The Blazer Premier no longer has the dual clutch rear differential, leaving the RS as the only Blazer equipped with this feature. Exterior Many are lamenting that the new Blazer isn’t anything like the K5 Blazer of yesteryear. However, if you think of it more as the S10 Blazer it’s not as hard of a pill to swallow. While the Blazer is attractive overall, the RS trim adds many appearance features for a sportier, more athletic look. In particular …

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2021 Buick Envision Review

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2021 Buick Envision The 2021 Buick Envision was redesigned for 2021, and with Buick’s attempts to appeal to younger buyers, the Envision has a much more captivating design than the outgoing model. Exterior The Envision is the best-looking GM vehicle in this class. As far as exterior design goes Chevy’s Equinox utilitarian, GMC’s Terrain is boxy, and Cadillac’s XT4 is conservative. This leaves the sporty spot for the Envision. The nose is long and low with multiple creases in the hood creating a sporty and powerful look. The grill is large, but not overly so, with plenty of cooling for …

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2021 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select Review

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Infiniti QX80 Premium Select 4wd The current generation Infiniti QX80 has been around for a decade now, yet it remains a strong seller for the brand. For 2021 improvements are minor, as is expected for year to year updates. The main focus for 2021 is more standard driver-assistance features. Exterior The exterior of the QX80 was last updated in 2018 and no major changes have taken place for the 2021 model year. It’s a sleek design that makes the massive SUV appear muscular and sporty. The Premium Select trim has dark chrome appearance features which work very well with the …

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2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Video Review

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2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is always one of the top, if not number 1, selling minivans in the US each year. Why do people love it so much? Check out our video below to find out! 2021 Pacifica Pricing The Pacifica Limited AWD that we tested had a base price of $48,390. With the limited being a very well equipped trim, it was only equipped with one option, the S Appearance Package for $295. Add in the $1,495 destination charge and the total comes to $50,180. Interestingly enough this puts the Limited AWD model right …

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Towing with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Platinum – Review

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Cadillac Escalade Platinum GM has updated their large SUV platforms which include the Tahoe/Suburban, Yukon/XL, and Escalade/ESV. We had a chance to tow two different travel trailers a total of 500 miles with the Escalade Premium. This was done on a road trip to Capitol Reef National Park in Central Utah. The Escalade Platinum model we tested was equipped with the 6.2-liter V8. Specs On GM pickup trucks and large SUVs, they provide a sticker, usually on the B pillar behind the driver’s door, with towing information. All manufacturers should take note, as this is much better information than can …

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BougeRV 30-quart

BougeRV 30-quart Fridge/Freezer Review

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BougeRV 30-Quart Fridge/Freezer BougeRV reached out to us asking if we wanted to review a portable refrigerator. Of course we obliged, and they sent us a 30-quart single zone fridge/freezer. At 30-quarts, this fridge/freezer sits on the small end of the portable fridge/freezer selection. A cooler with roughly the same external dimensions would have closer to 40-quarts capacity. However with the 12-volt fridge there is no need for space consuming ice to keep it cool, and it can be set at a desired temperature rather than whatever temperature the ice/dry ice keeps a cooler at. Items included in the BougeRV …

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Truck Claws Review and Giveaway

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What are Truck Claws? Truck claws are a traction device that is strapped onto the tires of a vehicle that is stuck in sand, snow, or mud to help free it. How do they work? Truck Claws use a heavy-duty ratchet strap to attach a carefully designed extruded aluminum block to the tire. This system frees stuck vehicles by both lifting the vehicle and biting into the terrain. The lifting action frees the tire from the suction of mud while the biting edge of the block grips ice and the large flat face provides for traction against snow, sand, and …

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2021 Kia Sorento X-Line AWD Review by Matt Barnes

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Kia Sorento X-Line AWD The Kia Sorento is now on its 4th generation and has been given a major update for 2021. Oddly enough it competes in the same class as the Telluride despite being noticeably smaller. Kia sent us a top dog Sorento X-Line to review for a week. Exterior Outside, Kia has done an excellent job with styling the new Sorento. It is more chiseled and aggressive than before, but not boxy and off-road looking like the Telluride. Up front, the blacked-out grill is large and attractive with a “KIA” lettering logo. Future models will have updated emblems, …

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Chains, Straps, or Ropes? Best Recovery Tool by Matt Barnes

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Chains, Straps, or Ropes? Best Recovery Tool We’ve all been there or come across someone who has. Whether off playing in the sand or mud, or driving down an icy highway and sliding into a ditch, most of us have seen, or been in, a vehicle that needs recovered. We tested a variety of recovery tools for towing to see which one is best for any given situation. What should you store in your recovery vehicle? Chain Decades ago, chains were the main method used to tow a disabled or stuck vehicle. They are widely available and can serve many …

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2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Off-Road Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Ford Ranger Tremor New for 2021 is the Tremor package on the Ford Ranger. The Tremor includes everything the FX4 has, like Trail Control, Terrain Management, a locking rear differential, etc. On top of the FX4, the Tremor includes a steel bash plate, 0.8-inch lift, Fox 2.0 shocks with remote reservoirs, and 32-inch General Grabber ATX tires. Before the Tremor, the Ranger FX4 was the top dog off-roader in the Ranger lineup. What have all the upgrades of the Tremor done for real world performance improvements over the FX4? High Speed High speed off-road is clearly where the Tremor …

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2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat Adding the Hellcat Durango to the list in Dodge’s 700+ horsepower stable, and dropping the Journey and Grand Caravan, Dodge now offers a hellcat in all of their current production vehicles. Exterior The exterior of the Hellcat Durango, as with the SRT, is subdued yet powerful. The hood contains two functional vents and a hood scoop. The bumper is more aggressive than the standard Durango, and a little lower. From the side the Hellcat Durango is very similar to other Durangos. However, there is a noticeable bulge in the hood, the splitter on the front bumper …

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE63 S Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Mercedes AMG GLE63 S The Mercedes AMG GLE63 S lives in a market segment we don’t fully understand. What we do know, is that we love the absurdity of it. Exterior From the outside the GLE63 is a little deceiving. From some angles it appears much smaller than it actually is, but not from the front. The grill is large, but the gigantic outboard bumper openings are what really draw attention. With the massive Mercedes tri star emblem in the center of the grill, there is no question who makes the GLE. There are very bright LED headlights with …

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2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 GMC Canyon AT4 The GMC Canyon AT4 is an all new trim level for 2021. GMC released the current version of the Canyon in 2014 as a 2015 model year and this 2nd generation is nearing the end of its life. However, before it goes GM has given it a facelift and minor update for the 2021 model year. Exterior For added off-road capability the Canyon AT4 trim adds 31” DuraTrac tires from Goodyear, suspension more oriented for off-road travel, G80 real locking differential, and additional skid plates. In the looks department GM has painted the tow hooks red, …

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2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Review and Snow Run By Matt Barnes

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2021 Colorado ZR2 The dated Colorado receives a few minor updates for 2021. On the exterior, the ZR2 gets a revised facia and better visibility for the driver. The tow hooks up front have been painted red to make them easier to find. For the rear the tailgate now features a stamped “CHEVROLET” instead of the bow tie emblem. Inside the Colorado remains the same as in years past. The two Engine options remain the same for the ZR2. A diesel option with the 2.8-liter Duramax inline 4 that has 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque or the 3.6-liter …

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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Chevy’s experience with full size SUVs runs deep. In fact, the oldest nameplate in automotive history is the Suburban. That said, the Tahoe Z71, being the Suburban’s slightly shorter sibling, has more pedigree behind it than nearly any other vehicle on the market. How does the latest model stack up to this incredible heritage? Exterior Despite being from the same GM trio, the Tahoe looks significantly different from its Yukon and Escalade siblings. The front end of the Z71 is clearly designed to be more rugged and off-road ready than other Tahoes. Starting from the bottom, …

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2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime XSE AWD Video Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Rav4 Prime Overview The Rav4 Prime is Toyota’s plug in hybrid version of the Rav4. It has the most horsepower and torque and is the quickest Rav4 we’ve tested. Our test model was a Rav4 Prime XSE AWD. The base price is $41,425, but our tester was nicely equipped with premium audio ($1,650), Weather Package (375), Special Color ($425), Premium Package ($3,765), and a few other minor things totaling $731. Throw in the $1,120 destination charge and the total MSRP of our tester was $49,461. The Rav4 Prime has impressive driving chacteristics and is fun to drive. We enjoyed …

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2021 GMC Yukon Denali Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 GMC Yukon Denali GM has always been the leader in full size SUV sales. With the introduction of the Suburban in 1935, they have more experience in the game that any other brand. For 2021 GM completely redesigned their full-size SUV lineup, including the Yukon Denali. Full disclosure: GMC sent us a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with a full tank of gas for us to review. Exterior The first thing noticed on the exterior of the Denali is the massive mesh grill with bold GMC lettering. It’s bold and aggressive. The LED headlights bracketed with the daytime running lights …

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2021 Durango R/T Tow N Go Video Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Durango R/T Tow N Go Review Dodge is a standout among manufacturers today. Offering gobs of power in a variety of vehicles with a stick it to the man attitude has made Dodge one of the few remaining companies willing to pay out fines for poor fuel economy to give the people what they want. The R/T Tow N Go is the performance oriented Durango for those who can’t justify the insanity of the SRT or Hellcat, but still want to have fun. It also gives the driver the possibility of towing a significant 8,700 pounds. Is the Durango …

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2021 Nissan Titan Pro 4x Review and Off-Road By Matt Barnes

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2021 Titan Pro 4x We recently had the chance to put the 2021 Nissan Titan Pro 4x through its paces. The Titan XD’s little brother is an excellent truck, and can be a great value when purchasing at a discount! Our test model’s MSRP was $61,345 including all options and the destination charges. Review Overall the Titan is an excellent truck with great on road manners. The VK56 5.6-liter V8 has the power get up to speed and tow up to 9,310 pounds. The new for 2020 9-speed automatic has smooth yet crisp shifts. It seems to be in the …

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2020 Ford Ranger Lariat Drive Review By Matt Barnes

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2020 Ford Ranger Lariat Ford brought the Ranger back to the U.S. as a 2019 model year. However, it has been living its life globally since 2015. While that is still much newer that the 2021 Nissan Frontier that’s been around since 2005, its not exactly the all new platform it appears to be. On-Road One of the first things noticed when driving the Ranger is that the rear suspension is stiff. The payload capacity of the Ranger is in line with many half-ton trucks. Consequently, this makes the little Ranger feel harsh over bumps when unladen, but also provides …

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2020 Atlas Cross Sport

2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport Review by Matt Barnes

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2020 Atlas Cross Sport Adding the Atlas Cross Sport to VW’s lineup brings a new dimension to the Atlas. While the Cross Sport is heavily based off the three-row Atlas, it does have some Urus design cues. Volkswagen sent us a near top of the line Atlas Cross Sport V6 SEL Premium for a week to review. Exterior Crossover coupes have been on the market for a few years now. Americans wanting the space of a crossover with the driving dynamics of a sports car have this new class of vehicle. BMW started this trend with the X6 and now …

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2020 Titan XD Platinum Reserve Drive and Off-Road Review by Matt Barnes

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2020 Titan XD Platinum Reserve Nissan updated the Titan XD for 2020 with a bit of a refresh. Horsepower is up just a little when using premium fuel and gone is the 5.0 Cummins V8 diesel. Nissan only offers the Titan XD in one configuration, the Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot bed. This was the biggest seller in previous years and should help Nissan cut costs while still providing consumers with what they want the most. Exterior Outside the Titan XD has been given a new front design that’s a bolder and more aggressive. Every trim level has a unique …

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2021 Toyota Sienna Video Review by Matt Barnes

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The 2021 Toyota Sienna is a great effort to stop the decrease in minivan sales. If anything, the minivan battle is heating up between the Pacifica, Odyssey, and Sienna. While the Sienna keeps the looks similar to the previous generation Toyota has made some body changes that really up the appeal. Beyond the updated looks, Toyota has greatly improved the driving dynamics as well. Toyota has done an excellent job in making the ride and handling more like a sedan than a van. Gone is the nauseous wafting feeling of yesteryear, in is a firm-controlled ride.

2021 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review by Matt Barnes

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The Rogue is Nissan’s top selling vehicle. Therefore Nissan knew that any changes made would have to be done with precision. Nissan has a noteworthy plan to introduce 10 new models over the course of 20 months and the Rogue is part of that plan. Quick Take Nissan has been struggling the past few years, but we are hoping these new updates to nearly all their models will change that. Helping push the value concept, the Rogue has the most standard safety technologies in its class. This includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Rear Door Alert. Furthermore, …

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2020 Ford Expedition Review by Matt Barnes

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2020 Ford Expedition Can the 2020 Ford Expedition take on GM’s Tahoe/Yukon twins? GM created the full-size SUV segment and has pretty much been the undisputed leader until recent years. Many have tried, but few have been successful in competing with GM in this arena. The Ford Expedition is one of the few that have. The last major redesign of the Ford Expedition was in 2018 and the updates for 2020 have been minor. Consequently, Ford sent us a middle of the pack Expedition Limited 4×4 to test for a week. There are two wheelbases of the Expedition available, the …

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2021 GMC AT4 vs 2021 Chevy RST Z71

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Half-ton truck diesel engines have made their way into the big three American brands. Ford and Ram both use 3.0-liter V6 engines while the GM products use a 3.0-liter Inline 6. How does this engine perform in GM’s 1500 twins and what are the differences between the two trucks? GMC has been trying to differentiate themselves from Chevy as a more premium brand. Often times new tech will debut in the GMC and trickle down into the Chevy equivalent i.e. the MultiPro and MultiFlex tailgates. Other times GMC will get tech not available in the Chevy i.e. the Denali exclusive …

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2021 Mercedes GLS 63 AMG Review: Sand Monster By Matt Barnes

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  Exterior Even to the untrained eye, the Mercedes GLS 63 AMG is clearly something out of the ordinary. There are subtle design cues everywhere and when combined they let everyone know that this is no ordinary GLS. The front grill and bumper are a little more aggressive, the rims are massive and wrapped in sporty tires, and even at idle the sound from the dual exhaust is noticeably different from the standard GLS. Everything about this vehicle says something great is hiding under that large voluptuous body, yet somehow it appears understated. Overall, the AMG GLS looks very similar …

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2020 4 Runner TRD PRO Review By Matt Barnes

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With Toyota sending us the 4 Runner TRD PRO to test for a week, we have now had seat time in all their currently available off-roaders. The 4 Runner still uses the 4.0 V6 and 5 speed auto, which uses a little more fuel and isn’t as refined as some newer offerings, but that didn’t matter once we left the pavement. In our opinion, the 4 Runner TRD PRO is the best Toyota for all types of off-road terrain. Scroll to the bottom to get our take on the other TRD PRO Vehicles. The 4 Runner TRD PRO starts at …

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2021 Chevy Trailblazer Video Reviews By Matt Barnes

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Chevy re-released the Trailblazer as a 2021 model year crossover. It is available with a pair of 3-cylinder turbo power plants, and has optional AWD. Our test model was a 2021 Trailblazer AWD Activ model. The new Trailblazer is a much smaller package than the previous generation which was a body on frame SUV. Becoming a small crossover with a unibody frame has completely changed the Trailblazer from what it used to be. It now handles fairly well and has a very stiff chassis. The engines are all new for this year first debuting in the Buick Encore GX. The …

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2020 GLB 250 Video Review By Matt Barnes

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Recently we had the chance to test a 2020 Mercedes GLB 250 with the 4Matic AWD system. The on-road driving chacteristics of the GLB 250 are amazing and it is quite capable off-road as well. The 4Matic AWD system should be great for all weather conditions. Check out the videos below for our complete review. Review Off-Road Pricing The base price of our tester was $38,600 but it had nearly $20,000 in upgrades bringing the total with destination charges to $57,475. The options were: Titanium Grey/Black Leather $1,450 AMG Line Sport Steering Wheel $360 20” AMG Multi-Spoke Wheels, Black $1,050 …

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2020 Mazda CX-30 Off-Road Drive Review By Matt Barnes

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Mazda is unique in the automotive world, as it doesn’t report to a parent company. Mazda has a proven record of making reliable and fun to drive vehicles. They have once again delivered with the all new CX-30. Exterior From the outside the CX-30 looks very similar to the Mazda 3 hatchback. Upon closer inspection it becomes clearer that these two are quite different. The CX-30 is about 5-inches taller than the 3 with an additional 2.5-inches of ground clearance. Interestingly enough the CX-30 is also shorter than the 3 by 2.5-inches and has a 3-inch shorter wheelbase. The exterior …

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Mercedes Sprinter 2500 Review by Matt Barnes

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Mercedes offers over 30 configurations of the Sprinter van, suiting a wide variety of needs. The Sprinter also offers the only true 4wd system in the class. Ford has an AWD system for the transit van and all others in the class are 2wd. Mercedes sent us a 12-passenger high roof 4wd Sprinter 2500 to evaluate for a week. All 4wd models are equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. 4wd System Sprinter vans are often converted into capable motorhomes for adventurists. The factory 4wd system is a big plus for those leaving the beaten …

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2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review Off-Road By Matt Barnes

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Honda’s number one selling vehicle in the United States is the CR-V. As such, Honda engineers and designers are going to do their best to keep this vehicle a major competitor in its class. For 2020, there has been a minor refresh to the front end and the center console. The one major change for 2020 is the introduction of a hybrid model for the first time in the CR-V’s history. Exterior On the outside, the CR-V has design cues that are similar to the Civic. The hexagonal-shaped grill houses the Honda emblem and some swooping chrome trim that underscores …

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Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid Mountain Drive By Matt Barnes

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Toyota was first to market a mass-produced hybrid vehicle with the Prius, and they continue to innovate and improve. The new Highlander is evidence of that with incredible efficiency for a three-row SUV. It switches from full electric to hybrid to full gas motor so smoothly that you’ll miss it unless you’re paying very close attention. The e-CVT uses an ingenious planetary gear system, so no belts like other CVT’s. Toyota has made significant updates for the 2020 Highlander and it is by far the best Highlander yet! Exterior Toyota redesigned the Highlander for 2020 and it looks significantly better …

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2020 Pacifica Hybrid Limited Review By Matt Barnes

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The Chrysler Pacifica is possibly the most awarded minivan ever. FCA has invested billions of dollars into the development of the Pacifica in an effort to make it the top of its class. So, what has all the investment done for this hybrid family hauler? Exterior Elegance is not a word often used on minivans, but the design of the Pacifica is a great example of a top tier product. The upper and lower grills combine to produce a dumbbell shape for the front end. The hood has clearly defined lines that flow into the sides and disappear seamlessly. Oddly …

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2020 Lexus ES300h – Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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The Lexus ES is moving upmarket. Can it step up to the task? The seventh generation ES was new for 2019 with the 2020 model receiving a few minor updates. Moving forward, the ES will have to cover for its traditionally sportier sibling with Car and Driver, reporting that the GS is going out of production.   Exterior You’d be forgiven for mistaking the Lexus ES for a sports sedan. The updated design is beautiful, sporty, and luxurious. The ES is longer and lower than the previous generation with the wheels pushed out to the corners. It is a gorgeous …

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2020 Jeep “JLUR” Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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After four years off, FCA brought back the 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel. This time they’ve decided to add it to the Jeep Wrangler. Enthusiasts call the newest Wrangler the JL.  If it’s the four-door version they, add a “U,” and for the Rubicon trim they add an R. Our test model was a 2020 JLUR EcoDiesel. Video Intro   Overview Arguably America’s most rugged vehicle, the newest Jeep Wrangler has been modernized without compromise to off-road ability. The Jeep brand is FCA’s top seller in the U.S., and the Wrangler is a big portion of that. In order to please a wider …

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2020 Cadillac XT6 Drive Review – By Matt Barnes – An Almost Excellent 3-Row Crossover

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The XT6 is a front wheel drive luxury crossover from Cadillac using the same platform as the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. While the quadruplets are based on the same platform, the XT6 looks significantly different. The XT6 is more upscale and sportier than the other three. It appears nimbler and more luxurious yet retains the same 310 hp 3.6-liter V6 used in the others. Exterior When compared to its siblings, the XT6 has sharper lines, a lower body, and more chrome. The headlights are unique from all other Cadillac vehicles, but the grill, bumper, and fog lights …

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2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo – Off-Road Drive Review – By Matt Barnes

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Kia is at it again! The new-to-market 2021 Seltos is another attempt from Kia to bring a well-equipped and capable crossover to market at a great price. Like the Telluride, the Seltos has an opportunity to disrupt the market. We have previously tested the base Seltos S FWD and quite enjoyed it. Now, Kia has sent us the Seltos SX Turbo AWD for review of a top trim sub $30,000 small crossover. Intro Video Overview Seeing the differences between the base model and top trim model is always a good thing when purchasing a new vehicle. It’s a good way …

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2020 Toyota C-HR – Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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For decades, Toyota has been known for having bland vehicle styling. To change that reputation, they have recently made an effort to modernize their vehicles and add exciting features to the body work. From the new Camry to the Tacoma, we’d say that it’s working. Continuing that trend, Toyota has updated the 2020 C-HR with a restyled front end, bold new colors, and attention-grabbing wheel designs. Toyota sent us a 2020 C-HR Limited trim to test for a week.   Exterior The most common colors on vehicles sold in the US today are white, black, and every shade of grey …

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2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 – Mountain Drive Review +Video – By Matt Barnes

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The premium crossover class is very competitive and constantly growing. To play in this field, manufacturers must be at the top of their game. Mercedes has updated the GLC for 2020 with some new exterior styling bits, optimized wheels, the updated MBUX infotainment system, and more power. Exterior The GLC is very stable in appearance. It is short and low with a long wheelbase and wide track. As is common with many vehicles today, the grill is oversized and the Mercedes emblem in this grill might be the largest emblem on any vehicle I’ve seen. Because of all this, and the …

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2020 Toyota Land Cruiser – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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What can be said about the 200 series Land Cruiser that hasn’t already been said? It’s been around since 2008 and has only had a few meaningful changes since then. For 2020, there is an all new Heritage Edition that removes the rear seats and center armrest cooler and adds a roof rack, BBS forged wheels, and special badges. Other than that, little has changed from the 2019 model year. For our review, Toyota sent us a base model Land Cruiser for a week. Keep in mind the base model Land Cruiser starts at over $85,000 and there is only …

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2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro – Off-Road Review – By Matt Barnes

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Like nearly all other body-on-frame vehicles Toyota makes, the Sequoia is getting old. The current generation came out for the 2008 model year. Of course, there have been updates here and there over time, but there hasn’t been a major redesign in 12 years. For 2020, Toyota has introduced the TRD Pro trim level to the Sequoia. Like all other TRD Pro vehicles, the Sequoia has upgraded suspension components and a few unique color and trim items. Exterior No matter how you look at it, the Sequoia is a beast. Nearly everything about it is big. The front greets you …

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2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road – Off-Pavement Drive Review – By Matt Barnes

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The RAV4 is a tent-pole for Toyota USA with nearly half a million sales in 2019 and as the top-selling SUV in the United States. The RAV4 was updated in 2019 to be better in almost every way. Toyota moved away from the bland styling of yesteryear to create a more athletic and polarizing vehicle with more Tacoma and 4Runner design cues. Toyota is offering a new trim level for the RAV4, the TRD Off-Road for 2020 to match this newly masculine and athletic theme. On-Road For on road driving, the TRD Off-Road handles similarly to all other RAV4’s we’ve …

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2020 Kia Telluride – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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Kia has created a winner with the all-new three-row Telluride. It has won many industry awards for best in class. Is it actually as wonderful as it seems? Outside If you have seen any of Kia’s advertising for the Telluride, you will have likely seen it wading through water or plowing through mud. Kia is pushing the Telluride as a capable, go anywhere family hauler. To push this idea even further, Kia has given the exterior design of the Telluride a boxy off-roader look. Kia has done an excellent job of separating the Telluride from the Palisade, which shares the …

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2020 BMW X6 40i – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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Sports Car in a Crossover’s Clothes: the New BMX X6 German vehicle manufacturers have recently been flooding the US market with a variety of crossovers; Audi offers six, Mercedes offers eight, and BMW offers seven. For BMW, they offer their SUVs as wagons and coupes. The X1 is the wagon and X2 the coupe riding on the same platforms. This goes for the X3 and X4, and the X5 and X6. The only wagon without a coupe is the new X7 as there is no X8 available yet. BMW was kind enough to give us a week with an X6 …

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2020 Infiniti QX80 Edition 30 – Off-Road Test Review By Matt Barnes

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Like Lexus and Acura, Infiniti has been around for quite a while now and they are no longer new players in the game. What does thirty years of experience building luxury vehicles stack up in the new Infiniti QX80? To celebrate 30 years of Infiniti for 2020, Infiniti is offering an Edition 30 Package throughout its lineup. In the case of the QX80 Luxe we received for review, the package includes 22-inch forged dark aluminum alloy wheels, black mesh grill, dark chrome exterior trim, black mirror caps, additional badges, graphite headliner, and 1st row illuminated EDITION 30 kick plates. When …

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