Off-Road

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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GMC Goes Full Circle With Hummer EV SUV, Brings Zero Emissions To Family SUV

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When GMC first unveiled the Hummer EV pickup, the brand neither confirmed nor denied plans were in the works for an SUV version. Fast forward to the 2021 March Madness tournament, and GMC officially confirmed that the Hummer SUV is for real and that it will be officially bringing the revived moniker full-circle in its quest to achieve true redemption in the eyes of a fuel-conscious world.   The Ultimate Zero Emissions Family Vehicle As the name and basic look imply, the 2024 Hummer EV SUV is the marriage of the truck’s EV technology with an SUV body. The exterior …

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Ford Leaves Its Mark At Easter Jeep Safari, Shows Off Five Custom Bronco Builds

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The Easter Safari event has been one that has always been synonymous with Jeep and some of the wild custom creations that the off-road brand would show to eager attendees. Ford wants a slice of the action and has revealed its plans to invade the 2021 Easter Safari with five different custom Broncos that aim to show Jeep that it’s serious about bringing the fight to the brand in the quest to achieve true off-road supremacy.   RTR Leads The Charge To help facilitate this ambitious plan, Ford teamed up with RTR Vehicles (a firm better known for its Mustang-based …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury – An Aging Veteran In A Digital World

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The pace of change can be a tough mistress to keep up with sometimes. Technology has been on a nitrous-powered rocket as far as progress is concerned, with the amount of evolution here being very noticeable over the last few decades. But while some automakers have made the art of luring customers with the next big thing an art form. What if you’re a consumer that prefers to hang on to old technology and prefers to own a tool that’s reliable and proven? Lexus might have the thing you’re looking for with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. But can the …

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Jeep Teases Wrangler Easter Safari Concepts, Confirms Magneto Nameplate

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The annual Easter Jeep Safari is rapidly approaching, and despite the pressures of a pandemic, the off-road gods have found a way to soldier on with this time-honored tradition. It’s also a busy week for Jeep, which has been on a blitz when teasing new models. Yesterday was our latest glimpse at the 2022 Grand Wagoneer, and now the brand confirms that the Magneto nameplate is coming to a Wrangler concept that will be making its debut at the event.   Put Down Your Comic Books This Is Indeed Happening When Jeep first teased this mysterious concept, we initially thought …

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2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander Models Embrace Summer Vibes

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The snow is melting and for many parts of the country, it’s getting a bit warmer. While summer is still a few months away, that didn’t stop Jeep from revealing its newest crop of special edition models the 2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander models. Like other special edition models, this island-themed duo aims to bring younger buyers to showrooms while also adding some spice to the lineup at the same time.   Renegade Islander Catches Some Rays With Islander Package Before we get into the Wrangler, we might as well start things off with the tiny Renegade crossover which receives …

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Land Rover Ups The Insanity With All New 2022 Defender V8, Last Hurrah For Eight Cylinder Fun?

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When we had the chance to review the revived Land Rover Defender, we liked how it managed to add a new twist to an endearing icon. But while the turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six is a welcome slice of power, it was quite obvious that the platform was capable of handling much more power. Land Rover engineers have apparently heard our musings and unleashed the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8.   Muscular V8 Transforms The Defender V8 Into a Beast It’s not very often that we highlight the performance hardware first, but in this case, the Defender V8 is all about promoting …

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Shelby F-250 Super Baja Breaks Cover, Brawny Truck Limited To Only 250 Examples

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Are you an off-road enthusiast that looks at a Ram TRX or even the recently unveiled Ford Raptor and thinks they are not outrageous enough? If you prefer an extra pinch of insanity to go along with a bigger rig to bust through off-road trails, the folks at Shelby might have the solution to your problem, the Shelby F-250 Super Baja.   Bigger and Brawnier Than Ever As the name implies, the F-250 Super Baja is built on a donor F-250 Super Duty, but it’s far removed from its days as a mere Lariat Ultimate model. Shelby designers have given …

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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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Stellantis Files Trademark For Magneto Moniker, Could It Be Name For Wrangler BEV?

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We’ll admit Jeep and Stellantis did a good job catching our attention when they revealed that a Wrangler EV concept would be making its debut soon. But we were left with more questions than answers since Jeep chose only to release two shadowy images and a brief teaser video of the Wrangler EV buried in the brand’s “The Road Ahead” website. But a newly discovered patent filing suggests that we could at least get a hint into what the concept will be called with the Magneto name making its appearance.   Magneto Makes Us Run For Our X-Men Comics When …

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2022 Frontier Buries The Past, Helps Nissan Race To The Future With New Technology

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The current generation Nissan Frontier is a textbook case of how to stay stagnant in a rapidly developing world. First making its appearance back when George W. Bush was president, the rugged Frontier was supposed to be a value-focused mid-size pickup offering that could bring buyers capability and utility. That formula worked for a time, until the competition caught up, and then subsequently lapped it over the years. Nissan has had enough of being the butt of jokes in the mid-size pickup segment and has unveiled its long-awaited (and quite frankly overdue) replacement, the 2022 Nissan Frontier, after a brief …

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Ford Confirms Raptor R for 2022, What You Should Know About Ford’s TRX Fighter

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The dust is still settling on the launch of the 2021 Ford Raptor but while Ford‘s newest off-road bruiser brings plenty of technology and performance right out the gate, a much more potent predator is lurking in the waters and will make its debut in 2022. Here’s a few things that should excite you about the 2022 Ford Raptor R Wilder Styling Will Make Raptor R Stand Out The standard Ford Raptor already brings plenty of styling mojo right out of the box, but look for all that to be ratcheted up for the Raptor R. With the new Raptor …

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Ford Hits The Dunes With The 2021 F-150 Raptor, Hotter Raptor R Coming Next Year

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When Ford first unleashed the F-150 Raptor back in 2009 it wanted to create a distinct mold that could separate it from other off-road trucks. While the Raptor was capable of going through rough trails, the company also wanted to create an offering that could allow owners to have fun especially when going high speed down sandy terrain and even catching hang time occasionally when going over a big jump. This formula has proven to be very successful for Ford, with the Raptor getting a sizable cult following over the years. But with the Ram TRX waving its battle flag …

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Ford Bronco To Compete In King of The Hammers, Aims To Solidify Go Anywhere Reputation

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The Ford Bronco is already one of the most hyped vehicles of 2021 and we had a chance to see it embrace its racing pedigree with the Bronco recently taking part in the 2020 running of the Baja 1000 race. But Ford is always up for a challenge and has its eyes set on an even bigger prize, winning the 2021 King of The Hammers off-road race.   Ultra4 Bronco Aims To Slay The Trails The Dearborn auto giant is hoping to cement its place in history by entering three Bronco based entries which will compete in the Ultra4 4400 …

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Latest 2021 F-150 Raptor Teaser Shows Front Fascia, Confirms February Debut

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It’s no secret that the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor was going to make its appearance on February 3rd, but other than a vague teaser image we didn’t get a chance to see much of the new Raptor itself. That’s changed with a brief teaser video showing the front fascia of the new Raptor without any form of camouflage whatsoever which serves as our first look at Ford’s TRX fighter.   Smoother Styling Highlights Raptor Changes The current generation Raptor is arguably the most distinct model in the F-150 range but its brutish looks don’t necessarily translate into something that is …

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Xterra

Nissan Dealers Beg Company To Bring Back Xterra SUV, Cite Rapidly Increasing Demand In Off-Road Segment

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It’s no secret that the off-road vehicle market has seen a massive surge in interest and popularity among buyers over the past few years. The Ram TRX, Ford Raptor, and even venerable icons like the Jeep Wrangler and its pickup cousin the Gladiator are encouraging more buyers to explore nature and the beaten paths that lead to them. One notable brand that has been absent from the party so far is Nissan but many dealers are demanding the return of the iconic Xterra nameplate to help them cash in on some of the fruits of this sales surge   An …

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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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Hennessey Pumps Up Ram TRX With All New Mammoth Custom Truck, Brings 1,000 Horsepower To The Fray

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The Ram TRX shocked the system when it made its debut last year. Designed to bring the Ford Raptor to its knees, the truck boasts a 702 horsepower version of the familiar 6.2 liter supercharged Hellcat V8 and enough off-road upgrades to make it an absolute beast out on the trails. But what if you took a TRX, added more power, and added enhanced levels of off-road capability? If your the folks at Hennessey you get the all new Mammoth TRX which transforms the truck into a four wheeled kaiju of destruction Ram TRX Goes To The Ice Age For …

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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 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 pricing breaks cover, costs more than Hellcat powered Ram TRX

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When the first factory powered Jeep Wrangler in over four decades first made its appearance back in November, the world was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it was an obvious attempt by FCA to steal attention away from the revived Ford Bronco but the notion of a Wrangler being infused with the same 6.4 liter Hemi V8 seen in other SRT products was very enticing. Early pricing for the Wrangler 392 had emerged, and be prepared to pay accordingly for the chance to have some V8 powered Wrangler fun. It costs more than the Ram TRX, for real This information does not …

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Production Bollinger B1

Bollinger reveals production versions of B1 and B2, 3 important things to know

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When we last heard from Oak Park, Michigan based EV manufacturer Bollinger Motors the company revealed a rudimentary pricing ladder for the B1 SUV and B2 pickup along with news that a chassis cab variant was in the works. Since then, the company has maintained a low profile, but it decided to surprise the world with the production versions of both the B1 and B2. Here’s 5 things to know about what has carried over to the masses and what hasn’t. A new color hides rudimentary changes A major thing that curious observers will notice is the addition of a …

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2021 F-150 Tremor

Ford hits the trail with the 2021 F-150 Tremor: 5 things you should know about this latest off-road toy

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When Ford first rebooted the Tremor lineup with the introduction of the Tremor Super Duty it aimed to bring a whole new approach to the way Ford marketed off-road vehicles. A buyer didn’t have to be limited to the Raptor and could instead opt for a completely different off-road package that could bust the trails for much less money. But while the Ranger Tremor arrived to serve as the definitive entry model, there was a noticeable void between it and the Super Duty. Ford has now filed that gap with the introduction of the 2021 F-150 Tremor. Here’s five important …

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2020 Sequoia TRD Pro

2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Review: Off-Roading For The Whole Family

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When it comes to blazing through rugged off-road trails and countless other slices of the road less traveled few can compete with Toyota‘s TRD Pro lineup. From the Tacoma and Tundra pickups to the venerable 4-Runner the Japanese auto giant has a tool available to help you best Jeep Wranglers Chevy Colorado ZR2s and others in rough and tumble dogfights. But what if your an off-road enthusiast that has a growing family and you want to take them along for the ride? For awhile, you were limited to the 4-Runner which is a capable hauler in its own right, but …

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Remember when Audi found its step? What happened to the 2000 Steppenwolf Concept?

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It’s not too often that automaker manages to find its figurative step when it comes to designing a concept car for the masses. But Audi managed to take things in an interesting direction when the new millennium arrived on the scene. The company that was typically known for making well buttoned luxury cars was keenly aware that not only were SUVs important, but that the very definition of what an SUV should be was also rapidly changing. Perhaps sensing that the wheels of change were grinding into motion, Audi commissioned the Steppenwolf concept car which aimed to answer what would …

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Ford returns to fabled Baja 1000 race, Bronco R prototype gets second chance at slaying the course

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Ford‘s Bronco is rapidly powering its way towards a pivotal 2021, with the model slated to go on sale nation wide this coming spring. However, before that happens, the company is out to shake a very big monkey off of its back, and has revealed that the Bronco R racing prototype will be making a second attempt at completing the treacherous Baja 1000 race. Aiming to rectify past mistakes The Bronco R’s last trip to Baja could be viewed like the build up to the first encounter between boxers Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz, with Ford generating a massive amount …

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A subtle evolution shapes the 2021 Ford F-150 lineup, luxurious interior and Pro Power Onboard feature add depth

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When Ford announced the 2021 Ford F-150, the company knew that it had a very tall order to fill. The F-150 is a very strong seller, and F-150 buyers know what they want in their pickup. As such, any updates that the company did couldn’t be just thrown wildly into the wind for the sake of doing it. Each one had to be carefully thought out to ensure that they made the most impact, and also brought something unique to the customer. Ford thinks it has managed to succeed in this role with the 2021 F-150, But are all these …

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Jeep unveils V8 powered 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392, rewrites the off-road benchmarks

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It has been awhile since a V8 engine found its way into the Jeep Wrangler. For the past several decades, the most potent engine that you could get in a Wrangler was the venerable albeit wimpy 285 horsepower 3.6 liter V6. But we always knew that the Wrangler had a hidden potential for more power, and Jeep has finally delivered on the promise of a V8 powered factory Wrangler, with the unveiling of the Wrangler Rubicon 392. Jeep claims that it’s the perfect blend of both worlds, but is it? Here’s 4 key things to know about the fastest Wrangler …

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2022 Rezvani Motors Hercules 6×6 goes wild, 3 things that you should know about this insane truck offering

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Remember when pickups used to be treated as a mere tool designed to haul cargo, boats, and were destined for a life out on the job site? These days, it seems that pickups are roleplaying as a wide variety of things. From being off-road focused Billy goats, to even being luxurious and decidedly more capable substitutes for minivans, the segment has never been so diverse as its been in recent years. However, we never suspected that a truck would rise up and call itself “the God of all pickups.” But Rezvani‘s newest creation the Hercules 6×6 aims to do just …

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Celebrating an icon, 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon pays homage to iconic original’s 75th anniversary

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2020 has truly been the year of the 4×4. From the recently revived Ford Bronco, to the Land Rover Defender. This year has certainly been a year to remember for off-road enthusiasts (a welcome distraction from COVID 19 for many of them.) With these kings of the beaten path seeing newfound fame, you can be forgiven if you forgot about the Ram Power Wagon. The rugged Power Wagon has been around in some shape or form for the past 75 years, and Ram is celebrating with the all new Ram 2500 Power Wagon 75th anniversary Edition A classy tribute to …

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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 Ridgeline RTL-E AWD by Ben Lewis

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As we write this, GM just announced the GMC HUMMER EV, a full-EV pickup truck with an available 1,000 horsepower (no typo!), 0-60 in 3 seconds, and even hands-free Super Cruise technology. So, it kind of makes us wonder, what is the definition of a pickup truck? Other manufacturers have messed around with the idea – Dodge offered a convertible pickup, and all the major manufactures offer SuperTrucks that are a mix of muscle car and truck. Honda loves to engineer, and they went a different route – how about a pickup truck that gives you the comfort and ride …

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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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2022 Hummer EV pickup takes center stage, 1,000 horsepower and innovation lead the way

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It has been a long journey for GMC and the revived Hummer EV. We were originally supposed to see it back in summer, but the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the company to retract those plans and postpone it. But with the colors of fall fully in bloom, GMC is at last ready to pull the covers off of the Hummer EV pickup. This bruiser comes packed to the gills with technology and innovation, but here are the key essentials that make this truck a true make it or break it gamble for GMC and GM as a …

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Ever wondered why Ford bailed out of sedans? the company finally tells all

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Remember how the automotive industry shook when news came out that Ford was cutting virtually all of its traditional car lineup (minus Mustang?) Taurus, Fusion, Focus and Fiesta were all cosigned to the guillotine, with the company revealing that it was focusing the bulk of its resources and marketing power on SUVs, trucks and electric vehicles. Have you ever wondered why Ford chose to make the bold move it did? A new statement from a Ford executive appears to add some clarity to the subject, while also painting a very compelling and convincing picture on how it’s already helping the …

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A relic of a lost world? what happened to the original T-Rex concept?

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While the world is intensely focused on the 700 plus horsepower Ram TRX that will be making its way to showrooms next year, we were curious to find out what happened to the concept? No, not the hellcat powered concept truck that preceded the current Jurassic inspired titan that we have come to know and love, but rather the original T-Rex concept that preceded both of them. Buckle up for this inaugural look into concepts of the past, how they played a part (if any) in some of the hottest offerings in the market today, and what ultimately became of …

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Beefier and more capable than ever, souped up Infiniti QXploration prepares to test its rally chops

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Nissan has always had a strong presence in the annual Rebelle Rally, with the company having the distinction of being the only manufacturer to provide vehicles at the all women event. That of course, includes luxury division Infiniti who will be shipping its QXploration concept to the event to see how a model better known for being at home in mall parking lots will fare in rally racing (or perhaps going to that house in the middle of nowhere featured in Courage The Cowardly Dog. The custom SUV already has a few accomplishments under its belt prior to this trip, …

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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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Ford Ranger gains all new Tremor model, has ZR2 and TRD Pro in its sights

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When Ford first dusted off the Tremor nameplate back in 2019, it did so by using the moniker for an all new off-road model based on the larger F-250 and 350 models (versus an older sport version of the F-150 that used it.) With the bigger Tremor model selling very well in Ford dealerships, it was only fitting to expand the package to the smaller Ranger model. The Tremor brings alot to the Ranger, and it should be a nice way to satiate the appetites of those that are still craving the Ranger Raptor variant. Buyers can equip the Tremor …

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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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Road Test Review – 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon – Part truck, All Dream Machine

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When it comes to being the ultimate dream machine, few can top the Jeep Wrangler. While the bedroom walls of teenagers everywhere might be adorned with pictures of McLaren, Ferrari, and even Bugatti models. These track focused weapons can only dream of going half the places a Jeep can go. From climbing every mountain to fording every stream, few can beat the insane capability that is wielded by a Jeep Wrangler. Can the bigger Jeep Gladiator still be a rugged billy goat on and off the road while still inspiring dreamers everywhere?   The Ultimate Erector Set: The Gladiator is …

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Ram reshapes the food chain with 2021 Rebel TRX: [Video]

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Back in 2016, Ram showcased the TRX concept which was an exercise that showcased what it would look like if Ram produced a powerful off-road truck that could take on the Ford Raptor in a battle of off-road prowess. Ram originally intended for it to be a mere one-off, but the combination of surging customer demand and the Raptor’s long reign on top of the throne finally spurred Ram engineers into action. After a COVID-19 fueled wait, we finally get to see the end result, the 2021 Rebel TRX. Ram calls this truck “the apex predator of the truck world” …

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Jeep teases upcoming Wagoneer: with new teaser images, takes patriotic tone

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The upcoming Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have been the subject of multiple rumors and reports ever since Jeep revealed that work was indeed progressing on them a few years ago. The models have also faced several delays in their development, but it appears that the wait is just about over with the release of two all new teaser images. While the images themselves don’t leave alot to work with, it does show that the Wagoneer will clearly be a distinctly different offering than what is currently available in Jeep showrooms. The Wagoneer lettering for example has a gold contrast …

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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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2021 Ford Bronco: Looks To The Past In New Teaser Videos

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The 2021 Ford Bronco is only a few weeks from its debut, but Ford is ramping up the campaign surrounding the reborn off-roader in an attempt to not only build up precious buzz, but also to try and establish the groundwork for a dedicated community of Bronco enthusiasts that will help the brand grow for years to come. This is highlighted by an all new shadowy teaser image that shows all three members of the Bronco family. While the darkness does obscure the finer details, it does confirm that the standard Bronco will not only have removable doors and panels, …

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Ford To Partner With Disney For July 13th Unveiling of 2021 Ford Bronco:

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The 2021 Ford Bronco is shaping up to be one of the biggest automotive events on the planet, not only for 2020, but perhaps the decade when all is said and done. Despite the best efforts of digital leakers, Ford is still pulling out all the stops for the debut of the revived off-roader which is scheduled to take place on July 13th.   Like other automakers, Ford will be live streaming the event on that day, and we will have a link to that here on Car-Revs-Daily. But what if your a buyer that is not computer savvy, or …

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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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Ford Bronco Debut Delayed Again, Rescheduled For July 13th

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Ford has been having a very rough ride when it comes to formally unveiling the 2021 Bronco. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected all aspects of life, and we sympathize with Ford on its continuing efforts to unveil the SUV. With some light emerging at the end of the tunnel, the Bronco was supposed to finally make its debut on July 9th, but Ford has revealed that it was forced to formally push the Bronco’s debut forward a few more days. The delay this time stems from the July 9th date happening to fall on the same date as O.J. …

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Ford Bronco To Debut July 9th, Will Also Introduce “Built Wild” Slogan

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Let’s face it folks, 2020 has been quite a roller coaster in terms of global events. The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly emerged as a potent global event, and a consequence of this crisis is the way that it has turned the plans of many corporations completely upside down. This included Ford and the upcoming 2021 Bronco. The Bronco was originally supposed to debut earlier this year, but recent events forced the company to scrap those plans. But despite this, the Bronco is still one of the hottest debuts of the year, and Ford has revealed that the model will finally …

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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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Ford Calls Out Wrangler, Exec Says That 2021 Bronco Will Be “Superior” To Iconic Jeep Model

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With the debut of the 2021 Ford Bronco fast approaching, Ford is wasting no time drawing the battle lines in its plan to crush the Jeep Wrangler and usurp it from its off-road sales throne. The latest example of this is a tweet from Michael Wayland who released an alleged quote from Ford Chief Operating Officer Jim Farley which indicates that Ford is not backing down from its long term goals for the revived off-roader.   Ford COO @jimfarley98 says the Bronco is “a much superior product” than @Jeep Wrangler https://t.co/arRjWY38yB — Michael Wayland (@MikeWayland) June 10, 2020 According to …

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2021 Ford Bronco To Be Unveiled In July, Misses Spring Deadline

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The 2021 Ford Bronco has certainly faced a formidable obstacle course in its quest towards debuting for the world to see. Its original debut was canned due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Ford revealed at the time that the Bronco would make its debut in spring. But while the Bronco has missed that particular deadline, it appears that the Bronco’s journey to the global stage is nearing its conclusion, with the company revealing that it will make its debut in July. The date change was first discovered on the landing page for the Bronco’s mini-site which previously …

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Auto Industry Insider: What Makes An Off-Road Vehicle Great?

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Are you a gearhead who’s sick and tired of pounding the beaten path? Do you want to go out into the wilderness and explore? Good – all you need is an off-roader that can keep up with the demands of going off-piste. A quality off-road vehicle should easily skim over water barriers and bounce up and down steep inclines. With the right one by your side, there aren’t many mountains you can’t climb. Unfortunately, the market is full of faux off-roaders. These are trucks that look and sound like they have everything you need, but they are unsuitable after a …

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2021 Jeep Compass Teased Ahead Of June 4th Virtual Unveiling

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With all the attention that the Jeep Gladiator, Wrangler, and even the upcoming Grand Wagoneer are getting these days, it can be easy to forget that behind the scenes, the iconic off-road focused brand is preparing updates for some of its other models. One of these is apparently, the Jeep Compass, with the brand revealing that the 2021 Compass will make its virtual debut on June 4th.   While the lone teaser that the company released is an extreme close up of the front grille, it’s apparent that some form of refresh is in store for the Compass (contrary to …

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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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport by Ben Lewis

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We recently tested the VW Atlas, the brand’s newest 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, and really liked it. And not just us, it’s been a strong sales success – an affordable, stylish, fun to drive 3-row SUV is a hot ticket these days. Just take a look at the Kia Telluride. But the brand famous for the VW GTI can’t just let that large SUV sit there. They wanted to make something sportier, with a little more attitude and fun. Voila’! Welcome to the swoopier 5-seater Cross Sport. And we found it surprisingly different from its 3-row sibling. Atlas Cross Sport Design …

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Road Test Review – 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4 – By Carl Malek

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It’s hard to deny the love affair that buyers have developed for rugged light duty trucks like the dune slaying Ford Raptor, the Ram Rebel 1500, as well as the Chevrolet Silverado Trailboss. With these models becoming key cogs for their respective brands in terms of sales, it only seems natural to extend this magic to their heavy duty counterparts. The Ram Power Wagon, The Ford Super Duty Tremor, and the Nissan Titan XD Pro 4-X were the early shots into this endeavor and naturally GMC had to issue a rebuttal of their own with the Sierra HD AT4. But …

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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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Road Test Review – 2020 Lexus GX 460 Luxury – By Carl Malek

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The landscape has certainly changed in the SUV landscape over the past 30 years. Once known for being rugged functional workhorses that preferred to let their capability and off-road credentials do the talking, the priorities have flipped completely on their heads for buyers with comfort and technology taking center stage. But amid standout entries like the Lincoln Aviator, Acura MDX, and the Cadillac XT6, there are still some old school centric entries remaining that aim to win buyers over with a taste of what SUVs used to be defined by. One of these is the Lexus GX 460 which is …

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Bollinger Announces All New E-Chassis, Promises Wide Flexibility For Commercial Buyers

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Bollinger Motors has big plans for the 2021 model year. We had the chance to have a glimpse at this future when we witnessed the unveiling of the B1 SUV as well as the B2 SUV in Ferndale last year. The company also revealed pricing for the duo shortly after, but while the B1 and B2 will serve as a figurative spearhead into the EV truck and utility markets, the company needed to shore up its chassis technology in order to take advantage of more markets. The company has resolved this, and has formally unveiled its all new E-Chassis which …

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2020 Chevrolet Blazer Premier AWD – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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Chevy released the Blazer one year ago and has already done a complete renaming of it’s trim levels for the 2020 model along with a few other trim and package updates. Chevy added a new mid level engine option with the 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder. Trim level names have changed from L, 2.5L, 3.6L cloth, 3.6L leather, RS, and Premier to L, LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier. They have also added an auto start stop override button, three new exterior colors and a new redline edition. For our testing Chevy sent us a top-of-the-line 2020 Blazer Premier AWD …

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2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport Revealed In Massive Leak

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Today has not been very kind to Ford Motor Company. While the company was able to snuff out a smaller leak a week ago that showed off select elements of the Bronco’s side profile and rear fascia, things got turned up a notch when both the Bronco and its smaller cousin the Bronco Sport were leaked in full to the world. With the cat now essentially out of the bag at this point, we take a dive into both of these models, and see how Ford is betting big on the revival of the iconic Ford Bronco. The latest leak …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro it was in the middle of 2019 where we got acquainted with the truck’s rugged poise, capability, as well as some of the technology that it was missing i.e push button start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Toyota is keen on keeping the Tundra a very viable threat to the Detroit Big 3’s supremacy in the pickup segment. But can some light cosmetic work and an infusion of new technology play a key role in helping the Tundra be a force to be reckoned with? Or is it still an outsider …

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Jeep Brings New Wrangler Gladiator Special Editions To Chicago, Mojave Gladiator Storms The Desert

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Jeep aimed to make a splash at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, and brought a trio of debuts to wow the crowds in the Windy City with their blend of style and rugged functionality. Before we get into the custom side of things, we might as well get into the show stealer of Jeep’s conference, the Gladiator Mojave edition. The Mojave is Jeep’s answer to requests from loyalists that needed a more capable tool in desert driving situations, and comes equipped with a number of modifications that help it be better suited for this role. The exterior styling of the …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to bearing the weight of the world on ones shoulders, few can match the burden carried by the legendary Jeep Wrangler. Sharing roots with the Willys Jeep that played a key role in turning the tide for the Allied Forces during World War II, the Wrangler has made a name for itself for offering buyers amazing off-road capability in a package that has still retained much of its core values over the years, while also resisting the urge to outright abandon its functional design cues. But with a new decade now upon us, the iconic Wrangler has …

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2019 Honda Passport Elite – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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Returning after a 16-year hiatus, the Honda Passport is a large, 2-row CUV that slots between the Pilot and CRV. The Passport is built on the same platform as the Pilot and Ridgeline and uses the same power train, but is six inches shorter, one inch taller with an extra inch of ground clearance. Exterior All Passports come with a blacked-out grill and LED lights, but the Elite we tested had glossy trim throughout and even gloss black wheels. Other trims get a matte finish with polished aluminum or grey wheels. One thing that is immediately apparent is that the …

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2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport – Review By Matt Barnes

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The only major update for to the Toyota Sequoia 2019 is the all-new TRD Sport trim level. In addition, many safety features are now standard that were optional in the past. This includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert. While the platform is over a decade old, it is still relevant. Toyota has one of the best reputations for reliability and the 5.7 V8 is still on par with its large SUV rivals for horsepower and torque. Review Video     Outside The Sequoia is very large and has a significant presence, yet it still somewhat …

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2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 6.6L Gas V8 – Off-Road Review + Video – By Matt Barnes

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Chevy has updated the 2500 and 3500 Silverados for 2020. The grill is even bigger than before, the cab is longer and more spacious, the bed is wider and longer, and they are now offering a bigger V8 gas engine. Chevy has used the 6.0 gas V8 for over a decade now, and it’s long past due for a major update. We found the new 6.6-liter V8 gas engine to be more than adequate for most uses. With a towing capacity of up to 16,600 pounds most weekend warriors will be able to take their boats to the lake or …

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2021 Chevrolet Suburban Rumored To Get Z71 Trim Report:

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Chevrolet just pulled the veil off of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban a few weeks ago, and the extensive revisions that the duo has received for the 2021 model year are very extensive, including the introduction of independent rear suspension to the lineup for the first time ever. But the Z71 trim was arguably the one Tahoe trim level that received our attention the most, with the rugged variant gaining a number of off-road themed touches to set it apart from its more road focused siblings. Chevrolet was silent on whether the trim level would find its way to …

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2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Duramax Diesel Review

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The ZR2 Bison is unstoppable!! Never thought I’d find a factory off-road pickup that can hang with the Raptor, but the Colorado’s slimmer width is a big plus on narrow trails. The diesel engine is packing a wallop at 365 pound-feet of torque and so you can tow an extra 700 pounds (up to 7700). However, the 0-60-mph time drops 3 seconds from 6.5 to 9.5. It feels pretty glacial on the road until you adjust to its power delivery style. But then you start to love how it just surges forward without a gear change, or pops off the …

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2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 Busts The Trails, Has Sequoia TRD Pro In Its Sights

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When we formally covered the unveiling of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, we liked how its revamped interior and functionality helped the duo renain a top tier threat in the full-size utility segment. However, the Z71 grade Tahoe represents a very unique opprotunity for Chevrolet to not only have broader appeal with off-road focused buyers, but also help outshine other off-road offerings. While the Tahoe has had various Z71 packages in the past, the treatment for 2021 goes beyond being a mere marketing ploy, and is perhaps the greatest effort we have seen in truly catching sales in this …

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Ford Unveils Bronco R Baja Racer, Showcases Clues For Production Bronco [Video]

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Ford is still very keen on keeping the wraps firmly tightened around the production Ford Bronco, but the company has given eager fans of the iconic nameplate something extra to chew on with the unveiling of the Bronco R Baja racer. Designed to tackle the upcoming Baja 1000 desert race, the revived model will also help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rob Hall’s Baja 1000 victory in a first gen Bronco based entry. As another nod to the past, Hall’s granddaughter Shelby Hall will drive it during portions of the grueling race. Before all that happens though, Ford will take …

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Bollinger Motors Announces Pricing, Performance Details For B1 SUV And B2 Pickup

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When Bollinger Motors recently introduced the production version of the B1 SUV and the all new B2 pickup, we were left with new questions especially in regards to final range and pricing figures for the duo. The Ferndale, Michigan based company has ended the mystery, and has unveiled new details about the long term plans for the B1 and B2. For starters, we finally know how much the B1 and B2 will cost to own, with the company revealing that both models will start at $125,000. This eye popping figure is far off the under $100,000 estimate the company initially …

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2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition – Review By Matt Barnes

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Nissan gave us the opportunity to drive the 2019 Pathfinder SL 4wd Rock Creek Edition. The Pathfinder name has been used by Nissan for almost 60 years, and this newest iteration delivers. The Rock Creek Edition adds a ton of the most commonly popular features at a discounted price and makes for a beautiful color scheme. Outside There’s something about the color scheme and Midnight Pine Metallic paint that says “take me on an adventure”, but Nissan doesn’t add any additional off-road capability with the Rock Creek Edition. What it adds is a plethora of dark and rugged themed features, …

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2019 Nissan Armada – On and Off-Road Review – By Matt Barnes

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For 2019, the Armada only gets additional standard features that were options last year. Things like rear door alert, intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning are now standard across the Armada lineup. Outside Being the largest SUV in Nissan’s lineup, the Armada has presence. It is slightly larger than a Tahoe but smaller than an Expedition, putting it right in the middle of its class. While some other vehicles are starting to look the same as everything else in their class, the Armada has standout looks. Recently, Nissan has done an excellent job in creating beautiful …

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2020 Nissan Titan Brings Improvements And Better Capability To Buyers, Is It Enough?

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Remember the Nissan Titan? If your answer is no, we don’t blame you. Despite making waves when it first appeared several years ago, Nissan’s attempt at usurping the established pickup order has not gone well. The model has suffered from slow sales, with this dire prospect forcing Nissan to recently axe several variants of the Titan recently, including the Cummins powered XD model. But Nissan has not given up, and recently introduced the 2020 Titan at the Texas State Fair. We took some time to formally analyze the current generation Titan, and we were eager to find out if this …

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Bollinger Motors Unveils B1 & B2 Prototypes, Finalizes Production For Both [Video]

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When we last heard from Bollinger Motors, it was back in 2017 when they unveiled an early stage prototype of the B1 SUV. Back then, the company was based in New York, and the crude prototype served as a glimpse into the rugged EV that CEO Robert Bollinger and his fledgling company wanted to unleash to the masses. Several years of work later, the company has moved to a bigger building in Ferndale, Michigan and has unveiled the next step of its march to production, with the unveiling of the production spec B1 SUV and the all new B2 EV …

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2019 Nissan Murano SL AWD – Road Test Review + Video – By Matt Barnes

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Nissan has done a good job of making their SUV’s feel higher class than they have in the past. Often, Nissan’s are thought of as budget Toyotas, with great reliability but very basic. However, in the past few years, Nissan has moved into luxury interiors with comfortable seating and plenty of standard safety features. While bare bones base models are still available for price conscious customers, it’s Nissan’s middle and upper trims that really bring out the comfort and convenience features. Outside Our test model was an AWD SL trim with the premium Sunset Drift paint color. It is a …

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2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited AWD – First Drive Review Video + Mega Gallery

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Lots of Palisade love this summer! You can really tell how seriously Hyundai is taking this full-size SUV launch by the media events scheduled on its behalf. Instead of one major media drive with an ultra exclusive invite list, Hyundai did a Palisade road show and had at least five of them across the country.  Presentations from the product teams and great roads to try out this three-row biggie’s capabilities. The one we attended was in Asheville North Carolina, a short jump inland from CRD HQ in Charleston, SC.  But years in the ‘lowcountry’ made me forget all about hills …

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2019 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss – Off-Road Traction Systems Test

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Spending time with the 2019 Chevy Trail Boss allowed us to dive deep into how the various traction systems work on all light duty Chevy trucks. We combined the information we gained from speaking with an engineer at Chevy with some real-world testing and here is what we found. All of the systems below work in 2WD, AWD and 4WD Chevy trucks except of course for the 4WD auto, 4WD high and 4WD low for vehicles not equipped with 4WD or 4WD low. Brake Limited Slip There are a variety of manufacturers that use a brake limited slip system as …

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The King Has Returned, Land Rover Revives Legendary Defender Nameplate For 2020 [Video]

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When The Defender ended production in 2016, it signaled the end of an era where brute ruggedness and world class off-road capability were enough to stand out from the rest of the SUV ranks. Indeed, the Defender came packed with capability, and it also had a very impressive bloodline that traced its roots back to some of the first Land Rovers ever produced. But while European buyers were without their fix for only a few years, U.S. fans had a much longer wait, with our version of the Defender leaving our shores back in 1997. But at long last, a …

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2019 Ford F-150 Raptor – On and Off-Road Test Review + Video

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The Raptor Returns! Raptor in summertime seems to be a tradition here at CRD and we’re not taking one minute for granted this time!  Last year we were too busy to take the beast into its off-road element and (gasp) barely discovered its drive modes until the last day or so. Not happening this time. The 2019 refresh of the coolest and most capable factory off-roader ever made got a thorough test and a great drive video too!  We savored every moment during this Raptor visit and have some awesome insights, highs and lows to share with you, loyal readers. …

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Insider: 4 great 4X4s on the market right now

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4x4s, SUVs and trucks took a long time to become as popular globally as they were (and are) in the United States. However, they’re taking over in a big way lately thanks to lower fuel prices and the rough weather we’ve been experiencing over the last few years. You can now find 4X4s that have roughly the same footprint as smaller vehicles, more hybrid and electric engines, and models both for the adventurous and small families. Here are some of the best 4X4s out on the market right now. Range Rover The Range Rover remains a classic, and still has …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Mopar Ram 1500 Big Horn – By Carl Malek [Video]

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With all the diverse talents that the 2019 Ram 1500 brings to the table, it’s no surprise to hear that sales as well as the 1500’s broader reputation in the segment are on the upswing. Once considered the perennial third place offering behind Ford and GM, FCA’s plucky pickup entry has completely shifted the status quo, and is clawing its way towards usurping the Ford F-150 from its throne on top of the pickup truck sales charts. But a key and often lesser known story is how important the vehicle accessory market has been in the Ram’s ongoing success story. …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – By Carl Malek

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The mid-size pickup truck market is booming, but that has always not been the case. For a number of years, the segment was a very stagnant sector of the broader pickup truck market, with the Toyota Tacoma being the benchmark offering for buyers that wanted a pickup, but did not want the bulk and bigger size that often comes with a full size offering. Chevrolet is no stranger to this segment, but the company has not always had the best of luck in its prior attempts at toppling the Tacoma. The 1980’s and 1990’s were dominated by the crude but …

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2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison AEV 2.8L Diesel – First Drive Review

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Aptly named save for one trait Upon reflection of my encounter with Chevy’s new ZR2 Bison AEV trim package for their mid-sized truck offering, the Colorado, the Bison moniker was appropriate. I found myself with a bit of a shiver on a particularly cold morning, with what felt like freezing fog. For being in the heart of a land that had lived in harmony with the name Chevy decided on for this variant, Bison, I hadn’t heeded the lessons learned from the past centuries of the local peoples. As my breath puffed visibly as I grew closer to this truck, …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury – By Carl Malek [Video]

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When it comes to bringing the pinnacle of off-road capability to affluent adventurers, few can beat the bar that has been set by Land Rover. The iconic British luxury SUV brand has always served as one of the benchmarks that many automakers look up to when they craft an off-road focused vehicle. In addition, key models have also played a big role in the company’s history over the years. A prominent player is the Land Rover Discovery which has established itself by offering lucky buyers the ability to blaze even the toughest of trails but still have enough size to …

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2019 Honda Passport AWD Elite – Review by Ben Lewis

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What’s in a name? We’ll skip the Shakespearean reference, and go for the automotive one. Do they make sense? Sometimes. A 911, well that’s a model number. A Maxima – uh, is there a Minima? Now we have the all-new Honda Passport. Wait, we’ve heard that name before. Yep, there was a Honda Passport in the ‘90s. Well sorta. That Passport was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, which wasn’t a bad vehicle, and it was a smart idea – Honda needed a compact SUV to fight it out in that red-hot segment. This was three years before the 1997 CR-V would …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro – By Carl Malek

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When it comes to off-road vehicles, few automakers have nearly the same level of clout that Toyota has. While Jeep has Rubicon, Ford Raptor, and Chevrolet ZR2, Toyota is the only automaker to offer a full lineup of off-road vehicles under the TRD Pro moniker. While the Tacoma and 4-Runner TRD Pro variants are often seen as the de-facto ambassadors of the brand, there are other TRD Pro models behind the scenes that do their best to bring a distinctive driving experience to buyers. One of these is the vehicle featured here, the 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. With its …

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350HP, 6.1s 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ford Ranger Revealed

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It’s about to rain supercars this week with Geneva auto show and Amelia Island Concours both happening. Before all that, how about a big black truck – tuned by Hennessey! Big? The Ranger is of course the new Ford midsize pickup truck, joining the USA lineup from its international origins.  Over there, this is a big truck even from stock. But once lifted, widened and made more badass? Oh yes, this is the baby Raptor of your dreams. Power for the VelociRanger is still the top gasoline motor available, but tuned up with derestricted intake and exhaust, plus a big …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Unimog 60th Anniversary Design Concept

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While we’re in the Unimog mood, here is a fun look back to the recent past for the 60 Years design concept. This sought to strip the Unimog to its core, function-required elements. Enhancing the insane wheel travel and semi-flexible chassis with showy red springs visible easily through the giant front fender/hood combination. Deconstruction and modernization are the clearest themes visible in this design. The bodywork is pared to the bare minimum, while the roll cage for the passenger cell becomes the only structural element of the open-air cabin. Similarly flowing new frame rails swoop upward around the rear suspension …

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2019 Unimog U128 – Extreme Terrain Driving Experience Gallery

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The annual press conference for Daimler Trucks occurred recently and they let the execs and shareholders loose to test the impossibly cool 2019 Unimog.  In a wild simulation of the roughest terrain it might find it is wild life. This off-road course is no joke, with wild inclinations and turf rougher than double-black-diamond ski moguls! The Zetros is thumping through all the obstacles too – but looks slightly more like a locomotive that’s jumped its tracks.  The Unimog in this crew-cab pickup trim is best able to use its inherent suspension skills and power — without the weight of a …

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2018 Toyota Land Cruiser – Off-Road & Towing Review – By Matt Barnes

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The Toyota Land Cruiser has a loyal global following, and for good reason. It is one of the most reliable, longest lasting vehicles in automotive history. Cruisers are lauded as the ultimate overlanding vehicle. There are many different variants sold throughout the world, but here in the United States, we get one model with one trim level, and only one available option package. Unless you account for the Lexus LX570, which offers a few more features and a more luxurious interior. To test the capability of the Land Cruiser, we decided to head into the desert hills to see what …

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550HP 1969 Ford Bronco Supercharged by Velocity Restorations

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On the long list of incredible big-boy (or girl!) toys to get once you make it big, a classic Ford Bronco is definitely up there near the top for many of us. A perfectly resto-modded example makes driving it a pleasure from day one, and also reduces the years-long headaches most DIYers would encounter trying to restore one themselves. Velocity Restorations specializes in Broncos and has a few turn-key examples ready for delivery. This latest example might be my favorite — its glossy wet-look black paint, beefy stance and gorgeous cabin make quite an impression even while parked. Favorite details …

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Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Brings New Tricks to Grizzled Veteran, Heralds Updates for Rest of TRD Pro Range

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Toyota’s TRD Pro lineup has always been defined by three iconic entries (Tacoma, 4Runner and Tundra) and while these three each bring something unique to Toyota buyers. (we will be spending time behind the wheel of the Tundra TRD Pro after we return to Metro Detroit) Something always seemed to be missing. Toyota has filled this void by unveiling the all new Sequoia TRD Pro which brings some of the TRD Pro allure in a decidedly beefy full size SUV package. The Sequoia’s entry into the TRD Pro ranks was designed to help give the nearly 20 year old model …

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ECD Auto Design Shows New Defender 110 Azure Custom w/ Lux Upgrades + 430HP V8

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This latest custom Defender 110 from ECD Automotive Design pushes alot of my buttons.  First off, it is already completely finished, is in the USA, and has a huge list of mods and design tweaks. Most exciting is the engine swap to a GM crate LS3 making more than 400 ponies and sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic. No word on pricing for this one-off but links below for more info!   ECD Auto Design Defender 110 Azure ECD Automotive Design – Project Azure Specifications Model – Custom Defender 110 Engine – 6.2L LS3 V8 with 430 hp Transmission – 6-speed automatic Exhaust – Borla Performance …

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2018 Lexus GX460 – On & Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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Badged as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado worldwide, the Lexus GX460 is a luxuriously adorned version for the United States and other upscale markets. The underpinnings are as durable as one would expect from a Toyota product with all the luxury of a Lexus. Interior The GX460 is a very luxurious vehicle with all the features you would expect in a Lexus. The leather is soft and supple, with heated and ventilated seats. The second row has heated seats, but not ventilated. The steering wheel is also heated. The middle row captain’s chairs are comfortable and allow easy access to …

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