Climbing Machine

Chevy’s 2022 Colorado ZR2 is Still Great!

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 …

Keep reading

2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Will Be A Darling Of Summer, What Buyers Can Expect?

It wasn’t too long ago that we traveled out to Arizona to check out the 2022 Hummer EV Edition 1. But amid all the festivities, we were also given a glimpse into the future, with GMC reps providing an early glimpse of the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. The AT4X will be breaking new ground for GMC in the mid-size segment, but what can buyers expect when this rugged Canyon makes its way to showrooms?   Rugged Styling But Turned Up A Notch GMC has so far only released one teaser image of the Canyon AT4X for now, but it does …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor – Is It Still The King Of The Mountain?

The off-road pickup segment has seen a renewed resurgence in recent years both in demand and in performance, with many of these trail-ready offerings offering more performance than ever before. The truck that’s often credited with launching this revolution is the Ford F-150 Raptor. Originally created in borderline secrecy deep in the bowels of the Ford Motor Company, the Raptor has rapidly become one of the strongest sellers in the F-150 family and has rapidly emerged as a potent benchmark for all that came after it. Ford gave the model some updates for the 2021 model year, but with the …

Keep reading

Ford Details 2023 Bronco Raptor’s Digital Cluster, Confirms Drive Mode Animations

The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor received alot of buzz for injecting a massive amount of fun and capability into the Bronco’s already impressive foundation. But amid all the noise generated by its bigger engine and screengrabs of it jumping the dunes, not too much attention was given to the Raptor model’s digital instrument cluster. Turns out, there’s alot more going on here than we realized, and Ford detailed some of the digital details in a release earlier today.   A New View On Bronco Performance At first glance, the images in the gallery below seem to follow the same typical …

Keep reading

First Drive Review – 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup – Supercharging GM’s Ultium Ambitions

The pages of history are quickly turning at General Motors. It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of a pure EV offering from GM would’ve been seen as laughable never mind one with the Hummer badge dubbed the Edition 1. In those days, Hummer was known for two things, delivering the goods on off-road capability, and laughably low fuel economy. But the times have changed, and GM has brought back the Hummer moniker (as a sub-brand this time) to not only spearhead its assault on the EV market but also storm the pickup segment as the world’s first “supertruck.” …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 – Insanity Unleashed

Jeep has had a very complicated relationship when it comes to giving its iconic Wrangler a V8 engine. While aftermarket companies have done it for years, Jeep resisted the urge of giving its Wrangler an injection of V8-powered fun. However, the emergence of the Ford Bronco has at long last finally forced Stellantis’s hand, and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the long-awaited fruit of this dream. But is it a case of you should never meet your heroes? Or is it the perfect definition of insanity?   A Familiar Wrapper Hides The Essentials With all the magic happening under …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series III – Living Large And Hunting For European Luxury Rivals

It has been a long time since Jeep has fielded a competitor in the full-size SUV ranks. With the ill-fated Jeep Commander best being left as a forgotten historical dead end, one has to go all the way back to the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer which were once key cogs in the long-departed American Motors Corporation, as well as Chrysler’s for a brief period after the company, completed its acquisition of AMC with the last ones being built in the early 1990s. But Stellantis is hoping that a new generation of full-size SUV buyers will be able to breathe some …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2022 Grand Cherokee Two Row Laredo – A Value Packed Offering For Families

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is aiming to reshape the way that many Jeep buyers experience and embrace the SUV. While the spotlight is shining brightly on higher trim models like the Limited and Summit as well as the green-minded 4xe model, it can be easy to forget that the bulk of sales are focused on mainstream trims like the Laredo model which serve as value-focused gateways into the Grand Cherokee family. We wanted to find out what SUV buyers will get for their money and whether the Laredo is still the go-to entry-focused model.   Laredo Still Embodies Jeep …

Keep reading

Ford Aims For The Budget Off-Roader With All New F-150 Rattler

The Ford F-150 has always managed to be a proverbial swiss army knife when it comes to offering buyers all kinds of ways to do truck stuff. That’s especially true if you’re an off-roader with the dune slaying F-150 Raptor and the trail-ready Tremor models delivering the goods. However, inflation is pushing up prices for a wide variety of goods and one of the ripple effects is that some buyers might have a tighter wallet to work with. Ford has listened and has unveiled a budget-focused alternative, the 2023 F-150 Rattler.   Off-Road Fun For The XL Crowd Unlike its …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road – Light Updates Keep This Solider Ahead Of The Pack

The Toyota Tacoma has long been an enduring benchmark in the mid-size pickup ranks thanks to its value, capability, and quality. Its grip on the throne has been unchallenged. Still, these days even the king of mid-size pickups is facing dissent from a resurgent pool of entries like the radically updated Nissan Frontier, an expanding Ford Ranger family, and the updated Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Can the Toyota Tacoma maintain its hold on the throne?   Lightly Updated Styling Retains Core Tacoma DNA The Tacoma’s exterior styling was updated back in 2020. As a result, the changes in this …

Keep reading

GMC Announces All-New Hummer Documentary, Will Air On History Channel

The GMC Hummer EV is just now entering production, but it turns out that GMC had a few more surprises to share and that included the filming of a 60-minute documentary which documents the entire story of the Hummer EV and even sheds light on details that few in the general public knew about during the Hummer’s road from being a design sketch to becoming a full-fledged electrified pickup. Documentary Sheds Light On Every Hummer Milestone The documentary was shot in a partnership between GMC and A+E networks the company that’s better known for being the corporate face of the …

Keep reading

2022 GMC Canyon AT4 Review

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 …

Keep reading

Jeep Reveals 2022 Cherokee X, Also Announces Pricing Changes For Entire Trim Ladder

With all the attention and the spotlight focused on the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Wagoneer it can be easy to forget that Jeep also offers the smaller Cherokee and Compass SUVs. While the Compass is off exploring its slice of the beaten path, for now, Jeep revealed some new information on the 2022 Cherokee lineup including revised pricing across the board and an all-new X model.   Cherokee X Serves As New Rugged Value Focused Model Before we get into some of the pricing news that the brand released today, we might as well focus on the all-new X model. …

Keep reading

Nissan’s 2022 Armada, The Patrol for America

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 …

Keep reading

Special Vehicle Engineering Unveils 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme Off-Road, Will Only Build 50

The current generation Colorado mid-size pickup has been a sales success for Chevrolet and it certainly makes a good first impression when equipped in ZR2 guise. However, the current generation is on its way out, with the brand revealing that a next-generation model is waiting in the wings. Aftermarket tuner Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) is preparing a potent send-off with the all-new 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme Off-Road.   Bold Graphics Eliminate Any Sleeper Notions The Xtreme Off-Road starts life as a short box equipped Colorado ZR2 but this is far from a sleeper truck, with SVE making several additions that …

Keep reading

Ford Releases Bronco Raptor And Everglades Pricing, Fun Comes At A Premium

Ford made waves when they not only released the performance-focused Bronco Raptor, but also the overlapping ready Bronco Everglades. Both of these models put a different spin on the Bronco ownership experience, and they also offer a different mixture of off-road focused content. The one thing they do have in common however is pricing, with both models requiring customers to pay a premium to partake in the fun. We’ll look at both models individually and see how much you have to pay to sign on the dotted line.   Bronco Raptor Starts At $68k, Is The Wild One In The …

Keep reading

Chicago Auto Show 2022 – Nissan Reveals Trio Of Custom Frontier Pickups

When we browsed all the festivities that the Chicago Auto Show had to offer during our brief visit, a highlight for us was the trio of custom Nissan Frontier pickups that the Japanese auto giant brought to the dance. Each truck brings a distinct theme to the 2022 Frontier and that means appealing to three different customer bases.   Project Hardbody and 72X Embrace Retro Side Of Life  The first two trucks on display are a homage to the Datsun 720 and Nissan Hardbody which are often considered to be icons in their respective eras. That’s reflected in the themes …

Keep reading

Overlanders Rejoice, Ford Reveals All New Bronco Everglades, Pushes Bronco In New Direction

The dust may still be settling on Ford’s recent unveiling of the delightfully insane Bronco Raptor, but the Dearborn-based auto giant is not letting its foot off the gas pedal when it comes to new Bronco models. This time around, the company is shifting its focus towards the overlanding side of the off-road community with the all-new Bronco Everglades which is designed to maximize its potential in this category.   Bronco Everglades Puts On Its Diving Equipment The exterior styling of the Bronco Everglades retains the retro-inspired look that has come to define other Bronco models, but a prominent thing …

Keep reading

2023 Toyota Sequoia Rebuilt From The Ground Up, Hybrid Engine And New Technology Sharpen Its Focus

When Toyota axed the Land Cruiser from the U.S. market, we had questions about how the company was going to keep some of those fans loyal to the brand while also giving the ancient Sequoia full-size SUV some much-needed updates to help it stay in the fight against full-size SUV benchmarks. It appears that the company is attacking the situation from both angles with the introduction of the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia.   Bigger, Badder, More Civilized Sequoia The Toyota Sequoia was in a very dire situation when Toyota chose to revamp it with the outgoing model being in production …

Keep reading

Ford Builds Custom Pope Francis Edition Bronco, Will Cross The Block At Barrett Jackson

The dust may just be settling on the recent unveiling of the 2022 Bronco Raptor but Ford is still working on other Bronco variants. With the Raptor slaying trails, the company chose to create a custom Pope Francis Edition Bronco to not only celebrate a slice of Bronco history but also benefit a good cause too.   A Papal Flavored Bronco The Bronco and the highest office of the catholic church became intertwined in 1979 when Pope John Paul II embarked on a trip to the U.S. which was the first such trek for a sitting pope. He toured many …

Keep reading

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Limited

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Limited Review

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 …

Keep reading

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor vs The Default Bronco – What’s In A Transformation?

The dust is still settling on the unveiling of the 2022 Ford Bronco, but while we had some fun comparing its value factor with its F-150 sibling, we wanted to do a deep dive under the skin and find out some of the critical differences that make it a Raptor and a league above its standard-issue cousin.   No V8, But Bronco Raptor Is Still A Beast Ford warned us a while back that the Bronco platform wouldn’t fit a V8 (we suspect most aftermarket tuners will try anyway), but the Bronco Raptor still has plenty of power to work …

Keep reading

2021 Ford F-150 Raptor vs 2022 Bronco Raptor – Which One Is Right For Your Garage?

The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is helping Ford expand the Raptor experience to SUV buyers while also adding some profits to Ford’s bottom line. But with the Ranger Raptor still not being offered in the U.S. we wanted to find out if the Bronco Raptor is a better purchase than the F-150 Raptor pickup, especially among certain customer groups.   Different Segments But Both Have The Same Mission At first glance, the idea of such a comparison may seem absurd on the surface with the F-150 firmly in the full-size pickup segment and the Bronco clearly in the SUV segment. …

Keep reading

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Brings Trailblazing Performance To The Outdoors, Expands Raptor Family

The rugged Ford Bronco has been helping Ford reach new levels of sales success thanks to its combination of retro style and rugged capability. But while the Bronco is already a formidable beast in stock form, some buyers wondered what would happen if the Bronco received a healthy infusion of Raptor DNA? Ford is always up for a challenge and has unveiled the answer, the all-new 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor    Trailblazing Raptor Exterior Flexes Its Dino DNA The first major change that Bronco fans will notice is that while the core styling of the Bronco Raptor retains the basic …

Keep reading

Production B2 alt rear angle

Bollinger Motors Postpones Production Of Consumer Spec B1 and B2 Models, Will Focus On Commercial Offerings

The story of Bollinger Motors has been one that we have been following almost from the beginning, with the EV upstart unveiling the B1 pickup and B2 SUV several years ago. The B1 and B2 were tailored towards the off-road market, with both models offering tremendous amounts of storage, rugged capability, and no-nonsense styling. However, it appears that changing market conditions have forced Bollinger to make a difficult decision, with the company revealing that it will postpone the production of consumer trucks and will instead shift to a commercial-only operation.   What Happened? While Bollinger’s announcement didn’t reveal too many …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2021 Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition – Not Quite TRD Grade But An Interesting Detour

It has been over a decade since the current generation Toyota 4Runner made its debut. The spunky 4Runner has always been a potent sales force for Toyota, and not only has it greatly benefitted from the recent surge in SUV demand, but it has also even managed to blunt encroachment by EV offerings. But it’s no secret that the 4Runner is also aging and that it’s up against a fresher crop of rivals. Can it still be a new face, or is it time for it to slink off to retirement?   Unchanged 4Runner Canvas Flaunts Its Wrinkles With Pride …

Keep reading

Ford Bronco Sport Becomes First Production Vehicle To Use Ocean Plastic

An increasing number of automakers are using recycled plastics in their automobiles as part of broader goals of reducing their environmental impact. Ford is one of the companies that has embarked on this initiative, but the company revealed that it’s taking a step that no other automaker has done before, and that’s using recycled ocean plastic in production vehicles, with the Bronco Sport SUV taking the lead.   Small Part In Bronco Sport Represents Major Engineering Milestone The parts that Ford is talking about are not large visually obvious pieces like bumpers, panels, or even interior pieces. Instead, they are …

Keep reading

Honda Tweaks Passport Pricing For 2022, Base Model Gone And Price Increases

Honda has released pricing for the 2022 Passport lineup and it appears that the cost of entry is about to go up. However, this is more than just a simple price increase and is in fact a response to current sales demands as Honda prepares to ratchet up its online presence.   Base Passport Trim Axed For More Equipment Unlike some other price increases that we have seen in recent years, Honda’s is not a traditional one and instead involves the axing of the base Sport model. The elimination of the Sport model means that the base trim is now …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2021 Nissan Titan PRO-4X – A Legit Alternative To Established Truck Brands?

The 2021 Nissan Titan has emerged as a very interesting alternative to rivals like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and the Ram 1500. However, you might not have the opportunity to realize that at first glance, which is thanks in part to the Titan consistently being on the short end of the advertising stick and being behind the domestic big three in a few categories. But that’s not stopping Nissan, with the Japanese auto giant making minor tweaks to the Titan for the new model year. But are they enough to help finally launch the Titan into the limelight?   …

Keep reading

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Goes For Muddy Stroll In New Video

When we last saw the upcoming Ford Bronco Raptor, Ford reps released a few still images of the Raptor chilling at an undisclosed off-road track. But while we welcomed the minimal amount of camouflage, there’s no substitute for raw video footage of this beefed-up Bronco slogging its way through the muck. Thankfully, Ford (via Bronco Nation) has delivered the goods and has now released a teaser video that offers a dynamic glimpse into some of the Bronco Raptor’s capabilities.   Turbocharging Will Highlight Trail Adventures The nearly three-minute video helps shine a spotlight on some of the Bronco Raptor’s finer …

Keep reading

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Review

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 …

Keep reading

BMW x5 45e

2021 BMW X5 45e Review

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 …

Keep reading

2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited HTRAC review by Ben Lewis

Here we are testing the all-new 2002 Hyundai Tucson, the vehicle that is the maker’s best-selling model globally, so it must be the standard bearer for the direction the company is going. And in the US, the compact SUV segment is huge as well. So, no pressure then, for the new model! But we have been consistently impressed with all the new Hyundais we’ve driven, from the full-size Pallisade SUV to the Elantra and Sonata sedans. Is the new Tucson ready to take on world? Let’s find out. Stunning Looks Well, if you’re going to make a good first impression, …

Keep reading

Chevrolet Beast SEMA Concept Is Part Silverado, All Trail Slaying Monster

Chevrolet certainly raised our expectations when they revealed that they were unleashing a beast at the 2021 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Thankfully, the Beast concept lives up to the hype, and it served as a very extreme example of some of the technology that Chevrolet will be bringing to future truck models as the bow-tie brigade seeks to maximize profits in the off-road segment.   Chevrolet Beast Is A Radical Departure From The Silverado Chevrolet reps revealed that this wild concept started life as a Silverado, but we’ll understand if you can’t quite see the source material. In this …

Keep reading

GMC Shows Off 2022 Hummer EV Accessories Ahead Of SEMA Debut

The off-road segment is a booming business for many automakers and a key element that helps make them a sales success is the vast pool of accessories that customers can put onto their rigs before they hit the trail. GMC is no exception and knows that its Hummer EV will be popular with lifestyle buyers looking for trail-ready capability. Many of these buyers will also want to adorn their Hummer with accessories, and GMC will use the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas to preview some of them before they make their way to dealerships.   GMC Will Offer Over …

Keep reading

Land Rover Reveals 2022 Range Rover SUV, Smoother Styling Blends Elegantly With New Technology

It’s not often that a radically upgraded Range Rover enters the world, but Land Rover certainly knows how to make a splash when it does. The outgoing Range Rover performed its job well but criticized its exterior styling and some of its technology. Land Rover is out to the right those wrongs and has unveiled the 2022 Range Rover.   New Exterior Styling Smooths Out The Edges, Generates New Discussion One of the significant changes that’s coming to the 2022 Range Rover is also one of Land Rover’s biggest gambles, with the SUV now adopting a minimalist approach to exterior …

Keep reading

Ford Expedition Timberline Pricing Leaked, Reportedly Starts At $68,385

The Ford Expedition Timberline fired a warning shot at the Jeep Wagoneer when it debuted at the 2021 Motor Bella extravaganza in Detroit. While a mini monsoon prevented us from getting to know it better, Ford is confident that this flavor of Expedition will be a good Jeep rival. However, pricing information remained elusive. But thanks to a report from Ford Authority, it appears that Ford has covered all angles when it comes to dethroning the Wagoneer.   Trail Ready Fun That Stays Under $70k Ford Authority claims that it gathered its findings from sources “familiar with the 2022 Expedition …

Keep reading

Honda Unveils Rally Bred Passport SUV, Will Compete In American Rally Association

It wasn’t too long ago that Honda focused on promoting reliability, practicality, and value with its utility vehicle lineup. While this certainly catered to a wide swath of buyers, that meant putting things such as off-road capability, trail readiness, and fun on the backburner. Thankfully, the Japanese auto giant is finally changing its tune on those latter three and has put a greater emphasis on promoting them to consumers. That includes the growing TrailSport lineup, but Honda promises these models are just the first act in a broader show. We got to see a slice of this on the motorsport …

Keep reading

2022 Lexus LX600 Is A Land Cruiser In A Tux, Will Be Coming To The U.S. Market

Toyota soured the mood of many of its U.S. fans when it revealed that the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser was not coming to the U.S. due to evolving segment needs (as well as sluggish sales.) While that particular off-roading icon is not coming to the U.S, luxury brand Lexus has delivered a very potent consolation prize and revealed that the 2022 Lexus LX600 would be coming stateside.   A Land Cruiser In Platform Only, an LX600 In All The Right Places With the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser serving as its core basis, it should come as no surprise that the …

Keep reading

Ford Expedition Timberline Off-Grid Concept Goes Extra Mile For Trail Ready Capability

The recently unveiled 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline aimed to bring extra off-road capability to the large family hauler while also jumpstarting the Timberline sub-brand. But with a high-ranking Jeep rep going on record to throw shade at the Timberline’s trail credentials, it appears that Ford wanted to set the record straight and has unveiled the Ford Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept.    Beefier Styling Adds Butch Vibes To Expedition Off-Grid Concept In addition to perhaps silencing Jeep’s online trolling, the Expedition Off-Grid is also designed to cater to the growing trend of more off-road buyers embracing the overland lifestyle. The concept …

Keep reading

Nissan To Enter 2022 Rebelle Rally With Retro Flavored Frontier Pickup, The 1980s Have Returned

Nissan is pushing ahead towards an all-electric future, but while the world is going green, the company is still very mindful of the past. That includes the 1980s, a decisive era for Nissan’s pickup lineup thanks to strong showings by Nissan Hardbody trucks in off-road racing. The Japanese auto giant is hoping that a small infusion of the past will be the magic elixir needed for the firm to win the 2022 running of the Rebelle Rally event with the help of an exceptional Frontier pickup.   Red White & Blue Vinyl Wrap Gives This Frontier Retro Flair The Frontier …

Keep reading

2022 Nissan Frontier Shows Off Nismo Off-Road Parts At 2021 Overland Expo

Nissan first promised a whole suite of Nismo branded accessories for the 2022 Frontier when the revamped mid-size pickup made its global debut earlier this year. But the company kept the bulk of these accessories under wraps, until now, with the company debuting the first wave of these accessories at the 2021 Overland Expo.   Nismo Parts Trail Ready And Eager To Please The Frontier that Nissan will have on display at the event comes loaded to the brim with accessories. It appears that the truck has even more accessories than the original number that the company announced late last …

Keep reading

Ram Unveils Three New Special Edition Ram Models, Spicy TRX Igntion Edition Leads The Charge

The State Fair Of Texas has unofficially become ground-zero for the pickup wars with the Domestic Big Three (Ford GM and Ram) using the festivities to show off their latest wares. Ram has chosen to go to a familiar but welcome chapter in their playbook with a wave of special edition models, with the trio being led by the Ram TRX Ignition Edition TRX Ignition Edition Adds Bright Color To Unchanged Performance Hardware The 2022 Ram TRX Ignition Editon leads the way, which adds some unique trim applications to the truck. The firebreathing 702 hp Hellcat V8 and the performance …

Keep reading

Ford Confirms Rumored Bronco Raptor Model, Will Appear In 2022

We should’ve known that Ford would have a huge surprise in its bag of tricks when we listened eagerly to the brand’s announcement of the 2022 Expedition lineup. What seemed like the typical conclusion of a press conference diverted in an exciting direction when Ford reps revealed that not only is the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor a production reality. But that we wouldn’t have to wait very long for it either, with the beefed-up Bronco expected to make its appearance sometime in 2022. Brief Teaser Provides A Literal Glimpse Of The Bronco Raptor And Not Much Else While our glimpse …

Keep reading

Ford Unveils Refreshed 2022 Expedition, New Trim Levels And Technology Form Bulk Of Changes

The current generation Ford Expedition is entering its fourth model year of service. But while the big utility is still a top go to for family buyers, some aspects of its game were starting to age badly in the face of relentless competition. Ford has taken note, and has given the family hauler a light refresh for 2022 that aims to sharpen its resolve while also allowing it to stay on the curve with rivals like the Chevrolet Suburban and the Jeep Wagoneer family.   Light Exterior Refresh Nips And Tucks The Expedition’s Functionality At first glance, the exterior revisions …

Keep reading

Chevrolet Unveils Refreshed 2022 Silverado, Super Cruise And ZR2 Model Highlight Updates

Evolution, it seems, will be a very prevalent theme for the full-size pickup segment. The 2021/2022 Ford F-150 is reaping the benefits from its suite of updates, and it appears that Chevrolet is eager to throw its hat in the ring, too, with the bow-tie brigade unveiling the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. Here are 3 things that you should know about this sleeker Silverado.   Reworked Silverado Front Fascia And Interior Aim To Address Weak Points When the outgoing Chevrolet Silverado appeared a few years ago, it was obvious that the truck had some notable weaknesses, with the front fascia and …

Keep reading

2022 Toyota 4Runner Debuts Wild Lime Rush Color, Adds New Model And Safety Tech Too

The Toyota 4Runner has been a rugged off-road warrior for Toyota over the years. While the current generation 4Runner is long overdue for a redesign, the current generation model is still a popular choice among off-roaders. The Japanese auto giant has revealed some notable updates coming to the 4Runner for the 2022 model year.   Lime Rush Adds Boldness To Color Pallette   A big change that many buyers might notice on the TRD Pro model is the all-new Lime Rush exterior color. This hue first made its appearance on the Tacoma TRD Pro, and the vivid green is one …

Keep reading

Whoops, Subaru Canada Unveils Beefier Forester Wilderness Model Early

The Subaru Forester has managed to carve a very compelling niche for itself in the utility vehicle market. With a combination of quality, capability, and in recent years, standard equipment, the Forester has always risen to the occasion time and time again. But there’s always room for growth, and thanks to an ill-timed reveal by Subaru of Canada, we now get to see that the Forester will be the latest Subaru model to earn the Wilderness badge for the new model year.   Forester Bulks Up In Wilderness Trim While Subaru’s plans for an epic surprise rapidly turned into dust …

Keep reading

2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Review by Ben Lewis

We’ve been looking forward to the review of the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo for some time. As part of the Mazda 3 chassis family, we’ve enjoyed the Mazda 3 Sedan and Mazda 3 hatchback immensely. And when Mazda started squeezing the 250-horsepower 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder in these models (as well as the CX-5), we have hoped for a thrill machine like the old MazdaSpeed 3. Close, but no cigar. While the turbo motor does make these mounts quite quick, it seems that Mazda was leaning much more towards sophistication. Nice cars. But they didn’t get your blood up. Well, we …

Keep reading

Comparison Battle – 2021 Ford Bronco Manual vs Bronco Automatic – Which Flavor Of Bronco Is Best?

The 2021 Ford Bronco is shaping up to be a huge thorn in the side of the Jeep Wrangler. While the hardtop versions are currently being held back by the company to address lingering quality issues, the soft top models are slowly making their way into dealer lots. Along with the choice in tops, the Bronco also offers buyers either a seven-speed manual or an optional 10-speed automatic. This presented a very compelling question for us, which transmission choice is better? We were eager to find out.   Manual Equipped Bronco Does A Good Wrangler Impression While the crowded streets …

Keep reading

Car Shopping: What You Need to Know About Vehicle Depreciation

When it comes to significant purchases, apart from a home, they don’t tend to get more significant than a new vehicle. However, unlike a home, a vehicle is a depreciating asset, which means that it will lose, not gain, value over time.    That’s why, if you’re planning to buy a new vehicle any time soon, you should know a bit more about depreciation and the factors that affect it.   What is vehicle depreciation? Vehicle depreciation normally refers to the drop in value between the time that you purchase the car and the time that you come to sell …

Keep reading

Ford Bronco Riptide Concept Hits The Sand, Is All About Summertime Fun

When the Ford Bronco was revived, the Dearborn auto giant made it pretty clear that it aimed to take on the Jeep Wrangler in every possible sector of the off-road market. But while the launch has been hobbled by recent issues with the Bronco’s hardtop roof, the company is still eying a strong profit in offering custom accessories (long dominated by the fore-mentioned Wrangler.) Over 200 accessories have already been confirmed, but Ford has unveiled the all-new Bronco Riptide concept to help bring some of these options to life.   Stylish One-Off Has The Beach In Its Sights The Bronco …

Keep reading

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review by Ben Lewis

We recently tested the Lexus GX460, and found its luxury, combined with impressive off-road equipment made it one of the most capable off-road luxury SUVs. Like the Lexus, the Toyota 4Runner finds itself in a specialist segment of the SUV market. Most buyers want car-like comforts, safety equipment and thoughtful utility. But actual go-for-it, extreme all-terrain capability is low on the list of people who will challenging the mall or Home Depot. A smaller group, though, still lives for what an SUV can do, where it can take you, and how it will get you back. For that crowd, Toyota …

Keep reading

Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Teases Suspension, Claims Segment Leading Capability

The 2022 Toyota Tundra is approaching its highly anticipated global debut, which means we get to see more teasers of the Tundra. While an ill-timed dealer leak forced Toyota to reveal one lone image of the truck, the Japanese auto giant has decreed that the teaser campaign must go on, and this time around, we get to see some of the new suspension components that will make their debut on the TRD Pro version of the model.   Tundra Ditches Leaf Springs For IRS Setup At first glance, Toyota’s teaser images might not seem to reveal much other than splashes …

Keep reading

Kia Catches A Wave With Soul EV Boardmasters Edition, One-Off To Headline British Surfing Event

Remember back when dune buggies and other beach-focused rides dominated the coastlines and beaches of the world? While the 1960s may be long gone, Kia wanted to try and channel some of these vibes into a vehicle that could not only be at home on the beach but also have the ability to plug in and charge. I thas done so with the Soul Boardmasters Edition, which will help organizers of the 2021 Boardmasters surfing competition in Cornwall, England. Suspension Lift Enhances Soul Concept’s Off-Road Capability An immediate change that buyers will notice when they look at the concept is …

Keep reading

GMC Releases Early Design Sketch Of Hummer SUT, Showcases Edgier Design For Pickup

The General Motors Design Instagram page has recently become a welcoming fountain of information. This arm of GM’s broader social media empire has occasionally teased us with many very interesting sketches, typically of vehicles that are still in the distant future or relics from the past. However, GM Design decided to focus on the present and released an early design sketch of the Hummer EV pickup that never made it off the drawing board.   Edgier Design Could’ve Added More Tesla DNA To Design The sketch in question limits our view to the rear of the Hummer, but while some …

Keep reading

Morgan Unveils Plus Four CX-T Roadster, Off-Road Droptop Has The Beaten Path In Its Sights

When you first think of Morgan Motor Company, usually the words trail busting and off-roading don’t pop out rapidly in your mind. The iconic British sports car maker has always preferred to stay mainly on the pavement, with some hardcore loyalists scoffing at any notion of taking one of their hand-built creations off-road. The company is out to prove these skeptics wrong and has unveiled the 2022 Plus Four CX-T Roadster, which takes Morgan into uncharted waters.   An Off-Road Capable Morgan? It’s Not A Joke While this surprising move might seem a bit insane at first glance, observant Morgan …

Keep reading

GMC Unveils Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept, Previews Future GMC Cues

GMC’s AT4 brand has rapidly become a potent sales force for the brand over the past few years. GMC reps claim that AT4 badged models have allowed them to win over new customers, and their blend of capability and comfort has allowed them to fight toe to toe with rivals. GMC is focused on the future of AT4 as well and has unveiled a glimpse of this upcoming reality with the all-new GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept.   An Overlander Capable Of The Toughest Trail Busting The concept uses the existing Canyon AT4 as its source material, but it takes …

Keep reading

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC Review by Ben Lewis

Who doesn’t love a good comeback story? The movies are full of them – our star gets knocked down, struggles, and makes an epic comeback. Well Mitsubishi is sort of like that. For a while with vehicles like the rugged Montero SUV, the high-performance 3000 GT and Eclipse and (heavenly halo, please) Evo rally-car for the street, it was a niche player with a big following. Sort of like Subaru is now, when you think of it. Then our hero got knocked to the ground. The models in the lineup were tame, and lack of funds meant that many of …

Keep reading

Latest 2022 Toyota Tundra Teaser Focuses On TRD Pro, Shows Off Its Off-Road Gear

The 2022 Toyota Tundra has had a very bumpy road when it comes to its teaser campaign. The initial round of teasers began a few months ago, but the Japanese auto giant was forced to do damage control when leaked images of the truck emerged. This time around, Toyota did something a bit different and used the latest round of teasers it released to shine the spotlight on some of the things that help make the TRD Pro model tick.   Tundra TRD Pro Setting The Bar For Comfort? Toyota claims that the TRD Pro will set the bar for …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2021 Lexus LX 570 – Trail Slaying Veteran Can’t Shake Modern Rivals

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 certainly feels like it’s a stand-in in a Jurassic Park movie when you see it in person. Based on the recently axed Toyota Land Cruiser and created in an era where off-road prowess and four weather capability trumped any notion of fuel economy and pavement friendly handling. The LX 570 was the answer to a simple question, what would happen if you took the rough and tumble Land Cruiser and swapped out its khaki shorts and T-shirt for a formal tuxedo. But the segment has flipped in terms of what people want, and hauling the family …

Keep reading

2021 Chevy Blazer RS Review

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 …

Keep reading

2022 Jeep Compass Gains Tech And Poise In Windy City Debut

The 2022 Jeep Compass might have made its debut all the way back in 2020, but the U.S. market has an insatiable appetite for CUVs, and Jeep knows that it has to stay ahead of the game when it comes to winning over buyers in this country. As such, it has chosen to bring the updated model stateside finally, and it appears that Jeep could be onto something here.    Jeep’s Compass Points More Confidently With New Exterior Styling  Buyers looking to spot any differences in the 2022 Jeep Compass will be forgiven if they can’t really tell it apart …

Keep reading

Ram 1500 Back Country Edition Adds Black Trim And Extra Equipment To Familiar Package

Ram has repeatedly proven that it always knows how to make the best with what it has available. That’s evident in the numerous special edition models that the truck-centric brand has released in recent years. But while the recently launched G/T model is focused on bringing some street flavored performance to the truck, the all-new Back Country Edition aims to shine a spotlight on the road less traveled.   Black Accents Define Exterior And Interior Styling Like other Ram special edition models, the Back Country Edition does not deviate too much regarding exterior styling. As a result, this model will …

Keep reading

Jeep Shows Off 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe, Confirms Big Plans For The Future

Stellantis’s EV Day 2021 could perhaps go down in history as one of the biggest information dumps concerning green technology that we have seen in recent memory. Dodge and even Chrysler are getting into the EV race, and Jeep used its slice of the broader presentation to unveil not only the Grand Cherokee 4xe but also some of the bold plans and initiatives that it aims to introduce to consumers over the next few years.   Grand Cherokee 4xe Brings Electrification To Popular Family Model Before we get into some of the more ambitious plans that Jeep laid out today, we …

Keep reading

Chevrolet Teases Silverado ZR2, Promises Better Capabilities And More

The current generation Chevrolet Silverado Trailboss had alot of promise when it first appeared, with the bow-tie brand claiming that the model would be the go-to truck for buyers looking for more off-road capability. But with the Ram TRX and the Ford F-150 Raptor on the scene, the Trailboss’s ability to indeed be a boss on the road less traveled was understandably questioned by many. However, Chevrolet wants to reclaim that title and has confirmed that the ZR2 package (once a Colorado exclusive) is now coming to the bigger Silverado.   It Certainly Sounds Meaner Chevrolet’s brief teaser video followed …

Keep reading

Jeep Escalates The Tire Wars With Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package, Features 35-inch Tires

The war between the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco is heating up, especially as the Bronco finally makes its way to dealerships. The Bronco made waves with its optional Sasquatch package, which equipped the off-roader with 35-inch off-road tires as well as a slight suspension lift. Naturally, that put the Wrangler at a disadvantage with such a combination only being offered in the aftermarket. Jeep aims to fix that and has unveiled its entry in the tire wars, the Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package.   Xtreme Recon Package Targets Sasquatch With Massive Tires Look at the Xtreme Recon Package, and …

Keep reading

Ford Officially Starts Ford Bronco Production, Follows Series Of Delays

It has been a long and obstacle-filled journey for the 2021 Ford Bronco. When Ford first announced that it was reviving the off-road icon, the model was looked at by many as one of the most important launches that the Dearborn-based automaker had ever done. But the COVID-19 pandemic and some of the ripple effects it generated derailed Ford’s original timeline of production, and the Bronco remained a common sight in the hands of engineers all over the Metro Detroit area. But at long last, production has formally begun with the Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP), finally assembling Broncos for consumer …

Keep reading

Toyota Unveils 2022 Land Cruiser, Brings New Styling And Technology To Global Market

Out of all the major launches that automakers are preparing for 2021, one of the most important is undoubtedly the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser. An off-roading icon and the counterculture T-shirt wearing equivalent to the cardigan-wearing Land Rover family. The current-generation Land Cruiser has been on the scene for several years now, but it’s starting to get long in the tooth, especially in the face of tightening fuel economy regulations and evolving rivals. As a result, Toyota has unveiled the 2022 model, bringing newfound vigor and new technology to the venerable full-size trail buster.    Bigger And Better Land Cruiser …

Keep reading

Toyota Brings Fresh Updates to 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro And Trail Edition, More Capability For All

Toyota is preparing to make some big plays in the pickup segment as it seeks to steal a bigger slice of sales from the domestic big three. But while the 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup is preparing for its time in the spotlight, the Japanese auto giant has revealed some big updates for the smaller Tacoma TRD Pro and the Tacoma Trail Edition.   A Tacoma Sized Appetizer Before The Main Course The Tacoma lineup as a whole was updated not too long ago, so you might be wondering what could be new for the 2022 model year? The answer …

Keep reading

2022 Toyota 4Runner Keeps The Show Going With All New TRD Sport Trim

The Toyota 4Runner has always been a fascinating case when it comes to the world of off-road SUVs. It has aged with the grace and dignity of a typewriter (or a pioneer-era hornbook), yet it still manages to deliver the goods when it comes to sales and performance. Toyota, however, is focusing on pavement-based adventures this time around, with the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport.   A Beast Of Burden For The Road Commonly Traveled As the name implies, the TRD Sport goes in a different direction when compared to its siblings. Whereas the rest of the trim ladder (SR5 TRD …

Keep reading

2021 Infiniti QX80 Premium Select Review

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 …

Keep reading

Ford Details Pre-Wired Upfitter Switches For Bronco, Aims To Take The Hassle Out Of Customization

The 2021 Ford Bronco is shaping up to be a very potent off-road offering and could perhaps be the most serious threat that the Jeep Wrangler has faced out on the trail. Ford knows that its customers will customize their Bronco purchase at some point during the ownership experience. They might do it immediately or prefer to wait till later, but regardless of the timeline, the Bronco is always a blank canvas 24/7. That’s why Ford is preparing for the inevitable wave of modifications by shedding some new light on the pre-wired up fitter switches that will be equipped to …

Keep reading

Ford Goes To The Backwoods With 2021 Explorer Timberline

The Ford Explorer is rapidly morphing into a jack of all trades. While the Explorer has always had this trait for the duration of its life, it’s hard to argue that things really accelerated when the current generation Explorer appeared. The recently launched King Ranch model offered a very compelling luxury alternative in the lineup, but what if your a buyer that does not need all the frills and instead prefers something that can bring the fight to the Jeep Cherokee as well as the recently unveiled Outback Wilderness. Ford is keenly aware of this and has unleashed an all-new …

Keep reading

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Proves Its Chops, Crushes Crash Tests With Perfect Rating

Sibling rivalry is everywhere these days, and that includes the automotive industry. With its big brother being delayed by multiple COVID-19 related delays, the smaller Bronco Sport has risen to the occasion and has played a big role in Ford expanding its efforts to transform the Bronco nameplate into a lifestyle brand. The Bronco Sport has just begun filtering its way into dealerships. Ford is now revealing that the small SUV managed to achieve a big milestone when it comes to safety, with the off-roader getting a perfect crash-test score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS.)    An …

Keep reading

Honda’s New Trailsport Logo Revealed In Patent Filing, Suggests Off-Road Models Are Coming

While Honda‘s reputation for creating strong selling vehicles with high build quality is pretty much undisputed, the Japanese car giant has never been known for venturing too far into the off-road segment. This is partly due to the company not offering formal body-on-frame models like an SUV or pickup that could take the punishment often associated with going off the beaten path. However, a leaked patent filing suggests that Honda is eying the trail very seriously with a new Trailsport moniker and is perhaps eying the bigger sales that come with it.   What Could Trailsport Bring To Honda? Our …

Keep reading

2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Off-Road Review by Matt Barnes

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

Jeep Teases Wrangler Easter Safari Concepts, Confirms Magneto Nameplate

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 …

Keep reading

2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander Models Embrace Summer Vibes

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

Xterra

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading

2020 Ford Expedition Review by Matt Barnes

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 …

Keep reading

2021 GMC AT4 vs 2021 Chevy RST Z71

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 …

Keep reading

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 pricing breaks cover, costs more than Hellcat powered Ram TRX

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 …

Keep reading

Production Bollinger B1

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

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 …

Keep reading

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

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 …

Keep reading