SUVs

2020 Toyota Highlander improved, rivals abound

The 2020 Toyota Highlander celebrates the mid-sized crossover sport utility vehicle’s 20th birthday. The occasion also marks the family hauler’s continuing spree of prime sales years. Beginning in 2017, the Highlander has had three straight years surpassing 200,000 units sold globally. A fourth consecutive year of 200K sales will likely occur when yearly tallies are calculated in January. It won’t be surprising since the 2020 model was redesigned with worthy updates. The Highlander is now a further family favorite. A three-row crossover with seating up to eight, the 2020 Highlander is available in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. All models feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is

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2021 Nissan Rogue (Platinum): Much ado about the new

A new vehicle edition is sometimes difficult to differentiate from the previous model. Likewise, a current offering’s upgrade may be so extensive, a new generation designation seems warranted. The 2021 Nissan Rogue is a new edition of the sport utility vehicle and much is new. Nissan calls the new Rogue “completely reimagined” and all about “the modern family.” They’re marketing phrases. Translated, the debuting third generation has a healthy list of new stuff in varied areas: technology, connectivity, powertrain, rear multi-link suspension, steering, exterior and interior designs and a Platinum trim level. The manufacturer also reports the Rogue has a new attitude, a quality hopefully cited figuratively and not a reference to the vehicle being able to verbalize its feelings

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2021 Nissan Rogue SUV

PRESS RELEASE When the carmaker began designing the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the company focused on delivering functionality, flexibility, technology and safety. It’s an ideal combination of attributes for the carmaker’s best-selling segment. The recently released Rogue crossover is the first of five new or redesigned Nissan models that will enter production in the next year. It follows Altima, Versa, Sentra and TITAN, all recently redesigned. Every 2021 Nissan Rogue features a standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with Nissan’s Direct Injection Gasoline system. Horsepower is rated at 181, an increase of 11 hp. Torque is increased by 6 lb.-ft. to 181 lb.-ft. The new engine includes mirror bore coating, a variable displacement oil pump, and an integrated exhaust manifold and

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV

PRESS RELEASE The 2022 Genesis GV70 represents an athletic, versatile option in the emerging carmaker’s lineup of sport utility vehicles. It’s the carmaker’s fifth vehicle. Like all other Genesis models, the GV70 will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. “Genesis continues to build on our solid foundation with the addition of new and exciting products to our lineup,” said Mark Del Rosso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Motor North America. “We recently launched our first-ever SUV, the flagship GV80, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the next thirty days. “Now, with the upcoming release of the dynamic GV70 and a further diversified product portfolio, Genesis will be able to reach an even broader audience of American consumers.” The “G”

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 represents an athletic, versatile option in Genesis’ emerging lineup of sport utility vehicles. It’s the fifth vehicle in the Genesis lineup, joining the G70, G80, and G90 sedans and recently announced GV80 flagship SUV. Like all other Genesis models, the GV70 will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. “Genesis continues to build on our solid foundation with the addition of new and exciting products to our lineup,” said Mark Del Rosso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Motor North America. “We recently launched our first-ever SUV, the flagship GV80, with U.S. deliveries beginning in the next thirty days. Genesis GV70: SUV Versatility “Now, with the upcoming release of the dynamic GV70 and a further diversified

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, the continuation of the South-Korean manufacturer’s top-selling vehicle globally, has been announced. It will feature new exterior stylings, more passenger and cargo room and upgraded features throughout the sport utility vehicle. Available in dealerships in the spring and summer of 2021 (depending upon model) the Hyundai Tucson will be offered in an array of powertrain variants, including new hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The new 2022 Hyundai Tucson internal combustion models will be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) and Ulsan, Korea. Three new technology features highlight interior changes: *10.25-inch full-touch screen exempt of hard buttons: * Hoodless digital gauge cluster; * Multi-air ventilation and a temperature-adjusting system providing diffused airflow on the front passengers. 2022

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2020 Lexus RX 450hL: handsome, plush, pricey

With several exterior design changes including a polarizing paint color choice, the 2020 Lexus RX 450hL stands out on the omnipresent highway sea of sport utility vehicles. It’s a smooth cruiser with some drawbacks. A six or seven-passenger midsize hybrid, the RX 450hL comes with three rows of seating and all-wheel drive. It’s operated by a 3.5-liter V6 that coordinates with two front-mounted electric motor-generators. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) propels the front wheels; a third electric motor powers the rear wheels. Total horsepower is 308 and the 0-60 mph standard is accomplished in 6.8 seconds. The base 2020 Lexus RX 450hL and Luxury are the only trim levels. Standard equipment on the base model includes a power liftgate,

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2020 Honda Pilot (Black Edition) pricey SUV option

The Honda Pilot is its 19th year as the manufacturer’s biggest, most versatile and most expensive sport utility vehicle. It’s also among seven utility vehicles Honda makes. All fulfill a niche for the ever-increasing percentage of consumers buying cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. As Honda‘s only three-row SUV, the Pilot combines the brand’s reputation and reliability with keen family and cargo capabilities. With its all-wheel-drive option, the Pilot has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Available in LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite and Black Edition trims, all 2020 Pilots are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard for the LX, EX and EX-L trims; A nine-speed transmission is included in the Touring Elite

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Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco as mini-RVs

GehoCab has taken its current expertise in off-load motorhome conversion in the Volkswagen Amarok into a far larger market for RVs. The German-based company has announced it’s reconfiguring its carbon-shelled, chassis-mount campers for installation in the Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco and other popular off-road SUVs. The company’s goal is to create the lightest available off-road 4×4 campers. Gehocab makes carbon fiber modules for RVs Unlike typical bed-top and chassis-mount truck campers, GehoCab’s original Kora camper has a sleek, glossy carbon fiber construction. It has wide-stretched windows, flush integration with the base truck and color-matched paint. Now, GehoCab is designing two 4×4 motorhome modules, the compact Fiete and the larger Findus. The Fiete is compatible with the Land Rover and

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2020 Ford Expedition: bravado and big bucks

Car manufacturers are big on adjectives and embellishment. There may be no better example than the promotion of the 2020 Ford Expedition. It’s big, no doubt, and the SUV’s facts and figures tell the story. The Expedition (Max Edition) has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It can weigh as much as 5,800 pounds depending upon its configuration. When equipped with its optional towing package, the Expedition can haul 9,300 pounds, an impressive capacity. The Expedition is standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an option. Consumers who wish to transport RVs or power down the open road in swagger mode and with as many seven occupants buy the pricy hauler. It’s nearly

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#141, 2021 Ford Bronco debuts; Hagerty expert praises icon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:39 — 42.1MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreNearly a quarter-century after it was last made, the new Ford Bronco makes its debut today (July 13) with as much anticipation as any new vehicle in recent memory. Often cited as the first Sport Utility Vehicle, the Bronco has a loyal following and its new edition is likely to continue the iconic vehicle’s increasing legacy. Brian Rabold, vice president of valuation services for Hagerty, is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast to discuss all things Ford Bronco. Ford Bronco: Its legacy contines Hagerty, the Michigan-based automotive lifestyle company, provides specialty insurance for collectible vehicles. The Bronco, in its various

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Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 rocks, but worth 150K?

German automakers have among the industry’s most loyal customers. In J.D. Power’s initial loyalty survey last year, Lexus led return customer ratings among luxury brands with 47.6 percent. Mercedes-Benz was second (44.2 percent), followed by BMW (43.6), Porsche (43.5) and Audi (43.3). What the prominent California data intelligence company can’t and shouldn’t be expected to determine is if automotive loyalty has a financial ceiling. When a customer decides to their sell their Mercedes-Benz, will they still purchase a new model regardless of price? A key example is the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. It’s the high-performance, customized version of the Mercedes-Benz GLS series. Its new name debuted in 2017. The base price is about $10,000 more than the now five-year-old model

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2020 Lexus LX 570: pricey rugged luxury

A luxury sport utility vehicle with strong attributes for off-road use is a niche offering in the vastly varied automotive marketplace. It’s a head-shaking quality of the 2020 Lexus LX 570. The wisdom of excursions on rugged terrain in a top-line luxury vehicle may be questionable. But as one friend who’s refreshingly dispassionate about automobiles often says: “If no one bought ’em, they wouldn’t make ’em.” Key Takeaways 5.7-liter V8 produces 383 hp with 7,000-pound tow rating: The only powertrain pairs an eight-speed automatic with standard four-wheel drive in a body-on-frame platform weighing roughly 6,000 pounds. Two-row or three-row configuration the only major choice: Buyers pick five-passenger or eight-passenger layouts; Lexus delivers 10 airbags and comprehensive driver assistance regardless of

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2020 Nissan Pathfinder: Keep Trying

There’s nothing overtly wrong with the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. But competition is intense in the sport utility vehicle marketplace. And the SUV, now in its 34th year, needs a complete overall. Its current generation started in 2013 and competition has improved since the SUV debuted in 1986. Its peak sales year in the United States was 88,632 in 2013, with fluctuating sales since. About 65,000 Pathfinders were sold in the U.S. last year. The Ford Explorer is a longstanding rival and newcomers like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas have designed with modern buyers in mind. The 2019 Pathfinder had numerous updates, but the SUV remains largely unchanged for 2020. Nissan Pathfinder: Tech lacking The native infotainment system feels old.

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PRESS RELEASE: 2020 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder continues as an exceptional way for families to turn up the adventure, around town or off-road. It has a unique combination of rugged design, powerful performance and seven-passenger comfort and utility. Adding to Pathfinder’s long list of standard and available innovative features and advanced technologies is the special Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition, available on SV and SL grades, in 2WD and 4WD configurations. The special value option package offers unique exterior and interior treatments that emphasize the rugged Nissan Pathfinder heritage. Two additional Rock Creek equipment packages and a choice of seven available exterior colors allow buyers to customize their Pathfinder to their precise tastes. The Rock Creek Edition name was chosen to connect the vehicle

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2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid: bright future now

No one ever calls the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid a Comfortable Runabout Vehicle or a Compact Recreational Vehicle. But like other vehicles known by acronyms, the CR-V is Honda‘s mid-range and most popular sport utility vehicle. It’s quickly likely to become further favored. The SUV segment, according to industry analysts, is expected to approach half of all new vehicles in the United States this year. Which makes it surprising one option hadn’t been previously offered. The Honda CR-V Hybrid, with documented histories to two original given names, debuts this year in a hybrid trim. The Honda CR-V Hybrid has increased in popularity for 11 straight years beginning in 2009 when slightly more than 191,000 sold. Yearly sales more than doubled

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