Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator a Wrangler an SUV or a Pickup Truck?
It’s a pickup truck. A real pickup truck and a midsize one at that. A Jeep truck. Eagerly anticipated, the Jeep Gladiator is finally coming and its real. A real truck with 2 seats up front and 3 in the back. Not just a Jeep Wrangler with a bed attached to the back. Built on a truck frame, with the ability to tow, it’s longer and bigger than a Wrangler.
Coming to showrooms in the 2nd quarter of 2019
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in Red, Photo: Jeep
Quick Specs
3.6L V6 Engine with Start/Stop technology (3.0L EcoDiesel coming later)
Choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission
Up to 7,650 lbs towing capacity
Up to 1,600 lbs of payload capability
Crew cab
5′ steel bad
3.73 Axle ratio (Rubicon is 4.10)
Off-Road Specs
Command-Trac shift on the fly 4×4 system with a 2.72:1 crawl ratio
Dana 44 axles
Trac-Lok limited slip diff
Up to 30″ water fording
(see Rubicon specs under trim levels)
Clearances
Clearances
Sport
Overland
Rubicon
Ground Clearance
10"
10"
11.1"
Approach Angle
40.8 degrees
40.8 degrees
43.4 degrees
Breakover Angle
18.4 degrees
18.4 degrees
20.3 degrees
Departure Angle
25 degrees
25 degrees
26 degrees
Trim levels
All trim levels get a push-button start, rear under seat storage and lockable read behind seat storage. A six-way manual adjustment driver’s seat and 4-way manual adjusting passenger seat is also standard for all trims. Then there’s the removable carpets and a drain plug for a wash-out interior.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photo: Jeep
Sport
‘Sport’ trims get a class II bumper hitch with four-pin and seven-pin wiring as standard. Cloth interior, a dampened tailgate, cargo lights and roll up windows. Halogen headlamps accented by a body-colored grille and fog lamps are included. Skid plates cover the transfer case and fuel tank. Wheels are steel, painted black and wrapped in 17″All-Season 245/75 R17 BSW Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts.
Sport S
Over and above what the ‘Sport’ trim level already has, the ‘Sport S’ will get 17′ aluminum wheels, power windows, and power locking doors/tailgate. Also added is remote keyless entry, and power heated mirrors. (Available upgrade to the 7″ screen with Apple CarPlay Android Auto capability).
Overland
Includes all feature on the ‘Sport S’ but adds body-color fender flares, 18″ aluminum wheels, 7″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tinted rear and quarter windows, as well as automatic headlamps and side steps, are included. Leather seats are available as an option on the ‘Overland’.
Jeep Gladiator Overland, Photo: Jeep
Jeep Gladiator Overland, Photo: Jeep
Rubicon
Off-road
33″ off-road tires (Rubicon)
Rock-Trac NV241 OR shift on the fly transfer case, 4:1 low gear ratio and crawl ratios of 84.2:1 (manual trans Rubicon) or 77.2:1 (auto trans Rubicon).
Forward-facing camera (on Rubicon)
Tru-Lock electric front and rear axle lockers (Rubicon)
Electronic sway bar disconnect (Rubicon)
FOX monotube shocks (Rubicon)
Heavy duty off-road bumpers front and rear (Rubicon)
Top of the range and off-road ready, as well the off-road specs listed, the Rubicon also gets; heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails and rock rails for the bed corners. Two-piece high-clearance fender flares in black or optional body-color. As well as the other skid plates, the Rubicon gets an extra brush guard one on the front. 18″ Falken Wildpeak A/T tires (M/Ts are optional), and 4 tow hooks. Exclusive on the Rubicon interior is LED center console ambient lamp and Rubicon premium cloth seats. Leather seats are an option.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photos: Jeep
“There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks. Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility, and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever,” says Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand – North America.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photo: Jeep
Multimedia
All trims get at least one USB port and aux port and a 12v power outlet and 8 speakers.
Jeep Gladiator ‘Sport’ trim lines will get a 5″ touchscreen as standard with UConnect 3. A 7″ screen with UConnect 4 can be added through a package upgrade. ‘Overland’ and ‘Rubicon’ trims will get the 7″ touchscreen with Uconnect 4 as standard. An upgrade to the 8.4″ UConnect with NAV can be added with a package to ‘Overland’ and ‘Rubicon’s’. The 7″ and 8.4″ screens add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
2020 Jeep Gladiator interior, Photo: Jeep
Packages
Of course, with it a being a Jeep truck, there will be a plethora of accessories available to customize the Gladiator. Some package and Equipment groups available from the factory include;
Trailer tow package.
Premium LED lighting group.
Cold weather group.
Premium audio.
Active Safety group (Blind Spot and Cross-Path Detection, LED Taillamps, ParkSense Rear Park-Assist).
Advanced safety group (Advanced Brake Assist, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control).
Smokers group.
Aux switch group.
Cargo management with Trail Rail System.
Spray in bed liners, fender flares (standard on Overland), winch-capable steel front bumper and a forward facing trail cam are just some of the other available extras.
Roofs
There are 4 choices of roof/top configurations from the factory. Sunrider folding soft top with sunroof feature is standard. Other choices include a Black Freedom Top (3-piece hard top) and the Body-Color-3-Piece-Hard Top. Then there is the Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top. The Dual Top Group has both the black Freedom Top (hard top) and black Sunrider Top (soft top).
The RAM 1500 North Edition is a special edition package available on the all-new truck. What is so special about it? The clue is in the name. It’s meant for cold weather.
2019 RAM North Edition, Photo FCA
Available in the popular configuration of a crew cab with the 5.7 L HEMI engine. A 3.6-liter eTorque (mild hybrid) Pentastar engine is also an option though. It looks as though this package is available in any of the RAM 1500 colors currently on offer.
“The Ram 1500 North is more than a great-looking pickup, it offers cold-weather content for truck owners who require a no-compromise 4×4 as part of their daily regimen,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “A factory lift, locking rear axle and all-weather tires deliver confidence when your path is anything but clear.”
2019 RAM North Edition, Photo: FCA
What is included in the RAM North Edition package?
Based on the Big Horn trim level, the North Edition package adds;
4×4 transfer case with 4×4 Auto, 4×4 High and 4×4 Low
Body-color bumpers, grille mirrors, and door handles
4×4 Decal
And a level 2 equipment Group (A63) which has;
Heated front seats
Remote start
Heated steering wheel
Rear window defroster
Heated mirrors (power folding)
Auto temperature control (dual zone climate control)
115V aux power outlet
400w inverter
8.4″ color touchscreen with Uconnect 4 (replaces standard 5″)
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Auto dimming mirror
Class IV receiver hitch
Dampened tailgate
Parksense
Power sliding rear window
12-way power adjustable driver’s seat (4-way passenger)
Power adjustable pedals
Universal garage door opener
1 year Sirius XM satellite radio with Travel Link Weather
2019 RAM 1500 North Edition in Patriot Blue Pearl, Photo: FCA
Where do I find a RAM 1500 North Edition for sale?
These are available to dealers now. When trying to find one, they may not come in searches under ‘North Edition’ because it is a package. Look for Big Horn trim levels and read the specs to find North Edition. If you’d like more information or any assistance in finding one, contact your local RAM dealer or Fremont Motors.
Toyota Prius AWD-e Revealed at L.A. Auto Show 2018.
2019 will be the first year an all-wheel-drive equipped Prius is available. Toyota quote that their tagline, “Let’s Go Places”, can now be extended to, “Let’s go more places, in more conditions”.
2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e, Photo: Toyota
The ‘e’ in AWD-e stands for electric
All-wheel-drive systems are traditionally made up of highly technical (and often heavy mechanical components), but not the Prius AWD-e. There’s no center differential or extra driveshafts. The on-demand all-wheel-drive only kicks in only when it’s needed. Driven completely by electric motors, the one in the rear is only to provide power to the rear wheels.
Prius AWD-e models will remain on the same platform as other Prii (plural of Prius believe it or not!). Power will come from the 1.8L gasoline engine with CVT auto transmission and Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Although not officially tested by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) yet, Toyota claims great numbers. “one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive-equipped passenger cars available in the U.S.” Toyota estimates are around, 52 mpg in the city, 48 mpg on the highway and 50 mpg combined. Combined numbers show only 2 mpg less than the FWD versions of the Prius. In case you are wondering why the city number is much higher than the highway, here’s why. In the city, the hybrid system takes over for stop/starts and slow speeds, thus using more electric power and less (internal combustion) engine power.
Trim level name changes
The Prius trim levels are currently identified by numbers. For example, the entry-level model starts as a Prius One. Next trim level us is the Prius Two, then Three and Four with some ‘Eco’ and ‘Touring’ models in between. This change is n line with other Toyota vehicles. Trim levels on the 2019 Prius are; L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited.
New colors
Two new colors will accentuate the freshly designed rear and front exterior on the 2019 Prius.
Supersonic Red
Electric Storm Blue
2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e in Electric Storm Blue. Photo: Toyota
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) is standard on all 2019 Prius models. TSS-P includes features such as;
Pre-Collision system with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Automatic High Beams
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
“Because all Prius models, under certain circumstances, can operate in battery mode alone, during which they make little to no noise, they incorporate a Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) to help alert pedestrians and cyclists.”
Infotainment
Switches on the steering wheel are integrated for the Entune audio system, driver display, and Bluetooth. 6.1″ touchscreens will display the integrated back up camera, Bluetooth features, Siri Eyes Free, music streaming and phone book. For audio, the Prius will have 6 speakers, an AM/FM radio and a CD player. There is also a USB 2.0 port and aux jack for iPod connectivity. ‘Limited’ trim levels (top trim) will have an 11.6″ HD touchscreen with JBL Audio, App Suite and built-in navigation. No mention of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto yet. Read more about Toyota Service Connect.
Where can I find out more info?
Contact your preferred Toyota Dealership for more information or to order a 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e.
Toyota Corolla’s are one of the best-selling cars in the world and have been since 1974. First generation Corolla’s were born in 1966 in Japan, named the E10. They started as rear wheel drive cars. 80’s model Corolla’s such as the AE86 Levin and Sprinter Trueno are desirable in the drift racing scene even today.
In 2006, some countries saw a redesign and the name of the Corolla change to the ‘Blade’ or ‘Auris’. I was lucky enough to be a part of an Auris launch event, which included driving the car on the Ascari Race Circuit near Marbella, Spain in 2006. More of the Corolla name change history is on the Toyota UK website. Before the Auris came a limited run of supercharged Corolla’s were released. The Corolla T-Sport Compressor.
There are several other Corolla models in history having different names or sharing platforms with other vehicles. These include; the Corolla Versa is an MPV (mini-van), a Corolla Ceres (a four-door sedan), Corolla RunX, Allex, Spacio, Rumion (Scion Xs), T-18, Corolla Seca, Tercel and Matrix. Rebadged versions by GM include; the Holden NOVA (Chevrolet NOVA), Chevrolet Prizm, Pontiac Vibe, and Geo Prizm.
This is only just skimming the top of the Toyota Corolla’s history!
In the United States, the 2019 Toyota Corolla represents the 12th generation of the car.
2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Hatchback vehicles are typically found more in European markets than America. Especially when it comes to sporty hatches, also known as hot hatches. There are a few around, and now Toyota is joining in by saying goodbye to the Corolla iM and hello to the all-new design. The Corolla Hatchback.
2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Photo: Toyota
A much sportier Corolla Hatchback that gets 42 mpg
They’ve done it around the world for years, they know what they’re doing, will it work for the U.S? In 2018, Toyota released information on the coming Corolla Hatchback for 2019. It’s on a new platform, has sport-tuned suspension and is available 2 transmission options. An automatic (CVT) transmission or a 6-speed manual.
Equipped with a 2.0L engine, this small car puts out 168hp. According to the EPA, automatic versions boast an insane 42 mpg on the highway. Estimates are 32 mpg in the city and combined ratings are still up there at 36 mpg. 6-speed manual variants get an EPA estimated combined rating of 31 mpg.
This FWD car is for affordable fun.
There’s even options for a TRD (Toyota Racing Development) air intake and rear window spoiler.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
Another huge feature for Toyota, in particular, is the Corolla Hatchback is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (on all trim levels). This is huge. Toyota has been lagging behind in terms of infotainment technology with customers waiting and waiting for this.
2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Photo: Toyota
Trim levels are the SE and XSE which both have the manual or automatic transmission options. SE gets cloth seating (6-way power-adjustable for the driver) whilst the XSE gets leather-trimmed sports seats (8-way power-adjustable driver seat).
Safety
Second-generation Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard (TSS 2.0). Safety technology includes;
Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Auto transmissions cars only. Manual transmissions get Dynamic Radar Cruise Control instead).
Pre-Collision System (with Pedestrian Detection)
Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Automatic High Beams
Road Sign Assist
Hill Start Assist Control (manual and auto transmission cars)
Photos: Toyota
Corolla Hatchback prices start around $20,910 MSRP (as Toyota website) including shipping and processing and handling fees. For more information or to order a Corolla Hatchback, talk with your preferred Toyota Dealership.
“Corolla Hatchback is at the forefront of Toyota’s current interaction with automotive enthusiasts,” said Ed Laukes, Group Vice President – Toyota Division Marketing. “The all-new Hatchback is well-suited to customization and personalization, be it for appearance or performance.”
2018 SEMA Super Street Corolla. Photo: Toyota
2018 SEMA Super Street Corolla. Photo: Toyota
Modified for SEMA, this Corolla is a wish list for tuners. Treated with RS-R Coilover suspension, and Falken FK510 tires wrapped around lightweight Volk rims ensures tight handling. Boosting performance is an APEXI quad exhaust with titanium tips and an HPS intake. A big brake kit from Wilwood components aids stopping power. Corbeau bucket seats complete the interior. Exterior gets a subtle and clean aero kit.
On November 12th, 2018, KBB.com announced the winners of their ‘Best Buy Awards‘ for 2019 model year vehicles. Kelley Blue Book experts curate top new model-year vehicles for the United States market. The idea is to aid new car buyers each year with an, “…emphasis on value-per-dollar in both purchase and ownership experience”.
Karl Brauer, executive publisher for Kelley Blue Book says, “The Best Buy Awards were designed to help consumers shop with confidence by doing the heavy lifting for them and providing clear guidance on which specific car, truck, minivan, and SUV models they should be prioritizing and considering for their next new-car purchase.”
Winning the award for ‘Full-size SUV- Best Buy’ is the 2019 Ford Expedition’
2019 Ford Expedition Full Size SUV, Photo: Ford
After a long wait, the Ford Expedition was completely renewed for the 2018 model year. Some of the reasons Kelley Blue Book experts chose the new Expedition was;
Towing capacity up to 9,300 lbs
Best in class fuel economy
Up to 400 hp
Lot’s of connectivity options
Roomy interior (seats up to 7 or 8 people depending on seat configuration)
2019 Ford Expedition towing capacity
When properly equipped (with towing packages) the Expedition 4×4 with a 3.73 rear axle (15,500 lbs GCWR), the maximum loaded trailer weight is 9,200 lbs. The Expedition MAX in the same spec is 9,000 lbs. Note that other than those specific builds, most other Expeditions towing capacity is around the 6,000 lb mark. Check out specific towing capacities in the Expedition Trailer Towing Guide.
Best in class fuel economy
The Ford Expedition does indeed have the best fuel economy in its class. According to EPA estimates, fuel economy for the 2019 Ford Expedition in AWD is 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway. The combined rating is 18 mpg. This is around 1-2 mpg more (combined) than the competitors, according to fueleconomy.gov.
2019 Ford Expedition interior, Photo: Ford
Up to 400 hp
Equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (turbocharged) engine, the Expedition XLT and Limited trims have 375hp, 470lb ft torque. The top of the range Platinum trim comes with the same engine but tuned. Power output is up to 400 hp with 480 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start-Stop Technology.
Connectivity
SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto is available as standard on selected trims or as an optional extra (connectivity package). 2 smart charging USB ports and wireless charging pads, and Wi-Fi connectivity are also available.
Roomy interior
KBB says, “There’s plenty of cargo space with the third row up; use the available power-fold seats to open up space for nearly 58 cubic feet of space, or up to 105 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded”.
2019 Ford Expedition Cargo Area, Photo: Ford
For more information on the all-new Expedition, check out Ford.com or talk with your local Ford dealership and take one for a drive.
The 2019 model year Escape has some tweaks and changes from the 2018 model year. The SUV is based on the 3rd generation 2013 model year.
Quick specs
Compact SUV
Available in FWD or with Intelligent 4WD
Seats 5
3 Engine choices; 2.5 L (4 cylinder), 1.5 L EcoBoost (4 cylinder turbo), and a 2.0 L EcoBoost (4 cylinder turbo) available in the Titanium trim only.
6-Speed SelectShift automatic transmission
Trim levels; S (FWD only), SE, SEL, Titanium
Safety
NHTSA Rating 5/5
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the 2019 Ford Escape with 5/5 stars. This is the maximum possible overall safety rating a vehicle can get from the NHTSA. Breaking the rating down into more detail, the frontal crash safety rating for the driver side gets 5/5. The passenger side front gets 4/5 stars and this results in an overall front crash rating of 5/5 stars. Of the 6 side crash tests, the Escape is awarded with 5/5 stars for all of them. Rollover rating 4/5 stars (which is what most vehicles get). The NHTSA does recommend some optional safety features available on the Escape. These are; Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning.
Safety features on the 2019 Ford Escape
Standard
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, airbags, ABS, child safety rear door locks, and the LATCH system (for child car seats). Also standard is the SOS Post-Crash Alert System, torque vectoring control, brake assist, and traction control.
Optional
Ford Safe and Smart Packages which include safety features such as;
Driver-activated front rain-sensing windshield wipers
Blind-Sport Information System with Cross Traffic Alert
Sport Appearance packages, as well as trailer towing packages, are also optional.
New colors added
New colors added for the 2019 Escape are; Agate Black, Baltic Sea Green, Sedona Orange. Discontinued colors for 2019 are; Blue, Cinnamon Glaze, Shadow Black, and White Gold. Oxford White is not available on the top of the range trim, the Titanium.
Changes to the 2019 Escape?
SE and SEL trim levels will now get a push-button start with keyless entry. Sync3 infotainment standard on the SE trim.
The S trim is the entry-level model available only in FWD. Key features include the 2.5L engine with flex-fuel capability. 17″ steel wheels with Sparkle Silver-painted covers and halogen reflector headlamps. Cloth front bucket seats and SYNC infotainment is standard with a 4.2″ screen.
SE
SE trim levels are available in FWD or Intelligent 4WD and the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. This engine also has built-in auto start-stop technology. Other noteworthy standard features are the Dual-Zone climate control, 17″ aluminum wheels, fog lamps, privacy glass on the 2nd row and tailgate glass. Keyless entry, power adjustable cloth bucket seats, and SYNC3 are also included. SYNC3 has the 8″ color touchscreen with AppLink. This also includes compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This functionality effectively renders built-in navigation defunct, given you can plug in your smartphone and have it project on the touchscreen. Even apps such as WAZE are compatible.
SEL
Key features on the SEL include; a power liftgate, reverse sensing system, and LED signature lighting. 17″ aluminum wheels are standard with 18″ wheels an option. Front row heated bucket seats with 10-way power for the driver. The front passenger seat is manual with a 4-way power adjustment. SYNC3 and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are also standard. Remote start and roof rack side rails and hands-free foot-activated liftgate. are included too.
Titanium
Top of the range, the Titanium trim level has the 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged engine. 19″ Machined Aluminum Wheels with Luster Nickel-Painted Spokes And Pockets are exclusive to the Titanium. A heated steering wheel, 4 power points, and a panoramic vista roof are added as standard. Enhanced Active Park Assist with Parallel Park is also exclusive. The Titanium also has the hands-free foot-activated liftgate.
2019 Ford Escape Titanium front seats, Photo: Ford
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