Car Blog Writers

2020 Toyota Highlander: First Look

By Leave a Comment

Toyota has plenty to offer SUV-happy consumers with their upcoming lineup. The 2020 Toyota Highlander recently debuted during the New York Auto Show and was quite impressive. This three-row SUV arrives this winter, starting with the gas model. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.

2020 Toyota Highlander
Toyota

First Look at 2020 Toyota Highlander

The original Highlander dates back to 2001. It featured a unibody structure while most other SUVs were based on trucks. Over time, other automakers started using the same four-wheel independent suspension modeled by the Highlander. Since 2016, this SUV has been one of the bestsellers in America.

The 2020 model is part of the fourth generation. It features the Toyota New Global Architecture, otherwise referred to as TNGA-K. This foundation offers greater safety, comfort and capability.

It also comes with a choice between a V6 or hybrid powertrain. The gas has an estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined while the hybrid offers 34 mpg combined.

In addition, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard equipment on all models. This includes a pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, road sign assist and lane tracing assist.

2020 Toyota Highlander Interior
Toyota

2020 Toyota Highlander Configurations

There are five trim levels for the Highlander: L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. Customers can choose the hybrid powertrain with everything except the L. All models offer some innovative technology and intuitive features for the entire family. There is the optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL Premium Sound System and other surprises that set this SUV apart from the rest.

All models are 2.36 inches longer than earlier models. This adds more cargo space than before. It’s also possible to slide the second row an additional 1.2-inches to increase the space between the second and third rows for larger passengers.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

This hybrid SUV features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. This vehicle produces 240 horsepower with 34 mpg combined gas mileage. It can also be purchased as a 2WD or with AWD. The battery pack is found under the rear seats. This maximizes passenger and cargo space.

While it comes with the standard NORMAL, ECO and SPORT modes, there is also an EVO model that allows drivers to choose electric-only power for shorter distances at low speeds.

Other New Toyota Models

There’s a lot to love about the 2020 Toyota lineup. We’ve recently taken a first look at the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Supra as well. Check them out to figure out what model is ideal for you.

2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer: First Look

By Leave a Comment

We knew that GM planned to bring back the Trailblazer, but didn’t have any confirmed details, until now. During the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show, we finally got to meet the 2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer, with Redline trimmings.

2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Motor Authority

2020 Chevrolet Trailblazer

At first glance, you might agree that this Trailblazer is just a miniature version of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. We agree with you on that. Still, the Chevy crossover features a character that’s all it’s own. The single, bold body line portrays strength and durability.

You might notice the front end with its long hood. There’s also a thin set of LED daytime running lamps in the front. If you think that the red on the fascia are tow hooks, you would be wrong. Instead, it is a red accent stripe. This Chevy SUV comes with 17-inch black wheels and Redline hash marks.

This model will be sold across the world. We expect it to replace the Chevrolet Trax. We don’t have a lot of details about it right now but expect that there will be more news coming soon.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD
Chevrolet

2020 Chevy Lineup

As we get closer to mid-year, we are getting many more reports of the 2020 lineup. In fact, we’ve already reported on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD. We expect that automakers will continue to focus on their truck and SUV lineup. Chevy will be no different. We see very few sedans and coupes coming from the car companies as of now, even though there was a significant focus on them during the motor show.

We’ve also seen some companies get involved in SUVs that we wouldn’t have expected. Consider the possible Bugatti SUV we told you about. We might even get to see a three-row Jeep in the future. The reality is, between electric vehicles and the shift away from cars, consumers should prepare for many new models to come soon.

2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e Rated at 50 mpg

By Leave a Comment

Ask anyone about hybrid vehicles and they’ll likely tell you about the Toyota Prius. Even though it wasn’t the first sold in the United States, it is one of the more recognized. In fact, over four million have been sold across the world. So, why did it take more than 20 years for Toyota to create an AWD Prius? Take a look at the 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e.

Toyota

2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e

The FWD lineup of Prius vehicles is fuel efficient and has a purpose, but it’s not that exciting to drive. What’s surprising is that the 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e offers a little fun for drivers. This year, the Prius only received a mild refresh so you can expect all of the same technology, including the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

The AWD-e also gets a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two motor/generators. This pairs with a continuously variable transmission. All in all, you can expect it to produce 121 horsepower plus 105 lb-ft of torque.

The most significant difference between the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models is the battery pack. On a standard Prius, you will find a lithium-ion battery while the AWD-e offers a compact Ni-MH that works well in cold weather. In case you didn’t figure it out yet, the “e” simply means electric. While this term isn’t highly imaginative, it does specifically refer to the independent rear motor. It’s used to get the car to six mph and then works intermittently up to 43 mph.

This on-demand system activates when the vehicle notices a change in driving conditions. There are also no magnets in the rear motor which allows for even more fuel efficiency.

Toyota estimates that the Prius will achieve 52/48/50 mpg. That’s not too much different from the 54/50/52 on the front-wheel-drive models. Obviously, if you want to save more fuel, you’ll prefer the Eco trim over any of them. It is rated at 58/53/56 mpg.

AWD-e For You?

The 2019 Prius comes in several trims and starts at $24,670. If you want to get behind the wheel of a Prius LE AWD-e, expect the starting price to be $27,300. While this makes a great addition to the 2019 Toyota lineup, we can’t help but wonder if one of the cheapest electric vehicles wouldn’t suit you better?

2019 Honda Pilot Family SUV: First Look

By Leave a Comment

Families hoping to find the best three-row SUV are inevitably going to be looking at the 2019 Honda Pilot. It has the space families need, all-weather capabilities, flexibility plus plenty of cargo space. The 2019 Pilot received a few new tweaks, but they only made it an even better eight-passenger SUV. It’s also earned a Top Safety+ Pick from the IHHS.

2019 Honda Pilot
Honda

What’s New in the 2019 Honda Pilot?

For the 2019 model year, the Honda Pilot received some minor styling updates and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Also, the Honda Sensing suite is now standard in every trim.

Personally, we are fond of the 2019 Honda Pilot Elite which is their top trim. It costs $48,020 but comes loaded with remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, eight-inch touchscreen, second-row captain’s chairs, Android Auto plus Apple CarPlay.

The Elite also comes with a ten-speaker premium sound system, Wi-Fi hotspot, terrain management system, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor and parking sensors. Additional options include the power liftgate, rear-seat windows sunshades, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery plus second-row USB charging ports. You could also get 20-inch wheels, automatic wipers, panoramic sunroof and roof rails.

If all of these features are worth it to you, then it’s a great buy. Otherwise, it’s a huge price difference from the LX which starts at just $31,450.

Engine and Specs

All 2019 Honda Pilot SUVs come with a 3.5-liter V6 which produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This pairs perfectly with a nine-speed automatic transmission. If you do decide to go with the Elite trim, you’ll also receive all-wheel drive standard.

The 2019 Honda Pilot comes in at the top of its class for fuel economy. It also feels extremely confident on the road. It’s even equipped for some light towing and milder off-road trails for families looking to have an adventure.

Of course, you can’t expect the Pilot to be a sports car. With that said, it does feel more nimble than many other SUVs. We first saw the new Pilot at the 2018 Orange County Auto Show and have kept it in our sights ever since.

Ram Power Wagon Mojave Sand First Look

By Leave a Comment

Ram has a new color theme available, and we’ve got your first look. We’ve seen this before on the 2017 Ram Rebel which debuted during the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Now, we anticipate the arrival of the Ram Power Wagon Mojave Sand which puts these colors on the Heavy Duty truck for the first time. Unfortunately, there’s only going to be 1,500 of this Mojave Sand limited edition produced for the 2018 Power Wagon, so there’s not a large supply available.

Ram Power Wagon Mojave Sand
Ramtrucks

2018 Ram Power Wagon Mojave Sand

This limited edition beauty uses contrasting black graphics and details which provide a desert appeal to the truck. Because the truck loudly announces POWER WAGON on the end of its bed, you won’t need to worry about onlookers confusing it with the Ram Rebel featuring the same color. It also rides higher than the Rebel does, giving it a more authoritative look.

The Ram Power Wagon Mojave Sand now comes with 33-inch Goodyear tires set on brand-new black wheels. On top of that, the inside is completely black and filled with the features from the Heavy Duty Luxury Group. This gives drivers access to an overhead console and LED bed lights as well as many other high-class amenities.

Blown Away by the Power

Don’t just look at the magnificence of this truck – it’s a beast! Below the stylish exterior, it’s a 2500 HD 4×4 Crew Cab powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that provides 410 horsepower.

The suspension kit lifts the truck two inches, offering 14.3 inches of total ground clearance. There’s also an electrically disconnecting front sway bar. In addition, it comes with locking diffs in the rear and front plus a hefty 12,000 lb winch. This should suffice if you decide to drive in the Mojave Desert or beyond.

We anticipate the arrival of the 2018 Ram Power Wagon Mojave Sand limited edition in the final quarter of the year. This package does add almost $800 to the price, meaning you’re looking at over $55,000 as a starting price.

%d bloggers like this: