Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Chicago Auto Show

10 Things We Like About the 2020 Subaru Legacy

by 5 Comments

Introducing the 2020 Subaru Legacy.

2020 Subaru Legacy
The all-new Subaru Legacy kicks off this sedan’s seventh generation.

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, then more than likely you’re looking at a crossover, not a sedan. If you’re a Subaru fan, that means you’re probably considering a model such as the Outback, one of four utility vehicle models offered.

But if you’re looking for value in a family vehicle, the Subaru Legacy shouldn’t be overlooked. It is a midsize sedan with room for five and has several advantages that make it a compelling purchase for new-vehicle shoppers.

Here are the 10 things we like about the 2020 Subaru Legacy:

1. All-wheel drive, all the time.

Subaru equips the Legacy with standard all-wheel drive, the only model in this segment that doesn’t charge extra for it. Further, only the Nissan Altima and the soon-to-be-retired Ford Fusion offer all-wheel drive. No other competitors have it. Not the Toyota Camry nor the Hyundai Sonata.

2. Your choice of two flathead engines.

Subaru offers two engine choices, but the previously available six-cylinder is gone. The standard engine displaces 2.5 liters and makes a laudable 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque Both engines have horizontally opposed cylinders and sit lower in the engine bay for optimized weight distribution.

3. An efficient transmission is available.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but most models come with a continuously variable transmission. The Legacy’s 35 mpg highway rating is strong; you’ll get about 30 mpg overall. That’s impressive with the added weight of all-wheel drive.

4. You’ll enjoy a large car’s interior room.

We’ve seen midsize cars morph from generation to generation and the Subaru Legacy is no exception. The current model is nearly the same size as before, but that’s a good thing as the cabin is large enough to hold five adults. As for the trunk, it supplies 15.1 cubic feet of storage space.

5. A new generation debuts.

The 2020 Legacy launches this sedan’s seventh generation. Fittingly, the new model was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, almost exactly 30 years after the original was introduced. Auto Trends was on hand to report the debut.

6. It rides on a new platform.

Despite its size similarity to the outgoing model, the new Legacy rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which is slated to underpin everything this manufacturer makes. The architecture is more rigid and therefore quieter. It also supplies improved driving dynamics.

7. Check out that big screen.

Most Legacy models have an 11.6-inch display screen, which is nothing less than huge. Its bundled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and includes Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, and an app suite.

8. Navigation supplied by TomTom.

Subaru remains one of the few manufacturers committed to TomTom navigation. Its the system of choice in trims where navigation is offered.

9. Give us some EyeSight.

Bundled under the EyeSight umbrella are several standard driver-assist features. This year, Subaru offers adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking and throttle management, and vehicle lane departure and sway warning. A head-up display is also standard and lists various EyeSight details.

10. It comes well equipped for under $30,000.

Prices continue to rise across the industry. For 2020, the Legacy is priced just $200 more than the model it replaces. Choose the Limited (one of six trims) and you’ll pay about $30,000 for a well-equipped model that brings in LED steering responsive headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, 18-inch machine finish alloy wheels, leather-wrapped seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert.

2020 Subaru Legacy Parting Thoughts

By no means is the Subaru Legacy a best seller in its class. The previously mentioned models from Toyota and Nissan as well as the Honda Accord, Kia Optima, and the Chevrolet Malibu outsell it. But the Legacy is the newest model among them and its safety attributes and price give it a leg up in a shrinking segment. You may be considering a crossover, but the Legacy shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if all-wheel drive is one of your requirements.

2020 Subaru Legacy Specifications

Subaru 2020 Legacy
Segment Midsize sedan
Price Range $22,745 to $35,895
Destination Charge $900
Engine No. 1 2.5-liter, inline-four
Horsepower 182 @ 5,800 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 176 @ 4,400 RPMs
Transmission 6- speed manual
Engine No. 2 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline-four
Horsepower 260 @ 5,600 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 277 @ 2,000- 4,800 RPMs
Transmission CVT
Seating 5
Curb Weight (pounds) 3,499 to 3,790
Wheelbase (inches) 108.3
Length (inches) 190.6
Width (inches) 72.4
Height (inches) 59.1
Headroom (f,r…inches) 39.4, 37.2
Legroom (f,r…inches) 42.8, 39.5
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 58.1, 57.4
Hip room (f,r…inches) 55.5, 54.8
Storage (cubic feet) 15.1
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) 1,016 to 1,131
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 18.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 27/35/30 (2.5L); 24/32/27 (2.4L)
Manufacturing Plant Lafayette, Indiana

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — What’s Next for the Subaru BRZ?

Photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

All-New 2020 Subaru Legacy Steps Up

by

Three decades after rolling out the first Legacy, an all-new model launches this midsize sedan’s fourth decade. This month, the 2020 Legacy rolled out at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, which is just 125 miles from where it will be built at a Lafayette, Indiana, manufacturing plant.

2020 Subaru Legacy
The 2020 Subaru Legacy makes its Chicago Auto Show debut.

Generation Seven: 2020 Subaru Legacy

The seventh-generation Legacy’s introduction comes as the market for midsize sedans continues to shrink. In fact, a number of competitors have left or are leaving the segment, including the Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Mitsubishi Galant, and soon the Ford Fusion. Consumers want crossovers, models already popular with Subaru. That said, this maker of mostly all-wheel-drive vehicles still sees life in the segment.

Besides fewer competitors going forward, what is also helping Subaru is sharing its vehicle architecture across more model lines. Indeed, the 2020 Legacy rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which in 70-percent stiffer torsional and front-suspension rigidity as well as 100-percent stiffer lateral flexural and rear subframe rigidity. Further, Subaru increased structural adhesiveness nearly four-fold. In all, the new model demonstrates gains that will improve crashworthiness, offer improved handling, and deliver a smoother and quieter ride.

Here are the highlights of the 2020 Legacy:

1. Six trims for the choosing. You’ll find Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT trims when the 2020 Legacy rolls out this fall. Every model features standard all-wheel drive, the only model in this segment that can make this claim. In fact, all-wheel drive is available on only two other models: the Ford Fusion Sport and the Nissan Altima.

2020 Subaru Legacy

2. Two engine choices, including a turbo. Returning for 2020 is a 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine. It has been upgraded to produce 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, numbers which should be adequate for most drivers. But most drivers aren’t the ones drawn to the previously available V6, which has been discontinued. In its place is a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine with an output of 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers beat the V6’s 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Both of the 2020 engines work with a continuously variable transmission.

3. Improved tech features. What’s a new model without improved tech features? The Subaru Legacy delivers with its new 11.6-inch display screen, a tablet-like device that is sure to please. Subaru integrates its communication system with Starlink technology, which supplies Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone compatibility on its screen. That screen also controls other functions, include climate and audio. Navigation is also available and is powered by TomTom. Wi-Fi connectivity is another available feature.

4. More premium touches. The auto show display model revealed just how upscale a Legacy can be. It is as if Subaru raised the look to offer a bridge between luxury and mainstream, a trend we’ve seen in models such as the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. For instance, the Touring trim is outfitted with genuine Nappa leather, which delivers a luxurious look and the comfort to go with it. The interior roof pillars are wrapped in high-gloss black molding and chrome plating dresses the door handles. The Sport edition has aluminum pedals and red stitching on the instrument panel. Other changes include three levels of heating for the available heated front seats.

2020 Subaru Legacy

5. Safety enhancements galore. You’d expect Subaru to defend its top-tier safety rating when designing a new Legacy. The new model does just that. New this year is a Front View Monitor, which captures images within the driver’s blind spot and displays a 180-degree view on the color display. This is helpful for pedestrian detection and parking. Other driver-assist features include LED steering responsive headlamps on the Limited and Touring trims, reverse automatic braking, and blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

More Details to Follow

There are a few things about the 2020 Legacy that aren’t yet known. It appears slightly larger than the outgoing model, but we weren’t supplied with model specifications, including wheelbase and overall length. It does, however, sit slightly lower to the ground and that’s no small feat for an all-wheel-drive sedan.

Pricing won’t be announced until nearer this vehicle’s release date. We could see a slight boost in cost for the base model, with larger increases at the top of the model range.

2020 Subaru Legacy

Ram Chassis Cab is Here and Brings With it Class-Leading Numbers

by

2019 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab Limited.
2019 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab Limited.

Ram pickup trucks are tearing up the market, thanks in part to an all-new model that’s “bringing it” to the segment. That model is none other than the Ram 1500, which is the brand’s standard full-size truck.

But the 1500 is also joined by a pair of heavy-duty models, the 2500 and 3500. These two vehicles help Ram claim the highest performance, payload and towing numbers in the business.

Ahead of the Chicago Auto Show this week, we began to hear rumblings of something new from Ram. One rumor was quickly confirmed — an available 60/40 split tailgate, giving Ram a viable option to GMC’s “trick” gate.

All-New Ram Chassis Cab

Fortunately, Ram isn’t stopping there. Fiat Chrysler’s truck brand announced that it is releasing all-new chassis cab models. These updated trucks (3500, 4500, and 5500) come with a Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine with an output of 360 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can also select a 6.4-liter gasoline V8 engine. Both engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Yes, these diesel performance numbers are lower than what the standard Ram 3500 delivers, but that’s okay — the real proof of what the new chassis cab does is in another set of numbers.

And those numbers put Ram Commercial at the top of the segment as this pickup truck has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 43,000 pounds. Moreover, the new Ram supplies 35,200 pounds of towing and a payload capacity of 12,510 pounds. Thus, Ram can claim top numbers ahead of its competitors: Ford and Chevrolet/GMC.

2019 Ram Chassis Cab

Upfit and Outfit

At the press conference announcing the new models, a Ram spokesman noted the new trucks may be outfitted to serve in a variety of ways. As such, Ram displayed models that included a bucket truck, a crew cab with a horse trailer, and other work vehicles. The spokesman also suggested the chassis cab could be converted into an ambulance and that’s something we don’t usually see from Ram.

The new chassis cab is stronger and lighter than before thanks to the truck maker utilizing 97-percent high-strength steel frames. Thus, torsional rigidity is up, while weight is down — by approximately 120 pounds.

Tech and Style Highlights

Ram equips the chassis cab with UConnect 4C with a 12-inch display. The package includes the latest audio entertainment with SiriusXM with 360L. Other updates include a “reimagined” center console with a functional workspace featuring more than a dozen different storage layouts. It also has a wider docking area for optional wireless charging and has three USB ports (with two more in the rear).

A pair of available 115-volt three-prong plugs is designed to handle up to 400 watts for charging electronic devices or power tools. Moreover, folding up the rear bench seat reveals an additional contained storage space with under-seat compartments.

Four different grille styles accompany the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab, with not a crosshairs look to be found. The new bumper has larger openings, which supply greater airflow to the turbo intercooler. Ram also integrated proximity sensors to make them less obvious. You’ll find three headlamp variations, including an adaptive front lighting system. Finally, a new shark antenna handles radio, Wi-Fi, navigation and SiriusXM 360L.

Ram Commercial Truck

The Hit Parade

Ram continues to chalk up big gains and that’s a reflection of an automaker anticipating customer needs. Despite all the superlatives gushed at the news conference (e.g., massive, big, best-in-class, powerful) Ram appears to put up with those claims. That’s another salvo fired across the bow of both Ford and GM.

Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Live! From the 2019 Chicago Auto Show!

by

Chicago new car reveals and concepts from McCormick Place.

Slingshot
Yours truly moments before he took this three-wheeled “Slingshot” for a spin around the garage.

The Chicago Auto Show is back and it is greater than ever! Pardon the hyperbole as my analysis is based on three consecutive annual visits to what’s arguably the largest show of its kind, at least by attendance.

What Chicago has often lacked is new product reveals outside of the special edition models manufacturers routinely showcase at the McCormick Place convention center. But this year there are several new models set to debut, including the 2020 Subaru Legacy. The pickup truck makers are here as well, with Ford set to supply full details of its refreshed 2020 Super Duty line, which includes an all-new engine.

Chicago Auto Show Concept & Technology Garage

Auto Trends will update this page several times over the next three days as new information is released. To kick things off, we started our time in Chicago with a visit to the Concept & Technology Garage, where manufacturers display dozens of vehicles for journalist review. The garage is open for two hours, supplying ample time to sample and drive what’s available.

Lexus LC Convertible Concept

Lexus LC Convertible Concept
Luscious, sporty and luxurious: Lexus LC Convertible Concept.

Lexus’ crowing achievement is the LC convertible, although you can make an argument for the LS sedan. Then there is this matter of the exotic LFA sports car we saw a few years ago.

The Lexus LC is a six-figure sports car and a delicious testament to the marque’s design acumen. We previewed both the conventional and hybrid versions in Hawaii two years ago, then followed up with a week-long visit.

What struck us about the LC is that it has the canvas for a beautiful convertible. True to form, Lexus’ designers were given permission to develop such a model and it is now in concept form. We’re thinking this model will see the light of day. In very small numbers and at a price premium beyond what us mere mortals can afford.

Lexus LC Convertible Concept

Lexus LC Convertible Concept

Lexus LC Convertible Concept

2019 Ford Ranger

Slingshot
The Ford Ranger returns and this time it offers one powertrain combination. Will that be enough?

We’re waiting for a Ford Ranger to arrive for a week’s review. In the meantime, the Chicago Auto Show offers a nice venue for showcasing Ford’s all-new midsize truck.

Just introduced, Ford is already adding another shift to handle demand. The competition is certainly stiff, but the Ranger is a formidable entry in its own right. Powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ranger has the performance numbers to keep up with the top sellers.

No, there was no Ranger Raptor concept in sight. We think one will eventually be built, especially as that performance trim is available overseas.

2019 Ford Ranger

2019 Ford Ranger

Kia Telluride Concept

Kia Telluride
A Kia Telluride like none other.

If you’re not familiar with the Kia Telluride yet, you will soon become acquainted with this vehicle. The 2020 Telluride slots in as Kia’s largest vehicle when it goes on sale this summer. It seats eight passengers and is slightly larger than the Sorento.

The Telluride will also feature a number of premium features, including elegant LED tail lamps borrowed from the range-topping K900 sedan. You’ll also find four-wheel independent suspension, an available self-leveling rear suspension, available double-stitched Nappa leather, and an oversized display screen.

What you won’t find, at least not initially is anything remotely like a Telluride concept vehicle on display at the Chicago Auto Show. This vehicle seats just four — it has a 2+2 layout (third row removed) and offers a sport suspension, off-road tires, a performance exhaust system and a snorkel pipe so it doesn’t choke on dirt.

We have no idea how this concept performs off-road, but we like to think it is much more than a gentle pebble pusher. It has the look of a more capable off-roader and combines that with a rooting tooting exhaust system.

Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride

2020 Subaru Legacy

2020 Subaru Legacy
The all-new Subaru Legacy rolls out this fall.

Some manufacturers may be quitting the midsize sedan market, but Subaru is staying put.

In fact, this Japanese automaker with its U.S. headquarters located in Camden, NJ and with a manufacturing plant in Indiana, has a new Legacy coming to the market. The 2020 Legacy arrives this fall and it will feature many changes to its design, technologies, powertrain choices and more.

Most models come with a 2.5-liter BOXER engine with 182 horsepower. Also available is a turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine making 260 horsepower. It replaces the previous V6 engine. Both engines work with a continuously variable transmission.

Other changes include a tablet-style 11.2-inch multimedia screen, available NAPPA leather, a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation system, and more trunk room.

2020 Subaru Legacy

2020 Subaru Legacy

2020 Subaru Legacy

Live! From the 2018 Chicago Auto Show!

by 2 Comments

Revised Feb. 8, 2018, to reflect expanded auto show news.

Chicago new car reveals and concepts from McCormick Place.

2018 Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 10-19, 2018.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show kicks off this week and yours truly will be in attendance for the media days scheduled for Thursday and Friday. The public days begin Saturday, Feb. 10 and extend through Monday, Feb. 19. If you’re in the Chicagoland area, plan a visit to the McCormick Place to take in upwards of 1,000 new vehicles, concepts and displays.

The Big Show

The Chicago show doesn’t have the number of new reveals as do Los Angeles, Detroit, and New York, but it does make up for it by offering the largest display space and most visitors of any show. The original show launched in 1901 and continues at the location it has used for more than a half-century. Indeed, the McCormick Place is the show’s venue, benefitting from numerous updates down through the years and boasts sufficient space to carry off a show of this magnitude.

I’ll be representing Auto Trends Magazine directly at this show and will share much of what I discover through my social media interactions as well as in articles published here and elsewhere. Feel free to follow my Twitter (@theautowriter), Facebook (RealAutoTrends) and Instagram (RealAutoTrends) accounts to track my many updates. I’ll be using the #CAS18 hashtag most of the time during the three days I’m in Chicago, along with various manufacturer tags.

The Hit Parade

Among the models on display in McCormick Place are the following:

2019 Ram 1500
The 2019 Ram 1500 Limited is top-end of a seven trim product lineup. This model sits on the longest of the 1500’s three wheelbases and has a 6-foot, 4-inch bed.
2019 Volkswagen Arteon
This Volkswagen Arteon succeeds the CC, a coupe-like four-door model. The Arteon, already on sale in Europe, will make its official North America debut at the Chicago Auto Show. We’ll have more details following the press conference.
Toyota FT-4X concept
This FT-4X concept may point to a feature styling direction for Toyota. The FT-4X stands for Future Toyota Four-Wheel Drive, suggesting a new type of vehicle for the brand.
Kia Stinger Federation Concept
The Kia Stinger flies in the face of convention for two reasons: 1), it is a sedan in a utility vehicle market and 2), it a premium model served up by mainstream Kia. This orange fastback is the Federation Concept, which comes outfitted with special aftermarket parts, including TSW wheels, a K&N cold-air intake and a low-restriction quad-tipped Borla exhaust.
2018 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Juke is on its way out, soon to be replaced by this 2018 Kicks. The new model doesn’t have the polarizing design of the outgoing Juke, but it does advance a styling edge all of its own. Arrives in Nissan showrooms this June.
2019 Mercedes-Benz E53 Cabriolet
This 2019 Mercedes-Benz E53 Cabriolet should have you thinking about warmer days as it rolls into McCormick Place. This all-wheel drive beauty comes with a 3.0L 6-cylinder in-line engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor paired with a 9-speed transmission. With an output of 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, this top-down luxury delight has a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
On sale in Europe since last November, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio arrives this spring in the US. This model has a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine making 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds is the estimate.

Toyota Introduces 2019 TRD Pro Line

Off-road fans know that Toyota is a significant player in the segment, delivering three models for your selection. The 4Runner SUV, Tacoma midsize pickup truck and the Tundra full-size pickup truck are the trio of Toyota models comprising the brand’s off-road capabilities.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Toyota unveiled three TRD Pro versions off its powerful threesome, offering important changes, including Fox 2.5-inch Internal Bypass Shocks across the TRD Pro line. Further, the Tacoma TRD Pro now offers an available TRD desert air intake while the 4Runner TRD Pro earns a TRD roof rack. As for the Tundra, Toyota fits this model with available Rigid fog lights and BBS wheels.

Customers have a choice of three exterior color schemes for the trio: Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Voodoo Blue, the latter exclusive to the TRD and a color once popularized with the now retired Toyota FJ Cruiser.

2019 Toyota TRD Group
Toyota updates its TRD Pro group for 2019. Check out the cool desert air intake on the Tacoma!

Ford Rolls Out New Transit Connect Wagon

The Ford Motor Company introduced a new vehicle today. Instead of targeting young buyers as they usually do, the automaker chose to go after Baby Boomers with its new 2019 Ford Transit Connect wagon. The Transit Connect comes in smaller than today’s minivans, but it does offer room for seven. The idea here is for owners to carry their grandchildren, pets and maybe make some room for their geriatric equipment (kidding. not kidding).

Ford asked Chicago native Jim Belushi to introduce its new wagon. Belushi sang, “My Sweet Chicago,” before Mark LaNeve — vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service — took over.

Key among the may changes for the 2019 Ford Transit Connect is a newly available 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Ford expects this new powertrain combination to deliver at least 30 mpg highway. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter gas user, paired with the same transmission.

2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon
The 2019 Ford Transit Connect wagon offers two powertrain choices, including an all-new 1.5-liter turbo-diesel inline-four.

Chicago Auto Show Concept & Technology Garage

Each of the models mentioned here are showcased in the McCormick Place’s Concept & Technology Garage. Journalists are supplied with a two-hour preview window to view each vehicle, take photos and video, and interview OEM representatives. It is an invaluable opportunity, therefore yours truly will take every advantage while there.

See Also — Live! From the 2017 Chicago Auto Show!

Photos courtesy the respective OEM. All rights reserved.

Live! From the 2017 Chicago Auto Show!

by 3 Comments

***Final Edition***

2017 Chicago Auto Show
The 2017 Chicago Auto Show opens this Sat. at McCormick Place.
(Photo copyright Chicago Auto Show)

The third of four major North American auto shows gets underway this week when the Chicago Auto Show opens to the general public. Running from Feb. 11-20, this year’s show will once again be held at McCormick Place on South Lake Shore Drive. And this year I’ll be in attendance for the first time, bringing updates as they happen.

The media preview days are on Thursday and Friday, with 15 automakers making presentations. There will also be a few events on Wednesday, including the Concept & Technology Garage, providing what the organizers say will be a “deeper dive” into all things concept cars, safety technologies, and automotive telematics. Immediately following that event will be the first previews of the auto show as sponsored by Nissan.

But as is common to auto shows in the 21st century, the first previews have already happened.

2018 Ford Expedition
The 2018 Ford Expedition will offer excellent pulling power.

2018 Ford Expedition Breaks Cover

Indeed, Ford rolled out an all-new Expedition SUV at an event in Dallas, timed to coincide with the Chicago Auto Show. The eight-passenger Ford Expedition is four inches longer than the current model, but comes in approximately 300 pounds lighter. An aluminum-intensive body is responsible for some of that lightweighting in a vehicle built on top of a high-strength steel frame.

The large SUV market is growing and is dominated by a pair of GM twins: the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and the GMC Tahoe and Tahoe XL. The Dodge Durango is another model customers have been turning too, but the 2018 Expedition along with its larger GM counterparts have more interior room and offer superior towing.

Ford’s 3.5-liter, V6 EcoBoost engine returns, but it will now be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This means we should see a nice boost in fuel economy from the current 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. As before, rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available.

2018 Ford Explorer
An all-new interior includes numerous storage compartments.

Other standout features include a panoramic vista sunroof, power points for every passenger, SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker B&O audio system. A cargo management system and an available dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system are other features.

The 2018 Ford Expedition will be available in three grades: XLT, Limited, and Platinum. Arriving this fall, the truck will be manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky.

Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

***

2018 Dodge Durango SRT: Performance SUV

2018 Dodge Durango SRT
2018 Dodge Durango SRT.

The Dodge Durango is a three-row SUV, sharing its platform and many components with the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is the largest SUV sold by Fiat Chrysler, offering room for eight.

For the first time ever, a high-performance SRT version arrives to the market, powered by a naturally-aspirated 6.4-liter V8 engine. No, this isn’t the same supercharged V8 powering the Hellcat — that one displaces at 6.2 liters and makes more than 700 horsepower. Still, with 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque at the ready, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT shouldn’t be easily dismissed. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new trim arrives late this year. Customers who opt for one will receive one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Racing. That session will come in handy as the SRT features a blistering 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and completes the quarter mile in just 12.9 seconds.

Who knew that a family vehicle could be so fun?

Among the many features of the Durango SRT is a new sport mode that reduces shift times by up to 50 percent versus Auto Mode. It delivers up to 65 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels of the all-wheel drive machine. The SRT also comes with stiffer front and rear springs, a stiffer rear sway bar, massive Brembo high-performance brakes, Pirelli performance tires, and a 180-mph speedometer. The usual badging and trim embellishments are offered too.

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler.

***

Hot Subaru Introduces the 2018 Legacy

2018 Subaru Legacy
Refreshed Subaru Legacy debuts ahead of the Chicago Auto Show.

Midsize sedan interest continues to wane as customers shift to crossovers and other body styles. When 2017 comes to an end, the perennial best-selling model in America, the midsize Toyota Camry, will likely cede its position to one of a trio of compact crossovers, including Toyota’s own RAV4.

Subaru has seen much success over the past eight years, doubling sales as customers are attracted to such SUVs as the Outback, Forester, and the Crosstrek. But Subaru shoppers have been showing increased interest in the brand’s midsize Legacy sedan as sales rose by 8 percent last year in a slumping segment.

The current-generation Legacy was rolled out in 2014. For 2018, it’ll receive several updates, including refreshed front and rear fascias, an updated center console, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a quieter and smoother ride. Although not one of the changes is especially dramatic, together they demonstrate Subaru’s commitment to this midsize model.

The Legacy will continue to be powered by a pair of BOXER (horizontally-opposed) engines. The standard bearer is a four-cylinder displacing at 2.5 liters. Also available is a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. Both are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

A big advantage offered by the Subaru Legacy is standard all-wheel drive. It provides an extra measure of handling advantage as torque is sent to the wheels as they slip. In this class, only the Ford Fusion offers all-wheel drive — and only as an option on top trim models. Other models with this option have since been discontinued — the Chrysler 200 and Suzuki Kizashi. What helps Subaru stay relevant is that the Legacy shares its platform with the popular Outback crossover.

We think the refreshed Legacy will continue to pull in additional customers, regardless of what happens to the segment. Also helping matters is that the cabin is one of the largest in the segment, offering ample room and comfort for five adults. Lastly, Subaru’s winning formula is enhanced by its stellar safety ratings, typically earning a 5-star rating from the federal government and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from an insurance safety consortium.

Photo courtesy of Subaru Motors.

***

Nissan Completes Its Titan Truck Line

Nisan Titan King Cab.
Nissan spokesman Fred Diaz introduces the Titan King Cab.

Nissan has been working diligently these past few years by updating its full-size pickup truck line. More than a year ago, Nissan rolled out its Titan XD line, full-size models straddling the light- and heavy-duty divide. A crew cab version was later joined by a single cab for a model line powered by V8 gas and diesel engines.

Once the Titan XD took hold, the standard Nissan Titan was rolled out. Initially, Nissan offered a crew cab model, then followed with a single cab. Missing from both was an extended cab model, but come this spring, a king cab model will officially complete the Titan/Titan XD model line.

The all-new King Cab will be available for both the Titan and Titan XD and come with a 6.5-foot bed. This truck has a rear hinged door design with a wide-opening feature for ease of access to the second row. Customers can choose to include the second-row seat or delete same for additional interior storage space. According to Nissan spokesman Kevin Rafferty, Nissan is the only manufacturer with the rear seat option.

Both the Titan and Titan XD King Cab will be available in three grades — S, SV, and PRO-4X. Both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations are available. The standard engine is a 5.6-liter, gasoline V8. However, Titan XD shoppers will have an additional choice: a 5.0-liter, Cummins V8 turbo-diesel. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan Titan King Cab.
Rear-hinged rear doors and a delete seat option.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazines.

Chevrolet Rolls Out Redline Series

No new Chevrolet models were introduced at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, but a concept trim package was released. This Redline special edition series was originally introduced at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and will be available on nine models by the end of the 2017 calendar year.

The nine affected vehicles are: Cruze LT (sedan and hatchback), Malibu LT, Camaro LT/SS (coupe and convertible), Trax LT, Equinox LT, Traverse Premier, Colorado LT, Silverado Double Cab LT Z71 and the Crew Cab LTZ Z71.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro Redline.
This Chevrolet Camaro has gotten the Redline treatment.

Chevrolet says, “All Redline vehicles are equipped with black wheels featuring distinct red hash marks, black nameplates with a red outline, blacked-out grilles and black Chevrolet bowtie logos.” Other embellishments depend on the model, including red tow hooks for the Silverado and Colorado. The Camaro Redline edition features unique black hash marks above the wheels for a design enthusiasts will recognize from motorsports.

The first Redlines available are the Silverados with other models to follow throughout the year. Check with your dealer for availability and ordering.

See Also — Live! From the 2018 Chicago Auto Show

Photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Kia Hybrid Trio Make Chicago Auto Show Debut

by 1 Comment

Korean manufacturer advances its green car initiative as consumer demand wanes.

Kia Motors America has been relatively quiet in the hybrid electric vehicle arena, trailing most other major brands with only an Optima Hybrid to show for it. However, that’s all about to change as Kia introduced a trio of new hybrid models at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show this week.

One of those models is the second-generation Optima Hybrid, joined by a plug-in variant of the same. Even though these two models are important, it is the third model that may be the most intriguing — a Kia Niro crossover utility vehicle, designed exclusively as a hybrid, one with the intrepid Toyota Prius fixed in its crosshairs.

Kia Niro concept.
Concept car: Kia Niro.

Kia Green Car Roadmap

Indeed, Kia calls the Niro a key component in the company’s Green Car Roadmap. Importantly, the Niro offers a traditional design, eschewing the usual bubble-shaped theme common to humble hybrids such as the Prius, Honda Insight, and other models that have gone before it. The hybrid’s most significant attribute may be the Niro’s projected 50 mpg combined fuel economy rating, matching Toyota and besting all other rivals.

“The Niro hits the sweet spot by offering the best combination of outstanding mpg, an engaging driving experience, utility, and most importantly, a stunning design that doesn’t shout ‘hybrid,’” said Orth Hedrick, vice president product planning KMA. “The subcompact CUV market continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, and the Niro offers a uniquely alluring yet practical package that consumers haven’t seen before.”

The Niro is a product of Kia Motors EcoDynamics, a sub-brand tasked with advancing this manufacturer’s hybrid blueprint. Prior to the Niro, the development group was responsible for the first-generation Optima Hybrid and the Soul EV. More models will follow, allowing Kia to triple its green car fleet by 2020.

California and Korea Design Studios

Kia tapped a pair of design studios to collaborate on the Niro’s design and execution — Irvine, California, and Namyang, Korea. Notably, the designers chose a design that is at once familiar as it is sporty — the brand’s familiar tiger-nose grille amplifies the front fascia.

Body sculpting in the form of robust embrasures up front and along the profile gives this model a sporty look. Strong shoulders, a rising belt line, upper character lines, a sweeping roof line and large wheel wells are also present.

From the rear, a liftgate spoiler, wraparound combination lamps with distinct LED lights, reflector lights and bumper garnishment is present.

Inside, Kia went with a high-tech and cutting-edge interior satiated with available safety features, including blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, lane departure warning, advanced smart cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.

The interior is dressed in glossy white or black accents with a clean and uncluttered instrument panel, chromatic and informational gauges, and strategically placed secondary controls. Sitting on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the Kia Niro is slightly longer between the wheels than models such as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and the Honda CR-V. The model’s wide stance, tall height and roomy interior provides generous room for five and ample cabin space to augment it.

Latest Hybrid Drivetrain

Under the hood is an all-new 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine making 103 horsepower and operating on the Atkinson cycle. A 43-hp tractive motor makes for a combined 146 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. Turning the wheels is a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Under the rear seat is a compact lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

The 2017 Kia Niro debuts in the fourth quarter of 2016. Approximately one year later, a plug-in version will follow.

Kia Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Optima Hybrid

Meanwhile, in Optima land, Kia’s midsize hybrid sedan should see a 10 percent in fuel economy due largely to replacing the previous 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with one displacing at 2.0 liters. Gone is the original torque converter and in its place is a 38-kilowatt electric motor and clutch. Kia claims the latest version will provide a combined 193 horsepower.

Unquestionably the fuel economy leader here will be the PHEV Optima. As the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid, it has a tall order to fill. One of the electrified sedan’s key attributes is its 600-mile driving range, including operating in EV-only mode for approximately 27 miles.

Going Green as Consumer Tastes Shift

Certainly, Kia’s green initiative comes at a time when Americans are moving away from fuel-efficient vehicles toward SUVs and pickup trucks. This current automotive trend is urged on by low fuel prices, including some of the lowest we have seen this century.

Still, automakers are banking on fuel prices eventually rising as well as finding different ways to meet ever more stringent EPA corporate average fuel economy numbers.

See Also — Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL

2017 Kia Niro photo copyright Kia Motors America.

Kia Trail’ster Concept Teases Chicago

by Leave a Comment

The Kia Trail’ster Concept is for the hip hamster crowd and their human friends.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

This Kia Trail’ster is all set to visit your favorite ski lodge.

Kia Motors picked the perfect venue for unveiling its hybrid Trail’ster Concept. Folks in the winter-socked Chicago Auto Show are seeing first hand what this hybrid all-wheel-drive variant of the Kia Soul can offer, the latest iteration on its urban utility vehicle frame.

Indeed, if the Kia Trail’ster is built, it would offer a unique approach to light-duty off-roading. Also, it would take on the soon-to-be-released Jeep Renegade, itself geared toward 20-something urban dwellers. The Windy City may be piled with snow, but the Kia concept could offer a practical reality if it is ever produced.

So, let’s examine some of the preeminent features of this model before we theorize whether it will go into production or not.

First, it harnesses the Kia Soul platform. The Kia Trail’ster is the Kia Soul, but amplified. Everything about the current Soul is used, right down to the platform. The distinguishing features are also evident, but utilizing the Soul is an efficient use of this product’s space. There are some important distinctions here too, including its cloth roll-top roof, integrated roof rack fittings with aluminum cross rails, and special LED lighting treatments.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

Second, you get lifted. The trend toward higher profile vehicles continues, but with a twist. The Kia Trail’ster rides 2.5 inches higher to enjoy improved ground clearance. That’s exactly what is needed if this vehicle is to have any chance of performing light-duty off-roading. The upcoming Volvo S60 Cross Country is a contemporary example of an elevated model. The Jeep Eagle is an earlier example.

Third, all-wheel drive is standard. The Kia Soul is front-wheel drive with no all-wheel-drive variant. However, Kia has taken a different approach in the Trail’ster by going with all-wheel drive. AWD combined with the lifted profile will take this model to places where no other Kia has gone before.

Fourth, you are looking at a hybrid drivetrain. Under the hood is a potent 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, making an even 185 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque. That alone gives this model some kick. However, Kia did not stop there. Indeed, they have added an electric propulsion system, what draws energy from a 1.2 kilowatt per hour lithium-ion polymer battery. Moreover, it adds 35 horsepower and 100 foot-pounds of torque to the mix, and improves fuel economy by 25 to 30 percent and highway economy by 5 to 10 percent over the normally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in the Soul. Further, Kia says that it has the ability to run on electric-only power for two to three miles at times. Together, that brings combined fuel economy to just above 30 mpg or well above what any Jeep Renegade model will deliver.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

A weatherproof, retractable top could be in the offing.

See Also — Merry Hamsters and the All-New 2020 Kia Soul

Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Naturally, a model such as the Kia Trail’ster concept whets the appetites of the very audience that would be best attracted to this type of vehicle. And that would be young urbanites who may like to make a dash to the country and slop and glop their way through the mud. When not in the country, the Kia Trail’ster would serve as an efficient city car. That makes for a rare fusion of two distinct model types in one body.

The Kia Trail’ster along with the earlier Kia Soul’ster concept, demonstrates that Kia is serious about pushing boundaries. Both models could very well go into production as Soul variants, harnessing a valuable moniker well known for its hip anthropomorphic hamsters as well as for its excellent value and vivacity.

See Also — Stunning: Kia Cross GT Concept

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors.

Handsome 4×4 Trio From Toyota Racing Development

by 1 Comment

New models put the extreme in off-roading.

TRD Racing.
One of three Toyota models enhanced by TRD Racing.

Sport truck and SUV enthusiasts appreciate that Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has been providing design and engineering muscle to various Toyota products for the past 35 years. TRD delivers a viable alternative to what the domestics offer by routinely putting forth a collection of special products to handle the toughest off-road tasks.

Toyota Racing Development Pro Series Models

To mark both TRDs anniversary and the opening of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, three new TRD Pro Series models based on 44 versions of the Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner were introduced and are currently on display. Known as the TRD Pro Series, this trio of rugged models will roll out for the 2015 model year come this fall.

Toyota describes its collection of TRD-inspired models as terrain-conquering vehicles, based on its off-road racing heritage. That heritage includes the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 endurance races held in June and November respectively in Mexico. Toyota has had its share of victories in each race thanks to the work of TRD.

The three TRD Pro Series models come with factory-installed upgrades designed for extreme off-roading. Thats the type of punishment whereby each model tackles the most difficult terrain including rock crawling, mud and snow navigation, dune climbing, and water fording. Its the type of punishment that body-on-frame vehicles are best suited for especially when outfitted with the right upgrades.

Standard Package Offering

Those upgrades vary from product to product but include the following features across all three model lines: black wheels, unique Toyota badging on the front grille, TRD floor mats and shift knobs, and TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs. All three models will also benefit from specially-tuned front springs and a front skid plate.

For the Toyota Tacoma, affectionately known as the Taco Supreme amongst enthusiasts, the smaller of the two Toyota trucks gets several important touches. These include 16-inch black headlock-style wheels set within BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The front springs will also get a 2-inch lift and the overall spring rate will be decreased. Each Tacoma will receive black TRD Pro badges and black front and rear lower bumper accents.

Toyota Tundra Upgrades

The Toyota Tundra gets a similar 2-inch boost up front with a corresponding decrease in spring rate. The TRD Tundra is also outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels set within Michelin off-road-package tires. The big truck receives a TRD dual exhaust system, TRD PRO quarter panel bed stamping, an exclusive instrument panel insert, and a unique seat color with red stitching.

And as most people know the Toyota 4Runner is one of the few remaining traditional SUVs left with its body-on-frame design. The Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, and Nissan Pathfinder have each made the switch to unibody contraction while the 4Runner remains true to its roots.

To that end, the 4Runner enjoys a 1.5-inch lift to the front of the SUV, an additional inch of wheel travel, and 17-inch all-black alloy wheels. This model also gets black TRD PRO badges as well as black front and rear lower bumper accents.

Special Colors and a Game

Buyers can choose from three colors when considering their TRD PRO Series models: black, super white, and the all-new inferno shown here. Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the release date for all three models.

In the meantime, Toyota invites fans to take the TRD Pro Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner off-road and online by playing, Super Off Road™: TRD Pro Edition Presented by Toyota. This game allows players to choose their favorite model and put it through the paces to score points, challenge other participants and to compete on the leaderboard. Developed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., the game can be played with your smartphone by visiting ToyotaSuperOffRoad.com for full details.

Further Reading

The 5 Flavors of the 2014 Toyota Tundra

Off Roading With the 2014 Toyota 4Runner

Crawl Control: Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Toyota Racing Development photo courtesy of Toyota Motors.

Nissan Strikes Back With Frontier Diesel Runner

by 4 Comments

Concept truck features a 2.8-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine.

GM will be muscling back into the small pickup truck segment this year, by reintroducing its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models. That move will put the sales squeeze on the two remaining models in this shrinking class: the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier.

Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner
Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner makes its auto show debut.

Frontier Diesel Runner

Perhaps seeing that its position among entry-level pickup trucks is the most threatened, Nissan has unveiled a concept Frontier Diesel Runner truck at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show powered by a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine. The engine comes courtesy of renowned engine maker Cummins, a long-time supplier for Ram pickup trucks.

Answering with a turbo diesel may help Nissan preserve its place in a segment where Toyota currently has 68 percent of the market and Nissan the remaining 32 percent share. Both automakers will lose points when Chevrolet/GMC jump in, with Nissan perhaps most vulnerable to being overtaken by GMs twin pickup trucks down the line.

Nissan is showcasing the project truck to gauge customer interest in the model. Further, the company says that they are also plotting a potential future direction for the Frontier.

Concept Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner
Special themed graphics mark the Nissan concept.

Cummins-Supplied Engine Frontier Diesel

Last year, Nissan announced a partnership with Cummins Inc. to obtain a 5.0-liter turbo diesel for its full-size Titan pickup truck that will arrive on the market sometime in 2015. Although Cummins has long had a relationship with Chrysler (Ram) that hasn’t precluded this Indiana-based engine maker from entertaining other partnerships. The Nissan Titan is by far the slowest selling of all large pickup trucks a new design and the diesel engine offering should enable it to boost sales.

Frontier continues to be a huge success story for us, with more than 60,000 units sold in 2013, said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service, U.S.A, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). Nissan has always valued the mid-size pickup segment, and with this technical study project, we are looking to explore what is possible for the next-generation Frontier. We are always looking for ways to engage our customers, innovate and take the segment in an evolutionary direction.

The rear-wheel-drive project truck is powered by a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes an estimated 200 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque and should deliver a 35 percent increase in fuel economy over a similarly equipped gasoline V-6 model.

Cummins diesel
Cummins, one of the most recognized names in diesel engines.

Frontier Desert Runner Cues

A number of styling characteristics in the Diesel Runner are also found in the production Frontier Desert Runner including the body, wiring harnesses, and the radiator. Additional modifications include custom paint treatment, carbon fiber film accents, mesh grille, chin spoiler, roof rack and an aerodynamic tonneau cover and tailgate spoiler.

The concept truck is also outfitted with red accents throughout the interior and carbon-trimmed seats and panels. Carbon-print leather appointments with grey accent stitching and black-on-black Tracks embroidery cover the seating surfaces. Red-tinted gauges and a special black-faced diesel-specific three-gauge pod on top of the C-cluster dominates the carbon, film-wrapped instrument panel. Its California and Japan design teams also added embroidered floor mats as well as a shifter knob and steering wheel that complement the truck’s theme.

Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner
Red accents are found throughout the concepts interior.

Chicago Auto Show

The Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner will be on display for the entire public run of the Chicago Auto Show running from Feb. 8 through Feb. 17 at McCormick Place. In the meantime, Nissan and Cummins also have a separate development vehicle that is currently being put through the paces, undergoing real-world testing to see if it passes muster.

With a diesel option, Nissan would match the Colorado engine for engine, itself making available a 2.8-liter turbo diesel from Duramax, GMs joint engine venture with Isuzu.

See Also — Initial Analysis: 2016 Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab

Frontier Diesel Runner photos courtesy of Nissan.

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On YoutubeVisit Us On LinkedinCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram