Manufacturers unveil new inspiring trucks, SUVs
As sport utility vehicles and trucks grow more popular, manufacturers are adding concept models, updated versions, and distinguishing trims to capture the desires and passions of consumers. Here are six new models we think ignite inspiration in the SUV and truck segment.
2018 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln’s completely redesigned 2018 Navigator promises uncompromised comfort and performance, especially when stepping up to Black Label trims that join distinctive themes with indulgent materials and exclusive member privileges (including an on-demand chauffeur). The first new model in a decade has been made to showcase the highest expression of Lincoln luxury today. Highlights include the 30-way, poweradjustable Perfect Position seats that provide heating, ventilation and massage, as well as doormat-style puddle lamps in the shape of the Lincoln logo. Under the hood is a high-performance twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine shared with the Ford Raptor pickup truck. Paired with a 10-speed transmission to produce 450-horsepower, 500 lb.-ft. of torque, and as much as 9,000 pounds of towing capacity, the Navigator is the upscale sibling to the full-sized Ford Expedition. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available.
Toyota FT-4X Concept SUV
Toyota’s compact four-wheel-drive FT-4X concept SUV practically screams “let’s go places,” in a small package that is similar to the FJ Cruiser. Created by Toyota’s CALTY Design Research team, the FT-4X Toyota 4WD was fashioned for young urban dwellers who want to get out of the city and explore landscapes of rocks and rugged terrain. Onboard are a variety of fun and functional features; an ultra-compact North Face sleeping bag is incorporated into an armrest atop the extra-large console between the front passenger seats, while clever rear door handles double as impromptu water bottles, and removable interior lighting can serve as a flashlight or locator beacon. You can take the party mobile with a portable multimedia audio system that’s part boom box and part in-dash stereo. Access to your gear is convenient, thanks to a multi-hatch rear door that can swing open to the side or rise as a one-piece liftgate.
2018 Range Rover Velar
The newest addition to the Range Rover family is the all-new, all-terrain Velar that has been crafted with unique sustainable ingredients. This midsized SUV is based on the Jaguar F-PACE platform, and is positioned between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The luxurious interior is a calm sanctuary swathed in premium materials and elegant trims. Three engines will be offered at launch, including a 247-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a 180-hp, 2.0-liter diesel, and a potent 380-hp, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine. All are paired with eight-speed automatic transmission and Range Rover’s all-wheeldrive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics for both on- and off-road driving. The five-passenger sport ute arrives later this year in four trim levels — Standard, S, SE, or HSE — and is priced from $49,990 plus $995 destination and handling.
2017 Ram Rebel and Limited Appearance Packages
Searching for a little more style on your full-sized pickup? Ram unwrapped two new appearance treatments that add panache to the high-powered Rebel lineup that is available with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. A new deep “Delmonico Red” appearance package is available at no up-charge on all 1500 Rebel models with a choice of either two-tone or monotone exterior paint treatments. The interior color scheme features black anodized bezels on the doors, center console, instrument panel and gauge cluster trim rings, while all-black heated seats feature black “Rebel” embroidery highlighted by Light Slate Gray accent stitching and also rims the instrument panel, center console lid, doors and seats. Also new are monochromatic accents to the top-of-range 1500, 2500, and 3500 Limited trim pickups, that include monochromatic R-A-M tailgate letters, and new body-color cab-length running boards to enhance the monochromatic exterior trim; these stylish accents can be ordered for $195 each.
2018 Subaru Ascent Concept
Although it was labeled a concept when it was unveiled recently, Subaru has now confirmed this allwheel-drive, seven-passenger utility vehicle will enter production in 2018 as a 2019 model. It will most likely be powered by an all-new turbocharged direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The Japanese automaker hasn’t had a three-row utility vehicle since it discontinued the Tribeca in 2014, and hopes to attract millennial buyers with its muscular looks, ample technology, and comfortable interior styling. The full-sized “Subie” crossover has upright styling, second-row captain’s chairs and has been thoughtfully designed to ferry families and their gear.
2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD All Terrain X
Already one of the most capable pickups on the road, the GMC Sierra HD now boasts an All Terrain X premium off-road package — featuring unique monochromatic exterior trim details, 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with Goodyear Duratec all-terrain tires, a spray-on bedliner, front and rear park assist, a Z71 off-road suspension package, underbody shield, heated steering wheel, and all-weather floor liners — to make it exceptionally adept off-road as well. For even more heavy-duty performance, GMC has brought an all-new Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 turbodiesel to the model line-up that boasts segment-topping SAE-certified 445 horsepower and a whopping 910 lb.-ft. of torque to make easier work of the heaviest loads.