Decisive Media

Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram
Home » Uncategorized » 4x4
Category:

4×4

2021 New Cars and Trucks2021 RAM 1500 TRX4x4Decisive MediaDecisive Media NetworkExpert car reviewsHellcatRandi PaytonTop 80 Automotive Blogs

702 Horses Drive the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

Named after a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the monster size 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is set in motion by the 702-horse-powered Hellcat engine, making it the most potent high-performance half-ton pickup truck in the world.

Today’s Ram Trucks are part of a global family of vehicles owned by the world’s fourth-largest automaker, Stellantis, recently formed from a merger of Fiat Chrylser and the PSA Group. The new company, headquartered in Amsterdam, owns 14 vehicle brands that include Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romer, Abarth, Lancia, Maserati, Citroen, DS, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall.

Price: The base model 2021 Ram 1500 TRX starts at $71,990 MSRP, while the 702-unit launch edition is priced at $90,315 and goes over $100,000 for a fully loaded TRX. The Launch Edition Level 2 Equipment Group is $7,920 and includes bedside and hood graphics, Beadlock wheels, Harman Kardon speakers, panoramic sunroof, red interior accents, and an array of safety equipment.

Engine: The Ram 1500 TRX, powered by a Hellcat supercharged 6.2-liter eight-cylinder, generates 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Ram TRX is massive in size and quick on its feet. Although it weighs 6,447 pounds, it can race from zero-to-60-mph in 4.5 seconds and 12.9 seconds at 108 mph in a quarter-mile.

Since the Hellcat-powered vehicle can also be a safety hazard for inexperienced drivers, engineers took precautions and added a safety measure to limit horsepower. The Hellcat includes a valet mode that is with a four-digit PIN. It disables the driving mode, determines the rpm, and maintains stability control.

The Ram 1500 comes with a part-time 4×4 that splits torque between the front and rear axles. Locking differentials in the axles also help direct torque to wheels for more tractions. Full-wheel-drive is optional.

Configurations: The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, based on the 1500 Ram pickup, includes the Launch Edition package and the TRX Level 2 Equipment Group. The TRX is eight inches wider than the regular Ram 1500, with more off-road capabilities and an advanced suspension system.

Once stepping up into the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, you’re surrounded by superior quality luxury materials with all the latest technology, including a vertical 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a hallmark sign of Dodge and Ram trucks. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. The multimedia display can operate multiple applications simultaneously.

Estimated Fuel: Recommended fuel in the Ram 1500 is either 87 or 89 octane. The EPA estimates for the TRX are ten mpg city and 14 mpg highway.

For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
2020 Ford Expedition2020 lincoln aviator2020 New Cars and Trucks4x4AutomotiveAutotrader.comBest Large SUV for familiesBest new carsconsumerrports.orgDecisive MediaDecisive Media NetworkExpedition Limited

2020 Ford Expedition Reviews, Price and Features

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

Now is the best time to get an excellent end-of-year deal on the award-winning “2020 Best Large SUV for Families” by U.S. News. Redesigned in 2018, the Ford Expedition made a giant leap forward in refinement and versatility in the full-size SUV class.

The 2020 Ford Expedition has one of the largest cargo capacity spaces in its class and three rows of roomy, comfortable seating. It has 36 cubic feet behind the third row, 79.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet. The Expedition comes in the standard wheelbase and the Max version, which is over nine-inches longer, adding rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity.

For the last two years, the 2020 Ford Expedition has outclassed its competitors in power, passenger room, and cargo space. This year, Expedition sales jumped into second place by the third quarter, behind the Chevy Tahoe, first-place sales leader. However, that may change since other brands are in the process of launching new or redesigned 2021 large-size SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Expedition has many trim levels and option packages that meet a wide variety of buyers’ needs. Four trim levels are available in 2020, including the entry-level XLT and XLT Max from $52,810 to $55,820 for 4WD; the Limited and Limited Max from $66,375 to $69,496;the King Ranch and King Ranch Max from $72,895 to $75,590; and the Platinum and Platinum Max from $73,935 to $76,965 MSRP.

Under the hood of the Expedition is a muscular, turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which is more potent than many eight-cylinders. It generates 375 horsepower from a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. The Platinum gets a re-tuned engine that gets up to 400 horsepower.

For a large SUV, the acceleration of the Expedition is quick and powerful. A 10-speed automatic transmission manages it with either a standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive that produces the right balance between performance and handling.

The Expedition is beautiful and elegant on the inside. All models come standard with the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Other standard features include navigation, satellite/HD radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, a power outlet, rear-seat entertainment system, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

I tested the 2020 Ford Expedition Limited 4×4 that came with 18-inch wheels, Ford’s Co-Pilot suite of driver safety assists, voice-activated navigation, a panoramic moonroof, a 360-degree camera, an off-road package, and more. Visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com for more new car and truck reviews. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
2020 Lexus GX4602020 Lexus SUVs2020 Lexus UX 250h F Sport2020 Range Rover Sport4x4AutomotiveBest new carscrossoverDecisive MediaGX460Jeep WranglerLand RoverLexus UX CUVLexus UX HybridLuxury CarsMid-size SUVNew CarsResale valueToyota

The Upgraded 2020 Lexus GX460 Luxury

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

The 2020 Lexus GX460 enters its second generation with some new upgrades to help retain its place in the mid-size luxury SUV class as the leader in residual value and price.

First introduced in 2009, the second generation GX, received several modifications over the years. This time however, the 2020 Lexus GX460 adds an aggressive new exterior front-end, tech, safety, and performance features.

The Lexus GX continues to enjoy a reputation for residual value and reliability. The average resale value of the Lexus GX averages 73 percent of its original cost, which is the highest residual value in its class. Dependability is a huge factor and it may be the reason why Lexus owners tend to hold on to their vehicles longer.

Starting at a base price of $53,000 MSRP, the 2020 Lexus GX460 comes with a long list of standard features, including dual-climate controls, 10-way power seats, wood trim, power moonroof, and tilt/telescope power steering to name a few.

Exterior upgrades include a new spindle front grille that gives it a more aggressive look that distinguishes it from the crowd, triple-beam LED headlamps, a sport design package, a matte black exhaust tip and new taillights.

The 2020 Lexus GX offers three available trim levels, including the base GX460, GX460 Premium, and GX460 Luxury. All models come with a 4.6-liter eight-cylinder engine that generates 301-horsepower. It is paired with six-speed automatic transmission that can be driven in auto, manual, or utility mode for hauling.

The Lexus Safety System is standard on all models which includes a suite of driver-assist programs like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping alerts.

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to drive it off-road, the GX comes with many of the same on-and off-road suspension capabilities as the Jeep and Range Rover SUVs. The GX460 Luxury offers an off-road package for various terrains, and cameras to see around and under the vehicle. In addition, it has a kinetic dynamic suspension system that adjust the throttle and brakes for better control over different surfaces.

Other off-road abilities include crawl control, adaptive suspension, downhill- and hill-start controls, active traction, and stability controls.

Prices start at $53,000 for the base GX460 and goes up to $64,265 for the GX460 Luxury, which I tested. The price as tested was $64,266 MSRP. The total cost came to $71,240 with options that included $2,020 for the sports package, $1,985 for a dual screen rear-seat entertainment system, $800 for the panoramic view multi-terrain monitors, and a $1,025 destination charge. Randi Payton  at www.randolphp.sg-host.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara2020 New Cars and Trucks4x4AutomotiveFCAHybridJeep CompassJeep WranglerMid-size SUVSubcompact Luxury SUV

2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Continues to Evolve

by Randi Payton
written by Randi Payton

Looks can be deceiving, especially when it comes to the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Named after a desert, it remains true to its military design and rugged terrain capabilities. Redesigned for 2020, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara has been upgraded with modern on-road features, while maintaining its off-road heritage.

Decades of experience have gone into today’s Jeep since it was first introduced for the military during World War II. The Jeep SUV has continued to evolve to keep pace with the latest on- and off-road suspensions, engineering, luxury features and technology. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler models come in two and four doors, short- and long-wheel base, gas and diesel, and mild-hybrid versions. The 2020 four-door Unlimited Sahara is a stretched long-wheel-base version of Jeep Wrangler.

All Jeep Wranglers continue the open-air hardware capability that its loyal customers depend on, which includes removable doors, removable roof, fold-down windshield, roll cage, tricky access, high ground clearance and rear swing gate and hatch.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler lineup comes with three powerplant options:  A 3.6-liter Pentastar six-cylinder (ESS or mild-hybrid) which delivers 285 horsepower with 260 lb-ft of torque; a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder (ESS or mild-hybrid) that generates 270 horsepower; and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder EcoDiesel eTorque that gets 260 horsepower with 442 lb-ft of hill and rock climbing torque. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is optional on most models and eTorque assist can be added on the Sahara.

A new eight-speed automatic transmission is standard and is engineered to handle the increased torque output as well as producing smooth and a prompt throttle response. A six-speed manual transmission is also available. For the first time, Jeep Sahara drivers can now engage automatic full-time four-wheel-drive.

I tested the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel engine with ESS that was paired with an eight-speed transmission, and heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks.

Additional features included LED lights, 7-inch display, SiriusXM traffic plus, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, GPS navigation, Uconnect which connects smart phones to Apple CarPlay and Android auto, and leather trimmed seats, knobs, and handles.

Safety features included electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, emergency call assistance, rear view auto dimming mirror, blind-spot and cross-path detection, rear park assist, adaptive cruise control with advanced stop braking, and collision warning.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara starts at $38,645 MSRP. The test vehicle was $55,125 with all the bells and whistles added.

For more reviews on the latest new cars and trucks, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com.

by Randi Payton

Decisive Media Network

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail