The Nissan Pathfinder has been one of the mainstays in the SUV category for many years, so we were looking forward to testing the 2012 Pathfinder LE 4X4. The Brilliant Silver exterior paint looked nice and clean when we first took the test model, but that changed quickly during January while driving in the Midwest.
Exterior
There is no mistaking a Pathfinder on the road with its iconic exterior design and the combination of the unique combination of sophistication and rugged go-anywhere looks. The angled strut-style grille with her large headlamps lets you know the Pathfinder is coming well in advance. Our test model included fog lights, dual-power heated side-view mirrors, chrome-surround mesh grille, roof rails with crossbars, side-running boards and splash guards. We agree with Nissan that “a sweeping hood hints at the power underneath, while Pathfinder’s broad shoulder line, large integrated fender flares covering purposeful wheel and tire combinations and distinctive C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles reinforce the distinctive Pathfinder appearance.”
Not all luxury cars and SUV’s are built alike, and after spending some quality time in a 2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD S, you know you are driving something special.
Exterior
The revised front grille and fascia design for 2012 is the topper for an already very impressive looking vehicle. Our test model looked sleek and elegant in moonlight white paint and sports car-like 21 inch 6 spoke alloy aluminum wheels. The FX50 S was already loaded before you add in the sport package. Some of the notable exterior features included a new grille design, double wave hood, strong front-to-rear shoulder line, integrated rear spoiler, power sliding moonroof, standard automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights and integrated front fog lights, aerodynamically designed rear LED taillights, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights, distinctive functional side air vents which reduce front end lift by five percent, lightweight aluminum-alloy hood and doors, standard power rear lift gate, chrome window moldings and door handles, available aluminum roof rails, power folding, heated outside mirrors with courtesy lights and available reverse tilt-down feature, and dual outlet exhaust with chrome tailpipe finishers. The overall look of the 2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD S is basically a blend of high performance design and luxury that can put a smile on many discerning persons.
If you’re looking for a large vehicle with three rows but you prefer a true SUV over a large crossover, the Dodge Durango should be on your list of options. But you also ought to drive one if you’re looking at the crossovers, as the Durango offers all of the luxuries you’ll find in the crossovers, but with the practical advantages of a truck like towing capacity. This time we tested the 2012 Citadel AWD version, which is the top of the line Durango with all the amenities you would expect from a luxury vehicle.
Exterior
We were very impressed last year when Dodge reintroduced the Durango for the 2011 model year. The designers hit a home run with an exterior design that was more refined, but retained the muscular feel of its predecessor. The big Dodge crosshair grille still stands out and the look of the vehicle matches the power one wants from a large SUV. One quick look tells you that you’d be just as comfortable pulling up with the Durango at a nice restaurant as you would be taking it off-road or to a construction site. But look more closely and you’ll see a nice attention to detail that we’re learning to expect from the new Dodge since the restructuring that put Dodge and the rest of Chrysler under the control of CEO Sergio Marchionne. The 2012 exterior is essentially the same as there’s no need to make changes to this new and winning design.
The new Escape compact crossover is Ford’s latest vehicle to shed a boxy façade for more finessed contours, a change that executives say improves fuel economy.
When Ford first launched the Escape a decade ago, designers sought to make it look rugged, like an SUV, rather than streamlined like Honda’s CR-V or Toyota’s RAV4. But shoppers are now looking for sleeker design, said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas.
“We’re injecting a style aspect to it, which consumers are saying, ‘We want, (but) don’t pull back one iota in the utility capability,’ ” Fields said.
Ford unveils the Escape today at the Los Angeles auto show, ahead of its sales launch next year. Ford is counting on the Escape’s huge customer base to make the new version as successful as its predecessor, even though Ford showrooms will soon be crowded with five car-based family vehicles.
DETROIT — Ford Motor Co.’s redesigned 2013 Escape crossover, due in early 2012, will lose its V-6 engine and hybrid-powertrain versions, the automaker said today.
Instead, the next generation Escape will have three engine options, all of them four-cylinders.
Ford will move the Escape Hybrid’s powertrain to the C-Max Hybrid, which it will launch next year.
The redesigned Escape will be based on the Vertrek concept shown at the 2011 Detroit auto show. Ford will show a production version of the 2013 Escape this fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Ford will offer a 2.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine as the base engine in the 2013 Escape. Ford also will offer a 1.6- and a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection EcoBoost engine in the Escape.
Maserati has shot its opening salvo in the premium SUV market with the Kubang. Based on the Grand Cherokee, the Kubang is set to compete with the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5. We have known about this model for a long time, but now we get a first glance of its looks.
It is definitely prettier than its competition by a wide margin. Whereas the Cayenne and X5 look overly large and bloated, the Kubang is svelte and refined. The name is even better. Say it with me, “Kubang.” It sounds like the main character in a 70′s detective show.
No word yet on performance specifications, but those details should be coming out soon enough.
The 2011 Silverado 2500 4WD LTZ Crew Cab makes a great first impression with its muscular exterior. We are happy to report things only got better during our test drive. Chevy made some significant changes to the 2011 Silverado that continue to perfect an already great truck!
Exterior
The Steel Green Metallic 2011 Silverado 2500 4WD LTZ Crew Cab we drove was an imposing sight with 20-inch forged polished aluminum wheels, 6-inch tubular chromed assist steps, chrome rear bumper and bodyside moldings. For an even sportier look, the LTZ truck included chrome surround grille, cargo box illumination, solar ray deep tinted glass and front fog lamps. The crew cab was well balanced with cab forward design. With all of the chrome updates, the 2011 Silverado 2500 4WD LTZ Crew Cab stands out on the road and commands respect. Heavy duty trucks have come a long way and with the 2500HD LTZ, you can add good looks to the equation.
Interior
Gone are the days of bare bones interiors. Trucks now have options to assist us on all of our jobs, like the rear vision camera built into the rearview mirror. Our test model included auto dual-zone air, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power heated black leather bucket seats with memory, OnStar, Bose premium speaker system, USB port and the always handy steering wheel radio controls. The dashboard and control center were clean and classy and had features like XM radio, driver info center display, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet and sharp wood trim. The cabin was spacious and the the center glove box was large and sturdy, with an open storage right under the control center. The handles and knobs were tailor made for workers wearing gloves, but look sharp enough to take your girlfriend or bride out on a nice date.
Chrysler’s Jeep brand is announcing its exciting new partnership with Lenny Kravitz!
Lenny will be joining Chrysler’s advertising campaign for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler, which will include a new song, “Rock Star City Life,” from his next album, “Black and White America” and a new tag line – “Adventure is never ordinary.” Chrysler will also have some action-packed new spots to share with consumers featuring Lenny, which will show you what it’s like to get behind the wheel with Kravitz.
Chrysler has its first spot for you today called “Adventure Swamp”. Watch as Lenny takes his 2011 Jeep Wrangler into some of the muddiest, muggiest and dirtiest terrain we’ve seen yet. Check out the video below!
The 2011 Ford Explorer is the newest beast from the Mullaly stable. Bullz-Eye.com had the chance to test drive this iconic namesake in a totally different package. The SUV segment has been playing to the crossover crowd, a trend the 2011 Ford Explorer follows with no apologies. The Ingot silver metallic looked sharp and confident and had us anxious to drive the new Explorer!
Exterior
When I first took a look at the 2011 Ford Explorer it was obvious this would be a new beginning for a familiar name. The model I drove was an Explorer Limited 4WD with fog lamps, privacy glass in the 2nd and 3rd rows, dual chromed exhaust tips, roof rack side rails 20″ painted aluminum wheels and LED tail lamps. There are more than a few similarities between the 2011 Ford Explorer and the 2011 Ford Edge and I found myself doing a double take when I spotted either of the vehicles on the road. Basically both have a sleek and modern look and are both eye catching. Ford has been building the Explorer since 1991 but has not made fundamental changes to the exterior in any of the previous redesigns. The body is a few inches longer than the prior model but with the sleek new styling I don’t thing anyone will notice without breaking out a tape measure. This look is the look the Ford Freestyle should have achieved a few years back.
MSN.com breaks down the best cars in 10 categories, “proving goodness doesn’t require paying top dollar.”
Six new models made our Top Picks list this year, representing a diverse selection from Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. No automaker dominates; the 10 picks come from six manufacturers and eight brands, which reflect the increasing competitiveness within today’s auto market. Toyota is the only brand with more than one model. To see the best & worst 2011 cars and best new-car car values, go to Consumer Reports’ annual auto issue hub.
Our Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories. Chosen from the more than 270 vehicles we’ve recently tested, these vehicles scored well in our testing, have average or better predicted reliability, performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated, and offer stability control — a proven, lifesaving feature.
