price

2020 Lincoln Mark LT: Comeback, Design?

by
2020 Lincoln Mark LT

The pickup truck market is growing globally and new models are set to join the game. The increasing demand was also the reason while the carmakers returned some discontinued models and we recently witnessed the return of the mid-size Ranger to the US. The redesigned light-duty versions from GM and Ram arrived for the 2019 model year and the all-new heavy-duty versions wait for the 2020 model year launch. Jeep will also bring the Wrangler-based Ute but there are also rumors circulating about the return of several other models.

Lincoln discontinued the luxury Mark LT truck in 2008 for the US market while continued the sales of the model until 2014 in Mexico. This essentially rebadged version of the best-selling Ford F-150 had a luxury equipped cabin and Lincoln’s styling while the chassis and running gear were also shared with the F-150. Ford introduced the high-end F-150 Platinum version to take the place of the luxury Mark LT truck after the 2008 model year.

However, the Lincoln Mark LT model has been rumored for the return in the last few years and the latest speculations claim the arrival of the model as the 2020 Lincoln Mark LT.  No confirmation from the company or the prototype model has been spotted on the road. The return of the model would also interfere with the sales of the high-end versions of the Ford F-150 and that is also the reason why we don’t see the rumors justified. However, let’s see what rumors suggest.

Read more

2019 Ford F-350: Specs, Changes, Trims, Price

by
2019 Ford F-350

When the best-selling Ford F-150 is not just enough for the towing job to be done, the Super Duty Series comes in with the equal interior refinement and availability of modern convenience and tech options but with the greater towing and payload capability. The Super Duty Series was all-new for the 2017 model year with the improved structure and lightweight body plus with the modernized styling and more comfortable interior. Loads of the new tech and cameras also become available and there are, of course, a number of styles and trim options.

The 2019 Ford F-350 is the one-ton version and first in the Super Duty range available with the dual rear-wheel setup. The model comes with a few changes for the new model year. Ford brings the new Lariat Sport package with tweaked exterior pieces and also offers the new sound system. Aside from that, the heavy-duty Ford is the same truck as the previous version. Two V-8 engines are again here while the new heavy-duty 10-speed automatic transmission will arrive with the 2020 version.

Read more

2019 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Pickup Truck: News, Design

by
2019 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Pickup Truck

While Volkswagen performs very well with the mid-size Amarok pickup truck on the global market, the SUVs are the material with which this brand builds in the US. However, after VW introduced the American taste, mid-size Atlas SUV, the Atlas Tanoak Concept debuted at the 2018 New York Auto Show and possibly announced the arrival of another unibody truck to the US. VW said that the production version isn’t in the plan but the brand certainly wants to feel the pulse of the buyers.

The Tanoak Concept is derived from the three-row Atlas SUV and except the flamboyant exterior style, it borrows much from the SUV model. With the Pilot- SUV-based Ridgeline truck and Hyundai’s promise to bring the unibody pickup truck by the end of the decade, the Tanoak Concept-based truck would another unibody construction and the SUV-like-driving mid-size pickup truck on the road.

And despite VW claims it has more room for improvement in the SUV range in the US the pickup truck version would bring new buyers and open a new money-making market for the brand. And really, VW wouldn’t need much effort to transform the concept model to the production-ready form. So, despite that no signs from VW that the new truck comes, how would it look and perform if it arrives as the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Pickup Truck.

Read more

2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel: Rumors, Design, Price

by
2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel

The Toyota Tacoma leads the game in the mid-size segment for more than the decade. The model earns the trust with Toyota’s proved durability and toughness while also provides good resale value. Buyers also love the off-road ready versions and Toyota offers a few levels of the capability on that front.

Actually, Toyota already announced the updated TRD Pro trim for the 2019 model year and it brings the upgraded suspension, new Desert Air Intake, few cosmetic touches and modern tech inside. Toyota wasn’t specific about other upgrades and there shouldn’t be many as this model was heavily updated in 2016.

However, based on the talks in the industry Toyota might have more in a plan for the upcoming version. The speculations are circulating that the firm could offer the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Diesel version. This hasn’t been commented from Toyota but reports suggesting that with the diesel option the Tacoma would give an alternative for the GM’s Duramax diesel-powered twins and with that improve its sales further. With that Toyota would also steal some attention from the returned Ford Ranger which should also introduce the Raptor version.

The diesel engine also appears with the redesigned full-size models while Ford also announced the F-150 hybrid version.

Read more

2020 Ram Rebel TRX: News, Design, Power

by
2021 Ram Rebel TRX

The all-new Ram 1500 is finally here and the new-generation version put the bar high for the class. The new Ram benefits from the structural improvements while weighs less looks more modern, has more refined and techier interior than ever and also employs the 48-mild hybrid system for most powertrains. The number of options is also eight as far as trims go plus cab styles, bed lengths and three powertrain options. The towing and payload capability also go up.

However, Ram has recently been in the news where the possibility of introducing the performance and off-road version was mentioned. The Ram Rebel is currently the most capable Ram 1500 and with the upgraded off-road hardware, one can engage the more rugged terrains. The redesigned Chevrolet also introduced the off-road ready TrailBoss version while the new GMC Sierra also brings the AT4 version with the more robust hardware. However, Ford’s F-150 Raptor still remains the king of the off-roading thanks to the 3.5- twin-turbo EcoBoost and improved running equipment. The Raptor receives some suspension upgrades for the 2019 model year.

However, it seems that with some details Ram is trying to hint the arrival of the new mighty Ram 1500 version which would have everything to challenge the impressive Ford Raptor. What’s more, the new Ram version could become the most powerful factory-made half-ton pickup truck model. The story is not new, however.

Ram presented the driving-ready Ram Rebel TRX Concept in 2016. The mighty, supercharged HEMI V-8 was under the hood of the Concept and combined with imposing look and powerful hardware. Now this model is in the news as the vehicle to enter the production.

Ram may have hinted the introduction of the most-powerful Ram 1500 when the picture of the new-gen model interior with the time on the clock set to “7:07” was released to announce model’s arrival. That was interpreted as the announcement of the version with the 707 hp Hellcat engine. However, the Ram Rebel Concept was also on the list of the upcoming vehicles on brand’s site.

And while Ram hasn’t commented on this topic, the reports claim the arrival of even two mighty Ram models. The Hellact powered versions is reported as the 2020 Ram Rebel TRX and 7.0-liter V-8-powered model should use the Rebel TR badge.

Read more

2019 Land Rover Defender Truck: Expectations, Execution

by
2019 Land Rover Defender Truck

The pickup truck market could soon become richer for the new premium version. Land Rover is working on the successor of the legendary Defender off-roader. Its debut will likely coincide with brand’s 70th-anniversary celebration late this year. The new Defender will try to defend its title of one of the most capable off-roaders but will be marketed as the premium priced model and Land Rover plans the large family of Defenders.

Not only that new Defender will return in the short and long wheelbase forms with two or four doors, yet Land Rover plans to offer various trim options including high luxury version and performance-focused Defender. However, the new Defender is also expected to get the pickup truck version, probably sometime after the arrival of the familiar forms. The regular versions will arrive as the 2019 models and truck version could also appear as the 2019 Land Rover Defender Truck sometime later in the model year.

Read more

2019 Nissan Titan XD: News, Possible Upgrades, Design

by
2019 Nissan Titan XD

The 2019 Nissan Titan XD is the pickup truck that splits the difference between the light-duty and heavy-duty offerings. This truck delivers a good balance between performance and price but also rides well and has functional cabins. The XD can tow up to 12, 640 pounds, more than any light-duty version but can also add the off-road ready equipment if one wants to spend more time beyond the pavement. However, with the hardware upgrades, Nissan also offers plenty of luxury features and like every good pickup truck today, the Titian XD comes in many configurations.

The XD arrived all-new for the 2016 model year and light-duty Titian came a year after. Nissan promised the V-6 option for the light-duty version and it could arrive for the 2019 model year. On the other hand, the 2019 Nissan Titan XD will stick with the V-8 engine options. Although some upgrades are expected on the V-8 duo, Nissan hasn’t revealed details yet. However, the new model will likely upgrade electronic and safety features while could also see some styling tweaks.

Read more

2019 Ram Power Wagon: Specs, Running gear, Price

by
2019 Ram Power Wagon

The buyers who need the towing and hauling capabilities of the heavy-duty truck but will spend more time off pavement on muddy and harsh roads also expect serious off-road skills. Ram’s trucks have many talents but when it comes to the off-road abilities, the Ram Power Wagon is brand’s heavy-weight, top off-roader. This model comes with the Hemi V-8 engine combined with a heavy-duty off-road hardware but still is compliant with the paved roads. The model also has the strong presence and unique look and interior.

The Power Wagon uses the Ram 2500 HD Crew Cab as the base and debuted at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. On the other hand, the light-duty Ram 1500 switched to the new chapter for the 2019 model year and brand is now shifting the course to the heavy-duty models which will arrive as the all-new models in a year or two. Having that in mind, we shouldn’t expect the 2019 Ram Power Wagon with big changes.

Read more

2019 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD: Specs and Design

by
2019 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD

The GMC Sierra HD trucks are comfortable, quiet and capable heavy-duty models available in many configuration options. For the 2017 model year, the heavy-duty haulers received the upgraded V-8 turbodiesel engine combined with the more efficient cooling system including the hood-mounted air intake. For the 2018 version, GMC introduced the standard rereview camera and a 7-inch touchscreen as well as the new grille for the Denali trim. As for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD, we should again expect some changes in the equipment organization and package options. For the more notable changes, we will have to wait a year or two as the HD models will get the full redesign in a year or two after the launch of the redesigned, light-duty Sierra 1500.

The Sierra 1500 will break the covers soon and the redesigned heavy-duty versions will benefit from the similar upgrades when they arrive. The light-duty truck will be heavily updated rather than we will see the full redesign but will introduce upgrades on all fronts. The same strategy GM will apply to the HD series.

Read more

2019 Mercedes X-Class Pickup Truck: Changes, Specs

by
2019 Mercedes X-Class Pickup Truck

The Mercedes X-Class is brand’s push to the lucrative one-ton pickup truck segment and this model debuted in July 2017 as the 2018 model. The model competes with likes of the Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and sister model Nissan Navara. For the first model year the model offers two diesel options and with upgraded chassis and suspension of the global Navara, the X-Class delivers great ride comfort. The model also boasts strong off-road ability and class-leading technology.

The current X-Class truck uses Nissan’s turbo-diesel four engines but the 2019 Mercedes X-Class Pickup Truck should bring a new X350d version and Mercedes-built V-6 turbodiesel engine combined with the 7-speed automatic transmission. That will be the most notable upgrade for the 2019 version while other changes will be equipment related.

Read more