Daily Archives: April 27, 2014
2015 Lincoln Navigator: Refreshing Comeback
Looks like Lincoln is in no mood to take the competition lightly in 2015 and to keep its stake high in the 2015 full size luxury SUVs market, they have come up with their completely restyled and upgraded 2015 Lincoln Navigator to reassert its position in the blooming full size SUV market. The inclusion of new grille with split wings is the most obvious change you will notice at first look. Apart from that, there are large HID adaptive headlamps which prevent wings from folding around the tall front end. But the most highlighted improvement in its styling is the inclusion distinct chrome gates which look quite epic on the face if this large SUV.
The rear end seems to be more subtle and has not gone through major evolution matching steps with classic Navigation line including their signature full panel LED taillight spanning beautifully over the power liftgate. Wheels are standard 20 inches but you can opt for 22 inch as well for added pressure. The proportions of current 2015 Lincoln Navigator are same as before with 8 passenger seating, 103.3 cubic feet cargo space which exceeds to 128.2 cubes for the lengthier models.
For 2015 Lincoln Navigator has made bigger changes under the hood of their Navigator, wherein the first and the foremost change is replacement of V8 engine with twin turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine which can generate upto 370 horsepower. The downsize engine has the ability to generate more power in comparison to the previous one and also ensures improved fuel economy along with 430 pound feet of torque, which makes Navigator a tough competition for hauler of this class. Whether it is luxury of performance, navigator is powerful enough to challenge the haulers. The new engine is complemented by automatic six speed transmission, which is capable of routing power to the rear wheels and to all wheels in all wheel drive models.
Many of the reviewers believe that 2015 Lincoln Navigator has its foundation of a truck, but the plush ride offered by it is its hallmark. The optional adaptive suspension feature reacts to roads conditions in millisecond to provide cushioned comfort to the passengers on bumpy roads. Lincoln has carried over its Sedans center stack design to the Navigator as well, but to make it improved has added real knobs and buttons to it. Multimedia experience is anchored by MyLincoln Touch System, which also over touchscreen control over hands free phone, climate functions, audio and navigation. Although its’ an acquired taste for Lincoln lovers but has been improved a lot with software update, additionally the rear view camera is standard whereas the blind spot detection feature is optional.
The inclusion of new styling and new technology will surely make impact on its price as well which will surely be somewhere around $60,000 because the current model is prized $57,000 at the base level. Even at this price, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator makes a compelling choice if compared to other full sized crossovers. Cadillac Escalade or the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class have also been redesigned to meet the market needs and make an alternative of 2015 Lincoln Navigator.
2014 Nissan Pathfinder: Eco Friendly Model
For quite some time it has been observed that most of the car makers have started transforming their truck based SUVs into gentler and kinder crossovers. To go by the flourishing trend, Nissan has come forward with its 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, which has also emerged as the latest example of the ongoing trend and for almost every reason, the emergence seems to be for nothing less than good. Although, the newly introduced 7 passenger SUV has lost its towing and off road capabilities which were the main attractions of its predecessor, but just like any other transition mode this large crossover from Nissan has also gone under some tremendous changes that will make it high on utility. The all new 2014 Nissan Pathfinder has been redesigned completely and is ready to impress the buyers with its spacious and refurbished interior with main highlight of adult sized seating for both second and row passengers. Superior ride and excellent handling qualities will surely make 2014 Nissan Pathfinder an ideal option for carpool or tough shopping trips.
3.5 liter V6 engine is the main source of power in pathfinder along with its continuously variable transmission that provides the option to drive on front wheel or on the all wheel mode in the all wheel drive models. With the availability of CVT the pathfinder manages to achieve fuel economy of 22 mpg for the front wheel drive models and 21 mpg for all wheel drive models. These numbers might not be very attractive for some but if compared to several other seven seat pathfinders Pathfinder stands among the most efficient ones.
If you are unaffected by the mpg number of Pathfinder, then company has also introduced the Hybrid version of 2014 Nissan Pathfinder which is fitted with a supercharged 2.5 liter four cylinder engine powered by 15 kilowatt electric motor. If you take a look under the hood of the hybrid version you will find the neatly packed lithium ion battery under the third row seat, which has also lead to significant fuel economy improvements without making any compromise in cargo and passenger space. Because there are very less number of 7 passenger hybrids in the market, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder can be your potential preferred choice over the slightly more fuel efficient 2104 Toyota Highlander’s Hybrid version, which is also the only option falling under this price band.
If you are still not settled with the positives of 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, then there are some mid to large size three row crossovers to consider. We would recommend you to consider 2014 GMC Acadia if roomy and spacious cabin is your top priority, while on the other hand 2014 Mazda CX-9 also has roomier cabin than 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, CX-9 also excels in ride and handling dynamics which are quite impressive for such a large sized crossover. The Dodge Durango and 2014 Ford Flex can also be your picks if you are looking for engine and performance based SUV, but in none of these alternatives you will find Pathfinders’ great strength, exceptional interior and great fuel economy.
2014 Hyundai Tucson: A Perfect Crossover
These days using the term compact crossover seems like a misnomer to many, but with the arrival of improved 2014 Hyundai Tucson, it seems that the trend for compact SUVs is surely going to make a comeback. Measuring about 173.2 inches from its starting point nose tail, the new Tucson is somewhere around 7 inches shorter than Toyota’s RAV4, while on the other hand, Hyundai has kept Tucson 14 inches shorter than the Equinox by Chevy. Tucson trails its competitors in terms of passenger and cargo space has come as no surprise to us but when you look at its great maneuverability, you will find that the space issues have been compensated beautifully making 2014 Hyundai Tucson a complete fun to drive vehicle. For those looking forward for a hatchback on tip toes, Tucson surely fits the bill beautifully.
This year, Hyundai has introduced some notable changes in its Tucson’s credentials to make it more enhanced and appealing, some of the primary changes include tweaked styling along with revamped model lineup as they bid adieu to the sparsely equipped GL trim level from last year and making the former midgrade GLS the base trim level for Tucson, which means that the even the basic and the cheapest Tucson will come equipped with all the standard features that make it worthwhile. the well stocked SE trim level is also something to look forward as it has been designed in a way to bridge the gap between GLS and limited. Hyundai has also shown significant improvements in Tucson’s infotainment department with an update of new touchscreens, the SE and limited trim levels comes with standard 4.3 inch unit, whereas customers spending on Limited trim level can opt for a 7 inch setup which is available with optional navigation system. To make 2014 Hyundai Tucson more competitive, the company has reworked on its engine technology and has introduced new direct fuel injection technology, however the additions fail to make any significant changes in its fuel economy and output as it remains same.
Like any other crossover, 2014 Hyundai Tucson also has its share of flaws even if you keep its size concerns at the backburner. The rear seat doesn’t comes with sliding option but has an improved reclining feature. The base level 2.0 liter engine lacks punch and even its sporty handling comes at a hefty price, but the ride quality remains on the firmer side. 2014 Mazda CX-5 can be versatile and dynamic alternative for 2014 Hyundai Tucson as it comes with 2.5 liter engine, whereas the 2014 Ford Escape is strikingly similar to Tucson but offer more technologically advanced features.
If you are open for a smaller SUV then look for 2104 Mini Countryman or affordable and less chic Nissan Juke. Kia Sportage can also be feasible option as it is same as Tucson mechanically and comes with additional turbocharged power which is good for people who like sporty performance. However, 2014 Hyundai Tucson still remains a solid option especially with the improvements it has come up with in 2014.
2015 GMC Yukon: A Premier Alpha SUV
If you are thinking that the era for big and bulky full sized SUVs is over, then you are wrong because there are still some SUVs like 2015 GMC Yukon that can fulfill the need of the drivers looking forward for a family hauler that can haul big toys as well whenever required. To make it a tough competition for buyers, the company has completely redesigned its 2015 GMC Yukon and has maintained its traditional body on frame architecture of an SUV, which is loosely based on the basic structure of another offering of the same company GMC Sierra. The Yukon also has the styling cues of Sierra, which primarily include a newly designed grille, sculpted sides, full width bumper, modern looking fenders and amazing aerodynamic look which makes it even more desirable.
To make things more interesting under the hood GMC has endowed its much awaited Yukon with an all new 5.3 liter V8 engine, which is further blessed with direct injection and cylinder deactivation technology which makes it more powerful and highly efficient. The new V8 engine has the ability to produce 355 horsepower along with 383 pound feet of torque with its six speed automatic transmission, which additionally comes equipped with automatic grade braking function and tow/haul mode. The Denali model of Yukon is available for GMC lovers with a new 6.2 liter V8 engine capable of providing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Most of the reviewers have rated 2015 GMC Yukon highly for its excellent towing capacity, which goes up to 8,500 pounds.
To shed some weight from this bulky SUV, this time 2015 GMC Yukon has trimmed down its weight around 250 pounds by decreasing the use of aluminum and high strength steel. If you give a close look, you will find that the weight loss of Yukon is more modest than the one done in Sierra because here liftgate panels and aluminum hood have played a major role in cutting some flab from the structure. On the contrary, inclusion of power liftgate, active cruise control, center airbag between passenger and driver, forward collision alert, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and additional adaptive suspension which is available in Denali models only have compensated for most of the weight loss Yukon has gone through.
Some of the major highlights of 2015 GMC Yukon are its upgraded upholstery material, which speaks volumes of class and luxury along with improved door panels and dash board, GMC’s IntelliLink smartphone integration with its 8 inch touch panel make Yukon’s interior a tough competitor for the like of Ford and Toyota who are known for their refined luxurious interiors. The introduction of third row seats which can be folded easily onto the floor is a complete value addition for GMC lovers. But this time, Yukon has compromised with its cargo space which has been reduced from 14 cubic feet to 94.7 cubes which will also be available only when you fold flat the second row seats.
The 2015 GMC Yukon is expected to hit the market by next summer with the speculated base price of $42,000 approx. Just wait and watch.
2014 Infiniti QX80: Remains Unchanged
Aside from the new found name, there is nothing new to boast about the 2014 Infiniti QX80 and the only worthy addition that company has made to its most selling SUV for 2014 is back up collision intervention which is also more of technology based rather than styling based. For the competitive market of 2014 SUVs, Infiniti has failed to meet the expectations and has kept its entire line up pretty much the same. In such a scenario, we completely excuse you for not knowing what exactly the 2014 Infiniti QX80 has in store for you to get excited about. The only major replacement for 2105 is the replacement of name which was previously called QX56. Despite going under several name changes in recent years, you will still find 2014 Infiniti QX80 an appealing sports utility vehicle to look forward.
This year as well Infiniti is scoring high with its 400 horsepower V8 engine, which makes this deluxe SUV an admirable option and with its impeccable towing capacity of 8,500 pounds the 2014 Infiniti QX80 becomes even more desirable. Besides that, there are classy interiors to applaud and humble seating capability which can be summarized in either eight seats or seven seat vehicle depending on how you are utilizing the space. Rich looking luxury interiors and use of cutting edge technology have always been a plus point for Infiniti and remains the same for 2014 Infiniti QX80 as well. As always, there is no lacking for Infiniti in safety department as well and has a full gamut of active as well as passive safety systems, with the new inclusion of collision mitigation system which is completely optional for various trim levels. This big SUV from Infiniti for 2014 lives up to the company’s heritage and offers reasonable athletic moves which make its handling smooth.
While these are the most praiseworthy and undeniable features of Infiniti that come with the package, some you might find it difficult to overcome the shortcomings 2014 Infiniti QX80 is accompanied with. The fuel economy of 5.6 liter V8 engine is lack luster if compared to others in the class and unlike its rivals, Infiniti fails to offer more competitive and efficient engine options. Even if you go for bigger 22 inch wheels, you will find that the ride has become stiffer and too harsh to handle. Moreover, the third row seats are meant only for adult kids and are not comfortable enough for adults to settle down.
Because of the lack of anything new if compared to rivals, we would suggest you take a look at other better available options, wherein Mercedes Benz GL class tops the list, although it will be a little harsh on your pocket, but it will definitely come with luxurious ambience and excellent fuel economy. Quick acceleration and spacious third row seats also make Mercedes Benz GL class a better alternative to 2014 Infiniti QX80. Other viable options include 2014 Lexus LX 570 and 2014 Cadillac Escalade because both are known for their excellent off road ability.