Category: off-road vehicles

  • 2018 Jeep Wrangler – First Drive

    For 2018 the Jeep Wrangler is all-new with much improved road manners and even better off-road capabilities. There’s a 285-HP V6 and a 270-HP mild-hybrid 2.0-L 4-cylinder. A Diesel is coming in 2019. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. I drove the new Wrangler on the road and off-road in the…

  • 2017 Land Rover Discovery Td6 – Drive Review

    The fifth generation Land Rover Discovery combines a radical new exterior design with a highly versatile interior that’s capable of seating up to seven. It’s a go anywhere, extremely capable on- and off-road SUV. Gas or Diesel power gives you the choice of brawn or economy. Lots of engine torque makes for good trailer towing.…

  • 2017 Jeep Compass – Drive Review

    All-new for 2017, the Jeep Compass has been nicely refined over the previous generation.  And yet, it’s very much a Jeep with outstanding off-road creds. For on-road use, and that’s all some drivers do, it comes in front-wheel drive. If you venture into the hills or get lots of snow in your neighborhood, a 4X4…

  • 2017 Lexus LX570 – Drive Report

    The very large and very luxurious Lexus LX 570 can be a bit big for negotiating crowded city streets. But with seating for eight and 7000 lbs. of trailer pulling power the 2017 LX 570 is great for touring the wide open spaces. Just hook up your favorite Airstream and hit the open highway. Its…

  • 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara – Drive Report

    If you feel the need to climb a big snowy hill, a large sand dune or a steep mountain trail the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is the one to help get it done. This classic has changed over the years but still looks a lot like the original from 1941. The iconic Jeep has survived decades of…

  • 2016/2017 BMW X5 xDrive 40e

    This BMW ultimate driving machine will travel for up to 14 miles on battery power alone. And yet, tromp on the throttle and it can go from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. BMW’s crossover SUV hybrid, the X5 xDrive 40e is one of the many players in the luxury SUV segment. Adding the…

  • 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor – in the Desert

    It’s the only purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck on the market. The Ford F-150 Raptor is back for 2017. With its all-aluminum body and stronger and stiffer high-strength steel frame, it’s now driven by a 450HP 3.5-L twin turbo V6 that makes more power and torque. A 10-speed automatic is programmed to alway give you the…

  • 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack – First Drive

    If you’re heading for an outdoorsy weekend and need a vehicle to haul all your gear, carry your bikes or a kayak, and get you down a dusty trail to your campsite, the 2017 VW Golf Alltrack may be the car for you. This new 170HP variant of the Golf SportWagen now with 4-Motion all-wheel-drive…

  • 2016 Range Rover Sport HSE Td6 – Drive & Review

    It just might make a lot of sense to opt for the diesel engine now available on the Range Rover Sport. It’s only $2000 more on a vehicle that’s already in the $60 to $70K range. Fuel economy and pulling power are the big pluses for a diesel. Also, the long driving range of the…

  • 2017 Nissan Titan – Driven

    Nissan has upped its game and raised the bar with its 2017 Titan full-size pickup. Now with the first-ever Titan single cab pickup, a new best-in-the-industry longer warranty and a host of interior refinements along with both gas and diesel engines, it’s game-on. The 2017 Titan and Titan XD will ultimately be available in three…