2021 Dodge Durango: Quick Pricing & Trim Level Guide

2021 Dodge Durango: Quick Pricing & Trim Level Guide The 2021 Dodge Durango remains part of the third-gen model we first saw in 2011. And unlike the first two generations built using the body-on-frame construction of the Dakota pickup, the 2021 Dodge Durango is riding on a unibody platform shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. With an upright posture and muscular haunches, the Durango is among the best-looking family SUVs on the market today, even though it’s riding on an ageing platform.



For 2021, the Dodge Durango features a restyled exterior, a new driver-centric cockpit, and the arrival of the Durango SRT Hellcat, the world’s most powerful seven-seat SUV.



2021 Dodge Durango: What’s New?



Most of the attention is on the Durango SRT Hellcat, but we’ll get to that in a second. For 2021, the Durango receives a styling update across the board. It now has a forward-leaning profile to mimic the face of the Charger Widebody, which is a good thing since the Durango is officially the muscle car of SUVs. The new Durango also has LED daytime running lights, LED low/high headlamps, an updated grille, a fancy rear spoiler, and numerous wheel options depending on the trim level.



Standard Durango models receive a 3.6-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. The healthy output allows the V6 to tow up to 6,200 lbs. Meanwhile, higher tier models can have an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque. The V8 motor allows a max tow rating of 7,400 lbs., but the optional Tow N Go package bumps it up to 8,700 lbs.



The Durango SRT 392 was the top dog before the SRT Hellcat came crashing in, but it still has a formidable 6.4-liter V8 pumping out 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque.



2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. Photo: FCA US LLC.2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat



Couldn’t help yourself, huh? Alrighty then. The beating heart under the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s hood is a beastly supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi, the same motor you’ll find in the Charger and Challenger Hellcat. The mighty engine pumps out 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is connected to an eight-speed TorqueFlite 8HP95 automatic transmission.



Although most trim levels of the Durango are standard as rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional), both the Durango SRT and SRT Hellcat are all-wheel drive only. That’s good since you’ll need multiple contact patches to harness all that power.



As you’d expect, the new Durango SRT Hellcat is lightning quick. 60 mph comes up in just 3.5 seconds while the top speed is 180 mph. It also crushes the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds as certified by the NHRA or National Hot Rod Association.



“Durango is our Dodge three-row muscle car,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Nowhere but Dodge can you find an SUV that can tow more or carry more with a faster quarter-time than the Durango SRT Hellcat.”



2021 Dodge Durango: Trim Levels



The 2021 Dodge Durango is available in six trim levels. Standard models have rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional across the lineup for an additional $2,600. Add $1,495 for the destination charge to any of the MSRP figures below.



Durango SXT



The Durango SXT starts at $31,765 and comes with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive. It comes with a new 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display along with tri-zone climate control, push-button start, a leather tiller, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.



MSRP RWD: $31,765MSRP AWD: $34,365Durango GT



The Durango GT has a power liftgate, remote start, a power driver’s seat, and larger 20-inch alloy wheels.



MSRP RWD: $35,965MSRP AWD: $38,5652021 Dodge Durango R/T. Photo: FCA US LLC. Durango R/T



Standard on the performance-minded Durango R/T is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, bigger brakes, a lower ride height, and a 7,400 lbs. max towing capacity.



MSRP RWD: $45,305MSRP AWD: $$47,905Durango Citadel



The Durango Citadel can be paired with the standard V6 or 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. The Citadel is equipped with the trailer-tow Group IV package. It comes with chrome door and mirror accents and more safety gear, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.



MSRP RWD: $47,805MSRP AWD: $50,4022021 Dodge Durango Citadel. Photo: FCA US LLC. Durango SRT 392 & SRT Hellcat



Both Durango SRT models are all-wheel drive only. The SRT 392 comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 while the SRT Hellcat runs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The latter also comes with multiple drive modes, including launch control and launch assist, and Brembo brakes.



MSRP Durango SRT 392 AWD: $62,995MSRP SRT Hellcat AWD: $80,9952021 Dodge Durango Availability



Dealers have started accepting orders for the 2021 Dodge Durango with the first deliveries expected later this year. The order books for the Durango SRT Hellcat are opening this fall with the first deliveries arriving early next year.



Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.



Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.
Original article: 2021 Dodge Durango: Quick Pricing & Trim Level Guide



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2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

From the “Water is Wet/Pope is Catholic” file, Ford says to expect continued growth in SUV sales. They also announced what the updates for the Ford Explorer will be in 2018, but first let’s talk about these sales projections. Look, every company on the planet says the future looks great. We’re going to be making money by the train car load next fiscal year, yadda-yadda-yadda.
But in Ford’s case, they might be right.
Trending Data
For starters, check this out: According to Ford, not only will the SUV segment continue to grow, but it will actually account for more than 45 percent of the non-premium U.S. retail industry in the next five to seven years. 45 percent. That’s nearly half of the non-premium (i.e. rich folks cars) segment being populated by truck like SUV things.
It seems this trend, as 90% of the trends these days, are being driven by millennials. 35- to 44-year-olds buy more mid and large SUVs than any other given demographic, and millennials are anticipated to join this SUV-loving group even more as they age. Baby boomers (the first millenials in a way, if you care to think about it) are already buying nearly 30 percent of small SUVs as is. And boomers are projected to lean even more heavily into SUVs as they march on up the population pyramid. Even Generation X is getting in on the SUV action.
These numbers make Ford happy. They already sell a ton of trucks and SUVs, so a bigger pie means more sales for Ford. Dearborn is so psyched about what lies ahead for SUVs, they have plans to add five all-new ones to their North American lineup by 2020.
“In the 1990s, SUVs defined the unstoppable American spirit, and once again, we’re seeing a utility boom take hold with a whole new generation of customers,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales, and Service. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Cornerstone Connectivity
Ford is planning on the upcoming 2018 Explorer to champion this segue into even more SUVs on the road. The 2018 Explorer has a freshened front, new rear styling details, and even better technology. So the transitional model year gets slathered in tech goodies and gee-gaws such as an available 4G modem with a new standard Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices, plus Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system.
SYNC Connect also allows owners to “connect” with the Explorer remotely using FordPass. Drivers can start, lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle from almost anywhere. I know that sounds superfluous in a lot of ways, but consider living in up-state New York or Mobile, Alabama. Sounds like being able to fire up your Explorer and get the interior heated in February or chilled in August via your smartphone is a good idea, no? Oh, and FordPass also stores important vehicle diagnostic information which is also handy.
All of this stuff on the 2018 Explorer joins existing high tech perks such as enhanced active park assist and electric power-assisted steering. These features help drivers with parallel and perpendicular parking but there is also park-out assist, which helps drivers pull out of parallel parking spots; and intelligent all-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System that sends power where needed. And yeah, I don’t know why on Earth you’d need something to help you pull out of parallel parking spots (isn’t that just reverse gear?) but hey, the new Explorer’s got it.
Safety tidbits? Oh my yes!
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Safety & Security
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers a newly available Safe and Smart Package that combines a whole bunch of stuff you should be able to do for yourself, but Americans seem to thrive on having these days. There is adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support that uses the onboard radar to sense any moving vehicles immediately ahead, and change cruising speed if necessary. A Blind Spot Information System also uses radar to trigger a warning when another vehicle is in your blind spot. Cross-traffic alert is almost the same thing as the blind spot deal. It also uses radar to alert you to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space.
The lane-keeping system automatically detects left- and right-hand lane markers using the front camera system. A vibration in the steering wheel alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of their lane. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed. I’m sorry, but isn’t that what the Bott’s dots on the highway are already there for? How many warnings do you need?
In a blast from the past, the 2018 Ford Explorer also has auto high-beams. It uses windshield-mounted cameras to automatically switch between high and low beams when oncoming traffic is detected. Which is cool and all that, but I remember my grandfather’s 1970s era Caddy having the same thing, so yay for automatically not blinding oncoming traffic, but this ain’t exactly new.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.


Power & Performance
You get your choice of three different engines with the 2018 Explorer: the 2.3-liter, 280 horsepower EcoBoost four-cylinder with 310 lb-ft. of torque, or the 365 horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 350 lb-ft of torque. The latter is for the Explorer Sport and Platinum which have new quad exhaust tips. For some reason Ford doesn’t say what the third engine choice is. I’m sincerely hoping it’s a secret quad turbo V16 plant cranking out over 2,000 horsepower at the wheels.
I also sincerely hope that Angelina Jolie left Brad Pitt because she could sense my raw masculine sexuality, but somehow I feel that isn’t true either.
Exterior Colors & Availability
And not to leave out the truly goofy options, customers have four new exterior color choices with the 2018 Ford Explorer: Burgundy Velvet Tinted Clearcoat, Cinnamon Glaze, Platinum Dune Tricoat, and Blue Metallic. What is goofy there is, of course, the “Cinnamon Glaze” option. Dunno, maybe Ford is going for the off-duty cop market or the Cinnabon manager market but Cinnamon Glaze, really?
The built at Chicago Assembly Plant 2018 Ford Explorer arrives at dealerships this fall.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.



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2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

It won’t be long before the 2018 Volvo XC60 arrives in the showroom. Production of the vehicle is underway at Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Sweden. The first customer-bound XC60 that rolled off the line was a T5 Inscription AWD in Crystal White. The new XC60 replaces a prior model that held its own for nine years, becoming the top premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally.
The XC60 today represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales.
Solid Foundations
The XC60 is the fourth Volvo based on the automaker’s patented SPA vehicle architecture. Volvo developed it in-house and introduced it with the 2016 XC90. SPA allows Vovlo’s engineers to seamlessly integrate a wide range of vehicle systems and technology, be it performance or safety related. The latter is a huge part of Volvo’s reputation and SPA utilizes its high-strength steel construction accordingly.
Furthermore, SPA-related investments in Sweden have provided thousands of new jobs in production and research and development.
The first new XC60 rolls off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Performance Tech
Building on their safety legacy, Volvo added Steer Assist to the 2018 XC60’s City Safety system. Steer Assist literally “assists” the other vehicle safety systems. Oncoming Lane Mitigation, for example, uses Steer Assist to help prevent head-on collisions. The Blind Spot Indication system also uses Steer Assist to help prevent lane-changing collisions. Other available safety features include Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous program that handles steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph.
A T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid tops the new XC60’s powertrain range, delivering 407 horsepower and hitting 62 mph in a mere 5.3 seconds. Inside, the new CleanZone four-zone climate system removes pollutants, dust, and particles – a necessity if you are like me and have allergies. Expect the latest infotainment and connectivity too, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Pricing & Availability
No word on pricing yet for the 2018 Volvo XC60, although the vehicle is gradually becoming available for order as production increases.
“This is a proud day for everyone at the plant,” said Magnus Nilsson, Vice President of the Torslanda plant. “We have worked hard in recent weeks and months to prepare Torslanda for this latest new Volvo model, and now we are ready to start delivering new XC60s to customers.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Volvo XC60 Gallery











Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group



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Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

FCA US LLC is delivering 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company’s autonomous driving program. The announcement follows the already 100 Pacifica minivans sent to Waymo in the second half of last year. Production for these additional 500 will begin next month and upon delivery, Waymo will install their self-driving technology.
Proponents say autonomous driving can prevent many of the 1.2 million traffic-related deaths recorded yearly worldwide. 94 percent of these are caused by human error.
Powerful Partnership
As autonomous vehicles loom on the horizon with some concern and scrutiny, the relationship between FCA and Waymo has proven beneficial.
“The collaboration between FCA and Waymo has been advantageous for both companies as we continue to work together to fully understand the steps needed to bring self-driving vehicles to market,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
John Krafcik, Waymo’s Chief Executive Officer, commented specifically on the vehicle of choice.
“The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is a versatile vehicle for our early rider program, which will give people access to our self-driving fleet to use every day, at any time,” he said.
Through the early rider program, Waymo is expanding on the software and sensor technology originally developed by Google in 2009. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Community Efforts
Waymo’s early rider program in Phoenix, Arizona gives area residents a chance to experience a self-driving vehicle on their daily commutes. Waymo plans on using the feedback to enhance how they design future self-driving technology.
“This collaboration is helping both companies learn how to bring self-driving cars to market, and realize the safety and mobility benefits of this technology,” Krafcik said.
The Pacifica’s electrical, powertrain, chassis, and structural components were modified to accommodate Waymo’s self-driving technology. The programs Waymo uses were refined through nearly 3 million miles of on-road testing and billions of miles in simulation. Waymo and FCA co-located a select group of engineers at a facility in southeastern Michigan to oversee development. Extensive testing was carried out at FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, and Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, Arizona, as well as Waymo test sites in California.
“The addition of 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans is a further acknowledgement of the hard work put forth by both engineering teams,” Marchionne said.
The early rider application window is open now for those in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert. There is no cost to apply.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.



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Letter From The UK: Is It All About Brexit?

Letter From The UK: Is It All About Brexit?
UK Car Production Down: But Is It All About Brexit?
I receive many messages in my burgeoning email inbox. Some of them I don’t want to read because they bear no relation to what I actually do. I do not, for example, want to buy electrical parts from China, perfumes from Paris, and I don’t want to meet attractive girls from foreign lands. Well, in a sort of typically male lecherous sense I do, but the marriage contract and the prospects for my future health don’t allow for it.
I also get a lot of mail every financial quarter from motor manufacturers shouting from the rooftops that the last three months have been their best yet in terms of sales and profits; this includes European car makers like Volvo and Volkswagen. They must be doing this by means of economies of scale or something because, if the UK motor industry is anything to go by, business is not looking rosy.
Worrying Statistics
Figures recently released show that UK car production once again declined in March, with demand falling by -13.3% year on year as the domestic market continues to slow down. Exports also declined, down -11.9% due to fluctuations in demand in some global* markets. In addition, some manufacturers were impacted by the adverse March weather* conditions which negatively affected production operations.
Overall, output in the first quarter of 2018 fell -6.3%, with 440,426 cars leaving production lines in total this year. Almost 80% of these were exported, and while demand from overseas customers fell, this was dwarfed by the -14.1% decline in manufacturing for the UK market.
The UK’s vehicle and component manufacturers are important contributors to the UK economy and are responsible for 13% of all the country’s export in goods. For every one British pound generated by the motor industry, three pounds are delivered to the economy via adjacent sectors such as logistics, retail, and finance. Overall this is estimated to be 10% of UK Gross Domestic Product.
An industry executive is reported as saying, “A double digit decline in car manufacturing for both home and overseas markets is of considerable concern. Following recent announcements on job cutbacks in the sector, it’s vitally important that the industry and consumers receive greater certainty, both about future policies towards diesel and other low emission technologies, and our post-Brexit trading relationships and customs arrangements. Maintaining free and frictionless trade is an absolute priority – it has been fundamental to our past success and is key to our future growth.”
True enough; but is it the whole story or do other factors also impinge on our national prosperity? I think they do.
In this September 2014 photo, recently manufactured Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles await shipping. According to a CNN Money report, dated April 16th 2018, the company is cutting manufacturing jobs in Birmingham citing Brexit as one of the reasons. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
The Big Picture
Further up the page I have set an asterisk against two words. One is ‘weather’ and is something none of us can do anything about, especially in this country when we can get four seasons in one day. The other is ‘global’ in the sense that we, as a productive nation, cannot possibly allow for unknown variables like the state of the economies outside of the European bloc. Inevitably, if, say a Far Eastern economy is suffering then it stands to reason that we will sell less to them. Conversely, if a country is successful with its internal economy they may buy less from us unless we are truly competitive. That’s just basic economics. Swings and roundabouts.
Yet, I wonder if that is the whole picture. Yes, the uncertainty surrounding the British exit (hence Brexit) from the European Union is a major factor. The Eurocrats continue to be difficult and intransigent and the UK Government continues to be weak and vacillating. Is it any wonder the British Public are concerned about their long-term prosperity and that the UK car industry, like Yossarian, doesn’t have a clue which way to jump: but I also think it doesn’t end there.
Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory or “Die Gläserne Manufaktur” in Dresden, Germany serves as the automaker’s Center of Future Mobility. The facility offers tours, exhibitions, and test drives for attendees with a focus on electrification. The e-Golf has been made here since April 2017 and will be joined by other electric models according to Volkswagen. Photo: Volkswagen UK.
The Public Purse
Sales of diesel cars have been very badly hit thanks to the adverse, and rather unfair, publicity yet the sales of petrol, hybrid, and electric cars have not risen to the same extent, something that would seem to be a reasonable assumption. The fact is, despite some aggressive price cutting and attractive leasing options, the British public are keeping their cars for much longer (my own car is six years old and I’m very happy with it) because they either do all that is required of them or the people are simply losing interest.
Running a car is expensive here. Fuel prices, insurance premiums, and all manner of taxes make owning a vehicle a costly luxury. Certainly many young people on starter wages can’t afford it. Other needs are taking precedence. I don’t have any evidence to back any of this up but, call me crazy and send me off to the funny farm, in the back of my mind I do wonder if the car industry isn’t killing itself. I know, I know, but I’ve put it out there now.
Changing Tides
From doing what I do (when not browsing listings of young ladies who desire my company above all else) I’m hearing the message: cars are getting boring. In the mainstream, affordable world that most of us live in they are all the same. Ask me the question, ‘which crossover shall I buy’ and my answer now will be ‘any of them,’ because they are all essentially identical. This one handles better than that one but has a smaller trunk and does five miles less to the gallon and so on: Yadda, Yadda, Yadda . . .
The most boring aspect of all is autonomous cars. To a gearhead these robots, these things, are anathema. It simply is not possible to get interested in them unless you’re fascinated by guidance systems.
Wherever you lay the blame; on economies or government or Brexit or an apathetic public, there is a danger that cars are losing their allure as status symbols or objects of desire. Once, in Great Britain, if you owned a Jaguar or a Mercedes it said that you had arrived. You had status in the community. Things are so different now and nobody much cares. They’re just cars.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.



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Toyota Invests In Mississippi Plant, New Facilities & Jobs Planned

Toyota Invests In Mississippi Plant, New Facilities & Jobs Planned With spring in the air, all sorts of plants are beginning to grow and that includes plants of the automotive manufacturing variety. This is the case in Blue Springs, home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, where the automaker has committed $170 million for production of the new Corolla using a platform called “Toyota’s New Global Architecture” or TNGA.
The plant currently produces 170,000 vehicles annually and employs over 1,500 people.
Essential Foundations
TNGA improves Toyota vehicle performance in virtually every category while advancing and streamlining the company’s product development process. The monies will be used for a complete overhaul and replacement of the current production lines, a move Toyota officials say enables the facility to stay competitive globally.
“We will be able to respond quicker and be more flexible in order to meet market demands down the road,” explained Sean Suggs, Toyota Mississippi President. “Toyota knows that you have to put in the effort to get the results, and this is just the beginning of that effort.”
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Continued Growth
Toyota says the investment will create 400 plus new jobs over the course of the next year. This recent commitment is the latest in Toyota’s effort to invest $10 billion in its U.S. facilities over the next five years, and brings the current total to $4.27 billion. Toyota’s total investment in the U.S. over the past 60 years is $25 billion, with more than a billion of that going to Mississippi since 2007.
“For more than a decade, Toyota has been a valued corporate partner to Blue Springs and the state of Mississippi,” said Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. “Toyota’s commitment to building a sense of community is illustrated by the company’s continued investment in its operations and philanthropic efforts throughout the region.”
“I’m very proud of our team members and the partnerships we have developed across the state,” Suggs added. “These jobs will support production of the all-new Corolla, and we are excited to build more of them for our loyal customers.”
A new visitor and training center is planned for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Visitor & Training Center
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi also held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new visitor and training center designed by local architecture firm JBHM. The 15,000-square-foot facility will include meeting and training spaces for up to 120 people with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. A 5,000-square-foot area with interactive exhibits that showcase Toyota’s Production System and Mississippi’s economic development are also planned.
The visitor and training center will open to the public in November 2019.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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Subaru of America Delivers Nine-Millionth Vehicle To Arkansas Doctor

Subaru of America Delivers Nine-Millionth Vehicle To Arkansas Doctor Subaru of America, Inc. recently hit a milestone, selling their nine-millionth vehicle in the United States. Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville, Arkansas earned the distinction after delivering a new Crosstrek to Dr. Hershey Garner. At the dealership, Garner was greeted by Don Nelms, owner of Adventure Subaru, along with staff and Ali Daniel and Brian Wilson from Subaru of America.
The celebration came as a surprise for Dr. Garner and his wife Denise, who are loyal Subaru customers. The good doctor proudly owns a 2005 Baja but admits he was taken by the new Crosstrek.
“I’ve been waiting for the right Subaru to come along and found the perfect one on Adventure Subaru’s website, the 50th Anniversary Edition Crosstrek,” he said. “It has all the features I was looking for, and the color and size are the perfect fit.”
Community Pillars
Dr. Garner has specialized as a radiation oncologist for over 30 years and supports Circle of Life Hospice by filling in as a staff physician. Denise Garner has served on the board of Feed Communities, one of Adventure Subaru’s Share the Love local charity recipients. The Garners were presented with several gifts and a charitable donation on their behalf to Feed Communities.
The couple champions public radio and donated the music room at the local NPR-affiliate KUAF.
Adventure Subaru is also active in community outreach and environmental stewardship and has been a certified Subaru Eco-Friendly Retailer since 2012.
Photo: Subaru of America.
Continued Growth
The Crosstrek is coming off its best March ever for sales with an 88.2 percent increase over the same month in 2017. March also marked the first time that Crosstrek has topped 13,000 units in a single month, marking Subaru of America’s 49th consecutive month of 40,000 plus vehicle sales.
All 2018 Crosstreks are powered by a revised version of the company’s 2.0-liter Boxer engine that creates 152 horsepower. The Crosstrek delivers 23 in the city, 29 on the highway, and 25 combined miles per gallon according to the EPA ratings.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Subaru of America.



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2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring Review

2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring Review

For years, the Honda CR-V has been one of those vehicles that just blended in with all the other small crossovers on the road. Gone are those days forever, now that the 2017 CR-V has arrived. Honda has fully-redesigned the popular model and it gets more comfortable, more fuel-stingy, and more versatile. The exterior has also been completely restyled and is now more attractive and modern looking. 
This week, we drove the top-trim, 2017 Honda CR-V AWD Touring model.
What’s New For 2017
The Honda CR-V is completely redesigned for 2017. The outside gets a much needed styling udpate, it gets a longer and wider wheelbase, and the addition of an optional, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that should improve fuel economy and acceleration. We checked both of those out this week.
Features & Options
The CR-V AWD Touring comes standard with LED daytime running lights, a rearview camera, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and Pandora internet radio compatibility. Touring models get bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights (and high beams), a sunroof, foglights, a retractable cargo cover, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, an eight-way power driver’s seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
It also comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with HondaLink smartphone app integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), satellite radio, and an extra USB port. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring system, a forward collision warning and mitigation system with automatic braking, and a lane departure warning and intervention system.
Even more luxury items include a hands-free height-adjustable power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, HD radio, LED headlights, automatic windshield wipers, ambient interior LED lighting, a navigation system, and an upgraded sound system with nine speakers.
Honda did not have pricing yet on this CR-V pre-production model.





Interior Highlights
The cabin in the 2017 CR-V is updated with new materials which look classy for the segment. The interior gets a bit bigger with the wider and longer wheelbase, allowing even more room for passengers in the front and back. Up front, the gearshift gets moved further forward and higher on the center console, allowing for abundant storage areas. There’s multiple handy trays and storage bins for families to easily hide all their stuff, keeping the front uncluttered. We also liked the top-of-the line Touring model inside with its wood-grain trim, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob, and seats. 
Drivers will definitely appreciate the added adjustability that comes with the 12-way power driver’s seat. We could easily find the perfect driving position for superior visibility. We especially liked the re-introduction of a volume knob for the audio system on the CR-V’s center console. It’s one of the things Honda listened to as there were many complaints about the touchscreen volume controls on previous CR-Vs. It makes it much easier now to crank up the tunes.
Out back, there’s even more room for rear passengers. Our riders this week commented on the ample leg and headroom as we traveled for a lunch meeting. Behind the rear seat, the CR-V offers up one of the most user-friendly cargo areas in the small SUV segment with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo-carrying ability. There’s also a deep cargo area and lower load floor making it easier to load bigger cargo items. The Touring’s power lift gate comes with a handy hands-free option and a height-adjustment feature.







Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Honda CR-V gets a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft. of of torque. It comes mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and our Touring tester came with optional all-wheel drive.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 27/33 city/highway and 29 combined mpg. We averaged 28.2 mpg for the week which was at altitude, plus we pushed the crossover hard.
Driving Dynamics
This Touring model came fitted with the new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When we first looked at the size and horsepower, at least on paper, it didn’t seem like an upgrade with more power. It seems undersized for the vehicle, but the turbocharger totally changes the dynamics of this engine. We pushed the new CR-V hard all week at altitude in the mountains west of Denver, and the 1.5-liter mill never lacked for power.
We drove it up I-70 into the mountains and we had all the power we needed to stay in the fast lane and pass slower traffic. In the city, the CR-V handles like a champ as we were able to scoot in and out of traffic. The ride is smooth and composed, even over rough pavement. The cabin is quieter than the previous model; we were able to crank up the premium sound system and enjoy the ride.
The CR-V is a great city commuter that’s the perfect size for a new or smaller family. It’s roomy enough inside and never left us feeling tired at the end of the day. Visibility is good and the tilt-telescoping steering wheel along with the 12-way power driver’s seat is extra convenient on long trips. The only complaint is that the parking brake sets itself when you shut off the engine. When you get back in, you have to release the brake or you don’t go anywhere.
Conclusion
Overall, the newly-redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V is good-looking and comfortable. The new fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbo engine has plenty of power for most driving situations. The all-wheel drive makes it an all-weather cable crossover with plenty of utility. For more information on the new CR-V, look through our detailed Product and Performance Overview here. 
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
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2017 Honda CR-V Official Site
Photos: Honda North America




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2018 Hyundai Sonata: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Hyundai Sonata: Product & Performance Overview

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata arrives with new styling, enhanced safety features, and upgraded steering and suspension components. Hyundai unveiled the vehicle recently at the New York International Auto Show, underscoring their desire for a “bold, daring, and beautiful” automobile.
“It’s all about making an impact,” said Chris Chapman, Chief Designer, Hyundai North American Design. “The moment the pen left the drafting paper, I knew we had something special in this re-imagined Sonata.”
Styling & Design
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata was designed at Hyundai’s California Design Studio with American flare in mind. Designers focused on a more decisive stance, characterized primarily by the “cascading grille” and new rear profile. The 2018 Sonata has LED daytime running lights and available LED headlamps with a bending feature to help illuminate the road.
The center stack and instrument panel were designed with the exterior for a consistent theme throughout. The dials, three-spoke steering wheel, and piano key buttons for the audio and HVAC controls are just several examples of where Hyundai went for a premium look and feel.
“Dynamic lines, strong graphics, and our new signature cascading grille come together in an athletic way,” Chapman said.
Power & Performance
At the top of the range, the 2018 Sonata is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 245 horsepower. The eight-speed automatic was designed with well balanced ratios, meaning drivers will find an optimum blend between performance and efficiency. The transmission provides strong off-the-line acceleration and fuel efficient highway cruising. The 2.0-liter turbo models have 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
Hyundai’s engineers zeroed in on ride and handling specifically, improving the 2018 Sonata’s overall responsiveness. The steering system went through a total revision and various components, like the torsion bar, were beefed up to improve the handling in all conditions. The rear suspension received similar treatment with trailing arms now 21 percent thicker. The additional stiffness helps manage suspension loads, while new bushings work within the suspension arms for more nimble handling.
What’s interesting is Hyundai’s feedback from customers in this area was already quite high, but the automaker wanted to made a good thing better.
“We wanted to deliver an exciting, expressive car to our customers and show the world how passionate Hyundai is about design and craftsmanship,” Chapman said.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Safety & Security
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has seven standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. The vehicle has an available Lane Departure Warning system with an enhanced Lane Keep Assist function; Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert provides additional safety when maneuvering in reverse.
Connectivity & Availability
Driver’s will stay connected through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A Qi wireless charging pad accompanies a second row USB charge port. The available navigation system now comes with a bird’s eye view feature, plus traffic flow and incident data – both are available without a subscription fee. No word yet on when the 2018 Hyundai Sonata will be available but the car is on display currently at the New York International Auto Show.
“The objective was to make an impact, and this design provides the visual excitement and unique identity our customers associate with Sonata,” Chapman said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America



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