#2020 Honda Pilot Competitors

[drivepedal]

t’s the best designed car in the class. Here are some of the main competitors.

https://corpus-christi-kia-dealership.kiadealership.net/By comparison, the Highlander is more money for the same features. The Limited (2nd from top trim line) is the same price as the Telluride SX, but the SX has all the same features as the Platinum Highlander, which is another $4K. To make it worse, the Highlander has less space, worse visibility and the interior isn’t as well designed and the materials feel cheaper.

2020 Ford Explorer: The criticisms here are the same as those with the Highlander, except it’s a bigger disparity. The price differential is even greater and the interior is worse.

2020 Honda Pilot: This is closer price and features, but the interior quality/design isn’t as nice.

2020 Hyundai Palisade: This is the same basic car as the Telluride but with different sheetmetal and different interior styling. The big knock here is the exterior is ugly. If you can get past that, the interior is pretty equal to the Telluride’s. In some ways it’s nicer. You can get a full digital dash and there’s more option flexibility 2nd row bench vs. captains chairs. You also don’t have to get the top trim line to get LED headlights.I thought the interior on this one and the Telluride were nicer than Acura or Infiniti and Lexus too.

[printertech]

2020 Honda Pilot Premier Options Specs, Spy Photo, Price

2020 Honda Pilot Premier Options Specs, Spy Photo, Price

2020 Honda Pilot Premier Options Specs, Spy Photo, Price – The particular Honda Pilot is anticipated to convey, but not only an improved powertrain but maybe a brand new body look at the same time. Considering 2002, it had been built as a mid-size crossover SUV, and ultimately, it began to be a stuffed-sizing crossover SUV. It occurred at the start of the third technology which debuted at the…

[molm2]

2023 Hyundai Palisade | Review & Road Test

For the latest Hyundai Palisade pricing and information: This is the Hyundai Palisade and as you can see, it’s gotten some work done. With a revised front fascia, interior, and the introduction of a new rugged trim, it’s received, all together now, a mid-cycle refresh. Here’s some quick details. Introduced in 2020, this is Hyundai’s biggest vehicle. It’s a 7 or 8 seat mid-size SUV that shook up the car market when it arrived, presenting a practical and stylish alternative to its competition. Propelling Hyundai’s big boy is still a 3.8L V6 making 291 hp (291 hp/ 262 lb-ft) linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard and AWD is available on all trims for an extra $1,900. Fuel economy on par with the segment (FWD 19 city / 27 hwy, graphic: AWD 19 city/ 25 hwy) but a hybrid option would be nice right about now, and if you plan on towing the Palisade has a Max tow capacity of 5000 lbs. In the cargo area there’s (18 cu-ft) behind the 3rd row, fold down the 3rd row seats for (45.8 cu-ft), and for maximum volume, the second and 3rd row folded yields (86.4 cu-ft). And on the subject of seats, 8 passenger seating is only available on the lowest 2 SE and SEL trims. Higher trims feature captains chairs. Applied to the pavement, the Palisade drives well. It has predictable handling and provides a graceful and confident ride. Honestly the Palisade has some easy road manners, which is good because if you’re using this to haul around family, you want the easiest ride you can get. Visibility is good in the but if you do need it, there’s standard blind spot monitoring. Some other standard safety features will include forward collision assist with pedestrian detection, Lane follow and lane keep assist, and navigation based smart cruise control with stop & go and curve control. Power delivery in the Palisade is adequate, put your foot down and it gets you moving. I like that the V6 has a pretty linear power delivery that you won’t really feel on a lot of turbo powered SUVS. Base MSRP is $34,950 not including destination charges for an SE trim which includes the standard features mentioned earlier, AC vents in all 3 rows, paddle shifters, LED headlights, and highway driving assist. Wanna stand out? Check out that new XRT trim starting at $40,250 that’ll give you rugged aesthetics like a dark grille, black lower bumpers in front and black, and skid plate accents, 20” black alloy wheels, Black roof Rails, a lower door garnish, and the XRT badge. And if you’re considering taking the luxury route, the Calligraphy trim starting at $48,900 includes these 20 inch alloy wheels, Chrome exterior accents, digital rear view mirror, ambient lighting, and nappa leather seats with Hyundai’s “driver’s ergo motion seat”, which is basically a seat massager. Competitors include so many SUVS like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, Nissan Pathfinder, and can’t forget its platform-mate the Kia Telluride. The Palisade is a satisfying SUV that continues to stand out in a world of midsize SUVS. And now with its new facelift, rugged trim, and upscale interior, you really can’t deny yourself a second look at what Hyundai is offering. 00:00 2023 Hyundai Palisade 0:43 Engine 1:10 Interior 4:04 Driving Impressions 6:17 Pricing 8:08 Competitors

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[orbemnews]

Auto tendencies of 2020: On-line shopping for, electrical vans and SUVs go off-road once more And sure main tendencies emerged, like a long-awaited embrace of electrical vans and a return to the extra-rugged SUV. One other massive development: looking for a automobile from the Covid-free security of your house. Here is a take a look at a few of the largest tendencies that formed the trade in 2020. Vehicles go electrical Over the course of this 12 months, one factor was clear: America’s obsession with pickup vans is way from over. However there was additionally one other attention-grabbing twist. New advances in battery expertise have made it doable to create electrical variations of those vans with out sacrificing energy and including an excessive amount of to the value, that means the as soon as gas-guzzling behemoths have turn into far more eco-friendly. Ford unveiled a new hybrid F-150, the primary full-hybrid pickup within the US market. It is a precursor to the upcoming totally electrical F-150. We did not simply see electrical variations of already-existing pickup vans, nevertheless. In January, Normal Motors was teasing Hummer followers with an advert through the Tremendous Bowl about its upcoming GMC Hummer EV, a hyper-aggressive electrical pickup truck. And then there have been a slew of different notable entrants to the electrical truck market: Lordstown Motors revealed its strictly-for-business electrical pickup that will probably be constructed at a former GM manufacturing facility in Ohio. Fisker, finest recognized for its deliberate Ocean electrical SUV, dropped hints late this 12 months that it is trying to make a pickup, too. Founder Henrik Fisker even tweeted a picture of a pickup mattress with identify Alaska written on it. Rivian, which had first unveiled its truck, the R1T, again in 2016, lastly revealed the truck’s pricing and particulars about its capabilities. All these vans will ultimately compete in opposition to Tesla’s radical-looking Cybertruck, which was revealed late in 2019. One motive electrical vans have gotten so common is that customers are beginning to belief the expertise, stated Kelley Blue Ebook affiliate editor Allyson Haywood. “If you’re speaking about an electrical truck, there are particular expectations {that a} truck purchaser has, whether or not it is payload capability, towing capability, off-road functionality or some mixture of these,” she stated. “If they’ve considerations that these battery packs usually are not going to outlive, you are not going to have that vary to do what you want that truck to do, they don’t seem to be going to be assured shopping for an electrical truck.” It additionally helps that loads of truck consumers are enterprise homeowners, she stated, who will take a look at the gasoline and upkeep value financial savings of an electrical truck. (Electrical automobiles value much less to keep up as a result of they’ve fewer shifting elements, do not require oil modifications and do not put on out their brakes as rapidly as gasoline or diesel automobiles. Electrical energy additionally tends to value lower than gasoline on a per-mile foundation.) SUVs return to being robust Crossover SUVs, typically simply giant hatchback automobiles with raised suspension, have been wildly common for years. Auto showrooms are overrun with them. However in 2020, the auto trade appeared to rediscover SUVs and vans that have been constructed extra for rocky trails than paved parking tons. Ford reintroduced its famed Bronco, responding to years of demand for the long-out-of-production traditional mannequin. A direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco has a detachable prime and is meant for rugged off-road use. The Bronco Sport is a barely smaller SUV that is supposed for lighter — however nonetheless fairly critical — off-road use. Normal Motors’ first totally electrical truck, the GMC Hummer EV, can also be a part of this development. It is a 1,000-horsepower all-wheel-drive truck with four-wheel steering that may even drive diagonally if wanted. Not all the brand new SUVs are actually that robust, although. Many SUV consumers actually do not want critical off-road functionality — even when they do enterprise out to a campsite or a trailhead each occasionally. That is the place SUVs like the brand new Chevrolet Trailblazer are available. It is received barely rugged — extra cute, actually — seems to be and it is accessible in all-wheel-drive. Nonetheless, even Trailblazer Activ, probably the most succesful model, is meant extra for grime roads than no roads. That woodsy vibe can also be why Honda redesigned its Ridgeline pickup to look extra rugged, too. And Honda plans to offer the identical remedy for its Pilot and Passport SUVs as a part of an effort to let prospects know that, sure, Honda’s SUVs and vans can get soiled, too. This development comes, coincidentally, simply as coronavirus-rattled automobile consumers who’re itching to get outdoor and away from individuals, stated Haywood. Actually, she stated, it is principally a response to the near-ubiquity of crossovers that appear to be tall automobiles. “I do assume that when individuals purchase a automobile, they wish to have some sense of individuality,” she stated. Automobile procuring strikes on-line One factor that may be attributed to the pandemic was a surge in on-line automobile procuring. This was the 12 months that purchasing automobiles, identical to shopping for all the things else, went on-line in a giant means. Used automobile procuring web site Carvana bought 39% extra automobiles within the third quarter of 2020 than in 2019. Vroom, one other on-line used automobile vendor, bought 59% extra automobiles in that very same interval. These firms’ gross sales have been already rising earlier than, however “the pandemic has simply accelerated all of that, perhaps to the tune of a number of years,” stated Carvana CEO Ernest Garcia. Firstly of 2020, JD Energy started surveying new automobile consumers about their on-line experiences. Between January and April, when lockdowns have been in place in a lot of the USA, the variety of automobile consumers who chosen a automobile on-line elevated by 63%, whereas the proportion of consumers getting credit score approval on-line greater than doubled. On-line automobile procuring has removed from taken over the brand new automobile procuring enterprise, although. Even with these massive shifts on-line, paperwork-intensive elements of the method are, particularly, nonetheless being achieved principally in particular person. As an example, regardless of that massive enhance, solely 20% of latest automobile consumers received credit score approval on-line in April, in response to JD Energy’s knowledge. And solely 15% of automobile consumers received an appraised worth for his or her trade-in automobile on-line. Improved digital processes for these types of issues will assist, stated Christopher Sutton, JD Energy’s vp for automotive retail, as will extra advertising of on-line programs by sellers and automakers. “One factor that we did see that, I believe was very encouraging, is that the purchasers too went by means of the digital expertise did report a greater expertise on stability,” he stated. Supply hyperlink #Auto #Autotrendsof2020:Onlinebuying #buying #Electric #electrictrucksandSUVsgooff-roadagain-CNN #offroad #Online #success #SUVs #trends #trucks

[carphotogallery]

2022 Honda Pilot Redesign, Interior, Specs & Release Date

2022 Honda Pilot Redesign, Interior, Specs & Release Date #newpilot #honda #suv #lease #loan

2022 Honda Pilot SUV can become one of the most anticipated SUVs on the market. This Honda Pilot has its previous series that was released in 2020. It went pretty well on the market as it became a good competitor.

Thus, people are waiting for this next Honda Pilot. Will there be any dramatic changes? Well, there will be some changes; however, we are still waiting for the official updates.

[dipulb3]

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport review: Streamlined SUV skimps on sport

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/2020-volkswagen-atlas-cross-sport-review-streamlined-suv-skimps-on-sport-2/

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport review: Streamlined SUV skimps on sport

A nip and tuck to the Atlas’ profile gets you the more athletic looking Cross Sport model.

Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The Volkswagen Atlas is a big, three-row beast of an SUV with its wide body and horizontal design elements. The 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport is only slightly less so. The new variant shrinks the SUV’s body slightly and tweaks the roofline for a sportier profile and more athletic curb appeal, allowing it to better do battle with the new Passport — itself a scaled-down version of the Atlas’ closest nemesis, the Honda Pilot.

Like

New profile looks better, doesn’t cost much space

Even basic cabin tech checks all the right boxes

Comfortable ride over rough surfaces

Don’t Like

Fuel economy is just OK

Lots of body movement at higher speeds

The Cross Sport lowers the Atlas’ roofline to 67.8 inches (down 2.3) and shortens the SUV’s overall length to 195.5 inches (5.2 less). The result, along with a bit of a nipping and tucking of the profile, is a much more muscular and athletic take on the standard Atlas’ stiff, brick-like aesthetic.

The slightly shorter length visually pushes the rear wheels out to the vehicle’s corners, giving the Cross Sport a more aggressive-looking stance, while the lower roofline and exaggerated wheel arches make the Atlas appear lower and leaner. Personally, I think the Cross Sport looks the way the Atlas should have all along.

Sculpting its sheetmetal saves this Atlas variant about 200 pounds, depending on the trim level, but the more svelte shape doesn’t help as much with aerodynamics and efficiency as I’d hoped. The Cross Sport still has the same 0.34 drag coefficient as its more squared-off sibling and largely the same fuel efficiency across the spectrum of engine options. At best, I’m talking 21 miles per gallon city, 24 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder. At the other end of the spectrum is the all-wheel-drive V6, at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

The underpinnings haven’t changed. The Cross Sport sits on the same 117.3-inch wheelbase with 8 inches of ground clearance and retains its wide boi status at 78.4 inches across. I’ve always thought it weird that the Atlas classifies as a midsize SUV despite its imposing curbside stature.

The Cross Sport V6 4Matic gains one combined mpg despite unchanged city and highway estimates, so there must be some small aerodynamic advantage being rounded off.

Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Of course, the tidier exterior design costs the Cross Sport a bit of interior volume, but not as much practical space as you might think. By the numbers, there’s 40.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. That’s a loss of 15.2 and 19 cubes, respectively, compared to the larger Atlas, but it’s all lost space near the ceiling. The Cross Sport still does a fantastic job swallowing up bulky items — including a 52-inch wide entertainment center — with room to spare.

Taller drivers and passengers may notice the loss of about 2 inches of headroom on both of the Cross Sport’s rows (39.4 inches front, 37.8 inches rear) and there’s no missing the lack of a third row option. There’s just no room for it in the Cross Sport’s shorter chassis. 

Soft ride, relaxed performance

The Cross Sport looks more athletic, but it’s no more agile than before. The SUV’s ride is just as soft as the standard model and just as comfort-focused. Despite the reduced curb weight, the Cross Sport feels big with numb steering that lacks much of the car-like nimbleness of its competitors around town.

On the highway, the Atlas’ vague steering and soft suspension makes the SUV feel almost truck-ish. I constantly have to make small steering corrections to make up for bumps, dips or crosswinds nudging the Cross Sport to and fro. There’s a lot of vertical and lateral body movement at speed over my local (and very uneven) highways, meaning the SUV never really feels settled. It isn’t so fiddly as to feel unsafe or scary, but the Atlas requires just a bit more mental energy to keep centered within its lane than, say, our long-term Honda Passport — that’s not exactly what I mean when I say I want an engaging drive.

With such a wide body, there often isn’t much wiggle room between the lane markers.

Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Two engines are available to Atlas Cross Sport buyers: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6, each mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Either can be had in front-wheel drive configuration or, optionally, Volkswagen’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

My example’s V6 engine brings 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque to the party. Compared to the 2.0T, it’s got 41 extra ponies, but only 8 more pound-feet. In practice, the V6 doesn’t feel that much more potent on the road than the I4, possibly due in part to the automatic transmission’s comfort-tuned programming somewhat dulling responsiveness in favor of smoothness and economy.

Tech and safety

The Cross Sport features an identical list of standard and optional driver aid tech as the larger Atlas. There’s a good loadout of features including adaptive cruise control that works well in stop-and-go traffic, automatic emergency brake assist, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and automatic high beams. 

My example also features lane-keeping assist and lane-departure alerts that are unobtrusive and helpful. However, it doesn’t do as good a job holding the center line as Honda’s lane-keeping tech or Toyota’s now-standard Lane Tracing Assist, leaving the Atlas wandering somewhat between the markers.

The Atlas’ standard 8-inch display is home to smartphone connectivity and a refreshingly simple interface.

Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

VW’s cabin tech is still among the best in the class, mostly because of its smartly chosen features and relative simplicity. There’s not much to the menu structure, so it never really gets awkward.

My example’s upgraded 8-inch display plays host to standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and is nicely positioned just a short reach from the driver’s seat. The optional navigation software gets me where I need to go without issue and works well with the voice recognition that Volkswagen’s running these days. If you’re feeling deja-vu from my previous Atlas review, that’s because this is the same setup you’ll find in the dashboards of nearly every new VW in the automaker’s lineup, and that’s not a bad thing.

Only the top-level SEL trim offers VW’s Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, which is a shame. The full-screen instrument cluster looks great. It’s not as flashy or powerful as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard, but VW’s setup is still very customizable and worth considering.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: Slightly smaller, much better looking

See all photos

Competition and price

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $31,565 for the base 2.0T S model, including a $1,020 destination charge — that’s exactly a $1,000 savings over the larger, three-row model — and tops out at the $50,815 V6 SEL Premium R-Line with 4Motion all-wheel drive. The mid-tier SE trim is the sweet spot, getting you most of the creature comforts and safety tech, priced reasonably between $34,965 and the $43,260 as-tested price of this V6 SE with Technology, R-Line and 4Motion upgrades, as well as premium Aurora Red Chroma Metallic paint and a panoramic sunroof.

The Atlas Cross Sport rides comfortably, boasts a solid mix of features and tech and retains much of the standard Atlas’ spacious cargo and passenger capacity despite its more svelte shape. It’s also surprising just how much better the reshaped rear end looks. However, the Atlas Cross Sport isn’t my favorite ride in this class. 

I’d like a tighter ride to go with the Cross Sporty looks — or at least the option for a sportier R-Line suspension to go with the badges and bumpers. For now, the Atlas Cross Sport’s primary competition is the Honda Passport which gets the nod from me thanks to its comparably robust tech and more car-like handling. It’s just more pleasant and less mentally taxing to drive. Toyota’s upcoming Venza will also prove to be an interesting cross-shop, depending on where the dedicated hybrid model’s price and efficiency lands.

[bewitchingbooktours]

Colombian Betrayal by Randall Krzak

Colombian Betrayal

A Bruce and Smith Thriller

Book One

Randall Krzak

Genre: action-adventure thriller, political thriller, suspense thriller

Publisher: Randall Krzak Books

Date of Publication: March 30, 2020 (Kindle)

ISBN: 0978944100

ISBN-13: 978-0978944100

ASIN: B0854CFJTV Number of pages:  330 Word Count: 82,039

Cover Artist: Matt at 

www.darngoodcovers.com

Tagline:  Colombian Betrayal exposes the death and violence behind the entangled interactions between governments, revolutionaries, terrorists, and drug lords.

Book Description: 

Colombian Betrayal tears the cover off the drug trade and exposes the death, and violence behind the twisted connections between governments, revolutionaries, terrorists, and drug lords.

Watch as an unholy alliance is formed when the profits of a Columbian drug lord Olivia Moreno, begin disappearing and deadly new international competitors appear on the horizon.

Moreno, head of the Barranquilla Cartel, strikes a deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Little does she know she is signing her own death warrant! FARC has a group wanting a foothold in South America—the Islamic State, and she is in the way.

On the run, Moreno is captured by a CIA team. She spins a tale to use her money and manpower to destroy ISIS in an effort to save herself. Laws and rules of engagement are meaningless to Moreno, her life and her family are her only concern. Will the CIA leader fall for her offer?

Will team leader AJ Bruce strike a deal to turn the tables on Islamic State? Can she stop them from launching an attack on the United States? Or will she be too late?

Is it worth trading control of Afghanistan’s poppy fields with Moreno as a reward for her cooperation? Or is Bruce playing her in an attempt to double-cross her and kill two birds with one stone?

Get your copy today, and watch this high stakes game of kill or be killed.

Amazon     Amazon AU     Amazon CA     Amazon UK

Excerpt  2 (947 words)

AJ Bruce weaved through heavy traffic on the Capital Beltway. She alternated between leaning on the horn and cursing at slower motorists. “Late again. I don’t need this!” She slammed a hand on the steering wheel of her gunmetal gray Honda Pilot. “Boss is gonna kill me.” She slipped to the right around a banged-up clunker, her vehicle bouncing on the rough shoulder. AJ spotted her exit and sped along the edge of the freeway and flew down the ramp. She raced through a red light and whipped her vehicle toward the security checkpoint at the CIA facility in Langley, skidding to a halt at the end of a line of cars waiting for access. “C’mon, c’mon!” AJ urged the cars in front to move faster. At last, her turn came. She flashed her badge at the sensor and shot past the barricade. She grabbed a pass from the console, flung the placard on the dash, jumped out of her car, and raced inside. Once through the turnstile, she rushed to the elevator, the one-inch heels of her black leather shoes clicking on the tiled floor. Two minutes later, AJ waltzed into her section and made her way to the boss’s office, stopping at a kiosk on the way for a cup of black coffee. “AJ, so glad you could join us today.” Robert Lintstone, head of the counter-terrorism division responsible for tracking terrorists in Latin America, sneered as he half-bowed and waved her to a seat. “What’s your excuse this time?” Prick. As if I’d tell him in front of others. He’s always talking about the need to know. Staying out all night after the class reunion is my own business. Flicking her long, brown hair, AJ slid into a chair and glanced around the table. Four of her staff occupied seats, with empty coffee mugs in front of them. Within easy reach, notepads were covered with several lines of writing. Damn! I’m really late—wonder what they already covered? She tried to sneak a peek at the pad nearest her. The person smiled and turned it so she could read. A stranger with black hair in a military cut, piercing green eyes, and olive complexion sat opposite her. Silver eagles of a full colonel adorned the epaulets of his uniform. His nametag read Smith. Lintstone rubbed a hand through his thinning gray hair and cleared his throat. “There are indications the Islamic State is attempting to gain a foothold in our territory. They’ve already infiltrated a number of countries around the world. We’re trying to ascertain the validity of the intel before we make a move.” “What’s the source?” AJ scribbled on a notepad while her boss spoke. “Two sensitive contacts, both unconfirmed. One reported Islamic State purchased an old freighter from an Iranian corporation through a cutout. They’re using the Liberian-flagged ship as a floating command post. The other stated IS training camps are being set up in Colombia and Panama.” He shook his head before peering at them through thick glasses. “It might be a smart move on their part since no one would believe they had willing conscripts in these countries.” Lintstone pounded a fist on his desk. The civilians flinched. “Dammit, people! We need collaborative intel. Fast! Someone check with NSA and Homeland Security. Find out if they can help. Call State as well, but I doubt they’ll be of any use.” A tall, thin man with receding gray hair vaulted from his chair. “On it, sir.” He hurried from the room before Lintstone added any further instructions. “Contact the British and the Canadians, too. Perhaps they’ll share with us, although there’ll be a quid pro quo.” A bald man, on the heavy side, lumbered to his feet with the use of a cane. “Will do, chief.” “Don’t offer any more than necessary.” “Yes, sir.” The man limped through the doorway, banging the door shut behind him. Lintstone glared at two women sitting at the end of the table. “Well, what are you waiting for? An invitation? Back to your computers and analyze. Contact NGA—see if the geospatial folks know more than they’ve shared. Find me something—anything to point us in the right direction.” The women nodded and left. “What about us, boss?” AJ gestured toward the colonel to include him in her question. “This is Colonel Javier Smith, First Special Forces Operational Detachment. He’s here as an advisor. Colonel, meet AJ Bruce, my troubleshooter.” AJ gazed at the colonel. “So you’re Delta Force?” “Yes, but I’m not just here to advise.” He glanced at Lintstone. “This will be my last time in the field before taking up a new assignment at the Pentagon. That’s why I’m in uniform today. I met with my new commander earlier, and he’s a stickler for proper military etiquette and attire. Didn’t have time to change before this meeting.” Both stood and walked around the table to shake hands. The colonel dwarfed AJ’s five-foot-ten-inch frame by six inches. AJ noted a thin scar running from his left ear to his chin. After a firm squeeze, both returned to their seats. “You’ll be working togeth—” AJ pursed her lips. “Sir, I work alone.” Oh great. Just what I need—a special forces guerrilla tagging along. But, least he’s cute. “Not this time. Orders from above.” “Don’t worry, AJ, you won’t slow me down.” His bass voice resonating, Colonel Smith smiled. “Excuse me, Colonel, I don’t want you to be in my way.” AJ crossed her arms. A frown etched her face. “You two finished?” Lintstone glanced at both of them. “Good. You’re working together—no debate.”

“Yes, boss.” AJ dragged the words out.

About the Author:

Randall Krzak is a U.S. Army veteran and retired senior civil servant, spending thirty years in Europe, Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. His residency abroad qualifies him to build rich worlds in his action-adventure novels and short stories. Familiar with customs, laws, and social norms, he promotes these to create authentic characters and scenery.

His first novel, The Kurdish Connection, was published in 2017, and the sequel, Dangerous Alliance, was released in November2018. Both placed in the 2018 Global Thriller Book Awards sponsored by Chanticleer International Book Awards, with The Kurdish Connection finishing as a semi-finalist and Dangerous Alliance being selected as one of seven first in category winners. The third novel in the series, Carnage in Singapore, was released in August 2019, and is currently a semi-finalist in the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Awards. He also penned "A Dangerous Occupation," a winning entry in the August 2016Wild Sound Writing and Film Festival Review short story category.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and a general Master in Business Administration (MBA) and a MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Focus, both from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. He currently resides with his wife, Sylvia, and six cats in Dunfermline, Scotland. He's originally from Michigan, while Sylvia is a proud Scot. In addition to writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, candle making, pyrography, and sightseeing.

Website: 

www.randallkrzak.com

Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/rjkrzak

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkrzak/

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011369255833

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[adrenalineguide]

Honda Passport - Touring: It’s back and better than ever

Words and Photos By Michael Hozjan

Honda’s new two row Passport fills a void that Honda hasn’t addressed in some time. Slotted between the CRV and the three row, eight passenger Pilot, the Passport is poised to do battle in a competitive, albeit lucrative niche market. Unlike most of its competitors in the class however, Honda claims that this mid-size suv is ready to take on off-road adventures - and not of the soft core type either.  

Early renditions of the Passport dating back to the turn of the century were little more than rebadged Isuzu Rodeos. For 2020 Honda has stepped up and made the Passport their own.

“The all-new Passport provides on-road comfort and nimble handling with robust off-road and all-weather capability that make it a great weekend adventure vehicle,” said Jean Marc Leclerc, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc. “We saw an opportunity to deliver something … to capture buyers looking for a more personal, powerful and capable Honda SUV.”

The Passport comes in three flavors; Sport, EX-L and Touring with all three trims motivated by the same drive train pillaged from the upper trim version of the company’s Pilot  – a 280 horsepower (262 lb.-ft.), 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission mated to a variable torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system with four-mode Intelligent Variable Traction Management. The V-6 features variable cylinder management and runs on regular grade gas. Towing capacity is 1588 kilos with an upgrade available to maximize it at 2268 kg. with the optional towing package.

Black grilles, bumper/skid garnishes and wheel arches teamed with 20-inch alloys add a certain amount of machismo to the Passport. While inside paddle shifters give it a sporty flare.

The Sport starts at $44,420. The EX-L package at $48,020 adds leather seating, power lift gate, memory features to the power driver’s seat and mirrors body colored parking sensors and an acoustic windshield. My Touring trimmed tester got an upgrade in sound with a 550-watt, 10-speaker and subwoofer system, heated/ventilated seats, nav, wireless charging, hands-free tailgate and blind spot and cross traffic alerts.

The greenhouse is typical Honda, attractive enough with well-organized controls, but what does Honda have against knobs? Depending on trim/model navigating Honda’s touchscreens, while they have gotten better, can go from mildly tolerable to hair-pulling insanity. So buyer beware and test the system thoroughly before plunking down your hard earned cash. On the upside, the front seats are wide and comfortable, with an adjustable armrest for optimal comfort. The back seat is also roomy with seating for five. There's 41 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat, and folding the back row flat expands cargo room to 78 cubic feet.

I like the cubby holes under the cargo bay floor, but can’t imagine having a tire blowout and mounting the tiny donut sized spare to get out of the rough or going anywhere with the truck fully loaded with gear. Give me a full sized spare!

Ground clearance is an off-road ready 205 mm or 8.1 inches, but the Passport feels top-heavy and entering highway off ramps can be hairy of you’re not prepared for it. The Passport is quick, with the V6 is pulling the 2400 kg Passport with ease up to highway speeds and away from stoplights. The ride is comfortable and the steering is Honda direct, which translate to a nimble, agile feel.

Will the Passport knock Jeep’s Grand Cherokee off the mountaintop? I don’t see it but if you’re looking for a fair sized, off road capable crossover with plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike you’ll be more than satisfied with Honda’s latest Passport.

Price as tested: $51,420 *

* Includes freight and PDI fees

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2021 Chevrolet Traverse First Look at The Big Three-Row’s New Look

The Chevrolet Traverse flies further under the radar than most mid-size three-row crossovers, but that doesn’t mean it has little to offer families. Along with a quiet ride, it boasts sharp handling and more cargo space than its competitors—mostly because it’s huge. (And buyers looking to haul people and cargo will never turn down more space.) Chevrolet’s current Traverse has been around since 2017, and after giving the SUV a few tech upgrades last year, it is fully refreshing the rig for 2021.

Changes to the Traverse’s exterior aren’t drastic but are noticeable. Chevrolet sharpened the look a little bit with narrower headlights, which are standard LEDs, and added blockier styling elements that square up the previously somewhat rounded nose. Turn signal indicators are now integrated into the daytime running lamps flanking the lower intakes, while the two grille sections separated by the bowtie now come together in a more cohesive unit, and the lower vents and fog lights have also been redesigned. In the rear, you’ll find new LED taillights. Four new wheel designs complete the look.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse’s interior receives several new available features, among them an 8.0-inch driver information center, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and a rear power sunshade for the available two-panel power sunroof. Chevrolet is also changing up the available upholstery colors and trims.

Safety features that previously were optional will now be standard on the 2021 Traverse. These include automated emergency braking with front pedestrian detection, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, automatic high-beam controls, and a following distance indicator. Additionally, adaptive cruise control is now available on the 3LT, RS, and Premier trims. Safety Alert Seat, a feature that vibrates the driver seat to warn of potential hazards, is standard on Premier and High Country models.

Prices have not yet been announced, but expect the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse to cost slightly more than the 2020 model, which starts at $30,995. Otherwise, the Traverse’s sleek new look will help keep it fresh among its similarly updated competition, namely the all-new Toyota Highlander, revised Honda Pilot, and freshly rear-drive Ford Explorer.

The post 2021 Chevrolet Traverse First Look at The Big Three-Row’s New Look appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-chevrolet-traverse-first-look-review/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

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SOME LESS KNOWN INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE ALL-NEW 2020 FORD EXPLORER

The Ford Explorer has been around for around 30 years, and in this time the SUV market has gone through a lot of changes but we can consider the Ford best used suvs of all the time and has always remained as one of the top performers, with each of its 5 previous generations being a hit. This car has seen them all the best and worst of the SUV segment of the American Automobile Market and through all of this it has always come out a winner whenever hit by a crisis, the 6th Edition is also expected to continue the grasp of the company in the sector. As the competition in the SUV market gets more and more severe, companies are expected to do something innovative with every step that they take to modernize their range of cars. One such Company that has seen it all with the history of flagship SUV Explorer is Ford. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the 9 interesting facts about the newest 6th Generation 2020 Ford Explorer and see how these less known facts will keep this car amongst the best SUV in the coming year.The unveiling of the all-new 6th Generation 2020 Ford Explorer was easily one of the most awaited events for the automobile industry and it happened quite like that. The company CEO Jim Hackett and the company’s Executive Vice President Jim Farley unveiled the all-new SUV in the plainest fashion, wearing casual clothes. Visually similar to its predecessor, if we look at the technicalities, it is the first completely new Ford Explorer that has been launched after a gap of a whole 8 years and this one goes back to the basics of iconic Ford Explorer of the past with rear-wheel drive platform, longitudinal engine layout, and even more athletic look than its predecessor. We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting yet the least known facts about the newest generation of this iconic Car series by one of the biggest automakers in the world. These facts are given below:- 1. The 2020 Explorer is the first all-new Explorer Car in about 8 years : Let us tell you an interesting fact, despite being older than most of its competitors, Ford sold an impressive 281,000 Explorers last year, just below Honda, this is fabulous for a 7-year-old model. These 281,000 sold cars took the tally of Ford Explorers sold since 1990 to a mind-boggling 8 million making it the most popular SUV range in the history of Automobile market of America! Ford seemed to have waited for a perfect amount of time to introduce to us a completely new generation of the Explorer, hats off to them for the achievement they have achieved with this much-loved car. 2. The all-new 2020 Explorer is based on a completely new Rear Wheel Drive technology: For all those people wondering about the reason for such a switch, we’ve got the reasons listed below:-The RWD operates on a shared platform with the all-new Lincoln Aviator, and this saves a lot of money for other modification. The new RWD saves some space at the back, this spared space has been utilized for better cabin space and more room in the cargo space when compared with the predecessor. This RWD gives the designers the freedom to incorporate an engine with a longitudinal layout, enabling the front wheels to move forward making it the main reason for the 6 inch stretch of the wheelbase. Finally, thanks to the improved RWD, the all-new Explorer has a far better towing ability than any of its predecessors ever designed. 3. The 2020 Explorer beats nearly all of its competitors when it comes to Cargo Space : When compared with the closest competitors in the segment like Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Sorento, and Honda Pilot, all with their latest versions have far less cargo capacity than the all-new 2020 Ford Exporter. Besides from having a comfortable cargo space, it can even accommodate a 4-foot sheet of plywood easily. That’s some amount of Cargo Space we are talking about!You might think that large cargo space means less cabin space but when you compare the cabin space, even that is higher compared to other competitors and this has been made possible just because of the new RWD system installed by the engineers and designers at Ford. 4. The 2020 Explorer has a whopping 66% more Towing Capacity than its predecessor: The 2019 Ford Explorer with its four-cylinder turbocharged engine already had a towing capacity of 3,000 Pounds, the new one is a step further. The new 2020 Explorer with a more powerful 2.3L Eco-boost engine has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is 2,000 pounds more than the immediate predecessor. Although that’s not the only upgradation done in this beast of a car, the platinum 3.0L Platinum Ford Explorer has a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds which is even 600 pounds than the already improved 2.3L Engine in Ford Explorer. 5. The Best in Class 2nd and 3rd Row cabin headroom: Although it is not one detail that you guys would be particularly excited about when it comes to Cabin space, even with its increased Cargo Space the 2020 Ford Explorer has the best in class headroom for the 2nd and 3rd Row seats in the cabin. This means its far better than all the competitors of this segment that were mentioned above.

[carsmedd]

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

In 2006, Subaru introduced the B9 Tribeca. This sport utility vehicle (SUV) with three rows of benches was anything but a success and it disappeared in 2014 in the utmost silence.

When Subaru wanted to break this market again last year with the arrival of the Ascent, force is to admit that the bar was not too high. Between 2010 and 2014, Tribeca sales plummeted from 540 to 120 units per year in Canada. For the same period, sales of the Honda Pilot increased from 5,000 to 6,000. Admit it's hard to do worse ...

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

A brand new engine

When the Ascent was unveiled, we expected to find the much-loved six-cylinder flat block of 3.6 L. Alas, no! Unlike the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander which offer an atmospheric V6, Subaru has favored a 2.4L turbocharged flat engine. It develops a power of 260 horsepower and a couple of 277 foot-pounds.

This is a brand new engine for this Japanese manufacturer and it is the only one offered for this model.

As we suspected, the arrival of this engine marks the imminent retirement of the impressive six-cylinder flat block. This one would have been much more adapted to a vehicle like the Ascent. It should be noted that Subaru has just announced that this turbo engine will be available in Legacy 2020.

A little motor a little greedy in practice

In terms of fuel consumption, the on-board computer averaged 14.1 L / 100 km over the 1,240 kilometers traveled. For its part, Natural Resources Canada announces a lower fuel consumption of 10.4 L / 100 km. It is important to note that the weather conditions were not particularly favorable. As soon as the engine has to activate a little bit, consumption skyrockets as it has been observed. The efficient six-cylinder flat would certainly have been less greedy.

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

On the side of competitors, the government agency announces consumption of 11.3 L / 100 km for the Honda Pilot, 10.6 L / 100 km for the Toyota Highlander and 11.4 L / 100 km for the Ford Explorer.

Because we do not want to know anything about shoveling

All Subaru vehicles have all-wheel drive - except BRZ. And that's what built the reputation of this builder. Like the Forester, the Impreza and the others, the Ascent provides that sense of confidence never to get stuck in a snow bank. An element that charms many Quebecers ...

On the other hand, it was noticed that the ground clearance was rather low. Both the driver and the passengers will appreciate this feature which facilitates access on board.

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

Good price

To get the Ascent, you have to have deep pockets, but as everything is relative, its price is not so bad. For a basic version, a minimum of $ 36,000 must be disbursed, excluding transportation and preparation costs. It's a lot of money, but it's still less than for a Honda Pilot ($ 41,090) or a Ford Explorer ($ 43,099). In return, Nissan offers its Pathfinder from just over $ 33,000 - with a traction wheel.

In short

It is important to mention that the Subaru Starlink multimedia system present in the Ascent is now more complete and easier to use than it was before in other vehicles of the brand.

Despite the qualities of this vehicle, I remain convinced that the 3.6L flat-six engine would have been terribly better suited to an SUV like this one.

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

Subaru Ascent 2019 we try to forget the Tribeca

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The 2021 Kia Sorento Teased, Learns Style Lessons from the Telluride

Kia just teased its new Sorento midsize SUV prior to its full unveil on March 3 at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show. (The Sorento is a global product, hence the European premiere.) The teaser images (and others floating around) signal it’s going to make liberal use of the Telluride’s winning aesthetic recipe if not in direct terms, certainly in spirit. Actually, we hope it learns everything it can from its three-row big brother—the Telluride is our reigning 2020 SUV of the Year. 

However it shakes out, it’s clear the Sorento will be more angular than before and that its so-called “tiger-nose” grille will be more pronounced and a bit more square than before. The taillights appear to be twin-stack riffs on the Telluride’s units, and we notice some similarity in the shape of the Sorento’s C-pillar flourish with half of the Telluride‘s window-line B-pillar trim. Additional new details include sharper and more aggressive daytime running lights and a hatch-mounted spoiler. It’s unknown at this time if that spoiler will be limited to the sportier SX trims, or if it’ll be available on all models.

It’s clear the styling will help it stand out, but what the Sorento needs most of all is a more involved and cohesive driving experience. When the current Sorento competed in our 2016 SUV of the Year test, there was a lot to like but it nevertheless suffered from numb steering and too much body roll. We also didn’t like its lackluster powertrain; we expect this new model to offer new-generation turbocharged four-cylinders in the U.S. market, as well as possible hybrid or plug-in-hybrid variants.

With the Telluride locking down the large, three-row family-hauling market, a crisper, sportier Sorento makes sense. We should know soon if lessons learned from the Telluride will put Sorento competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander on notice. For a refresher of what the current-gen Sorento looks like, head into the gallery:

The post The 2021 Kia Sorento Teased, Learns Style Lessons from the Telluride appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-kia-sorento-teased-debuts-march-3/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com