1. 2015 Land Rover Range Rover
The
Range Rover is Land Rover's most prestigious offering, a luxury sport utility
vehicle with a long history of quality craftsmanship and legendary "go
anywhere" off-road prowess.
For
2014, Range Rover comes in two lengths.
The
big Range Rover sits at the pinnacle of the Land Rover tree, flaunting a level
of luxury and performance, on-road and off, that make the large SUV stand
squarely above the rest. It's larger, more luxurious and more expensive than
the Range Rover Sport, and it has a different, more poised character.
The
510-horsepower supercharged V8 remains in upper models, incorporating a
Stop/Start feature. Signature LED headlights are standard on all 2014 Range
Rover models. Options have been revised for 2014, with prices reduced for
adaptive cruise control with queue assist, and intelligent emergency braking.
New standard features for the top-level Autobiography edition include an active
rear locking differential and a 29-speaker, 1700-watt Meridian audio system
with 3D Surround Sound.
A
Lane Departure Warning system is newly optional. Two new enhanced parking aids
for 2014 can augment the already-available Parallel Park feature: Parking Exit,
to help the driver exist parallel-parking spaces; and Perpendicular Park, which
can automatically position the vehicle centrally in a parking space.
Inside
the new ultra-luxury Autobiography Black SUV, offered only in long-wheelbase
form, are distinct leather and veneers. The rear compartment includes
reclining, extending and massage-equipped seats, augmented by custom-crafted
comfort and work amenities for the two occupants.
With
either engine, performance beats that of the prior Range Rover generation due
to the incredible amount of weight shed. That weight loss, coupled with the
8-speed transmission, increases fuel efficiency over the earlier model, as well
as drastically improving on road dynamics.
Off-road,
the Range Rover is still the benchmark. It handles seemingly impossible
obstacles with ease, leaving the driver to bask in the comfort of a luxury SUV.
Land Rover's Terrain Response 2 system undoubtedly aids in improved
off-roading, too. In all models, the air suspension incorporates Adaptive
Dynamics damping.The Range Rover delivers an incredible breadth of capability
along with immense luxury, beautiful design, and agility on normal roads that
doesn't feel like a compromise.
Most
notable of the changes for the 2014 Range Rover is a switch in the base engine:
from a 375-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 to a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Generating
340 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque at 3500-5500 rpm, the
new V6 teams with an 8-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy
is 17/23 mpg City/Highway, versus only 14/20 mpg for the previous V8. Helping
to boost fuel efficiency is new Intelligent Stop/Start Technology.
2. Subaru Imprenza
The Subaru Impreza is dashing and stylish
and inexpensive to operate. Its rigid structure, low-mounted boxer
four-cylinder engine and on-demand all-wheel drive follow faithfully in the
Subaru tradition. Indeed, this fourth-generation Impreza boasts all-weather
capability and premium-brand engineering. Yet it's wrapped in well-styled good
looks and features frugal fuel economy.
All Imprezas are powered by a
148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers a 36 mpg
Highway/27 mpg City on the EPA cycle, making the Impreza the most fuel-efficient
all-wheel-drive car in America. In fact, Impreza rivals some of the best
front-wheel-drive compacts for fuel efficiency. Impreza comes in four- and
five-door models, the latter offering wagon-like utility and nice proportions.
Changes since this fourth-generation
model was launched as a 2012 model have been confined to equipment upgrades.
Bluetooth and iPod capability became standard on all models for 2013, and a
rear-vision camera was added to the optional navigation system. 2014 Impreza
Limited models come with the rearview camera. Infotainment smartphone
integration is included with navigation; and all 2014 Imprezas ride more
quietly thanks to increased sound insulation.
Additionally, the 2014 Subaru Impreza
has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick
rating. And the Impreza is designated a Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
in all 50 states. Subaru has long established itself as a builder of
rugged small cars. According to the company, 95 percent of Subarus sold in the
past 10 years are still on the road.
In addition, the Impreza delivers
efficiency, value and appeal.
3. 2015 Toyota Tacoma
The
Toyota Tacoma is the most popular compact pickup in the U.S. market and has
been since 2005. Or call it a mid-size, as the Tacoma and its competition are
hardly compact anymore; it's still Number One. Along the way the Tacoma has
collected its share of awards. Moreover, New Car Test Drive considers the
Toyota Tacoma the best pickup in its class and the best for rugged terrain,
durability and reliability.
For
2014, the Tacoma adds Toyota's Entune as standard equipment on all four
available audio systems. Entune is a media-savvy technology that links with
your smart phone and allows you to access its apps through the Tacoma's audio
controls. Accordingly, all Tacoma audio systems now come with a 6.1-inch touch
screen, where, incidentally, the view from the optional backup camera is now
also displayed, rather than in the rear-view mirror as before.
Or
choose the top-of-the-line Limited Package, featuring 18-inch chrome-clad alloy
wheels, chrome grille trim, chrome rear bumper, SofTex-trimmed front sport
seats with heat, metallic tone instrument panel trim, leather-trimmed steering
wheel with audio controls, dual sun visors with mirrors and extenders, and an
auto-dimming rear-view mirror with outside temperature gauge and HomeLink
universal transceiver.
The
2014 Toyota Tacoma comes in a wide range of configurations to meet a wide range
of needs, ranging from basic work truck with four-cylinder engine and 2WD to a
loaded V6 4WD Double Cab Long Bed. The base Tacoma excels at durability and
reliability and is among the few regular-cab pickups still available.
Also
standard on all models is Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes anti-lock
brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle
Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). An Automatic Limited-Slip
Differential (Auto-LSD), which uses brake intervention in place of a
mechanical-type limited-slip to help reduce wheel-spin, is standard on all
Tacoma models with the exception of those fitted with TRD Off-Road package;
those have conventional, mechanical-locking differential.
4. 2015 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is
arguably older than anything beyond pickup trucks, tracing its roots to
military duty 70 years ago. Wrangler has been modernized with a contemporary
engine, electronics inside and underneath, and the body panels are now artfully
curved for stiffness while appearing flat. The current-generation Wrangler was
introduced as a 2007 model. The Wrangler remains the most maneuverable and
trail-capable vehicle from a showroom, and will go places most owners don't
dare drive. Or hike. If you're not used to hanging in your seatbelt like a
puppet, you have no idea what one can do.
Still trail-capable but
not so maneuverable is the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. There are enough differences
between Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited that a mere two- or four-door reference
wouldn't do it justice. The delta in wheelbase (the distance from front wheel
center to rear) is similar to that between a regular cab and crew cab pickup.
A new limited-production
Wrangler Unlimited Dragon Edition joins the lineup for 2014, featuring black
and bronze satin-gloss exterior and interior treatments. Jeep has reissued the
Freedom Edition as a value-priced model.
Also new, the 2014 Jeep
Wrangler Rubicon X promises added off-road capability, including a
winch-capable bumper and wider rock rails. A newly available Trail Kit features
two D-rings, a tow strap, gloves, and storage bag. Parking lamps and
turn-signal indicators are now clear rather than amber. Sport models may now be
equipped with a Uconnect touchscreen radio with hard-drive storage.
All Wranglers are powered
by Chrysler's 24-valve 3.6-liter V6, here rated at 285 horsepower and 260
pound-feet of torque. There's a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
transmission. A Wrangler gets away from a stop with no problem, but falls off
the acceleration curve as it runs into aerodynamic resistance at highway
speeds.
In the popular two-door
Wrangler, there's very little storage space behind the rear seat, so four
people with four medium backpacks fills it to overflowing. But the rear seat
can be removed, creating a voluminous 61.2 cubic feet of cargo space. That's
the setup we like.
Less likely, the rear seat
can be removed from the four-door Wrangler Unlimited making 87 cubic feet. But
that doesn't make much sense, either. Wrangler Unlimited is best for parties of
four. Our recommendation: Remove the rear seats in the two-door Wrangler, leave
the rear seats in place in the four-door Unlimited.
Wrangler has little direct
competition. A Mercedes G-Class has off-highway ability of an Unlimited, a more
luxurious cabin, and costs three times as much. The only factory trail vehicles
approaching a Wrangler are the Toyota FJ Cruiser or a Land Rover Defender 90.5. 2015 Nissan Frontier
The
mid-size Nissan Frontier pickup combines versatility with practicality, and is
suitable for both work and the trail. It is available in either a rear-wheel
(4x2) or four-wheel drive configuration, with two body styles - extended (King)
Cab and Crew Cab.
The Frontier is offered in six trim levels: S, SV-I4, SV, Desert Runner, the PRO-4X off-road model and the luxurious SL. Available engines include a 152-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (S, SV-I4), mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 (SV, Desert Runner, PRO-4X and SL), paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Trim-dependent standard features include aluminum wheels, fog lamps, side steps, spray-in bedliner, bed extender, manual sliding rear window, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, heated front seats, leather upholstery, satellite radio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, along with NissanConnect with Navigation + NissanConnect Apps, offering a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, voice recognition, wireless audio streaming, selective internet access and smartphone integration.
The Desert Runner and PRO-4X are exclusively outfitted with Bilstein® off-road shocks and all-terrain tires, while the PRO-4X also features skid plates and a driver-selectable locking rear differential. Safety features consist of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, a tire pressure monitor and Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) electronic stability control system, including integrated traction control. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera monitor are also offered.
The Nissan Frontier carries over with minimal changes for 2015. NissanConnect with Navigation + NissanConnect Apps, previously optional, are now standard on PRO-4X models.
The Frontier is offered in six trim levels: S, SV-I4, SV, Desert Runner, the PRO-4X off-road model and the luxurious SL. Available engines include a 152-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (S, SV-I4), mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 (SV, Desert Runner, PRO-4X and SL), paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Trim-dependent standard features include aluminum wheels, fog lamps, side steps, spray-in bedliner, bed extender, manual sliding rear window, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, heated front seats, leather upholstery, satellite radio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, along with NissanConnect with Navigation + NissanConnect Apps, offering a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, voice recognition, wireless audio streaming, selective internet access and smartphone integration.
The Desert Runner and PRO-4X are exclusively outfitted with Bilstein® off-road shocks and all-terrain tires, while the PRO-4X also features skid plates and a driver-selectable locking rear differential. Safety features consist of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, a tire pressure monitor and Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) electronic stability control system, including integrated traction control. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera monitor are also offered.
The Nissan Frontier carries over with minimal changes for 2015. NissanConnect with Navigation + NissanConnect Apps, previously optional, are now standard on PRO-4X models.
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