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- Ford Bronco Updates?
- Cherokee Trailhawk vs Compass Trailhawk vs Renegade Trailhawk?
- Volkswagen Golf Alltrack vs Honda CR-V?
The first question comes from a fan who wants an update on (possible) information about the 2020 Ford Bronco.
Q: Nathan, did you get any information on the 2020 Ford Bronco at the 2018 NAIAS?
Every time I look online, someone has unsubstantiated information and photos. I need something solid beyond rumors. Can you give me something?
Josh
A: Thanks for the email Josh!
I can tell you this: the 2020 Ford Bronco will be based on the 2019 Ford Ranger platform and they will share many components. That means the 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission should make the cut. It will be built side-by-side with the Ranger at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne.
It looks like they are aiming to keep it a four-door-only architecture and (it’s a good chance) they may have removable roof panels. Looking at the 2019 Ford Ranger’s interior, it’s safe to assume they will use the latest SYNC system, similar interior materials and switchgear.
Ford is keeping the development of the 2020 Ford Bronco very quiet.
If they follow the same path the Ranger is (in terms of debut and sale date) it should debut at the 2019 NAIAS and hit dealerships at the end of 2019.
As our TFL team is all about off-road fun, we are chomping at the bit to not only test the 2020 Ford Bronco, but test the hell out of the 2019 Ford Ranger. It’s a very exciting time for Ford truck fans!
Cheers!
N
This next question comes from a fan who wants our perspective on the Cherokee Trailhawk vs Compass Trailhawk vs Renegade Trailhawk.
Q: Greetings TFLcar, I have a question that I’ve been struggling to solve. .
Which trail rated rated Jeep would you recommend out-of: the latest Cherokee trailhawk, Compass trailhawk, or the renegade trailhawk?
I live in Utah enjoy doing things outside such as trail traveling (light such as canyon roads, due to the fact of no vehicle capable to handle worse.) snowboarding as well as some others.
I’m an adult age of 23 no kids.
And was just curious of which one of these three vehicles would be best for someone like me to get started with more advanced trail chasing? And have a good time and enjoy the ride. I know it’s no sports car so I’m not expecting anything like my “Saab”.
Thank you.
A: Greetings!
Your timing is great as we just saw the unveiling of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee at the 2019 NAIAS. You can read about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee (here). While we have yet to drive the newest one, we WILL be driving it this week (the week of January 22nd 2018).
Despite this, my opinion of the 2018 Cherokee still seals the deal. I feel that the best vehicle for first-time trailblazing, out of your choices, is the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Renegade Trailhawk are nearly identical in terms of off-road gear and capability. They are fun on medium trails, but they struggle on hard climbs and need, at least, a real rear locker. That’s something the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has.
The new one will have a turbo-four which will wake up its performance, especially at high elevation. Even with the slightly overtasked, naturally aspirated Tigershark four-cylinder, it does extremely well off-road.
Other vehicles from Subaru and Land/Range Rover offer good off-highway ability too. Still, I feel the the best off-road crossover in its class is indeed the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
Hope that helps!
N
The last question comes from a longtime fan who’s shopping for an AWD vehicle. He’s looking at the Volkswagen Alltrack, Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE.
Q: Hi TFLcar team! Gotta ask Nathan an important question.
Hey Nathan-
hope you’re well- i’ve got a couple embarassing car questions;)
I’m stoked on the VW alltrack, fully support wagons over crossovers at all cost..
but comparing it to the latest honda cr-v….
the cr-v outperforms it in all crucial areas (better mpg, more interior space, more power).
& supposedly the new cr-v’s handle quite well now?
So.. tell me why I should get an Alltrack over a cr-v? (Alltrack’s avail. in Manual trans. is fairly crucial to me).
I really want the Alltrack to be better, but……??
(This from a guy who’s ideal ride is something AWD, MANUAL, good handling, good mpg, efficient interior space).
2nd question, even more embarrassing than asking about a cr-v, haha – Toyota Rav4 Hybrid SE..
I know, the most soulless choice- but the Hybrid is supposedly fast, & amazing city mpg…
It appears there’s an SE trim of the hybrid w/ ‘sport tuned suspension’ – could this incarnation be a secret/magical cool good handling Rav4?
…that nobody knows about?
I can find people online reviewing the hybrid- but nothing on the hybrid SE…
Have you driven one?
Maybe it’s still lame – but i’m just curious if you had any insight on how much more fun the SE-ness makes it..
thanks!
Seth K
(2009 mazda5 MANUAL, & 07 Volvo V50 T5 AWD)
A: Hi Seth!
Great questions and great choices.
I have a simplistic set of answers for you:
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE is more-or-less a simple, comfortable and easy to live with crossover. It’s not very fast and, given its architecture, not very toss-able. It rides well and it’s very efficient. “Fun” is the one thing it’s missing out on.
The Honda CR-V is one of the best in class all-around. Its optional turbo power is outstanding for power and economy. The interior is top-notch and its cargo area is excellent too. Despite having a continuously variable transmission, it’s entertaining to drive. About the only fly in the ointment is the price which, if you get the top dog with all the goodies, is pretty steep.
Despite the economy of the RAV4 and the all-around competency of the CR-V, I would buy the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in a heartbeat. Why? The pairing of that sweet little 1.8-turbo and the 6-speed manual, along with VW’s 4Motion is an outstanding combo. I truly have fun driving it and the packaging (though smaller than the crossovers) is fairly utilitarian.
The bottom line is: if a car is fun – it’s the one I choose. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is oodles of fun.
Hope that helps!
N
Here’s a fun snow video!
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
