These Are The Top 10 New Overlanders To Drive Around The World In 2020!

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February 8, 2020

Overlanding is more popular as ever — We love off-road machines that can take you and the essentials into the wilderness without a hitch. SUVs, trucks and even vans make great platforms for overlanding rigs, and we found plenty of great examples while covering the 2020 Chicago Auto Show.

Here’s a list of ten great vehicles that work as the base for your overland rig, so you can decide which one is right for you.

10) Mercedes-Benz Metris Weekender

The Weekender starts our list off strong with a pop-up roof that adds extra space to the cabin. Two can sleep in the elevated roof area, while two more can sleep below on the rear bench which opens into a bed. The rear bench seat can be slid back and forth for extra cargo space, and the front seats can be turned to face backwards towards the living area.

While the adjustable seats make room where you need it, an extra battery provides power without the worry of draining the starter battery. If that wasn’t enough, the van can even be optioned with solar panels, an awning, a lift gate tent, and a pull out kitchen at the back. The Weekender will be available in dealerships soon, though Mercedes hasn’t announced official pricing just yet.

9) Ford Expedition

Springing for the Expedition takes you on a whole different route than the Mercedes. However, what the Expedition lacks in camping modifications, it makes up for with four-wheel drive and its ability to tow nearly 10,000 pounds.

The FX4 package also helps the Expedition off-road, with a locking rear differential and skid plates assisting the 3.5 liter EcoBoost along trails. Add in seating room for eight and you get a pretty appealing package overall.

8) Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

Its nearly impossible to have a discussion about off-roading and not bring up the original. Both the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator have proved themselves to be worthy rocks crawlers thanks to tough solid axles, locking differentials, and even a disconnecting rear sway bar.

The Wrangler starts at $28,295 for the two-door Sport, whereas the roomier Gladiator starts at $33,545 (prices exclude destination). The Mopar parts catalog also supports buyers with a wide range of modifications that can contribute to overland functionality and off-road performance. However, factory options and modifications hike the price tag uphill as quickly and effortlessly as the Jeeps climb rocks.

7) Classic Land Cruiser

Theres a reason these old Land Cruisers hold their value so well. Few vehicles in the world are as reliable as the Toyota Land Cruiser, and it’s been that way ever since the beginning. These SUVs are way over built mechanically, that’s why so many people trust them off-road where other trucks fall to pieces.

Pricing on Land Cruisers depends on which model you get and its condition. Regardless of which you choose, Toyota’s flagship SUV is a work horse that will take you wherever you point it.

6) 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser

While the classic Land Cruisers hold up over time, the new models continue to improve. With each generation comes a noticeable increase in refinement and some off-roading goodies like crawl control, while the drivetrain fundamentals remain old-school. Though they aren’t at the cutting edge of technology, sticking to the tried and true helps guarantee that there won’t be any issues with reliability.

As great as the 200 series and its 5.7 liter V-8 are, the Land Cruiser pack a massive price tag. $85,415 for an SUV that first debuted in 2008 is a lot, but some are willing to pay that premium to create some of the best overlanding rigs around.

5) Ford Transit

Not everyone needs a purpose built off-road truck. The Ford Transit offers tons of space for “van life” outdoor explorers who want to convert their panel van into a tiny home. Even without the extra off-road features offered in other vehicles, the Transit is pretty capable of taking you most anywhere you want to go despite its two-wheel drive.

A van like this can be outfitted DIY at a fairly reasonable price, but a professionally built van from companies like Explorer can go upwards of $70,000. Really, depending on how berserk you want to go with your build, the sky’s the limit on pricing.

4) Toyota 4Runner

Like the Land Cruiser, the 4Runner has been a staple of off-roading genius since its conception. Though the 4Runner isn’t as substantial as the Land Cruiser, it is lighter, cheaper, and nothing to shrug at when the pavement runs out. That being said, the 4Runner is similarly showing its age and lack of modern adornments.

Flaws such as this are far more excusable at a starting price point of only $36,120. Sadly though, the TRD Pro models do inflate that price all the way to $49,865. Modding beyond that can raise the price even further, to well north of $50,000.

3) Honda CR-V

We’ve grown so accustomed to seeing crossovers in urban settings, its easy to forget that they are intended to have some semblance of off-road capability. Thanks to its AWD system and respectable clearance, a CR-V with the right tires performs reasonably well when confronted with dirt and snow.

At $25,050 base price and gas mileage around 30MPG, the CR-V is as economical and practical of an overlander as you would probably expect it to be.

2) Lexus GX

The Lexus range of SUVs mixes Toyota reliability with an extra dimension of luxury. This GX features a 4.6 liter V-8 and four-wheel drive with crawl control to automatically take you up and down steep grades just like the Land Cruiser. An electronic differential lock helps further push the Lexus when surfaces get slippy.

The GX starts at $53,000, making it similarly priced to the TRD Pro 4Runner. Each is aimed at a different customer segment, but both have their perks.

1) Land Rover Defender

After 67 continuous years, the beloved Defender was replaced with a new model causing both excitement and outrage from Land Rover fans. Though its impossible to please everyone, the new Defender goes into battle with a slew of off-road features to make sure its namesake remains synonymous with rugged utility. With AWD, low range, and an electronic differential, the Defender boasts some impressive performance statistics.

This includes an approach angle of 38 degrees. The 2 liter inline-four puts out an impressive 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed ZF automatic. The SUV is fairly expensive at $49,900, but luxury features like air suspension and a handsome interior help justify that price.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Has A Fresh Face And A New Sporty RS Trim

By

Kase Van Rees

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February 7, 2020

Chevrolet introduced a few incremental updates to the 2021 Equinox, which is on display at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. While the brand’s best-selling crossover adopts more Camaro-like styling, as its other SUVs like the Blazer and Tahoe have, powertrain options remain the same for 2021. Like the previous model, buyers can choose either a 1.5 or 2.0- liter turbo four-cylinder. Power makes its way to the to either the front wheels or all four through a six-speed or a nine-speed automatic transmission, depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Has A Fresh Face And A New Sporty RS Trim — [Photos: Chevy]

The looks

The biggest change for 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is the crossover’s updated body. The new Equinox has restyled front and rear fascias, which help the car stand out against its more aggressively-styled competition. The minivan-style grille and bumpers are gone, ditched for a sharper setup that nods to its big brother, the Blazer. Around back, this RS trim shown in the video above even gets a quad-outlet exhaust.

Beyond that, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox RS features black accents on the grille, wheels, and side rails along with black badging. Inside, the new sporty model also comes with a special shift knob and red stitching to contrast the black upholstery.

Updated safety tech

Standard safety equipment now includes lane keep assist with a departure warning to manage the car from side to side. A “following distance indicator” helps drivers look forwards while a rear camera rounds out the 360 degrees of monitoring angles.

Forward collision alert and automatic braking are standard equipment along with auto high beams. These features along with others including HID headlights helped the 2020 model receive a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5 stars from the NHTSA.

The updated 2021 Chevrolet Equinox will make its way to dealers fall 2020. Pricing is not available yet, but Chevy should announce more information closer to the launch date.

Not Only Is The 2021 Jaguar F-Type Better Looking, But It Didn’t Get A Huge Price Increase Either

By

Zach Butler

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February 7, 2020

Not Only Is The 2021 Jaguar F-Type Better Looking, But It Didn't Get A Huge Price Increase Either

Sports cars evoke drivers’ enthusiasm for different reasons, but you can’t deny the 2021 Jaguar F-Type pulls you in with its jaw-dropping style. Even the last-generation F-Type was a great looking car, this redesign turned heads for all the right reasons when it debuted late last year. Now, at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, Jaguar actually put numbers to the new F-Type, laying out its pricing up and down the range. The good news? It doesn’t start any more expensive than the outgoing model. The bad news, however, is that some models do get more expensive for the 2021 model year.

The company released more information covering four models: the base P300, P300 First Edition, the P380 R-Dynamic and the all-wheel drive F-Type R. The base model still packs a 296 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, and starts at $62,625. That’s the same price as the outgoing 2020 model.

The P380 version of the 2021 Jaguar F-Type packs a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine instead. Here, you get 380 horsepower and all-wheel drive, as well as an $82,825 hit to your wallet. As expensive as that may sound, it’s actually $5,500 less expensive than before. For reference, the 2020 Jaguar F-Type P380 costs $88,325. Then there’s the F-Type R with its 575 horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V-8. That one tops the scales at $104,225, which is a modest $1,400 bump over the 2020 model.

What if I want a convertible?

If you want an open-top experience over the coupe, then you’ll pay a premium regardless of the model. Starting with the F-Type R, you’ll pay $2,700 extra for the roadster version. The First Edition convertible is $2,300 over the coupe, while the P300 and P380 R-Dynamic both see a $3,100 upcharge for their respective models.

Apart from the price changes, Jaguar updated the F-Type’s interior as well as its exterior styling. Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl Pro infotainment system takes center stage here, along with a larger 10.0-inch display. The driver also gets a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display. Unlike other JLR products, you don’t get the dual-screen setup in the 2021 Jaguar F-Type. Instead, there are still conventional climate controls that carry over from the previous models.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE Adds A Sportier Option To The Ordinary Three-Row Crossover

By

Kase Van Rees

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February 7, 2020

The redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander has only just gone on sale in both its gas-powered and hybrid versions, but there’s another version waiting in the wings: a sportier XSE model. Following in the footsteps of the Camry and Corolla XSE, this Highlander will come in at the higher end of the range, offering family-minded buyers a three-row crossover with a bit more sizzle than the sedate, standard models.

No more power than the standard gas Highlander

Power for the XSE comes from the same 3.5 liter V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic for a total of 295 horsepower. The Highlander drives the front wheels as standard, but buyers may option torque vectoring all-wheel-drive. The available all-wheel drive system offers “Multi-Terrain Select” allowing drivers to adapt for road conditions using a dial in the center console.

According to Toyota, the XSE also comes with new 20-inch wheels, stiffer springs and sway bar, and re-tuned shocks. Toyota similarly adjusted the electric power steering to give the XSE a sportier feel from the standard models.

Styling

The XSE distinguishes itself from the rest with a restyled front end and rocker panels. The headlights feature black accents, and a larger, more aggressive grille. In addition to the new wheels, the XSE trim has beefier-looking dual exhaust outlets and more black accents around the windows, mirrors, and roof rails.

The interior is the loudest part of the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE. It’s available in red and black with leather trim and red stitching around the instrument cluster, which comes with a carbon-fiber finish. As with the standard Highlander, the infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The XSE also has an optional a 1,200-watt, 11-speaker JBL premium audio system like what’s available on the Limited and Platinum trims.

Toyota has not announced pricing for the Highlander XSE yet. The company will release more information before the car’s official launch this fall.

Meet The Jeep Wrangler JPP 20: Mopar’s Factory-Modified Wrangler With Every Off-Road Mod You’d Want

By

Zach Butler

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February 7, 2020

Meet The Jeep JPP 20: Mopar's Factory-Modified Jeep Wrangler With Every Mod You'd Want For Off-Roading

If you drop into the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, you might see this and think, “That Wrangler is already modified to the gills!” You’d be right about that, as this is a factory-modified example that brings every conceivable Jeep Performance Parts catalog part to the table. With this JPP 20, Mopar created a factory-built (emphasis on built) Wrangler that you can buy straight from the factory. I’m sure a lot of you out there in the Jeep community want to personalize your own rigs. But for those of you who want to go straight for the finish line of built-out Jeeps and order this straight from your dealer, now you can.

Unlike some special editions, though, this isn’t built off a Rubicon model. Instead, Mopar based the Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 off an Unlimited Sport S model. You can get it in Ocean Blue, pictured above, or white, with three available engines. As ever, you can get the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter turbo I-4, on the other hand, makes 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there’s the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Everything you get with the JPP 20

Just sticking with the exterior, it may take awhile to get through all of what you get with the JPP 20. Mopar fitted tube doors, rock sliders, beadlock wheels, BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrains, a steel front bumper, bumper hoop, LED exterior light kits, and a Warn winch. Around the back, you get the JPP reinforced swing gate hinge so you can fit larger tires, and a CHMSL kit to mount the third brake light to clear those tires.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 also features the 2-inch lift kit from the performance parts catalog. Blacked out badges, and American flag hood graphic and a JPP graphic on the passenger side quarter-panel round off the aesthetic changes.

Inside, Mopar fitted the JPP 20 with a 7.0-inch infotainment display from the Technology Group. A welcome upgrade over the standard 5.0-inch Uconnect 3 system, the larger unit does support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mopar all-weather floor mats are included, as is a cargo tray kit for the back area.

No official pricing yet

Jeep hasn’t announced official pricing for the JPP 20 just yet. Dealers will open orders in the second quarter of 2020, and vehicles should arrive at dealerships this summer.

Stay tuned for more updates from the 2020 Chicago Auto Show!

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Sports A Fresh Face And Packs More Tech

By

Zach Butler

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February 6, 2020

When it first landed nearly three years ago, the Volkswagen Atlas redefined the brand’s approach to family haulers. It replaced the European-designed, expensive Touareg with a bespoke American model produced at the company’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, and stood out with its boxy styling compared to its more curvaceous competitors. Now, though, this updated 2021 Volkswagen Atlas leans into the more futuristic styling trend, taking on similar looks to its smaller, five-passenger sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport.

Check out the differences between the new model (left) and the old one (right) below:

Volkswagen's 2017 Sales Rebound - 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

This isn’t an entirely new Atlas, but the looks do stand out as more Touareg-like than before. Volkswagen made the updated Atlas three inches longer, but that mainly comes down to the front and rear bumpers. While the rear fascia looks broadly the same, the front end is substantially different to the original Atlas’ boxy design. New headlight and taillight designs befit this sort of update, and LEDs are standard across the range.

For those who want a sportier look, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line adds a unique bumper and side skirts. Beyond that, you can also choose from 20- or 21-inch wheels, and you get bespoke R-Line badging.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has also been updated inside. The steering wheel has been redesigned with VW’s new badge, for a start. It’s a small change, but one that gives the updated Atlas a much crisper, more modern look. An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard on all but the base S models, and that system does support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The same driver assist technology that was available on the Atlas before is still here, but Volkswagen will add Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display, which debuted on the Atlas Cross Sport.

All 2021 Volkswagen Atlas models available with all-wheel drive

Under the hood, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has the same engine options as before. On the smaller end, there’s VW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the previous Atlas, however, it’s available with 4Motion all-wheel drive like the V-6. The naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter option also remains, with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines still mate up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. V-6 models are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, when equipped with the proper towing package.

Pricing for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas isn’t available yet. We should know more about that by the car’s on-sale date in spring 2020. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates from the 2020 Chicago Auto Show!

2021 Volkswagen Atlas photo gallery

The 2020 Honda Civic Type R Has One Big Change You’ll Spot A Mile Away

By

Zach Butler

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February 6, 2020

Say what you want about the Honda Civic Type R — it’s not exactly subtle. What it is, though, is an absurdly fun hot hatch with over 300 horsepower, and now Honda has refreshed the styling and made some minor tweaks to improve it. Hot hatches are painfully thin on the ground at the moment, with the Civic Type R’s main rivals being the Subaru WRX STI, Volkswagen Golf R and Hyundai Veloster N. Despite not competing in as frantic a space as, say, the Honda CR-V, this car still needs to make some worthwhile changes to win over enthusiasts. So, what’s new with this updated Type R?

The Honda Civic Type R gets some subtle tweaks…apart from the Boost Blue paint. *[Photo: Honda]*

The changes may be hard to spot at a glance, apart from the new Boost Blue paint scheme. It’s bright, it’s loud, and it perfectly fits a car like this. Throw in the updated fascias and all the racer bits that we’ve come to love in the Type R, and it still looks like a proper hot hatch.

If you were expecting more power, though, you may be disappointed. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine remains the same as before, driving power to the front wheels. That powertrain puts out 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and comes mated exclusively to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. Comfort, Sport and +R modes vary suspension firmness, steering and throttle response to make it as sharp or as comfortable as you like. As part of the subtle changes, the 2020 Honda Civic Type R gets updated dampers, stiffer rear bushings and revisions to the front suspension and steering.

New for 2020 is another feature called Active Sound Control, otherwise known as augmented sound. The system changes the interior sound depending on the drive mode. Honda has not announced pricing yet, but we should know more closer to when it goes on sale in a few weeks.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates from the 2020 Chicago Auto Show!

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Is Officially Here With 52 MPG Fuel Economy, 686-Mile Range

By

Zach Butler

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February 6, 2020

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata turned heads with its styling, at least when you compare it to previous models. Now, building on the style and substance of the standard car, the new Sonata Hybrid makes its debut at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. In the past, previous generations were feasible alternatives, but lagged behind frontrunners like the Toyota Camry Hybrid if you wanted a midsize sedan. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which finally arrived after months of teasers and spy photos, aims to change the game.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Is Officially Here With 52 MPG Fuel Economy, 686-Mile Range

Unlike some older hybrids, including the Sonata, what’s remarkable with this new model is just how normal it looks. At first glance, you wouldn’t immediately tell that it’s a hybrid. You still get the striking looks of the conventional model, including the LED strips running up the hood and the taillight that stretches across the center of the trunk. That said, there’s more than meets the eye, and you start noticing the details once you look a bit closer.

New solar roof increases range

There is one “hybrid” badge on the back, as well as a solar roof that Hyundai claims will net drivers 700 miles of extra range each year as you drive. Real-world testing will shake out those claims and it’s likely you’ll see figures like that in places like Phoenix, where we’ve spotted the Sonata Hybrid testing before. Still, even if the added range is just a fraction, free miles are free miles.

Unlike the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, the hybrid variant uses a different powertrain. Here, you get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, coupled to a 51 horsepower electric motor. The Sonata’s 192 combined horsepower figure puts it behind the Toyota Camry Hybrid (208 horsepower) and the Honda Accord Hybrid (212 horsepower).

Rather than use a CVT, however, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sticks with a six-speed automatic transmission instead. The unit features “Active Shift Control Technology,” which is meant to help match the engine and transmission speeds to the electric motor for smoother shifts. Using a system to match the two speeds also helps reduce mechanical drag and improve efficiency.

The Sonata Hybrid passes the 50 MPG mark

Speaking of efficiency, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid does trade blows with its Japanese rivals when it comes to fuel economy. The most efficient Blue trim manages 50 City / 54 Highway / 52 Combined mpg, matching the Toyota Camry Hybrid. What’s more, it bests the Honda Accord Hybrid by a substantial 4 mpg. If you opt for the more luxurious trims instead, that fuel economy figure drops to 45 City / 51 Highway / 47 Combined instead.

The interior doesn’t scream “hybrid” either, with the same features as the non-hybrid models (save the solar roof). The model comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Qi wireless smartphone charging. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster is also standard, as are heated and ventilated front seats.

Hyundai moved the battery pack under the floor, improving cargo space by 2.5 cubic feet over the previous model. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid also offers more front headroom (40 inches) and front legroom (46.1 inches) than Toyota or Honda.

As with the standard Sonata, the hybrid model comes with a range of standard safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, high beam assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing info expected soon

Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing information yet, but we should know more before the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid goes on sale this spring. Hyundai will build the Sonata Hybrid at its Asan, Korea plant.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates from the 2020 Chicago Auto Show!

10) Mercedes-Benz Metris Weekender

9) Ford Expedition

8) Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

7) Classic Land Cruiser

6) 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser

5) Ford Transit

4) Toyota 4Runner

3) Honda CR-V

2) Lexus GX

1) Land Rover Defender

The looks

Updated safety tech

What if I want a convertible?

No more power than the standard gas Highlander

Styling

Everything you get with the JPP 20

No official pricing yet

All 2021 Volkswagen Atlas models available with all-wheel drive

2021 Volkswagen Atlas photo gallery

New solar roof increases range

The Sonata Hybrid passes the 50 MPG mark

Pricing info expected soon

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