Here are two SUVs that have credible credentials when it comes to conquering the off-road trails. But which trail runner has an edge when it comes down to a knockout, drag race on pavement — the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro?
By the Numbers
The TFLcar 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has more than 30,000 miles on the odometer after traveling to more than 40 states over the past year. The 3.6-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic aren’t exactly factory fresh, but it still pulls like an ox using its 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Behind the wheel, the Wrangler never feels short on power — even at highway speeds. Cruising down the interstate, hopping from one mud pit to another, the Jeep Wrangler JK never disappoints. The Rubicon tips the scales at 4,132 pounds.
Lining up next to the Jeep is a 2016 4Runner TRD Pro fresh from the Toyota press fleet. The square-shouldered truck still uses a body-on-frame platform, but it is the ‘go-to’ SUV for purists who cannot bear to buy a car-based crossover. Performance starts with Toyota’s veritable 4.0-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic. The combo sends 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque to a highly capable part-time 4WD Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) system. The 4Runner TRD Pro weighs in at 4,750 pounds.
Care to guess which off-road maniac will cross the finish line first? Watch the latest TFLcar ‘mashup’ drag race video to find out.
Warner Bros is set to release Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice in theaters across the globe on March 25. In various images and in the trailer, Gotham City’s Dark Knight is seen wearing a heavy-duty armor designed to go toe-to-toe with Superman. Co-marketing with the highly-anticipated blockbuster is an all-new 2016 Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition that looks almost as tough as Batman’s special suit.
“Our partnership with Warner Bros. and the highly anticipated Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film allows us to expose the Jeep Renegade and its best-in-class capability to an incredibly vast audience,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “The new Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition boasts a unique, dark appearance package for the most capable small SUV that we’re confident consumers – including millions of moviegoers – will love.”
About the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition
Available in Granite Crystal or new, exclusive Carbon Black exterior paint colors, the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition features new 18-inch Gloss Black wheels with Gloss Black accents around the exterior. The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition models with Granite Crystal paint also features a two-tone Gloss Black roof. A unique exterior badge hints at the inspiration for this special-edition Jeep SUV.
Inside, the Jeep Renegade’s blacked-out theme continues with a black interior, black premium cloth seats, and High Gloss Black finishes. Metal Diamond accents are found throughout on key touch points such as the shifter knob and door handles.
The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition is based on the Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4 and comes standard with a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2, nine-speed automatic transmission, Jeep Active Drive 4×4, Selec-Terrain with four drive modes and a variety of features, including the ParkSense rear backup camera. Additional standard equipment on the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition is the Popular Equipment Group, which includes remote start, power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic temperature control.
Arriving at dealer showrooms late February, the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition will be available for a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,250 (not including destination).
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is set for release on March 25th, 2016 and sees Zack Snyder directing a cast that includes returning Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill (Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Harry Lennix (General Swanwick) and Christina Wren (Carrie Farris) alongside Ben Affleck (Argo) as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, and Holly Hunter as Senator Finch.
Watch the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk tackle a challenging off-road course on this episode of TFLcar Ruts & Guts.
Volkswagen is looking to bounce back after a difficult 2015, and they’re teasing a surprise concept SUV that will be debuting at the Geneva Auto Show.
The company’s current compact crossover, the Tiguan, is still selling well despite being an aging design. The second-generation will be out for the 2017 model year, so the new SUV to debut at Geneva might be a contender in the burgeoning subcompact crossover segment.
Although little detail was shared about the new car, VW said that it represents the beginning of a “broad SUV offensive.” The concept will be a glimpse into not only a new model series but of a future production model. VW says it’s “realistic perspective,” meaning that it will probably be close to, or possibly exactly like, a future production model.
According to VW, the interior will feature very few switches, implying a touch-heavy user interface, which they say will be similar to the BUDD-e concept that debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.
The announcement of the surprise concept vehicle was bundled together with the new up!, a tiny city car complete with its own built-in punctuation that will most likely not make it to the United States. The up! looks to be a capable, fun-to-drive subcompact that would compete favorably with the much-improved 2016 Smart Fortwo. The up! has a new turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes 90 horsepower (PS) and 118 lb-ft of torque, which would make for peppy performance and also nets more than 53 miles per gallon.
What do you think of the new VW concept? Does the world need yet another SUV? Also, would you buy an up! if it were for sale in the U.S.? Start the conversation in the comments below.
Check out this TFLcar video of the VW BUDD-e’s debut at CES:
Today’s first question comes from a fan who is looking at the Volkswagen Golf GTI, 2014 Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX.
The reason I’m writing is because I’m a Major in the Army and my time in Erie is coming to an end. I’m headed to Fort Knox, KY this summer but I want to live in Louisville, KY. Where I want to live is about 50 miles from post and it will be a 100 mile round trip each day so I’m looking to get a car. No I’m not getting rid of Taco, my blazer got me through my first 10 years in the Army and I’m hoping the Taco will get me through the last 10. The vehicle before my Blazer was my college car, 1990 Z24 Cavalier 5 speed :). I loved that car and now that I’m back in the car market I’m looking to get that thrill of driving back. I’ve watched all your reviews and many others and have narrowed my search down to a 2016 WRX, 2016 GTI, and 2014 Honda civic SI. (Manual Transmissions Only)
Sorry for the life story, BLUF… my concern is reliability and maintenance. I know all of these cars are fun to drive but I’ll be putting about 25k on a year and don’t want to spend a ton of money on more than just routine maintenance. My dad is a mechanic and taught me how to take car of a car. My dad or I completed most of the maintenance and repairs on the cavalier and blazer but all of these cars are foreign to me, no pun intended. I’ve heard of oil consumption issues with Subaru and VW, not necessarily with the WRX or GTI but it’s still in the back of my mind. I’m also concerned about VW as a company and their future. I haven’t heard of too many issues with the civic SI but I’d have to get the 4 door and reupholster the seats because at 34 I don’t want to look like a college kid again. If you’ve done articles that address my concerns would you mind providing a link and if not could you provide your professional opinion? If you can’t, I understand and will still continue to enjoy your channel.
Thanks in advance!
Dan
A: Great question Dan!
Volkswagen Golf GTI.
All three cars are great choices and I would like to include the Ford Focus ST, Scion FR-S, Mazda MX-5 and Fiat 500 Abarth as possible alternatives. All of these vehicles have unique personalities and I recommend you drive each one more than once. Check out forums and ask owners for their opinions if the opportunity presents itself.
Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The Subaru WRX is damn good, but you may not need all-wheel drive (AWD) and they are not as thrifty as the other vehicles on this list. The older Honda Civic Si is a solid choice, but the Volkswagen and WRX are more powerful. The Scion FR-S is an excellent handling ride, but the power is lacking.
Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Roman and I would choose the Volkswagen Golf GTI with the Ford Focus ST as a close second.
Yes, Volkswagen screwed up big time and the company will suffer for a while because of it. Still, Volkswagen is a massive automaker with a vast pool of resources, they should be around for a while. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the best combination of performance, utility and driveability. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is all types of fun and it’s not a typical teen’s car. It’s the one car both of us would spend our own money on.
Volkswagen Golf GTI.
As for maintenance; no car is exempt from mechanical issues. Some of these automakers have extended service plans that we usually recommend (along with an extended warranty for those who would prefer to be hands-off).
I’m sure that readers will have a few recommendations below.
Hope that helps and thank you for your service!
N.
Yep, we like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
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This next question is from a viewer who wants to buy his daughter a good used car.
Q:Hi Nathan,
I wanted a used car for my daughter. She’s about to turn 16 and I wanted to get her a good used car for under $7,000. She will pay half and finance it through me. It’s a good way to teach her about real payments without the hassle of going through financing her. I want a good car to get her through high school (she’s a junior) and to get her started in college.
Her mother would prefer something that isn’t very fast that has room for all of her junk. Reliability and economy are important too. Also, it would be great to get something at that price with less than 70,000 miles on it.
We live in Jacksonville, Florida and don’t need anything fancy. I want her to learn stick, but I think an automatic is the way to go. She’s a good kid and does a lot of work with her church, I want something she can be proud to drive. I have a 2003 Lexus LS she’s been practicing on, but its size makes her uncomfortable.
So, something smaller and less expensive?
T. Washington
A: Greetings Mr. Washington!
There are a ton of vehicles that fit your parameters. I tend to lean towards Toyota products like the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, and Scion xD. All of those vehicles can be found for under $7,000 with less than 70,000 miles on the ticker. I highly recommend hatchbacks as they can haul a ton of cargo.
The Honda Civic is always a great choice and there may be a few Honda Accords that fit most of your parameters too.
I like the Hyundai Elantra Touring, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Spark and Nissan Cube too. Still, my gut goes with the Toyota in this class.
I’m sure our readers will have a few suggestions below too.
Best of luck!
N
The last question comes from a viewer who’s thinking about buying his mother a Buick Encore.
Q: Hi Nathan and Roman,
I wanted your opinion. Last week I donated my mother’s 1999 Buick Century with over 160,000 miles on the odometer. Other than replacing brakes and tires, the car was totally reliable. It finally developed a nasty knock and I didn’t want to wait for the other shoe to drop.
She loved that car and is very keen to repeat her Buick ownership. I will be buying her this next car and I was intrigued by the Buick Encore. You seem to like them and I have read good things.
She’s about to turn 79 and this could very well be her last car. I want her to feel secure while she’s having fun driving. Is this the right car for that?
I’m pretty sure this is the one, but I wanted your opinion.
Thanks for everything and keep making those great videos!
Marv
Ventura, CA
A: Thanks for putting your trust in us Marv!
Yes, I would highly recommend the Buick Encore. Heck, my good ol’ sister bought one based on my recommendation. They are ideal for people who like comfort, luxury and a jazzy ride. They are easy to drive, a snap to park and the seating height is nearly ideal for people who want to simply scoot in and out of their seat.
Cargo space is limited and some people feel its sluggish with AWD. The brand new version has more pep.
Make sure you get your mom to drive one first. Some people have a hard time transitioning from a low-slung sedan to an upright crossover.
Best of luck!
N
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.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
In this week’s Motor Mountain USA (#MMUSA) episode, the destination is the summit of Mount Magazine, which has a peak elevation of 2,753 feet (839 m). Visitors to Arkansas’ highest natural point can start from Havana and travel north on the Arkansas 309 highway, also known as the Mt. Magazine Scenic Byway, and stop to take in the views at the many overlook points. Looking south are spectacular views of Blue Mountain Lake and the Ouachita Mountains. Northward is the expansive Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark Mountains.
The byway descends more than 2,300 feet to the town of Paris, which has a population of about 3,500 people. Yes, the quaint town is one of 23 places in the U.S. that was named after the famous city in France.
Before reaching Magazine Mountain, Nathan and Andre test the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon’s off-road abilities with a go at some of the gnarliest trails at Byrd’s Adventure Center. Watch the video and learn how challenging and fun the trails can be at this famous ATV park. If rock crawling isn’t your thing, the 800-acre park is also a destination for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting on the beautiful Mulberry River.
This trip is also about involving you in the adventure. TFLcar has commissioned 50 commemorative silver belt buckles, one for each state. We will leave a belt buckle somewhere in the state and tell you the GPS coordinates so you can find it. The first person to find it keeps it. In return, we ask you to send us a picture of yourself with the belt buckle. You can tweet to us @TFLcar, Facebook us at TFLcar, use the #MMUSA, or #MotorMountainUSA hashtag, email roman@tflcar.com, or all of the above.
Here are the coordinates of the Arkansas belt buckle. Watch the video below to learn exactly where the buckle is hidden.
One of the best ways of experiencing America first hand is hitting the open road with the windows down and top off in a 2015 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock. The Motor Mountain USA (#MMUSA) team embarks upon an epic road trip by visiting the highest drivable roads of every state in the USA. Along the way, Nathan, Roman, Andre and Emme will visit locales less traveled and uniquely American attractions that make the United States one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations.
The 2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat is known for one thing – horsepower. The company claims that it makes 707 horsepower, but that’s at the crank and at sea level. So how much would it make in mile-high Colorado at the rear wheels?
For the latest episode of Hellcat VS., the Challenger is at The Boost Creep in Longmont, Colorado to see just how much power it puts out at the rear wheels.
Owner Harvey Epstein guessed that the Hellcat would make about 620 horsepower at the rear wheels. At altitude, a naturally aspirated car would lose about 30 percent of its power, but Epstein said that because of the supercharger on the Hellcat engine, it would only lose 15 percent.
The dyno used at the shop is made by Dyno Dynamics, a company out of Australia. The dyno used for the test is about 10 years old.
The Challenger Hellcat comes with two keys. The black key limits power to 500 horsepower, while the red key unlocks the full 707 horses. For the test, the red key was used, which should unleash the engine’s full power.
Roman guessed 600 horsepower at the rear wheel for the dyno test. What do you think it will make?
To see the full test and the final results, check out the full TFLcar video of Hellcat vs. Dyno:
Soon your key-chain may get some extra space. Volvo has announced plans to offer their customers a new alternative to standard car keys. Starting in 2017, the Swedish automaker plans to become the first car company to offer their customers the option to download an application to their smartphone that will function exactly like a standard key. Drivers will be able to unlock the doors, open the trunk, turn on the engine and perform any other functions that a traditional key offered in the past. The only difference being that they can do all of this from the convenience of their mobile device.
The new Bluetooth-enabled keys will support multiple vehicles as well, allowing customers to access different cars in different locations. This technology could allow customers to rent cars by receiving a digital key instantly, making for quicker, easier customer experiences. Car sharing becomes remarkably easy when you can simply text your car key to a friend. With this new technology, Volvo is trying to make their customer’s lives easier. The Scandinavian car company seems to understand that customer needs are changing and that customers expect their cars to be easy and convenient to use.
If you are wondering exactly when you can expect to see this technology in action, Volvo will be doing a pilot run of their digital key technology in spring of 2016. First via their car sharing firm Sunfleet, located at Gothenburg airport, Sweden. Then in 2017, a small fleet of commercially available cars will be setup with the technology.
If this does not sound like something you are interested in, do not worry. Volvo is still offering standard keys to anybody who wants one. Many interesting ideas abound for this keyless method, and I look forward to seeing more applications as the technology advances and grows. Keep posted to hear what uses people will find for this innovative new technology.
The 2016 Volvo XC90 SUV has been receiving high accolades since its introduction and is truly a capable performer. See how the XC90 handles the Colorado snow and mountains in the TFLcar video.
Cassey Pimonpun, left, and Alex Decker pose with the South Carolina MMUSA belt buckle in front of their Jeep Wrangler.
One goal of TFLcar’s Motor Mountain USA series is to include readers, viewers and fans in the epic 50-state adventure. For Alex Decker and his fiancee Cassey Pimonpun, that adventure took them to the top of South Carolina’s Sassafras Mountain in search of the commemorative belt buckle.
When Andre Smirnov and Nathan Adlen hid the belt buckle, the day was chilly but clear, one of the few rain-free days on their trip through the Southeast. However, when Decker and Pimonpun made the trip, the mountain was covered in ice and snow.
Decker said that he had to use both high- and low-range four-wheel drive on his Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to make it up to the top. Fortunately for the couple, the belt buckle and shirt were still there and they were able to take home a souvenir from their trip up the mountain.
Motor Mountain USA is going into the home stretch, with only 10 more states to go. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has been a steady companion throughout the journey, logging over 30,000 miles and going all the way from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the Florida sunshine.
Stay tuned to TFLcar every Monday for the latest Motor Mountain USA video.
Check out the full Motor Mountain Monday episode from Sassafras Mountain in South Carolina:
While TFL hasn't reviewed too many Subarus in the past few years, I just seized the opportunity to buy a bargain of a WRX for my next long-term daily driver.
