THE 4RUNNER FROM TOYOTA LEAVES NO DOUBT.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is unashamedly a true SUV. Bumper2Bumpertv says it remain true to a heritage of a very capable off road vehicle.

THE SUBARU OUTBACK IS READY FOR THE 2020’S

While some see it as a wagon the Subaru Outback also fills the niche as an SUV very nicely. What Bumper2Bumpertv has found out is that some updates in technology and the drive train make it a vehicle worthy giving some serious consideration to.

Honda Passport gets new skin and tech upgrades.

The 2019 Passport from Honda has undergone some design changes to give it a more rugged look. Bumper2Bumpertv reports that in addition it also got some tech and safety upgrades that are worth checking out.

Ford Ranger, back on the scene with some chops.

What do the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado have in common? The answer is the revival of the Ford Ranger which Bumper2Bumpertv had a chance to experience.

2019 Kia Forte, more than a buzz box!!

Kia has given the compact Forte a serious overhaul for 2019. As Bumper2Bumpertv found in just a week behind the wheel the sedan has moved from an entry level car to something with manners and guts.

The Armada is now on Patrol!!!

The eight passenger Nissan Armada has undergone a change from an SUV designed primarily for the North American market to something that has a global appeal. What’s different? Bumper2Bumpertv has a look.

The BMW I3s, small and now mightier

The quirky looking BMW I3 is getting an upgrade in the new I3s version. What has changed in the new model and does it work? Bumper2Bumpertv tries to find answers to those questions.

Lincoln Navigator

THE AUTO PAGE

By

John Heilig

• MODEL: 2018 Lincoln Navigator
• ENGINE: 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 
• TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic 
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 450 hp @ 5,500 rpm/510 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm 
• WHEELBASE: 122.5 in 
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 210.0 x 93.8 x 76.3 in. 
• TIRES: P285/45R22 
• CARGO CAPACITY: 34.3/73.3/120.2 cu. ft. (3rd row up/3rd row down/2nd and 3rd rows down) 
• ECONOMY: 15.5 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 23.0 gal.  
• CURB WEIGHT: 5,926 lbs. #/HP: 13.2 
• TOWING CAPACITY: 8,400 lbs. 
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Toyota Sequoia 
• STICKER: $87,930 (includes $1,195 delivery, $5,530 options)
• BOTTOM LINE: The Lincoln Navigator is large, very large, but it is extremely comfortable and practical, as long as you don’t have to refuel it.
•  
  

            “Ohmygod is that big,” was my wife’s initial comment when she saw the Lincoln Navigator. And it is big - 17.5 feet long on a 10-foot wheelbase, and nearly six and a half feet tall. But, while you have room to move around inside, the Navigator is also a very nice vehicle to drive and ride in. 

            Front seats are comfortable with armchair comfort and adjust to almost anyone’s preferences. Let’s face it, you can’t please everyone.  The head restraints are almost pillow-soft and I couldn’t keep from bouncing my head off mine.

            Second-row seats are equally wide with a similar console/arm rest with an underneath tray. For third row access, the second row seat powers forward.

            Visibility is awesome all around. In reverse, you have a standard reversing camera plus a 360-degree ”overhead” view that can be turned on even in forward mode. 

            A huge vehicle like the Navigator should have a huge engine. Nope. A 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V6 resides under the hood. It develops a healthy 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Floor the accelerator and the Navigator perks up like a smaller vehicle.

            The 10-speed automatic transmission is operated with a pushbutton shifter located at the base of the center stack on the dash. I felt this was not practical. I had to stop and think every time I chose a gear.

            I like the simple instrument panel with a tachometer and speedometer that only displays the vicinity you’re in. For example, if you’re running at 60 mph, you only see roughly 50-70 mph displayed plus the pointer. Same with the tachometer. Nothing else. We spoiled the view by adding fuel economy, but this is a nice simple IP.

            The Heads-Up Display (HUD) is something else. It is the most informative HUD I have seen. It not only displays speed, but it also has the local speed limit, turn signals, time, outside temperature, miles to empty, gear and lane departure warning guidelines. 

            The huge iPad-size infotainment screen is primarily a map display. If you can figure out how to choose audio selection, it doesn’t display on the screen. There is a one-line indication of what is playing at the top of the instrument panel. Make changes to the HVAC (temperature or fan speed) and this takes over the map screen for a few seconds.

            Big SUVs are traditionally hard for entry and egress. The Navigator has running boards that extend when you unlock the doors. Plus, assist handles on the A pillars (both sides) help. 

            Cargo capacity is excellent. With the third-row seats down I was able to put my golf bag in longitudinally. We could have put several more in there. A big plus is that the seats are powered, so all you have to do is push a button to get the third-row seat backs to fold.

            With interior space galore you can make use of innovations. For example, beneath the console by the center stack there is a large shelf that works for purses, etc. It has a smaller partner that extends beneath the console. 

            Six cupholders should be sufficient for the front passengers (the standard two in the middle and two each in the doors). The very large console/arm rest is probably big enough for a six pack (of soda, of course). Second row passengers must make do with only four cupholders.

            While its size dwarfs most other vehicles, the Lincoln Navigator atones for its size with good performance and comfort.

(c) 2018 The Auto Page Syndicate

2019 Toyota Avalon, a first look!!

For 2019 the Avalon gets some new styling, new technology and a new power plant. Bumper2Bumpertv has a first look at what has changed in the premium sedan.

BMW X3 M40i, a crossover that moves the segment.

BMW has come out with an M edition of the X3 crossover or Sports Activity Vehicle, if you want to be particular. Check out what Bumper2Bumpertv thinks about the vehicle.

Honda Civic, a fire breathing compact!!

If the Honda Civic is Clark Kent, mild mannered and thorough, then the Civic Si is the Superman version of the vehicle. What makes them different is what got Bumper2Bumpertv's attention.

2017 Ford Escape, benefitting from upgrades

THE 2017 FORD ESCAPE BENEFITS FROM ADVANCES IN SEVERAL KINDS OF TECHNOLOGY. BUMPER2BUMPERTV CHECKS OUT SOME OF THE UPDATES AND HOW WELL THEY FUNCTION.

2017 Nissan Titan holding its own!!!

The 2017 version of the Nissan Titan can do more than just hold its own in the regular size pickup segment. Bumper2Bumpertv finds it has also grown some more muscle along with a redesign.

Toyota 86, a first drive!!!

While the Scion brand has been shut down by parent company Toyota, one of its offerings continues with a few tweaks. Bumper2Bumpertv got a chance to see what the former FRS is like with a new name the 86.

2017 Honda Accord Sport Coupe

The Honda Accord Sport Coupe is loaded with a lot of technology and is also available with something we don't see much of these days, a V6 engine in a mid size vehicle. Bumper2Bumpertv has a look at the 217 version of the vehicle

Jeep Cherokee, rugged and smart

The five passenger Jeep Cherokee combines a legacy of being off road capable with the latest in connected car technology. Bumper2Bumpertv looks at how all of this comes together in the legendary SUV.

2017 Green Car of the Year.

The 2017 Green Car of the year shows that alternative fuel vehicles are coming into their own. The winner was announced at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2017 Ford Fusion Energi, technology with a price.

The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi offers unique drive train technology in a mid size sedan. But Bumper2Bumpertv also finds the upgrades come with a price.

Mini Cooper S Convertible

The Mini Cooper S Convertible could be described as a lot of fun in a small package. Bumper2Bumpertv checked out the latest version of the platform.

The Nissan Leaf extends its shadow

For 2016 the Nissan Leaf has been re-engineered to give a drive more confidence in how far it can go between charges. Bumper2Bumpertv explains what is happening now and what we might be able to look forward to.