Welcome to a deep-dive into the much-anticipated 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, a vehicle that brings together heritage and modernity. In the world of heavy-duty, hard-working trucks, the Silverado lineage…
Welcome to a deep-dive into the much-anticipated 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, a vehicle that brings together heritage and modernity. In the world of heavy-duty, hard-working trucks, the Silverado lineage stands tall, and the 2024 model aims to uphold this tradition.
Available in various trims and cab sizes, the 2024 Silverado caters to a range of needs and budgets, with prices starting at an accessible $44,899 and going up to $83,999 for the luxury trim. But what else does this incarnation of the Chevrolet flagship bring to the Canadian market?
Under the Hood: Powertrain Options and Towing Capacity
First, let’s explore under the hood. The Silverado offers a wide range of powertrain options, including a 2.7-litre four-cylinder at 310 horsepower and 430 pounds of torque, a turbodiesel 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 305 horsepower and 495 pounds of torque. A 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pounds of torque reflecting its robust capabilities and a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pounds of torque. Of these, the 6.2-liter V-8 engine stands out as the quickest, boasting impressive handling and firm brake feedback.
When it comes to towing capacity, the 2024 Silverado outperforms its rivals such as the Ram 1500 with a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds when equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine this stays competitive with the Ford F-150 which clocks a 14,000-pound towing capacity. This makes the Silverado an ideal choice for those heavy-duty hauling tasks.
Off-Road Capabilities: Exploring the Trail Boss and ZR2 Models
Off-road enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Silverado’s two specialized offerings. The Trail Boss model features upgrades that include a 2-inch suspension lift, 275/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain tires, a specific steel bumper for better clearance, large tow hooks, Rancho monotube shocks, and a rear Eaton MLocker automatic mechanical locking differential for improved traction. On the other hand, the Silverado 1500 ZR2 brings in 33-inch off-road tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and a distinctive rugged appearance. It can be equipped with either a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 or a 305-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Additional off-road enhancements include trimmed front and rear bumpers and a tucked muffler. While not as extreme as some competitors like the Ram 1500 TRX or Ford F-150 Raptor, the ZR2 sits more closely with the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro or F-150 Tremor in its off-road prowess. Adventure awaits with the Silverado, no matter the road conditions.
Technology and Luxury Inside: Infotainment and Safety Features
In terms of updates, the 2024 Silverado comes with a few pleasant surprises. New metallic paint options have been introduced for added visual appeal, alongside an active exhaust system for the 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 models. The luxurious High Country trim also offers the Midnight Edition, adding a new level of sophistication to this hardworking truck.
Inside the cabin, a range of luxury options are available depending on the trim. An upgraded infotainment system is standard across all models, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile hotspot. Higher trims feature a Google-powered voice assistant and Amazon Alexa integration, keeping you connected wherever your journey takes you.
Safety hasn’t been compromised, with standard driver-assistance technology including forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Additionally, the High Country trim offers GM’s hands-free driving technology, Super Cruise, further enhancing the driving experience.
Looking Ahead: Warranty, Customer Satisfaction, and the Silverado EV
When it comes to warranty, Chevrolet provides three years or 60,000 kilometers of coverage, and a powertrain warranty covering five years or 100,000 kilometers. Complimentary maintenance is also offered for the first visit, showcasing Chevrolet’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
In addition to the remarkable offerings in the Silverado lineup, Chevrolet is also venturing into the future of automotive technology with the introduction of the Silverado EV. This battery electric full-size pickup truck, set to be manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, marks a significant step towards embracing sustainable driving solutions. Introduced in January 2022, the Silverado EV is poised to hit the North American market in the fall of 2023 for the 2024 model year. This exciting addition expands Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation, bringing a new dimension to the Silverado’s legacy of power and performance.
In conclusion, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado marks a significant evolution of this hard-working, reliable truck. Its wide-ranging capabilities, combined with its updated tech and features, maintain its position as a formidable choice in the competitive pickup truck market. So, whether you’re a long-time Chevrolet fan or new to the brand, the Silverado promises something for everyone, and we’re excited to see where this legacy goes from here.
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Let’s delve into the world of electric trucks, focusing on a new electrifying addition to the Canadian marketplace, the Ford F-150 Lightning. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get…
Let’s delve into the world of electric trucks, focusing on a new electrifying addition to the Canadian marketplace, the Ford F-150 Lightning. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get a sense of the pricing:
XLT 4WD SuperCrew 5.5′ Box:
$79,000
LARIAT 4WD SuperCrew 5.5′ Box: $90,000
Platinum 4WD SuperCrew 5.5′ Box: $121,000
Remember, you can also uncover the Invoice Price for free, giving you even more control over your purchasing decision. Now, onto the good stuff!
The Electric Revolution: F-150 Lightning:
With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), Ford has stepped up with the F-150 Lightning, bringing together the ruggedness and reliability of the classic F-150 with the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of electric power. The Lightning defies typical F-150 expectations. Floor the accelerator and you’ll encounter an instantaneous, forceful torque that pulls you back into your seat as if you’ve been rear-ended by a Peterbilt truck.
Power and Performance Under the Hood:
Underneath its familiar exterior, the Lightning is an all-wheel-drive powerhouse with an Extended-Range battery that supports up to 580 horsepower. At the test track, this super truck went from 0-60 mph in a lightning-fast 4.0 seconds. EPA estimates suggest a driving range between 370 Km with the standard battery and up to 514 Km with the larger one.
Economic and Environmental Impact of EVs:
Now here at the Car Magazine we have crunched the numbers on the cost of travelling 100 Km in Canada in 2023 with an average gas price of 1.60$ a Liter. Currently a normal 2023 Ford F-150 will cost roughly 16$ in gas for 100 Km whereas the lightning cost only 2.37$ per 100 Km, over a couple of years those are some huge savings!
The Pros and Cons of an EV:
One cannot ignore the holistic benefits of an electric vehicle (EV) like the Ford F-150 Lightning when considering its impact on both your wallet and the environment. Operating an EV typically leads to lower costs over time, thanks to cheaper maintenance, no oil changes, and reduced fuel costs. In fact, the cost of ‘refueling’ an EV can be significantly less than filling a gas-powered vehicle. Moreover, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. However, it’s important to also consider a potential downside. While the F-150 Lightning boasts impressive ranges under normal driving conditions, it’s worth noting that towing heavy loads over long distances can significantly decrease the battery range. This could result in more frequent stops to recharge during lengthy trips, which could potentially extend your travel time. That said, as charging infrastructure continues to improve across Canada, the inconvenience of finding a charging station is becoming less of a concern.
Value and Practicality in Design:
The Lightning is not all about raw power. Ford has crafted this vehicle with practicality in mind. Even with the steep price increase over last year’s model, the XLT trim provides substantial value. The Extended-Range battery pack adds $10,000 to the total, but it’s a worthy investment for long-distance journeys or regular towing. The XLT model, coupled with the 312A High package, boasts a variety of desirable features, including adaptive cruise control, the Pro Power Onboard generator, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power-operated tailgate, in-dash navigation, and much more.
Storage Solutions in the Lightning:
And let’s not forget storage. The Lightning pairs its practical cabin with an innovative frunk storage area and continues the F-150 legacy with a 66-inch cargo bed.
Maintaining the Classic F-150 Look:
On the outside, the Lightning retains the signature F-150 look, offering familiarity amidst change. It’s the perfect truck for Canadians keen to join the EV trend without losing the classic design they’ve come to love.
Concluding Thoughts
So, from an auto enthusiast’s perspective, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers an appealing blend of power, practicality, and environmental consideration to the Canadian market. It’s a vehicle worth considering if you’re passionate about trucks and open to the undeniable benefits of electric power. A spin in the Lightning feels like a leap into the future of the automotive industry – and it promises to be a thrilling journey.
Discover the Lightning MSRP & Invoice Price right here
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With an estimated 200,000-plus F-150 Lightning orders in the books, Ford has clearly shown the market is ripe for full-size electric pickup trucks. In fact, the books are likely full for 2022. Added to…
The 2024 Silverado EV, shown here in top-line RST trim, is more of a styling departure from its namesake forebear than Ford’s F-150 Lightning.
With an estimated 200,000-plus F-150 Lightning orders in the books, Ford has clearly shown the market is ripe for full-size electric pickup trucks. In fact, the books are likely full for 2022. Added to that, microchip shortages and recent talk about a coming battery shortage means the Dearborn-based automaker’s ability to fully deliver on these orders is suspect, but nonetheless, if a history of BEV customer patience is anything to go by, particularly with respect to Tesla, the blue-oval brand may garner a lot of market share and win out in the end.
This scenario would see Chevrolet, a leader in battery-electric vehicles, come up short by being late to the electrified truck party. If the bowtie brand had been quicker to the draw, they could have capitalized on Ford’s temporary weakness, but instead the new Silverado EV pickup, introduced at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last week, won’t be available until 2023 as a 2024 model. Just the same, fleet buyers and eco-minded consumers may want to wait for the General’s new model, because its unique features really set it apart.
The Silverado EV RST’s rear styling certainly looks conventional enough.
First off, and possibly most critical, the Silverado EV is based on General Motors’ new Ultium platform, an electric-specific truck and SUV chassis. The Lightning rides on Ford’s conventional F-150 chassis architecture, which is likely why it was quicker to market. Most electric vehicle fans will give a nod of approval to GM for going the extra mile of taking this pure-EV route, but the optimal choice is not yet clear. The F-150’s body-on-frame layout is a very well-known entity, whereas the Silverado EV’s design is mostly uncharted territory. It’s a mix between a traditional truck frame and unibody, which will hopefully end up being a best-of-both-world’s scenario.
The Silverado EV’s Midgate bed extension system is a major differentiator in this market segment.
Two trims will be available at launch, including a WT (Work Truck) version designed specifically for the aforementioned fleet market and individual contractors, plus another that’s dubbed RST, focused on personal use. Initially, the latter will get the moniker RST First Edition, although to be clear it will show up in the fall of 2023, after the WT arrives that spring.
The RST First Edition will be good for a range of 640 km between charges, albeit probably not while towing up to 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) of trailer, or for that matter a full payload of passengers and cargo, or 1,300 lbs (590 kg). While towing capacity is very strong, the electric model doesn’t compare all that well against a conventionally-powered Silverado 1500, which is good for a payload range of 1,870 to 2,280 lbs (848- 1,034 kg).
2024 Silverado EV RST’s Multi-Flex Tailgate is similar to what’s already available from today’s Silverado.
Still, the Silverado EV should be mighty quick off the line when its WOW (Wide Open Watts) maximum power mode is engaged, thanks to 660 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque. Smart, Chevy. Not as brilliantly silly as Tesla’s Ludicrous mode, referencing the 1987 space parody film Spaceballs (Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman, John Candy and Rick Moranis), but clever just the same.
It should be noted that a WT model capable of towing up to 20,000 lbs (9,072 kg) will be made available sometime after lesser trims are introduced, while no matter the trim level a Tow/Haul mode will be included, while trailer hitch provisions, an integrated trailer brake controller, and a Hitch Guidance system as part of Chevrolet’s Advanced Trailering System, will be available. It should be mentioned that base WT trucks only be able to haul 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg), plus a payload of just 1,200 lbs (544 kg) due a performance downgrade of 510 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. Notably, this model will be upgradable to 640 km of range.
The Silverado EV RST’s interior looks ultra-premium.
As standard, at least initially, both trims will receive a DC fast charging system with up to 350 kilowatts of capability, while both models will be available with up to 10.2 kW of offboard power delivery, meaning contractors and tradespeople will be able to plug in their tools while using the lowered tailgate as a workbench, plus campers will be able to light up and even heat their tents and trailers with an extension cord. And speaking of cords, the electrified Chevy truck will be capable of charging another EV via its optional accessory charge cord.
The Silverado EV, which is set to be assembled at GM’s Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan-based Factory ZERO, comes with an adaptive air suspension that can be raised or lowered by up to 50 mm (2.0 in). Additionally, four directional wheels should make it capable of rotating on the proverbial dime. GM will also provide its Super Cruise semi-autonomous drive system as an option, which will even be functional when towing.
The 8.0-inch driver’s display appears well equipped with features.
While the above features are strongpoints, the truck’s Multi-Flex Tailgate (similar to what’s already available from today’s Silverado) and Chevy Avalanche-style Midgate bed expansion system, provide much greater cargo functionality than anything currently on the market. Where the just=noted 2001-2013 Avalanche (and the 2002-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT) featured a single-piece Midgate, the Silverado EV’s is split in a 60/40 configuration, which allows longer items to be loaded while a third occupant sits in back. Those items can be up to 10 feet, 10 inches long when the tailgate is closed, by the way, which almost doubles the Silverado EV’s five-foot, 11-inch bed-length. This creative cargo solution could become a key reason for BEV truck buyers to wait for the Silverado EV over a Lightning, Rivian R1T, or any other electric pickup.
The column-mounted shifter looks positively old-school, but we like the packaging efficiency of this type of design.
The wait certainly won’t be for its compact dimensions. In fact, the new Silverado EV, which will only be available in one Crew Cab body style, measures 5,918 mm (233 in) from nose to tail, making it slightly longer than today’s 5,885 mm (231.7-in) 2022 Silverado Crew Cab, although the two models’ heights are approximately the same.
Like its size, few should complain about the Silverado EV’s styling, as it builds on the conventional model’s current design theme, albeit with more modern lines and details. It should appeal more to those who prefer smooth, flowing, wind tunnel-formed designs than folks with a greater focus on tradition than aerodynamics.
Is 17 inches large enough for a touchscreen? As far as Silverados go, it’s go big or go home.
To the latter point’s end there’s no conventional grille. The bowtie badge is merely placed at the centre of a Tesla-like body-colour panel, all of which sits below an elegant strip of LED lighting that spans the entire width of the vehicle before melding into the headlight clusters. These are slim LEDs, while just underneath is a complex set of driving/fog lamps divided by a knife-like chrome bezel. A rugged matte black and silver bumper cap finishes off the frontal look before it rounds each corner and joins up with the truck sector’s usual swollen fender flares, which are finished in gloss black for a classier appearance than the usual matte application. Lastly, the rear design is appropriately more conventional with an upright box and traditional tailgate that’s bookended by a stylish set of LED taillights.
DC fast charging system with up to 350 kilowatts of capability comes standard.
What appears to a premium-level interior will come standard with a panoramic glass roof in First Edition trim, as will a glossy infotainment display above the centre stack, measuring 17 inches from corner to corner. Lesser Silverado EV trims, including the WT, will feature a reasonably sized 11-inch touchscreen, which should be more than suitable for most peoples’ needs. Similarly, the top-line model’s 8.0-inch configurable driver’s display shrinks down to 7.0 inches in lower trims.
Like Ford’s Lightning, interested parties only need a $100 deposit to reserve their Silverado EV, so as long as buyers don’t mind waiting until 2023 to take delivery, and can afford the RST First Edition’s $119,948 base price, it will likely steal sales from the blue-oval truck. Then again, Chevy won’t have anything to compete against the Lightning XLT’s $68,000 initial base price, which is expected to go down once lower-end trims become available.
The Silverado EV RST certainly looks roomy.
To deal with this issue, General Motors promises more affordable consumer variants, although buyers will likely have to wait another 12 months for delivery, pushing these less expensive Silverado EVs into the 2025 model year. On the other side of the pricing spectrum, GM president Mary Barra alluded to a potential Trail Boss edition during the live model launch program, which would certainly garner some attention in both EV and off-road camps.
And now for the ultimate electric pickup truck question: is there a frunk? Yes, a front-trunk (frunk) is included, but Chevy calls it an eTrunk. It’s lockable and weatherproof, of course, plus large enough to stow a big hard-shell suitcase along with a few smaller items.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Chevrolet
About a decade into my automotive journalism career, and a bit more than 10 years ago, in 2010, there were a grand total of nine competitors in the compact-to-mid-size pickup truck segment. Jeep’s new…
The fabulous looking new Jeep Gladiator is the latest entry into the burgeoning mid-size pickup truck segment.
About a decade into my automotive journalism career, and a bit more than 10 years ago, in 2010, there were a grand total of nine competitors in the compact-to-mid-size pickup truck segment. Jeep’s new Gladiator wasn’t part of the picture back then, but Chrysler Group LLC’s Dodge Dakota was, although due to a misguided DaimlerChrysler redesign that took it from one of the best-looking pickups in the class to one of the least appealing trucks ever, combined with a cheap, plasticky interior, it was struggling near the bottom of its category in sales and was phased out soon after.
Fast-forward to 2021 and there’s just six rivals competing in this category, including one from the newly-minted Dutch-formed Stellantis N.V. that, via its Jeep division, is once again back to making great looking trucks. Without purposely trying to tick off Toyota Tacoma fans, I think the new Gladiator is the most alluring pickup in the mid-size segment, but I can understand why this serious off-roader only finds a narrow niche of hardcore enthusiast buyers.
While it looks like a Wrangler Unlimited from the front to its rear doors, it’s pure pickup truck from that point rearward.
It’s priced much higher than most of its rivals, after all, with a 2021 window sticker starting at $49,315 (plus freight and fees) before growing to $64,405 in top-line High Altitude trim. Incidentally, when configuring the same trim at CarCostCanada, which shows the starting price at $53,315, it comes out to an identical $64,405 when adding the requisite $9,295 CPOS PKG and $1,795 Customer Preferred Package 24N, while combining all of the most expensive options on either configurator will push the fully-loaded price well past $80k.
Pulling memories of the old CJ-8 Scrambler from 1981–1986, the Gladiator utilizes a box and bed that’s completely separate from the interior.
Some of these extras include the $7,395 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6, or $345 to $445 in exterior paint options, as well as thousands more in additional equipment if you so choose, such as $1,520 for dual tops including a black Sunrider soft top and body-colour Freedom Top 3-piece modular hardtop; $1,450 for an Advanced Safety package featuring Advanced Brake Assist, Forward Collision Warning Plus with Active Braking, and automatic high beams; a $995 Cargo Management Group with a Trail Rail system, including a 240-amp alternator (up front 220 amps), a 400-watt inverter, an 115-volt auxiliary power outlet on the outside, and lockable rear under-seat storage, a $525 Trailer Tow package with a class IV receiver, heavy-duty engine cooling, and trailer hitch zoom for the backup camera, plus more.
The Gladiator’s grille openings are a bit wider than the Wranglers, important for cooling the engine when towing.
My $56,315 Rubicon trimmed tester sits in the middle from a pricing standpoint, and like the High Altitude can be had with the upgraded EcoDiesel, albeit adding this feature automatically ups the ante by $1,795 for an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission that comes standard with the top-tier Gladiator. It’s the same price if replacing the standard six-speed manual attached to the as-tested gasoline-fed base 3.6-litre V6, while Jeep will also be happy to provide you with $995 worth of 17-inch polished black alloys, plus $295 for a set of 285/70 BSW M/T tires (although the standard All-Terrains should be just fine for most), not to mention $1,495 for Black or Dark Saddle/Black leather seat upholstery (with unique Rubicon and Utility Grid designs), etcetera.
The Gladiator (and Wrangler) might look like a classic truck, but its LED headlamps a good sign that it’s completely up-to-date.
Of course, this premium price level puts the Gladiator out of reach for many pickup buyers, which up until recently (2019) could purchase a Nissan Frontier for just $24,598 (it’s no longer available in its current form, nor as a redesigned 2022 model, at least not yet) and only reached $39,498 in its priciest trim (before additional options), while the Chevrolet Colorado’s 2022 model-year pricing ranges from $27,948 to $48,348 before options, the 2022 GMC Canyon’s from $28,648 to $49,748, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma’s from $38,350 to $52,490, and finally the 2022 Honda Ridgeline’s from $45,535 to $54,235, which is probably a good reason why this unibody truck’s sales are at the lower end of the spectrum too.
Rubicon trim includes these all-terrain tires, as well as other 4×4-specific features to make it more capable off-road.
There’s still no sign of a forthcoming Dakota (or 1000) from Dodge, er, Ram (the latter thanks to a separate Ram Truck Division spin-off in 2010), so the glory days of Chrysler group (or Ram) selling 12,000-plus units per year in this class, like the Dakota did in 2004, might be some ways off. As it is, Ram’s most affordable 1500 Classic starts at just over $37k in base Regular Cab two-door, 4×2 Tradesman trim (plus you can get more than $10,000 off of that price in discounts at the time of writing), which is about the same as a base Tacoma, and while it’s filling the same void Ford tried to with its F-150 and GM temporarily did with its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, both rivals came scurrying back to the smaller, more affordable mid-size truck market so as not to lose out. Ford is even re-entering a re-emerging compact truck segment, it’s new Maverick soon going up against Hyundai’s Santa Cruz, so time will tell whether competitive brands take the bait, as clearly one size does not fit all.
Unlike every other pickup truck available (other than the rare, used ’89–91 Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible, you can completely take the Gladiator’s roof off, or alternatively remove individual panels.
Back to sales, the Tacoma reigned supreme at the top of this segment with a grand total of 16,946 deliveries in 2020, which despite all the hardship last year was its best year ever. The combination of General Motors trucks came second with an 11,678-unit tally, the Colorado earning 6,648 new buyers and the Canyon totalng 5,030, although the Ranger is really the second-place brand at 10,840 units. The Gladiator’s respectable 4,481 sales total puts it fifth on the 2020 calendar year list, just ahead of the Ridgeline’s 3,369 deliveries, leaving the market dregs to the outgoing Frontier that only managed 1,355 sales.
Our tester included an optional folding and/or removable cargo cover.
While last place is never good, at least Nissan had some mid-size pickup sales in 2020. As of Q2 this year, the Frontier found zero buyers, or more likely the Japanese brand’s dealers managed to sell the last remaining examples before the new year started. The new 2022 model should remedy this problem quickly when it arrives later this year, but it will nevertheless be attempting to win back once-loyal fans that have long given up on the brand due to the previous Frontier’s seemingly never-ending lifecycle.
At least the Tacoma looks to be on track with 7,349 deliveries over the first two quarters of 2021, while the two GM trucks are doing fairly well too, resulting in 6,239 sales over the same half-year period (split up into 3,295 for the Chevy Colorado and 2,944 for the GMC Canyon). As for Jeep, it sent a reasonable 2,075 Gladiators down Canadian roads (and trails) during Q1 and Q2 of this year, while the almost as pricey Ridgeline only managed 1,582 deliveries during the same six months, despite what appears to be shaping up to be a very strong year in the Canadian mid-size pickup truck sector, shown by 23,467 total sales so far (excluding any Q3 figures).
Here’s a better look at that retractable cargo cover rolled up.
It’ll need to be strong to surpass last year, however. The mid-size pickup segment sold a total of 48,669 units throughout 2020, which was not only surprising considering the tumultuous year we all experienced, but also when factoring in that the last time we saw numbers this high was back in the late aughts and early teens when Ford was blasting $15-20k-something Rangers out into the market by the bucketful (the retail on a base Ranger was $13,999 back in 2011, plus they offered zero-percent financing), and we had so many other players trying to keep up, Mazda even selling its B-Series variant, and Suzuki trying to purvey an equatorial version of GM’s trucks (I actually went to the U.S.-only launch of the 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider too, a Dakota based truck that never made sense to bring here… or there for that matter, evidenced by its scant four-year run).
The Gladiator’s five-foot box is a perfect fit for campers, ATVs and other types of outdoor gear.
The Gladiator is all Jeep, however, and not just in name, which in fact came from the 1962-1971 Gladiator that was made famous (to us older folks) in the TV series Daktari. Even more so than that original Gladiator, and therefore more similar to the 1986–1992 Comanche that was obviously derived from the 1984-1990 Cherokee, few will make the mistake of judging Jeep’s latest truck for evolving from anything other than a JL-series Wrangler. It’s an assumption that’s true of its powertrains, drivetrains, chassis and most everything else, despite plenty of body panels that differ.
The Gladiator’s taillights pay tribute to the rectangular assemblies found on early CJ-4-to-present Wranglers, not to mention Scramblers.
Obviously, the box is unique, and suits the classic Jeep’s look perfectly, but some might not notice that the brand widened the front grille slats to better cool the engine when towing, the mid-size pickup capable of 3,469 kilos (7,650 lbs) on the hitch and 771 kg (1,700 lbs) on the bed, compared to the Wrangler Unlimited’s max trailer weight of 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) and total payload of 453 kg (1,000 lbs). Throw a short-bed truck camper on the back of that, or even better, a carbon-fibre C-Class RV-style setup from GEO-Cab or EarthRoamer, not to mention a specially equipped off-road trailer from any number of suppliers, and the Gladiator will happily take you to your new home-away-from-home off the grid.
It just wouldn’t be an off-road-ready Jeep without tow hooks.
Any of the Gladiator’s trims would do well for such purposes, as all are capable of getting you and your family just about anywhere. Of course, the aforementioned top trims, which also include the Mojave, are most suitable, my Rubicon-equipped version ideal for tackling all types of wilderness treks thanks to front- and rear-axle electric lockers (the wide heavy-duty axle up front from Dana) and an electronic disconnecting front sway-bar, not to mention Jeep’s Command-Trac part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, a 43.4-degree approach angle, 20.3-degree breakover angle, and 26-degree departure angle, the only one (that I could find specs for) mostly better being the Mojave that’s good for 44.7, 20.9, and 25.5 degrees respectively.
The Gladiator Rubicon doesn’t mess around when off-road… or maybe it does?
Both Gladiator trims compare well against the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, by the way, with the latter achieving a slightly better 43.9-degree approach angle and 22.6-degree breakover angle, but then again, the SUV’s 37-degree departure angle is massively better, while the two-door Wrangler Rubicon manages a 44-degree approach angle, 27.8-degree breakover angle, and (once again) a 37-degree departure angle.
Of course, I went mud wrestling to find out how the Gladiator performed in its element first-hand, and it was easily up to the task in a local 4×4 hotspot (that’s sadly been closed off since). Of all the 4×4 pickups I’ve taken through this course, the Gladiator Rubicon was at least on par with Chevy’s Colorado ZR2 and felt easier to negotiate through the rougher sections than every stock Tacoma, while it’s much more capable than all others listed above. It climbed up and crawled down steep rock-strewn embankments without breaking a sweat, managed deep sand without a moment’s notice, and casually waded through deep puddles that actually came up over the hood (just like the ZR2), as if it was on a lazy Sunday stroll, finding grip everywhere, while the suspension actually remained comfortable.
There’s little you can throw at this truck that it can’t overcome.
An available front camera system, dubbed TrailCam, allows visibility of obstacles in front and to the sides when off the beaten path, plus Jeep also provides an “Off-Road Pages” section within the Apps menu of the Gladiator’s Uconnect infotainment system that monitors vehicle status, such as ride height, pitch and roll (if equipped), transfer case settings, and the Selec-Terrain traction management mode. Both are really useful features, and wholly unique to Jeep.
Despite its impressive capability, the Gladiator Rubicon never beats up its occupants, just the ground below.
The Gladiator’s 3,487-mm (137.3-in) wheelbase, which is 479 mm (18.8 in) longer than the Wrangler Unlimited’s and spans 1,027 additional mm (40.4 in) over the base Wrangler, didn’t pose a problem, at least where I was travelling, but probably would around some of the rock abutments I experienced when coaxing a Wrangler Unlimited down the Rubicon Trail, or winding that longer SUV through some of the massively treed forests I’ve negotiated locally on the West Coast, these even making the Unlimited more challenging to operate than the regular-wheelbase Wrangler. Still, as far as pickup trucks with useful beds go, the Gladiator is absolutely brilliant off-road.
The Gladiator Rubicon might be all might and muscle on the outside, but inside it’s surprisingly refined.
Stuffed under its classic latched hood, Chryco’s 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 is plenty potent for everything I asked it to do, thanks to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but I’d sooner have the 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 for the sake of four-wheel twist, fuel economy, and therefore, the ability to go further into the bush without worrying about bringing along as many extra Gerry cans of fuel. Still, that decision might only make sense to diehard off-roaders, because the chance of paying off more than $7k worth of engine upgrades for savings of about 10 cents per litre at the pump and maybe 10 percent more range, will take many years of ownership and an odometer spinning well into six figures.
The cabin features exposed exterior paint like its forebears, although the red on the dash is a metallic-finished composite.
I’ve tested the diesel in an absolutely wonderful near-full-load Wrangler Unlimited Sahara that I’ll be reviewing soon, and I must say I was impressed with its similar thrust of 260 horsepower, and much stronger 442 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator is not available with the Wrangler’s base 2.0-litre turbo-four, however, which might make a suitable companion for those not needing to haul heavy loads, and could potentially get the price down to commoner levels. The engine makes more torque than the base V6 at 295 lb-ft, while its power is a bit stronger than the diesel at 270, but Jeep obviously felt the four-banger’s expected take-rate wouldn’t make for a good business case, so the Gladiator’s fuel economy option can’t truly be considered an economical choice from a financial perspective.
We’re glad Jeep stayed with analogue gauges, because the Gladiator’s high-def 7.0-inch colour MID leaves little to be desired.
Jeep appears to be preparing a plug-in hybrid alternative for Gladiator’s engine bay, however, based on the Wrangler Unlimited’s new 4xe model, which will also make a difference at the pump thanks to an estimated 4.8 Le/100km combined city/highway in the SUV. That model represents a $6,900 bump over the equivalently-equipped V6-powered Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, mind you, which probably makes it a better long-term financial bet when compared to the diesel variant, if most of your driving occurs over short distances. This said, its non-electrified fuel economy, which is how you’d be driving it on a road trip due to full-EV range that’s merely 40 km, is 11.7 L/100km combined, which is only slightly better than the regular Wrangler Unlimited Sahara’s 12.2 L/100km combined rating.
That’s one sophisticated looking centre stack. Fortunately it’s easy to figure out.
While we’re on the theme of fuel economy, the Gladiator’s base V6 is rated at 14.3 L/100km in the city, 10.4 on the highway and 12.6 combined when hooked up to its six-speed manual, or 13.7 city, 10.7 highway and 12.3 combined with its eight-speed automatic, while the diesel is good for a claimed 10.8 L/100 city, 8.5 highway and 9.8 combined.
The Gladiator’s smooth off-road suspension translates into decent on-pavement comfort too, at least for this class, but while its longer wheelbase means that it tracks better than a Wrangler on the highway, it needs more small steering adjustments than one of its less 4×4-oriented competitors when doing so. I suppose this is a small price to pay for its amazing off-road capability. Still, I found it enjoyable and relaxing at freeway speeds, stable and safe feeling through tighter curves, plus it’s a good size for city traffic.
The Rubicon’s 7.0-inch centre touchscreen isn’t the market’s largest, but it’s an excellent system nonetheless.
Its cabin is an enjoyable place to while away the time as well, especially if you already like the Wrangler’s classic, retrospective take on interior design. It features body-colour surfaces in key areas, such as the inside door surrounds and above the head as part of the roll bar structure, while my Rubicon’s dash facing was covered in a metallic red composite, also used for the differential bias switch. Matching red stitching can be found throughout the cabin for a sporty look, the front seats even getting embroidered “RUBICON” branding on their backrests, albeit black was my tester’s dominant shade, with both rows covered in optional leather as noted earlier (base Rubicons receive premium cloth).
That’s a USB-C charger/connector, showing just how up-to-date the Gladiator is.
The Gladiator features all the same improvements in materials quality and design as the current Wrangler, which was last fully updated in 2018. This means my tester boasted a stitched leatherette dash-top, soft-touch, padded door uppers that continue right down to the tops of the even plusher armrests in one single piece, plus a comfortable centre armrest in leather.
All of the Gladiator’s switchgear is excellent, much of it rubberized with nice big, notchy rims that could easily be used with winter gloves, while Jeep even includes a flip-up lid on the centre stack exposing an auxiliary plug, a USB-A charging/connectivity port, as well as a more up-to-date USB-C port. The front seats and steering wheel rim are three-way heatable, to therapeutic levels no less, plus a large interface for the dual-zone automatic climate control system makes maintaining chosen temperatures easy.
The 8-speed automatic is superb, and secondary shifter for the 4×4 system easy to operate.
In-car electronics include a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen between the two middle vents on the top of the centre stack, and while it’s slightly smaller than average (you’ll need to move up to top-line High Altitude trim to get the 8.4-inch display) the fully-featured Uconnect system comes with most everything an owner could want. Along with the aforementioned Off-Road Pages, my Rubicon’s featured an accurate, easy to use navigation system, fully redundant climate controls that provide nice, big pictographs for selecting ventilation preferences and even let you set the heatable steering wheel and seat warmers, while the audio page includes the usual AM/FM radio selections, plus satellite radio and Bluetooth streaming, all played through an eight-speaker stereo with good sound. You can adjust the backup and forward camera angles from the centre display too, plus the mirror dimmer, which is connected to one of the industry’s new higher-end classic-style frameless mirrors that runs flush to the edges.
The driver’s seat isn’t powered, but it’s comfortable, supportive, and provides a good seating position.
Ahead of the driver is a clean, nicely organized primary instrument cluster with analogue gauges to each side of a large 7.0-inch, customizable, full-colour multi-information display, this doubling for the temperature and fuel gauges as well. It’s as close as it gets to a fully digital gauge cluster while remaining mostly analogue, something I don’t think the Gladiator (or Wrangler) needs, nor many of the two models’ fans probably want.
I have to say the driver’s seat was comfortable, necessary for a vehicle that will more than likely be used for overcoming big, bumpy obstacles, but adjustment is purely manual. Again, this wasn’t an issue for me, and makes sense for this type of truck, with even the loftily priced High Altitude receiving the same six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat (featuring seat height) with two-way manual lumbar support, plus just four-way adjustability for the front passenger.
The rear seating area is roomy, plus the seats should be comfortable enough for most.
The rear seats are well designed for good comfort and support too, even for the lower back, plus plenty of leg, foot, elbow, shoulder, and headroom comes standard. A large, wide centre armrest can be folded down in the middle, incorporating the usual dual cupholders, although the bigger bottle holders on the backside of the front console do an even better job of holding drinks. Just above these is a three-prong household-style 115-volt power source, plus overtop this is a compact interface housing two USB-A and two USB-C charging ports. The side window switches hover just above, while two big air vents keep rear passengers warm or cool depending on the season. Additionally, an intricate pattern of webbing can be found on the backside of each front seat.
The 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks drop forward for placing cargo on top.
The rear seats fold down to make a large, wide carpeted cargo shelf, and also flip upwards for taller items, the latter position revealing a handy storage box system with integrated dividers underneath.
Speaking of boxes, my tester had a covered bed, but it was easy to unlatch and roll forward out of the way. The inner tailgate, sidewalls and floor were nicely finished with a spray-in liner, which looked durable and therefore capable of lasting the test of time. The tailgate folds down easily, by the way, while I found the bed wasn’t too difficult to jump onto thanks to exposed bumpers with grippy surfaces. Of course, corner steps like those found on GM’s trucks would’ve been even more helpful, but that has more to do with my aging body than anything you may need to worry about (for now).
Lift the rear seat cushions up, and there’s now room for taller cargo.
As for problem areas, the proximity-sensing locks were a bit frustrating, and this wasn’t the first time I’ve had similar challenges with Chrysler group vehicles. It simply wouldn’t lock with the exterior door handle button every time I tried, and therefore needed multiple pressings before locking. I’m guessing this isn’t a common issue with others, or the Gladiator wouldn’t be getting such major praise from owners in J.D. Power’s most recent 2021 Initial Quality Study (IQS), which ranked it number one in their “Midsize Pickup” category. The entire Jeep division managed to finish seventh amongst mainstream volume brands in that study too, which is a significant improvement over previous years, but get this, the Ram truck brand was number one overall, while Dodge was second. The folks at Auburn Hills (and Windsor) have obviously been working hard to address past problems, so kudos to them for this impressive result.
Jeep provides handy divided storage boxes below the rear seats.
There’s so much more I could say about the Gladiator, but I’ve got to leave something for you to discover. It really is an impressive mid-size pickup truck, and like all Jeeps, a very capable 4×4, plus it’s hardly short on style, features and refinement, from the outside in. As noted earlier, it won’t be as easy on your pocketbook as some of its rivals, both initially at purchase and at the pump, but this should pay off when it comes time to sell, or at least that’s the case with the Wrangler that currently sits on top of its “Compact SUV” category in the latest Canadian Black Book 2020 Best Retained Value Awards, as well as the Vincentric Best Value in Canada Awards for 2021.
The V6 is a good match for this truck, but we’d prefer the diesel.
As far as getting a deal goes, CarCostCanada is reporting up to $2,684 in additional incentives on new 2021 Gladiator models, while their average member savings were $2,000 at the time of writing. That’s the most aggressive incentives program available to mid-size truck buyers right now, so well worth checking out. Be sure to learn exactly how CarCostCanada’s affordable membership works as well, including how dealer invoice pricing can help you save thousands when purchasing any new vehicle, plus remember to download their free app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, so you can have all of their valuable information with you exactly when you need it.
Review and photos by Trevor Hofmann
It’s true, Nissan is walking away from the full-size pickup truck segment in Canada. The Titan before you, as impressive as it is, will no longer be available north of the 49th, aside from Anchorage…
Despite its good looks and impressive capability, the Titan will be discontinued for 2022.
It’s true, Nissan is walking away from the full-size pickup truck segment in Canada. The Titan before you, as impressive as it is, will no longer be available north of the 49th, aside from Anchorage or Fairbanks.
As with most cancellations, it came down to a lack of sales. Nissan sold a mere 1,218 units last year and just 2,807 in 2019, while even at its peak of 2017 the Japanese automaker found just 5,692 Canadian buyers. This is actually bad news for Toyota, because its Tundra will now inherit lowest sales status, despite managing to push out a respectable 11,053 units last year (it’s high of 11,738 was in 2018). Although the Tundra’s numbers may appear lofty when shown next to the Titan’s, even mighty Toyota’s full-size offering hardly matches Ram’s 83,673 full-size pickup truck sales in 2020, or GM’s collective Chevy/GMCSilverado/Sierra deliveries of 104,279 units during the same 12 months, while Ford once again topped them all last year with 128,650 F-Series down the road.
This Crew Cab body style is the only way you can still get a new Titan in Canada.
The sad reality is, Nissan’s failure to launch the Titan as a serious full-size pickup truck contender has nothing to do with the vehicle’s quality and capability. It’s one rugged, well-built half-ton, or rather two tough trucks when factoring in its larger Titan XD heavy-half sibling, with its only serious weaknesses being fewer cab/bed options and just one, lone V8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission combination.
Currently, the Titan is just available as a Crew Cab in Canada, having dropped its smaller King Cab variant for 2020. Both cabs remain in the US, although American buyers can no longer purchase the Single Cab work truck.
Done up in Pro-4X trim, the Titan looks as rugged as it is.
The Titan’s sole V8 displaces 5.6 litres and makes 400 horsepower plus 413 lb-ft of torque; the XD’s turbo-diesel was discontinued for 2020. Part-time four-wheel drive is standard in Canada, with no lower priced rear-drive alternative, but it must be said the Titan’s nine-speed automatic transmission certainly gives it an edge compared to some competitors, Toyota’s Tundra only offering six forward speeds. Still, Ford uses a 10-speed automatic in all of its full-size trucks, while GM offers the same transmission (literally) in some of its large pickups.
Off-roading comes naturally to this big 4×4 pickup.
Notably, Nissan Canada’s retail site never bothered updating its Titan page with a 2021 model (clearly displaying the 2020 truck instead), even though the brand’s dealers continue to advertise the newer model year, plus third-party car sites, such as CarCostCanada, have integrated all 2021 specs along with the elimination of base S trim, which was $50,498 before, and addition of a new base 2021 SV trim for $63,698. Now (June 30, 2021), Nissan isn’t even showing trucks as an option on its side pull-down menu, strangely hoping would-be 2022 Frontier customers manage find the redesigned model in its “Future & Concept” section.
Ground clearance is not a problem.
The just-mentioned 2021 base price doesn’t come anywhere near to matching the entry prices of the Titan’s domestic rivals, by the way, with the class-dominating F-150 starting at just $34,079, which isn’t even as affordable as the base Chevy Silverado 1500’s $32,048 entry point, or for that matter the Sierra 1500’s lowest window sticker of $33,248. The least expensive Ram 1500 Classic is priced just a bit higher at $36,890, and the aforementioned Tundra significantly more at $47,010. Compare those numbers to the Titan’s $63,698 base price, and it’s easy to understand how it might be difficult to get someone’s attention, unless they clearly understood that similar equipment and trim levels sold by all of the above cost around the same.
Nice details, such as LED headlamps and driving lights, give the Titan a uniquely upscale look.
Unfortunately, that’s not how we tend to buy vehicles. There’s a reason that dealers advertise a vehicle’s base price, after all. We might initially become interested in a Silverado because it’s the lowest priced truck on the market, but after we get sold on one with more features, we quickly forget about the initial “loss leader” that motivated us to come down to that particular dealer in the first place. Soon it’s all about how much you can afford each month, and the sales team turns you over to the finance department.
This beefy wheel and tire combo is standard in Pro-4X trim.
To be clear, the domestic trucks’ lower prices are mostly due to their inclusion of regular cab body styles, multiple engine choices, and a whole lot of additional trims, with the cheapest of each U.S. brand’s truck focused more on attracting high-volume commercial fleet buyers. The sheer volume of such trucks sold actually allows for the seemingly endless cab, bed, engine, drivetrain and trim combinations to exist, making it possible for a buyer to configure a truck exactly the way they want. Most pickup truck consumers, however, would rather buy a well-equipped four-door pickup, which is the key reason Nissan and Toyota only offer such variants.
These side steps were designed to slide over and not hang up on rocks, roots or other off-road obstacles.
The Titan I most recently tested was a Crew Cab Pro-4X optimized for off-road work and pleasure. So equipped, it’s priced at $66,998, which is right in the realm of pricing acceptability for this class of truck. As stated earlier, the sales leads enjoyed by Nissan’s rivals have nothing to do with any specific competencies over the Titan. It’s a tough, capable on- and off-roader with better than average expected reliability, beefy towing and payload capacities of 9,270 lbs and 1,580 lbs respectively, plus no shortage of style. I think the Titan’s recently refreshed design, and particularly my Pro-4X-trimmed test model’s upgrades, look great, while Nissan’s interior finishing was even a bit more refined than some of its competitors.
This is one sweet looking roll bar.
In detail, the Pro-4X’s dash top was completely covered in a padded soft leather-like synthetic with cool orange contrast stitching, while others only apply hard plastic to this area. This said, Nissan only uses hard-shell composites for the Titan’s door uppers, which makes them uncomfortable for those who like to rest their elbow next to the side window. The Titan does provide nicely padded leatherette door inserts above even more comfortable armrests, also featuring contrasting thread work, while the Japanese model gets even more pampering with a soft, padded bolster ahead of the front passenger.
A powered rear window is a nice touch.
The Titan Pro-4X’ seats also include contrast stitching, complete with the model’s “PRO-4X” logo embroidered into their backsides, but their wide, flat shape didn’t allow much side support for my smaller body type. The driver’s seat was multi-adjustable, however, providing good positioning, but its two-way powered lumbar support never met up with the small of my back as well as others do in this class. At least it was roomy and accommodating.
Rear occupants get limousine-like legroom, while seat comfort in back is decent enough. An airy panoramic sunroof made my tester feel even more spacious, while rear outboard passengers get the comfort of a warmer behind thanks a set of seat heaters.
The Titan Pro-4X cabin is impressively refined, other than those door uppers that are hard plastic.
Back up front, the Titan Pro-4X’ steering wheel is leather-wrapped with sporty thumb indentations for optimizing comfort and control, plus yet more contrast stitching gave it plenty of style to go along with its heatable rim (not available with every rival), while Nissan’s multi-information display is also larger and filled with more features than some others in the class, but is missing some useful ancillary dials within a primary gauge cluster that’s otherwise analogue.
The Titan’s centre touchscreen is fairly large and plenty colourful too (the permanent blemishes to my test model’s display were due to a previous journalist’s ammonia-infused wipe down), with no shortage of functions either. High-quality switchgear could be found through the cabin as well.
The well organized cockpit provides plenty of room to get comfortable.
I learned how to drive using column-shifters, so naturally didn’t mind swapping cogs next to the Titan’s steering wheel. The arrangement (also used by Mercedes for most of its cars) frees space up on the lower console as well. The aforementioned nine-speed auto was updated by two forward gears for 2020, and delivers smooth, positive shifts via fast kickdowns when needing to take off quickly. And yes, the Titan sprints away from stoplights with little hesitation, blasts past slower moving highway traffic with only a hint of provocation, and provides a soul-stirring V8 snarl while doing so.
Mostly analogue, but the multi-info display is large and colourful.
Like most trucks in this segment, the Titan rides on a fully-boxed frame and uses an independent suspension up front plus traditional leaf springs in back, which provide good composure over the majority of surfaces. The Ram 1500 is the only large truck that utilizes coil springs all-round, while all trucks in this class use steel for their cabs and boxes, other than the F-150 that’s significantly lighter due to an aluminum out shell.
The overhead parking camera was a big help.
Nissan has an enviable 4×4 heritage, which left me with no concerns about going off-road with the Titan. It features a dial for engaging two- and four-wheel drive high, plus four-low when the going got tough, while its electronic and mechanical driving aids not only aid handling during slippery condition on pavement, but help overcome challenges on the trail as well. Therefore, it was easy to crawl over rocks and logs before swamping through ruts and mud-soaked pits, not to mention plenty of deep sandy spits, while generous suspension travel helped make the Titan’s ride comfortable at all times.
The Pro-4X’s wide seats should fit most every body type.
When it comes to reliability, plus resale value, the Titan should fare well over time. Yes, I know it’s being discontinued, which never helps when trying to predict the latter, but Nissan has a great reputation for holding values overall, and trucks tend to do better than cars in today’s market. There are even some models that start going up in value, something we’ve seen with well-cared-for examples of the Xterra and earlier off-road capable versions of the Pathfinder in recent years. The Armada may experience similar depreciation resilience if the overland trend continues, so it makes sense that trucks like this Titan will also hold onto their value in the used market.
Rear seat spaciousness is generous.
After everything is done and said, the Titan isn’t perfect, but it scores high in all the categories it needs to, particularly its better than average expected reliability, impressive refinement, well-stocked features, thoughtful design, solid construction, and potent powertrain. It’s not even that bad on fuel with a claimed combined city/highway rating of 13.3 L/100km, so you might just want to snatch one up before all the new ones are forever gone from this country.
The Titan’s bed gets a grippy surface for safety in wet weather.
It was fewer than six months ago that General Motors revealed its upcoming Hummer EV pickup truck to much fanfare, a move that simultaneously reintroduced the US military’s SUV brand into the civilian…
The new GMC Hummer EV SUV completes the Hummer EV family (so far). We think it looks fabulous and performs even better.
It was fewer than six months ago that General Motors revealed its upcoming Hummer EV pickup truck to much fanfare, a move that simultaneously reintroduced the US military’s SUV brand into the civilian market, and gave GMC its first electric vehicle. Now the General’s truck and SUV division has followed their EV Supertruck up with an electrified SUV that will do its part in repairing the once-maligned Hummer name.
Yes, Hummer, which was previously stigmatized as a gas-guzzling, anti-environmental brand, will no longer be a standalone marque within the General’s ranks. This makes a great deal of sense from a retail distribution perspective, being that GM needs to maintain its simpler four-brand stance in order to reduce marketing costs, compared to the high price of promoting the multitude of brands it once oversaw.
The SUV rides on a shorter wheelbase than the pickup truck, making it more manoeuvrable on and off the road.
The new GMC-controlled sub-brand will take advantage of Hummer’s strong name recognition within the 4×4 overland community, and the emissions-free EV powertrain means that its brand image will no longer be plagued by its supposedly polluting predecessors.
To be fair to the Hummer brand’s original four models, the flagship H1 was mostly turbo-diesel powered and therefore fairly efficient for a military-spec off-roader, while the H2 (and H2T pickup) was based on the full-size Chevrolet/GMC Tahoe/Yukon, which were actually friendlier on fuel than some other full-size 4x4s of the era. The fact they remain popular models within GM’s SUV lineup shows GM may have made a mistake in letting the Hummer brand go as part of their restructuring.
The GMC Hummer EV Supertruck isn’t the brand’s first pickup, those being the Chevy Avalanche-inspired H2T and Colorado-based H3T.
Likewise, the mid-size H3 and H3T (pickup truck) were based on the previous-generation Chevrolet/GMC Colorado/Canyon trucks, so therefore the brand didn’t suffer as much from gasoline gluttony as it did from being targeted by environmental activists using it as a sacrificial mechanical scapegoat.
Now, however, GMC’s upcoming Hummer sub-brand could very well become an icon of zero-emissions righteousness. Then again, with zero-to-100 km/h taking just over 3.5 seconds, putting it neck-to-neck with Jeep’s outrageously potent 707-horsepower Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, not to mention dwarfing Land Rover’s new wilderness-conquering Defender (that it’s not stylistically dissimilar to) when it comes to exterior width, the new Hummer SUV wasn’t exactly designed to go up against Nissan’s Leaf for kilowatt cost per kilometer.
The new Hummer EV SUV provides buyers with performance, utility and customization choices, with GMC ready to offer close to 200 accessories at launch.
Tesla has proven that it’s ok to produce ridiculously fast cars, as long as the power unit is electric. Hummer will ride on Tesla’s bandwagon, the latter brand already making a couple of crossover SUVs and soon adding a pickup truck, so far dubbed Cybertruck and about as whacky looking as automotive designs get (we expect the production model to appear a bit more mainstream).
The Tesla and Hummer trucks will be joined by rival electric pickup truck (and SUV) makers including upstarts Alpha, Bollinger, Canoo, Fisker, Hercules, Lordstown, Nikola, and Rivian, while the upcoming Ford F-150 EV should eventually do epic battle against GM’s own Chevrolet BET (Battery Electric Truck—we hope they come up with a more engaging name), leaving Nissan’s Titan Electric Truck to pick up the scraps. Who knows how many of these will ever see the light of day, but some certainly will.
Despite its blocky, bulky design, the new Hummer SUV will be ridiculously fast and agile.
Barring an economic meltdown, GMC’s new Hummer pickup will be one of the survivors, as will the just-released SUV. The two models’ performance won’t be detuned in production form either, with the truck’s top-line “3X” powertrain making a mind-blowing 1,000 horsepower that results in sprints from standstill to 100 km/h of just over 3 seconds. That’s Corvette territory performance from a truck that probably carries twice the curb weight, the speedy acceleration partially due to 11,500 lb-ft of instantaneous torque from its three electric motors.
You heard that right, both Hummer models’ top-line “3X” powertrain option are three times more fun than electric vehicles with just one motor. The SUV is “only” good for up to 830 horsepower, albeit the same 11,500 lb-ft of torque. The mid-range “2X” engine utilizes two electric motors for up to 625 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of roughly 5 seconds, incidentally, which will no doubt be enough for most buyers. Lastly, a base model merely dubbed EV2, featuring 400 volts of charging capability compared to the 2X and 3X models’ 800-volt/300kW charging systems, will be the entry-level gatekeeper.
Original Hummers are legendary for their off-road prowess, so we should expect nothing less from the new electric version.
“GMC’s HUMMER EV SUV offers an exceptional balance of on-road performance and off-road capability, enhanced by a unique structure that allows for our signature open-air experience,” said Al Oppenheiser, Hummer EV chief engineer. “New features debuting on the SUV reinforce its role as a tactical tool in almost any situation.”
When the truck arrives in the fall of 2022 as a 2023 model, it will come in special “Edition 1” trim with its strongest performance setup, as will the SUV when it shows up in early 2023. Base SUV trims will arrive in the spring of 2024, probably for the 2025 model year, with other trims spaced out in between.
An Infinity Roof with modular Sky Panels comes standard, creating an open-air experience for all aboard.
Range, the all-important question most EV buyers ask of their new ride, is 482 km for the SUV and 560 km for the truck, the difference due to four additional Ultium battery modules (24 compared to 20) fitting within the span of the latter vehicle’s 3,444-mm wheelbase—the SUV’s wheelbase is 226 mm shorter at 3,218 mm. A less potent base SUV, stocked with just 16 modules, should be good for more than 400 km of range in optimal circumstances. All trims feature GM’s new double-stacked battery pack, which comes as part of an interdependent body/battery structure to enhance the vehicles’ rigidity.
“The HUMMER EV’s body protects the battery, while the battery supports the structure,” added Oppenheiser. “That means the battery pack itself is a structural element, which enables a truly open-air experience and a rare combination of extreme off-road capability and smooth on-road performance in a body-frame integral platform.”
The Hummer SUV is practical too, featuring plenty of cargo space in the back, plus this “frunk” (front trunk) made possible thanks to its unique electric powertrain layout.
GM Canada is promising a base price of $88,898 (plus freight and fees) for that 16-module base EV2 model, but it’ll be the only Hummer SUV to slip below the six-figure price threshold. The 2X, alternatively, will be priced at $104,898 and 3X from a minimum of $119,398, with the Edition 1 setting early adaptors back $125,898.
Once near flagship Range Rover price levels, however, why not go for the gusto by opting for an Edition 1 with its Extreme Off-Road package, a mere $131,898 being the price of entry for underbelly skid plates that GMC actually calls “armour”, plus rock sliders, front eLocker and rear virtual locking differentials, HD ball-spline half-shafts, and 22-inch alloys wrapped in 35-inch-OD Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT rubber, not to mention front- and rear-facing UltraVision underbody cameras (with a wash system) to help you skirt over untoward obstacles.
GMC calls the Hummer SUV’s cabin a “low-contrast Lunar Shadow interior”… ok. We just think it looks great.
Such extras should work wonders with the SUV’s already standard Crab Walk technology, which adjusts the standard four-wheel steering system so that all wheels are pointing in the same direction for diagonal mobility, while its air suspension with Extract Mode actually increases ground clearance to a maximum of 406 mm (16.0 inches) on the fly, helping the Hummer walk up and over tall rocks, roots, mud holes, etcetera.
For those willing to potentially scratch up their Hummer EV, it should at least be equal to its diesel and gasoline predecessors when off-road. The e4WD system’s ability to power a single wheel at a time should prove very helpful in slippery conditions, as should its 330 mm (13 inches) of suspension travel, ability to climb 60-percent grades while going forward or reversing, capability of scaling 457 mm (18-inch) vertical obstacles, and skills at fording more than 600 mm (two feet) of water.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster will make configuring the Hummer SUV’s controls easy.
Some noteworthy options will include a “multisensory, interactive experience” called Watts To Freedom, which provides special audio from the Bose sound system, plus kinesthetic sensations via the haptic driver’s seat, and visuals through custom displays that show the SUV’s performance mode as “armed and ready.” It’s all customizable in GMC’s My Mode, which lets drivers personalize driving features such as steering and suspension settings, as well as the SUV’s acceleration response and even the sound the motors make.
An Infinity Roof, along with modular Sky Panels come standard, creating the open-air experience chief engineer Oppenheiser described earlier. This will be ideal when trekking through the wild on a sunny day, whether actually enjoying the wilderness or navigating the urban jungle.
The 13.4-inch centre touchscreen provides all the expected infotainment features, plus access to more than 175 underbody camera views.
The five-occupant SUV should be plenty practical, with its spare tire hanging on a powered side-swinging tailgate that opens up “wider than the vehicle itself.” GMC promises “an unimpeded 48-inch opening” and up to 2,316 litres (81.8 cubic feet) of cargo space when the rear seats are lowered. Additionally, more storage space can be found below the load floor, plus another compartment is integrated within the cargo area’s sidewall.
Speaking of wide, a large 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster gets joined by an even bigger 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen at centre. Integrated within, the “In-vehicle Energy App” both monitors energy usage and can be used to set up charging schedules, condition the battery temperature, and more.
So what do you think? Can you see yourself driving the new 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV in a couple of years?
Tech in mind, a Digital Key lets owners use their smartphone as the key fob, while the SUV’s HD Surround Vision parking camera provides up to 14 camera views. The previously noted UltraVision underbody camera system offers up to 176 camera views, incidentally, plus a bevy of Off-Road Widgets provide performance readouts for off-road driving scenarios such as “ride height and eLocker engagement, compass headings, pitch/roll status,” and more.
All Hummer EV models can also be had with an updated version of Super Cruise, GM’s much-lauded semi-autonomous driver assistance technology that allows for hands-free driving on compatible highways. The updated system even includes new automatic lane changing.
If that wasn’t techie enough, DIY folks and campers will love the new optional Power Station generator that provides 19.2 kW of AC charging/generator functionality for accessories (120V/25A/3kW) and the ability to charge other EVs (240V/25A/6kW).
More detailed option pricing will be available closer to launch, as will the ability to configure the new Hummer EV models online. The SUV’s special Moonshot Green Matte paint will no doubt be on offer, as will a diverse palette of standard and optional metallic colours.
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | EXTRACT MODE | GMC (0:15):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | “Another Revolution” | GMC (3:30):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | THE NEXT ALL-ELECTRIC SUPERTRUCK | GMC (1:31):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | WHAT TWO CAN DO: TEASER SIX | GMC (0:30):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | ARRIVAL: TEASER FIVE | GMC (0:15):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | ANTICIPATION: TEASER FOUR | GMC (0:15):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | WITNESS: TEASER THREE | GMC (0:30):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | IMAGINE: TEASER TWO | GMC (0:15):
GMC HUMMER EV SUV | COUNTDOWN: TEASER ONE | GMC (0:15):
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: General Motors
It’s no secret that trucks aren’t updated as often as cars, although this has been changing in recent years due to peoples’ tastes shifting from sedans, coupes and wagons to more utility-oriented…
The entirely new 2022 Frontier says goodbye to 16 years of the previous model, and hello to a much more modern and exciting design.
It’s no secret that trucks aren’t updated as often as cars, although this has been changing in recent years due to peoples’ tastes shifting from sedans, coupes and wagons to more utility-oriented offerings. No matter, because no one, including those within Nissan’s inner circle, could’ve likely guessed the Frontier would still be trucking along mostly unchanged after 16 years of production.
Currently the oldest non-commercial design available new, Nissan will pass this baton down to its own 370Z when the all-new 2022 Frontier arrives later this year, unless the Japanese automaker shocks us all with an earlier than expected release of the legendary sports car, of which today’s version now has a dozen years to its credit. Both will be important to Nissan’s success, albeit the new 400Z (as most are calling it) is more about enhancing the brand’s performance image, while the Frontier should do a good job of bolstering its bottom line.
The redesigned Frontier presents a fairly unique look within a hotly contested mid-size pickup truck market.
Of course, trucks are important for a mainstream brand’s image too, and just by appearances the Frontier should appeal to the masses. That will be important, as Nissan has lost a lot of market share to mid-size pickup competitors, most of which have introduced multiple redesigns since the last Frontier was new. Toyota’s Tacoma remains top of the list, followed closely by GM’s Chevy/GMCColorado/Canyon (fraternal) twins and more distantly by Ford’s Ranger, which were all discontinued and resuscitated in recent years, and while no definitive word has surfaced about a revised Dodge (Ram) Dakota, Jeep anted up with its highly successful Gladiator a few years ago. Even Honda’s Ridgeline, the only mid-size pickup truck the Frontier still outsells, has seen upward sales momentum since its more rugged 2021 refresh, so it’s a good thing Nissan’s new Frontier will soon be ready to do battle.
Rugged looking and fully capable, the new Frontier should be a force to be reckoned with.
The 2022 Frontier arrives with boxier styling that pays some angular homage to the brand’s old Hardbody pickups of the ‘80s and ‘90s, albeit the new look gives more respect to Nissan’s full-size Titan, particularly the front door window cutouts that, like Ford’s F-150, are kinked to aid visibility. It seems influenced by GMC’s just-noted Canyon too, at least before the domestic truck said goodbye to its arguably better-looking rectangular grille and hello to a much deeper, chunkier version this year. Any resemblance to the Canyon will hardly be an issue for Nissan fans, however, as the new Frontier’s styling will be unique enough, is plenty rugged, and boasts lots of up-to-date LED touches.
Nissan uses LEDs to give the new Frontier’s headlamps special character at night.
Speaking of up-to-date, nothing from the old Frontier will be pulled forward into this new iteration’s cabin, which is a very good thing. The new model’s styling has been completely reimagined, and appears so refined that Nissan should really be considering a new Xterra based on the same platform. Where the old truck’s dash is rounded in retrospect, the new design is just as bold and blocky as the exterior styling, although in a more conservatively tasteful way. Stitched soft-touch synthetic appears padded ahead of the front passenger, as do the grip-like sides of the lower centre console, the example shown no doubt in higher-end Pro-4X trim thanks to its sporty orange/red highlights and premium-level finishings.
Pro-4X trim gets a sportier appearance package with lots of blacked out trim.
A mostly analogue gauge cluster features a large colour multi-information display at centre, par for the course these days, which should come packed full of functions, while the sizeable standard 8.0-inch touchscreen atop the centre stack boasts Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and all the other expected base functions, backup camera included, with that parking camera upgradable to an Around View surround monitor seen within a larger 9.0-inch display in higher trims. Likewise, wireless charging (albeit no wireless CarPlay) is now on the options menu, as is nine-speaker Fender audio in the Pro-4X.
The Frontier’s bed can be had with a track-mounted tie-down system, plus bright LED lighting.
Speaking of the Pro-4X, which is Nissan-speak for a serious professional-grade mud-slinging, rock-crawling 4×4, improvements include a special set of Bilstein shocks plus underfloor skid plates covering the transmission and gas tank, while cool red tow hooks can be found up front, and a special orange/red-enhanced version of Nissan’s new logo gets stamped front, back and inside.
Seen here in sportier Pro-4X trim, the Frontier gets modernized electronics and much more luxury than the outgoing model.
The 2020 Frontier (there is no 2021 model) included S, SV and Pro-4X trims (and can be had with zero-percent financing right now), plus a Midnight Edition that won’t likely be repeated for the 2022 model year, but may be revisited at a later date. Reportedly, a sporty Nismo edition will arrive at some point in the future too. The three main trims will once again be offered for 2022, although a more simplified lineup will discontinue two-wheel drive variants in Canada, other than a fleet-only base King Cab S work truck.
A nine-speed automatic comes standard, while wireless phone charging is available.
This last point clarifies that the smaller King Cab and more accommodating Crew Cab will both make a return, with the former available across the entire model range and the latter only unavailable with base S trim. This said, Canadian Frontier buyers can get Pro-4X with the King Cab, which will be a bonus for those preferring bed space over interior roominess.
Once again, the King Cab provides a six-foot bed, leaving the shorter five-foot bed for the Crew Cab, other than when the long-wheelbase SV model is chosen, which increases the span between axles from 3,200 mm (126 in) to 3,550 mm (140 in).
The new Frontier should definitely improve comfort and refinement.
Unlike the US-spec Frontier that received a new 3.8-litre V6 and nine-speed automatic two years ago, this all-new 2022 model will be Canada’s introduction to the much more advanced, fuel-friendlier combination. The engine puts out 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which should be plenty of fun off the line, highly capable during highway passing manoeuvres, and especially enjoyable when attacking the wild.
Off-roading in mind, all retail Frontiers get Nissan’s part-time shift-on-the-fly 4WD system featuring 2WD, 4HI and 4LO driving modes that connect through to an electronically-controlled transfer case. Hill start assist and hill descent control are included too, while the Pro-4X receives an electronic locking differential.
Rear seat roominess should be competitive.
Standard four-wheel drive means the Canadian-spec Frontier’s maximum tow rating will be limited to just 2,944 kilograms (6,500 lbs), compared to US-specified two-wheel drive models that are good for up to 3,408 kg (7,500 lbs). Both trailer weights are impressive, however, especially when comparing some in this class that can only tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).
Wholly on the positive, Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced driving assistive technologies come standard in Canada, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert with auto-braking, high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The new 2022 Frontier will arrive this summer, with pricing and trim details expected before launch. Until then, make sure to check out our full photo gallery above, and enjoy all the videos Nissan provided below.
The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier (0:06):
All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier (0:15):
2022 Pathfinder and Frontier Reveal (14.39):
2022 Nissan Frontier LIVE Walkaround & Review (6:40):
How big is the truck bed? | 2022 Nissan Frontier Q&A (0:37):
How much can the Frontier tow? | 2022 Nissan Frontier Q&A (0:33):
2007 Nissan Frontier Driven More Than 1 Million Miles (5:34):
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Nissan
When the second-generation Ridgeline arrived on the scene for the 2017 model year, we lauded its drivability, refinement, and creature comforts, but weren’t exactly wowed by its styling. It looked ok,…
Honda has refreshed its 2021 Ridgeline with a much more rugged looking grille and front fascia design that should be much more appealing to pickup truck buyers.
When the second-generation Ridgeline arrived on the scene for the 2017 model year, we lauded its drivability, refinement, and creature comforts, but weren’t exactly wowed by its styling. It looked ok, but lacked a certain visual ruggedness necessary for luring in truck buyers in large numbers. Honda appears to be ready to deal with that problem for 2021, thanks to renewed styling that toughens up the mid-size model’s exterior design.
Gone is the Ridgeline’s smooth, wind-cheating grille and sloping hood, replaced by a much bolder, more upright grille and broader, flatter hood with a centre power bulge. This is combined with a more rugged looking lower front fascia and redesigned front fenders, all combining for a truck that looks as capable as the Ridgeline really is.
The new frontal design incorporates brighter LED headlamps, new front fenders, and a skid plate at the lower centre.
Changes to the new Ridgeline’s flanks and rear design are much less pronounced, with the former painting the cab’s rearmost extension a stylish black instead of body colour, and the rear bumper losing any chrome embellishment.
The more visually appealing 2021 Ridgeline will go on sale across Canada tomorrow, January 15, starting at $44,355 plus freight and fees for the Ridgeline Sport with standard AWD, while other trims include the Ridgeline EX-L at $47,355, Ridgeline Touring at $51,555, and Ridgeline Black Edition at $53,055. It will start arriving in Canadian dealerships in the beginning of February.
The 2021 Ridgeline’s side and rear styling is unchanged, except for blackened trim around the rear of the cab and a new back bumper.
Before you do, be aware that the new grille and other styling enhancements aren’t the only changes made to the 2021 model. The new Ridgeline also benefits from new, brighter LED low beam headlamps with reflector beam halogen high beams, while new more aggressive 18-inch wheels wrapped in new more rugged looking tires join a 20-mm wider track in giving the updated truck greater visual breadth.
The Ridgeline’s interior needed little to make it more welcoming, but nevertheless Honda fitted the centre stack with a revised infotainment touchscreen featuring a real volume knob for quick, easy audio adjustment. With a focus more on style than functionality, all 2021 Ridgeline trims get contrast stitching for the seats, while Sport trims get new fabric seat inserts, and Sport, EX-L and Touring trims add new dash, steering wheel and centre console trim accents. Everything else about the cabin remains the same, including its spacious rear passenger compartment with a flat floor and foldaway 60/40-split rear lower seat cushions.
The Ridgeline continues to be a workhorse, hauling up to 1,571 lbs (713 kg) of payload, while its off-road capability is better than most expect and fuel economy remains its strongest suit.
The Ridgeline’s power unit continues into 2021 unchanged too, the 3.5-litre direct-injected V6 producing up to 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while its standard nine-speed automatic transmission makes sure fuel economy remains the truck’s trump card, with all trims claiming 12.8 L/100km in the city, 9.9 on the highway and 11.5 combined.
As mentioned earlier, Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive is standard, as is its ability to send up to 70 percent of the engine’s twist to the rear wheels when needed, while continuously apportioning up to 100 percent of that torque between left and right rear wheels depending on slip. The Ridgeline’s standard Intelligent Traction Dynamics System enhances power delivery further by attributing engine torque to the wheel with the most traction, whether overcoming wet, snowy, muddy, or sandy conditions.
The Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg) over all types of terrain.
Of course, optimizing traction benefits safety, as does the 2021 Ridgeline’s standard Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
The Ridgeline also does well in U.S. collision safety ratings, with strong National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings, achieving a “GOOD” rating in all IIHS collision tests, and a “SUPERIOR” IIHS rating for frontal crash prevention, while it gets a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score in the European NCAP system.
A slightly upgraded interior gets a new and improved infotainment touchscreen that reintroduces an audio volume knob.
When checking out the photo gallery above you’ll see the Ridgeline hauling Honda dirt bikes and towing one of the Japanese brand’s ATVs, which should be a good indication this truck can do more than merely out-handle its competition on paved roads. Like the outgoing model, the 2021 Ridgeline can manage up to 1,571 lbs (713 kg) on top of its trunk-infused bed, and gets a 5,000 lb (2,267 kg) trailer rating.
On this note, a friendly reminder to remove the spare tire from the trunk before hauling heavy loads that can’t be removed onto highway shoulder lanes, such as bark mulch or building materials, as it will be inaccessible if you get a flat (and flat tires occur more often when a truck is loaded).
Other than this inconvenience, offset by the convenience of having a lockable trunk embedded under the cargo floor in the first place, the new 2021 Honda Ridgeline looks like a winner.
