Latest news with #pickuptruck
Auto Express
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
The Skoda Superb is now a pick-up truck!
Some of Skoda's Student Car creations – such as a Citigo-based beach buggy and the convertible Karoq 'Sunroq' – have been pretty wacky, and continuing this trend is a Skoda Superb Estate that's been transformed into a pick-up truck. It's called the L&K 130, and the name refers to the 130 years since Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded Skoda as a bicycle maker in 1895 – although we suspect neither of them would have dreamt up something like this in the Czech firm's future. Advertisement - Article continues below The pick-up is the result of 2,000 hours of work by 28 trainees at Skoda's Vocational School, and marks the first time the Superb has been used as the basis for a Student Car concept. The L&K 130 acknowledges Skoda's connection to bicycle manufacturing through its loading bay, which can store several bikes – ideal for supporting cycling events like the Tour de France, which Skoda will do once again this summer. To create the pick-up body, the students cut the Superb Estate's roof behind the C-pillar, as well as modifying the B-pillar and shortening the roof rails. There's also a new window behind the second row of seats, and the right rear door sits on a sliding mechanism so as to not obstruct cyclists during a race. The cargo bed even extends at the push of a button and tilts by up to 35 degrees to make it easier to load bikes into the back. The traditional L&K colours of red, white, gold and black can be found all over the cabin, along with a unique '130 years' logo on the seats and an 'L&K' logo in the middle of the steering wheel. To meet the needs of a professional cycling team, there's an extra display on the passenger side for race data, a radio for communication, and a cool box in the back. In another first for a Student Car, the L&K 130 is a plug-in hybrid. It uses the standard Superb PHEV's powertrain, so it's a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol mated to an electric motor for 201bhp. In the regular estate the 25.7kWh battery allows for up to 62 miles of electric running, but we expect the altered aerodynamics of the L&K 130 may reduce this somewhat. Tempted by a (normal) Skoda Superb of your own? Check out our latest Skoda Superb deals ...
Al Bawaba
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Kia Tasman Blazes New Trail for Pickup Truck Segment with Exceptional Off-Road Ability
The Kia Tasman, the brand's first pickup truck, has been designed from the ground up to eschew the accepted compromises of conventional pickups, seamlessly transitioning between on- and off-road driving while providing customers with a practical, highly versatile package engineered to meet their diverse Tasman is built on a brand-new pickup platform designed to offer confident off-road performance, outstanding load-carrying capacity and exceptional durability. Its reinforced body-on-frame structure not only delivers best-in-class strength - for payloads up to 1,151kg and towing capacity up to 3,500kg - but provides the foundation for the Tasman's unparalleled go-anywhere for anythingOptimized for rough terrain, the Tasman boasts a ground clearance of up to 252mm (X-Pro model) with approach, departure and ramp-over angles of up to 32.2, 26.2 and 25.8 degrees respectively. The front suspension adopts a high-mount double-wishbone setup for better corrosion resistance and ground clearance, while the rear suspension uses a rigid axle with leaf springs, offering SUV-like comfort when unladen and excellent load-bearing support when shock absorbers utilize frequency-sensitive valves and urethane bump stops to optimize ride quality over varied surfaces. Model-specific tires further enhance ability, with HT (Highway Terrain) tires ensuring smooth on-road driving for the base trim, and larger-diameter AT (All-Terrain) tires enabling the off-road focused X-Pro model to overcome even more rugged powertrains and exhaust components are positioned above the frame to avoid damage during off-road excursions, while the air intake is also located 950mm above the ground. Located inside the front fender, facing rearward, its design helps to prevent water ingress during fording, allowing the Tasman to wade through depths of up to 800mm at speeds of up to 7km/ to endureWith the physical attributes to take on any terrain, the Tasman also delivers the engineering to match, with both the X-Line and the X-Pro equipped with four-wheel-drive (4WD) as standard. The 4WD system is paired with advanced off-road technologies, making it the most off-road-capable vehicle Kia has ever Two-Speed Active Transfer Case (ATC) offers four selectable drive modes - 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range 4WD), 4L (low-range 4WD), and 4A (automatic all-wheel drive) to adapt to various terrain and driving scenarios. An Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) ensures even distribution of torque across both rear wheels, aiding traction on uneven or slippery drive modes make use of an optimized 4WD drive logic (designed newly for Tasman) to ensure optimal torque distribution and superior traction by fine-tuning throttle response, power distribution and traction control. For the Middle East and Africa, the Tasman also includes a dedicated 'Desert' mode, specially calibrated to handle sand dunes with ease, as well as gaining enhanced cooling performance in the form of a water-cooled oil cooler. Additionally, X-Trek Mode provides low-speed off-road cruise control (under 10km/h) allowing the Tasman to navigate rough terrain without throttle input, allowing the driver to focus solely on off-road-oriented technologies, support confident driving, including a Ground View Monitor that displays underbody terrain through the infotainment screen, and an Off-Road Page showing real-time data on the engine, transmission, and cooling with PurposeThe Kia Tasman will be offered in Korea with a 2.5-liter petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Developing 281PS and 421Nm of torque, the Tasman can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 185km/ the Australian market, the pickup will feature a 2.2-liter diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 210PS and 441Nm of torque, the engine can propel the Tasman from 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds, while top speed remains other regions, such as the Middle East and Africa, customers can choose between the 2.5-liter turbo petrol engine equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with a choice of an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission (depending on market).To support the pickup's 3,500kg towing capacity, the Tasman features enhanced cooling systems with an enlarged radiator and a high-capacity fan, as well as an advanced air-cooled transmission oil cooler. In the Middle East and Africa, an additional water-cooled system is equipped to cover low-speed towing conditions in the sandy areas.A dedicated Tow Mode on the automatic transmission adjusts gear changes to balance ride comfort, efficiency and towing performance, while additional towing features include Kia's first Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Stability Assist, which minimize trailer sway for safer state-of-the-art drivetrain technology was tested and proven in numerous locations, including the snowy tundra of Sweden, scorching deserts in the Australian outback and the Al Qudra desert in the UAE, and steep inclines in the US and to moveThe Tasman doesn't just enable passengers to go anywhere, but to bring whatever they need with them too, thanks to a bed engineered for strength, versatility and storage 1,573mm long, 1,600mm wide, and 543mm deep, the bed offers a class-leading 1,212 liters of cargo volume (VDA standard) .. With a 1,194mm width between the wheel arches, it also accommodates standard-size pallets in global markets. The Tasman supports up to 1,151kg as a total payload, including the cabin features include divider slots for wooden partitions to better organize cargo, tie-down hooks and cargo rails with cleats, a bed liner for surface protection, side-mounted lighting and a 220V inverter for versatile power has additionally developed a line of genuine accessories to enhance user experience while complimenting the Tasman's rugged styling, including single and double-decker canopies, sports bars, bed covers, sliding trays and side steps.A New DimensionInside, occupants benefit from best-in-class second-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, with slimmer front and rear seatbacks taking full advantage of the 2,214mm-long cabin. Second-row seats are also equipped with Kia's segment-first sliding-linked reclining function, allowing users to comfortably recline - an uncommon feature in mid-size greater refinement is delivered by the laminated acoustic glass on the windshield and front windows, along with generous sound-absorbing materials throughout the body. Optimized airflow channels and sealing strips minimize road and wind noise from entering the highlights include a Panoramic Wide Display - which brings together a 12.3-inch cluster display, a 5-inch segment display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system display - powered by Kia's latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) interface and paired with a Harman Kardon premium sound system. A folding Console Table offers usable flexibility, while further practicality is provided by a 33-liter under-seat storage compartment beneath the rear seat cushions, offering ample space for personal items and tools.A Wide-Open Hinge allows the rear doors to open at up to 80 degrees, making it easier to load cargo or enter and exit the vehicle.'One more round'The Kia Tasman was subject to a rigorous and extensive testing and development process, which was showcased through the brand's 'One More Round' campaign. This series followed the pickup as it underwent 1,777 specific tests conducted over more than 18,000 cycles of evaluation. These tests took place across a range of environments and covered everything from off-road ability to wading, all-terrain durability to towing, and on-track performance to ride and handling.
Motor Trend
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Tesla Cybertruck Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck best known for its unconventional design. Although the well-known pickup was announced in 2019, the Tesla didn't goon sale until 2024. It is available with a choice between two EV powertrains and has access to the Supercharger network. Unlike some pickup trucks the Cybertruck is offered in only one body configuration, with a crew cab and six-foot bed. Rivals to the Cybertruck include the GMC Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. What's New After going on sale for 2024, the Cybertruck entered 2025 with no substantial changes, and continues into 2026 with a new base model. Here's what you need to know about the 2026 Cybertruck Long Range: Basics RWD single-motor set-up Slower but still decent acceleration: 0-60 mph in a claimed 6.2 seconds Adaptive coil spring suspension instead of other models' air suspension Towing rating of 7,500 pounds instead of 11,000 pounds on other models Exterior Standard 18-inch wheels; 20s are optional. Range is estimated at 354 with 18s and 335 with 20s Power tonneau cover isn't offered as it is with other, higher trims As with all new 2026 Cybertrucks, the Long Range model has a new front-view camera Standard taillights instead of the premium units that run the full length of the tailgate on other models Interior Cloth seats Heated front seats (with no ventilation feature) Rear seats aren't heated What We Think Who doesn't know the Cybertruck at this point? This all-electric truck has caused the most commotion of any Tesla model ever, largely due to its wildly unique design. Some will love it and some will hate it, but no one will deny that the Cybertruck looks like nothing else on the road. At the same time, that very look aligns the Cybertruck with controversial antics of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Setting aside any hype, the Cybertruck actually works pretty well as a pickup truck. Its bed is large and accompanied by useful utility features. The spacious cabin is high-tech in Tesla's distinctly reductive way. Its decent driving range and access to Tesla's widespread Supercharger network makes living with the Cybertruck reasonable. Then there's its astonishing performance: quicker, sportier, and more composed than almost any other truck. As much as its design makes the Cybertruck stand out, it also compromises it in many ways. Outside visibility is awful, the stainless steel body is a sponge for smudges, the bodywork is sharp, and how the vehicle is shaped makes bed access challenging. Furthermore, Tesla's claims of self-driving capability aren't based in reality. There's enough to say about the Cybertruck to fill a book. Divisive and dynamic, terrific yet terrifying, the Cybertruck is a vehicle like we've never seen before and potentially never will again. Dual Motor Performance, Range, and Charging Above the new 2026 Cybertruck Long Range single-motor model, the standard AWD model has an induction front motor and permanent-magnet rear motor for electric AWD. These motors combine to produce 593 hp and 535 hp, which delivered a 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds in MotorTrend testing. The single-motor model is good for an estimated 6.2-second 0-60 time. In our Road Trip Range Test, the dual-motor Cybertruck covered 224 miles with all-terrain tires, and 295 miles when using all-season tires, before needing to recharge. Regardless of tire choice, this Cybertruck battery charges from 5 to 80 percent in 42 minutes, and 5 to 100 percent in 99 minutes. Cybertruck Beast: World's Quickest Pickup? As a high-performance option, Tesla builds the Cybertruck Beast, also known as the Cyberbeast. It has a permanent-magnet front motor and a pair of induction motors at the rear axle. This triple-motor powertrain makes 845 hp and 864 lb-ft in total. In MotorTrend testing, the Cyberbeast's 0–60 mph launch took just 2.5 seconds—putting it in a direct tie with the Rivian R1S Quad Motor for the world's quickest pickup by this measure. However, that R1T went on to crush the Cyberbeast in the quarter-mile. Additionally, MotorTrend's independent testing revealed Tesla's claim the Cyberbeast is quicker than a Porsche 911 in the quarter-mile while towing a Porsche 911 was not true. Our Road Trip Range Test measured a driving range of 229 miles for the Cyberbeast, slightly less than the 500 miles indicated at the vehicle's reveal in 2019. When plugged into a Supercharger, MotorTrend measured a 5 to 80 percent charge time of 43 minues, and 5 to 100 percent charge time of 42 minutes for the Cyberbeast. Cleaning the Stainless Steel Cybertruck The Cybertruck's unvarnished, sharp-edged stainless steel body is its most striking and distinctive feature—this truck's design is like no other vehicle on the road. The material is theoretically tough-wearing, but also gets dirty very easily, and shows grime and imperfections more readily than painted vehicles. In our experience, taking the Cybertruck through an automated car wash worked just fine, despite rumors indicating it could cause problems. Still, it's advisable to add a protective wrap to the vehicle. The Cybertruck's Award-Winning Steering There's a lot to talk about with the Cybertruck, but perhaps its most overlooked and innovative feature is its steer-by-wire (SBW) system. Rather than a conventional steering rack, the Cybertruck's SBW system uses digital signals to translate driver inputs to the steering yoke into motions by the all-wheel steering system—that's right, there's no physical connection between the yoke and the wheels. With SBW, the Cybertruck benefits from great handling agility for a truck and provides a direct, in-control sensation for the driver. The Cybertruck's SBW system is so good that it won MotorTrend's 2025 Best Tech Award for chassis technology. Read all about Tesla SBW here—will it be integrated into other Tesla models soon? Tesla Cybertruck Recalls Tesla's quality has faced many criticisms over the years, and the Cybertruck continues that tradition. The truck has been subject to several recalls, including for a shoddily assembled accelerator pedal and faulty power inverter. Later, the glue used to adhere various exterior panels to the underlying structure began to fail in certain weather conditions. Despite having built so many vehicles, it seems that quality and durability remains a problem for Tesla. Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Like all Tesla models, the Cybertruck comes equipped with the Autopilot suite of driver-assist and active safety features. Among these features are front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a rain-sensing windshield wiper. The Cybertruck can also be equipped with Tesla's questionably named Full-Self Driving (FSD) software for an extra cost. With FSD, the Cybertruck can drive itself on essentially any public road with only supervision by the driver. In our experience, close supervision is necessary, given that FSD is prone to erratic and sometimes dangerous behavior. How Big Is the Cybertruck Bed? The Cybertruck's bed measures 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. Utility is improved by its lack of wheelwell intrusions and an underbed storage compartment that contributes to its 67 cubic foot cargo capacity. There are two 120-volt outlets and a 240-volt outlet built into the bed of all AWD models. Additionally, a rolling metal tonneau cover is equipped as standard. True to Tesla form, the Cybertruck has a front trunk ahead of the passenger compartment. Technology As with all Tesla models, a giant infotainment touchscreen is the Cybertruck cabin's primary design feature. Here, it measures a whopping 18.5 inches diagonally and contains essentially every vehicle function, like selecting Drive or Reverse, adjusting the cabin temperature, or planning charge stops on the built-in navigation system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available in any Tesla vehicles, but a variety of media streaming services and entertainment connectivity features are available. Additionally, there's a 9.4-inch display in the second row that mirrors many of the main touchscreen's features. There are two wireless charging pads in the front row as well as USB-C ports in both rows of seats. A 15-speaker audio system is standard on all Cybertruck models. Other Electric Pickup Trucks: Rivian R1T Chevrolet Silverado EV Ford F-150 Lightning GMC Hummer EV
Auto Blog
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Test Drove the 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport: A Gentle First Step Into the World of Trucks
As real a truck as any other I grew up in a 'real truck' household. We've had our share of SUVs, some classic muscle cars, and a few motorcycles every now and again. But one thing my family always had at the ready was a 'real' truck. A large pickup truck was always in the driveway, parked at the curb, or in the garage to help my dad complete his next crazy project. He's always told me that a truck is like a good pair of shoes—you don't always wear them, but when you need them, you're really glad you have them. 0:00 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More So, when I had the 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport delivered, I heard my dad's voice in my head telling me it wasn't a real truck. It only has a 3.5-liter V6, it was AWD instead of 4WD, the bed is only 64 inches (just over five feet, for those who don't like math), the towing rating is only 5,000 lbs, and it costs only $45,380 MSRP. If you look at the front end, it's identical to the Pilot. So, essentially, my brain was telling me, 'It's just a Pilot with a bed attached to it.' I'll admit, I went into reviewing the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport a bit prejudiced. I remember the memes posted on truck pages about them. I'm here to admit I was wrong. Very, very wrong. It's so much more than that. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown By definition, it's almost a 'real' truck If you ask Google, 'What's the proper definition of a truck,' you'll get a few different answers, but the most common are: it's designed to prioritize hauling goods over people, it has a body-on-frame construction, and has a decent towing capacity (to fit within the whole 'hauling goods' frame). The only criterion the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport doesn't meet is the body-on-frame rule—it's a unibody frame. This is fine for a truck of that size since it can help keep it rigid, reduce overall weight, and improve ride quality. So, while it's not as rugged and tough as a Ford F-150 or a Ram 1500, towing 5,000 pounds is a respectable amount for that segment. The Ford Ranger has a towing rating of around 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds under the right conditions. Compared to its competition, it's right within that sweet spot of being bulky enough to be used for most truck things, but not so tough that it's a chore to drive. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown You'd likely assume that the 3.5-liter V6 making 280 horsepower is the same powerplant that's in the Pilot, but it's not—it's the single overhead cam version, which is an older model of that dependable V6. The Pilot has a double overhead cam engine. The transmission isn't the same, either. It's a nine-speed automatic, while the Pilot is a 10-speed, and it's a tougher automatic. It can be cleverly tuned to be more mileage-friendly in 'Eco' mode, it can be more aggressive in 'Sport,' and of course, 'Towing' helps employ all the torque it needs to tow whatever's hooked up. There are a few terrain settings to choose from, too, like Snow, Sand, and Mud, and it's ready to go thanks to General Grabber A/T truck tires from the factory. It has literally everything to make it as close to a real truck as possible, without sacrificing the niceties of the Pilot SUV, including leather seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an updated and surprisingly punchy sound system, and heated seats. The Ridgeline is a good fit for just about anyone, even parents Since it shares so much Pilot DNA, the Ridgeline TrailSport was pretty cozy, especially from the driver's seat. The rear seats were a little tight, but both the front and the rear-facing car seats were fairly easy to install. Be aware, though, that securing the upper tether is a bit of a task with front-facing seats. The piece you click the tether onto is actually underneath the seat, and you have to route it behind the backrests to secure it. It took me a while to figure it out (I'll admit it—I looked it up on YouTube). The rear-facing seat, though, was a piece of cake. Once both seats were installed, getting them in and out of the Ridgeline was a breeze. My youngest loved having the rear sliding window open, too. My oldest, naturally, loved riding up high and waving at everyone through the big windows. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown As a parent, I loved all the clever storage bins and cubby holes, as well as the different ways the truck could be configured. The rear seats can be folded up and out of the way or removed completely to provide more storage space. The center console and glovebox are a lot deeper than you could imagine, making it easy to keep things away from grabby toddlers. My favorite storage compartment, however, was the storage cubby in the bed. The entire week I had it, I used it to keep my groceries in it since my rear seats were occupied by my children's car seats, and it's such an underappreciated feature. It was especially comforting to know that if my gallon of milk were to spill, which it wouldn't, since it's contained as opposed to sliding around in the bed, there's a drain plug on the bottom I can open up. If it rains, thick and robust weatherstripping would keep water out, and the all-weather flooring throughout made it easy to clean up after my kids. If it's not being used to haul groceries, it could easily be used to store camping gear, and it would be safe there because that compartment can lock. Pictures don't do it justice, either. It has a volume of 7.3 cubic feet, measuring 43 inches long, 15.5 inches wide at the bottom, and 15.25 inches deep. So, you can store a bunch of stuff in the bed and still have cargo in the storage compartment. Honda says you can even stuff it full of ice and use it as a cooler, thanks to the drain plug. There are bag holders inside it, too, or guides for dividers. If you have trouble opening it once it's locked, it's easy to access if you open the bed horizontally instead of vertically. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport The bed is quite crafty, too. When I had the Ridgeline, my husband and I used it to haul a few things to the dump. Every time my husband thought, 'There should be a tie down here,' there was one, since there are eight throughout the entire bed. He was impressed by how thoughtfully designed the bed was, and found it incredibly easy to place and secure items in the bed compared to bigger trucks, due to its lower ground clearance and entry point. The anchor points for a camper shell were obvious, and the bed even features a 150-watt/400-watt outlet for tools, electronics, or, if you're camping, electric grills or lights. Honda offers a plethora of roof or bedtop accessories for your bikes. kayaks, skis, and even rails to stretch across the bed to accommodate a tent. All these features show that the Ridgeline can fit within any lifestyle. No wonder they're incredibly popular in Bend, Oregon. It was great off-road, too The best privilege of living in Central Oregon is how many trails are at my disposal. After a 30-minute jaunt, the TrailSport was off the road and gliding through the region's silty, light brown sediment. The torque-vectoring AWD system in the Ridgeline TrailSport is responsive and effective, and the all-terrain tires inspired a lot of confidence once the going got tough. While it was off-road, it was also impressively comfortable. My youngest daughter fell asleep on the way to my favorite trail to test cars on, and she wasn't jostled awake once. Once on the trail, the Ridgeline rode much smoother than I expected. It doesn't have electronically adjustable suspension, but the TrailSport trim does feature retuned suspension compared to other trims, and it was smooth enough to keep your spine intact, but stiff enough to not translate the knocks and bumps back into the cabin. Both my husband and I enjoyed it. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown The Ridgeline has a ground clearance of 7.6 inches, which is moderate compared to its competition. It's not made to rock crawl or cross deep water, but it would be excellent to use it the way I did—perusing local trails, or heading to a campsite that's down a mild dirt or gravel road. It's not meant to tackle the same trails as a Jeep Wrangler, but I'd definitely put it in the same league as my Subaru Forester, which handled some surprisingly tough trails. The Ridgeline did everything I asked it to, and it proved to be more than capable (and flexible!). Like other off-road-ready trucks in the segment, the Honda Ridgeline has cameras on the side mirrors, the grille, and the tailgate as part of the Multi-View Camera System (MCVS) that are engaged when you select one of the terrain modes. The newest car I own is from 2011, so I don't utilize these cameras on a regular basis, and for the Ridgeline, I feel like the only camera needed is for the tailgate. The seating position is high enough to see the corners of the hood, it's easy to know where your tires are, but the bed's blind spots are, well, blind. For larger cars like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the cameras were a must. Not in the Ridgeline. But, it's nice to know they're there if you don't have a spotter. The price compared to what you get is hard to beat As I mentioned before, the Ridgeline Trailsport is priced fairly. It starts at $45,380, which puts it ahead of the competition monetarily. The Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, for instance, starts close to $56,000 (though the TRD Off-Road is closer to $44,000), the Ford Ranger Lariat starts at just over $47,000, and the Chevy Colorado ZR2 has a price just shy of $50,000. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is closer to $56,000. There are more affordable options, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT or the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, but you don't get nearly as many features as you do in the Honda. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown I only had the Ridgeline TrailSport for a week, but every time I thought, 'If only the truck had [feature],' the feature showed itself. After using it as both a truck and an SUV, it's the perfect middle ground between the two categories. You get the comfort and conveniences of an SUV, but the utility and craftiness of a smaller truck. It's a potent option for those who have truck-ish needs, like hauling bags of feed, flower pots, the occasional run to the dumps, Goodwill donations, bikes, camping gear, or for moving. It would be great for hauling a small camper, too, since most people don't usually haul more than 3,500 pounds, even with 'real' trucks. Final thoughts As someone who actively participated in Honda Ridgeline slander in my youth, I learned that there is so much more to the Ridgeline than what meets the eye. It's an incredibly versatile, willing, clever, and capable little truck. It's not going to move mountains for you, but it'll get you there and back without any hiccups, and carry all of your gear and passengers comfortably. My husband, who has never ridden in a Honda Ridgeline before, noted that it's a great gateway drug to the world of trucks. The Ridgeline is the perfect way to dip your toes into the truck world, and once you're comfortable enough to swim, you can upgrade to the F-150 or Ram 1500. It's best for those 'truck curious,' if you will. Or for those who like SUVs and want a truck, but don't want a truck that rides like a truck. 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport — Source: Kristen Brown As parents who consider ourselves very outdoorsy people, we both gave the Ridgeline a fat thumbs up. When it's time to replace my Forester with something a little more useful, we'll be seriously considering making the switch to Honda for the Ridgeline, especially when it gets a hybrid powertrain. Since the Pilot is due for hybridization, we're sure the Ridgeline will be partially electrified, too. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
The Drive
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Ford Wants You to Believe the New F-150 Lobo Is a Street Truck
The latest car news, reviews, and features. I had high hopes for the Ford F-150 Lobo, but it's not enough. My expectations were set by the Maverick Lobo, which not only rocks a distinctive bodykit and lowered suspension but also improved cooling and a trick rear differential that makes it pretty agile on an autocross course. But the full-size F-150 variant feels like little more than an appearance package, and even then, it's not immediately clear that it's supposed to be a street truck with all that wheel gap. At least it has a V8. The F-150 Lobo isn't a trim but rather an add-on available for the STX trim. It does feature lowered suspension, but only in the back, where there's a two-inch drop. That tweak eliminates the regular F-150's rake, and that's likely what reduces the max payload to 1,450 pounds, with tow capacity dropping as well to 7,900 pounds. That may not seem like much of a loss until you realize that the most capable 4×4 F-150 with the 5.0-liter can tow 12,900 pounds. Ford Ford's Coyote engine makes the same power in this application as it does in other F-150s: 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. That's not weak at all, and if you want more power, the aftermarket parts catalog is endless; I can see customers adding a Roush supercharger to these, for sure. Every Lobo comes with a dual exhaust, a 3.73 rear axle with an electronic locking diff, plus an upgraded two-speed automatic 4WD system. The biggest visual differences are the cowl hood and wide-mouth lower grille. Its upper grille design is unique, too, along with the LED signature and taillights. Ford notes the truck's 'ground appearance package' and 22-inch wheels in its press release, but the all-black Lobo featured in these photos seems to hide these details or, at the very least, obscure them. I'm curious to see what it looks like in the other available colors: Atlas Blue Metallic, Carbonized Gray, Oxford White, and Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. Here's a rendering that shows more of the bodywork's detailing. It isn't ugly by any means; I just don't feel like it's enough to be considered a full-on street truck. Ford Design sketches like this are always more extreme than the actual production models, but these pencil drawings show a caricature I can get behind. Ford Tuners like Roush have already built legit street trucks on the current-gen F-150 platform. Heck, so have Ford dealers. I wouldn't expect the Blue Oval to go all out and give the Lobo 700 hp or anything, but when you already know what could be, it's tough to put this pickup in the same category. The Lobo package adds $4,695 to the F-150 STX, with total pricing clocking in at $59,995 after destination and delivery charges. It'll be available this fall. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
