Color has a powerful impact on our emotions and perceptions. In the world of automotive design, color plays a vital role in conveying a vehicle’s identity and appeal. For Toyota’s Calty Design Research team, the development of a signature color for the TRD Pro series is a testament to their artistic vision and commitment to innovation. Let’s take a closer look at the captivating story behind the TRD Pro color for the 2024 model year – Terra.
The Genesis of Calty Design Research
In 1973, Shoichiro Toyoda established Calty Design Research, the first major automotive design studio by a Japanese automaker in North America. This demonstrated Toyota’s recognition of the importance of design in shaping the future of mobility. With locations in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Calty has been at the forefront of Toyota’s design revolution, leaving its mark on numerous models produced by Toyota.
Color selection for the TRD Pro series involves a team effort that includes collaboration with various departments such as planning, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing. Sellene Lee, CMF senior lead designer at Calty’s Newport Beach location, describes it as a fun challenge to find a color that aligns with everyone’s vision.
The Art of Selecting the Annual TRD Pro Color
Each year, Calty’s team takes on the exciting challenge of developing a new TRD Pro color. This exclusive color is available only on select TRD Pro series vehicles and embodies their unique blend of power, toughness, and style. The selection process involves ensuring that the chosen color looks good on all four models (Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Tacoma). It’s a complex process that involves analyzing market trends, understanding consumer insights, and letting creativity flow. Past TRD Pro colors include Quicksand in 2016, Voodoo Blue in 2019, and Lime Rush in 2022.
Once a color is chosen, the real challenge begins – perfecting the science behind the paint. Factors like temperature, humidity, and equipment can affect the color outcome, so it’s essential to ensure that the final color matches the initial intention. Sometimes, it takes several attempts to fine-tune the color to achieve the desired result.
The most recent TRD Pro series color, Solar Octane, is a vibrant orange inspired by a bright sunbeam. The color incorporates a dash of pearl for a captivating effect in sunlight, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to design excellence.
The TRD Pro Color Odyssey Continues
The future of the TRD Pro color palette is as exciting as its past. Calty and Toyota are always listening to customers and using their insights to fuel creative inspiration. The TRD Pro series colors symbolize the vehicles’ exceptional off-road capabilities, durability, and spirit of adventure. Each model year, a new color tells a unique story, carrying forward Calty’s legacy of exceptional design. Benjamin Jimenez, general manager of Calty in Ann Arbor, teases that customers can expect the unexpected as they look forward to the colors of the future.
The world of transportation has been revolutionized with the introduction of electric vehicles. Mass production and technological innovation have enabled automakers like BMW to build more efficient, powerful, and luxurious cars. BMW’s commitment to making luxurious performance cars has been clear since its first production model. Indeed, nearly a century later, this commitment continues with its all-electric lineup of vehicles. The German automaker recently released the electric 2024 BMW i5 sedan with plenty of new and old features. At first glance, it looks like any other five-series from BMW’s iconic lineup. However, beneath its stylish exterior lies incredible electrified power and cutting-edge technologies that rivals can hardly match. From long battery range to intuitive interior design, there are plenty of good things about the BMW i5. The BMW i5 has plenty to offer luxury car buyers, but with all the positive buzz surrounding it, some drawbacks could still be improved. Before you buy BMW i5 electric sedan, here are the pros and cons you need to consider before taking your sedan for a spin.
A silver 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 driving down the road, front-facing
One of the greatest benefits of going electric is the elimination of fossil fuels from daily commutes. It also reduces costs over time because electricity is much cheaper than gas. Likely no surprise here, but the biggest selling point for the BMW i5 is its all-electric efficiency. With so many options, like varying motor sizes and extra sporty features, the technology provides ample potential for a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing performance. The BMW i5 electric sedan comes with two drivetrains – the eDrive 40, which offers 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the M60 xDrive ups the power to 590 horsepower and 586 pound-feet, granting you access to unprecedented speed and agility compared to other EVs.
No matter which powertrain you choose, one thing is for certain—the 2024 BMW i5 is extremely efficient. Each version offers Sport Boost mode that unlocks extra torque for short bursts of speed and acceleration. If performance is your priority, then the M60 xDrive model should pique your interest. M60 xDrive owners will benefit from a Sport Boost Mode, which temporarily boosts up to 605 pound-feet torque. This setup gives the BMW i5 electric supercar high acceleration levels with just the push of a button. Plus, with advanced active roll stabilization, rear steering design, and efficient brakes, the i5 ups the ante for cornering and handling. The i5 BMW can achieve a good range of up to 295 miles on a single charge for the eDrive40 model and 256 miles for the M60 xDrive. This amount of impressive range means fewer trips to the charging station. On top of that, drivers will benefit from fast-charging technology. The i5 can recharge 10–80 percent in 30 minutes thanks to its 11 kW Level 2 AC plugs and 205 kW Level 3 DC fast chargers.
Shot of the 2024 BMW i5’s interior showcasing the dash
The days of having an ugly EV stuck out amongst your everyday cars are gone, thanks to the sleek design of the BMW i5. Unlike its competitors, the car appears surprisingly discreet while retaining a hint of luxury to remind people of its presence. There’s something timelessly appealing, perhaps influenced by the iconic three-series at play. The large panoramic roof is particularly appealing, which reveals almost the entire surface. Featuring BMW Operating System 8.5, the Curved Display provides an integrated 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster plus a 14.9-inch infotainment display screen in one pane of glass, collectively working together seamlessly, providing an intuitive and user-friendly experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also make support connectivity possible, wireless device charging ensures you’ll have power when needed, and gesture controls give you innovative options to interact with your car. Heated seats and ambient lighting provide an extra touch of luxury in the BMW i5.
Furthermore, the Harman Kardon sound system ensures riders can be immersed in various soundscapes, from roaring pulses to vivid fluxes, for added enjoyment during each drive. Moreover, safety comes first on the list of priorities, and the BMW i5 electric sedan does not disappoint. As standard, the car comes fitted with a full suite of technologies like front collision mitigation with a left-turn warning, rear cross-traffic warning with brake intervention, lane keep assist with active blind-spot detection, and autonomous lane changes with eye activation. Those who feel daring can opt for the Driving Assistance Professional package, which unlocks hands-free driving up to 85 mph.
It Isn’t Cheap In The Top-of-the-line Performance Spec
BMW
A red BMW i5 M60 xDrive cruising on the road
Even though BMW i5 price tag is decent, shelling out $67,795 for the eDrive40 model or $86,095 for the AWD M60 xDrive variant may be too pricey for some. This BMW i5 price isn’t exactly pocket change unless you’ve got rather deep pockets, and it makes the car a less desirable purchase option for those looking within mid-range budgets. Factor in regular maintenance, such as brake pads and tires, and reduced resale value due to diminishing battery capacity over time, and things start to add up quickly. Moreover, adding optional upgrades and packages will push the price to more steep levels. As mentioned, the BMW i5 offers pretty good range capability, but compared to its competitors, the Air, it seems to come out short. Tesla’s Model 3 has a higher range rating of 333 miles, and the Lucid Air easily surpasses 400 miles with an estimated range of 406 miles. While these numbers might not make too much difference to everyday commuters, it’s worth noting for those frequent long-distance travelers as it may be a turn-off to them. Alongside range, the maximum charge rate must be considered part of quick road trip planning.
While the i5 reaches its peak rate of 205 kW relatively quickly, it falls behind other rivals, such as the Lucid Air rate of 300 kW (the second-fastest charging EV on the market). Although the infotainment inside the i5 is aesthetically pleasing and feature-rich, it struggles with usability issues because of its overly complex user interface. Without tactile buttons and knobs, the user interface becomes overly dependent on large touchscreen controls. The simultaneous use of haptic feedback and touchscreen technology can become overwhelmingly complex in day-to-day use. Though it’s worth lauding the automaker’s efforts to keep the car modern, BMW may need to rethink how this setup fairs in success later. Operating the navigation, audio, and climate settings simultaneously requires too much effort and thought– something less tech-savvy customers may struggle with. Fans of wagons will, unfortunately, remain curious until BMW decides to bring this popular body style back to American shores. Only overseas markets get to rock with the stylish high-roofed station wagon variant.
Rear three-quarter shot of the 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive
The BMW i5 represents an innovative step into the world of electric cars and undeniably brings a new level of excitement into the industry. Considering all the points above, the BMW i5 sedan proves to be an innovative and capable vehicle. Undoubtedly, the BMW i5 is a luxurious, high-performance electric sedan that promises to be a formidable competitor in the EV market. With its advanced technology, beautiful interior design, and powerful performance, the BMW i5 checks all the boxes for luxury cars. However, prospective buyers must remember that this still presents no small financial commitment and carries several shortcomings relative to its nearest competing models. Considering all the pros and cons of the BMW i5 before investing in it is ultimately important. Even so, the i5 BMW is a well-rounded choice if you want a premium, reliable, practical all-electric EV. And judging from the pros and cons presented above, the German brand truly means business in delivering an affordable and efficient choice for anyone willing to invest their hard-earned money into it.
Italian brand Beta is well-known for its off-road models and success in the world of enduro and motocross. In the European market, Beta has launched the RX 300, a model specifically designed for competitive motocross. While the RX 300 has been available in the U.S. market since 2021, the European version comes with updated features that cater to the motocross segment. Let’s take a look at some of the key details.
When it comes to technology, the RX 300 is equipped with a 300cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine that incorporates several performance-oriented enhancements. For instance, the engine boasts a higher compression ratio and a square bore and stroke of 72 x 72 millimeters. The crankshaft has also been redesigned to be lighter, resulting in increased linear power and faster acceleration. Additionally, the rider can fine-tune the valve timing based on their preferences and track conditions.
The new Beta RX 300 also features an adjustable clutch that provides precise power delivery to the rear wheel. Derived from the RR models, the clutch springs offer three points of preload adjustability for easy tuning. In terms of suspension, the RX 300 is equipped with fully adjustable components from Kayaba. The front end boasts a long-travel 48-millimeter inverted fork, offering more travel than the RR 300 enduro model. Meanwhile, the rear shock has been tuned to handle motocross terrains with greater effectiveness.
As for the underpinnings, the Beta RX 300 shares a frame similar to that of the RR 300 enduro model. It rides on 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels equipped with Michelin Starcross 6 tires. Nissin brakes, with a 260-millimeter front and 240-millimeter rear, bring the bike to a stop. In terms of electronics, Beta has minimized the RX 300’s features to ensure simple operation. The electric starter switch is positioned on the right side of the handlebar, while the ignition kill switch is located on the left side. Additionally, the bike is equipped with a lithium battery to reduce weight.
Finally, the Beta RX 300 features restyled graphics in classic Beta colors. Although European pricing has yet to be announced, the availability of the bike is expected before the end of June 2023.
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is returning to the scene of its greatest success to date. This weekend, the 24H SPA EWC Motos (BEL) forms round two of the FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 (FIM EWC). Last year, the team and its riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) claimed a historic victory in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. The success at the team’s home event was not only the first win in a 24-hour race for Werner Daemen’s (BEL) outfit but also the first time a European manufacturer had won over this distance for several decades. All set for its first appearance at the event is the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. They start in the Superstock class of the FIM EWC and are making their debut on the Ardennes rollercoaster at Spa-Francorchamps.
This season, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is running the new version of the BMW M 1000 RR. The three regular riders – Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, and Guarnoni – immediately finished on the podium in the first race with the new bike when the trio came home third on the #37 M RR at the opening round of the 2023 season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) in mid-April. The team is now extremely motivated ahead of the second race of the season at the iconic racetrack, which is just a one-hour drive from the Belgian team’s base. The fourth rider at Spa-Francorchamps is Vincent Lonbois (BEL). Over the course of his career, the 32-year-old has spent many years riding BMW motorcycles at racetracks and on the road racing scene. In 2016, he was crowned champion in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) with the BMW S 1000 RR. He also finished runner-up in the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy in the same year.
The new Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, in which the French Tecmas Racing Team and its owner Arnaud Sassone (FRA) is collaborating with Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts and BMW Motorrad Motorsport, made a dream start to its debut season in the FIM EWC at Le Mans. Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) took victory in the Superstock class with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. The team is now entering uncharted territory at Spa-Francorchamps. Although the Tecmas Racing Team has contested individual races in the FIM EWC in the past, it did not start the 24H SPA EWC Motos last year.
The race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps begins with free practice on Friday morning. The grid positions will then be determined in the two-part qualifying on Friday afternoon. The race itself gets underway on Saturday at 14:00 (CEST). As well as the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, private BMW outfit Team LRP Poland also competes at the 24H SPA EWC Motos.
Quotes ahead of the 24H SPA EWC Motos.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “It goes without saying that last year’s fantastic victory remains a memorable one. We are now back in the Ardennes to face this special challenge again. We have shown that we can be successful at the home circuit for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, and are obviously hoping for a similar result this year. The current season got off to a successful start with the new BMW M 1000 RR at Le Mans, with third place overall for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the debut victory in the Superstock class for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team. We now travel to Spa-Francorchamps well prepared. The law of any 24-hour race obviously also applies here – namely that anything can happen. However, as far as the riders, teams, and machinery are concerned, we are well prepared and very confident ahead of the weekend.“
Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “We are expecting a hot week at Spa–Francorchamps. The weather forecast is perfect. Last week, we had a successful pre-test. I was a little bit worried about the weather but the new BMW M 1000 RR also looks very good in hot conditions this year. So I think that we are well prepared for defending our good result from last year and hopefully, we also have the necessary luck.”
Markus Reiterberger: “Spa-Francorchamps is the home event for our team, and it is practically the home race for us too. Spa is a really great racetrack, and we have very fond memories of the circuit after last year’s victory. We completed a two-day function test there at a hobby event, during which we gained our first impressions of the new bike at this track. We now continue with the final tests, in which we will work on fine-tuning. As a team, I believe we are better positioned than ever. We are ready. We want to at least finish on the podium, but would obviously prefer to win. That is the goal we have set ourselves. The weather forecast is good, the team is super. There is nothing to stop us from being successful, and we will do everything we can to make that the case.”
Ilya Mikhalchik: “I am looking forward to a great race weekend at Spa on a beautiful track. I can’t wait to get back there with our new beautiful bike. Let’s hope for a good weekend and to enjoy riding our BMW M 1000 RR there. We want to show good speed over the entire weekend and to do a good job during the race. It would be great to finish the race on Sunday with a strong result.”
Jérémy Guarnoni: “The target for Spa is clear; like always, we want to win. We know that it is a track we are really fast on. Last year we won there, so obviously the goal is to repeat that. That would be really amazing. It is also a special race for us because it is the team’s home race. This gives us extra motivation. We know that in dry conditions, we are really fast there so let’s see what will happen. I am confident. At the pre–test, we saw that all is okay. Everything is on point so let’s see.”
Arnaud Sassone, Team Owner Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team: “We arrive at Spa-Francorchamps as the championship leader and with an advantage of eleven points. That is perfect, but it does put us under extra pressure, which we must manage. This race at Spa is a first for my team of technicians, but we have worked hard and listened to our riders in order to be well prepared. BMW Motorrad has been successful at Spa in the past, with the overall victory for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team last year. Our three Tecmas riders, led by their leader Kenny Foray, are a well-oiled team, which is both fast and capable of providing the engineers with precise information. They are also in great form and very motivated. All three of them are very familiar with the track in the Ardennes. Kenny took part in qualifying with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in 2022, while Loïc Arbel finished runner-up in the overall standings on the Tati Team’s Kawasaki. And Jan Bühn has been a regular at the Spa circuit for years.”
Choosing the right riding gear depends on the weather conditions of your region. With summer in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to keep yourself cool and comfortable. French manufacturer, Bering has just the right product for you. The Squadra jacket is one of the latest offerings from the brand, boasting a stylish appearance that belies its protective features. The fitted design of the jacket makes it appear like a regular street jacket. However, it is made of Twiltex polyester fabric and features recycled fibers for the interior mesh lining, offering both comfort and protection.
The removable Alpha CE Level 1 adjustable elbow and shoulder protectors make the Squadra jacket a perfect fit for all body types. The jacket also has a dedicated pocket for CE back protectors and is PPE certified in accordance with the EN17092: 2020 standard, classified as class A, thanks to the as-standard elbow and shoulder protectors. The trousers connection loop in the jacket allows for safe and secure attachment of compatible trousers, making it a complete ensemble for riders. The jacket has two external pockets, a shoulder pocket, and a wallet pocket, offering convenient storage. Ribbing at the hips enhances the jacket’s fit and comfort.
Reflective inserts in the jacket improve visibility and promote safety for low-light riding conditions. Available in Khaki and Navy Blue colors, the jacket price is €169.99, or roughly $183 USD. With a wide range of sizes from S to 4XL, the Squadra jacket is perfect for all body types. Lastly, with all these features, the jacket offers competitive value for quality to its riders this summer season.
Something strange happened on September 26, 2015, that transcended the world of auto racing to become an incident of global interest. At the start of a Porsche one-make race in Spain, a small collision took place on the first lap that saw one 911 come to rest neatly atop another one. Now, that bizarre collision is captured in a detailed 1:43 scale diorama depicting the corner, skid marks galore, and the two damaged race cars.
Spark Models is the company behind this build. Known for producing a wide range of diecast race car replicas, this could be the first time any company designed and created a specific crash in such detail. The two Porsche 911 race cars aren’t simply stacked either – Spark Models accurately recreates the liveries for the two cars involved in the crash, then applies simulated damage to each that’s also race accurate. As for the track, it represents turn three at Circuito de Navarra in Spain though the final resting spot for the cars isn’t as accurate as the cars themselves. Still, we get the idea. And we love it.
To refresh your memory, the actual crash occurred less than 30 seconds into the Porsche Carrera Cup France race. Drivers Jules Gounon, Alexander Cougnud, and Joffrey de Narda were fighting for the lead when Cougnud tapped De Narda. This spun De Narda (driving the no. 9 Porshce) around just ahead of the very sharp turn three at Navarra, leaving De Narda in the unwelcome position of facing traffic.
Still, we doubt he expected to see the underside of Gounon’s no. 169 driving up the windshield. Wheel-to-wheel contact with Cougnud sent Gounon airborne just enough to clear De Narda’s nose. Momentum carried the green-trimmed Porsche neatly to the roof, with the nose resting on the rear wing. The balance was near perfect, though Gounon did suffer minor injuries. As for De Narda, repairs were made and he was back on track to score a victory later in the race weekend.
On its website, Spark Models states the 1:43 scale model of the crash is still in development. However, preorders through retailers such as Hobby Search have begun, showing a price of approximately $155 with an estimated release date of September 2023.
The world of supercars has an array of options for every taste. From big naturally aspirated engines to smaller turbocharged ones, and even the inclusion of electric support or fully electric machines. Regardless of the concept, as long as the supercar provides top-notch performance, it’s worth considering.
If you’re currently in the market for a new supercar or sports car, then this drag race comparison can assist you in your decision-making process. It pits three different supercars against each other. But, before you hit that play button, let’s take a look at the factory numbers of the Ferrari 296 GTB, McLaren 765LT, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS, listed below.
It is no secret that the world has fallen in love with crossovers & SUVs. No matter where you go, the roads are almost guaranteed to be filled with them. From small to big, off-roady or sporty, the SUV has taken every possible form. But is it really the car to have?
If you think about it, the modern SUV is mostly a sacrifice. It performs great at nothing, but it is mediocre at everything. SUVs offer a lot of space, but not the most space. SUVs can be sporty, but they are certainly not the sportiest. You get the point, everything the SUV does has a trade-off. So, in the case of a family vehicle, is the SUV really the best choice? Or should you ditch the cool factor and spend your hard-earned money on a Minivan instead? Let’s have a look.
Crossovers are extremely popular today, this is a fact. However, what is the reason behind this recent boom in high-riding vehicles? You see, these vehicles aren’t the most practical cars, yet people still prefer them suggesting that there is a deeper psychological reason behind this.
We believe that this reason is relatively simple. A higher vehicle gives the driver a sense of superiority. You feel safer, you get a better view of the road, and smaller cars tend to feel lesser than you. Of course, people love this feeling of authority, and this might also be the reason why they love the SUV.
Furthermore, let’s not forget that owning an SUV has also become somewhat of a trend. Trends influence the market drastically no matter the product as most buyers want to fit in. So, if the SUV is the current hot thing, then it is what most people are buying.
Both the sense of authority and the need to fit in can perhaps be linked to the more primitive part of our brains. The ones responsible for our survival in older years were the ones who either needed to have power or needed to fit in. This may sound weird, but if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.
The Pros Of SUVs
Toyota
3/4th Front-view of Toyota Grand Highlander.
As is the case with everything, the SUV has some good and some bad parts about it. The good ones include safety and capability. The higher ride high and heavier weight of the SUV means that in the event of an accident, passengers are less likely to be injured. In many cases, the second vehicle in a crash tends to be lighter than the SUV giving passengers of the taller riding car an advantage.
This is also true in accidents involving stationary objects as the SUV offers a lot of real estate for crumple zones and airbags. In simple words, an SUV typically provides more steel and material around its passengers than something like a Van or more profoundly, a normal sedan.
There is, however, a downside to the SUV’s taller ride high and that downside is its risk of rolling over. Studies have found that passengers are more likely to be injured or killed in the event of an accident solely because the vehicle has a higher chance of ending up on its roof.
Aside from safety, the SUV also offers the benefit of capabilities. Sure, not all SUVs are capable of off-roaders, but some of them are. This means that if you enjoy heading out into nature, you will have choices available featuring proper 4x4s that fit such needs.
The cons of SUVs are that most of them are a sacrifice. Let’s take the BMW X5 as an example. The X5 is useless off-road because it tries to be good on the road. However, it will never be as good as a BMW 5 Series on the tarmac because its ride height is way too tall.
Therefore, we end up with a sacrifice both in off-road abilities and on-road abilities. Inside, it does offers a decent amount of space, but it’s cool design and high floor eat away cargo that can be found in excess in something like a minivan. Oh, and let’s not forget that SUVs tend to come at a price premium when compared to other types of vehicles.
The Pros Of Minivans
Toyota
Front three quarters of 2022 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD White
Minivans are perhaps the most versatile and functional family vehicles one can get. First and foremost, in most cases, they feature much more space than their SUV counterparts. This is mostly because they can have a low floor and a tall roof. Since designers aren’t too concerned with making a cool-looking vehicle, they can solely focus on the functional part of the design.
This is also observed with the sliding doors most vans come equipped with. Sure, they might be geeky, but there is no denying their usefulness. Kids can’t bump them into nearby vehicles, they are extremely easy to use in thigh spaces, and they provide a huge opening that can be used to access the interior easily.
But wait, there is more. In many cases, Minivans use the same engines as SUVs or crossovers meaning that they offer the same power but better economy. This is because the Minivan is more aerodynamic, and it has smaller and light wheels. And let’s not forget that if you need to, some of them can be bought with AWD systems that make them perfect all-season vehicles.
Finally, Minivans are cheaper to insure due to lower theft and accident numbers. No one wants to steal something from inside a van as they will most probably only find baby wipes rather than something valuable.
Front-end action shot of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The cons of minivan ownership are mostly just the image associated with them. They are viewed as geeky vehicles boring people tend to buy. This means that mums or even dads that want to be cool don’t tend to buy them as the SUV has a far trendier image associated with it.
Sure, one could argue that they also have less clearance but when compared to most crossovers that isn’t really the case. Crossovers aren’t meant to go off-road. They just have taller floors and cabins that make them feel higher without them offering much more clearance than something like a minivan.
So Which Body-Style Is Better?
Jeep
Front three-quarter shot of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon 20th Anniversary Convertible SUV
Well, the choice here is relatively simple. If you need a taller riding vehicle to use off-road, then the SUV makes perfect sense. Be careful though, we aren’t talking about SUVs that are based on normal sedan platforms. If you want to go off-road, well, you get a proper Off-roader, something along the lines of the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, or Ford Bronco.
If you aren’t planning on off-roading, the Minivan will be more comfortable, more spacious, more practical, more economical, and will also cost less. So, if you can deny the urge to buy what’s currently cool, you can get yourself a better vehicle that will cost you less.
In the world of mid-size SUVs, two brands that come to mind are Honda and Toyota. Both brands competed fiercely to make the superior mid-size SUV over the years. For 2023, Honda has built the Pilot completely new from the ground up and Toyota has revealed a whole new SUV on its own, the Grand Highlander.
Both SUVs are meant to comfortably seat the entire family but they both have a different approach. The Honda Pilot is known for its practicality and build quality whereas the Grand Highlander is a more premium and luxurious SUV with a refined interior and driving experience, especially when you consider that it is a model from a main stream brand like Toyota.
A front shot of the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport off-roading.
For 2023, the Honda Pilot comes in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, and Elite. The base price starts at $37,645 and comes with only one powertrain. The Pilot comes with the same 3.5 liter V-6 from the previous model but produces more power.
The trim that may stand out the most to buyers is the TrailSport model, which is Honda’s take on an off-road version of the Pilot. Honda has made some notable upgrades to the TrailSport to make it a proper off-roading SUV. Honda added an off-road-tuned suspension, which includes a one-inch lift for additional ground clearance. They also added a skid plate as well as the TrailWatch camera system which uses four exterior cameras to help drivers when they are off the beaten path. All these features and more are exclusive only to the TrailSport.
When it comes to the powertrain, the V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque as opposed to the previous generation which made 280 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. The front-wheel drive model has an estimated EPA of 19 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 22 MPG. The all-wheel drive model has a slightly worse gas mileage with an EPA estimated of 19 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 21 MPG.
All models come with a new 10-speed automatic transmission which shifts smoothly. The engine is more responsive than the previous generation and the steering is more precise and refined. In terms of driving, the Pilot has a tight steering circle which makes maneuvering around town much easier than other mid-size SUVs. With all the extra power, the front-wheel drive model can tow up to 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive model can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Stepping inside, all models come standard with a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 7-inch infotainment screen. The TrailSport, Touring, and Elite models come with a larger 9-inch infotainment screen and only the Elite model comes with a larger 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trim levels.
The Pilot has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. All models can seat up to eight passengers but the EX-L trim can be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs which seat seven passengers. The TrailSport comes standard with the captain’s chairs and the Touring and Elite models come with a second-row seat design which can be removed and stored away when not needed. With 39.3 inches of headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom, the third row is spacious enough for children as well as adults.
The Grand Highlander Offers More Powerful and Efficient Powertrains
Toyota
A front shot of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander comes in five trim levels: XLE, Limited, Platinum, MAX Limited, and MAX Platinum. The base price starts at $43,070 which is significantly higher than the Pilot. Toyota offers two engine choices and three powertrains for the Grand Highlander. The gasoline engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and the base hybrid engine makes 245 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
The Hybrid MAX models come with a more powerful hybrid engine which makes 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. As far as efficiency goes, the gas powertrain offers 24 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive; the hybrid can do 36 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive and the Hybrid MAX can offer upto 27 MPG combined.
The gasoline engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The smaller hybrid engine comes with a CVT transmission while the more powerful hybrid engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Even though the steering is light, it can still go through corners easily. When it comes to towing, it is the same as the Pilot. The front-wheel drive model can tow 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive can tow 5,000 pounds.
The Grand Highlander Is Not Just A Bigger Highlander
Toyota
A shot of the dashboard in a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota has taken a different approach with the Grand Highlander. Unlike most of its other vehicles, the Grand Highlander was built with luxury and comfort in mind and this becomes evidently clear when you step inside the cabin. The interior has a surprisingly premium feel with good materials across the door panels and the dashboard. At first glance, the cabin seems to share some aspects with Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus.
The overall layout and aesthetics like the steering wheel and the infotainment are very similar to some Lexus vehicles. All of this just proves that Toyota didn’t intend to make the Grand Highlander like the regular Highlander. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
By merely hearing the name, one might think that the Grand Highlander is just a bigger Highlander. Although that is true, the Grand is a completely new vehicle that is not just a bigger version of the Highlander. Not only is the Grand Highlander larger in every way, but it also looks completely different.
The Grand Highlander can seat seven or eight depending on the trim and the seat configurations. The cabin is impressively spacious for the passengers to enjoy the ride. The third row has 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom which is more than sufficient for children and adults can also sit comfortably. When it comes to technology, the Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In conclusion, the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander are two formidable contenders in the mid-size SUV segment. When it comes to deciding which one to buy, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities The Pilot excels in practicality and overall value. It is also a solid choice for those who are interested in off-roading.
On the other hand, the Grand Highlander offers a far more premium package and better gas mileage. It is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and refined SUVs Toyota has made in recent history. Regardless of which SUV you choose to buy, they both prioritize safety and comfort for the whole family.
Germany’s Nurburgring is one of the most challenging race circuits in the world, with its bumpy surface, twisty layout, and grueling 12.9-mile (20.8-kilometer) length, which led to its apt nickname, “The Green Hell.”
It’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure, and that’s why records set on the North Loop (Nordschleife) part of Nurburgring have a lot of weight to them, compared to other, less feisty tracks, that is.
One such record has been set in April by German car magazine Sport Auto, but the video – embedded above – has only been published a few days ago, with a Ferrari 296 GTB becoming the fastest road-going Ferrari ever on the Nordschleife under the helm of the magazine’s test driver, Christian Gebhardt.
