Testing out the new BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire in Baja, Mexico

BFGoodrich Tires, the company that created the first all-terrain tire back in 1976, is set to launch its most capable light truck tire ever this fall: the all-new BFGoodrich Tires All-Terrain T/A KO2.

Engineered from BFGoodrich’s championship off-road motorsports racing technology, the KO2 promises to deliver exceptional toughness, durability and traction for traversing harsh conditions, including gravel, dirt, rock, mud and snow.

To prove just how capable these new tires are, BFGoodrich invited us down to Northern Baja a few weeks ago to test out the All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Over the course of two days, we tackled everything from rocks, dirt, sand and mud as we drove on parts of previous and current SCORE Baja 500 and 1000 courses.

Read the rest of this entry »

  

You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook for content updates. Also, sign up for our email list for weekly updates and check us out on Google+ as well.

Overview of 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6L V6

2014 is right around the corner, and it’s time to take a look at what the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6L V6 has to offer in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Durability

The Jeep Cherokee is well-known for its strength and durability, making it an excellent vehicle for areas that often see inclement weather. Cherokees sell especially well in colder climates (ME, NH, VT), but are also extremely popular in the mid-west where storms can make traveling rather difficult. Look for a good local dealer. “The staff was great,” says one happy customer in a review of Jeep Oklahoma City dealer David Stanley’s business, which sells more than its fair share of Jeeps every year to those who looking for protection from the often harsh weather seen in the area.

Performance and Interior

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo features a sturdy engine line-up. It’s an extremely efficient vehicle and everything you could ask for in a V6. The new diesel V6 really adds punch and power to this year’s update and is perfect for driving in inclement conditions.
The Laredo also features one of the most comfortable and luxurious interiors you’ll find in a mid-sized SUV within its price range (just under $30,000). Consider the 8.4″ touchscreen, for example, which is perfect for the technologically-inclined who would like to get the most out of their driving experience.

Off-road Capabilities

It’s difficult to argue with how well the 2014 Laredo handles off-road, something that Jeep afficinados have come to expect out of their vehicles.. Featuring four wheel independent suspension, a front anti-roll bar and anti-whiplash front head restraints, the Laredo is not just for a casual Sunday drive. It can take a beating, which is nice to know even if you don’t ever intend to lift it from the pavement.

Safety

Safety is an important aspect of purchasing any vehicle, and the 2014 Laredo comes stocked. The ABS break system means you won’t have to worry about lock-ups, and multiple airbags help to reduce the risk of injury in the case of an accident. The Laredo is known for having excellent traction control, and the 2014 model is no exception to this rule. Those who drive on snow and ice on a regular basis will praise the Laredo for how well it handles, and its heated door mirrors will allow you to always keep your eyes on the road no matter how bad the weather might be.

Overall

There’s been a lot of talk about competition for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, and it’s quite clear at this point that the Toyota 4Runner puts up a close fight. In the end, though, the 2014 Laredo is a vehicle for those who are serious about safety and stability on the road. At a starting price of under $30,000, those who are looking for a luxurious mid-sized SUV that can also stand up to practically anything that is thrown at it will have a hard time not loving this vehicle.

  

Toyota reveals the new 5th generation 4Runner for 2014

Toyota has sold nearly 2 million 4Runners since its introduction back in 1984—and about 75% of them are still on the road. (Or still off-road…) This year, they are releasing the 5th generation of the rugged, go anywhere vehicle, and we got a chance to get a first look at the 2014 4Runner before it hits showroom floors in September or October.

The exterior was given an update, with an aggressive new front facia sporting a muscular front grille and smoked headlamps that flare wide off the front end. Available in the same three trims as the previous year—SR5, Trail for maximum off-roading, and top-of-the-line Limited—the Trail still sports the hood scoop, and the Limited gets 20-inch wheels, painted black for added style and contrast, and enough chrome to keep a posse happy.

Still one of the only SUVs with a truck’s body-on-frame construction, giving the 4Runner optimal off-road capability, it’s coupled with a suspension technology that gives it a smooth ride more often associated with crossovers.

All three trims will get the same engine: a 4.0-liter V6 that pushes 270 horses and 278-lb-ft of torque, allowing the 4Runner to tow a max of 5,000 lbs. with the integrated tow-hitch receiver on the back end.

Toyota has made the interior of the 4Runner a little more refined and a little more “premium” looking for the 5th Gen as well. We finally get a Smart Key system with keyless entry and pushbutton start, although it only comes standard on the Limited. The SR5 and Trail now get a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, with the option to swap the fabric trimmed seats for the Limited’s double-stitched leather.

But the best new feature we love is the standard Party Mode. Ideal for tailgating, Party Mode is a unique audio setting that shifts all the sound to the rear of the 4Runner, especially the liftgate mounted speakers, and pumps the bass for maximum enjoyment in the campground or stadium parking lot.

The new 4Runner is slated to be available starting in September, and from what they’re telling us, the goal is to keep the price points to 2013 levels. And we’ll be test-driving one of the first production models on an off-road course in late July, so watch for that review.