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Hamilton Spectator
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
This SUV gets pickup performance; it's capable, comfortable and … expensive
ORO STATION, ONT.—Take one racetrack under construction. Add a beautiful blue sky. Mix in a brand-new, full-size SUV specially tuned for off-road work and an enthusiastic road tester. And what do you get? A grand day! I'm at the site of what's soon to be the Oro Station Motor Circuit racetrack, near Lake Simcoe regional airport, about 90 minutes north of Toronto. The piles of soil and boulders here provide a great means to test the mettle of the all-new Ford Expedition Tremor. All Expedition trims have been re-engineered for 2025, but the Tremor is an all-new addition to the line. Every model comes with four-wheel-drive, three rows of seating and an all-new, split rear tailgate. Just the upper part can be open. The lower portion stays closed to keep things in place. The front centre storage bin slides rearward under power to reveal an additional, eight-inch, storage tray. Tremor-spec., hitherto available only on Ford pickups, provides: knobby 33-inch, General Grabber, all-terrain tires; 10.6-inch of ground clearance; tow hooks; and a grille design with additional auxiliary lights and underbody protection. 'Electric Spice' accents around the front air intakes, on the tow hooks, and, even on the wheels, are eye-catching, but functional; the yellow on the wheel spokes surrounds the tire's valve stem so it can be located more easily when caked in mud or snow. The Tremor is about more than just looking the part of a tough off-roader; it's meant to be used as such. Hence the underbody skid plates that protect the radiator, gas tank and more. Hence the added ride height, the addition of a Rock Crawl drive mode and the fact that it comes available only with the more powerful version of the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 all Expeditions get. It produces 440 horsepower and 510 pounds-feet of torque, fed to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. There's an electronic locking rear differential for even more off-road ability. With Rock Crawl drive mode activated, I traverse basketball-sized rocks embedded in the dirt below. Even with the girth associated of a full-size SUV, it gamely clambers through the obstacles, with only a few strikes of the skid plate below. The truck can handle all the throttle and braking duties through the Trail Assist feature that acts as a form of off-road cruise control. All the driver has to do is steer, a task helped by another piece of tech: a camera facing forward and down with onscreen indicators that show each wheel's expected path. That makes it much easier to avoid certain obstacles, once you get used to looking at the 13.2-inch screen below. Every Expedition gets a digital speedometer. The 24-inch display also contains the fuel gauge, Google Maps and blind-spot camera display. It's neat. But you have to look at it and use buttons mounted on the oval-shaped steering wheel — I will say this provides a clearer view of both the instruments and the road ahead — to adjust the wheel and the pedals. It just doesn't feel as natural as a button or lever mounted on the column. If you'd rather not worry about using the steering wheel at all, you can do that as well — to a degree. The Tremor is equipped with Ford BlueCruise, which enables you to drive for extended periods without ever having to put your hands on the wheel, or your feet on the pedals. It doesn't work on all roads, but on the highway I was on, it was aces, even adjusting when the road lost a lane in a construction zone. It kept a perfect distance from the vehicle ahead and kept me dead-centre in the lane. It will even change lanes for you; simply nudge the turn indicator stalk, and, when safe, it will change lanes to pass. Space and creature comforts inside keep occupants happy. For better visibility, the second-row seats get a higher mount than the first, and the third row sits even higher still. It can accommodate three kids comfortably — there are child seat latches — and two adults should have no problem getting comfortable back there. They get USB-C ports and cupholders as well as their own ceiling-mounted climate vents to keep them comfortable on longer journeys. If you want to pitch up at a backcountry campsite, certain features make it a glamping-like affair. These include a trunk-mounted folding picnic table, extra interior lights, USB-C ports and a 400W power outlet. Even with the knobbier tires, the Tremor provides a smooth ride on normal roads and with all the other interior accoutrements, it makes for a perfect long-distance travel companion. At more than one 100 grand before delivery, it won't be a massive seller. But it's a hugely capable three-row SUV. Back on the dusty obstacle course, I try to unseat the Tremor, but there really is nothing that can stop it. Off-camber soft dirt? No problem. Steep climbs that would make a mountain goat think twice? Aces. How about a set of fallen logs? Hard to traverse smoothly, but that was likely because of my lack of skill. But the logs were dispatched. If the Tremor can handle all this, a forestry road to a backcountry campsite shouldn't be a problem, even in bad weather. Type: Five-door, full-size SUV; four-wheel-drive Engine: Twin-turbocharged V6; 440 horsepower; 510 pounds-feet of torque (motive force) Fuel: 15.4 litres/100 km in the city; 10.7l/100 km on the highway; 13.3l/100 km combined Transmission: Ten-speed automatic Cargo: 3,072 litres or 108.5 cubic feet behind first row; 1,979l or 69.9 cu. ft. behind second row; 648l or 22.9 cu. ft. behind third row Towing: 4,218 kilograms, or 9,300 pounds, as equipped Price: $103,470, as tested
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Prices for heavy load-ready Ford Ranger Super Duty released, but not for SA market
Prices for heavy load-ready Ford Ranger Super Duty released, but not for SA market While only set to go on-sale next year, Ford has revealed the previously unknown powertrain details of the first-ever Ranger Super Duty, as well as the newcomer's price tag in Australia. Shown in April as not only the most work-focused Ranger ever made, but the first non-F-Series to wear the Super Duty name, the newcomer slots-in between the 'regular' Ranger and F-150 in the Blue Oval's bakkie line-up, albeit only Down Under for now. The differences Described as a 'purpose-built truck designed for heavy-duty use', the Super Duty will initially be offered as a chassis cab in single, Super and double cab body styles and, as its description states, without the fitting of a factory loadbox. A traditional Australian-style steel tray can, however, be added as an optional extra. As depicted by the April launch model though, a factory loadbin-equipped Super Duty will be offered, but only later in the year and solely for the double cab with the XLT trim designation being applied. Compared to the standard Ranger, the Super Duty's exterior changes consist of a steel front bumper, a new grille, wider wheel arches, a new bonnet complete with Super Duty lettering, wider mirrors, a standard snorkel and a steel underbody protection bashplate. Underneath, the Super Duty sports a strengthened chassis, revised suspension, a long range 130-litre fuel tank and unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tyres. Hardcore fundamentals Known by now to have a tow rating of 4 500 kg, a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4 500 kg and gross combined mass (GCM) of over 8 000 kg, new information confirms a wading depth of 850 mm versus the normal Ranger's 800 mm, as well as the following payload ratings: • single cab chassis cab: 1 982 kg; • SuperCab chassis cab: 1 896 kg • double cab chassis cab: 1 825 kg Differing further is the ground clearance ratings at 299 mm for the single, 297 mm for the SuperCab and 295 mm for the double cab. Detuned V6 Besides the only interior change being an on-board scale display integrated into the 12-inch SYNC 4A infotainment system, as well as the Super Duty script on the passenger's side of the dashboard, up front, Ford has made the 3.0-litre Lion turbodiesel V6 available as the sole engine option, but in detuned form. Reported in April as the only option considered for the Super Duty, the unit now produces the same 154 kW as the bi-turbo 2.0-litre Panther engine instead of its regular 184 kW, but retains the same 600 Nm torque figure. As per usual, the only transmission option is the 10-speed automatic co-developed with General Motors. Price hint On the colour front, five hues have been made available: Arctic White, Command Grey, Shadow Black, Aluminium Silver and the Super Duty-exclusive Seismic Tan. A sixth, Traction Green, will added at a later stage. With the mentioned double cab-only XLT to arrive later, the three-model Super Duty range, as with the standard Aussie-market Ranger, will be produced in Thailand rather than at the Silverton Plant outside Pretoria, where the South African-spec Ranger is made. As such, no plans are currently in place to bring the Ranger Super Duty to market soon. • Ranger Super Duty chassis single cab – $82 990 (R971 454) • Ranger Super Duty chassis SuperCab – $86 490 (R1 012 424) • Ranger Super Duty chassis double cab – $89 990 (R1 053 394)
Edmunds
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
2025 BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition First Drive Review: Seeking Adventure
The feature that makes the biggest difference to the Silver Anniversary Edition's off-road prowess is actually a dealer-installed option. It's a set of 275/45R20 General Grabber all-terrain tires mounted on wheels from the M Sport package. While four 275/40R20 all-season tires come standard, BMW provides a discount so Silver Anniversary buyers can choose the Grabbers for $799 and have them installed at the dealership. For anyone serious about off-roading, these tires are a must. The Grabbers have their pros and cons on the X5. With a taller sidewall that absorbs more road imperfections, they make the X5's good ride even better. They also dig into mud and snow as I learned in the snowy and muddy roads leading to Mary Jane mountain. However, with their knobby tread, they're also more prone to highway droning, and they provide much less traction on pavement than the standard all-seasons, compromising the X5's characteristic sporty demeanor. A standard four-corner air suspension is also a great off-roading feature. It works with xSnow, xSand, xGravel and xRocks off-road drive modes to raise the X5's ground clearance from a standard 8.3 inches to as high as 9.9 inches. The modes also adjust the transmission's shift points, throttle mapping and traction control programming, all of which help the X5 tackle different types of terrain with ease.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Crikey, Ford Australia Just Released A Ranger Super Duty With A Snorkel And A 9,900-Pound Towing Capacity
Ford Australia announced the new Ranger Super Duty today, the first time the Super Duty name has been applied to something smaller than a large U.S.-spec heavy duty truck. The Ranger Super Duty gets a toughened chassis, greater hauling abilities, more off-road ability, and a recalibrated 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, along with styling enhancements. The Super Duty transformation increases the Ranger's towing capacity with a new maximum of 9,921 pounds, an increase of 2,421 pounds over the U.S.-spec Ranger. Neither payload capacity nor curb weight are currently available for the Ranger Super Duty, but it does come standard with four-wheel drive, 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires, and a friggin' snorkel. Other standard rough-and-tumble features on the Ranger Super Duty include a frame-mounted heavy-duty steel front bumper, a long-range fuel tank with steel shielding, and high-strength steel "bash plates" for the underbody, or skid plates to us Americans. Eight-lug wheel hubs and larger brakes contribute to the Ranger Super Duty's increased hauling capacities, as does a frame made from thicker steel complete with extra bracing. The Super Duty script on the nose, a taller and wider track, and other visual enhancements telegraph this Ranger's ability to handle super duties. Read more: Cars, Trucks And SUVs Most Likely To Last 200,000 Miles Or More, According To Consumer Reports The Aussie Ranger Super Duty is capable of towing heavier trailers than the F-150's standard 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, and nearly as much as its other engine options. There are a slew of likely reasons why the Ranger Super Duty won't make its way to the U.S., but whether Ford admits it or not, it probably doesn't want a lowly Ranger compromising the superiority of the almighty F-150 and the larger Super Duty we get. Another likely reason for the Ranger Super Duty's absence from the U.S. is its powertrain. Ford says the Super Duty comes with a recalibrated version of the current Aussie Ranger's 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, with improved cooling for handling heavy loads and for Australia's intense terrain and weather conditions. America isn't too keen on diesel powertrains in anything other than full-size heavy duty pickup trucks, and even on most of those behemoths the torquey diesel engine option is a pricey extra. Ford decided to produce a Ranger Super Duty because fleet operators told Ford they needed a compact truck with big capabilities, and many of those fleet operators need their trucks to handle demanding conditions. As such, the standard 4WD system has front and rear differential lockers, and a two-speed transfer case to endow it with low range for the really tough stuff. That front differential is a modified version of the Bronco Raptor's front diff, but it's been upgraded for enhanced load capacity. The truck's air box features an inbuilt water drain, and the fully sealed snorkel combines with the big tires and increased ground clearance to give the Ranger Super Duty super water fording capabilities, though no maximum depths are provided. Just because it's a tough truck doesn't mean it has to be spartan. Ranger Super Duties come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it's available with a built-in onboard scale to weigh trailers and payload to prevent overloading. It features Trail Control for maintaining steady off-road speeds, and the Bronco's Trail Turn Assist to tighten its off-road tuning radius. The Ranger Super Duty will be available in four configurations: Single Cab chassis, Super Cab chassis, Double Cab chassis, and Double Cab pickup. No prices have been announced yet, and neither have power outputs. Americans will have to settle with the Ranger Raptor's awesome capabilities, or go for the full-fat Super Duty models. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
