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2022 GMC Sierra AT4X

The 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X is a powerful and versatile pickup truck that is perfect for both work and play. With its rugged and stylish design, the Sierra AT4X is built to conquer any terrain and handle any job with ease

Starting with the exterior, the Sierra AT4X boasts a bold and aggressive look with its blacked-out grille, LED headlights and taillights, and unique AT4X badges. The truck sits on aggressive black wheels with mud-terrain tires, giving it an extra boost of off-road capability. The truck’s high ground clearance and underbody skid plates also make it a top performer in rough terrain.

Under the hood, the Sierra AT4X is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifting. The Sierra AT4X also features the latest in advanced driver assist technologies, including a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

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The interior of the Sierra AT4X is designed to provide a comfortable and high-tech experience. The truck features premium materials, such as leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and it is equipped with the latest in infotainment technology, including a 12-inch touch screen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium Bose audio system. The truck also offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, with a spacious and well-designed cab and a large and versatile bed.

One of the standout features of the Sierra AT4X is its off-road capability. The truck is equipped with the latest in off-road technology, including a two-speed transfer case, electronic locking rear differential, and a custom off-road mode that adjusts the suspension, traction control, and stability control systems to optimize performance in rough terrain. The truck also features a unique Multi-Color Trailering Camera System that provides drivers with a 360-degree view of their surroundings while towing.

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In addition to its off-road capabilities, the Sierra AT4X is also an excellent work truck. The truck is capable of towing up to 12,500 pounds and it features an available ProGrade Trailering System that includes a trailer hitch camera, in-vehicle trailering app, and trailer tire pressure monitoring. The truck’s bed is also designed for work, with features such as a bed liner, bed tie-downs, and an available power up-and-down tailgate.

The 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X is a fantastic pickup truck that offers the best of both worlds – a stylish and capable off-road vehicle and a workhorse that can handle any job. Whether you’re hitting the trails, hauling cargo, or just cruising around town, the Sierra AT4X is the perfect truck for you.

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2019 Ford Ranger – Experience

Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2019 Ford Ranger – Experience

We all know the saying, ‘Built Ford Tough” and we’ve seen that proven in the Raptor and F-series, but can the new Ranger live up to this? I take the new 2019 Ford Ranger on an epic journey through the back roads of the Whistler valley to find out if little brother has what it takes.

Photo Credit – Mike Markov

Our journey begins in Richmond, BC, with a tour around the different available models. I have to say the styling is very sharp; it is a similar shape to the F150 but proportioned down perfectly to create an all-new vehicle. With three different trim levels, XL, XLT, and Lariat, and surprisingly no stripped-down base model with a hand-cranked window lever and a bench seat here. All very similar models with a few added features make this Ranger good at all price levels.

Driving through city traffic, the Ranger is quick to accelerate and very easy to stop which I learned first-hand having to brake hard as a driver decided to turn left in front of me with no signal, oh yes did I mention I was in Vancouver?  After a short time later, we were through downtown and into Stanley Park. The Ranger is equipped with a 2.3 Litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 270 horsepower and generates 310-pound-feet of torque.

2019 Ford Ranger - Lineup YVR
2019 Ford Ranger - Scenery #3
2019 Ford Ranger - Scenery #2
2019 Ford Ranger - Scenery #1
2019 Ford Ranger - Top of Gondola
2019 Ford Ranger - Lodging
2019 Ford Ranger - Lodging #3
2019 Ford Ranger - Lodging #2

The first stop on the trip is the Sea to Sky Gondola, which if you have never been before it is a must see when traveling highway 99.  Incredible views of Howe Sound, Squamish, and the surrounding Coast mountains. There are plenty of things to do at the top; a restaurant with a large deck to sit out and take in the views, some hiking trails, a suspension bridge, and even rock climbing. Word of advice make sure you’re well hydrated first before attempting the rock climbing, especially on a hot day. You don’t want to be hanging off a rock only to find your head spinning and heat exhaustion taking over, which was a situation I unfortunately found myself in, adding insult to injury by having a toddler pulling on my pant leg asking me to leave the playground. 

Back on the road and heading through Squamish on the way to Whistler, this highway has gone through many upgrades leading up to the 2010 Olympics, and I was amazed how quick it is to reach Whistler. The hotel for the night is the Nita lake lodge which is very different from a typical hotel you would find in the village; this luxury lodge is just 5 min away from the village nestled next to Nita Lake with beautiful views of Whistler Mountain. This resort has world-class dining, and the staff are exceptional. Morning brings on great anticipation, as today is the day we get to take the Ranger out off-roading. 

2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #13.JPG
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #11
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #10
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #9
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #7
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #6
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #5

A short drive away I find the entrance to the Callaghan Valley which leads to the many forest service roads that first cut through this valley. Plenty of new growth forest throughout and some of the trails are covered in brush making it tight for a full-size truck to get through but manageable with this mid-size truck. Traversing the switchbacks, the elevation gain becomes apparent, and the views are incredible. Some steep sections with a lot of loose rock. I switched on the terrain management system and selected the gravel function. The choices are; gravel and snow, mud and ruts, or sand. Each mode alters transmission gearing, throttle response, and steering control to help navigate the terrain. This is very similar to the Ford Raptor and provides excellent traction without wheel hop or loss of control. The road had a few sections that were washed out from the melting snow. The hill decent feature allows the truck to control the braking so you can concentrate on steering and avoiding obstacles as it descends some 28-degree hills. The Ranger I was driving featured a rear differential lock that came in handy when I noticed one wheel hanging in midair.   After a long day of four wheeling it was nice to be back down and back on the pavement. The transition from off-road to the pavement is quite an effort for most vehicles and to have the ability to provide firm but agile suspension off-road, and a smooth, comfortable ride on the road was seamless in the Ford Ranger.

It looks like little brother might even have a few tricks that big brother doesn’t know about. The 2019 Ford Ranger, Ford tough certified.

Key Features

  • Models
    • XL – Starting at $30,596
    • XLT – Starting at $35,139
    • Lariat – Starting at $41,389
  • Fuel Efficiency
    • 11.8L/100km City
    • 9.8L/100km City
  • Engine
    • 2.3L EcoBoost
    • 270hp
    • 310ft/lbs. torque
  • Towing
    • maximum 1650-lb. payload
    • 7,500-lb. tow ratings
  • Optional FX4 Offroad package, with Terrain Management System and Trail Control
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #12.JPG
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #3
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #2
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #1
2019 Ford Ranger - Offroad #4
2019 Ford Ranger - Lineup Lodge #2
2019 Ford Ranger - Ford
2019 Ford Ranger - Ford #3.JPG
2019 Ford Ranger - Ford #2
2019 Ford Ranger - Lineup Lodge
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2019 Chevrolet Silverado – LT Trail Boss – Review

Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2019 Chevrolet Silverado – LT Trail Boss – Review

The Trail Boss is a definite eye catcher driving down the highway and an eye opener driving off-road.

GM has added an all-new look to their Silverado line up, a much beefier body with a bold new front bumper,  grille and fluid body lines that flow from the back to the front wrapping around the front end. It looks like it is straight out of the Transformers movie franchise. Led headlights are thin and tucked up high into the upper corners. The bulging hood matches perfectly, and the side mirrors are mounted to the body panel to increase visibility.

Overview

I felt very comfortable in this truck, and I liked the extra height with the larger tires.  The gas mileage wasn’t too bad, and the transition from on the road too off-road was seamless thanks to the Rancho shocks that firmed up nicely when it was required. Large potholes did force the suspension into the bump stops, and for a second I thought I might have broken something. I like the positioning of the side mirrors from the pillar to the body side. Mounting the side mirror to the front post was always an area that created a blind spot, and the move was a significant improvement.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss
2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss
2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss
2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss
2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss

Driving

The 5.3L engine delivers more than enough power to traverse the backcountry and get you to your favorite fishing hole with ease.  The two speed transfer case gives you the ability to rock climb although the length of the truck does have a tendency to get hung up on the cutbacks we find common on the BC logging roads and like most full-size pickups the wheel hop is something we are used to, after all, that is part of four wheeling. The new redesign makes the truck longer and wider than previous generations, but Chevy was still able to make the Silverado almost 400lbs. lighter than the last model.

The Silverado Trail Boss comes with a 2-inch factory suspension lift with Z71 off-road package which includes Rancho shocks,  an autotrac 2-speed case, 8-speed automatic transmission and a 5.3L Eco Tec3 V8 engine producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The tranny has a tow/haul mode that raises the upshift points to provide more power to accelerate with a trailer and utilizes engine compression to help slow the truck down. E-lock differential with 3.42 gears, Low enough for four wheeling while high enough not to scream down the highway. The tires are 275/65R18C Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac mud terrain tires with 18” high gloss black aluminum wheels.

Styling

The front seats are very similar to the previous year truck with a few changes. 40/20/40 split bench with a rear bench that seats 3. Center stack infotainment system that features an 8” color touchscreen with Apple car play, Bluetooth audio streaming, and Android auto. 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable and SiriusXM radio availability. An all-new, available power tailgate that can be raised or lowered with the push of a button, and bed-mounted 120-volt power outlet, with led lighting. Another interesting feature was the rear-seatback storage compartments, helping provide extra space and organization in the cabin.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ
An additional nine moveable tie-down points are available as well for even more cargo flexibility. Together, these 21-total tie-downs are the most of any full-size pickup.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado High Country
The Durabed is available with integrated in-bed LED lighting. A light at the top of the rear cab comes standard on all Silverado models.

Safety

Six standard airbags including; dual-stage front driver and passenger, seat-mounted side impact, and a head curtain. An available colour Head-up Display can project information like your vehicle’s speed, navigation and active safety information directly on the road in front of you. While help comes from assisted driving features like, Forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and lane keep assist. OnStar connected services

Fuel Efficiency

  • 15.3L/100 km city
  • 11.8L/100 km highway

Warranty

  • 3 year/60,000 km limited warranty
  • 5 year/100,000 km powertrain warranty
  • 5 year/100,000 km roadside assistance

** LT Trail Boss: adds off-road equipment to the LT, including a 2-inch suspension lift from the factory and the Z71 Off Road Package, including locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. MSRP from $54,800 CAD

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Lifting Your Truck?

Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

Lifting Your Truck?

Purchasing a new or used truck is exciting. I bet you can already see yourself personalizing it to suit your needs. Believe me, when I tell you, the truck might be the cheap part.

I have seen over the years people spend upwards of $25,000 or more on customization. One of the more popular things to do these days is installing a suspension lift along with larger tires and wheels. Installing a suspension lift requires some hard work, along with some mechanical experience.

If you’re going to tackle this yourself, here are a few things you should know.

BDS Suspension - #1
BDS Suspension - #2
GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA
BDS Suspension - #6

Installation:

Many manufacturers offer manuals for installing lift kits onto certain vehicles; however, some setups are quite intricate, requiring some welding or cutting to add some necessary components. In this case, having a mechanic or a few knowledgeable friends around will help make the job go smoother.

Additional Modifications: 

Upgrading to taller tires also means that some components may require part upgrades or some tuning to compensate. For instance, a truck’s engine is tuned at specific gear ratios to propel the vehicle. When adding taller tires, the gear ratios must be changed accordingly, since the engine has to spin significantly more weight with the new tires. You will also be required to purchase a speedometer re-calibration tool, so you have an accurate reading. Again, consult with more experienced individuals for further insight.

Highway Driving:

Larger, wider tires can sometimes result in instability on roads or a noisy, uncomfortable ride, particularly at high speeds. Also, more aggressive off-road tires tend to wear faster on the highway and traction might not be as great as you would expect on wet roads. 

Weight:

Larger tires are more substantial, which can put a lot of strain on your suspension, particularly if it is a stock suspension. Trusted, durable suspension components and lighter aluminum wheels can sometimes help to reduce the stress.

BDS Suspension - #4
BDS Suspension - #5
BDS Suspension - #7
BDS Suspension - #8

A Few Useful Accessories: Before installing a lift kit, it’s a good idea first to examine if any components will be affected by your vehicle’s new height.

Here are a few useful accessories that may need upgrading:

  • Brakes
    • Stock brakes do not always accommodate larger tires and will wear quickly due to the added strain.
  • Drivetrain and Differential
    • Axles, gears, differential covers, lockers and more ensure that your drivetrain is up to par with your suspension.
  • Replacement Parts
    • Longer Control Arms and Track Bars to compensate for the additional height of your truck.
  • Shocks
    • For those taller lifts, longer shocks will ensure the smoothest performance both on and off the road.
  • Other Parts
    • Steering linkage, slip yoke, driveshaft length, u-joint angle, and brake lines are all worthy of consideration before installing suspension lift kits.

Search the internet. There are many sites which offer complete instructions on various suspension lifts. You can download a copy before you make the purchase, and know exactly what type of work will be involved.

All images are thanks to BDS Suspension, which can be found in Canada through
Action Car and Truck Accessories

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2019 Ram 1500 Rebel – Automotive Review

Andrew Harwood

Andrew Harwood

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel – Automotive Review

“A Rebel With a Cause: Ram has produced their most practical off-road truck yet.”

Stemming from its leaked photos of a TRX off-road hellcat soon after the emergence of the Ford Raptor; Ram has tapped into that backcountry market we so dearly appreciate in Canada. The Rebel has often come up short, with Ford capturing the interest of gravel-runners towards the hefty price tag on the Ford Raptor. So many driving enthusiasts compare these two juggernaut companies; the off-road market is no different. After gaining more attention from a teased concept in 2016 of a Rebel TRX off-road monster; Ram has instead continued to develop a more sensible truck for all types of terrain.

While I am pleased to know that concept TRX is gaining traction for its release by the year 2022, however, the 2019 Ram Rebel is no slouch itself. Equipped with an angry vented hood, black fender flares, and a gaping opening in the grille with outlined RAM interlocked. Dodge has beefed up the wheels 32-inch on/off-road tires on 18- or available 20-inch on Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires. Changed from the previous year; Ram strived to improve the amount hum produced by the tread.

The 5.7L we tested boasted a 395 horsepower-V8 engine, producing 410 lb-ft of torque. This is trumped by Ford’s prized pony with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 Engine producing 450 horsepower and a 100 more foot-pounds of torque. However, that would cost you another $25,000 CAD, and the V8 Rebel ride still feels particularly responsive. I always felt with the Ford EcoBoost, while it delivers tremendous power, it does suffer from some lag response.

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel 12
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel 12
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel

A beefy upgrade comes to the Rebel in the form of a new off-road package. As stated earlier the tires have been improved as well as a host of other included features. Dodge’s offering includes a one-inch suspension lift, with or without the available four-corner air suspension. The electronic-locking rear differential and Hill-descent Control provide increase control off-road. The Rebel off-road package also includes new Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs, a black powder coated bumper, with a heavy skid plate and tow hooks. Driven within its limits, the Ram Rebel is a solid light-duty pick-up. Moreover, the Ram Rebel should be more of a Toyota Tundra TRD comparison. Enough to handle some rugged trails and have the appearance to do so.

The interior of the Rebel radiants simplicity, ruggedness, and stylish choices in terms of design. The bulky knobs are literally handy and useful to use and give that beefy look to the inside to match the exterior. The red accent styling to the dashboard and door panel is a really distinguished touch. As well as the intertwined cloth and vinyl seating makes for any long journey a comfortable trip. I also marvel at the additions of the Rebel stitched and imprinted into the dashboard to only appeal the eye as you prepare to sit in the cab.

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel 12 overall interior
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel 12 with Uconnect 4C NAV and 12-inch touchscreen
2019 Ram 1500 Rebel

With this genre of trucks ever growing in popularity, the level of competition is going to be fierce in the coming years. While the Ram Rebel has made strides in the right direction it still falls short of the prized Raptor. It’s going to be intriguing to see where this all heads to in the coming years as concepts and variations are becoming more demanded. As well as General Motors looking to unleash their own version very soon. One thing is certain. You can never have too many trucks in the sandbox.

Key Features:

  • 7-LITRE HEMI® V8
    • 395 hp (291 kW) @ 5,600 rpm
    • 410 lb-ft (556 N•m) @ 3,950 rpm
    • City -16.1 // Hwy – 11.0 // Combined – 13.8 // L/100 km
  • Brakes 378 x 30 mm (14.9 x 1.2 in) vented disc with 57 mm (2.2 in.) two-piston pin-slider caliper and anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • QUAD CAB PICKUP
    • Front Headroom 1,038mm
    • Front Legroom 1,040mm
    • Rear Headroom 995mm
    • Rear Legroom 903mm
    • Box Length 6Ft. 4In.
  • CREW CAB PICKUP
    • Front Headroom 1,038mm
    • Front Legroom 1,040mm
    • Rear Headroom 1011mm
    • Rear Legroom 1,147mm
    • Box Length 5Ft. 7In.
  • 151 litres of interior storage volume
  • Five-year/100,000-Km Powertrain Limited Warranty
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2018 Ford F150 Power Stroke Diesel – Automotive Review

Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2018 Ford F150 Power Stroke Diesel – Automotive Review

Introducing the 2018 Ford F150 Power Stroke Diesel, Yes that’s right Power Stroke Diesel in an F150. If not for the badging you wouldn’t know and as for the many fellow drivers that did a double take when looking at the vehicle, yes it is! With an estimated rating as low as 10.8L/100 km Highway it can tow up to 11,400 pounds without as much as a whimper.

Looks

Bold stance, sculpted LED headlights and stylized grille complete the front end of this truck. The aluminum body is stamped and bent into shape to create strength but it also generates the unique shape that makes Ford trucks standout from previous versions. Optional tailgate step, lift assist and remote tailgate release makes real-world tasks much easier and soon people will ask how they managed to do without these improvements.

Interior

As you climb into the cabin you immediately notice the refinements that have been made. Things such as; soft touch buttons, easy to use touch screen and accessibility of everything from a comfortable driving position.

It’s clear Ford designers have taken everything into consideration to give you the best driving experience possible. Now that doesn’t exclude passengers who also have easy access to everything needed including temperature controls and seat adjustability. Our tester featured a premium B&O audio system that has 10 speakers, AM/FM stereo, and a single CD/MP3 player

F-150 Rolls off the Line
2018 F-150 Power Stroke Diesel
2018 F-150 Power Stroke Diesel

Safety

Front driver and passenger airbags, side curtain and seat-mounted airbags. Power four-wheel vented disc anti-lock brakes. Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking is standard. Available adaptive cruise control, pro trailer backup assist, a 360-degree camera with split view display, FordPass connect with WIFI modem to connect up to 10 devices are some of the safety features in this F150.

Engine

3.0L power stroke V6 with 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Biodiesel capability to B20. This engine features a larger turbocharger that accommodates high air flow to maximize power and maintain performance at high altitudes where the air is thinner than at sea level. Add a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system, high-pressure fuel pump, lightweight aluminum cylinder heads, and fuel injector tips designed to deliver precise fuel atomization you have one sweet motor.

2018 Ford F150 Diesel Power Stroke - Interior
2018 Ford F-150 Limited
2018 Ford F-150 Limited

Fuel economy

  • 10.8L /100km City 8.0L /100km Highway  (4×2)
  • 11.8 /100km City 9.3L /100km Highway   (4×4)

The Drive

Close the doors and you would swear you’re driving with a gas engine, very little noise thanks to the engineers that designed this motor in England. You will find similar motors powering SUV’s all over Europe. This F150 is smooth and comfortable to drive, climbing hills with no effort powering its way up without dropping in speed. Excellent visibility to see all around and with the accident avoidance technology, you can be reassured this Ford has your back as you drive. With great fuel economy, tremendous power and outstanding towing capabilities I would say this truck a winner and it gets my vote as the truck of the year.  

Price

$86,129.00 as tested

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2018 Ram 1500 – Automotive Review

Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2018 Ram 1500 – Automotive Review

The 2018 Ram 1500 now referred to as the “Classic.” The fourth generation of the pickup that was first introduced in 2009, and to this day has done very well in Canada.

Many special edition trucks are available that provide a customized look directly from the factory floor.

A few examples are:

  • Express Blackout and Big Horn black appearance package offer to match body-color with the grille and ram head badging on front and rear of the truck, along with 20” semi-gloss aluminum wheels.
  • Hydro Blue Sport uses a Hydro blue pearl paint with a performance hood and 20” polished forged aluminum wheels.
  • The Longhorn special edition features a 2-tone paint with a striking interior. Light Greystone suede headliner, canyon brown/frost leather seats with brown piping and ruby red accent stitching. The wood accents are walnut ash and are made from real wood. The interior cabin features an electronic rotary dial shifter that allows you to go from park to reverse and drive. This was one thing I did not like, and maybe I am alone with this, but as a truck owner, I want a shifter that you can grab onto and put it into gear whether it’s in the center console or on the steering column, so it feels more like a true classic truck. Nothing worse than quickly turning up the radio only to find you just put it into gear.
2018 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited Crew Cab 4x4
2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport
2018 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited Crew Cab 4x4
2018 Ram 1500 RamBox with Mopar holster system
2018 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 Black

The available Rambox cargo management system is a great idea, as it keeps your everyday use items safely locked away and available for quick access. When this box was first introduced it did not feature remote locking capabilities and it was only lockable with the key. I brought this up with the designer when I was invited to the launch of this truck in Santa Barbara, California back in 2008. He said they could not do it because it was cost prohibited due to the many parts such as actuators and wiring, and besides, he thought truck owners wouldn’t mind having to use the key. I told him that this was a big miss and 6 months later they made the change to remote locking with the key fob. For all those who have enjoyed this feature, your welcome!

I have driven the fourth generation 1500 truck when it was first introduced to the press in 2008 and every year since then. The drive is exceptionally smooth and the fit and finish are superb in all trim levels.  If you are driving on road or off-road the captain chairs keep you in place and in control. I was a little worried when they first introduced the coil spring five-link rear suspension, but it reduced the wheel hop that was common with the previous generation and was quite surprised on out how it handled trailer weight.

2018 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Southfork
2018 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited
2018 Ram 1500 Limited Tungsten Edition
2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport

Key Features:

  • 3 engines to choose from
    • 3.6 L Pentastar VVT V6 delivering up to 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque
    • 5.7 L Hemi VVT V8 produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque
    • 3.0 L Ecodiesel V6 which produces 204 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
  • Fuel economy
    • 3.6L V6 Engine – 9.6L/100km highway
    • 5.7L V8 Hemi Engine – 11.0L/100km highway
  •  Warranty
    • 3-year, 60,000 km basic warranty
    • 5-year, 100,000 km powertrain limited warranty
    • 24-hour roadside assistance
  • Configurations in 2WD and 4WD:
    • Regular Cab 8-ft. bed
    • Regular Cab 6-ft. 4-in. bed
    • Quad Cab 6-ft. 4-in. bed
    • Crew Cab 5-ft. 7-in. bed
    • Crew Cab 6-ft. 4-in. bed
  • Towing up to 10,640 lbs. and payload of 1880 lbs.
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2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior
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2017 Honda Ridgeline – Review

2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior
Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2017 Honda Ridgeline – Review

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Touring edition is so versatile; it is like having a Swiss army knife that you can drive.

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Touring edition is so versatile; it is like having a Swiss army knife that you can drive. Open the tailgate down or swing it open sideways and you have access to a durable steel reinforced composite box that is dent and corrosion resistant. Push a button, and the hatch pops up to reveal an in bed trunk. Now if I could only figure out where they put the toothpick?

Looks:

I had the pleasure of driving the Touring model, which included a truck bed audio system, great for tailgate parties or just singing in the rain. The Ridgeline’s new molded design is not only aerodynamic but stylish, and the swept back headlights blend seamlessly into the front fenders.

2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior
2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior
2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior
2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior

In the Cab:

There is seating for five, with lots of leg room in the back. The front seats are heated and are fully adjustable. The navigation system with its 8” touch screen is well positioned and is easy to reach and with the steering wheel mounted controls and voice recognition commands you should have no problem getting where you want to go.

Safety First:

The Ridgeline has many safety features including: side curtain airbags, front active head restraints, vehicle stability control, four-wheel anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, backup camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert and road departure warnings.

Power:

A 3.5 Litre V6 engine with 280 horses and 262 ft-lbs of torque power this truck. It also features variable valve timing and lifts electronic control (VTEC) technology as well as a dual-stage intake manifold. These systems work together to maximize torque and increase horsepower as your speed increases. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with grade logic control that locks in a lower gear when traveling down a hill. There is also an ECON button to help stretch your fuel budget a little further.

Pump Frequency:

Fuel economy numbers are impressive. 12.8/9.5 litres / 100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

  • Three years/ 60,000 km standard
  • Five years/ 100,000 km powertrain
  • Three years/ unlimited roadside assistance
  • Eight year/ 130,000 km emissions warranty
2017 Honda Ridgeline Interior
2017 Honda Ridgeline Interior
2017 Honda Ridgeline Interior
2017 Honda Ridgeline Interior

Roadworthy:

Honda did nearly everything right with the Ridgeline. Car like traits are immediately noticeable, and the vehicle’s slightly heavy feel is mixed with considerable overall refinement. Performance is strong and confident, if not exactly blistering. The response is quick, easy and seamless from the engine and automatic transmission. The seats are firm and very supportive, and a large speedometer is easy to read.

The Ridgeline Baja Race truck made its debut this year. Strong finish considering a soccer mom was driving with three kids in the back screaming “are we there yet.”

Drivers can expect a smooth ride on good roads and a satisfying experience on rougher pavement. The Ridgeline stays reasonably flat in curves, but it’s not quite as surefooted as some SUVs on narrow twisty roads. It seems a little uncertain through some demanding turns.

Verdict:

Honda first introduced the Ridgeline to us in 2005 and had since improved, made changes, and listened to its customers on all aspects of this truck. Although not the first to offer this combination of an SUV and a pickup, they certainly stuck with it and cut out their own niche market

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Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Front and Logo
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2017 Brown Bros Racing – Ford F150

Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Front and Logo
Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2017 Brown Bros Racing – Ford F150

2017 Ford SVT Raptor is in hot demand; customers are flocking to the dealers trying to get their hands on one of these. Brown Bros Ford racing division has the answer.

They have started a Raptor factory and are cranking out their own version of the Raptor, based on a 2017 F150 XLT Supercrew 4×4 FX4.  The factory F150 starts out with a 3.5L V6 Ecoboost engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This motor produces 375 horsepower at 5750 rpm with 470-pound feet of torque. The 10-speed transmission allows you to save fuel for your everyday driving. Shifting more often means less time putting the twin turbos through their paces. Save that for the off-road.

Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Interior
2017 F150 XLT Tires and Rim
Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Rear Logo
Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Rear Logo
Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Front and Logo

Factory installed voice-activated navigation shown on a 4.2” productivity screen plots your desired drive route although does not work when you yell “get me out of this mud hole” unless you are talking about the one you created washing your truck outside your house.

The convenience package includes backup sensors, rearview camera, power sliding rear window, remote starter, 400w power inverter, LED box lighting. The truck is then customized by their in-house tech department.

Ford factory trained mechanics install a 4” Zone suspension lift with off-road shocks. This lift will enhance the truck’s abilities off-road, very similar to a Raptor the shocks will absorb the terrain without catapulting the truck in either direction; it will also give you a firm but smooth ride on-road.  The exhaust is changed in favor of a Magnaflow performance system that not only improves performance but sounds great too. The grille is replaced with an aftermarket Raptor grille that looks right at home on this truck. Addictive desert design front bumper is added with Rigid LED lights all across the front. Night becomes day with this many lights.

Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Interior
Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Front Bumper
Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Side
Brown Bros Racing 2017 F150 XLT Rear

You can start to see the Baja race-inspired vehicle starting to claw its way out. Bushwacker flares provide ideal coverage for the new Toyo MT 35X12.5X18 tires with 18”x9 Fuel Maverick wheels. I personally have had a set of these tires and found them to be terrific on and off-road. The tires increase your ground clearance and give you much more ability to climb over obstacles such as rocks, falling trees or that futon bed your wife dragged to the curb. The interior is not overlooked, with the addition of Katzkin leather seats with custom stitching.  Add that to the already great factory interior you have yourself a sweet ride.

The 5.5’ truck box is covered by a Bakflip matte black tonneau cover that can open in two sections to allow larger items to be transported.

This truck is ready to play and looks good doing so.  Head down to Brown Bothers Ford and check them out.

Price $75,607

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2017 Ford Raptor
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2017 Ford Raptor in Squamish BC – Video

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