Dodge adds Hemi Orange package for Durango R/T

New SUV

Dodge

The Dodge Durango isnt the newest or most refined SUV on the market, but it offers great comfort, good tech, and a handful of raucous powertrian options. The long-running family hauler is due for an update, but in the meantime, Dodge has given it a new Hemi Orange package with unique styling touches.

Dodge already offers the Hemi Orange package fo the Challenger and Charger, and now it's available for the three-row Durango. The package is available for the R/T trim, which comes with a 5.7-liter V8.

Dodge Durango Hemi OrangeDodge offers four exterior colors with the package. Dodge

Much of the Orange package's content comes on the outside, where Dodge adds orange and gunmetal hod stripes, black taillights, and grey/orange badging. The SUV rides on black 20-inch wheels, and Dodge offers different black "Lights Out" 20-inch wheels. Four exterior colors are available: Destroyer Grey, Diamond Black, Octane Red, and White Knuckle. Inside, the Durango gets orange sticthing and unique patterns in the upholstery. Dodge says the stitching extends throughout the interior, including to the gauge cluster, armrests, console lid, and steering wheel.

Two upgrades are available for the Hemi Orange Durango. The first is the Orange Plus Package, which adds a power sunroof, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a load of driver aids. The Tow N Go package is available for four-wheel drive models, and brings the 20-inch Lights Out wheels, orange brake calipers, and a Bilstein high-performance suspension system.

The Durango R/T Hemi Orange is available now. It carries a price tag of $1,995. The Orange Plus package costs $4,500 and the Tow N Go package costs $5,095.

Mazda

The 2023 Mazda CX-50: A New Arrow in Mazda’s Quiver

New SUV

I have driven all of the Mazda vehicles that have been sold in the US market over the past three decades. On everyday roads and on racetracks. I’ve appreciated their “zoom-zoom”. Good power. Punchy torque just where it was needed. Well-balanced and sporty handling. A bit of growl for the versions that called for it. Plus, tasteful-but-modest styling and more or less elbow room, depending on the model. Mazda’s have been made for sports-car enthusiasts and to ferry families. But, I had never known a Mazda called an “overlander”. Until now.

2023 Mazda CX-50Towing capacity extends to 2,000 pounds.Mazda

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 moves this traction-sophisticated automaker into the lands where the pavement ends and now takes the brand ‘off-track’. Although it’s not a new thing for many of today’s carmakers to add a backcountry model or two to their lineup, it’s new for Mazda. I traveled to Santa Barbara, California to check out this all-new crossover built on Mazda’s seventh-generation small SUV platform that is shared with the smaller CX-30. This 5-passenger utility is longer, lower and wider than the CX-5 that rides on the previous generation’s underpinnings. The CX-50 has been crafted with a roomier second row and more cargo room for the goods and gear that weekend warriors and adventurers want to carry.

The CX-50 comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation that gets 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter turbo-charged powerplant with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque; both shift through a six-speed automatic transmission. The sport ute can tow up to 2,000 lbs. with the naturally aspirated motor and up to 3,500 lbs. with the turbo-charged mill and Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) that brings a tow mode as well as Normal, Sport and Off-Road. The newest Mazda model has been made for North America only and is built in Alabama. It is the first Mazda vehicle with auto start/stop that can be deactivated.

2023 Mazda CX-50Mazda is a master of upscale interiors. Mazda

The new crossover starts at $26,800 and comes in S, S Select, S Preferred, S Preferred Plus, S Premium, and S Premium Plus with the base motor. Turb-charged versions come in Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus that tops out at close to $42,000. A long list of technology and safety features are standard or available. Mazda says that Meridian, a fourth turbo trim will arrive soon with even more off-road cred; it will be set up with 18-inch black wheels AT, hood graphics and other backcountry goodies.

When you look at the CX-50, the first thing you’ll notice is exterior styling that speaks to its adventure-ready mission. Muscular bodywork, such as extra cladding, wide fender flairs and larger, more aggressive tires mean that this crossover has been designed not only to give a nod to the looks of a rugged crossover but to provide enhanced traction and a tad more suspension stretch for motoring over uneven terrain and along bumpy dirt roads. Planted on its haunches with functional air vents, it eschews minivan styling with a low and wide footprint that allows owners to have easy access to high-strength roof rails for loading gear on top; the roof has been made stronger than other Mazda crossovers to accommodate heavier loads, such as a roof-top tent. A panoramic moonroof- a first for Mazda- and attractive antiglare hood graphics and are tasteful additions.

The interior is attractive and roomy, with horizontal lines and “cleanable” surfaces as a nod to outdoor endeavors. Our Turbo Premium Plus model had bright orange reverse stitching that popped the cabin that has been crafted with uplevel trims and materials and brought heads-up display. A 7-inch infotainment screen is standard, while the top models get a 10.25-inch version. A wireless charging pad and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims. Of note, is the rear power and programmable liftgate to the wide and deep rear cargo compartment, with a load floor that flush with the liftgate opening to help slide heavy items in and out of the back. An available line of cargo accessories makes stowage easier.

2023 Mazda CX-50The CX-50 is family roadtrip ready.Mazda

How did it handle over the 200-plus miles of our ride and drive? The Turbo Premium Plus CX-50 offers a lot like; many of its driving attributes are consistent with Mazda’s tuning and handling priorities across its product line. Traveling along coastal highways, carving mountainous twisties with tight turns and accelerating on flat and straight well-graded pavement, it has great Mazda manners: i.e., there is enough power and torque in the right bandwidth to move it well; precise steering with a slightly heavily-weighted leather-wrapped steering wheel and well-modulated brakes, especially with towing a 3,500-lb. load. We enjoyed using Sport mode for carving corners, as it brings elongated shifts from the six-speed automatic; a crisp response comes when sport shifting in “manual mode” and provides a quick throttle response.

We tried out the Off-Road mode on a course that included flat and uneven dirt roads, as well as hill climb and descent. Although there is no downhill descent control system, the brakes worked well, along with manual gearing. Of note, Mazda would be wide to add downhill descent engineering for steeper and slicker terrain. We were able to test the difference between Normal and Off-Road over a special section of the course with sandy corners and a winding track at a speed of 30 mph showing the improved traction in the Off-Road programming and the aid of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control that brings a bit of magic to transfer torque to the wheels where it is needed to keep the intended track-think of it like an enhanced traction control program that helps with steering and yaw control.

2023 Mazda CX-50The CX-50 comes with off-road driving modes. Mazda

Other aids for off-road and backcountry travel are: the i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system that is standard equipment on all CX-50s, with a 50/50ish power transfer front to back; 8.6 inches of ground clearance; an 18-degree approach angle and a 24-degree departure angle; and an optional 360-degree camera system.

*EPA reports: base motor fuel economy 24 city/30 highway mpg, while the turbo option gets 23/29 mpg and can run on regular or premium fuel.

Toyota

Toyota Caps Truck Lineup with New Range-Topping Model

Premium full-size truck

Toyota has stepped up its truck game. After recently releasing the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra that was redesigned and reconfigured from the ground up with distinct six models, Toyota has now added a new range-topping version. The 2022 Toyota Capstone will give full-sized truck buyers another choice in the Toyota stable; Capstone, priced above the high-end 1794 and Limited trims, starts at $75,225, including destination and delivery. Toyota’s new flagship truck joins the increasingly-popular segment of upper-echelon pickups that includes the Ford F-150 Platinum, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country and Ram 1500 Limited, among others in the full-sized market.

Capstone is set apart from its stablemates with unique trim elements outside and within the premium cabin; the special edition model brings Toyota’s an all-new iForce MAX hybrid engine that is shifted through a 10-speed transmission-- also new to the lineup with the Tundra’s third-generation remake. Standard configuration is a 4WDemand part-time four-wheel drive system;new technology features that bundle towing aids and off-road enhancements; and a crew-cab with a 5.5-foot bed, along with air springs, 22-inch wheels shod with P265.50R22 tires; a 14.0-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL Audio system, as part of the notable collection of lux-level appointments.

2022 Toyota Tundra CapstoneThe entire Tundra line is all-new for 2022. Toyota

The outside of the newest Tundra was crafted to evoke the ethic of muscled toughness and attract buyers interested in recreation and an outdoor lifestyle. The Capstone version adds an overlay of eye-appealing trim elements that elevate its allure, whether at posh digs like the country club or lakeside unhitching a boat or water-sports toys. Chrome is the jewelry of choice: the grille is beset by a color-keyed outer frame with a chrome mesh pattern insert and there arechrome mirror caps, door handles, chrome “TUNDRA” tailgate inserts plus chrome wheels that are the largest that Toyota has ever added to a truck. Power-retracting running boards and a power Bedstep are standard. Capstone comes in a palette of lush colors that includes Wind Chill Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Supersonic Red and Blueprint.

The halo-truck’s interior adds driver and passenger comforts and updated technologies with the “technical muscle theme” carried over inside; the horizontal layout is newly styled and a standard panoramic moonroof brightens the ambiance. Slipping in, you’ll find standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats in a Capstone-only black-and-white color combination and a center console and passenger-side dash that are accented with authentic Dark American Walnut enunciated by an open-pore finish; on the dash, the Walnut inlay surrounds a Capstone logo that illuminates when the doors are opened. Bowing to driver comfort and convenience is a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel; a 12.3-inch digital Multi-Informational Display and standard 10-inch color Head-Up Display. A massive 14.0-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrated into the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system that allows for simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. A Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices by turning Tundra into an AT&T Hotspot and also provides the ability to link your separate Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle with Integrated Streaming.

2022 Toyota Tundra CapstoneThe Capstone comes with an ultra-plush interior and great tech.Toyota

We drove the new Capstone model during a ride and drive program in Carmel Valley, California, that was designed to highlight different aspects of the truck’s capabilities. We motored along the Pacific Coast Highway’s serpentine track, as well as on two-lane in-town roadways and along a few busier stretches that required pushing the throttle to pass and ascend uphill grades, especially when we were towing. Of note, Capstones can tow up to 10,340 pounds and have a max payload rating of 1485 pounds (other Tundra grades can haul more).

Among our takeaways: the truck is especially quiet with standard acoustic glass in the front cabin, however pushing the the twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 iForce MAX hybrid engine, which produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, brings two features of delight—instant torque and a throaty growl that has been dialed in to enhance the senses of enthusiasts. The hybrid system has a motor generator between the engine and the transmission to boost power, in addition to parallel hybrid components that provide start-up, EV motoring, electric assist and energy regeneration. Integration of the gas and electric system is seamless and the 10-speed auto provides a smooth transition between gears. Engineered to enhance towing, the hybrid system provides additional power and torque, whereas when motoring in the city it focuses on a quiet ride with improved fuel efficiency; tuning for highway driving allows a lively linear power delivery and for off-highway forays bring peak torque performance early in the RPM range.

Drive Mode Select allowed us to select a driving mode depending upon preference and need, with settings for Eco, Normal and Sport. With available Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension, modes expand to Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+ (SPORT or SPORT+ settings that are engineered to make the electric motor’s response instantaneous).

The all-new chassis with its fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame brings a comfortable-although-slightly-stiff ride. We found excellent handling for carving corners with the new multi-link rear suspension and competent braking with a good pedal feel. Standard are adaptive dampers, while Tundra's new optional rear air springs’ system can raise or lower the bed.

2022 Toyota Tundra CapstoneThe Capstone gets an exclusive interior color scheme and plush leather upholstery. Toyota

Capstone’s standard Towing Technology Package brings Trailer Back Guidance, which is a great help in overall maneuvering of trailers, plus Straight Path Assist that is designed to ensure your truck and trailer will back up in a straight line---360-degree cameras aid with visibility and tough-to-see areas around the truck and trailer. When connected with Toyota’s integrated trailer brake controller, the Blind Spot Monitor can recognize blind spots for not just the truck but the trailer as well.

Onboard cameras display multiple exterior angles that can be viewed from the touchscreen and/or the standard Digital Display Rearview Mirror; Panoramic View Monitor displays a top-down view of the truck. Other views include the rear truck bed to check on cargo, and a helpful aide for towing is the rear split view to show what’s nearby on each side of the trailer and the hitch view to assist with trailer connecting.

Capstone, like all Tundra grades, comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, Toyota’s active safety system that bundles an impressive array of safety features.

**The 2022 Toyota Tundra is available in 2WD and 4WD; 4-door Double cab and Crew max body styles; and the option of 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed lengths. Seven grade levels include SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, TRD Pro and Capstone. Two engines are available: In addition to the hybrid, is a twin-turbo V-6 that produces 389 hp./ 479 lb.-ft. torque. Both engines are shifted through Toyota’s 10-speed transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 12,000 pounds/max payload 1,940 lbs., depending on model.

Ford

Ford F-150 Lightning will provide power for your home

Full-size electric pickup truck

Ford's first electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, will be on sale soon, but we're still learning about new and innovative features the truck will bring when it finally lands. Today, Ford announced a partnership with Sunrun, a nationwide solar company, to provide home charging station installation services to Lightning buyers, but there's more to the truck's chargers than meets the eye. The Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System will allow F-150 Lightning customers to return electricity to their homes from the truck's batteries, which can help ease high power bills and reduce load on a strained public power grid.

Ford F-150 LightningThe new feature makes its debut with the F-150 Lightning.Ford

The two-way power system is making its debut on the F-150 Lightning, and will use the truck's extended-range battery to deliver up to 9.6 kilowatts of power, drawing from the battery's 131 kilowatt-hours of energy. Since there's no gas involved and no internal combustion engine that typically powers small generators, there's no noise, no smell, and no hassle trying to pour gasoline into a tiny fuel tank.

In order to take advantage of the clever features, F-150 Lightning owners will need to install a Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System, which include a power inverter and a dark start battery and transfer switch. Those components enable two-way power flow to return electricity to the home. Buyers who opt for the extended-range battery get the Ford Charge Station Pro automatically, but buyers that choose the standard battery can purchase the 80-amp Charge Station Pro separately, and the Home Integration System can also be purchased from Sunrun.

Ford F-150 LightningThe F-150 Lightning's generator feature joins the F-150 Powerboost's ProPower onboard generator in the truck lineup.Ford

Ford says it will roll out more Lightning-related features in the future to help customers save money and avoid paying peak electricity rates. One such option will allow customers to power their homes from the truck's batteries when peak rates are in effect, but will switch back to the grid later on - or to solar panels, if the customers has them. The Ford Charge Station Pro that comes with the F-150 Lightning Extended Range (sold separately for customers buying the standard battery truck) is required to enable those features.

Nissan

2022 Nissan Titan pricing announced

Full-size pickup truck

The gas-powered full-size truck market is as strong as ever, even as new electric trucks start hitting the road. Toyota just released an all-new Tundra, the Ford F-150 offers an innovative hybrid powertrain, and GM recently overhauled the tech in its full-size pickup twins. Though it's not quite on the level of its competition, the Nissan Titan offers decent capability and a standard V8. Pricing for the Titan line starts just shy of $40,000.

2022 Nissan TitanNissan fully refreshed the Titan in 2020Nissan

Pricing for the 2022 Titan starts at (including $1,695 destination):

  • Titan S King Cab 4x2: $39,705
  • Titan S Crew Cab 4x2: $41,475
  • Titan Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x4: $61,675
  • Titan XD S Crew Cab 4x2: $47,275
  • Titan XD Platinum Reserve Crew Cab 4x4: $64,735

The Titan got an overhaul for the 2020 model year and it sees new standard features for 2022. The base Titan S adds a standard trailer hitch and Berliner, the SV trim gets navigation, dual-zone climate controls, and more. All trims get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure warnings, blind spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and rear automatic braking.

2022 Nissan TitanThe Titan gets new standard features for 2022Nissan

A single powertrain is on offer for the 2022 Titan, but it's a good one. The truck comes standard with a 5.6-liter V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive. That powertrain enables a max towing rating of 9,660 pounds, which is not as strong as the Titan's rivals, but should be plenty for the average truck owner.

Toyota

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is all-new and all-improved

All-new SUV

The Toyota Tundra and Sequoia were two of the oldest vehicles on the market, but that's all different now. The new Tundra is already on the streets, and today Toyota released a load of specs and details on the all-new 2023 Sequoia. The full-size SUV gets a major update for the new model year with completely fresh styling, impressive new tech, and a powerful standard engine. We don't have pricing details yet, but Toyota says the 2023 Sequoia will be available starting in summer 2022.

2023 Toyota SequoiaIn addition to new styling, the SUV gets a twin-turbo hybrid V6 powertrain and a load of updated tech.Toyota

Five trims of the Texas-built SUV will be offered: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone. All 2023 Sequoia models get the impressive twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-Force Max engine from the all-new Tundra. It makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, and sends it to the rear or all four wheels through a ten-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers a max towing rating of up to 9,000 pounds, which is a solid number and a massive increase over the previous Sequoia.

Toyota offers automatic-leveling air suspension and adaptive suspension settings with modes for Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom. The Sport drive modes also improve throttle response and changes transmission shift points. The electric motor handles most propulsion duties below 18 mph, but after that the gas engine steps in. The motor is constantly involved when the truck is in Tow/Haul mode.

2023 Toyota SequoiaTRD Pro models get under-body cladding and beefier tires.Toyota

Similar to the high-end treatment given to the Tundra, Toyota will offer a Capstone trim for the new Sequoia that brings unique upholstery and trim materials, 22-inch chrome wheels, power side steps, American Walnut inlays, and more. That said, even the standard Sequoia SR5 offers plenty of standard gear. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, along with heated seats and more. An available Premium Package adds an enormous 14-inch infotainment display, power third-row seats, a hands-free liftgate, and additional power outlets.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 will also be standard for the SUV. The system includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and daytime cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and rear seat reminders. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts is also standard.

2023 Toyota SequoiaThe new Capstone trim is a super-plush trim with an interior rivaling those in many luxury brands.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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