FORD OFFERS HANDS-FREE DRIVING WITH BLUE CRUISE IN LIGHTNING EV PICKUP 

For quite some time now I have taken a both-hands-on-the-wheel approach when it comes to driving. I have more confidence when my hands are in the 3 o’clock-9-o’clock positions in most conditions, taking advantage of convenient nodules some models have on steering wheels to help me place my thumbs on the wheel.

It used to be the 2-10 position was recommended, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made the change because the 2-10 position can be dangerous in vehicles with smaller steering wheels and equipped with air bags. NHTSA actually recommends positions between 7 and 8 o’clock for your left hand and 4 and 5 for your right, but I like to move them up a little on the wheel.

With this in mind, I have been reluctant to see what “hands-free” driving is all about, though it is a feature often highlighted in car and truck ads you see on TV these days. The only time I ever thought about taking my hands off the wheel was if I was in a race car headed for an unavoidable crash into a race track wall, which is a situation I never will be in.

But I decided I should check out the hands-free mode on the Ford F-150 Lightning I was cruising in on Florida’s Turnpike recently. The turnpike is one of the divided highways that Ford’s “Blue Cruise” marks for operation. Interstate highways are other common hands-free zones across the U.S.

My reaction?

It’s a bit nerve-wracking at 70 mph.  No, allow me to amend that. A lot nerve-wracking.

Of course, unlike in TV commercials I have seen promoting the hands-free experience I did not clap my hands in rhythmic cadence but kept them lightly on the steering wheel.

That is recommended anyway for safety purposes and it became immediately clear why when I was confronted by several traffic barrels indicating a lane closure. I simply re-affirmed my grip on the steering wheel and smoothly guided the Ford F-150 Lightning into the adjacent lane.

Then I turned off the system and took over responsibility myself. Hands-free driving may seem cool, but I’m not ready for it yet.

I covered the basics for the Ford F-150 Lightning in a review posted a year ago but in simple terms it is an all-electric version of Ford’s best-selling full-sized F-Series pickup. Ford was not the first to come out with an EV pickup but it had the advantage of already having the best-selling model on the market when it did.

The Ford F-150 Lightning was popular at its introduction but with the news that Tesla was going to bring its Cybertruck EV to market later this year sales took a sharp drop. Ford confirmed a Wall Street Journal report that it was cutting a production shift of 700 workers for the F-150 Lightning at its Dearborn plant.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t all that much different from the debut 2022 model though driving range with the standard battery getting a slight bump up to 240 miles.

New Platinum Black and Flash editions are being added for 2024. This brief updade, however, is based on the original Lightning. Flash models get the extended ranger battery pack (320 miles) that boosts horsepower and torque to 580 hp and 775 pound-feet, respectively, resulting in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of 3.2 seconds.

The Lightning is sold only with a Crew Cab with a 5.5-foot bed that has a handy retractable step-up for easy access.

MSRP for the new 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black trim approaches six figures but only 2,000 are scheduled for production, according to reports. The Flash model starts at just under $70,000. Base Pro models start at just over $50,000.

What I liked about the Ford F-150 Lightning: Running boards are standard on a the Platinum trim to ease access to the spacious, comfortable cabin. Throttle response is immediate, making the Lightning ever quicker that the F-150 Raptor R. Trunk space in the front is handy for smaller cargo loads. 

What I didn’t like about the Ford F-150 Lightning: There’s a fairly steep learning curve with the numerous tech features. It can be distracting to work your way through the various modes to get to the function you need. I did not experience this personally but range is considerably reduced when towing.

Would I buy the Ford F-150 Lightning? All you want from a Ford F-150 comes in an all-electric drivetrain that does have the usual drawbacks when it comes to charging times and towing. Anyone having to do long-distance towing on a regular basis are advised to go with the usual gas-powered pickup.

2023 CHEVROLET COLORADO ZR2

REDESIGNED COLORADO PACKS 
MANY FEATURES IN LARGER PACKAGE

Still slightly smaller than its sibling Silverado, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has grown some since its introduction as a compact pickup for the 2004 model year.

A midsize truck now, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is more of a work horse than those of earlier generations and is a good option for the budget conscious who need more capability than a compact offers but can’t afford, or want, a bulky full-size pickup.

Fully redesigned, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado comes in five trim levels but only one engine and cabin offering. The V6 and diesel powertrains available in earlier Colorado models have been discontinued and a 2.7-liter turbo charged 4-cylinder is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with five selectable drive modes.

Depending on the trim level, tow-haul, off-road, terrain (for off-road rock crawling), and Baja (for high-speed desert running).complement the normal setting.

The only cabin choice is a 4-door crew cab that fits five passengers comfortably. With the standard short (5-foot) bed, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 that served as my test model measures 212.7 inches long and 76.4 inches wide (excluding mirrors), which is about 5.6 inches longer and 8.7 inches wider than the first Colorado model that replaced the compact Chevy S-10 around two decades ago.

At 73.8 inches in height, the 2023 Chevy Colorado is about half-a-foot taller than the debut model.

Dimensions for other trims — the base WT (or Work Truck), LT, Trail Boss, and ZR1 — vary slightly by less than an inch from the ZR2.

ZR2 models also get a power boost up from the 4-banger engine to 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque while other trims make do with 237 hp and either 259 or 390 lb.-ft.

Designers gave major upgrades to the the cabin for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR with a new center console and a new 11.2-inch touchscreen for infotainment features standing out. Legroom is a generous 45.2 inches up front but a tighter 38.3 inches in the second row.

Standard convenience features include an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and push-button start.

Notable exterior features include rocker panel protection, a spray-on bedliner, heated exterior mirrors, LED headlamps and fog lights, red recovery hooks, and a trailering equipment package (max towing capacity is a healthy 7,700 pounds).

Safety features include Chevy’s Safety Assist, system, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and front pedestrian and bicyclist warning.

All that is included in the starting MSRP of $46,800.

Extras like a ZR2 Convenience Package, driver seat memory settings, heated steering wheel, perforated leather seats, ventilated front seats, blind-spot zone steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, wireless charging, sunroof, HD surround vision, and adaptive cruise control ran the final total on my test 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to $52,130 including the $1,495 destination and delivery charge.

The ZR1 starts at just over $41,000. Other trims are priced in the $30,000 range.

What I liked about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: The ride is comfortable, and the upgraded turbo-4 in the ZR2 trim packs good punch. Infotainment functions are numerous and operate off a user-friendly touchscreen. HD surround vision is a nice feature when you are in crowded parking lots.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: A running board would be a great help for shorter passengers to get in and out. Not many options are offered if you want to customize your pickup.

Would I buy the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2? I’m not a truck guy,  but the Colorado is a good alternative for Chevy fans if a Silverado is outside your budget. If you are seeking a compact pickup, however, the Colorado has grown out of that market.

2023 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PHEV

SANTA FE PLUG-IN ALLOWS YOU TO TIPTOE 
INTO THE ELECTRIFICATION REVOLUTION

If you are leaning to joining in the trend to electrified vehicles for your next purchase but are holding back because of an acute case of range anxiety, a plug-in model may be the cure you are looking for..

Technically classified as PHEVs, options like the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in provides an all-electric driving experience over a limited range (30 miles according to the EPA) with a gasoline engine kicking in after that to extend that distance to 440 miles.

The South Korean automaker introduced the Plug-in version of the Santa Fe lineup last year to pair up with the standard gas-electric Hybrid version introduced the year before and the long-standing gas-only models that date back to 2001.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV comes in two trim levels.  Both the SEL trim and the Limited, which this review is based on, feature an electric motor and a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline that combined produce 261 horsepower, which is a jump of 35 hp over the 226 for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV.

Torque for the Plug-in is 224 pound-feet, a jump of 29 lb.-ft. over the HEV drivetrain. By itself, the turbo-4 is rated at 178 hp and 195 lb.ft.

EPA ratings for the Plug-in are 76 MPGe when the gas engine and electric motor are operating in tandem and 33 miles-per-gallon in gasoline-only mode.

Hyundai has blessed the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in with a fairly long list of features that on the SEL included a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, an electric parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, blind-spot warning, forward collision assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, hillstart assist, push-button start, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, hands-free power liftgate, 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual automatic climate control, Smart (adaptive) cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and more.

The upgraded Limited trim gets a parking collision assist system with reverse parking collision avoidance, leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, an 8-way power front passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, and a Harman Kardan premium audio system, and a surround-view monitor.

New standard features added for 2023 on Santa Fe Limited models are Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist that takes some of the stress out of long trips, 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation, and dynamic voice recognition.

Such features and a nicely designed, comfortable interior give the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Limited a premium feel. There is little to quibble about when it comes to its interior.

Starting MSRP for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited is $48,005 included freight charges of $1,335. That’s a jump from the $44,205 for the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited.

The SEL trim for the 2023 Huyundai Santa Fe Plugin starts at $43,745 including destination and delivery.

What I liked about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited: It has a classy exterior and a roomy, well-appointed interior with lots of user-friendly tech features. With only two rows of seating, the rear cargo area is very accommodating. The ride is quiet and comfortable. Legroom in the second row is a generous 39.5 inches. All-wheel drive is a plus.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited: It would be nice if the plug-in offered a bit more in way of electric only driving range, say in the range of approaching 40 miles instead of the current 30. I would prefer a standard shift knob over the push-button selector on the console.

Would I buy the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Limited? If you have a convenient place to plug it in for overnight and your daily commutes are fairly short, the 2023 Santa Fe PHEV is a great buy. Stretching your budget for the Limited trim over the SEL pays benefits.

FORD BRONCO EVERGLADES

FORD BRONCO EVERGLADES LOOKS TO TAKE ON THE SWAMP, (NO, NOT THE ONE IN D.C.

Among sentences you are not likely to find in many car reviews:

Ford is using technology derived from World War II German U-boats to expand the off-roading prowess of its Bronco SUV.

The “Everglades” edition of the Ford Bronco unveiled in 2022 features a snorkel system that allows it to ford streams or traverse swampy terrain you might encounter on an off-roading adventure.

Unlike the snorkel masts that reached skyward from the decks of World War II-vintage submarines to scoop air that allowed the diesel engines to run while the sub was submerged, the snorkel on the Ford Bronco Everglades edition is merged into the passenger-side A pillar and is not as obvious. You could say it is kind of hidden in plain sight.

The snorkel and other tweaks like special vents for the front and rear axles, transfer case, and transmission don’t make the Bronco Everglades a truly amphibious vehicle, but they do give the Bronco the ability to handle water hazards up to 36.4 inches deep, or one-to-three inches deeper than its main competitors.

In case you overestimate your seaworthiness, Ford has included as standard a winch and front and rear tow hooks to get you unstuck. (It goes without saying it helps that if you are venturing into more challenging treks to do so in a group!)

The Ford Bronco Everglades comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque when fed premium grade fuel. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and features a two-speed transfer case with modes selected via convenient buttons on the face of the upraised console storage bin.

Fuel economy is rated at 18 miles-per-gallon city, 17 highway, and 18 combined

As with its main competitor, the Jeep Wrangler, side and roof panels may be removed from the Ford Bronco Everglades for a more open air experience on the trail, though that’s not recommended for highway use. Rock rails and steel skid places protect the underbody.

The Ford Bronco Everglades also accepts other modifications to fenders and the like if the owner feels it is getting a “dated” look, which gives the vehicle a longer shelf life.

When it comes to convenience and comfort features, the Ford Bronco Everglades is a civilized beast. Infotainment systems feature Ford’s Sync 4 package, include navigation, and work off a 12-inch touchscreen, though simple functions operate off convenient knobs. A 4G WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto also are included.

The Ford Bronco Everglades rides on 17-inch wheels. Vinyl seats are standard, though the gear knob snd steering wheel are leather-wrapped. Push-button start is standard as well.

A final word about the snorkel system. The air intake normally faces forward but can be flipped around if you driving in excessively dusty conditions.

MSRP for the 2024 Bronco Everglades starts at $55,520 before even destination and delivery and any other extras are added on. The spec sheet for my test vehicle, a debut 2022 model that essentially has gone unchanged over the last two years, did not include pricing information

What I liked about the Ford Bronco Everglades: The screen for the navigation map is a nice size and is very clear. Infotainment functions overall are user-friendly with knobs to operate the radio and temperature controls. Other than considerable noise at highway speed, the ride is comfortable enough.

What I didn’t like about the Ford Bronco Everglades: With the extra ground clearance making the cabin sit so high, getting in and out can be a chore, especially for vertically challenged passengers. Wind and road noise at highway speeds drowns out the radio and turns casual conversations into near shouting matches.

Would I buy the Ford Bronco Everglades? Though engineered for rugged (and wet) off-road excursions, the Bronco Everglades serves well for a daily driver, though if one of your regular riders is height-challenged you may want to reconsider. I have liked my off-roading experiences, rare as they are, but am personally not in the market for such a specialized vehicle. 

2023 FORD F-150 RAPTOR R

FORD RAPTOR R AT HOME ON THE RACE TRACK AS WELL AS OFF-ROAD TRAILS

As if the 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque in the standard Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t enough, Ford has blessed us with an “R” version that takes those figures up to a breathtaking 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet for those hungering for sports car-like performance.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R zips from zero-to-60 miles per hour in a rapid 3.6 seconds with the capability of crushing anything that might have the misfortune of getting in its way.

When I was growing up I never figured a pickup truck might be my vehicle of choice for a drag race but here we are.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R’s supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine is adopted from the Mustang Shelby GT500 and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. A 2-speed transfer case for off-roading adventures is activated via a convenient panel of buttons on the lower dash.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R rides on standard 37-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tires and, like the Raptor itself, is available only with a five-passenger SuperCrew cabin.

It comes with a wide range of creature comforts such as heated second-row seats, FordPass Connect with 4G wifi telematics, Sync4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start, Raptor branded floor mats, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a distinct Raptor centerstack, a terrain management system, and and adaptive cruise control for highway.

Trail control, a system that allows you to select a specific speed for off-road ventures, also is standard. With this vehicle, you are at home off the road as well as the race track or drag strip.

Safety features include Ford’s Advancetrac system for stability control, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist with emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

My test 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R also came with a package of features that included leather seat surfaces, power-adjustable pedals, power-sliding rear window with privacy glass, dual-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, LED box lighting, and more.

Pricing was not included on the spec sheet since this particular vehicle is not for sale, but the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is going to cost you a lot more than the standard Raptor. 

Starting MSRP for the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is $109,145, or around $30,000 more more than the EcoBoost-powered F-150 Raptors. Even the most expensive electric F-150 Lightning, the Platinum trim, is about $17,000 less.    

Speaking of less, it should be pointed out that despite the overall power boost in the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R, towing capacity starts at 8,200, well below the 14,000-15,000 available on some standard V8 F-150s. Maximum payload is listed at 1,400 pounds, also well short of F-150s equipped with a slightly larger beds than the Raptor’s 5.5-foot box.

What I liked about the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R: With its deep bass exhaust tones and rapid throttle response, it’s like driving a 1960s’ Muscle Car on steroids. The ride is surprisingly smooth and comfortable even with all-terrain tires and a firm suspension designed for off-road use. Infotainment features in the Sync 4 system are user-friendly and include knobs for adjusting the radio and temperature control. The full-size running boards ease the way to get in and out of both rows of seating in the spacious Super Cab cabin. A surround-view camera view takes some of the angst of maneuvering in tight quarters. The auto hold system, activated via the Features menu on the touchscreen, prevents creeping at intersections.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R: Negotiating narrow streets and jam-packed mall parking lots call for attentive handling. It’s a thirsty beast as the computer showed my mileage hovering at just over 11-mpg. Fortunately, a 36-gallon fuel tank extends the range.

Would I buy the 2023 Ford F-150Raptor R? Not for me personally but for someone with a big budget for more challenging off-road excursions it has to be at the top of the wish list.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

2024 NISSAN Z NISMO 

NISSAN Z NISMO AMONG  3 VEHICLES EARNING 2023 AWARDS FROM SAMA

The 2023 Miami International Auto Show opened Labor Day weekend in Miami Beach without the participation of German manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche and several other popular makes, most notably Honda, Acura, and Volvo.

But still several noteworthy, vehicles representing 17 brands are shown in 13 displays not including a group of exotics and a collection of old-time favorites. Attendees also have the opportunity to get a taste of all-electric vehicles with rides at two different special tracks. 

The South Florida-based Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) singled out a trio of compelling award winners with its selection of the 2024 Nissan Nismo as “Star of the Show,” the Dark Horse version of the 2024 Ford Mustang as “Performance Car of the Show,” and the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV as the “Electric Vehicle of the Show.”

2024 FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV

The judges also cited three others — Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV9, and Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road — for Honorable Mention honors.

The performance version of the Nissan Z sports car that won SAMA’s “Star of the Show” honors at the 2021 Miami show, the Nissan Z Nismo was making its auto show debut in Miami and will on sale this fall. 

Spokesman Dimitri Arnaoutis called it the “halo vehicle” of the Z lineup that is track ready “right of the box” with model-specific details to the bodywork and performance upgrades like better downforce for “greater stability at high speeds and track performance.”

Media members also got a preview of the upgraded 2024 Jeep Wrangler that was making its first appearance in Miami after its debut at last spring’s New York Auto Show.

“Miami this has always been a Top 10 market us” said Scott Tallon, director Jeep Product North America.

SCOTT TALLON WITH 2024 JEEP WRANGLER

There are a number of capability enhancements among the entire range of Jeep vehicles, he said, including enhancing technology, safety features, and even refinement.

“Some of those touches you don’t necessarily associate with Wrangler,” Tallon said, “but to modernize it and bring it to that next level we have touched nearly ever aspect of this vehicle. But, as I said, capability is  at its core so let’s start there.”

Key is a new full-float rear axle that Tallon said opens the way for “easier modifications for our customers, more capability, and more  towing. Our customers have been telling us for years that when they hit the trails they want to be able to take more gear with them. Now they have these little popup trailers, dirt bikes, whatever.

“Previously the Wrangler could only handle 3500 pounds. Now towing has been increased to 5,000 pounds.”

There also has been an 8,000-pound factory-installed winch at the front, which is “something they have been asking for for a long, long time,” Tallon said.

Hyundai also has revealed refreshed Elantra and Sonata sedans on the Miami floor as well as the Miami Auto Show’s “show car” the Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV.

The Miami International Auto Show continues through Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For more information visit www.miamiauthshow.com.