Latino Traffic Report

Truck Review: 2016 Nissan Titan XD Platinum Reserve

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Sep 252016

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) named Nissan’s all-new Titan XD the Truck of Texas last year, partly because its game changing Cummins Diesel V8 engine and capabilities placed it between a half-ton and heavy-duty sweet spot. I recently drove the gasoline-powered Titan XD Platinum Reserve four-wheel drive (4WD) for Latino Traffic Report. It’s quite the bruiser in city driving, but like its diesel sibling, offers impressive capabilities of its own.

“Titan XD is a truck that uniquely uses both technology and strength to add confidence to the completion of everyday work tasks,” says Fred Diaz, division vice president and general manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc. “Half of all full-size truck owners tow more than ten times a year, with a quarter of owners using them to haul tools, so we engineered TITAN XD’s toughness from the ground up.”

Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 390 horsepower and 401 lb.–ft. of torque and matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Titan XD can meet most work challenges. It has a maximum payload capacity of 2,523 pounds (2,594 with the two-wheel drive (2WD)) and can tow a maximum of 11,000 lbs. (11,270 1bs. with the 2WD).

Assembled in Decherd, Tenn., the new V8 engine utilizes four-valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Event and Lift for better responsiveness, and Direct Injection Gas for better performance and fuel economy. All Titan XDs come with one configuration, the four-door Crew Cab and six foot 5.8-inch bed.

Straddling the half-ton and heavy-duty classification excuses the Titan XD from stating an estimated fuel economy but according to the onboard average fuel calculator, I achieved 14.1 miles per gallon during the weeklong test drive.

With a wheelbase that’s 20 inches longer than non-XD TITANs, the test model made city driving slightly challenging. While parallel parking in downtown Austin was out of the question—not that it couldn’t be done but there were absolutely no spaces to be had—parking in general was greatly assisted by the RearView Monitor with trailer guides, the AroundView camera with Moving Object Detection, and front and rear sonar systems that are all standard on the Platinum Reserve.

While I didn’t get to test them, off-road performance has also been improved with features like Hill Descent Control and Brake Limited-Slip Differential. A new off-road gauge calculates the vehicle’s pitch and roll angles. I did get to engage the Hill Start Assist that prevents the XD from rolling backwards at a stop.

A workable truck has to be versatile and that includes ample cargo space. New for 2016 is the second-row underseat storage with a locking lid and integrated foldout flat floor. The center console can hold a computer tablet and a dual lockable in-bed “TITAN Box” is available.

As the name implies, the Platinum Reserve is the top-of-the-line trim level on either gasoline or diesel-powered XD. As such, the interior is rather plush with two-tone quilted heated and cooled leather front seats, heated rear seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with a wood insert, premium open-pore wood instrument panel finishers with metallic “Platinum Reserve” badging, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and pre-wiring for the DVD Family Entertainment System, among other features.

Pricing for the gas-powered 2016 Titan XD starts at $36,485. The as-tested pricing came to $56,715.

Sí: From capability to safety, the Titan XD Platinum Reserve packs a lot of features into this plush but hard-working pickup.

No: Its size makes it challenging to maneuver in confined urban settings.

Best Moments at Miami International Auto Show

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Sep 152016

What better location is there for revealing a new vehicle than a parking garage? Set against the backdrop of the Miami skyline, the 2017 Rogue made its worldwide debut atop just such a location. Nissan took this opportunity last week at the forty-sixth annual Miami International Auto Show press preview, where the 2017 Sentra SR Turbo was also revealed.

Introduced by Executive Vice President Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Chairman, Nissan North America, Inc., José Muñoz (pictured above), the all-new Rogue competes in the compact SUV segment and now reflects Nissan’s design DNA as well as a more upscale interior. New convenience features on the Rogue include an available Motion-Activated Liftgate, the available Nissan Safety Shield technologies, and the first-ever Rogue Hybrid.

2017 Sentra SR Turbo

Hecho en México, the newest Sentra in the lineup brings a sporty option to a segment that tends to lack appeal beyond the price and fuel efficiency. Powered by a 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline turbocharged engine, both the SR manual and Xtronic versions will have the same starting price, under $22,000 and the ability to upgrade. The SR will also offer important safety features, like a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, even on the six-speed manual version, unlike the Sentra base model, also a six-speed manual, which is sold practically as-is.

Both models should appeal to Latino car buyers who will be integral to their success.

“Nissan is one of the top automotive brands with Hispanic buyers and multicultural buyers in general, fueling Nissan’s current strong sales growth nationwide,” said Muñoz. “Sales to the Hispanic community represent a full 21 percent of Nissan’s total sales, well above the industry average.”

#PinkBeetle

Other interesting reveals included the #PinkBeetle, Volkswagen’s special edition of the 2017 Beetle, offered in a hardtop or convertible version, that will also serve as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. As the name implies, its exterior paint is a translucent pink or Fresh Fuchsia Metallic. The Pink Agenda will auction the first model for FAB-U-WISH, a non-profit initiated by breast cancer survivor Giuliana Rancic. Bidding takes place online at Charitybuzz.com/vwpinkbeetle through September 22, 2016.

Genesis G90

Hyundai’s new luxury brand, Genesis, launched one its first models, the G90, last month. The G90 also received the Best Luxury Sedan Award at the auto show from Ruedas ESPN. Only the second luxury brand to launch this century, Genesis will continue to do what Hyundai does best, offer more equipment and services than its competitors. Most impressive is the suite of safety features that come standard on the G90 but that still remain options on brands like Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz, namely a blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, and a multi-view camera.

Finally, the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) ended the day with its award ceremony, naming the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (left) premium midsize sedan the Star of the Show.

Hybrid Car Review: 2016 Toyota Prius Touring

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Sep 122016

Some redesigns amount to a mere nip and tuck, but others achieve a true about face. The first Toyota Prius was made famous because of what it did, not how it looked. During a test drive for Latino Traffic Report of the 2016 redesigned version, I was immediately impressed with it’s new look, plus fuel efficiency and cargo room also improve.

The “Triangle Silhouette” that defined the Prius is gone, and now longer, lower, and wider than its predecessors, the new Prius bears more of a sedan silhouette, although it’s still technically a liftback.

Both the Bi-LED headlamps with automatic headlamp leveling and tail lights expand on the flame motif that the outgoing Prius hinted at. The hybrid’s new form also has a function, increasing aerodynamics that also improves fuel economy.

The new powertrain engages a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two motor/generators through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). A new lithium-ion hybrid battery replaces the nickel-metal hydride battery in most models. Smaller and flatter, the new battery’s size allows it to fit under the rear seat, expanding cargo volume to 27.4 cu. ft., an increase from the previous space of 21.6 cu. ft.

New innovations under the hood also stretch gasoline. All of this technology combine to give the Prius Four Touring that I tested an estimated fuel economy of 54 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. That’s an increase from the city/highway estimated mileage of 51/48 mpg for the previous model. I averaged 50.9 mpg on the test drive.

On the inside a new instrument panel features a dual 4.2-inch full-color TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information displays that can be configured using steering wheel controls. The driver can also enhance performance with Normal and Power driving modes option that also add ambience. The Power mode produces a red background display while Normal emits blue.

Safety advances include a standard rear backup camera and Hill Start Assist on all six trim levels. The two up-level Prius Four models, however, come with a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert and Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS –(P)) with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Auto High Beams and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. TSS-(P) is available on Prius Three and Four trims but not, unfortunately, on the base models.

Standard creature comforts included heated Softex front seats, Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite visible on a seven-inch-high resolution touch-screen with split screen display, AM/FM CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology), and Siri Eyes Free, among other features.

The test model added the Premium Convenience Package ($1705) with Safety Connect that includes Emergency Assistance, a stolen vehicle locator, one-year complimentary subscription to roadside assistance and automatic collision notification, among other features.

Pricing for the 2016 Prius starts at $25,035. The as-tested pricing came to $32,540.

Sí: The all-new Toyota Prius gets a redesign that moves the segment forward with a provocative new look.

No: Safety features like a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert should be offered on lower trim levels.

Hyundai Resigns Sordo to WRC Racing

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Sep 022016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai Motorsport has signed a two-year extension to its agreement with Dani Sordo (pictured above, right), which will see the Spaniard remain with the team until the end of 2018. The announcement was made just one day after scoring his first podium of 2016 in a second-place finish at the rally in Germany.

Along with his co-driver Marc Martí, Sordo has played a vital role in establishing the team in the competitive world of WRC since the first rally back at Monte-Carlo 2014.

The Spanish crew contributed to the team’s historic 1-2 in Rallye Deutschland two years ago, while adding a further podium in Rally Spain in 2015. The pair have been regularly among the quickest in the field this season and secured their first podium of the season, finishing Rallye Deutschland in second place, equaling their best result for the team.

l to r: Martí and Sordo

Team principal Michel Nandan commented: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Dani as we look to build further on our inaugural years in the WRC. Since we joined the Championship back in 2014, Dani has been an essential member of our team. He is motivated and consistent, helping us to develop both on and off rallies. We have shared many happy memories together, including their excellent result at the weekend. We can now look forward to even more positive progress in the future.”

Sordo added: “Hyundai Motorsport has become like a family to me, so I am pleased to extend my contract for two more seasons. I have had the pleasure of seeing and helping this young team grow into real contenders in just a few years and I am really excited to see where we can develop into the future, especially with the new regulations. My aim is to fight for WRC wins and podiums on a regular basis, and I know that is a realistic goal with this team. We’ve had our most successful season to date in 2016 but I know that there is so much more to come this season – and beyond.”

Sordo is not waiting until next season for his next big result. With Tour de Corse next up on the 2016 calendar—and his home rally in Spain two weeks later—he is definitely looking to continue his strong form.

“We’ve had our most successful season to date in 2016,” he adds, “but I know there is so much more to come in the final rallies of the year.”

Car Review: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda, Reviews Comments Off

Aug 262016

Summer’s winding down and in Texas that means convertible season is about to begin. The selection in this segment has dwindled over the years but one little roadster celebrated 26 years of success this year. For 2016, the Mazda MX-5 Miata gets a whole new look and improvements. On a recent test drive of the MX-5 Grand Touring for Latino Traffic Report, it made me smile just looking at it, and from ear-to-ear after getting behind the wheel.

While the convertible still requires a manual release rather than an automatic one, the cloth top is light so it can be done quickly and easily—with one hand in my case.

As expected, the diminutive Miata is fuel efficient, but the fourth-generation MX-5 adopts SKYACTIV Technology for a 25-percent greater fuel-efficiency and drops 150 pounds to make it faster and save even more gas.

The test model powertrain included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine matched to the SKYACTIV six-speed manual transmission. It had an EPA estimated rating of 27 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. I averaged 31.2 mpg during the weeklong test. While the manual transmission ramps up the Miata’s sporty performance, a six-speed automatic transmission is also available.

A double-wishbone front suspension further enhanced performance as well as a lightweight but rigid rear multilink setup.

Known for a driving experience best described as “zoom-zoom,” Mazda was also one of the first to offer safety technology that had been reserved for premium brands, like a blind-spot monitor. On the top-of-the-line Touring model that I tested, Mazda goes further by adding rear cross traffic alert as a standard feature, along with the blind spot monitor. Sadly, these features are not available on the Sport and Club trims.

All three MX-5 trim levels, however, come equipped with air conditioning, a push-button starter, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio and speed controls, power door locks, USB input, Bluetooth wireless phone pairing and audio streaming, a leather shift knob, and as an added bonus, a CD player. The Touring adds heated leather trimmed seats, a Bose audio system and Mazda Connect infotainment system (standard on the Club trim as well) with a seven-inch color touch screen, and navigation. The number of radio presets was limited to twelve and couldn’t be set while the car was in motion, an odd inconvenience.

Probably the greatest appeal of the Miata, besides the open-air ride, is its value—it’s one of the most affordable convertibles in its segment. Pricing for the 2016 Miata MX-5 starts at $25,735. The as-tested pricing came to $31,315.

Sí: The Miata is a fun and affordable roadster, packed with lots of features.

No: Safety features like a blind spot monitor should be available on the lower trim levels and I need at least 40 presets on a radio.

MINI Defy Labels Campaign Features Olympian Balderas

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Aug 182016

carlos_balderas_usa_boxing_1024x576-228-780x439

Latino Traffic Report has learned that lightweight boxer Carlos Balderas Jr. of Santa Maria, California, is one of several athletes featured in MINI USA’s “Defy Labels” campaign that debuted during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The star-studded campaign launched earlier this year but the television spot featuring Olympians launched August 1 on the official MINI USA YouTube channel, focusing on athletes and the labels they’ve overcome to become what they are today.

“We specifically selected these remarkable athletes because they are different. Their stories are not what you would expect,” explained Tom Noble, department head, MINI Brand Communications. “In the end, it’s not about the labels people give you, it’s about who you are and what you overcome. It’s about being an individual and creating your own path, something we as a brand know a lot about. These Olympians and their stories offer important lessons that reveal the power of the human spirit to surprise and inspire.”

In addition to the spot itself, the campaign also includes a series of eight unscripted interviews telling honest and revealing stories about how some of the country’s most elite athletes rose from extraordinary circumstances to achieve success in their fields. The videos were launched on July 21st on MINIUSA.com/DefyLabels. They star Balderas, Serena Williams, boxer Claressa Shields, fencer IIbtihaj Muhammad, volleyball player Jake Gibb, rugby player Carlin Isles, weight-lifter Morgan King and swimmer Cullen Jones.

USA Boxing has not recorded a lightweight medal win at the Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games. Balderas was well on his way to a medal after winning the first two preliminary rounds. On August 12, he faced Lazaro Alvarez of Cuba in a quarterfinals bout. After three rounds, the top-seeded Alvarez won by unanimous decision, ending the American boxer’s Olympic medal bid.

“I’ll be supporting my teammates like they’ve been supporting me, and we’ll be out there until the last day,” he told Chris Kudialis of The Tribune.

CUV Launch: 2017 Kia Sportage

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Aug 092016

Introduced in the early nineties, the Sportage is Kia’s longest-running nameplate. Redesigned for 2017, Kia recently introduced the all-new Sportage in San Diego and Latino Traffic Report was there. With striking new looks, the Sportage adds more standard equipment for 2017 as well as new safety technology.

The compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) handled curves deftly at the launch, but its new exterior really grabbed attention, particularly at the first stop—the Julian Pie Company in Julian, California. The original apple pie with cheddar cheese was delicious!

Designed in Germany, it’s no surprise that the new Sportage inspires a comparison to other German brands—I found myself referring to it as the “baby (Porsche) Cayenne.” Still, Kia’s design cues remain front and center starting with the “tiger-nose” grille in the front fascia. The headlights sit higher than on the previous Shortage, but the fog lamp array on each side really stands out.

Improved ride and handling comes from a stiffer structure, new suspension, and advanced driver assistance systems. The available intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) can be added to every trim ($1500) and features a 50/50 locking center differential and torque vectoring. The Driver Mode Select (DMS) that gives the driver three choices—Normal, Sport, or Eco—improves performance on all models.

Offered in three trim levels (LX, EX, and SX Turbo), the Sportage can be powered by a choice of two four-cylinder engines—a 2.0-liter inline-four turbo with 240 horsepower (237 on AWD models) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The base model LX and the EX come with a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines have been retuned for better fuel efficiency and are matched to an updated six-speed automatic transmission.

At the launch we drove AWD and front wheel drive (FWD) versions of the SX Turbo equipped with a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters.

Longer by 1.2 inches, the new Sportage has a roomier interior with seating for five. It’s also available with additional appointments for a more luxurious cabin and a range of technologies including UVO eServies and telematics, AppleCar Play, and Android Auto.

The SX Turbo included leather seating with ventilated and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon audio with Clari-Fi, an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a panoramic sunroof with an opening that is 4.1 inches longer than the outgoing model’s.

The top-of-the-line SX also included the latest safety technology, like a rearview camera, blind spot detection, front and rear parking assist, and rear cross traffic alert. While these features are not available on the base model, they can be added to the mid-range EX. The rearview camera, however, is standard on all three trim levels.

Thanks to an innovative dual-level cargo floor and a widened luggage area, cargo capacity behind the second row has grown from 26.1 cu.-ft. to 30.7 cu.-ft. The 60/40-split second row also folds flat and reclines for added convenience.

The base model includes air conditioning, a five-inch color touchscreen AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM audio system with Bluetooth^,hands-free phone operation and streaming audio, USB auxiliary input jacks, and SiriusXM^, satellite radio for three months.

Convenience features like cargo net hooks, remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, are also standard. The SX adds a smart power tailgate that opens automatically when it senses the key fob.

Good looking, fun, and versatile, the all-new Sportage should be a fierce competitor in its segment.

Pricing for the 2017 Kia Sportage starts at $23,885. The as-tested pricing for the SX FWD and AWD was $33,395 and $34,895 respectively.

GM Recalls Certain Buick Envisions

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Aug 042016

2016 Buick Envision

When it comes to automotive recalls, issuing one sooner rather than later is always the wiser course. Latino Traffic Report has learned that General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured February 4, 2016, to April 25, 2016. The Tire and Loading Information label may display the incorrect maximum weight information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”

Incorrect weight information may cause an owner to overload the vehicle. Overloading may reduce vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s number for this recall is 56340.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Ford Fund Donates $400,000 to LULAC

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Jul 292016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, named the recipients of the Ford Driving Dreams (FDD) Grants at the 87^th Annual LULAC Convention in Washington, DC. A total of $400,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded to 10 Councils and LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) to support programs that encourage Latino students to graduate from high school, and provide resources to help them pursue a higher education. Ten Councils will receive $180,000 in FDD Grants to implement dropout prevention programs. Through LNESC, $220,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Hispanic students in San Antonio, Houston, and Puerto Rico.

Honorees from 2015.

Currently, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the high school graduation rate for Latinos is at an all-time high at 71 percent, a 10 percent increase from 2006. Yet, the Hispanic dropout rate is 10.6 percent, higher than the national dropout rate of 6.5 percent

Ford Motor Company Fund will award eight LULAC Councils a $20,000 grant over two school years to implement high school dropout prevention programs in collaboration with a local educational entity. The eight grant recipients that will implement their programs this fall are:

LULAC Council #4609 Arlington, VA
LULAC Council #7 Laredo, TX
LULAC Council #333 Milwaukee, WI
LULAC Council #40002 Portland, OR
LULAC Council #754 Rogers, AR
LULAC Council #15164 Toa Alta, PR
LULAC Council #11125 Washington, DC
LULAC Council #5273 Waukegan, IL

As a result of their success in 2014, LULAC Council #2848, Anaheim, Calif., and LULAC Council #44040, Provo, Utah, were selected to each receive a $10,000 grant from Ford Motor Company Fund to continue their programs for an additional school year. These model Councils will continue the programs that uniquely promote on-time high school graduation through student engagement activities such as mentoring and academic support.

Joe Avila.

“We are very proud of our work with LULAC, because together we are able to provide the resources to help the Councils build brighter educational futures for thousands of students in their own communities,” said Joe Avila, community outreach manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Education has long been a priority for Ford, and we are committed to helping our youth acquire the tools they need for future success.”

“Helping young people succeed is a constant effort we have made possible in association with Ford Motor Company Fund so students can graduate high school on time and pursue a college education. Today we celebrate and recognize the work of the Councils who are making sure that their communities are being empowered through academic excellence,” said Brent Wilkes, national executive director of LULAC.

Ford Driving Dreams Grants has invested more than $1.3 million since its launch in 2010. More than 1,500 students and 60 Councils have been able to leverage their success across the country. LULAC Council #21006 in Silver Spring, Maryland, used the $20,000 FDD grant awarded in 2014 to implement a program to help Latino students achieve their academic dreams with GapBuster, Inc., their educational partner.

One student is Luis Rosales, who, with 37 other students in the program, successfully graduated high school on time. Rosales recently graduated with honors from Montgomery Community College and this fall will attend Georgetown University School of Business on a full scholarship. Rosales and the FDD students started the first LULAC Youth Council in Maryland and is now a board member of GapBuster, Inc.

Each FDD grant recipient will develop a sustainable program that reflect the local education landscape and relies on partnerships with local education institutions. For more information on the Ford Driving Dreams Grants, visit www.lulac.org/ford

Ford Motor Company Fund, invests more than $10 million a year in scholarships and other education initiatives across the country. In addition to Ford Driving Dreams, other Ford Fund educational programs include Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Next Generation Learning, Ford College Community Challenge and the Ford STEAM Lab. For more information, visit www.forddrivingdreams.com.

SUV Reviews: 2016 Lexus LX570 and Land Rover LR4 HSE LUX

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Jul 252016

A premium sedan wows car buyers with a striking design, a plush interior, and exclusive technology. A premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) does the same thing, but with the added potential for rock climbing, should the urge strike. On recent test drives of the 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE LUX and the 2016 Lexus LX570 for Latino Traffic Report, I fought the urge and stayed on-road, cruising in comfort and style.

While not direct competitors, these SUVs shared some similarities as well as unique attributes to sustain such an exclusive niche.

Tread Lightly

Some may confuse off-roading with rally racing but the two couldn’t be more opposed. A true enthusiast prefers to tread lightly, enjoying an intimacy with nature by driving rather than hiking on the trail.

LR4 center stack

To do this effectively requires basics, starting with full-time four-wheel drive (4WD), which they had, but both the LR4 and LX570 added technology that enhanced the ride.

For starters, they included knobs for selecting terrain challenges to fine tune off-roading functions—General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand with the LR4’s Terrain Response System. The test model also came with the Heavy Duty Package that added the Rock Crawl mode, a two-speed transfer case, active locking center and rear differentials, and a full-size spare tire. The LR4 improved on-road performance with the Command Shift transmission that included a choice among Normal, Sport, and Manual modes.

LX570 Terrain Response System

Land Rover may have set the standard for luxury off-roading but Lexus stepped up with the Multi-Terrain Select system that offered Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand modes. To improve on-road performance, I had a choice among Comfort, ECO, Sport S and Sport S+ modes.

Suspensions also matter for on and off-road driving and both utilized adjustable suspension systems that lowered and raised the vehicle based on driving conditions.

Heart and Soul

Powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, the LX received a new eight-speed sequential shift automatic transmission for 2016, replacing the previous six-speed. The powertrain offered 383 horses and 403 lb.–ft. of torque. The LR4 also included an eight-speed transmission, but it was matched to a supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 340 horsepower and 332 lb.–ft. of torque.

LR4 seats.

As an SUV, towing is a consideration. LR4 owners can tow up to 7,716-lb, while the LX can pull 7,000 lbs. The standard panoramic view camera, new for 2016 on the LX, will help hitch and maneuver a trailer.

While both try to utilize technology to improve fuel economy, SUVs this size and weight make fuel economy a challenge. The average fuel economy is fairly similar for each, 15 miles per gallon (mpg) for the LX and 16 mpg for the LR4. I averaged 15.4 mpg and 16 mpg respectively.

The P in Premium

The experience inside of these vehicles accentuated their membership in the premium SUV segment. There were no cloth options for seating, just leather please, with real wood and aluminum accents. Heated front seats were standard on both, plus the seven-seat LR4 also included heated rear seats. The eight-seat LX test model included a heated second row via the Luxury Package ($1,190) that also added ventilated (cooled) front seats.

LX570 seats.

A 12.3-inch center display screen with a mouse in the center console, or Remote Touch Interface, to control the Lexus Enform infotainment system, navigation, and air conditioning distinguished the LX. Lexus Enform also enabled interactivity with smart phones.

The first time I ever noticed accent piping on leather seating was on a Land Rover. The array of knobs and levers for engaging different functions also stood out. The modern LR4 retained the awe factor inside, especially on the test model that included the HSE LUX Package ($10,200) with premium soft Windsor leather with twin-stitch detailing to the top of the dashboard and doors, armrest and grab handles and also around the instrument cluster. Its five-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) driver information LCD screen located within the instrument cluster, however, was a little less striking. The L

LX dash.

R4’s infotainment system, Land Rover InControl, can utilize apps downloaded from either the Apple App Store or Google Play to connect to a Smartphone. Oddly, Sirius/XM Satellite radio was added as an option; one would think it would be included, especially on the HSE LUX package.

Both test vehicles included a cooled storage unit for added convenience and a CD player.

LR4 cooled storage.

Safety First

Stepping up to a premium SUV brings expectations for an extensive list of standard features, including safety. This can also be where these SUVs fall short.

Airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control make-up the technology that’s expected. But some innovations like a blind-spot monitor, pre-collision mitigation, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control should also be included. They were on the LX but not on the LR4.

The as-tested pricing for the 2016 Land Rover LR4 came to $66,570, while as-tested pricing for the 2016 Lexus LX570 came to $97,405.

Sí: Both of these premium SUVs offer what the segment requires, great styling, interior plushness, and off-road capability.

No: While the LR4 fell short on standard safety technology, the LX570 placed quite a premium on including them with pricing that approached six figures.

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