Motor Trend Magazine Redesign

NEW 2015-2016 Trucks, Suvs & Vans
Honda / Hyundai / Infiniti / Jeep
Honda Pilot
Infiniti QX60
UNCHANGED
Base Price $30,700-$42,450 Body Type SUV
UNCHANGED Entering its final year before the next-gen
2016 Pilot arrives, the 2015 model carries on status quo, save
for an EX-based Special Edition that adds unique five-spoke
18-inch wheels, a rear entertainment system, a sunroof, and
satellite radio. In a recent three-row CUV comparison test, we
ranked the Pilot fifth out of six, noting that “it makes every trip
feel more adventurous but never luxurious.”
Look For An all-new Pilot next year, based on the
Acura MDX.
Base Engine 3.5L/250-hp/253-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine None
Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 5A
Tow 4500 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 miles
Safety Airbags: 7; rear cam: S;
BMS: N/A
Base Engine 3.5L/265-hp/248-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine 2.5L s’chgd I-4 + elec,
250 hp
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD, CVT
Tow 3500 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 mile
Safety Airbags: 6; rear cam: S; BMS: O
Base Price $43,500-$47,500 Body Type SUV
UNCHANGED Since the QX60 and its hybrid variant
are still fairly new, the 2015 model doesn’t entail any major
changes. While we were already fans of the QX60’s CVT -- we
had the JX35 for a year -- we expect it to be even beer now
with the addition of enhanced D-step shift logic. We especially
liked the QX60’s throle response in Sport mode and praised
the quiet cabin.
Avoid Pushing the limits on winding roads, since stability
control nannies are a bit excessive.
UNCHANGED
Hyundai Santa Fe
Infiniti QX70
MINOR
Base Price $31,000-$36,000* Body Type SUV
MINOR Daytime running lights and a driver’s blind
spot mirror are now standard, while other options like
heated outside mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering
wheel and shift knob have been shuffled into different
packages. Loading stuff into the cargo area will now
be much easier thanks to a new hands-free feature
available for models equipped with the power liftgate.
Driver’s Choice The ventilated front seats are a must,
since they’re unique in the segment.
Base Engine 3.3L/290-hp/252-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine None
Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
Tow 5000 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 miles
Safety Airbags: 7; rear cam: O; BMS: O
Base Engine 3.5L/265-hp/248-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine 2.5L s’chgd I-4 + elec,
250 hp
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD, CVT
Tow 3500 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 mile
Safety Airbags: 6; rear cam: S; BMS: O
Base Price $46,845-$54,695 Body Type SUV
MINOR Thinking about geing the QX70 with the V-8? Try a
2014 model. The QX70 no longer offers the 390-hp 5.0L V-8,
leaving the 325-hp 3.7L V-6 as the lone engine option for the
brand’s midsize SUV. For 2015, a new S model adds 21-inch
dark rims and exterior accents, adaptive front lighting, and
heated and cooled front sport eats with contrast stitching,
and magnesium paddle shifters.
Look For Big changes soon, since we think the 3.7 is nearing
the end of its life cycle.
MINOR
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Infiniti QX80
MINOR
MINOR
UNCHANGED
Base Price $26,000-$33,000* Body Type SUV
MINOR Like its 7-passenger sibling, the smaller Santa Fe
Sport also gets daytime running lights and a driver’s blind spot
mirror as standard equipment. Opting for the turbocharged
model will not only get you more juice with 264 horses on tap,
but also a standard power liftgate, which remains optional on
2.4L models. The Blue Link telematics system is no longer
offered on Sport base models.
Best Buy Stick with the base engine; it delivers power
more smoothly than the turbo.
Base Price $$22,375-$28,675 Body Type SUV
MINOR The Tucson adds the Popular Equipment package
for GLS models and standard LED daytime running lights on
Limited trims, but the big news is the Tucson Fuel Cell. The
emission-free CUV will be available in California for a 3-year
lease that includes free fuel. Only 1000 units are expected
through 2016.
Cool Fact The FCEV system has been tested at temps
ranging from -4 to greater than 117, at humidity levels
as low as 0-20 percent, and at altitudes higher than
8500 feet.
Base Price $35,995-$37,395 Body Type SUV
UNCHANGED All QX50 models already come with
standard leather seating, hands-free keyless entry, and a
rearview camera as well as dual-climate control, but now base
models add standard Bluetooth. Aside from that, there are no
other changes. The last time we drove one, we said steering
felt quick and a bit light, yet the suspension tuning helped
make it fun on winding roads.
Look For A QX30 model based on the Mercedes-Benz
GLA to slot underneath the QX50.
Base Engine 2.4L/190-hp/181-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine 2.0L/264-hp/269-lb-ft/
turbo I-4
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
Tow 3500 lb
Basic Warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles
Safety Airbags: 7; rear cam: O; BMS: O
Hyundai Tucson
Base Engine 2.0L/164-hp/151-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine/Motor 2.4L/180-182-
hp/176-177-lb-ft I-4; hydrogen fuel cell
elec, 134 hp/221 lb-ft
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD,
6A/1A
Tow 2000 lb
Basic Warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles
Safety Airbags: 6; rear cam: O; BMS: N/A
Infiniti QX50
Base Engine 3.7L/325-hp/267-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine None
Drivetrain Front engine, RWD/AWD, 7A
Tow 3500 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 miles
Safety Airbags: 6; rear cam: S; BMS: 0
Base Engine 3.5L/265-hp/248-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine 2.5L s’chgd I-4 + elec,
250 hp
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD, CVT
Tow 3500 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 mile
Safety Airbags: 6; rear cam: S; BMS: O
Jeep Compass
Base Engine 3.5L/265-hp/248-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine 2.5L s’chgd I-4 + elec,
250 hp
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD, CVT
Tow 3500 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 mile
Safety Airbags: 6; rear cam: S; BMS: O
Jeep Cherokee
Base Engine 2.4L/184-hp/171-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine 3.2L/271-hp/239-lb-ft V-6
Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD, 9A
Tow 4500 lb
Basic Warranty 3 yrs/36,000 mile
Safety Airbags: 10; rear cam: 0; BMS: 0*
Base Price $64,500* Body Type SUV
MINOR The QX80 looks slightly different with a new front
grille that closely resembles the Q50’s. The SUV also gets
new LED daytime running lights and standard high-beam
assist. For those who’ll make use of the QX80’s massive
cargo space, a larger standard bumper protector will prevent
damage when loading or unloading. Revised interior grade
levels offer more differentiation between trims, including the
new, blingier QX80 Limited.
Driver’s Choice QX80 Limited, but act fast since it’s limited.
Base Price $19,790-$28,990 Body Type SUV
UNCHANGED Even with the Cherokee here and the
compact Renegade on the way, the Compass sticks around
for the 2015 model year. Last year, the Compass added a
six-speed automatic as an option for the 2.0L and 2.4L I-4
engines. With a base price under $20,000, the Compass
could present some competition for the upcoming Honda
HR-V and Chevy Trax.
Cool Fact The Compass was first introduced as a 2007
model and is expected to stick around until the beginning of
the 2016.
Base Price $23,990-$31,190 Body Type SUV
MINOR The Jeep Cherokee adds engine stop-start
technology on 3.2L V-6 models for 2015. Said to offer fuel
economy improvements and C02 emissions reductions
of up to 3 percent, the new feature won’t (yet) be offered
on the standard 2.4L I-4. The Cherokee makes available
three 4WD systems, two with low range and another with a
locking rear differential.
Cool fact Mopar offers custom hood decals that can show
popular trails or a driver-specified topographical map graphic.
MINOR UNCHANGED
MINOR
59 MOTOR TREND.COM \ October 2014
October 2014 / MOTOR TREND.COM 60