2010 Nissan Frontier 4X4 Pro4X

Midsize pickup truck is big on off-road fun

By Nina Russin

2010 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is a right-sized truck that’s maneuverable in dense traffic, yet big enough for serious cargo. A 261-horsepower V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission produce plenty of torque for acceleration and towing.

A quiet timing chain is more durable than a belt, saving buyers an expensive repair at about 60,000 miles. The four-wheel drive Frontier tows up to 6100 pounds.

A two-speed transfer case on the four-wheel drive model gives the Frontier true off-road capability. Transferring between two and four-wheel drive is easy, thanks to a rotary control on the instrument panel.

The crew cab truck seats up to five passengers. Despite its tough-looking exterior, the Frontier is available with a host of comfort and convenience features, including an MP3-compatible audio system, Bluetooth interface, heated front seats and a power moonroof.

An optional tailgate extender adds extra length to the cargo bed when necessary. Bed rails and adjustable tie-down cleats secure large cargo. An optional roof rack with crossbars can be fitted with a variety of overhead carriers. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited

Value-packed compact sport-utility vehicle

By Nina Russin

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Despite being one of the older models in its vehicle line-up, the Grand Vitara remains one of Suzuki’s best products. The compact sport-utility with true off-road capability embodies the automaker’s core values: fun, adventure and affordability.

While Suzuki’s footprint in the US car market is relatively small, the company has accrued legions of fans for its motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and marine products. Suzuki customers take their playtime seriously; the Grand Vitara was designed to meet their automotive needs.

It also fits their budgets. The limited grade is the most upscale of four available trim levels. Yet base price for the four-wheel drive model is just under $27,000.

Standard comfort and convenience features include navigation with real-time traffic, news and weather updates, heated leather seats, automatic air conditioning, a MP3 compatible audio system, cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. The Grand Vitara’s high content level saves buyers the hassle of wading through myriad option packages at the dealership.

There is no destination charge, further simplifying the buying progress. Suzuki’s seven year/100,000 mile warranty is a bargain as well, and is fully transferable. Read the rest of this entry »

2010 Jeep Liberty Sport 4X4

Mid-sized sport utility vehicle with full off-road capability

By Nina Russin

2010 Jeep Liberty

Off-road driving is the heart and soul of Jeep, going back to the brand’s World War II Willys roots. Today most models in the Jeep line-up still carry the automaker’s trail rating, which certifies capability to traverse extreme off-road terrain and ford deep water.

The Liberty is Jeep’s mid-sized sport-utility vehicle, positioned between the compact Wrangler and full-sized Grand Cherokee. Its longer wheelbase makes it slightly less maneuverable on trails than the Wrangler; none-the-less, the Liberty is fully off-road capable.

The Liberty’s larger passenger and cargo areas suits families with children better than the Wrangler. At the same time, the Liberty is small and light enough to offer decent fuel economy: about 17 miles-per-gallon on average.

The Liberty can easily hold a couple of road bikes with the second-row seats folded flat. An optional towing prep package gives the SUV 5000 pounds of towing capacity: well in excess of our minimum ALV standards.

The current model is the second generation, which rolled out two years ago. This year, engineers enhanced the Liberty’s gas mileage with a fuel shut-off feature that cuts fuel during deceleration. The concept is similar to that used on the Dodge Durango hybrid, which cuts out fuel delivery to certain cylinders when power needs are low. An “eco” lamp in the gauge cluster helps the driver adjust his style to maximize fuel economy. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Dodge Nitro SLT 4X4

Mid-sized sport-utility vehicle is an athlete’s tool box

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Nitro SLT

Two years ago, the Dodge Nitro won our ALV of the year award in the best value, off-road category. Jurors were impressed with the sport-utility vehicle’s combination of off-road capability and cargo features, including a sliding load floor that holds up to 400 pounds.

For 2009, Dodge refines the Nitro with some chassis enhancements, and additional convenience features. A four-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all models with the base 3.7-liter engine. Stiffer rear axle shafts, a re-tuned suspension and steering components improve the car’s handling. Revised brake calipers and a re-tuned booster produce better braking response.

The Nitro’s roster of convenience features now includes standard floor mats, a rear dome lamp, and automatic door unlock when the driver shifts into park. Express-down front windows are standard equipment on the upscale SLT and R/T models. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4X4

Mid-sized sport-utility vehicle gets a restyled front end and standard side curtain airbags

By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a multiple ALV winner, going back to the program’s beginning in 2004. Its off-road and cargo capability make the sport-utility vehicle a top pick among multi-sport athletes.

The Xterra shares its ladder frame chassis with the full-sized Titan pickup, with an independent front and leaf spring rear suspension.

The solid rear axle isn’t as compliant as an independent set-up, but it’s better suited for towing. The Xterra tows up to 5000 pounds, meeting our ALV standards.

The standard 4-liter V6 engine is an increased displacement version of the block in the Nissan Maxima and Altima, tuned for truck applications. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission (tested).

Nissan’s San Diego design team refreshed the truck’s exterior for 2009, with a new grille, and body-colored side molding on the SE. Inside, the new model has a redesigned center stack. The upscale SE comes standard with leather upholstery. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited

Sport-utility function in a fuel-efficient package

By Nina Russin

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT

I’m hammering up the 17 freeway between Phoenix and Sedona in the ’09 Subaru Forester, after idling in wall-to-wall traffic just north of town. Through all of my weaving and cursing, the fuel gauge has stayed fixed at 23.6 miles-per-gallon. Either this is a very Zen car, or the fuel meter is broken.

Why not top off the gas and find out? After doing the math, I confirm that the gauge is working. The Forester is my new Bodhisattva.

For those unfamiliar with Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are the Mahayana version of angels on the right shoulder. The fact that the Forester has both saved me from myself and achieved better-than-average fuel economy means that it is a tolerant and spiritual car. Read the rest of this entry »

2009 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab Sport

Big truck; bigger value

By Nina Russin

2009 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab

The name, Equator, conjures up images of a truck much bigger than the actual product. Suzuki’s midsized truck shares underpinnings with the Nissan Frontier. While Nissan uses the Frontier to offer certain Titan features on a downsized platform, the Equator is the first vehicle to bring big truck capability into Suzuki‘s showrooms.

Because Suzuki has such a loyal base of motorcycle, ATV and marine customers in the United States, it makes sense to sell a light duty truck capable of hauling these vehicles around. That’s where the Equator comes in.
Read the rest of this entry »

2008 Kia Sorento EX 4X4

Mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with full off-road capability
By Nina Russin

2008 Kia Sorento

Though it’s one of the older models in Kia’s stable, the mid-sized Sorento is a good choice for families with active lifestyles. First introduced in 2002 as an ‘03 model, the Sorento is a value-priced alternative to the luxury Borrego.

Its durable body-on-frame chassis tows up to five thousand pounds, and when equipped with four-wheel drive, has the ability to negotiate serious off-road trails.

The four-wheel drive Sorento comes in two grades: the base LX and upscale EX (tested). Last year Kia introduced a new, more powerful V-6 engine for the LX. The EX retains the 3.8-liter block from former models.

Paired up with a standard five-speed automatic transmission, the larger V-6 provides good power and a smooth ride. It lacks the fuel economy of competitive offerings with six-speed automatic transmissions, especially on four-wheel drive models. Average fuel economy for the test car is seventeen miles-per-gallon.

Engineered for off-road durability

Body-on-frame construction has the advantage of durability when compared to unibody vehicles, although that can come at the expense of a rougher ride. The ladder frame that the Sorento is assembled on is rigid enough to withstand the kind of torsional stress that occurs on off-road trails. The ladder frame also makes it better suited for towing.

Having taken the Sorento on some nasty off-road trails, I can vouch for the model’s off-road capability. Standard underbody skid plates protect sensitive parts of the chassis from rock damage.

A full-sized spare adds a little weight, but also gives drivers the security of having a real tire should they get a puncture. A standard hitch makes the Sorrento trailer-ready out of the box.

Viable commuter car

With the exception of its rather poor gas mileage, the Sorento is a viable everyday car for urban commuters. A luxury package on the test car replaces the standard part-time four-wheel drive with a full-time torque-on-demand system ($3000).

The same option upgrades the standard cloth seats to leather and adds seat heaters, a sunroof, a premium audio system, and alloy wheels. The option includes a lot of content for the money, but it isn’t necessary for people who can live with the simpler interior.

The low gear range on the part-time four-wheel drive system provides the low gears and torque for true off-road driving. Buyers who live in areas with bad winter weather will benefit most from the full-time system: an on-board computer detects wheel slippage and automatically transfers engine power to the axle with the best traction.

The Sorento has an independent front suspension and solid rear axle: the five-link rear end gives the driver better control when towing. Although some solid axle trucks have a rough ride, I find the Sorento’s suspension quite compliant.

Power rack-and-pinion steering is responsive at all speeds. The Sorento’s thirty-five foot turning radius makes it fairly easy to do the occasional U-turn.

A thick C-pillar makes for a rather large blind spot towards the rear. The rear wheel restricts access and egress to the second-row seats, which could be an issue for larger families.

Curb weight on the EX 4X4 is almost 4300 pounds: the four-wheel drive mechanism adds about two hundred pounds to the truck. Its weight makes the Sorento feel heavy on the highway. The engine seems a little anemic during hard acceleration into highway traffic, or when passing other vehicles at speed.

Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stop the Sorento in a firm, linear fashion without being grabby. As with all of its current models, engineers made safety a priority. The Sorento comes with standard electronic stability and traction control as well as side curtain airbags.

Well configured interior

Kia did a great job of giving us active types the features we need inside a car: multiple powerpoints, a compass and ambient temperature display, cupholders big enough for water bottles, and enough small storage bins to stash books and maps.

An eight-way power driver’s seat has plenty of lower back support to make the Sorento comfortable on longer trips. Keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows and door locks are standard on the EX grade.

The second-row seats have enough legroom in the outboard positions for average adults, though taller people may feel cramped. The center console restricts legroom in the center position, especially if passengers are using the cupholders that flip out in back.

The rear seat folds flat to extend the cargo floor. To fold the seatbacks flat, the driver must first flip the seat bottoms forward and remove the headrests. It’s not a difficult operation, but the extra steps add a measure of time that may bother some owners.

A storage area under the cargo floor is a great place to hide valuables at the trailhead. Tie-down hooks in the cargo area make it easier to secure large items. a standard tonneau cover keeps items in back away from prying eyes.

Flip-up glass on the liftgate allows the driver to load in smaller items easily. Standard roof rails make it easy to add a bike rack or external luggage carrier. There’s a rubber step pad on the rear bumper to make it easier to reach the roof.

Industry leading warranty

Kia continue to offer buyers its ten-year/100,00 mile warranty that includes five years of roadside assistance. The Sorento received five-star federal safety ratings for frontal and side-impact protection, and a four-star rating for rollovers.

Base price on the test car is $26,195, not including a $700 destination charge. The Sorento is on display at Kia dealerships nationwide.

Likes: A mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with true off-road capability and towing up to 5000 pounds. The Sorento is one of the best values in the mid-sized sport-utility segment. It received excellent scores in federal safety tests, and comes standard with side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control.

Dislikes: Fuel economy for the four-wheel drive model is not very good. The second-row seats are time consuming to fold flat, since the operation requires flipping the seat bottoms forward and removing the headrests.

Quick facts:

Make: Kia
Model: Sorento EX 4X4
Year: 2008
Base price: $26,195
As tested: $30,095
Horsepower: 262 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 260 lbs.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle-friendly: Yes
Towing: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 15/20 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $700 destination charge.

2009 Jeep Liberty Sport

Second-generation sport-utility vehicle appeals to off-road enthusiasts.
By Nina Russin

Last year, Chrysler rolled out the second-generation Jeep Liberty: a mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with standard four-wheel drive and two grades:

2009 Jeep Liberty Sport

the base Sport (tested) and upscale Limited.

Both are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 210 horsepower and four-speed automatic transmission. A diesel version is available in Europe, but so far, Chrysler has no plans to bring that model to the States.

The current model is larger, with more aggressive exterior styling than the former version.

An optional sky slider roof on the test car ($1075) opens up the top of the Liberty, offering buyers a similar driving experience to the soft-top Wrangler. A control on the overhead console opens the roof from the front or rear.

The waterproof canvas top slides back like an accordion. It’s a very cool feature on off-road trails, since it gives both rows of passengers fresh air and  clear view of the sky.

Unfortunately, it’s noisier than heck on the highway. Driving from Phoenix to Los Angeles, the roof became extremely noisy above eighty miles-per-hour, even though it was completely closed.

Two available four-wheel drive systems.

Of the two available four-wheel drive systems, the part-time Command-Trac comes standard on the Sport, with a shift lever on the floor console that engages rear-wheel drive, high or low-range four-wheel drive on the go.

High-range four-wheel drive locks the front and rear axles together to improve traction on wet or snow-covered roads, while the low-range is best suited for true off-roading, when one or more wheels may be off the ground.

Both the full or part-time four-wheel drive systems carry the Jeep trail rating: they meet internal engineering standards for deep water fording, wheel articulation and directional control. Having taken a Jeep Liberty on a gnarly trail through a southern Indiana woodland, I believe it will handle whatever its owner wants to throw at it.

Standard hill descent control maintains a speed of five miles-per-hour on steep downhills, giving the driver better control of the vehicle than applying the brakes. Hill start assist is also standard: it prevents the truck from sliding backwards when accelerating from a stop on a steep grade.

Attractive package for active lifestyles

Aside from the optional canvas roof, the Liberty is a good choice for buyers who need a mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with reasonable towing capability. Available stain-resistant fabric is a plus for people like myself who get dirty when then play, and sometimes forget to bring a towel to cover up the seats. The fabric is anti-microbial, so it not only stays clean; it doesn’t start to smell after years of rides to and from the local trailhead.

After logging a thousand miles on the test car, I can vouch for the comfort of the front seats. They have plenty of lower lumbar control. Designers also extended the seat cushions this year for better leg support.

While no four-wheel drive car gets great gas mileage, I was able to equal or exceed the Liberty’s twenty-one mile-per-gallon EPA rating on the highway. Keeping the car in two-wheel drive on paved roads adds about a mile-per-gallon to its highway fuel economy.

The gas tank is big enough to give the truck decent range. I was able to drive from Phoenix to Palm Springs, about 250 miles, on about three-quarters of a tank of gas.

Peppy engine

The six-cylinder engine has plenty of pep for average city and highway driving. It does well in the critical twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range, merging into high-speed traffic, and has plenty of top-end power to pass other cars on the highway.

A five-speed automatic transmission would have given the Liberty better fuel economy, but the four-speed box performs well on hills. I didn’t notice excessive hunting between gears.

Engineers figured out how to make a rack-and-pinion steering system robust enough for off-road driving. It gives the Liberty better cornering capability and a smaller turning radius on paved roads.

Standard four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stop the truck in a linear fashion without being grabby. Engineers retuned the rear suspension for 2009, giving the vehicle a more linear feel.

Though the solid rear axle doesn’t offer the compliant ride of a fully-independent suspension, it keeps the vehicle more stable when towing a trailer. In the front seat at least, I didn’t find the ride uncomfortably rough.

Spacious interior

The new Liberty has a slightly bigger footprint than the model it replaces, translating to more interior room and cargo space. The front row feels quite open and spacious. Chrysler designers excel at interior packaging. The center console bin has a small shelf up top for electronic devices and a change holder: the bottom is big enough to hold a stack of compact discs.

The standard audio system includes MP3 compatibility and pre-wiring for Sirius satellite radio. Audiophiles can opt to upgrade to a downloadable hard drive that holds tunes and pictures, with an enhanced speaker system.

The second row has adequate legroom for two adults. Cupholders on the floor behind the center console leave almost no legroom for the middle passenger. The same equipment option that adds the stain-repellent fabric also includes a 115-volt inverter in back of the center console, so rear passengers can use their computers en-route.

Second-row seats fold flat using straps on the back of the seat cushion, creating an uninterrupted cargo floor. Folding the seats flat does require removing the headrests, but it’s a fairly simple operation. Buyers who want to carry extra-long cargo inside can opt for a fold-flat front passenger seat.

Despite its high ground clearance, the Liberty’s lift-over height is low enough to make tossing  a bike in back fairly easy. The test car also has optional roof rails.

A small waterproof storage area under the cargo floor is ideal for stashing valuables that won’t fit in the glovebox or center console bin. The under-sized spare is mounted under the truck. Buyers who plan to do a lot of off-road driving should opt for the towing prep package ($580) that adds a full-sized spare.

Off-road enthusiasts will also want to add the skid plate package, that protects chassis components from rocks and roots on the trail, and also adds winch hooks.

Standard safety

All models come with standard electronic stability control, traction control, four-channel antilock braking, front, side and side curtain airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Made in America

Drivers who want to buy a car made in this country will take heart in the fact that the Liberty is produced in Chrysler’s Toledo, Ohio assembly plant. Both the engine and transmission are also produced in the United States.

Base price for the Liberty Sport is $23,825, not including a $695 destination charge. As with all Chrysler products, the Liberty comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty.

Likes: Affordable mid-sized sport-utility vehicle with true off-road capability and towing up to 5000 pounds. The stain-repellent fabric is a great option for people who like to play hard and get dirty.

Dislike: Optional canvas roof is extremely noisy, especially on the highway.

Quick facts:

Make: Jeep
Model: Liberty Sport 4X4
Year: 2009
Base price: $23,825
As tested: $27,720
Horsepower: 210 Hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 235 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 15/21 mpg city/highway

2009 Nissan Frontier 4X4 CC SE

Mid-sized pickup truck geared towards active lifestyles
By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

The Nissan Frontier is a value-packed offering for drivers who like to venture off-road and tow the occasional trailer. The crew cab four-by-four model approaches the functionality of the full-sized Nissan Titan, in a smaller, more practical package.

Value-conscious buyers can opt for the base XE king cab model with rear-wheel drive, that retails for $17,460, not including a $695 destination charge. The four-wheel drive SE grade tested starts at $21,540.

Power comes from a four-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. A control on the center stack allows drivers to shift between rear-wheel, four-wheel high and low modes on the fly. The four-wheel high gears give drivers extra traction on ice and snow, while the low gears provide the extra torque necessary for off-road trails.

Geared to Active Lifestyles

Nissan’s design studio is located in San Diego, giving its staff good access to people who spend lots of time out of doors. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Xterra sport-utility vehicle and Frontier pickup.

Both have the versatility athletes look for without a lot of comfort and convenience features they might not want to invest in.

The cargo bed on the Frontier is a perfect example: it comes from the factory with a waterproof bedliner and cargo tracks with tie-down cleats for securing large cargo. An optional bed extender that slides along the cargo tracks can divide the cargo bed into two sections, or make it longer.
A low liftover height makes it easier for women to load up the back.

Optional cargo trays and modular storage units make the bed as functional as the back of many sport-utility vehicles.

Easy to Take Off-Road

Engineers located all of the sensitive underbody components inside the frame rails: the Frontier has just under nine inches of running ground clearance. They also modified the V-6 engine that the Frontier shares with the Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest, giving it a longer, smoother torque curve.

The five-speed automatic transmission includes a large overdrive gear to boost highway fuel economy: about nineteen miles-per-gallon on the four-wheel drive model. Its forty-five hundred pound curb weight and its two-box design hurts the Frontier’s overall gas mileage. Sixteen mile-per-gallon fuel economy is at the low end for vehicles in its segment.

The engine reaches peak torque at fairly low speeds, giving it excellent acceleration in the twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range. The Frontier can tow up to 6500 pounds: double our ALV minimum requirement.
The durable engine block requires minimal maintenance: it includes a timing chain in lieu of a belt, a forged steel crankshaft, and spark plugs rated up to 105,000 miles.

Front tow hooks and a full-sized spare are important features for anyone who drives off-road. Buyers can opt to add hill descent control and hill start assist, enhancing directional control on steep grades.

Nissan added a Pro-4X grade to the Frontier line-up last year, with enhanced off-road features. It adds skid plates under the fuel tank and oil pan, trail-rated tires, high-pressure shocks, and a limited-slip rear differential.

Small Enough for City Driving

The mid-sized Frontier rides on a 126-inch wheelbase . It fits easily in the average parking slot, and is more maneuverable on crowded urban highways than a full-sized truck.

The solid rear axle has a harsher ride than a fully-independent suspension, but it improves the truck’s handling when towing a trailer.

Standard four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock braking stop the truck in a firm, linear fashion. Sixteen-inch wheels and tires provide a big enough footprint on and off-road. Buyers can dress up the exterior by upgrading to eighteen-inch alloy wheels.

A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel gives drivers a better forward view. Manual seats on the test truck have surprisingly good lower lumbar support.

Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering makes the Frontier maneuverable in parking lots, and gives it a positive on-center feel at speed.

Forward and rear visibility are surprisingly good. The wide B-pillar on the crew cab creates a large blind spot next to the driver which I found annoying. The side mirrors don’t compensate for it well: I had to look through the rear side window for oncoming traffic before changing lanes.

Practical interior

The standard cloth trim on the SE grade is attractive and easier to clean than leather. I was surprised by how good lower back support was on the manually adjustable seats.

All four doors have molded-in bottle holders. Both rows of passengers have access to large cupholders: in the floor console and in back of the center console bin. Rubber inserts are an annoyance: they cling to bottles and often end up outside the truck.

Two-twelve volt outlets allow the driver and front passenger to recharge portable electronic devices on the go. There are plenty of small compartments around the two front seats for stowing compact discs, cell phones and PDAs.

A two-piece glovebox holds maps and paperwork: the bottom section locks, providing secure storage for a wallet at the trailhead.

The standard audio system includes an AM/FM radio and single-slot CD player. Buyers can upgrade to a Rockford /Fosgate system that adds satellite radio, MP3 jack, Bluetooth compatibility, and a six-disc player.

Both front and rear passengers get overhead reading lamps. Designers put handles on both the A and B pillars, easing access and egress for smaller passengers. Crew cab doors are hinged at the front: the rear seats are quite easy to get in and out of.

An optional sunroof brings additional ambient light inside: a boon for second-row passengers. The second-row seats have ample head and legroom in the outboard positions. The middle seat is workable for short trips or holding a child safety seat.

Standard Safety

The SE grade comes standard with front airbags, active front head restraints, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Vehicle stability control is available as part of an option package that also adds hill descent control and hill start assist. Side curtain airbags are a stand-alone option.
Nissan builds the Frontier at its Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant.

Likes: A mid-sized truck designed for active lifestyles. The cargo tie-down system in the cargo bed makes the Frontier easy to load up with bicycles and other large cargo. Nissan includes everything the driver needs to go off-road out of the box.

Dislikes: Poor overall fuel economy. The large B-pillar creates a blind spot on the driver’s side that the mirrors don’t compensate for.

Quick facts:

Base price: $25,960
Price as tested: $28,785
Horsepower: 261 Hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 281 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Towing: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 15/29 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $745 delivery charge.