The Ford Maverick turned the truck market on its head when it debuted in 2021. No one saw a compact pickup like this coming, especially from a company that pumps out full-size trucks by the boatload every hour.
2-20-24 Featured Vehicle Ford Maverick XLT Tremor
The Ford Maverick turned the truck market on its head when it debuted in 2021. No one saw a compact pickup like this coming, especially from a company that pumps out full-size trucks by the boatload every hour.
RPM News Weekly Photos by Peter Ciani
The surprise didn’t end there, not only was Ford’s compact pickup a reality but it was also set to replace the somewhat forgettable Ford EcoSport subcompact SUV as the brand’s entry-level vehicle. The Maverick was also cheaper than the EcoSport in 2022 and included a standard hybrid powertrain at that time.
In 2024, Ford made some changes to the engine options, and the 2.5-liter hybrid engine is no longer standard. Instead, the previously optional 2-liter EcoBoost now serves as the base motor. While this might seem like a downgrade in terms of efficiency, the 2-liter engine offers more power than the 2.5-liter hybrid, generating 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft of torque. The 2-liter engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the 2-liter. The 2.5-liter hybrid is exclusively offered with a PowerSplit continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.
It’s no surprise however that the Maverick exceeded expectations, with dealer inventories falling well below customer demand. Unfortunately, this led to some dealers imposing ridiculous markups, but thankfully Ford has begun to increase the production capacity of the Maverick.
It’s a straightforward formula: an affordable compact truck with efficient performance and a small yet practical pickup bed. Ford wasn’t the first to do it, but clearly they’ve found the right mix.
As if the Maverick needed a sales push, Ford introduced the Tremor Off-Road Package for 2023 featuring a 1-inch lift, heavy-duty transmission cooler, and a twin-clutch differential along with a few more performance tweaks.
For $3,495 The Tremor Off-Road Package can be added to either the XLT or Lariat with Advanced AWD and includes the following:
Like a baby duck splashing into a pond for the first time, we got to introduce this newborn 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport to its first taste of snow in New England
02-13-24 Featured Vehicle 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
Like a baby duck splashing into a pond for the first time, this newborn 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport got its first taste of snow in New England. Unfortunately, we got to introduce the SUV to its first taste of car-eating road salt along the way. Which reminds me, if your car looks like this, get it over to the car wash ASAP.
For some folks, luxury is a state of mind. Fortunately, there are some vehicles that can induce that state without simply slamming you with all the obvious trappings of wealth. This is called refinement, and that pretty much defines the Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD. RPM News Weekly offers you a visual glimpse into this model with our own curated slide show photo collection below.
May it encourage you to take a test drive to see, hear and feel the exquisite nature of the QX60 for yourself. Base MSRP for the 2024 QX60 Autograph AWD is $66,100, but the vehicle that we drove had a few extras including the Lighting Package, Radiant Grille Emblem and Premium Paint which when coupled with Destination Charges boosted the price tag to $69,240.
RPM News Weekly Photos by Rich Taber
The QX60 Autograph not only looks handsome, its got plenty of muscle, too, with its 3.5-liter V6 making 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque ready for towing up to 6000 pounds. To emphasize that capability, Infiniti includes a hitch receiver and wiring harness along with trailer sway control.
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With three-rows of seating including roomy second-row Captain’s chairs, the Autograph accommodates up to six people – lower trims allow seating for seven by utilizing a second row bench instead. Befitting its top-of-the-line status, the Autograph provides quilted semi-aniline leather surfaces in the first and second rows. In addition, the first row benefits from power heated, ventilated, massaging seats.
Autograph 2nd-row provides heated Captain’s chairs and a removable console
Third-row seats fold easily to open up 41.6 cu.ft. of cargo space; fold the 2nd row for 75.4 cu.ft.
Safety systems run the gamut of today’s most desirable technologies including predictive forward collision warning with emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure prevention, blind spot intervention and rear automatic braking. Plus there’s an all around-view monitor that detects moving objects.
Although safety should always be a top consideration in your vehicle purchase, from our point of view, one should never consider audio on a low tier in one’s purchasing decisions. You’ll likely be owning your vehicle choices for a number of years, so having a great sound system is one of those refinements that pays for itself in the many hours of enjoyment you’ll receive over those years. Here, the QX60 Autograph hits all the right notes with its 17-speaker Bose Performance Audio System. Coupled with the sound proofing engineered into the cabin, this system will take you to new worlds even as you make your way to a destination.
There’s lots more to discover, too. Having information and entertainment accessible from two 12.3-inch displays as well as a 10.8-inch head-up display projecting images out in front of the driver are just a smidgen of the goodies you’ll find in this elegant package.
In addition to the QX60 Autograph, there are Pure, Luxe and Sensory trim levels. Entry pricing is $49,200 for the Pure. However, the Autograph rightly claims to be the “pinnacle of comfort and sophistication” for the model.
Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis reveled in the hushed environment he found while driving the 2024 Genesis GV60 Performance edition. Of course, having a “Boost” button to quickly get up to speed on the highway was a plus, too. Listen in for more of his experiences with this incredibly uplifting all-electric vehicle and while you’re at it enjoy the return of KOWS-FM radio personality RT Newt to the segment after an all too long hiatus. Don’t forget, we’ve also got our weekly roundup of the latest tech news coverage.
Want to stay up to date with the every episode? We can deliver Tech Talk to your inbox every week. Just hit the subscribe button in the sidebar at RPM News Weekly. You can also plug Our Podcast Feed into your favorite reader.
The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Wagon presents a captivating fusion of rugged elegance and practicality, setting itself apart from the crowd of SUVs and Crossovers.
By Peter Ciani
There’s an adage kicking around the internet that says, “If automotive journalists ran things, everyone would be driving brown station wagons.” Why? Because station wagons are cool. That’s right, I said it. And if you know your station wagon history, you know that Volvo wagons occupy a top spot alongside classics like the Buick Roadmaster, Chevy Caprice, and Ford Country Squire.
The Volvo V60 Cross Country (even the name sounds old-school wagon-y) proves that not only can a wagon look good and feel modern, but they still have a place in the era of “electrified” vehicles.
RPM Photo by Rich Taber
The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country Wagon presents a captivating fusion of rugged elegance and practicality, setting itself apart from the crowd of SUVs and crossovers with its distinctive exterior styling. Emerging from its 2019 redesign, the V60 boasts sharply tailored sheet metal, accentuated by subtle tweaks to the grille, rear bumper, and wheel designs for the ’23 model.
Sorry automotive writers, but you can’t get it in brown. However, you can order it in Platinum Grey (seen below), which renders “A sophisticated gray metallic with undertones of brown for a velvet finish,” according to the Volvo.com build page… so, it’s almost brown.
Platinum Grey 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country
With its lifted stance, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and black wheel arches, the V60 Cross Country appeals to the adventurous demographic. Despite the dwindling popularity of wagons, Volvo’s commitment to this segment shines through in the model’s sleek, modern presence.
Speaking of commitment, not only is Volvo one of the last manufacturers that’ll even mention the “w” word on their website, but they’re selling three wagon models at this time. In addition to the V60 Cross Country, they also offer a V60 PHEV variant called the V60 Polestar Engineered T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid (phew! That’s a mouthful), and the larger V90 Cross Country.
Our test car for the week was a 2023 V60 Cross Country with the standard B5 all-wheel-drive powertrain. While the B5 AWD is not a full hybrid but a mild hybrid with a 48-volt system, it still delivers a respectable 247 horsepower while achieving an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
RPM Photos by Rich Taber
If you’re looking for gas savings, the V60 Polestar Engineered Plug-in Hybrid is the way to go. Not only do you get slightly better mileage when using gas only, but the V60 PHEV can travel up to 41 gas-free miles on a full charge and thanks to its more powerful powertrain, the vehicle delivers an astonishing 455 system net horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. Of course, with the PHEV, you don’t get the adventure-ready looks that people want these days.
The 2023 model year didn’t introduce just fresh styling for the V60 Cross Country; it also provided a tech upgrade that saw the wagon join the growing list of vehicles on the market that have shifted to Google Built-in software to power their infotainment systems.
RPM Photo by Rich Taber
Features include Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps as the native navigation system, and the Google Play store for additional apps. If you’re a diehard Apple fanatic, there’s no need to fret. Apple CarPlay is also built in. A 9-inch center display comes standard.
Taking a cue from Tesla, Volvo now offers over-the-air updates for the model, stating that the infotainment system can be improved over time.
Given Volvo’s history of safety, it’s no surprise that the V60 Cross Country comes with a long list of standard safety and driver’s support features including:
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection Adaptive cruise control Lane-keeping aid BLIS blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert 360-degree camera Park assist sensors Road sign information Oncoming lane mitigation Slippery road alert Rain sensor
The V60 Cross Country seats five and includes Volvo Comfort adjustable front seats and standard leather seating with heated front seats. For 2024, the Volvo V60 Cross Country is offered in two trim levels: Plus and Ultimate. The Plus trim offers three different interior colors, while the Ultimate trim offers five. With a starting price of $51,695, the base Plus trim comes well-equipped and competes favorably at its price point.
The Ultimate trim, starting at $56,795, doesn’t offer any difference in performance or safety features, but it does add a few extra niceties for passengers. These include fancier Nappa leather upholstery, front seat ventilation, 4-zone climate control, driftwood interior trim, and an upgraded premium sound system from Harman Kardon. If the 600-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system isn’t ‘premium’ enough for you, there’s an optional 1,410-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system available on the Ultimate trim. It’s a $3,200 option but it sounds incredible. If you’re an audiophile, it’s worth a look.
Volvo V60 Cross Country Seats | Photo Volvo USAVolvo V60 Cross Country Interior | Photo Volvo
Cargo Capacity tops out at 60.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That’s not far off from luxury SUVs like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB and reason enough to take a closer look at this wagon.
