2019 NISSAN TITAN QUICK TAKES
When it comes to half-ton pickups, the action always used to be in front – as in power and torque found under the hood – or in the rear, as in bed size and cargo hauling capability. In recent years, however, equal importance has been focused on the middle. Full-size pickup cabins are often now as fully equipped and indulgent as most luxury vehicle interiors. The Nissan TITAN half-ton pickup is no exception.
Again in 2019, Nissan offers a full range of rugged TITAN half-ton pickups, including Single Cab, King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations, 4×2 and 4×4 drive, and a choice of up to five grade levels. Every TITAN is powered by a 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The 2019 Nissan TITAN Single Cab is offered in S and SV 4×2 and 4×4 models. For 2019, a new 7.0-inch touchscreen audio/IT display with NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is standard on all TITAN Single Cab grades.
The Nissan TITAN also offers cutting-edge available towing, utility features and driving aids, including an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights. It offers an available maximum towing capacity of 9,740 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 1,950 pounds when properly equipped.
Available technology features include SiriusXM® Traffic and Sirius Travel LinkTM (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and RearView Monitor.
All 2019 TITAN models are covered by Nissan’s “America’s Best Truck Warranty”1 – featuring bumper-to-bumper coverage of 5-years/100,000-miles, whichever comes first. Vehicles covered by the new warranty, which includes basic and powertrain coverage, include all TITAN V8 gasoline-powered models and diesel and V8 gasoline-powered 2019 TITAN XD models.
2019 TOYOTA RAV4 QUICK TAKES
The first RAV4 was a true game-changer, but no one knew at the time just how big of a market shift it would create. Much has changed in the two decades since then. Compact crossover SUVs have grown in actual size, and segment growth shows no signs of abating. RAV4 is the currently the best-selling vehicle in its class, doubling volume over the last five years to sales of nearly 408,000 in the U.S. in 2017. That makes RAV4 Toyota’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and the best-selling non-pickup truck in the country.
The 2019 RAV4 is, in essence, disrupting the segment it created. It is bringing more sport and more utility back while enhancing the agile handling, everyday comfort and exemplary fuel efficiency that made RAV4 the segment leader it is now. All told, the 2019 RAV4 is designed to tackle urban, suburban and great outdoor adventures with equal aplomb. The look is tougher, and there’s greater capability with a new type of all-wheel drive, yet the ride is smoother and quieter, with new comfort touches inside.
2019 MAZDA3 HATCHBACK QUICK TAKES
The 2019 Mazda3 sets a new milestone as the first production model to lead Mazda into a bold new era. Blending beautiful design and exhilarating driving dynamics, Mazda3 was developed to inspire and create an emotional bond with its customers in two very distinct ways. A completely new design approach was taken when styling the sedan and hatchback, each embodying strikingly different personalities.
As a brand that keeps purist drivers in mind, Mazda continues to champion the manual transmission, offering Mazda3 Premium package front-wheel drive hatchbacks with an available SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission.
2019 GMC Acadia Black Edition
I finally made it to summer vacation which, as you know, means I’m up in Maine. And this year’s workhorse is the 2019 GMC Acadia; a 3-row, midsize SUV that was last redesigned 3 years ago. It has done a yeoman’s job of everything I’ve asked of it thus far and if you’re considering one here are 10 things you need to know.
INFINITI ANNOUNCES QX55 LUXURY SPORT UTILITY COUPE
INFINITI announced that a new luxury sport utility coupe will soon join its line of luxury vehicles. The new addition will carry the name QX55.
The company also released an image of the brushstroke of the INFINITI QX55 showing a roofline inspired by its iconic first-generation FX performance crossover.
“The INFINITI QX55 is a stunning new SUV coupe in the heart of one of the industry’s fastest growing segments, globally,” said Mike Colleran INFINITI Motor Company Deputy Chairman. “Customers will appreciate the distinctive design of the QX55 which features a sporty coupe-like roofline. We know customers and retailers are eagerly looking forward to the QX55 which will be available next year.”
The INFINITI QX55 will arrive at retailers in the summer of 2020.