The mid-size Chevy Colorado is getting a solid update for 2021, including the high-performance ZR2 and Z71 off-road models. The front-end look is all new, and looks tough! Fresh badging on the grille and the Chevrolet word-mark embossed in the tailgate. The ZR2 and Z71 feature fresh colors, like Sand Dune Metallic, in two dirt-friendly trim levels.
Bollinger Motors’ mission to build the world’s first American-made all-electric SUV & pickup is moving steadily toward realization. Newly-released pics of beta versions of their forthcoming model B1 ’ute & quad-cab B2 pickup look promising. Especially for those who agree that even a vintage Rover could be boxier. Both boast 614 horsepower and 668-ft. lb. of torque to handle 5000-pounds of payload while delivering 200 miles of zero-emission range. No truck does that. They mean business too, with 15-inches of clearance & 10-inches of tire travel, they’ll get you off the grid & back. Available for pre-order now.
In the hearts & minds of the most discerning off-road enthusiasts, the iconic Land Rover Defender is the one true standard-bearer. And for 2020, Rover has completely redesigned the boxy little 4X4 for the next generation. It’s hard not to see its FJ-esque or even (gulp) Jeep Renegade looks but, moving on. Power comes from your choice a turbocharged inline-four or 395-horse hybrid 6-cylinder. The 4-door 110 model will be available early 2020, with the 2-door 90 model coming later.
Australia’s Patriot Campers are built for fun and function in the harshest environments—loaded with smart features & overbuilt to be bomber. Their newest model is the the X1N & to properly launch this off-road camper/hauler, they rolled it out behind a retro-inspired Land Cruiser variant. Literally dripping with period-correct 70s-era styling, the Desert Ops LC79 Supertourer is the ideal beast for towing this Outback-ready camper anywhere you want to take it.
In the race to be biggest & baddest, Hennessey just upped the ante with the introduction of the Goliath 6X6. Limited to 24 units, this 6-wheel monstrosity is based on the 2019/2020 Chevrolet Silverado and churns out a mud-spraying & speedboat-towing 450 horsepower. It got an 8-inch lift, sits on 20-inch wheels, and shines with a raft of top-end off-road mods.
Yorkshire, England-based Twisted Auto is a custom garage that builds the Land Rover Defenders we all dream about. They offer head-turning remakes of all the classic models—carefully vetted donor vehicles that are meticulously restored and modernized. Choose from their rotating stock of available vehicles or have them make you one to order with all the upgrades & off-road performance modifications you want.
Designed to keep the bikes from bashing up your truck, The Tailgate Locker from Rocky Mountain Underground is a top-quality mountain bike tailgate pad and storage solution. It’s got plenty of padding to keep your bike & truck unscathed plus integrated storage for tools, gear, even cold beers that will stay frosty in the cooler pocket. Available for standard & full-size trucks. via
Zero Labs retro-mod Ford Bronco is electric; powered by a 70 kWh lithium-ion battery mated with a BorgWarner electric motor to deliver 369 horsepower and 190 miles of driving range. This emission-free classic ’ute retains its full-time 4X4 capability as well as a 5-speed manual transmission. The rest of the build leaves nothing to chance with components from Fox, Brembo, & Atlas rounding out the update. Only 150 will be made.
For 2021, Mercedes-Benz has created a performance-upgraded version of its mid-size GLE SUV. The forthcoming AMG GLE 53 will debut at the Geneva Motor Show where the 429-horsepower luxury ’ute is sure to draw a crowd. The powerplant is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder mated to both a nine-speed automatic transmission and the brand’s 48-volt light-hybrid system. High performance & highly efficient. The AMG Active Ride Control system keeps handling nimble both on & off-road.
The last iteration of the legendary Land Rover Defender was discontinued in 2016 but for 2020 it’s back and the design is all new. And more good news: it’s definitely coming to the USA. So far, all we’ve got is a fresh set of spy photos to ogle & we’re hoping we don’t have to wait too long into 2019 to see it undressed in all its boxy glory.
For 2020, Chevrolet has completely re-designed the Silverado HD models to be bigger, badder and even more Heavy Duty, including greater payload, hauling & towing capacity. The full specs aren’t out yet but we know they will be available with 2 engines, one being an optional Duramax turbo-diesel V8. Larger mirrors, a taller driving position, and steps integrated into the rear bumper and forward corners of the bed are all features designed to make 5th wheel trailering easier.
This week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the highly anticipated 2020 Jeep Gladiator made its debut. The all-new open air pickup is based on the existing Wrangler. It features 4-doors, a soft-top, and can tow up to 7650 lbs. – more than any competitor in the category. It’s the first Jeep pickup since the 80s-era Scrambler & the early 90s Comanche.
For 2020, Lincoln has made some serious upgrades to its popular Aviator. The 3-row, premium mid-size SUV will be offered with a 400 HP turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 or a 450-plus HP gas-electric hybrid. It features a range of weather-specific driving modes and loads of assistive features including adaptive suspension that will lower so drivers don’t have to step up so high to get in & out. Road Preview utilizes a front-facing camera that can detect potholes & bumps and adjust accordingly to keep the ride smooth.
Based on a Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and powered by a 6.2L V8 engine fitted with a 2.9L supercharger, the Goliath from Hennessey is a 6X6 custom monstrosity. It got an 8-inch lift over the factory model as well as a custom interior, custom bumpers and rollbar, LED lighting, & it rides on six 20” Hennessey wheels. An upgraded stainless steel exhaust cranks the horsepower up to 705 with 675 lb. ft. of torque, for when too much is never enough.
Dallas Texas’ Blackdog Traders turns original Toyota Land Cruisers into powerful, updated daily drivers that will be the envy of the executive parking lot or weekend rock crawl event. They hook ’em up with new heat and AC systems, Re-engineer them with modern components, upgraded suspension, and a factory new 6.0L 360 HP L96, 6.2L 430 HP LS3 engine, or the overkill 556 HP model. All get fresh leather interiors, premium sound, and Borla exhaust systems.
To create the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison, Chevy Trucks teamed up with high-end off-road mod specialists American Expedition Vehicles. AEV fitted the already beefy ZR2 with a total of 5 armored skid plates made of durable hot-stamped Boron steel, to protect the undercarriage from aggressive off-road action. They also designed special tubular bumpers & new fenders. There’s AEV branding throughout the truck as well as an optional dealer-mounted snorkel. This trick truck is also available with a diesel motor.
With American Expedition Vehicles’ new Recruit Ram 1500, daddy can cruise effortlessly from school drop-off to a remote river crossing without missing a single mud puddle. Their Recruit package features a DualSport suspension kit w/ a 4-inch lift & includes extended-length Bilstein shocks and adjustable struts. Snorkel. Skid plates. 20-inch alloy beadlock wheels. Auxiliary lighting. Leather interiors. Adventure ready, even if you’re just a sad suburban dad dreaming of real adventure.
When a normal F-150 won’t quite cut it, go Raptor. For 2019, Ford’s consumer “race” truck gets an electronically adaptive Fox Racing Shox Live Valve suspension, giving it a different feel in Normal, Sport or Off-Road modes. There’s also a Jump mode that kicks in when the truck’s front tires leave the ground because… you’ll probably jump it. It still has over 13-inches of suspension travel and the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 still delivers 450HP. Due out fall 2018.
Custom automaker New Legend is known for converting classic 4X4s into resto-mod masterpieces that combine 20th century styling with modern technologies. Their Runner series takes the classic International Scout & rebuilds it from the ground up with a brand-new 300-horse GM Vortec motor, upgrades and updates to the cooling, brake, steering, exhaust, and fuel systems. They also get lifted and fitted with 32-inch tires, modern Dana 44 axles with disc brakes, and three-point retractable seat belts.
Chevy’s 2018 Tahoe Custom Midnight Edition is all blacked out: 18-inch painted black wheels with aggressive Goodyear rubber, a black grille, & black bowtie emblems. But there’s more: the vehicle’s third-row seat was removed for additional utility, increasing cargo space behind the second row to 54 cubic feet. There’s also tech: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot capability, rear vision camera, teen driver mode, and other advanced safety systems.
