The 2024 Toyota Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX: A Week of Power, Luxury, and a Few Quirks

Conquering the urban jungle in style with the 2024 Toyota Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX.

In a world where trucks are often associated with rugged workhorses, the 2024 Toyota Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX emerges as a sophisticated beast, too pretty to be coated in mud. As I slid into the driver’s seat for a week-long adventure, it was clear this truck had more to offer than just its dazzling exterior. The Tundra Capstone is an attention-grabbing truck with a stunning front end, beautiful wheels, and unique side steps that pop up when needed. It’s a vehicle that demands to be noticed on the road, and I couldn’t help but admire Toyota’s attention to detail in its design. The exterior perfectly combines power and style, creating a cohesive look that exudes strength and sophistication.

Exterior Rating: 10/10

Interior Elegance

Upon entering the city truck, the white interior stands out, adding a touch of luxury. The oversized infotainment screen steals the show, and the sophisticated switch-like buttons for various features enhance the overall look. The blue ambient lighting, which is integrated seamlessly into the door panels and dash, creates an ambiance that elevates the driving experience. However, the white finish appears too delicate to get dirty. It’s a luxurious space that feels more suitable for a night out in the city than a rugged off-road excursion.

However, my enthusiasm waned when I placed my hands on the plastic steering wheel. It felt disappointingly light and hollow, more like a 3D-printed accessory than an essential component of a high-end vehicle. The rear passenger area, on the other hand, is spacious and comfortable. But, because of the hybrid nature of the vehicle, there is no storage beneath the lift-up bench seat, which left me longing for a spot to store my gear. While the heads-up display is a nice touch, it could use a visual upgrade. I would expect it to be sharper in a vehicle with such a hefty price tag.

Interior Rating: 9/10

Performance and Driving Experience

The Tundra roars to life, mimicking the sound of a V8 engine, which adds to its rugged appearance and creates a sense of power. The hybrid engine generates an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, while the 10-speed transmission ensures a smooth ride. Although it’s a quick truck, there are moments when the engine lags in boost, which is a minor hiccup in an otherwise exhilarating driving experience.

The rear coil-spring suspension also adds to the overall comfort, making even long drives a pleasurable experience. However, as someone who drives a Hummer daily, I missed the constant assurance of a full-time 4×4 system. The Tundra’s part-time 4WD left me yearning for that extra layer of control. Despite mostly driving in Sport+ mode through city streets, the fuel efficiency was disappointing, averaging 13.2 mpg compared to the promised 20 mpg. Given the hybrid nature of the vehicle, I expected better fuel economy.

Performance Rating: 8/10

Safety, Features, and Quirks

The Toyota truck has an impressive range of safety features, all falling under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 category. These features include pre-collision systems, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alerts. Additionally, the trailer hitch backup guide makes towing a breeze. The JBL 12-speaker sound system, complete with a subwoofer and amplifier, provides a concert-like audio experience. However, I found the logic behind the rear bed step and trunk bed operating together to be a bit confusing and strange. The rear window can be lowered on the bright side, and the expansive sunroof allows for a unique and enjoyable open-air experience.

The Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX is a luxury city truck with an MSRP of $78,845. The tested model, however, comes at a higher price of $82,423. While the features and aesthetics of the truck are undoubtedly attractive, the high price might be a concern for those looking for a more practical and work-oriented vehicle.

Verdict

The 2024 Toyota Tundra Capstone i-FORCE MAX is an exceptional truck that blends style and performance flawlessly. With its urban-centric design and an array of advanced tech features, it will turn heads on city roads. Despite a few minor quirks, it is a joy to drive, and if you can overlook the plastic steering wheel and fuel efficiency gap, it is a great choice for those who want to make a statement on the urban streets. However, keep in mind that it comes with a hefty price tag.

Value Rating: 8.5/10

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2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Tremor AWD

2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Tremor Unleash Your Inner Adventurer

In the world of compact trucks, the 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor stands out as a rugged and adventurous option, equipped to take you off the beaten path while maintaining the comfort and practicality you’d expect from Ford. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the 2022 Maverick, the Tremor edition brings an array of off-road enhancements and distinctive design cues to the table, making it a compelling choice for those who crave city convenience and outdoor exploration.

Distinctive Design Language

The Maverick Tremor embraces a bold and rugged design, setting it apart from the standard Maverick models. With blacked-out Ford logos, headlamps, and taillamps, the Tremor edition exudes an air of mystery and power. The signature Tremor Orange tow hooks add a pop of color that speaks to its adventurous spirit. For those seeking an even more striking appearance, the Tremor Appearance Package offers a Carbonized Gray-painted roof, mirror caps, and black side graphics on the hood and lower body.

Interior Comfort with a Dash of Adventure

Step inside the cabin of the Maverick Tremor, and you’ll find a blend of comfort and functionality. The Black Onyx seats adorned with stitched Tremor logos and signature Tremor Orange accents maintain the adventurous theme inside. The center console, register vents, and sporty and distinctive color scheme tie the interior to the truck’s bold exterior.

Off-Road Prowess and Capability

The Maverick Tremor doesn’t just talk the talk; it walks the walk. This compact truck is designed to tackle challenging terrains easily and has many features that amplify its off-road capability. The Tremor package takes the Maverick’s impressive fundamentals to the next level, equipped with a 1-inch lift for increased ground clearance and a unique off-road-tailored front and rear suspension. The advanced all-wheel-drive system with a four-wheel-drive lock and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine provides the power and traction needed to conquer diverse landscapes.  One of the standout features of the Maverick Tremor is its exclusive Trail Control. This innovative system operates similarly to cruise control but for off-road situations. By managing throttle and braking, Trail Control allows drivers to focus on navigating challenging conditions such as mud or dirt, making off-road adventures less daunting.

The Price of Adventure

As for the pricing, the Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package comes at a cost of $4,995 MSRP, enhancing the truck’s visual appeal further. With a starting price of $27,955.00, the Maverick Tremor offers a compelling package that combines off-road prowess and distinctive design cues. The model we tested had a final MSRP of $37,465.00.

Verdict

The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor is a clear contender for those seeking a compact truck that can confidently tread city streets and off-road trails. Its blend of off-road enhancements, advanced technology, and distinctive design make it a unique proposition in the market. At the same time, it may not boast the best fuel economy among the Maverick lineup. However, its adventurous spirit and capability more than compensate for it.

2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Tremor AWD Rating

Exterior – 8/10

Interior – 7/10

Performance – 7/10

Value – 8/10

Overall Grade – 7.5/10

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2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R – Test Drive Review

We did a Texas road trip in the 2023 Ford Raptor R.

The Raptor has been around for a long time and has undergone significant changes. However, Ford had something in the works to put the performance truck back on the map. The Raptor R was recently introduced, promising an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride on the streets and off-road. That is all thanks to the Frankenstein mashup, a Shelby GT 500 hiding behind the skin of an F-150 Raptor.

The F150 Raptor is a high-performance pickup truck introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 2010.

It was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and was designed to be an off-road racing truck that could also be used as a daily driver. The idea for the Ford F150 Raptor was born out of the success of the Ford F150 SVT Lightning, a high-performance street truck that was produced from 1993 to 1995 and from 1999 to 2004. The SVT team wanted to create a similar vehicle that could handle the rigors of off-road racing, and the Ford F150 Raptor was the result.

The first generation of the Ford F150 Raptor was produced from 2010 to 2014.

It was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produced 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. In addition, it featured a reinforced frame, a wider track, and a suspension system specifically designed for off-road driving. The first-generation Raptor also had a unique appearance: a bold grille, flared fenders, and a distinctive hood with an air vent.

In 2017, Ford introduced the second generation of the F150 Raptor.

This version of the truck was powered by a high-output 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It also featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and an updated suspension system with adaptive dampers. As a result, the second-generation Raptor was even more capable off-road than its predecessor, with improved approach and departure angles, increased suspension travel, and a new Terrain Management System that allowed drivers to adjust the truck’s performance for different types of terrain.

2021 brought the third generation of the F150 Raptor.

It offers the same engine as the previous generation, but Ford has recently introduced the Raptor R edition. It is the most powerful F-150 Raptor ever, featuring a new 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 700 horsepower and 640 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine was previously seen in the Mustang Shelby GT500 and is matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The truck received an upgraded suspension and various off-road features, including skid plates, all-terrain tires, and improved ground clearance.

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Exterior

I love the new aggressive hood air extractor on the Raptor R that sits 1 inch taller. However, it may be difficult for many to differentiate it from an EcoBoost Raptor visually. The Code Orange’ R’ badges and 37-inch tires are the only notions that this is the ultimate Raptor offered, but the new Raptor always looked good. The Antimatter Blue Metallic paint on our press vehicle is very misleading. At first and second glance, you think it is black, and others won’t believe it is blue. The Iconic F O R D grill is unchanged but is accompanied by the R badge. The entire front end of this truck stands out when all the headlights, RIGID fog lights, and grille lights are illuminated.

Exterior Rating: 9/10

Interior

The inside does offer a similar feel to a normal F-150. However, you will notice the carbon fiber trim on the dash, steering wheel, and door panels. In addition, you can find Raptor badging on the steering wheel, seats, and center armrest, along with Code Orange accent stitching on the Recaro seats that sport a combination of black leather and Alcantara suede. The truck was equipped with Heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, surround view cameras, an 18-speaker B&O sound system, and much more, all providing modern comfort. My favorite feature similar to what was seen in the King Ranch we tested was the fold-out center armrest that becomes a work desk.

Interior Rating: 8/10

Performance

Ford Performance enlisted the most powerful engine in its lineup. Previously seen in the Mustang Shelby GT500, the supercharged V8 makes the Raptor the most fun truck I have driven. The huge smile this truck puts on your face justifies the 11 MPG and the mandatory 91+ octane. It smoothly handles what this V8 throws at it. This truck can easily transition from the streets to the sand, handling rougher terrain efficiently. My favorite feature on this truck is the exhaust system with a true pass-through muffler and active valve system, with modes for Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja. I have never heard a truck sound this good. It just sounds bonkers.

These customizable modes can be accessed in the MyMode features.

It also allows drivers to customize drive, steering, and suspension modes. You can save your ideal settings by pressing the “R” button on the steering wheel. The 10-speed automatic allows the truck to rush to 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds. This truck makes driving 900 miles effortless and provides a smooth ride thanks to the 37-inch tires and electric dampers. Still, this super truck is not ideal for road trips, especially if you want to reduce stops at the gas station.

Performance Rating: 10/10

2023 Ford Raptor R Verdict

The Raptor R is aimed to take down the TRX, but it is also $25K+ more than the Ram Truck. The model we tested has an MSRP of $109,740, but I would not be surprised if there were still dealerships marking these up to almost $200k. However, this bigger and better Raptor is the ultimate F-150 and is my preference over the TRX.  It is a highly capable and exciting Muscle Truck for those who love off-road adventure and high-performance vehicles.

Overall Rating: 9/10

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Ford F-150 Lightning – 2022 Test Drive Review

The 2022 Ford Lightning is an excellent start for EV Trucks.

Ford Lightning Angle Shot

The good folks at Ford Motor Company brought me the brand new F-150 Lightning to drive for seven days. Naturally, I was excited to experience the thrilling electrified power of the Ford Lightning, the fastest-accelerating F-150 to date. I tested the Lariat Lightning with a Dual Motor, Standard Range Battery, and Max Trailer Tow Package.

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Exterior

Looking at the truck, you could not tell if it was a standard gas-powered F-150 or the electrified Lightning. Besides the side rear Lighting badge and unique lit-up grille, everything else screams just a typical F-150. Would the Lightning have benefited from a more radical and exciting design? Probably, but this truck is aimed at current F-150 owners and early EV adopters. Even where the engine would have sat, a normal-looking hood with a grille still exists. When you open it, you find a large frunk that offers additional cargo of up to 400 pounds.

Ford Lightning Frunk

Out of the colors I have seen, this Smoked Quartz exterior has to be my favorite. With its metallic paint, it goes from a deep blue to an onyx. The headlight and taillight designs are the most radical features of the truck. The wheels have been a polarizing styling choice among the audience, with many calling them straight-up ugly, but they have grown on me, and I am certain its design is based on functionality over appearance.

Exterior Rating: 7.5/10

Ford Lightning Interior

Interior

I do like the interior of the F-150s. Previously I had an F-150 King Ranch Hybrid, which blew my mind inside and out. I even stated that the hybrid variation is more practical than the lighting. The interior of the Ford Lightning is no different than a Gas powered F-150. It is just as complimentary and roomy, giving your rear passengers plenty of legroom. The materials used are quality, and nothing feels out of place. Your truck’s command center is the extra-large infotainment tablet full of settings and features. The fold-out workstation is also a must-have for anyone that does office work on the go.

Interior Rating: 8/10

Ford Lightning Sean Tajipour

Performance

The Ford Lightning lives up to its name when it comes to performance. It comes standard with dual motors and all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, our truck was the standard battery version, giving us less range and power. The Electric motors provide 452 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque. A 0-60 mph in the mid-4-second range is possible when equipped with an extended-range battery. Normal and Sport mode full throttle is a lot of fun and an experience I have never felt in a truck below. The immediate power from the electric motors is such a thrill and makes such a heavy vehicle feel light and nimble. The truck’s lower center of gravity offered impressive handling I have never experienced in a truck before. No other truck compares when turning. It has a maximum payload capacity of 2,235 pounds in the standard-range model with 18-inch wheels and a maximum of 10,000 pounds of available towing capacity on XLT and Lariat trucks with the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to test its towing capability and how much of a strain it puts on the battery, but I would refer to my friends at Pickup Truck + SUV Talk.

Performance Rating: 9/10

2022 Ford Lightning Verdict

The Ford Lighting is the first mainstream electric truck to hit the streets finally, but many parts of the country may not be ready for fully electric work and recreational trucks. Even though it lives up to its name with its performance, the charging infrastructure is still the problem. For at-home charging, your options are using 110 and 220-volt outlets. If you charge at home with a 110, expect about 14% of charge in 24 hours. Out in the wild, you will have to find a charging station capable of charging quickly. Ford advertises 15% to 80% of battery capacity in 44 minutes, but I did not experience that. The closest and faster-charging station for me was an EVgo at HEB, where I charged $18 per hour, and it took me two hours to go from 33% to 90%. The MSRP of the truck tested is $81,099.

Overall Rating: 8/10

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Grand Wagoneer Review

 

Ford F-150 Lightning – 2022 First Impression Test Drive

F-150 Lightning Frunk

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning could become the ultimate truck.

America’s best-selling truck for 45 years, the Ford F-Series, is going 100% Electric with the 2022 F-150 Lightning. They are slowly hitting the streets, and I had the opportunity to spend quality time with the latest EV. The Lightning is the fastest-accelerating F-150 to date. It does 0-60 mph in the mid-4-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery. The Electric motors provide 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque.

As you can see, no engine allows for a Mega Power Frunk. So you get 400 liters of volume and 400 pounds of payload with the extra storage space. It has a maximum payload capacity of 2,235 pounds in the standard-range model with 18-inch wheels and a maximum of 10,000 pounds of available towing capacity on XLT and Lariat trucks with the extended-range battery and Max Trailer Tow Package.

First Reaction

The Lightning is just like any F-150. It has tons of options regarding trim choice and additional features. The only difference is that it is electric but still FORD Tough. The quality of the build is just as solid as any F-150 you see on the road. No corners have been cut. The immediate power from the electric motors is such a thrill and makes such a heavy vehicle feel light and nimble. The capability when it comes to power tools and even your house is impressive, and that is thanks to the 10-kilowatt Pro Power Onboard system. The everyday use that Lightning can offer will be an exciting task to explore in my upcoming extensive review.

The starting price of the 2022 Ford Lightning, seen above, is $67,474.

  •  4×4 Supercrew Lariat
  • Smoked Quartz Exterior
  • Dual Motor Extended Range

The total MSRP comes outs to $81,099. I look forward to compiling an extensive review of the Ford F-150 Lightning when I get my hands on it for several days! Read more Articles and Subscribe to our YouTube.

 

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