My FH5 Log: "WE WON JUNK CARS AGAIN, WE DRIVE A LOT"

The collaboration between Forza Horizon 5 and Donut Media continues with the Upgrade Heroes series update where players gained full access to the Horizon Test Track feature, originally accessible only to the Donut Media Horizon Story last year, as well as the recent swarm of, you guessed it, JUNK CARS! LOTS AND LOTS OF JUNK CARS!

The highlight of the recent barrage of JUNK CARS is the arrival of the Donut Media Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z) cars as featured in the Donut Media Hi Low segment. In case you don't know, the Donut Media boys ran the Hi Low segment where they buy two identical used cars and then modify them with a specified budget. 

Nolan's Z33 costs $20,000 worth of cheap modifications while James' Z33 costs $50,000 worth of "really nice" modifications. Both of these modified cars were booted with new coilovers, wheels, tires, new car paint, and some turbochargers. In typical project car fashion, both cars break down, but hey, long story short.

Both of these Donut Media Z33 cars can be won just by clearing both Hi Car and Low Car Horizon Stories. You can even keep your very own Z33 Fairlady Z after the finale as well as other prize cars in store for both stories.

Rather than comparing these two Donut Media Z33s just to determine "does more expensive really mean more better", I decided to let these cars enjoy themselves at the Horizon Badlands against the competition, just to experience the "MO POWA BABEH" mantra both Donut-modified Z33s had. (cue guitar riff noise)

MO POWA BABEH! Guess these Donut Z33s didn't break down just like what James and Nolan experienced during their little experiment.

The Donut-modified Nissan Z33 Fairlady Zs weren't the only junk cars in store in the Upgrade Heroes update. A trio of junk cars made a comeback in Forza Horizon 5 such as the Syclone, the Typhoon, and the SL65 AMG Black Series.

First up, the GMC Syclone that I won from the Storm Season Playlist. Based on the GMC Sonoma pickup truck, the Syclone has a turbocharged 4.3L V6 engine equipped with a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8 cm² turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler. It develops 280HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated with a 4-speed automatic. 0-60mph takes about 5.3 seconds and based on a Car & Driver test, it does a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at 93 mph.

Next up is the GMC Typhoon that I won from the Dry Season Playlist. Based on the Jimmy SUV, the Typhoon features the same specs as its Sonoma-based Syclone pickup truck. It has a turbocharged 4.3L V6 engine equipped with a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8 cm² turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler. It develops 280HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated with a 4-speed automatic.

Lastly, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series that I won from the Hot Season Playlist. Using the R230 SL65 AMG as its basis, the Black Series is an upgraded version of the said model which comes with an improved version of a 6.0L V12 twin-turbo engine mated with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic transmission. With the engine developing 661HP of power, it is the most powerful V12-powered AMG vehicle ever. 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed limited to 199mph. Aside from its raw power, the Black Series is 250kg lighter than the regular SL65 because of the use of light carbon fiber composite (CFRP) parts and replacing the foldable hardtop roof with a fixed roof.

Having gotten to know the recent swarm of junk cars, let's thrash them across the Horizon Badlands, and see if these clunkers have any chance of surviving these punishing courses...

Wow, these junk cars managed to survive. I guess immortality is their middle name.

As the Donut boys would say, "WE BUY JUNK CARS, WE PAY A LOT. DEPENDING ON THE YEAR THO". Judging by the recent swarm of junk cars looks like we're going to be sticking around with a potential next wave of junk cars until the final series update of FH5 before the transition to the 2023 Forza Motorsport game coming this October.

Could this day get any worse for me as the Horizon Mexico adventure is nearing its twilight? Ah, junk cars...

My FH5 Log: Modern Warlords

What do the Jeep Wrangler JK and the GMC Hummer EV pickup have in common? They both starred in the Call of Duty games, specifically the Modern Warfare ones. Here at Forza Horizon 5, it's time to pay tribute to the offroaders that played an active role in one conflict zone after another.

The Jeep Wrangler JK and the GMC Hummer EV were proven to be warriors in their own right when they were given special roles in the Modern Warfare games and like most war veterans, let's give them the 21-gun salute they deserve. But first, let's get to know about these Modern Warfare rides.

Long before I took this car for a spin in Forza Motorsport 4 as a DLC car in 2012, the Jeep Wrangler JK popped up in 2011's Call of Duty MW3. In fact, there was a special version made in collaboration between Jeep and the Call of Duty games. Anyway, the updated version of the Jeep Wrangler JK is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that produces less than 290HP of power, making it capable of hitting a 0-60mph time of less than seven seconds.

It's a similar story for the GMC Hummer EV pickup, which I won from the Hot Season playlist of the Explore the Horizon series update in FH5. Before it made its appearance here, the GMC Hummer EV made a special appearance in 2022's Call of Duty Modern Warfare II. Anyway, the GMC Hummer EV features a three-motor powertrain generating 1,000hp of power and 15,591Nm of torque in its top-spec Edition 1 variant, capable of going from 0-60mph in three seconds. In addition, it features adaptive air suspension with available Extract Mode, a choice of 35 to 37-inch tires, underbody armor, Ultravision, removable Sky Panel roof sections, Watts to Freedom, MultiPro tailgate, and CrabWalk.

Having read the dossier on these offroaders, it's time to give these soldiers of Horizon the 21-gun salute they deserve and with that, it's off to the Badlands for a one-lap showdown between the two. However, as I'm conducting a duel between the two Modern Warfare machines, a sandstorm suddenly whipped in, giving the feeling of soldiers surviving through the sandstorm, raiding through enemy territory one after another.

As the sandstorm rages, both the Wrangler and the Hummer EV are locked and loaded for a one-lap showdown to determine which of these offroaders featured in the Modern Warfare games is the best. Live ammunition in 3...2...1...FIRE!

With their mission done, here are the results;

Wrangler - 3m06.303s

Hummer EV - 2m46.233s

If anyone said that Modern Warfare II is better than MW3, here's your answer. Anyway, it's a "winner-winner chicken dinner" for the GMC Hummer EV even when the weather's gone FUBAR. Get it?

Even outside the warzone, the Jeep Wrangler JK and the GMC Hummer EV pickup were proven to be warlords, especially in the Horizon Mexico after-hours. From the conflict zone to the racing stage, both battle-proven offroaders managed to flex their battle-scarred muscles and brave through the elements Mother Nature has thrown to the Horizon Mexico partygoers and that's how they roll, soldiers.

These offroaders really wish the mission never ends and you know what? Let them have it. They've earned their stars and stripes like real soldiers. This is their call of duty even outside the warzone.

My FH5 Log: Pick Up, Pack Down

The Explore the Horizon update on Forza Horizon 5 isn't just more than the powered-up Photo Mode update, Pathfinder challenges, two Cupra crossovers, and new overland parts on selected offroaders, it's about four American trucks taking centerstage on Horizon Mexico; a modified F-250 with a unique party piece, two classic American trucks, and the long-awaited arrival of the GMC Hummer EV.

Now that I got all of the four prize trucks over the course of the Explore the Horizon update, it's time to take a gander at my recent hauls;

In the Wet Season, I got my hands on the DeBerti Ford F-250 Transformer, it's a modified F-250 truck made possible by DeBerti Design that wowed the crowd at the 2019 SEMA Show. Aside from numerous modifications, it features unique tool drawers and hidden storage beneath the fiberglass fender.

In the Storm Season, I got the keys to the seventh-generation Ford F-150, the model that redefined the F-150 lineage because it was the first to feature the Ford Blue Oval grille emblem, the diesel variant, and an optional dashboard with a full set of instruments.

The second-generation Chevrolet K10 truck became part of my FH5 garage ever since winning one in the Dry Season. Mind you, because this is the 1972 model year K10, it's qualified to be designated as a "vintage car" if you know what I mean. This is part of the "Action Line" C/K models produced from 1967 to 1972 and over its span, it received numerous updates and underwent a mid-cycle refresh for the 1971 model year.

Lastly, and obviously the best one, the GMC Hummer EV that I won from the Hot Season. Signaling the return of the Hummer name in the age of the new normal, the GMC Hummer EV features a three-motor powertrain generating 1,000hp of power and 15,591Nm of torque in its top-spec Edition 1 variant, capable of going from 0-60mph in three seconds. In addition, it features adaptive air suspension with available Extract Mode, a choice of 35 to 37-inch tires, underbody armor, Ultravision, removable Sky Panel roof sections, Watts to Freedom, MultiPro tailgate, and CrabWalk. Sadly, we can't do CrabWalk in the game but Watts to Freedom? Engage Launch Control and see it for yourself.

With all four American trucks now part of the FH5 family, it's time to give them some necessary roughness they deserved and with the FH5 Rally Adventure still open for business, let's give these American truckers their moment of glory as they're tackling through the rough against the competition. Roll the tapes!

Having enjoyed all four trucks in the game, which one is the favorite? For me, it's got to be the Hummer EV. Sure, it's a massive monster to handle but I had a blast to drive the ultimate electric truck that caused a lot of stir since its world premiere and gained a two thumbs-up by LeBron James himself.

This unboxing is finished but I still have a word with the GMC Hummer EV. Watch for it. It's gonna be interesting...

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (Third Generation)

In the beginning, the Chevrolet Colorado (and its GMC Canyon equivalent) is basically an Isuzu pickup with a different flavor. Due to a seismic shift in the motoring industry, the partnership between General Motors and Isuzu has ended as well as leaving the RHD markets, leaving the development of next-generation Colorado in doubt. However, even without Isuzu's help, the all-new, third-generation Colorado has arrived, leaving everyone with unanswered questions.

2023 GMC Canyon

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

The all-new, third-generation, Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC Canyon equivalent sparked numerous unanswered questions by the time these midsize pickups were unveiled to the world. Why would General Motors decide to build the all-new Colorado by themselves, even without Isuzu's partnership? That's American self-sufficient to you but more with that later on because let's observe the design.

2023 GMC Canyon Denali

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Both new models are larger in size compared to their world-proven predecessors but in design terms, their differences speak for themselves with the Colorado being mature-looking while the Canyon's looking ready for everything even while groomed in the stylish Denali trim or the tough, off-road ready AT4 trim.

2023 GMC Canyon interior

2023 Chevrolet Colorado interior

Apart from their tough looks, both the new Colorado and the Canyon feature a cutting-edge interior that could leave other Colorado loyalists outside America begging to play with it someday. On the driver's side, it's packed with an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment display and an 11-inch diagonal driver information center, not to mention smartphone connectivity if you're looking to add some fun in a middle of a traffic jam. On the passenger side, both new models are roomier compared to their predecessors, meaning there's enough room for your sweet spot if you're calling shotgun on your next weekend trip to either a mall or a nearby province.

As for the rear bed, both new models are packed with useful features such as the optional StowFlex Tailgate that comes with a lockable storage compartment built into the tailgate, and up to 17 tie-downs to secure your stuff. Of course, the tailgate can be mid-positioned in case you need to carry longer items and has a maximum payload over the 1800lb/820kg mark, depending on the model though.

2023 GMC Canyon AT4

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Now, let's talk about the way these new-generation midsize trucks behave, and spoiler alert; such behavior will make General Motors regret its decision to leave RHD markets. Because these new models no longer run on Isuzu mechanicals, both the new Colorado and the new Canyon are now running on the same mechanicals as their big brothers, the Silverado and the Sierra, making them tough and capable everywhere, even when things get hot or cold. In the case of the off-road-oriented ZR2 and AT4 variants even in Desert Boss and AT4X specs, you can expect high-performance lifted suspension, wider chassis, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a Baja mode if you're in the mood for sandblasting.

No V6 and diesel in the new model, especially Isuzu-made ones. The only engine you'll find in the new trucks is a 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine mated to an 8-speed AT. This engine produces 310HP of power and 430lb-ft of torque.

Asked about safety, the new trucks feature Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beam. They even come with trailering app functionality and up to ten available camera views as well, making them the most advanced pickup trucks available.

Had General Motors remained in RHD markets, especially the pickup paradise Thailand, the new Colorado would be a big hit, would spawn a PPV equivalent, and best of all, would wear a Holden badge. Sadly, it's too late. General Motors is out of the RHD game and Holden is dead, meaning prospects of seeing the all-new Colorado taking on the world have faded. It's a sad moment for Colorado fans outside America but in its home market, such evolution deserves a lot of praise because both the Colorado and the Canyon are the most advanced trucks in their class. Although these new trucks have world-proven potential because of their toughness and tech, they'll never have the chance to take on the world someday...or are they?

Why would General Motors decide to build the all-new Colorado by themselves, even without Isuzu's partnership? As I said, that's American self-sufficient to you.

Photo: General Motors

Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe/GMC Yukon/Cadillac Escalade (GM T1XX)

The largest SUVs on the face of the planet, the Chevrolet Suburban and its shorter Tahoe twin, as well as its more professional sibling, the GMC Yukon, and its luxurious one, the Cadillac Escalade, have been regenerated into a completely new generation with new look, new interior, new performance, and new tech while keeping America's favorite full-size SUVs more dominant than ever in the world where SUVs are the new normal and they are the kings...or presidents if you prefer.

First let's start with the new Chevrolet Suburban (priced at $51,700 plus additional costs) and its shorter Tahoe sibling (priced at $49,000 plus additional costs). These two titans have been reigning the Chevrolet SUV range since their first appearances several years ago and with these two received their full model changes, looks like they're still on the roll with new and exciting ways to get the gentlemen from all walks of life rolling for more.

Observing on the design, the new models looked almost similar compared to its previous model but with a more futuristic touches to make them look fresh and perked for more. It's about as neatly polished as a well-maintained horseshoe and when you take them on and off the road, dominance is what the new Suburban and the new Tahoe summed up neatly the American way.

The new interior is where these two American titans shine the most because the new models got best-in-class cargo room, more legroom than the previous model, and can have up to five display screens including its exclusive 15-inch HUD. Thanks to its larger interior dimensions, the new Suburban and the new Tahoe can fit almost all kinds of situations it can see fit such as getting the kids after soccer practice, escorting corporate titans like a proper associate or a bodyguard, law enforcement, delivering goods to the customers, or when you just want to be driving on the great American roads by yourself, experiencing its unrivaled all-rounder performance only these SUVs possess.

Under the hood, the new Suburban and the new Tahoe can be fitted with either the beefy Duramax 3.0L diesel engine, a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 HP of power and the more powerful 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, which is offered exclusively on the High Country variant. all of these engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox with  a push-button electronic shift.

It maybe extremely bulky to drive because of such size but the new models wanted to make it more engaging than the previous generation and with that, they both come with an independent rear suspension paired with the optional Magnetic Ride Control and the first-in-class Air Ride Adaptive System (for the Z71 and High Country variants) which offers load leveling at all four corners of the vehicle and up to 4 inches of ride height adjustment. Such setup really made the new Suburban and Tahoe nearly good on and off the road and looks like General Motors have really outdone it this time.

Of course with safety is the new normal in today's motoring world, both models feature up to thirty safety and driver convenience features as well as trailering features that will help drivers getting familiarize with the art of trailering. It's the same stuff you saw in the current Silverado and family outings on the great outdoors have never been this good.

Having enjoyed the new Chevrolet Suburban and the new Tahoe, let's get to know about the new-generation GMC Yukon next and although it is the more professional sibling of the Suburban and Tahoe, the new Yukon tries to set itself apart with its more distinguishable design and interior, not to mention the performance of course.

Priced at 50,700 US Dollars plus additional costs, the new GMC Yukon tries to separate itself from its Suburban and Tahoe siblings because it features a uniquely different exterior design and interior compared from its Chevrolet sibling and the addition of the more stylish Denali variant really made a bold statement about it. Either way, the new Yukon has the best-in-class cargo room and it's got more legroom than the previous model. Of course, like its Chevrolet sibling, the new Yukon can seat up to eight people, which is a seat less than the previous model, which is a bit of shame for a people mover but it still works for all walks of life, be it for weekend getaways or for work, whichever works best.

Just like its Chevrolet siblings, the new Yukon can be fitted with either the beefy Duramax 3.0L diesel engine, a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 HP of power and the more powerful 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, which is offered exclusively on the Denali variant. all of these engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox with  a push-button electronic shift.

The new Yukon features an all-new Active Response 4WD with an eLSD, allowing this SUV to work rather well in all kinds of roads, no matter how rough it can get. Come to the AT4 variant and you'll get some off-road oriented features such as a two-speed transfer case, Traction Select System, Hill Descent Control, and much more, not to forget about the Air Ride Adaptive System.

Lastly, the new Yukon, like its Chevrolet siblings, features up to thirty safety and driver convenience features as well as trailering features to make trailering life more easy.

And now we get to the most luxurious of the three, the all-new Cadillac Escalade, which starts at an extremely pricey 76,195 US Dollars plus additional costs.

The Escalade has been known to be the full-sized SUV favored by the generation of hip hop and gangsta rappers from the ghettos since the first generation and with its new generation, looks like it has elevated from its thug status to boss status, if you know what I mean?

The styling of the new Escalade is a bit regular compared to the previous model, although it bears close resemblance to the Hyundai Palisade from all the wrong barrels of life but take note that despite its Palisade-esque styling, it's still a Cadillac Escalade and it behaves just like its predecessors.

The new interior is where the Escalade's critical point because never in the history of automobile has ever seen a vehicle spawning a unique-looking screen like this. Yes, the new Escalade features a curved OLED with 38-inch diagonal display. We are familiar with OLED display on expensive TVs but on a vehicle? Why not? Anyway, while we are getting salivated over its OLED display, the instrumental panel works like Audi's Virtual Cockpit system, even better because that instrumental cluster works as a navigation system with augmented reality, which is surprisingly showy for a car like this and with the implementation of night vision, it gets even more of a show-off even after hours,

As a luxury three-row full-sized SUV targeted for the rich and famous people, especially the Republicans alike, the new Escalade is surprisingly luxurious because of its best-in-class cargo room and more legroom compared to the previous Escalade. When you slap this SUV with the available 36-speaker sound system and rear seat entertainment system, the new Escalade works as a party wagon for VIPs enjoying themselves on the back, which is the charm point of this new model. Oh and did I forgot to tell you that it comes with a refrigerator on the console?

Under the hood, the new Escalade is offered with a choice of either a 3.0L Duramax diesel engine and the 6.2L V8 with 420HP of power, all mated to a 10-speed gearbox. Apart from that, the new Escalade features Magnetic Ride Control, Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, eLSD, and independent rear suspension, making it slightly more engaging to drive than the previous model while keeping the guests happy for more. Of course, it even packs the most cutting edge safety tech available.

So, which of these full-sized SUVs from General Motors do you prefer? The legendary Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe? The more professional GMC Yukon? Or the luxurious Cadillac Escalade? You decide...

Photo: General Motors

Forza Horizon 4: Tropical Syclone

The Series 28 update of Forza Horizon 4 is all about trucks being made by the good ol' US of A, and this prize car that I got from the Summer Playlist, the GMC Syclone, is their opening salvo so let's have a quick look at it.

Based on the Sonoma midsize pickup, the special edition GMC Syclone is powered by a 4.3L V6 engine with a Mitsubishi-derived turbocharger and a water/air intercooler from Garrett, producing up to 280hp of power while mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox, making it capable of hittin 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 13.4 seconds, similar to a Corvette or a Ferrari as a certain car magazine said. In addition, the Syclone became the first production truck to come with 4-wheel ABS.

With the quick look done, let's sandblast this tropical cyclone to the beach and see if it can rock me like a hurricane.

Excellent. There's nothing more to talk about.

RAM 1500 (DT) vs. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 (4th Gen)

The newest full-size pickup trucks to hit the American workforce, the all-new Ram 1500 and the all-new trucks from General Motors, the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra, translate all of their Republican words into actions by delivering the right amount of space, power, efficiency, and all of their muscles in the era where American trucks are becoming great again or whatever. Doing most of their effort to squeeze the beer out of their top rival, the Ford F-150, these new breed of full-size trucks are showcasing what they can do to the righteous folks, even Cowboy Charlie himself.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado is hailed as the most dependable, longest-lasting, full-size pickup on the road, based on J.D. Power, and with the advent of this new generation, the all-new Silverado is now the strongest, most advanced Silverado ever, and it's the same thing goes to its twin, the all-new GMC Sierra 1500. These new-age light-duty pickup trucks made in the USA are showcasing country folks what they can do for them, starting with the good parts.

At first, the Silverado is cheaper to own than the Sierra because the former starts at 28,300 US Dollars MSRP while the latter starts at 37,800 US Dollars MSRP but despite the nearly ten grand difference, there's more what the Sierra delivers that the new Silverado can't but more than that later on because whichever General Motors' new generation light-duty pickup you choose, you are greeted by its all-new design which is very macho on the new Silverado but grittier on the new Sierra. Apart from their new muscular looks, these new models now have 20% more cargo volume than the opposition because of their best-in-class bed width and length for standard and short boxes and offer more cargo in the short box compared to the competition's standard box.

On the Sierra, meanwhile, storing stuff in the back makes it more convenient with the addition of the Primary Gate Load Stop which prevents stuff from sliding out of the box. Handy if you're storing so much gym equipment ready for delivery. Apart from that, the Sierra's back gates offer more stuff to do than the new Silverado, therefore, the new Sierra does all the work more than its compatriot.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 interior

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 interior

On the inside, although intimidating on the outside, the new Sierra and the new Silverado are surprisingly as luxurious as a luxury car, and in some models, they've added their first-ever rear-seatback storage compartments, which is something that the competition doesn't have.

The new Silverado, depending on which model you're on, can be fitted with either a 3.0L Duramax Diesel, 2.7L turbo, 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and the 6.2L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The Sierra, meanwhile, depending on the variant, can be fitted with the same petrol engine choices as the Silverado, especially the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, but no diesel in sight.

With the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, it produces 420HP of power and 460lb-ft of torque and has a towing capacity of 12,200lbs, which is great for towing caravans for the trip in the woods and also great for towing a sportscar stuck at the middle of nowhere in need of repairs. To get the most out of its towing capacity, these new trucks come with advanced trailer technology to make them more usable.

In some models, the Silverado and the Sierra can be fitted with special off-road packages, Z71 Off-Road Package for the Silverado and AT4 for Sierra, to make them more capable of handling every single terrain with confidence. The Silverado Z71 fits perfectly in the countryside but the Sierra AT4 easily gets through without all of the drama whatsoever.

For safety, both these trucks are offered with a Forward Collision Alert, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Camera Mirror, Park Assist, and more.

Although different in every single way, the newest trucks from General Motors are all about getting the job done from 8 in the morning to 11 in the evening, something that Cowboy Charlie would do on a day-to-day basis but if Cowboy Charlie has no interest in those new GM trucks, he would consider the real game changer of light-duty trucks, the all-new RAM 1500.

2019 RAM 1500

2019 RAM 1500 interior

Starting at $31,795 MSRP, the all-new RAM 1500 is a real segment breaker as FCA claims because this new truck beats all of the competition in terms of style, comfort, capability, and performance.

When compared to the competition, the RAM 1500 beats them all with its best-in-class V8 engine towing at up to 12,750lbs, available Active Level Four-Corner Air Suspension, Available Rambox Cargo management to store stuff like a real prepper, best-in-class rear legroom, in-floor storage fit for preppers also, standard 3.6L V6 engine with eTorque producing 305HP of power and 269-lb-ft of torque, standard eight-speed automatic, standard push button start, and the brake rotor size. No light-duty pickup truck in America comes close to the RAM 1500.

It nicked up every award and accolades as well as being named Motor Trend Truck of the Year and such achievement makes the RAM 1500 a clear winner with no questions asked.

So, there you have it, if you are in the mood for light-duty pickup trucks but not in the mood for Blue Ovals, consider the Silverado as an affordable alternative but if you want the best a true American pickup truck has to offer, go for the Ram 1500. Simple as that.

Photo: General Motors/ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Second-generation GMC Terrain

With today's GMC Acadia now became a midsize SUV, many are wondering what's going to happen to their current midsize SUV known as the Terrain. Don't worry folks, because while General Motors became aware of this situation, they want to make sure that their current Acadia, despite its size, will remain bigger than the Terrain and in the Terrain's case, the other midsize SUV is now reached its second generation and while it promises to be smaller than today's Acadia, there's so much to know about this new model.

2018 GMC Terrain

2018 GMC Terrain

First, there are so much questions to talk about the new Terrain, apart from being just a Chevrolet Equinox made for baseballers and college footballers alike, and one such is the questionable design because when you look around the angles, the headlamps and the taillights are reminiscent of the rear taillights of today's Honda Civic while the side view puts you into think that it reminds you of that F_rt_n_r (sorry, vowels blocked for search query reasons) of today. In other words, that questionable design looks exciting and confused at the same time and makes differentiate it from its big brother very easy.

2018 GMC Terrain interior

Unlike the previous Terrain shares the previous Equinox's interior, the new Terrain's interior is different because what GMC wants is even though they're Chevrolets underneath, they want the way GMCs look inside and out are different and for the Terrain, they have done it so when they start realize that this is just a rebadged Chevy Equinox, they need to rethink about the Terrain over again. Speaking of interior, the Terrain is still a five-seater and it's surprisingly roomier than the previous model so even though it's a family mover, it still works perfect for your day out with your mates after work or on the weekends. At the back, the new Terrain's boot space can accommodate up to eight feet in length with the seats down and even with all the seats present, it still accommodates your luggages very neatly and organized, especially when it has the special hands-free power liftgate, although not the one Ford mastered it with their crossovers. Connectivity wise, this crossover has a lot of USB ports to charge your phones with while on the go as well as its sat-nav that comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility so the new Terrain is a connectivity plus for all.

2018 GMC Terrain

Because the new Terrain is based on today's Chevrolet Equinox, the engine choices are almost identical to today's Equinox as well. There's the more powerful 2.0L turbo petrol engine with 252HP of power, 28 MPG highway, and mated to a 9-speed automatic, a 1.6L turbodiesel with 240lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, and an impressive 39MPG highway, and a well-balanced 1.6L turbo petrol engine with 170HP of power, 203lb-ft of torque, 30MPG highway, and mated to a 9-speed gearbox. The 2.0L turbo is the only engine available at launch but the other two engines will come out later this year and my recommendation would be the smaller 1.6L petrol engine because it's a well-balanced engine that you can't go wrong with it and adds some life to it.

Engines aside, the way the new Terrain behaves differs from drivetrain and with the AWD, the Terrain feels like it's ready to rumble through all kinds of roads and all kinds of conditions. That's adaptability to you but don't get too excited to it because while this is surprisingly a fun family car full-stop, it's still not as fun as you would expect on an SUV that likes to play rough, instead it wants to play nice.

Speaking of play nice, the new Terrain offers a wide array of safety features such as the Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Safety Alert Seat, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking. With all these safety features present, the Terrain feels like it's ready to take on whatever today's traffic reports mentioned during the long trip.

The all-new Terrain starts at 24,995 US Dollars and while it's a thousand dollars more than its Chevy Equinox relative, it's still affordable to own than its big brother, the now-midsize GMC Acadia. It comes in three different variants from the SLE, the SLT, and the more stylish and more premium Denali. So, should you buy it? Well, if you think today's Chevrolet Equinox has gone red, consider this because despite the Equinox connection, the new Terrain is a crossover that shows GMC's professional grade despite its size and it's all about getting the job done from day one until the time comes they won't need this crossover anymore.

Photo: General Motors