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.

Jeep Grand Cherokee WL 4xe

Following the success of the first-ever Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the latest-generation Grand Cherokee is the latest Jeep to gain the 4xe PHEV variant. Looks like Jeep's electrification strategy is starting to pay off big dividends with the newest addition of the 4xe family.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Starting at 60,360 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Grand Cherokee 4xe brings the legendary Grand Cherokee lineage to the electrification route, making it capable to tackle the challenges of the new normal.

Based on the short-wheelbase Grand Cherokee WL, it offers the same five-seater capabilities as its petrol-powered equivalent, meaning you still get the similar looks, the same twin touchscreens on the dashboard,  the same ambient lightning, and so on. The only way to differentiate it is by the 4xe badging on it and some special 4xe graphics for the Trailhawk variant.

The 4xe powertrain that serves as the beating heart of the PHEV Grand Cherokee comprises of a 2.0L l4 DOHC DI Turbo engine bolted to a 400v 17-kWh li-ion nickel manganese cobalt battery pack, two electric motors, engine-mounted motor generator unit, and ZF 8-speed AT. This powertrain delivers 375hp of power and 637Nm of torque, 56MPGe of combined fuel economy, and a combined range of 470 miles.

Those who wish to take it offroad like a proper Jeep should go for the one with the Quadra-Drive II system with rear eLSD but for those who want a more civilized driving experience should go for the one with the Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system with a two-speed low transfer case for better traction. Either way, the Grand Cherokee 4xe means business and pleasure behind the wheel while keeping Mother Nature happy.

Like most Grand Cherokees, it comes with a wide array of safety features such as the night vision camera, Interior Rear Monitoring Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror, and tons of familiar ADAS to play it safe.

From Death Valley to New York, the first-ever Grand Cherokee 4xe is classic Grand Cherokee with an electrified twist and it's worth driving one.

Photo: Jeep

My GT7 Log: Know Your Legends - The Willys MB

 Let's get to know about the legendary cars that are hard to get in Gran Turismo 7's Legend Cars not only because of their extreme rarity that appears once in a blue moon but also their outrageous price tag that takes almost forever to save one. Today, let's get to know about the Willys MB, a relic of the Second World War and the forefather of the modern SUV.

The Willys MB is a military vehicle was once originated with the Jeep name although there are some puzzles about the origin of the Jeep word via this car, although it was claimed from the slurring of the letters GP, the military term for General Purpose while others say it came for a character named "Eugene the Jeep" from the Popeye cartoon strip. No one knows what is the true origin of the Jeep term from this vehicle but at the end of the Second World War, these vehicles of war have now been transformed into production-based civilian vehicles and thus the sport utility vehicle craze was born.

The Willys MB will lap through the Goodwood Motor Circuit but how fast will it go? Let's roll the tape.

It did it in 2:15.422, which is almost a slow-and-steady experience for a light military vehicle used by American soldiers during the war.

What other hard-to-get legendary cars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

New Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer

Five decades ago, there was an ancient cross-country vehicle known the world over as the Jeep Wagoneer. Produced for over 28 years with numerous minor changes, it was known to be one of the longest-running vehicles in American history. Fast forward to today and the Wagoneer is back as the luxury side of Jeep. The legend returns and it's ready to redefine the SUVs of the 21st century the American way. Let's have a quick dive with the 21st-century Wagoneer, the modern take of the legendary SUV that reshaped America.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The folks from Stellantis don't want everybody to call the Wagoneer a Jeep because the 21st-century Wagoneer is a luxury extension of the Jeep brand. Whatever the reason, despite the signature Jeep grille on the front, there are no signs of Jeep markings in it, making the Wagoneer range a separate entity or whatever the reason, much like the Mustang from Ford or the Corvette from Chevrolet.

Anyway, the 21st-century Wagoneer is offered with two different versions to choose from such as the normal Wagoneer, which is priced at 68,590 US Dollars plus additional costs, and the ultra-luxurious Grand Wagoneer, which is priced at an ultra-expensive 87,590 US Dollars plus additional costs.

Beginning with the design, the Wagoneer stays faithful to its concept form first previewed last year. For a glorified Grand Cherokee catered for the 1%, the new Wagoneer's boxy styling and rugged character show its true nature as an American-made SUV promises to make America great again, whatever the reason. The normal Wagoneer variant is good to look at because of its pioneer image surrounding it but on the ultra-expensive Grand Wagoneer, its showboating looks delivers a lasting impression while placed on a metropolitan setting. Either way, they're both byproducts of real American values.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer interior

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer interior

The interior may not be as large as a Chevrolet Suburban but the new Wagoneer is still a practical, common-sense SUV with three-row seating fit for family use. 

While it boasts the best second-row and third-row legroom in its class, the results are somewhat not typical because whether if you're looking to nail its sweet spot or hitting yourself with the "out on a limo" feeling, you'd better start praying that the second-row seats are either separated so you can easily get through the third-row seating or in case the second-row seats accommodate three, pray that no child seats flooded the entire second-row or you'll be in big trouble getting through the third-row seating.

On the driver's side, the new Wagoneer's dashboard looks broadly similar to the latest Grand Cherokee but with some nice touches on it. Yes, it has a touch-screen sat-nav to play around with, but it's got two buttons mounted in it so you can easily adjust the volume or change radio stations without the hassle. One thing you'll get noticed is the rotary gear dial that is similar to what Jaguars and Land Rovers had today.

The Grand Wagoneer's interior, meanwhile, is high class indeed. Of course, it still packs three-row seating just like the normal Wagoneer but it boasts the most cargo volume behind the third row in its class, more than enough to carry either a golf bag on a trip to the country club or sensitive cargo in case of confidential missions. The best bits in the Grand Wagoneer's interior are the extensive use of handcrafted materials in the making of its seats, a classic combination of American walnut and authentic metal surfaces, and an extra touch screen above the glovebox. If you are prepared to pay a six-figure price tag for such privileges, the Grand Wagoneer's the luxury SUV that will upset the competition.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

As most people would say that the new Wagoneer runs on similar mechanicals as today's RAM 1500, you would expect that it's a tough cross-country machine built for all walks of life. Looks like they were right, almost. Because of such mechanicals, the new Wagoneer is offered as either a rear-wheel-drive or a four-wheel-drive with three different variations while the new Grand Wagoneer is offered only in the highest four-wheel-drive configuration, known as the Quadra-Trac II with rear eLSD and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.

The Wagoneer is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine with eTorque that produces 392HP of power and 404lb-ft of torque. The Grand Wagoneer, meanwhile, is powered by the 6.4L V8 engine that produces 470HP of power and 455lb-ft of torque. They're both mated to an eight-speed AT. In terms of towing, the normal Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000lbs while the Grand Wagoneer, despite its powerful engine, can tow less than 10,000lbs. Pity that the lesser one has more muscle than its final form if you know what I mean.

Built for almost all walks of life, both the new Wagoneer and the new Grand Wagoneer are packed with the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System that allows the driver to choose a wide variety of settings that fit through different road conditions with the Auto mode allowing the SUV to adapt through almost everything. It even comes with the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension that can be raised or lowered depending on which road it faces.

The Grand Wagoneer can do so much more because of its active two-speed transfer case with Selec-Speed Control, giving it more capability to ascend or descend through various road elevations thanks to its hill ascent and hill descent control features. With such numerous features, it seems that the Grand Wagoneer is the better cross-country vehicle than the normal Wagoneer and looks like rivals such as the Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade are wishing they had their mommies with them.

Both the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer comes with a wide array of safety features such as the available Surround View Camera with washer, Active Lane Management System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and many others.

It's no wonder why the new Wagoneer range from Jeep is the most expensive Jeeps you can buy because of its "American Premium" status. Made by the Americans for the 1-percent Americans who prefer free-market capitalism, this is the prime example of how American capitalism practiced, whatever the reason.

Of course, being part of a company colonized by Europeans, the 21st-century Wagoneer still embodies the same can-do American spirit.

Photo: Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Jeep Grand Cherokee enters its fifth generation, but not in a way you've expected it to be. Why? Because the newest version kicked off with the first-ever three-row variant known as the Grand Cherokee L. So, what's it all about the first three-row Grand Cherokee in history?

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The first-ever Grand Cherokee L starts at 38,635 US Dollars plus additional costs, which is more expensive than its equivalent, the Dodge Durango. While the Durango is made for showoffs who love to go louder in a big way, the Grand Cherokee L is made for cowboys and equestrians alike. From exploring through the Utah mountains to driving through Michelin-starred restaurants in the streets of Hollywood, from bringing exploration stuff for your next outdoor adventure to escorting VIPs, the Grand Cherokee L is built for almost all kinds of jobs.

In terms of design, the new Grand Cherokee's exterior is well-sculpted and handsomely reskinned from the previous model. Although adventurous in spirit, the long-wheelbase form is the key point of the new model, and whichever way you look at it, it's a Jeep thing indeed. One thing that will have everybody noticed is the implementation of the American flag near the Grand Cherokee banner, proof that it's proudly made by Americans for the so-called free world.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L interior

Checking the interior, Jeep put a lot of effort into redefining the Grand Cherokee lineage as a luxury utility vehicle built for all kinds of situations. On the driver's side, they are greeted with a string of high-tech stuff from the instrumental cluster to the touch screen sat-nav with no buttons and dials to control the volume, which spells bad news for speedo boys behind the wheel. Good thing the climate control still has dials, which is essential indeed for a luxury car like this. Another nuisance for speedo boys behind the wheel is the rotary gear dial akin to Jaguars and Land Rovers of today.

Troublesome the driver's side is for speedo boys behind the wheel, the passenger side is where the Grand Cherokee L shines and because being the long-wheelbase Grand Cherokee, it has seating up to six or seven passengers. Whether if it's for a family outing, road-tripping with your friends, or escorting VIPs to their destinations, the three-row layout of the Grand Cherokee L really is the jack-of-all-trades or in some cases, jack-of-all-tirades. Take the second-row seats for instance. With the console or seat blocking the middle in the expensive versions, you'll have difficulty getting through the third-row seats but in cheaper versions without the massive thing in the middle, getting through the third-row seats is as easy as ABC.

Like most SUVs, the passenger seats can be folded down to accumulate up to 84.6 cubic feet of boot space. Enough room to fit your newly bought 8K TV from your nearest Costco or two BMXs for your next cycling trip.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The Grand Cherokee L is powered by a choice of two petrol engines; a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with an updated engine start-stop technology and a more powerful 5.7L V8 engine with cylinder shut-off technology, all mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The V6 engine produces 290hp of power and 257lb-ft of torque while the V8 engine produces 357hp of power, 390lb-ft of torque, and has a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

The Grand Cherokee L is rear-wheel-drive by default but when opted with the four-wheel-drive configuration, it features numerous capabilities such as the available Quadra-Trac II with rear eLSD, Selec-Terrain traction management, and many others. Opt-in for the Overland variant with the available Off-Road Group and you'll have a Grand Cherokee L that can tackle almost everywhere with water fording through up to 24 inches of water, up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, higher levels of articulation, and more.

Built on a new unibody architecture and improved dynamics underneath, the Grand Cherokee L, despite its long wheelbase, drives neatly like a proper luxury car. Not dynamic as such but it's surprisingly mild to drive on the streets and when taken off-road, it's almost as great to drive as a Land Rover Discovery.

The Grand Cherokee L boasts the most available safety and security features in its class. With such safety features equipped inside and out, the Grand Cherokee L is by no means the safest SUV in its class. Out of all the safety equipment that got drivers noticed, the night vision camera is the top pick. Although not military-grade, it's a cool safety feature that works after hours. What's also cool is the Interior Rear Monitoring Camera feature, which is ideal for those who want to check their little toddlers or fragile objects without looking away from the road. And then, there's the Digital Rearview Mirror that uses an LCD monitor for a distraction-free behind view.

The Grand Cherokee L is the luxurious, most capable, and technologically advanced SUV that emerged from the Land of the Brave and Home of the Free. Whether if you're a cowboy who loves taking it through the wild side or an equestrian who prefers a civilized life in the urban environment, this SUV is built for all walks of life, whether you like it or not.

Photo: Jeep

Forza Horizon 4: Let's review Series 35 cars!

The Jeep Gladiator, Citroen DS, and the Porsche 928 are the cars Forza Horizon 4 players worked hard to obtain throughout the course of the Series 35 update, and as new challenges await, let's take a quick pause to review the trio of Series 35 cars obtained throughout the update.

The Jeep Gladiator that you've obtained from the Summer Playlist, so what is it? Well, the Gladiator name has been revived by Jeep for their first-ever pickup truck since the Comanche and it's based on the Wrangler JL. You can think of it as a Wrangler JL with a rear bed to store some raw American stuff only Cowboy Charlie can think of. Despite the rear bed space, the Gladiator works and feels just like the Wrangler and so are the choice of engines with the range-topper bearing the Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine.

Next up is the Citroen DS 23 Pallas that you've obtained from the Winter Playlist. This is the iconic hatchback that first introduced Citroen's signature hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system which uses liquid hydraulic and gas-pressured suspension instead of springs, giving it a comfy ride on all kinds of road surfaces. It was the first to use disc brakes. There was a well-known trivia that because of the Citroen DS's durability, it managed to keep the French president Charles De Gaulle safe from a failed assassination attempt, putting his loyalty to the car company behind this car.

Lastly, the one that you've obtained from the Spring Playlist, the Porsche 928. It's one of the infamous trio used on the Top Gear Patagonia Special alongside the Mustang Mach 1 and the Lotus Esprit. Unlike most Porsches derived from other vehicles, the 928 is all-original and it's the first V8 FR Porsche that caused quite a controversy from purists everywhere and so is the price tag.

Now that we got to know about those Series 35 cars, let's give this trio a quick spin just to find out what's like to be in one of these sweet rides. Roll the tape!

Enjoy your new rides!

Jeep Wrangler JL 4xe

On the inside and out, it looks exactly similar to the current Jeep Wrangler JL. It has the same rugged exterior design that most would call timeless, it has the same interior features as well as the same offroad capabilities as the normal JL but what's under the hood is a shocking revelation because for the first time ever, the Wrangler gets its first-ever PHEV model called the Wrangler 4xe, the silent off-roader that will keep environmentalists happy.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Priced twice as much as the normal Wrangler JL at the rate of 47,995 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Wrangler 4xe adds some environmentally-friendly approach to the world's dirtiest offroader. 

To differentiate the 4xe variant from a normal Wrangler JL, it's been given some blue highlights on the hood and bumpers, the Jeep and Trail Rated badge and the Rubicon livery on the side, and the interior. It dons the 4xe badge at the back, proof that it's the silent offroader you're looking for. Oh, and it's available exclusively in four-door.

The Wrangler 4xe's PHEV powertrain comprises a 2.0L l4 DOHC DI Turbo engine bolted to a 400v 17-kWh li-ion nickel manganese cobalt battery pack, two electric motors, engine-mounted motor generator unit, and ZF 8-speed AT. This powertrain delivers 375hp of power and 637Nm of torque with a range of an estimated 50MPGe and a range of 400 miles.

Taking advantage of this powertrain, the Wrangler 4xe features three modes of operation called E Select. You can either have the petrol engine do the talking, the electric motor, or both, but seriously, the electric part is what this offroader boasts the most for being silent because when in off-road-oriented Rubicon guise with Tru-Lok axles, 4:1 Rock-Track HD Full Time 4WD, and 4.10 rear axle ratio, it shows its true beauty of being a silent offroader. Getting itself dirty while being nice to the wilderness, that's the future we all believe in, almost.

In more civilized variants such as the Sahara and High Altitude, it's still not bad to enjoy its silent approach with near-good offroad credentials.

Is this the future of Jeep we all believe in? If so, then everyone's invited to give this silent offroader a try.

Photo: Jeep

Jeep Gladiator JT

Jeep revived the Gladiator name for their first-ever pickup truck since the Comanche and it's now a Wrangler JL with a bed on the back, which is rad for offroad enthusiasts looking for a serious offroad pickup truck that is not afraid to get itself scratched and bumped by nature. So, what's the X-file and the why card on this American Gladiator?

2020 Jeep Gladiator

The American Gladiator capable of handling America's toughest terrains starts at 33,545 US Dollars plus on-road costs and while it sounds like much for this pickup derivative of the Jeep Wrangler JL, the offroader that made everything who wishes to have one feeling jealous to have one someday, is another main reason why offroaders are ready to drive Jeep's newest pickup truck that loves to carry the most extreme jobs on its payload, much like your favorite smartphone app that carried a lot of dark, gritty, and raw ads.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

2020 Jeep Gladiator interior

Looking at the design, the Gladiator is a Wrangler JL with a rear bed to store some raw American stuff only Cowboy Charlie can think of. On the inside, it still packs the same Wrangler-like creature comforts big enough for a Sasquatch to squeeze about, and although unsure about the dashboard layout, which works like the Wrangler, the Gladiator's interior is about as comfortable as putting up a fresh pair of Duluth trading pants smothered with fish smell after a hard day's work at the pier. Now that's a hard-working Jeep, alright.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Speaking of hardworking, the Gladiator really is a hardworking pickup truck that does all the manly things like every American pickup truck should. It carries the same Pentastar 3.6L V6 VT Engine with ESS as the Wrangler JL and is mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Automatic 850RE Transmission. The engine produces 285HP of power, 260lb-ft of torque, City/Hwy MPG of 16/23, and a max towing capacity of up to 7,650lbs, making it tough enough to tow a caravan and annoy the speedo boys on the road.

Of course, while this is a caravanner's truck that can cause so much misery in traffic, the Gladiator is still a Jeep, and with the Rubicon variant, it's capable of getting through the most extreme offroad conditions no pickup truck ever imagined to get through thanks to exclusive features such as Locking Differentials, Electronic Disconnecting Sway Bay, Rick-Track 4:1 Transfer Case, Rock Rail, and Fox Shocks. With stuff like this, the Gladiator's not afraid to take on shortcuts and it can humiliate even a roaring supercar on a race from points A to B.

Yes, the Gladiator boasts a wide range of safety features but the best feature of all is the TrailCam Off-Road Camera, which displays gridlines that allow offroaders to get through the right track when needed.

Thanks to such offroad features inspired by the Wrangler JL, the Jeep Gladiator turns drivers into hardcore sweet potatoes who love to take the dirtiest shortcuts while annoying the dashcam-wielding public into thinking that your offroader can do all things a normal car can't. Sounds common sense but there's nothing common sense about getting into the ultimate offroad truck that does everything like a Jeep should and you should give thanks to the Americans behind it.

Photo: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Forza Horizon 4: Remembering the SRT Grand Cherokee

With the prize-only Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is only reserved for those who did outstanding results in numerous Cross Country races, it's hard to miss the SRT version of Jeep's award-winning luxury SUV that keeps crossing paths like every Jeep should. As a matter of fact, I haven't kept in touch with this thing since our Southern Europe journey in FH2. But now, I managed to keep in touch with an old friend having managed to cash in those points for this crossover.



To recall, this is based on the 2014MY facelift Grand Cherokee and this model replaces the SRT8 variant. The 470HP HEMI 6.4L V8 engine remains from the old SRT8 but the gearbox's been swapped to an 8-speed automatic for better performance and fuel economy. In addition, the Selec-Track system has been tweaked so when in Track Mode, there's a torque split change to make it more responsive from mid-corner to exit, allowing them to deliver quick lap times on track.



So, after having a quick talk about this car and some flashbacks between me and this Grand Cherokee about the time when I drove it back to the festival, I decided to take it for a spin to see if this macho crossover still has the moves to make it go like Nina Needs To Go. Anyone knows where the nearest restroom is? I really need to go. Oops, there's the flashback!



Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride.

Jeep Cherokee KL - 2019 minor change

About many years ago, Jeep revived the Cherokee nameplate as their newest midsize crossover that slots below the flagship Grand Cherokee and while it promises to be a modern take on the classic icon, the looks that are similar to one of the bad guys from Pikmin rather spoils the taste. With the 2019 minor change, it promises to be the best Cherokee yet. Let's see what this new one got...

2019 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is now on its 2019 minor change and for this minor change, there are some key changes occurred to keep one of the best-selling crossovers in America even better than before. First off, the design and at last, the Bulborb-esque front face is gone and the front is now reminiscent of the Grand Cherokee. That's good news but that's not the end of it because they've reshaped the wheels and the rear lamps to make the new Cherokee even better-looking than before.

2019 Jeep Cherokee interior

2019 Jeep Cherokee interior

Apart from the revised exterior, the interior has been slightly revised from top to bottom as well. Drivers will notice the revised dashboard, new color themes, updated Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the increased cargo capacity, proving that the interior is now better than before, giving them more ways to make use of it whether trips to the thrift shops, to Leavenworth, to Oregon, or any points of interests they see fit for this five-seater crossover that works to haul your mates from work during the long weekends.

2019 Jeep Cherokee

The biggest change for this 2019 minor change is the addition of the all-new, direct-injected 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with engine start-stop feature that shuts the engine off when stopped at a set of lights and then starts again to set off. This engine comes with a dual overhead cam (DOHC), dual independent camshaft timing, and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation, resulted to 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, while mated to a standard 9-speed AT.  That sure has a lot of power to push the Cherokee further and this powertrain can really upset boring Japanese crossovers who don't value fun to their portfolio because there's so much to love about a turbocharged Cherokee. Apart from the new turbocharged engine, the Cherokee can still be fitted with a 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 or a 2.4-liter PZEV Multiair2 Tigershark I-4 engine, all fitted with a 9-speed AT.

Being a Jeep, the 2019MY Cherokee still promises to be a workhorse for the American family, either on or off the roads, be it on the streets of New York or the Colorado Rockies. In most models, the Cherokee can be fitted with different kinds of Jeep Active Drive system and in the case of the Jeep Active Drive Lock in some models like the Trailhawk, the locking real differential and Selec-Terrain traction control system brings out the Cherokee's party piece when getting through different kinds of road conditions, especially when things get rough. No crossover of that size has even gone through the beaten path as the Cherokee's and that's some questions get information from this. Apart from its off-road capabilities, the new Cherokee comes with over 80 available safety and security features such as ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, SOS button, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines and eight standard air bags. Not bad for a crossover but sometimes, for speedo boys, those features rather lose their tastes, in case you're wondering.

The 2019MY Cherokee starts at 23,995 US Dollars and that's about the same pricing as the old JK Wrangler, which is almost as great to own as a legendary offroader but don't compare these two just yet because the Cherokee is almost as good as today's Wrangler in terms of ruggedness and regardless of what vacation plans you're laying on the table, the new Cherokee can get the job done with almost no strings attached. Is this the Cherokee you want?

Photo: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Jeep Wrangler JL

The SUVs of this era are nothing more of a roadside litter in today's roads because while they look tough, they don't talk tough because of their softies all over it and while it's hard to fathom the popularity of crossovers in the age of the millennials, they're forgetting the major point of a true SUV; offroad capability. Right now, the most proper SUVs you can buy are the Land Cruiser and the Range Rover but if SUVs are not your type, pickups like the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado, but nothing is more so than the king of offroaders we know today, the Jeep Wrangler.

2018 Jeep Wrangler

When it comes to tackling all kinds of roads, nothing beats the original king of offroaders like the Jeep Wrangler and in this full model change, bearing the chassis code of JL, the all new Wrangler is all about withstanding the tests of time with its classic Wrangler looks while donning some modern stuff to make it well-suited in today's generation. Think of it like a young soldier from the 1940's who was frozen in time and woke up in the year 2018 with no idea what's going on.

While this is basically an all-new model, it's hard to differentiate it from all of the past Wranglers in history, including the Wrangler's predecessors that dates back to the Willys Jeep that was once used by Army soldiers during the war but later converted for public use post-war. Up front, the face is pretty much the same as the others in the same way the Porsche 911 is. It goes to show that even when they're evolving, they never grow up and it goes to the all-new Wrangler. It never matures and wants to play rough like it used to like a 70 year old man with the mental age of an 11-year-old.

2018 Jeep Wrangler interior

Speaking of all-new, Jeep gave the Wrangler JL a more modern interior that seems above average by car standards. Of course, you can expect the Uconnect with smarthphone connectivity, optional Alpine Premium Audio System, personalized gauge cluster, USB ports, push button start, a power outlet, heated seats, climate control, and much more, but in some models, you can expect a new Freedom Top hardtop with removable panels and a zipperless Sunrider soft top which is neat on an offroader but be warned because putting them off or back is like you do in a open-top supercar. It's complicated and it's already sunny by the time you put them back. It's time consuming but the new Wrangler has some solution to that in case the interior's gone wet; one-way drain valves in the floor. You won't get this in a Range Rover.

Apart from boot space that fits all kinds of jobs, the Wrangler JL has other stuff in store such as the Trail Rail system which is great for tailgating parties during NASCAR weekends, the Jeep Utility Grid, a hidden compartment to hid some important stuff, including a first-aid kit, and some other compartments to put some stuff. Now that's utilitarian done right.

2018 Jeep Wrangler

2018 Jeep Wrangler

Now, let's talk how handy the new Wrangler JL is, starting with the engine and at first, it's powered by a tried-and-tested 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine producing 285HP of power and 260lb-ft of torque and can be mated with either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed AT. With this engine, a two-door Wrangler can tow a medium-sized caravan while the four-door one can tow a powerboat. Now that's science.

What about off-roading and while others completely forgot the memo, the Wrangler is still king in this capability and because it's the most capable Wrangler ever built, Jeep gave it a wide range of 4x4 systems such as Selec-Trac 4x4 System that can be engaged in either four-wheel or rear-wheel, Command-Trac with a 2.72:1 low range for rock crawling and neutral for available flat towing, and Rock-Trac with Tru-Lok electronic locking front and rear differentials and an electronic front sway bar disconnect. The Rubicon variant has the Rock-Trac 4x4 system so this would be useful to take shortcuts, something that your seven-figure supercar couldn't dare to go.

It maybe the king of offroaders but like those fake-u-vs of today, the Wrangler is annoyingly festooned with safety features because health and safety. It's got Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Parkview Rear Back Up camera, Parksense Rear Park Assist system, Trailer Sway Control, and many other features.

The Wrangler JL starts at 26,995 US Dollars and it comes in different variants from Sport to Rubicon while the four-door Wrangler Unlimited comes with the exclusive Sahara variant with luxurious interior comforts. So, it maybe expensive than the previous JK model but it's cheaper to own than the Grand Cherokee and because this is a tough, go-anywhere Jeep Wrangler we're talking about, there are many reasons why the JL is the best Wrangler ever made or so they thought but there is one very good reason for that, it's better than those rubbish medium sized SUVs of today because the Wrangler still talks tough like a firebrand leader who was branded as an outlaw back then.

Photo: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Forza Motorsport 7: SUV with sportscar DNA

As SUVs became the dominant breed of today's motoring era, even some companies wanted to inject some sportscar DNA on their SUVS to make it more enjoyable while carrying the entire family for trips. One such example is this...





The all-new Porsche Cayenne, part of Forza Motorsport 7's Doritos Car Pack.



It's amazing that even though Forza Motorsport 7's been poisoned against us by baby boomers because they keep featuring cars from the baby boomer era rather than focusing on cars focused on millennials (it's a millennial's game, after all), they still feature us some of the latest machines we really like, especially the latest version of Porsche's first SUV. So, what is it then, the new Cayenne?



The new Cayenne is built from the ground up and now utilizes a lightweight chassis construction, meaning the new Cayenne now behaves like what a Porsche should be, combining classic Porsche sportscar handling and SUV ruggedness into one unique package and to supplement the improved dynamics of the new Cayenne are rear-axle steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, and three-chamber air suspension, most are programmed via 4D Chassis Control.

Under the hood, the new Cayenne is powered by a choice of a 3.0L V6 turbo for the base Cayenne, a 2.9L V6 Twin Turbo for the Cayenne S, and the 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine for the Cayenne Turbo which delivers 550HP of power and 770Nm of torque with 286 km/h of top speed, all mated with the more responsive eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox. The Turbo variant is the first SUV to feature a variable rear spoiler and an air brake.

The new Cayenne continues the tradition of past models, injecting Porsche DNA to its SUV ruggedness for the drivers who have everything or nothing.



Having my first word on the Cayenne, I always believed that it truly an exciting SUV to drive for almost any situations but it can be downright bothersome for Porsche enthusiasts, and here in FM7, it holds my word on it because it can be either exciting and bothersome at the same time not because of how heavy it is to be classified an SUV with sportscar DNA but also the looks of it. Still, this one is an improvement compared to the last Cayenne I drove in past installments. Also, I get to see how the SUV's first variable wing work in high speeds and it will make high-performance SUVs feeling jealous to think they don't have that kind of gimmick this new Cayenne had.

To find out just how good it is, I went to the one state in America that houses the so-called Philosophers' twin lairs, Virginia.



Specifically, the Virginia International Raceway, where on the weekends, you can take any car you want to the max while winding up with some R & R at the same time. The tricky corners, the straights, this place is the perfect opportunity to try out the new Cayenne and despite being lighter than its predecessor, I do get some understeering but the braking is so dramatic because it's got the first ever surface-coated brake which not only makes it last longer than other brakes but also works responsively to deliver the ideal stopping power. The new Cayenne balances the things that are right such as its improved dynamics and braking, with the things that are wrong such as understeering woes, and since Porsche believes that they made their SUV more potent than any other opposition, I've devised a little sparring partner to do the job.





Also in the Doritos Car Pack is this, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, an SUV with some of Hellcat DNA on it, making it the most powerful 4WD SUV, pause, in the world. 707HP of power, 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 180mph. Enough said.



Here in Virginia International Raceway, the corners should favor the Cayenne nicely because despite being heavy, the Cayenne weighs less than the Trackhawk because of its improved dynamics that are tried and tested by Porsche standards, but on the straights, the Trackhawk has the upper hand because, like I said, this is the fastest SUV, pause, in the world, although someone already stripped the Trackhawk's title for that manner, but anyway, let's put that theory to the test with a lap round VIR. This will be a challenge between an SUV with Porsche DNA and an SUV with some Hellcat DNA on it. Roll the tape, please.



And now, the results...

Trackhawk - 2:21.145
Cayenne - 2:23.083



It was a shocking result but I still believe that the new Cayenne is the winner because even though it was outpaced by the Trackhawk in the straights, the handling is something you should not ignore and besides, the Trackhawk's kinda useless to race because the power output exceeds the class' homologation requirements, making the new Cayenne a clear winner to use in such class like this and that is the bottomline.