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Courtesy of Jeep, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan
The 4WD’s of the Chicago Auto Show
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FCA
The 4WD’s of the Chicago Auto Show
Wrangler - Unfortunately, no big JL unveiling.
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Nissan John Murphy
The 4WD’s of the Chicago Auto Show
Titan - A shorter cab and longer box for the Titan should attract more attention from the trades.
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Toyota
The 4WD’s of the Chicago Auto Show
Rav4 - The Rav4 “Trail” gets a slight lift and some underbody protection.
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Mike Marcotte, Joe Wilssens Photoqraphy
The 4WD’s of the Chicago Auto Show
Sequoia - Both Tundra and Sequoia get TRD Sport trims and some slight design updates for 2018.
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FCA
The 4WD’s of the Chicago Auto Show
Dodge - When 5.7L just isn’t good enough, Dodge toss a 6.4L into the mix.
Words by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Jeep, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan
While the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit left us a little let down, we always know that the follow up, Chicago, is a truck-makers favourite. Well, at least it usually is. Despite all the hoopla of upcoming hard-core off-roaders, and the number of current 4WD’s that are in a desperate need of updating, there was precious little to report from Chicago.
No, 2017 did not see any big unveils or news, rather a rash of new trim lines on vehicles we already know… some we love.
Jeep
Most likely the biggest story of the Chicago Auto Show was there was no story when it comes to Jeep. We were waiting oh so patiently to see the covers finally come off the next generation Wrangler JL, but to no avail. Despite the Chicago Auto Show being one of FCA’s favourite shows, one we’ve always expected big news from them, this year Jeep were a no show. Could they be planning to unveil the JL at the Moab Easter Safari perhaps?
Nissan
The new Nissan Titan is no stranger to us here at 4WDrive magazine, as you’ve likely read previously, however the brand still had one more body trim that has yet to come out. Let us introduce you to the Nissan Titan and Titan XD King Cab.
The new King Cab shortens the cab a couple inches from the double cab, and offers rear-hinged rear doors and a rear seat delete option. As both the titan half-ton and XD share the same body, this allows for a 6’5” bed on the half-ton model. The Titan King Cab offers an available maximum towing capacity of 4,273 kg (9,420 lb) and maximum payload capacity of 744 kg (1,640 lb), while the Titan XD King Cab offers an available maximum towing capacity of 5,674 kg (12,510 lb) (diesel engine) and maximum payload capacity of 1,230 kg (2,710 lb) (gas engine) when properly equipped.
Toyota
The manufacturer making the most noise at the Chicago Auto Show was Toyota. They had three 4WD models that they pulled covers off at the show, unveiling some interesting new packages on the Rav4, Tundra and Sequoia as well as a look at the 2018 mid-cycle redesign that the new Tundra and Sequoia will receive.
Starting from the smallest, we usually wouldn’t report on an AWD cute ute like the Toyota Rav4, except that they are launching a new “Trail” model of the popular crossover. Yeah, got our eyebrows up too.
Anyways, while you’re not going to find an exocage, mud terrains or even a transfer case in this little brute, Toyota have given the Rav4 a raise in ride height, some underbody protection and what they call “dirt-inspired styling.” Ironically, the biggest selling point Toyota are promoting is the inclusion of a tow-package with oil coolers and trailer sway control. The rest of this trim’s options include all the usual badged floor mats and door sill protectors, so you pretty much know where this is going.
Stepping up to the big boys, Toyota has also given the Tundra and Sequoia, TRD Sport trims. Both vehicles get upgraded with Bilstein suspension, stiffer sway-bars mounted front and rear, and a set of 20” alloy wheels. Aesthetically, the Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport’s both get unique grilles and the obligatory branding.
Mid-cycle redesigns are limited to some fresh grille designs, new headlights with daytime running lights and some slight modifications to the bumpers.
Dodge
While Jeep was a no show, FCA did show up with their new Dodge Durango SRT. While the 5.7L HEMI was never a slouch in the performance department, FCA is on a power binge as of late, relentlessly shoving horrific amounts of power into everything they can get their hands on.
The new Durango SRT gets its 5.7L replaced with the 6.4L HEMI that will send 475 hp and 470 lb-ft towards all four wheels. Dodge are quick to state that power is good enough to get the lumbering giant to 100 kph in as little as 4.4-seconds. As such, the AWD system has also received some retuning to handle the increase in power. Of course, the styling gets a similar upgrade in aggressiveness with large intake and exhaust vents in the hood as well as some wider fender flares.