In an auto show level flurry earlier this week, automakers including Ford, Nissan, Acura, and Genesis all showed off new models we can expect to see on the road soon. Here’s a look at the new F-150 Tremor, MDX, Armada, Kicks, and GV70.
Completing its move across the pickup line, the 2021 Ford F-150 has just gotten a Tremor package, joining the off-road trim available on Ranger and Super Duty models this year. Though not without styling accents like Active Orange trim and special interior fabrics, this one is about capability.
That starts with new springs front and rear for more ground clearance along with Tremor-specific shocks and other new suspension components. It gives the truck 1.5-inches (40 mm) more rear suspension travel and 1-inch (25 mm) more in the front and that comes with approach, breakover, and departure angles better suited to off-road situations. A bash plate underneath protects sensitive components while locking front and rear differentials make sure each wheel turns. A Torsen Add limited-slip front unit will come later while top-spec Tremor trucks will get a special torque-biasing transfer case. The Tremor can tow 10,900 lb (4,995 kg) and has an 1,885 lb (857 kg) payload and will be offered on SuperCrew trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
Nissan showed the replacement for its largest SUV, the 2021 Armada. Set to go on sale in January, this marks a massive change for the older three-row SUV. Now boasting a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and a new center stack the brand says offers simplified use and an enhanced experience. Outside the Armada gets Nissan’s latest nose, but now is flanked by headlights containing more than 50 LED lights each. The Armada will come standard with a 400 hp 5.6L V8, seven-speed auto, and four-wheel drive. It will arrive in just two trim levels, SL and top-spec Platinum.
From its biggest to its smallest, the subcompact Kicks is also getting a makeover for 2021, set to hit dealers in February. The styling has been refreshed to look more premium while inside the doors, seat trims, and dash has been upgraded. A new 8-inch touchscreen and more USB ports offer the things entry-level buyers want, but now it has an available surround-view camera and radar cruise control. The engine is a 122 hp 1.6-litre four with a CVT and the crossover is front-drive only. New colours including new two-tone options have been added, and the headrest speaker Bose audio system returns.
Acura’s MDX is now the brand’s flagship, all new for a fourth generation. It starts with bodywork that’s much more in-tune with Acura’s other sharply sculpted models and a big change from last year. The interior is also all new and Acura says ti has more high-grade materials including open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and soft-touch leather. 12-way standard sport seats with heating help keep the front row comfortable while the back has a removable middle seat to allow for more configurations and six or seven passengers. Acura says the third row has 1 cm more headroom, 6 cm of legroom, and a seat 5 cm higher from the floor, which should make it more accommodating for more passengers. Digital gauges replace analogue and the MDX has Acura’s biggest ever infotainment screen and a new True Touchpad Interface. A 3.5-litre V6 with 10-speed auto is standard and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 Type S will follow in late summer.
The Genesis GV70 has arrived, the brand’s compact crossover competing with the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. While it’s hard to make your styling stand out in this segment, the Genesis Crest Grille and quad head and taillights do a good job of it, as does the crease running from headlight to taillight in a delightful arc. Not so successful is that rear glass, but we’ll move on. The GV70’s interior sports a massive touchscreen and a wonderfully simple dashboard layout the brand says is inspired by the cross-section of an aircraft wing. It’s simple, elegant, and looks luxurious. Driver assistance in the crossover includes Highway Driving Assist II, which can control steering, handle lane changes, and offers navigation and camera-based speed control. Standard is a 2.5-litre turbo-four and optional will be a 3.5-litre turbo V6, both with all-wheel drive.
Keyword: Reveal Roundup: New Vehicles from Ford, Nissan, Acura, and Genesis