Scoping the selection at the Chicago Auto Show
Published 12:00 pm Monday, February 27, 2017
The 2017 edition of the Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s biggest auto show, wrapped up recently after its annual 10-day run. As usual, a daylong Media Preview took place before the show officially opened to the public, giving automotive media members the opportunity to check out the newest cars and trucks from every brand, talk with industry reps and attend presentations where new vehicles are unveiled.
I was there for the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview, and here’s some info on the eight manufacturer presentations and unveilings held throughout the day. Pricing and EPA ratings are not available for most of them because they haven’t been announced yet or were not available at the time of this writing.
Photos of all vehicles mentioned here are included with this story. Most of them appear at the bottom of the text.
Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Traverse
Chevy’s Equinox compact SUV and Traverse midsize SUV are all new for model year 2018.
Pricing for the 2018 Equinox starts at $24,475 including the destination charge. Three turbocharged engines are available, including the segment’s first turbo-diesel. Vehicles arriving at dealerships this spring will have a standard 1.5-liter engine. The 2.0-liter turbo and diesel options will be available in second quarter 2017 and will have GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission. Four trim levels are offered: L, LS, LT and Premier, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Included among the expanded range of active safety features are surround vision, forward collision alert with following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and low-speed automatic braking. Connectivity technologies include a MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-fi hotspot.
The next-generation 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, arriving at dealerships this fall, has seating for up to eight passengers and is expected to have best-in-class third-row legroom, interior volume and cargo space. There are two new trim levels: the sporty RS and upscale High Country. A new split-folding second-row seat enhances Traverse’s original Smart Slide feature: the curbside seat tips up and slides forward, even with a forward-facing child seat in place, for open and easy access to the third row. Connectivity technologies are as listed for the Equinox, including the Wi-fi hotspot. A new V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission are standard, expected to deliver about 10 percent more horsepower than the current model. GM estimates an EPA rating of 25 mpg highway for two-wheel-drive models.
Chrysler Wheelchair-Accessible Pacifica
Chrysler has partnered with BraunAbility, a world leader in automotive mobility, to produce a wheelchair-accessible version of the acclaimed 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. The BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica includes technology that creates the largest interior space and the widest door opening and side-entry ramp in the industry.
The Chrysler Pacifica and BraunAbility partnership also includes support for the Give a Dog a Job program of Canine Companions for Independence, the largest provider of assistance dogs in the U.S. Trained service dogs across the country are helping wheelchair users every day by completing everyday activities, including getting in and out of their wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Hundreds of people are currently on the waitlist to receive trained assistance dogs, who are provided free of charge to those with a disability.
Dodge Durango SRT
With a 475-horsepower Hemi V8 engine, the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT grabs attention as the most powerful three-row SUV. Its 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds has been certified by the National Hot Rod Association, and its towing capability of 8,600 pounds is best in class.
New exterior performance features include wide body exterior design, a functional SRT hood with a center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors, a new front fascia and lower valence to house a new cold-air duct, and LED fog lamps.
To help customers learn how to handle so much horsepower, all new buyers of a Durango SRT will get one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.
The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT will start arriving at dealerships during fourth quarter 2017.
Ford Expedition
The all-new version of Ford’s full-size Expedition is highlighted by the addition of many driver-assist technologies, and a new high-strength aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame. The structural improvements boost Expedition’s rugged off-road and heavy towing capabilities.
The 2018 Expedition is Ford’s first vehicle with wireless charging for mobile devices. Its Wi-fi hotspot can support up to 10 devices at once, and up to 50 feet away from the vehicle. With Expedition’s advanced rear seat entertainment system, passengers can watch their home cable programming on either of two video screens or handheld devices.
A new sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functions provides easy access to the third row without having to remove a child safety seat.
The new Expedition is powered by Ford’s proven V6 EcoBoost twin-turbocharged engine paired with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai Elantra GT
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT compact hatchback is dressed in a new European design and has a lower, wider, more aggressive stance. Structural rigidity has been enhanced for an improved ride and superior handling. Cargo capacity behind the rear seat is a generous 25 cubic feet.
Additions to its standard features list include vertical LED daytime running lights, and an 8-inch display audio system with Apply CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Among the newly available options for 2018 are dual-zone climate control, high- and low-beam LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, and Amazon Alexa Blue Link remote starting.
There’s a choice between two four-cylinder engines: A 162-horsepower direct injection 2.0-liter paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission; or, on the GT Sport model, a 201-horsepower turbo with 195 lb-ft of torque across a broad band, combined with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
A new Limited Edition trim level is available for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, featuring updated styling, advanced technology and an attractive base price of $21,995.
Exterior aesthetics of the new model include an alloy fuel door, black painted door mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, HID headlamps, a rear view camera and a Limited Edition badge.
The Limited Edition trim is available in all Outlander Sport exterior colors, but the interior has a custom design with black fabric and red stitching on the steering wheel, shift knob and brake lever exclusive to the Limited Edition trim. Other interior features include aluminum pedals, heated front seats and a display audio system with Smartphone Link for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2017 Outlander Sport Limited Edition is available now and will be offered through the end of the model year.
Nissan Titan
For 2017, Nissan’s Titan half-ton pickup expands its range of body and bed configurations, and offers up to five different trim levels. Crew Cab and Single Cab models are available now, and a new King Cab version will be added to the lineup this spring.
A 5.6-liter V8 engine generating 390 horsepower is coupled with a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all three body styles are available in 4×4 or 4×2 drive configuration. A new V6 engine will follow at a later date.
The first-ever single cab offering in Titan history, the Titan Single Cab is designed to provide an affordable and rugged entry-point in the commercial fleet/work truck market.
The new Titan half-ton was developed with Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi. It is assembled in Canton, Mississippi. Its V8 engines are assembled in Decherd, Tennessee.
All 2017 Titan models are covered by Nissan’s “America’s Best Truck Warranty” featuring bumper-to-bumper coverage of 5-years/100,000-miles, whichever comes first. Vehicles covered by the new warranty, which includes basic and powertrain coverage, include all Titan V8 gasoline-powered models and diesel and V8 gasoline-powered 2017 Titan XD models.
Nissan Midnight Editions
In response to customer requests, Nissan has expanded its popular Midnight Edition package, previously available only on the Maxima SR, to three sedans and three crossovers: Sentra, Altima, Maxima, Rogue, Murano and Pathfinder.
Adding visual appeal to the cars, the Midnight Edition equipment package provides unique content including black wheels, a black spoiler, black mirror caps and available special floor mats, with additional equipment added by model.
While first offered exclusively with black exterior paint, the color palette for Midnight Editions now includes a choice of black, white, gray and red colors for all six models.
All Midnight Edition models are offered with optimal pricing, with the packages’ MSRPs offering
discounts up to $1,300 on select models (versus similar equipment priced separately).
Midnight Edition models are available now at Nissan dealerships.
Toyota Tundra TRD Sport
Performance enthusiasts at the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) tuning shop have developed a new TRD Sport grade for Toyota’s Tundra full-size pickup. The 2018 Tundra TRD Sport is powered by Toyota’s 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine and is equipped with other enhanced features such as TRD sport tuned Bilstein shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars.
Exterior highlights include a color-keyed hood scoop, color-keyed mirrors and bumpers, 20-inch alloy silver sport wheels, LED headlights and foglights, mesh grille with body color surround, and a TRD graphic on the bed’s side. In the cab, a TRD shift knob and TRD floor mats further identify this new Tundra trim level, which is available on 4×4 and 4×2 versions in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations.
