2024 Ford F-150 Gets More Standard Features, Trick Tailgate
America’s best selling vehicle returns for 2024 with a more streamlined lineup, more standard features, and joins the trend of complex tailgate designs. While it’s not a new generation, the F-150 receives a modest facelift with many welcome changes.
Across the lineup, changes have been made to the trim and powertrain configurations. The top-end Limited is gone, replaced by a “Platinum Plus” package, while the naturally-aspirated 3.3-liter V6 has been discontinued in favor of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 becoming standard on the base trims. The 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 are both still available, as is the PowerBoost hybrid. However, Ford says hybrid availability will be significantly expanded this year, and the PowerBoost no longer costs extra over the regular gas 3.5-liter engine.
Styling updates are fairly minor, with new head- and taillights on all trims. The key point there is that all versions now feature standard LED headlights, although three different variations are available. Three tailgate designs are also on offer; the basic tailgate and tailgate with integrated step carry over, but the new Pro Access design brings a barn-door style similar to the Ram 1500 or Honda Ridgeline. Pro Power Onboard also returns, although with expanded availability and no extra price bump on hybrid models.
On Tremor and Raptor models, Ford has crafted a new modular front bumper designed to be compatible with either an accesssory light bar or Ford Performance Winch Kit by WARN. The winch is similar to the one available on the F-250 and F-350 Tremor, and is unfortunately not available on the Raptor from factory. Raptor and Raptor R models do get a slight bump in horsepower, as well as new dual-valve Fox shocks included with the 37-inch tire package.
Interior changes are also limited, with the biggest difference once again being more standard and available features. All trims including the base XL now feature the 12-inch SYNC4 infotainment screen and fully digital gauge cluster as standard equipment. No less than ten driver assistance features are available, including BlueCruise 1.2 and a new “exit warning” feature to alert passengers of approaching traffic or obstacles when getting out of the truck.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but all versions of the updated 2024 F-150 are expected to begin hitting the ground early next year.
2024 GMC Acadia Returns To Tradition In Size And Luxury
In its original iteration, the GMC Acadia was designed to be a premium alternative to the Chevrolet Traverse. However, the second-generation model took a step in a different direction, becoming significantly smaller than its Chevy cousin. Now, for 2024, the Acadia once again follows its original intentions with a full redesign.
Measuring 204 inches in length, the 2024 Acadia grows 10.4 inches from bumper to bumper, with the wheelbase increasing by 8.6 inches. The 120.9 inch wheelbase is now identical to the larger body-on-frame Yukon, while overall length is still down about half a foot comparatively. These dimensions bring the Acadia back in line with the redesigned 2024 Traverse, as well as enabling GMC to offer a claimed 80 percent increase in cargo space behind the third row.
The trim lineup has been simplified for 2024, with only three versions being available at launch: Elevation, AT4, and Denali. All three now come standard with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, healthy increases over the outgoing 3.6-liter V6. As a result, towing capacity is increased, up to 5,000 pounds. The off-road focused AT4 also features a new all-wheel-drive system with a twin-clutch rear axle.
Exterior and interior styling are both considerably more upscale, although the rear end looks decidedly Chrysler Pacifica in our eyes. LED headlights will be standard on all three models, along with many driver assistance features. Super Cruise will be offered on all trims as an optional extra. Inside, a vertical 15-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, flanked by an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, although GMC hasn’t clarified availability of the new screens. However, a new Google-based infotainment system will be standard across the board.
Pricing has also not yet been announced, though we expect a range of $40,000 to mid-fifties, similar to the outgoing Acadia.
2025 Cadillac CT5 Goes Heavy On Tech In A Final Sedan Hurrah
General Motors has also expanded its focus on technology to the facelifted Cadillac CT5, which goes on sale for 2025 and may be one of the last few model years of Cadillac sedans.
Bringing the CT5 in line with the updated XT4 and current Cadillac Escalade and Lyriq, a 33-inch LED display is the new focal point of the interior. The screen is curved slightly, and offers touch capability on either side of the steering wheel for infotainment and trip computer functions. Integrated into the system are a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, Google Maps, and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. As with the new GMC Acadia, Super Cruise becomes more widely available, and numerous additional safety features are now standard.
On the outside, the front end has been updated slightly with a larger grille and new headlights that mimick the updated XT4. Around back, quad exhaust tips are present on every trim. Two new paint colors join the lineup, Deep Space Metallic and Typhoon Metallic.
Refreshed versions of the CT5-V and Blackwing are also expected to be revealed soon. Cadillac says the 2025 CT5 lineup will be produced at the Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan starting in the spring of 2024.
2024 Jeep Gladiator Continues To Be A Wrangler Pickup
For 2024, Jeep updated the Wrangler SUV with a handful of safety and interior improvements. As expected, the refreshed 2024 Gladiator proves these updates will carry over to the popular pickup truck as well.
Overall, exterior styling does not change drastically, with the biggest difference being a revised seven-slot grille design. Along with being visually slimmer, its textured slats are supposed to improve engine cooling. The antennae is now built into the windshield, and seven new wheel designs are available depending on trim level.
Inside, the changes are still subtle but certainly more significant. As with the Wrangler, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen becomes standard, featuring Stellantis’ latest Uconnect5 software. Every model also adds side curtain airbags, and the front seats are improved with more bolstering and (finally!) available power adjustability.
Unfortunately, the power seats are only included on the two new top-end trims, Rubicon X and Mojave X. Billed as the most luxurious and capable Gladiators, these trims also have Nappa leather upholstery, steel bumpers, steel rock rails for the bed corners, a full-time transfer case, and an integrated off-road camera system.
The 2024 Gladiator is also available with three upfit packages from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The Upcountry and Upcountry+ include a two-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. AEV’s Level II package brings Bilstein dampers, a Warn Zeon 10-S winch, 37-inch tires, another 0.5-inch of lift. Other notable measurements include a 57-degree approach angle, a 26-degree breakover angle, and a 34-degree departure angle.
All AEV upfits have to be done through Jeep dealerships. Speaking of dealers, custom orders for the updated Gladiator are now open, with the first units expected to land before the end of the year.
Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition Features Retro Style At A Price
Earlier this month, Nissan teased a retro-inspired Hardbody Edition of the Frontier pickup, harking back to the original Hardbody from the 1980s and ’90s. Unsurprisingly, the production version looks nearly identical to the Project Hardbody concept that debuted at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show.
Available in a non-metallic red paint like the original, the 2024 Hardbody Editon features an exterior graphics package, 17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tires, black fender trim and bumpers, and a sport bar for mounting lights on the roof.
The Hardbody Edition will be available as an equipment package on the SV Crew Cab 4×4 trim of the Frontier, and commands a premium of $3,890 for the (mostly visual) upgrades. Unlike the OG Hardbody, the $42,095 starting price is no longer super attainable, even when you adjust for inflation.
For 2024, Nissan is also adding an SL trim level for crew cab models. Starting at $40,975, the SL adds leather seating, LED headlights, and a 10-speaker Fender audio system.
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