Driving a Jeep without doors is legal across all U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, which recently allowed it. However, drivers must comply with state laws regarding mirrors, as most states require at least two mirrors for safe driving. While removing doors can enhance fuel efficiency and provide a unique driving experience, it also increases risks in accidents and may complicate legal claims. To maintain safety, Jeep owners can use replacement mirrors that fit into the door hinges.
Jeep unveiled its first fully electric SUV, the Wagoneer S, along with a rugged Trailhawk concept variant designed for off-roading. The Trailhawk features 31.5-inch tires, lifted suspension, and various off-road enhancements. While not yet confirmed for production, Jeep hinted that the Trailhawk could eventually become a real EV.
Kadie L. Price, a 33-year-old mother of two and wife of a Kent County sheriff’s deputy, was tragically killed at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan after pushing her toddler to safety from an out-of-control Jeep during a drag race. The incident has left the community and off-roaders in shock, with a fundraiser set up to support her family. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
The Tesla Cybertruck struggled significantly in a ramp travel index (RTI) test, which measures a vehicle's axle flex and off-road capability. Despite claims of being a rugged, go-anywhere truck, the Cybertruck failed to maintain traction and showed minimal flex, raising doubts about its off-road performance.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor, designed for off-roading, features serious off-road gear, including a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and Tremor-specific control arms, front knuckles, shocks, and springs. Equipped with a 360-degree camera system, Torsen diff, and Trail Control, the Tremor navigates tough trails with ease and offers a comfortable ride on pavement. Priced at $66,145, it provides a compelling option for F-150 customers seeking enhanced off-road capability with the security of a factory warranty and engineering.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, equipped with a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, impresses with its off-road capabilities and driving experience. Despite some skepticism, the truck proves to be a thrilling machine, excelling in rock crawling and high-speed off-roading. The Raptor Assault School, designed to showcase the truck's capabilities, highlights its controllability and fun factor. Priced at $56,960, the Ranger Raptor offers an exhilarating driving experience, making it a worthwhile investment for off-road enthusiasts.
A YouTuber's off-road recovery turned dangerous when a snapped cable sent a shackle through his windshield, hitting him in the shoulder, neck, and chin. Despite initial fears, the injuries were less severe than expected, with only bruises and a gash on the chin. The incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of using high-quality tools and avoiding aggressive driving during recovery pulls in off-road situations.
During the King of the Hammers off-road event, the Unplugged Performance team tested the Tesla Cybertruck to its limits, resulting in a broken rear steering bolt, despite the vehicle's aftermarket modifications. The team praised the Cybertruck's capabilities, highlighting its recent lap time at the Buttonwillow race track, and plans to share additional footage from the event.
Toyota has maintained a 112.2 inch wheelbase for its Land Cruiser wagons for over 30 years, which they call the "golden ratio" for its balance of stability and off-road capability. The new 2024 GX550 also adopts this wheelbase, aiming to strike a balance between on-road stability and off-road maneuverability. The wheelbase affects factors such as approach and departure angles, breakover angle, and overall maneuverability, making it a crucial consideration for off-road vehicles. While the ideal wheelbase varies based on use and personal preference, Toyota's commitment to this wheelbase aims to maintain model efficiency, especially for off-road performance.
The process of applying XPEL Paint Protection Film (PPF) onto a Jeep Wrangler YJ at 405 Motoring is revealed to be incredibly difficult and intricate, requiring a spotless vehicle, removal of trim, and custom-cutting of film. The application involves a meticulous process of cleaning, cutting, and precise installation, particularly challenging due to the Jeep's simple design and protrusions. Despite the difficulty, the results are impressive, providing a beautiful clearcoat effect and peace of mind for off-road adventures.
Google Maps led a group of cars off the major highway and onto an off-roading trail in the Mojave Desert, causing them to get stuck and experience car troubles. A viral TikTok video showed the trail of cars following the misleading directions. The road was only wide enough for one-way traffic, leading to difficulties when attempting to turn around. Eventually, the highway patrol had to be called to shut down the road. The incident resulted in expensive car repairs for some drivers.
Mercedes-Benz CEO, Ola Källenius, showcases the upcoming electric G-Class (EQG) in a video where he performs a 360-degree turn, known as a G Turn. The EQG will feature four electric motors, reinforced underbody, and a button-activated 180-degree turn capability. The G-Class facelift and EQG are set to debut in early 2024, followed by a smaller electric variant. In contrast, Hyundai's executive technical advisor, Albert Biermann, rules out a fully-fledged N version of the Sonata and an electric hot hatchback, citing the Sonata N Line's unsuitability for racing and the dominance of 800V cars from China. However, Biermann suggests the possibility of a cheaper hot hatch to compete with the Ioniq 5 N.
Ford CEO Jim Farley took a playful jab at the Tesla Cybertruck by sharing a video of the Ford F-150 Lightning easily conquering an off-road hill that made the Cybertruck struggle. However, the author believes that the Cybertruck will ultimately outperform the Lightning off-road due to its superior geometry and potential for software improvements in its traction control system. While the Lightning is a solid electric pickup truck, it may not be optimized for off-roading like the Cybertruck, which is expected to have better ground clearance and off-road capabilities.
Tesla engineers have taken two release candidate Cybertrucks on a 1280-mile off-road test across the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, demonstrating the vehicle's off-roading capabilities. The Cybertruck is said to have the highest ground clearance of any vehicle and comes with a new air suspension with 14 inches of travel. In a comparison video, the Rivian R1T is seen completing an off-road challenge with slightly more ease than the Cybertruck, but factors such as tire pressure, suspension settings, and driver experience may have influenced the outcome. It is still too early to determine a clear winner between the two electric off-roaders.
Toyota unveils two extreme vintage Land Cruiser concepts at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The FJ Bruiser is a rock crawler with a modified TRD NASCAR V8 engine, full trailing arm suspension, and 42-inch tires. The FJ45 Retro Cruiser is a custom wagon with Land Cruiser 100 series components and a Borla exhaust. Toyota also showcases the Tacoma X-Runner concept, featuring a modified Tundra V6 engine and enhanced off-road capabilities.
