Hits and Misses From the 2015 Chicago Auto Show

Obviously, the Ford GT was the big hit from the Chicago Auto Show. But what about the rest of the field?

During the Honda press event they referred to this year as, “The Year of Honda.” Of course that is a gimmicky line, but when you can back it up with facts it works. They have the best retail selling car in the Accord, best retail selling compact car in the Civic, and the best selling SUV in America in the CR-V. They’re adding a new vehicle to the lineup in the HR-V which has a great use of packaging that easily fits 4 adults along with plenty of cargo, something that other vehicles in the class can’t do. On top of that, they just released the completely redesigned 2016 Pilot.

The initial impressions of the new 3rd generation Pilot are very positive. It seems to take the best styling cues from the front end of the Ford Explorer and the side from the Acura MDX. Though it may not come through in the pictures, it is very easy to distinguish from the CR-V. Without saying any specific numbers they claim it will have the best fuel economy in the class. The 7 or 8 passenger will exclusively be built in Alabama alongside the Odyssey and next Ridgeline.

A new feature in the 2016 Pilot is the option of getting a 2nd row bench or captain chairs, which changes the vehicle from an 8 to 7 passenger. The captain chairs are large, comfortable, and supportive while providing a nice shelf/storage area between them. To access to the 3rd row a simple button is pushed creating a wide opening unlike other vehicles in the class. It is much easier in and out of the back row than the 2nd generation. If the 2nd row seat is pulled forward, the 3rd row could even be considered comfortable. The Pilot will be the first Honda with available 20” wheels. Honda says it is 3.5” longer than the previous version but 300 lbs lighter. The Pilot features an updated Earth Dreams 3.5 liter direct injection i-VTEC V6 and either a 6 or 9 speed transmission. The engine includes cylinder deactivation and start-stop technology.

The Pilot includes 5 USB chargers, LED lights, 2 sunroofs including a panoramic one in the back, and soft materials throughout. It has a pushbutton start with a heated steering wheel and heated 1st and 2nd row seats. Those of you that hate the dual screen infotainment screens used in other Hondas will be pleased to find a single screen in the Pilot with smart phone integration. The rear entertainment now includes Blu Ray capability, HDMI port, A/V outlet, 2 headphone jacks, and a 115 volt outlet. The interior has nice subtle ambient lighting throughout. In the rear, the floor can be set to a higher flat floor load height, or lowered to create more of a well for storage. The rear floorboard is reversible with carpet on one side and rubber on the other. Watch out Weathertech, there will be no selling rubber cargo area covers to Pilots owners anymore! The new Pilot looks to be a huge success for Honda.

Arriving in showrooms this spring, is the new 2016 Chevy Equinox. Or I should say the same Equinox that has been available for 6 years with a new grill and new taillights! There is nothing especially wrong with the Equinox, it just is time for a redesign and this isn’t it. Doing these changes (they do look nice) this late into a model cycle, Chevy appears to be saying they don’t intend to properly update the Equinox for a couple more years. Other minor changes include a larger touchscreen and nicer cloth upholstery. The power remains the same 4 or 6 cylinder engines.

I see a problem when a vehicle has been out 6 years and you are promoting a slightly larger touchscreen as your “new refreshed model.” Chevy seemed to take the easy way out on this one and not invest into a new Equinox at this time. It still features hard plastics throughout the interior and rear seats that don’t fold flat. The additional wifi option is a nice touch though.

The Kia Soul is already very popular, but the newly released Trail’ster concept could take it to a new group of customers. The Trail’ster builds on the Soul by adding an electric all-wheel-drive option, a canvas roll-back roof, and skid plates with an additional 2.5” of ride height. Kia claims it should gain 25-30% better fuel economy city, and 10-15% better highway mileage. I see the Trail’ster competing with the Mini Countryman or perhaps the new Jeep Renegade. Of course this is just a concept so it won’t be competing against anyone anytime soon. They say whether this concept will turn into a production vehicle is based on media and customer reaction to it. To me this is a no brainer Kia, build the Trail’ster.

The RDX is mostly new for 2016 and hopes to build on the previous model’s continued sales success. Usually when a model is about to be replaced, the older model will begin selling less leading up to the release. The RDX however is setting sales records each month despite having been out for 3 years. The 2016 RDX is more of a refresh and it shows in how similar it looks. The new version still has the Acura “beak”, though this one has a 3D design to it that actually almost fits with the styling of the vehicle. There is a whole list of new safety features added to the RDX included in the AcuraWatch safety system, as well as a 9 speed transmission. Overall it looks a little more sporty, gets a more powerful 3.5 liter i-VTEC V6, achieves 1 mpg more, and receives new Jewel Eye LED projector headlights.

The topless NISMO-tuned 370Z coupe appears to be ready for production, but Nissan says this is only a concept. It has a 350-horsepower 3.7 liter V6, tuned exhaust, upgraded suspension and a body kid. Should they decide to make this car it is said to cost between $52,000 and $57,000 to start, or $10,000 over the NISMO 370Z coupe (which itself is already a $10,000 premium over the regular 370Z). That seems pretty expensive for an increase of 18-horsepower. The base 370Z at around $30,000 is nice and competes with Cameros and other sports cars. Even the NISMO version could compete with the Mustang GT and Camaro SS. But who would be the competitors at over $50,000 for a track focused convertible?

(On a different note, the new Nissan LMP1 racecar is quite impressive in person. I appreciate them bringing this weirdly stunning vehicle for display.)

Ok, so “hit” may be an overstatement but I’m going to give Mitsubishi some credit for this one. Is it attractive? No. Not at all. But be honest, how many were surprised to hear Mitsubishi had a concept car released? I respect the effort and the attempt to think outside of the box. The reality is most of their products that were designed to compete head-to-head with other mainstream vehicles aren’t selling very well.

The GC-PHEV comes with an AWD 3-liter supercharged V6 with an additional electric motor making a combined 355 horsepower. The GC-PHEV’s main feature is multimedia touchscreen that runs through the middle of the car between four swiveling bucket seats. The other innovation that stands out is the car’s ability to provide emergency electricity to an average home for up to two weeks.

Will this concept be made with its weird table in the middle? No. But could the next Montero look similar to this. Yes. In my opinion Mitsubishi desperately needs to do something to stand out from the crowd, and well, this does it.

The 2016 Avalon is a refresh on the version that was released in 2012. It comes in looking a little sportier than before with an almost Audi-like grill. My concern is that the Avalon may be trying to be too many things at the same time. As a previous Avalon owner myself, this model definitely is more attractive. There are 5 trim levels, a hybrid option, and 2 unique suspensions systems (one like in older Avalons is for comfort, the other is more for the driving experience). It received new LED headlights, a much wider grill, and the same 268 horsepower engine as before. Lots of new options are available now including a wood grain dash and 18” wheels. The two very different suspension offerings intrigue me. Is the Avalon the type of car that someone would buy and then choose the tighter suspension? Traditionally, probably not. But with this new aggressive styling, maybe it could work.

Seeing as there appears to be no limit to what truck buyers will pay for top level pickups, why not add some more features and raise the price? The Laramie Limited is already sold, but for 2015 Ram is updating the offering. This begins by adding a new grill with huge “Ram” lettering across it. Just when you thought the font size couldn’t get any larger, you realize “Ram” appears even bigger on the tailgate. There is also a large increase in chrome inside and out, including chrome seatbelt buckles. The new center console features a media device holder big enough to secure an iPad. The interior is jet black and offers new thick carpet with rubber underneath and lots of real wood and leather. This truck is big, loud, in your face, and luxurious. It’s for the truck driver who also likes the finer things in life. The Ram President and CEO said it best at the unveiling, “Like the people who own them, the Laramie Limited knows how to dress up.”

When the press release from Toyota announcing they have new models coming out states, “Toyota to create turbulence in windy city with sporty Camry and Corolla special editions” a certain expectation is set. The Camry was just released in 2015 and the Corolla in 2014, so I’m not sure why they felt special editions was needed already. Telling us that these new special edition models will create driving excitement sounded great. In the end though, I’m not so sure. These appear to just be slightly different trim levels released very early on in a model’s cycle.

The Camry Special Edition is based on the SE trim level with a few other features like a sunroof, sport seats, and different wheels. Only 12,000 will be made.

The Corolla is based off the S Plus trim level and adds unique wheels, red trim, and paddle shifters. Only 8,000 will be made.

Both are nice cars, but don’t necessarily create turbulence or driving excitement.

What’s not to like? It’s a Chicago built police utility vehicle that is now being used in 80 countries around the world. Respect is given to Ford for using a 25 member police advisory board to create the exact features and performance that law enforcement need. For the 2016 Interceptor that means a 365 horsepower 3.5 liter ecoboost 6 speed V6 that is specifically tuned for faster closing speeds. It also includes a new feature where if someone approaches the Interceptor from the rear it automatically raises the windows and locks the doors. If you are looking for a vehicle with reinforced door panels, unfortunately this is not for sale to public. Be sure to watch www.govdeals.com in a year or two when police forces begin selling them used.