The Most Loved SUVs and Trucks in America for 2016

The Most Loved SUVs and Trucks in America for 2016
Hotter Porsche 718 Boxster, Cayman GTS Models Coming Soon
Facelifted 2019 Mercedes C-Class Spotted
The Most Advanced Power Wheels Ever has Arrived
Help Make this Epic Jeep LEGO Project a Reality
Giving Thanks to the Automakers

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The SUV and pickup truck markets are booming in the U.S. and some owners love their vehicles more than others.

Based on results from the New Vehicle Experience Study that surveyed 38,763 new vehicle buyers after the first 90 days of ownership, Strategic Vision's Consumer Love Index (CLI) measures the amount of love owners experience with their new vehicle. Strategic Vision compiles the data from over 120 different aspects of the ownership experience, ranging from interior door handles to tail light design and performance. Each aspect is rated on a scale from "1 – I Hate It" to "7 – I Love It," with "4 – Satisfactory" being at the middle of the scale.

Along with releasing a list of the most loved cars in the U.S., The 2016 CLI also reveals the most loved SUVs and pickup trucks, which you can see below.

Standard Pickup – Toyota Tacoma

In the Standard Pickup category, the Toyota Tacoma was most loved with a score of 353. The Japanese automaker recently revamped the pickup for the 2016 model year as it faces stiffer competition from its American counterparts.

Full-Size Pickup – Ford F-150

There's a reason the Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in North American history: Their owners absolutely love them. With a score of 429, the Ford F-150 is the most loved full-size pickup.

Heavy Duty Pickup – Nissan Titan XD

It's not the Ford Super Duty or the Ram 2500/3500 that is the most loved Heavy Duty Pickup. That honor goes to the Nissan Titan XD, which recently saw an all-new model hit the market. With a score of 462, something tells us the Titan XD will continue being America's most loved Heavy Duty Pickup.

Entry SUV – Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

For decades, the Jeep brand has been synonymous with performance off-road SUVs. They're also loved by their owners no matter what they're being used for. Taking the Entry SUV category is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a score of 427.

Entry CUV – Subaru Crosstrek

Crossovers are coming in all shapes and sizes, but the Subaru Crosstrek is the most loved model in the U.S. Sporting a score of 459, the Crosstrek adds to Subaru's list of five Most Loved Vehicle Awards.

Mid-Size SUV – Dodge Durango

Sales of the Dodge Durango have picked up in recent years and it seems there's a good reason for it. According to the 2016 LCI, owners love their Durango SUVs, helping it earn a score of 419 and taking the title of most loved Mid-Size SUV.

Mid-Size CUV – Kia Sorento

In the Mid-Size CUV category, the Kia Sorento is most loved with a score of 424. Like other models on the list, the Sorento recently got updated with a redesign, helping keep it fresh in a highly competitive segment.

Full-Size Utility – Chevrolet Tahoe

Although the Full-Size Utility segment is giving way to three-row crossovers, there's still a few models that are loved by their owners. The Chevrolet Tahoe takes the category with a score of 471.

Alternative Powertrain Utility – Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Driving a crossover, SUV or pickup truck doesn't mean you can't be green. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most loved Alternative Powertrain Utility vehicle, earning a score of 409.

Near-Luxury Utility – BMW X4

The BMW X4 is admittedly a strange model in the German automaker's crowded crossover and SUV lineup, but its owners are happy it exists. With a score of 481, the BMW X4 is the most loved Near-Luxury Utility in the U.S., although it's a bit unclear why BMW would be considered "near luxury."

Luxury SUV – Land Rover Range Rover

There are very few SUVs in this world as iconic as the Land Rover Range Rover, with its signature boxy styling existing even today. With a score of 460, the Range Rover takes the Luxury SUV category in this year's CLI.

Luxury CUV – Mercedes GLE-Class Coupe

It may have just arrived on the market, but owners are glad Mercedes-Benz has added the GLE-Class Coupe to its lineup. Designed to compete with the BMW X6, the GLE-Class Coupe took home the title of Most Loved Luxury CUV with a score of 546.

Minivan – Toyota Sienna

Yes, minivans still exist and believe it or not, some owners actually enjoy driving one around. They may be a dying breed thanks to less embarrassing crossovers, but the minivan still serves a purpose in today's automotive world. With a score of 349, the Toyota Sienna is the most loved Minivan around, but it's telling that it's also the lowest-scoring vehicle to win a category. So even though one minivan had to be the most loved, there really isn't a whole lot to love.

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hotter Porsche 718 Boxster, Cayman GTS Models Coming Soon

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Porsche is getting ready to expand its 718 lineup with the addition of high-performance GTS models.

Our spy photographers caught the new 718 Boxster GTS out testing, sporting camouflage on the front bumper along with a new spoiler lip. As this will be a more hardcore performance version, you can expect the suspension to be stiffer and a lower ride for the car while unique wheels and a sports exhaust will really help the GTS stand out.

The same turbocharged four-cylinder engine is expected under the hood with a power bump somewhere north of 15 horsepower, the current differential when jumping from S up to the GTS model. That will put the new GTS somewhere around 375 horsepower. Both a PDK automatic and a manual transmission are expected to be offered.

When a revised GT4 model arrives based on the updated 718 Cayman and Boxster, it is expected to keep its naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine.

The Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS should hit the market in the second half of 2017.

Discuss this story at our Porsche Forum

Facelifted 2019 Mercedes C-Class Spotted

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Mercedes is out testing a new C-Class model with some modest changes.

This is the first set of photos showing the new C-Class, which will now begin its slow reveal in spy photos. With the S-Class, Mercedes slowly revealed more and more every time the prototype was driven in public.

For now, we can see both the sedan and wagon version of the updated C-Class driving with the front bumper covered, though revisions to the grille, headlights, taillights and rear fascia are all expected.

Inside, more camouflage was used to cover the changes, though the photographers were able to spot a new infotainment touchpad which will be under the dial in the center console. A digital gauge cluster, lifted from the new S-Class, is also seen on the inside.

Under the hood, Mercedes' new range of engines is expected to be found which use a single electric motor as the starter and to provide a slight performance boost. There will likely be a range of four- and six-cylinder engines available.

The C-Class update should arrive by 2019 and is likely to be revealed in late 2017 or early 2018.

The Most Advanced Power Wheels Ever has Arrived

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Ford and Fisher-Price have worked closely together to create the Power Wheels Smart Drive Mustang.

Fisher-Price developed the scaled-down Ford Mustang, which is available in blue or pink, based on real Ford design data. Sized just for kids, it's amazingly realistic and captures the spirit, style and high-tech features found in a Ford Mustang GT parents can drive.

New for Power Wheels vehicles is the Smart Drive system, which is essentially the brand's first computer-controlled powertrain that adds features like traction control, stability monitoring, digital speed control, battery monitoring, as well as slow start and stop.

The computer has the ability to monitor for wheel slip, adjusting motor speeds to help keep the car stable while going over wet grass or bumpy terrain. In addition, a tilt sensor can detect when the car is reaching dangerous angles, turning off the motors to prevent rollovers. Parents can also easily control top speed, which ranges fron 1 to 5 mph, as well as check battery charge level on a backlit LED touch interface.

There's even a built-in sound system that features engine sounds recorded from a real Mustang. Kids can play their own music on the biggest speaker ever installed on a Fisher-Price product through an auxiliary input jack.

The Power Wheels Smart Drive Mustang will be available at retailers starting in December with an MSRP of $359.99.

Discuss this story on our Ford Mustang Forum

Help Make this Epic Jeep LEGO Project a Reality

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If you have ever wanted a LEGO Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, there's a LEGO Ideas project for you to support.

Currently gathering support, this LEGO Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a recreation of one of the most iconic off-road vehicles Jeep has ever offered. According to its creator, Chiho Kim, the most difficult part of creating the LEGO Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was joining the hood and the two mudguards. And although he's successfully managed to integrate them seamlessly, he believes there's better ways of joining those parts together.

The size of the Wrangler Rubicon is the same ratio as official LEGO packages like the Volkswagen Camper Van and Beetles, while boasting four 62 mm radius tires installed on the front and back, as well as a spare hung on the hatch doors. Little details on the project include a miniature DSLR camera in the set, as Kim says he likes to "go out for taking photos in nature." And of course, yellow cones are necessary items for emergency stops on and off the road, while a tidy net holds all the extra items in place.

Like all other LEGO Ideas projects, it will need your support to become a reality, so go vote if you want to get your hands on one yourself.

Discuss this story on our Jeep Forum

Giving Thanks to the Automakers

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It's that time again. Time to give our thanks to all the automotive manufacturers for yet another wild and crazy year.

Convertible Range Rovers, 8,200 rpm muscle cars and a further infestation of SUV coupes. Yup, this year has seen it all. We laughed, we cried, we sucked up all the dynamism, functiontainment and powerfficiency we can take.

But what really stood out? What grabbed our attention quicker than half price diecast models at a flea market? Let's break down what each manufacturer brought to the table this year, making us more grateful than retirees eating a 4 pm turkey dinner.

Whole. Lee. Crap. The NSX is actually here. At times, we weren't sure if it would ever come to fruition, but there it is.

Thank you for introducing a 505-hp car that no one will spell or pronounce properly. The Alfa Romeo, Google Quattocheese? Julia Gulia Quadrophenia? Whatever, that engine sounds badass.

Thanks for allowing every rich Trekky to own a Vulcan of their own.

Thank you for continuing to RS all things and for the completely all-new, radical styling departure on the Audi A4 and R8 (yes, that was sarcasm).

A hearty thank you for proving what the world really needs – a quarter-million dollar SUV that can run upwards of 187 mph. Next up should be the half-million dollar pickup truck that runs 10s in the quarter mile.

Thank you for the new king of the 2 Series. The one everyone can't wait for. The car that emulates BMWs of old. The all-new ~~2 Series Active Tourer~~ M2.

Buick's cars are *insert over used old person joke.* You know who likes to drive Buicks? *insert slight revision on above joke, ensuring punch line is still about old people* But seriously, the new Lacrosse looks great.

We love the ATS-V and the CTS-V and thank you for them. But there's been an oversight. Where's the supercharged 6.2-liter Escalade-V? You know you want to do it!

Thank you for the onslaught of new models this year; it's keeping us employed.

Thanks for making sure the minivan doesn't die out. And for doing something new by making a hybrid version available.

Thanks for bringing back the scat cars. Our 10-year-old maturity levels are working in overdrive.

Thanks for proving that a turbocharger does not ruin a Ferrari. Oh wait, you did that already in 1984 with the 208 Turbo and again in 1987 with the F40. Never mind then… keep up the good work!

A big thanks for answering enthusiasts' prayers the world over and putting a turbocharged engine into a Miata. Also, thanks for using a vehicle name that isn't "500-something-or-other" in North America.

Thank for the dozens of future YouTube fail videos of owners "drift-modding" their Focus RS into various road side objects. PS. The Ford GT is kinda cool too.

Thank you for building a small(ish) diesel pickup truck that Americans have been demanding for quite some time. Now, let's see if any of them actually buy it.

Thanks for keeping us entertained with the new Si and the upcoming Type R. We're hoping a Pilot Type R is on the way too!

Thanks for separating the Genesis into a new luxury brand. If Notorious B.I.G. was still alive today we're certain he'd change the line to "Super Nintendo, Hyundai Genesis, When I was dead broke, man I couldn't picture this."

Thank You for…no wait, where's our Eau Rouge already?!?

Thank you for the F-Pace, which could be the future Face of Jaguar. (see what we did there?)

Thank you for running with the marketing gold of using a hit song that happens to share its name with your latest vehicle model in all its ads. Now, could you talk to your Dodge cohorts across the hallway about Scatman John's 1994 hit?

Thanks for electrifying the soul of the, er, Soul. We got quite a charge out of driving it. It was shockingly good.

Thanks for making the mere two cars you produce seem like a dozen or so thanks to the multitude of special edition models upon special edition models. We may need a cheat sheet to tell them apart.

Thank you for giving all the children of rich Malibu parents something to drive to Rodeo drive on sunny days because OMG, the Evoque Convertible is totes cute!

Thank you for focusing this year on a core product with real-world, consumer relevant focus – the Hoverboard.

Whoa. New design language! We feel a bit déjà vu for some reason though…

Thanks for answering the question "Just how many different ways can you sell an Evora?"

Thank you for continuing to make an exhaust we want to marry and have children with as well as creating vehicle names no one can ever pronounce.

Thank you for bringing back a turbocharged engine. You know what sounds great? Having 301 lb-ft of torque in the CX-3. Make it happen.

Thanks for showing the world that British automotive engineering isn't dead and for making the affordable 570S. We're sure dads everywhere are lining up to trade in their Toyota Camrys.

Dear Lord, that AMG V8 exhaust note is magnificent. Wait, maybe this is the one we want to marry and have little babies with.

Thank you for introducing a new four-door MINI that isn't called the four-door MINI because the four-door MINI name was already taken by the four-door MINI which isn't the same as the new four-door MINI.

Thanks for refreshing the Mirage to look like it's from this millennium. And thank you for keeping the old stalwart Lancer alive and kicking.

Thanks for bucking the trend and flipping your middle finger at the new generation of lightweight pickup trucks. 7,000 lb. half tons FTW!

Thank you for adding turbocharged engines to the non-turbo 911s. And thanks for showing us just how out-of-shape we are with the Cayman GT4's non-adjustable carbon fiber seats.

Thanks for taking the torque wars to ridiculous levels as all those lifted 3500 Rams on 30-inch chrome wheels will need all 900 lb-ft. of torque.

Thank you for beginning development on a new SUV. You should be masters at this as your cars already weigh as much as an SUV.

Thank you for the memories. And thanks for all the fish.

Thanks for the new fortwo and finally putting the single-clutch semi-automatic transmission out of its misery.

Thanks for another year of sexy concepts. Could you please put one into production this time around without changing a thing?

Thanks for being the masters of the buzzword. Ludicrous mode and Falcon door sound like rejected Transformers, not features on high-priced electric vehicles.

A massive thanks for building a modern Back to the Future Tundra and for making Huey Lewis relevant again, if just for one day.

Thank you for creating the first major recall campaign that many owners want to voluntarily opt out of.

Thanks for the XC90 that proves an SUV can be both different and good. Now please continue with twin-charging all things.

Car Reviews

Thursday 24 November 2016