Detroit Auto Show: 5 hot new SUVs and pickups
Pickups and SUVs will be the headliners at this year's Detroit Auto Show.
Two of the three top-selling pickups -- the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ram 1500 -- will be displaying completely redesigned models at the Detroit show, which is officially known as the North American International Auto Show and which kicked off this weekend. Ford is introducing the first diesel engine for its best-selling F-150 pickup. It will also be showing a resurrected nameplate -- the Ranger midsize pickup.
Read: The Best SUVs and Crossovers Under $35,000
Among SUVs, Jeep will show a refreshed Jeep Cherokee. BMW will display the X2, which is a completely new small SUV. And Lamborghini will introduce its new Urus, which the company claims is the fastest SUV in the world. The show previews cars for the press next week and is open to the public from Jan. 20 to 28.
"Overall, the show reflects the shift in the market from cars to crossover SUVs and trucks," said Matt DeLorenzo, managing editor of Kelley Blue Book. "There will be a few cars on hand like the new Toyota Avalon, VW Jetta and Hyundai Veloster, but for the most part they'll be bit players."
DeLorenzo also noted that while electric vehicles will figure prominently in discussions of the automotive future during the show, the only new electric or hybrid being shown is a revived Honda Insight.
As the historic center of automakers in this country, Detroit retains the aura of putting on the most important U.S. auto show. Domestic manufacturers introduce their crucial new products such as the pickups. And European and Japanese companies also use Detroit as a showcase for their new models.
Here is a closer look at five pickups and SUVs being presented at the Detroit show.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
With its Silverado 1500 continuing to trail the Ford F-150 in sales, Chevrolet is bringing out a complete redesign for the 2019 model. The company has shown some details ahead of the Detroit reveal, including an exterior with flowing lines down the sides and new tail lights.
Having run ads questioning the strength of the Ford F-150's aluminum body, Chevy is sticking with steel. Though engine details haven't yet been discussed, analysts expect the small-block V-8 to remain the primary engine for the Silverado with the likely addition of a turbocharged V-6.
One of the new variations will be the LT Trailboss aimed at off-roaders.
Ford Ranger
Ford discontinued the midsize Ranger in 2011, believing it could convert those potential buyers to the full-size F-150. But after General Motors' sales success with its midsize Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, Ford is getting back into this segment.
The new pickup will be related to the Ranger that has continued to sell overseas (pictured here), although Ford said it will have some design changes for the American version. The Ranger likely will use a turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine as its base choice, with turbocharged V-6 options for some premium versions.
Base price for the Ranger is expected to be in the $25,000 range.
BMW X2
BMW is adding another model to its lineup of SUV-like vehicles (which the company insists on calling sports activity vehicles). The X2 is smaller than its sibling the X1 but with bolder styling. The X2 is powered by a 228 horsepower, 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It combines an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.
The X2 has an array of safety features, including lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning. It's expected to go on sale in the U.S. this spring with a list price of $39,395.
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep's compact SUV gets a makeover after five model years with the old design. The 2019 Cherokee has a new, sleeker look on the front end (while, of course, retaining the traditional Jeep grille). Reworked tail lights and bumper make the new Cherokee look wider from the rear.
Jeep parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles hasn't yet released engine and transmission details but said more fuel-efficient options will be available. Competing against big sellers like the Honda CR-V, the 2019 Cherokee will likely have a starting price around $24,500.
Lamborghini Urus
Every auto show needs models that you can fantasize about owning as well as those you might actually buy. For those with the bankroll, the Lamborghini Urus is no fantasy. It will go on sale in the U.S. this spring starting at about $200,000. According to the company, the Urus is the world's fastest SUV, with a zero to 60 MPH clocked at 3.6 seconds.
The Urus is powered by a turbocharged V-8 rated at 641 horsepower. The name, Lamborghini says, comes from "one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle."
The EPA hasn't yet given it a gas mileage rating. But as the luxury car truism goes: If you have to worry about the cost of gas, you can't afford the Urus.