Traditionally, there are few vehicles with the rugged and versatile history of Jeep. From its U.S. Army beginnings in 1941 as a general purpose 4-wheel-drive light military vehicle, to its CJ Civilian Jeep production in 1945, to its evolution as a rugged, sports-utility vehicle with ever-progressing luxury, connectivity and capability, Jeep has earned a reputation as a tough, dependable and sporty conveyance for in-town and off-road function.

Building on that rich heritage, the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator combines Jeep’s iconic styling with the features of a pick-up truck to become a true sports-utility vehicle … a Jeep truck. Now, there WAS a full-size Jeep Gladiator truck from 1962-1988, known as the Jeep J-Series after 1971, but THIS Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pick-up truck that is brand new for the 2020 model year, and is Jeep’s first pick-up truck model since it discontinued Comanche in 1992.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator certainly plays on Jeep’s iconic look and social distances itself from the competition with that look.  And it is designed for work ... real truck work … and play … traditional Jeep play.

Based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV, Gladiator is recognizable as a Jeep, from the seven-slot grille seen on Wrangler, but with widened the grille slots for additional air intake to assist with the increased towing capacity. The top of the keystone-shaped grille is gently swept back to enhance aerodynamics. A full-sized spare tire, normally mounted on the Wrangler's rear tailgate, is mounted underneath the cargo bed of the Gladiator. The truck has front and rear doors that can be fully removed, as well as a windshield that can be lowered (like the Wrangler JL, Jeep includes a tool kit with the tools necessary to remove the doors and lower the windshield). Gladiator models equipped with LEDs feature daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights. Forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares.

From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate. And the truck bed isn’t just for looks. It is fully functional and work worthy. The 5-foot high-strength steel bed utilizes four steel cross-members to reinforce the load floor while the aluminum tailgate is damped. Utility and versatility are maximized with strong integrated tie-downs and under-rail bed lighting.

Built at Toledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio the mid-size pick-up measures 218.0 inches long, 74.1 inches high with the hard top, and 73.8 inches wide on a 137.3-inch wheelbase, for a ground clearance of 11.1 inches. The Rubicon with an automatic transmission weighs in at a robust 5072 lbs.

Inside, the Gladiator combines Jeep style, versatility, comfort and intuitive feature use. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin. The heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design. Soft-touch surfaces enhance tech items such as intuitive placement of climate and volume control knobs, media charging and connectivity ports, and Engine Stop. A U-Connect 4C Navigation system with 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard as is a push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround.

The cabin is niche-roomy, and provides 40.8 inches of front and rear row headroom in the hardtop, 41.2 inches of front legroom with 38.3 inches in row two, and 55.7 inches of front and rear shoulder room.

Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the setup focuses on low-end torque – good for off-roading and hauling heavy loads – the automatic has a trailer tow rating of 7000 lbs. The system is rated at 17mpg/city, 22mpg/highway and 19 mpg/combined for the automatic. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine is also an option, rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque. My 3.6 accelerated smoothly and predictably and finished off a hand-timed zero-to-60mph sprint in 8.2 seconds during a 16.2-second quarter-mile. A week of mixed-use tests and some off-road trails ended with an average consumption of 18.6mpg. I found Gladiator off-road capable, highway adequate and in-town cool and fun to drive.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is available in five trims, from the base Sport at $33,545 to the top-of-the-line Rubicon at $43,875. My fully loaded Rubicon in Firecracker Red added an 8-speed automatic transmission for $2000. Cosmetically, body-color fender flares were added for $495; a body-color three-piece removable hard top for $1100; spray-in bedliner for $495; Black leather-trimmed bucket seats for $1495; an Alpine Premium Audio system added $1295; all-weather slush mats added $165; hardtop headliner added $555; a trailer tow package was $350; the Jeep Active Safety Group (Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, ParkSense® Rear Park-Assist System, LED Tail Lamps) was $995; and Adaptive Cruise Control/Forward Collision Warning added $795. Now, that was $12,035 in options, and with $1495 in destination charges, my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon stickered at $57,405.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Re-engineered in 2017 for its second generation, the 2020 GMC Acadia mid-size crossover gets a facelift, a turbo engine option and many tech and infotainment upgrades.

Aiming for a more refined appearance, improved cabin interfaces and augmented power, GMC has upgraded Acadia with design and technology enhancements including a bolder exterior design, new available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, new nine-speed automatic transmission, an enhanced GMC infotainment system, a new available Head-up Display and Rear Camera Mirror, and the introduction of the first-ever Acadia AT4 with exclusive AT4 grille, wheels, badging and black chrome exterior accents.

The 2020 Acadia comes at you with a new grille, new front and rear fascias and GMC’s signature C-shaped lighting along with standard LED lighting complemented with interior refinements.

Additional design and style enhancements for the 2020 Acadia include: new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs depending on the trim; outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals (power-folding feature standard on Denali and available on SLT trim); hands-free power liftgate with GMC logo projection standard on SLT, AT4 and Denali; redesigned center console with enhanced storage space and unique Denali interior color scheme with new, open-pore wood decor.

Continuing with its mid-size crossover dimensions of last year, Acadia measures 193.6 inches long, 66 inches high and 75.4 inches wide on a 112.5-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 7.2 inches and curbweight comes in at about 3923, though the upscale versions with the 3.6-liter engine exceed 4000 pounds.

Last year, Acadia offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter Inline-4 engine -- 193hp and 188 lb-ft of torque and an EPA rating of 21/city and 26/highway – and a 3.6-liter V-6 engine -- 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, for an EPA rating of 18/city and 25/highway. This year, Acadia goes with three options: a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 DOHC with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, good for 230 horses and 258 lb-ft; the 2.5-liter direct-injection I-4 that provides last year’s power numbers; and this year’s 3.6-liter V-6 DOHC VVT with Direct Injection is the same as last year’s at 310hp and 271 lb-ft.

Mated to the new nine-speed automatic Electronic Precision Shift that replaced the previous six-speed automatic, my 3.6-powered Denali was attentive, responsive and confident with reduced engine noise in the cabin. My week of mixed-use tests yielded an average of 22.2 mpg, Accelerating powerfully at speed and in passing, track tests showed an energetic zero-to-60 mph sprint in 6.6 seconds, en route to a consistent 15.2-second quarter-mile.

Responsive and accurate on turns and sweeps, Acadia’s electric variable-effort power steering with Active Return Assist was reliable and minimized body roll while delivering acceptable understeer during quick cornering. Providing good road feel, the MacPherson strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar and the five-link independent rear with coil springs and stabilizer bar were the same as last year, and with the Continuous Damping Control real-time damping on my Denali test ride, the system leveled city roads and highways, and was solid soft-road, though severe off-roading seemed to be a bit beyond its capabilities.

Refined inside, the Acadia cabin provides seating for five, six, or seven passengers depending on model and configuration. My three-row, six-passenger Denali was comfortable with 40.0 inches of front headroom without a sunroof (you lose about 1.2 inches with a sunroof), 39.6 in row two and 37.2 inches in row three. Legroom measures 41 inches in front, 39.7 in row two and a child-worthy 29.7 in row three, while shoulder room is 59.4, 58.7 and 54.3. Cargo volume was 41.7 cu.ft. behind row two if row three is eliminated.

Safety features include standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and roof-mounted head curtain air bags, Front and Rear Parking Assist, Lane Change Alert,  Front Pedestrian Braking, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Automatic Braking, Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp high-beam control, Surround Vision camera system, Forward Collision Alert and more.

Available in six trims, Acadia’s base SL trim starts at $30,195 in FWD and runs through six levels to get to the top-of-the-line Denali that I tested – starting at $46,695 in FWD. In the lesser trims, you pay about $1095 for the upgrade to the larger engine – Denali comes with the larger plant as standard. You also pay $2000 to upgrade from FWD to AWD and my Denali was in AWD. Ebony Twilight Metallic exterior paint added $495 and the outside was mated to a Jet Black perforated leather interior. The Technology Package that is recommended for the safety conscious was also included for $1495, consisting of advanced adaptive cruise control with full speed front automatic braking and a surround vision system. A Dual SkyScape 2-Panel Powered sunroof was added for $1400; Front and rear splash guards added $170 and roof rack cross rail added $265. Rear seat infotainment with DVD player would have added $1995, but my ride was without that option, though we did add Wireless charging for $375. With an additional $1195 for Destination charges, my final sticker-as-tested was at $52,895, but cash allowance incentives of $4250 brought the MSRP to $48,645, so check with your local dealer.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and with the health and safety in mind of the Carlisle community, Carlisle Events staff as well as Spring Carlisle and Carlisle Auction guests and business partners, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions have POSTPONED Spring Carlisle 2020 along with its two-day collector car auction, originally scheduled to begin April 22.

The NEW, rescheduled date for the Spring event is May 27-31 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, with a new auction date of May 28-29 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  All original tickets, car corral spaces, vending spaces and auction commitments will be honored for the new event dates.  Best of all, the new Spring Carlisle and auction dates fall just after Memorial Day, meaning everyone at the event can celebrate the unofficial start of summer outdoors in America’s Automotive Hometown!   

“While our events entertain over half a million people annually, our NUMBER ONE GOAL as a family run company is to protect the health of our employees, vendors, guests and the community of which we’ve called home since 1974,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Bill Miller, Jr.  “We have been following all guidelines and directives of the CDC, WHO, President Trump as well as Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf as this ever-changing world-wide pandemic evolves,” continued Miller.  “As such, our team has decided that a late May event is how we’ll present Spring Carlisle 2020!  Save the date, because I look forward to seeing everyone in Carlisle May 27-31.” 

The new Spring Carlisle date in late May also necessitates a one-time merger of Carlisle Auctions planned Summer Sale, originally scheduled for June 27.  The Summer Sale will return to its normal June date in 2021.  In addition, while the May date is scheduled at this time, Carlisle Events will continue to monitor federal, state and local mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  As such, a secondary date of June 17-20 has been identified as a “just in case” option.

During this event, as well as others on the schedule, Carlisle Events will continue to be proactive from a health and sanitation standpoint within the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Carlisle Expo Center.

• Carlisle Events and its neighboring properties will be adding additional sanitizer stations to the food court, entry gates AND guest services.
• ALL ticket takers and hand stampers will be offered gloves and hand sanitizer that is 60% (or greater) alcohol. 
• Carlisle Events has secured a disinfectant from the suggested CDC list that quickly kills viruses and bacteria. This, combined with portable hand sprayers will be utilized in bathrooms, food court, vendor services, guest services and within the Carlisle Expo Center as part of auctions and third party events. 
• Make available disinfectant wipes and sanitizer at ticket booths, vendor services, guest services and the Carlisle Expo Center. 
• Communicate these measures to our guests, staff and business partners. 
• Additional measures and suggested healthcare guidelines are available on the CDC web page.

For details regarding the NEW Spring Carlisle and auction dates for May, the 2020 Carlisle Events schedule and more, visit CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855.

Corvettes at Carlisle may be the largest all-Corvette themed weekend in the world, but Bloomington Gold, held each June in Indiana, is known as the Grand Daddy of Corvette Events.  For one summer only the two brands come together to showcase a very special display: Chip’s Choice.  Spanning August 27-30, Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive, takes over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and welcomes nearly 60,000 guests and some 5,000 Corvettes to America’s Automotive Hometown of Carlisle Pennsylvania.

The display, named in honor of Chip Miller (co-founder of Carlisle Events and Corvettes at Carlisle), is an annual special display that is showcased within Building T.  This display embodies the best-of-the-best in the Corvette hobby, including unique themes, designs, builders or cars that have some type of historical tie-in to Corvettes at Carlisle, Chip Miller and/or the Miller family.  For 2020, the display features the Best of the Best of Bloomington Gold.

As noted, Bloomington Gold is a big deal within the Corvette hobby and is the longest running event of its type dating back to the early 1970’s.  For 2020, Bloomington Gold President Guy Larsen and Event Director Bill Locke will hand pick Corvettes that have made an impact not only within the hobby but at their prestigious event.  These cars, 12 to be exact, will sit front and center for all to see as part of Chip’s Choice in Building T.  Not only will this be a heavily trafficked area at Corvettes at Carlisle, each car will also be showcased within the nearly 90-page event guide as well on online and via social media.

“We’re excited to showcase some amazing Corvettes throughout this display,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller.  ‘My father, Chip Miller, went to every single Bloomington Gold while he was alive.  In fact, he was a long-time judge at each of the events,” continued Miller.  “Corvettes at Carlisle continues to be represented year in and year out. I recall going with him on many occasions and enjoying the various events. I felt it was appropriate to showcase a taste of what Bloomington Gold has to offer during their events.  So, for 2020, what better way to include them than this special Chip’s Choice display.  I know my father is smiling down proud.”

“The 2020 Chip’s Choice display at Corvettes of Carlisle will feature a display of some of the very best Bloomington Gold Benchmark® Corvettes, the most prestigious Corvette award,” said Guy Larsen, President – Bloomington Gold Corvettes.  “The Benchmark® award recognizes the very rare Corvettes that embody the ultimate in factory originality and condition,” continued Larsen.  “Benchmark® Corvettes are highly unrestored and appear to be in ‘typical factory production.’  The Corvettes on display at Chip’s Choice 2020 will appear as if they were put in a time capsule when they left the factory and have been preserved. These Corvettes are the best examples for anyone doing a restoration or trying to learn about authentic Corvettes of that time, hence the name Benchmark®.  Benchmark® cars are the sports’ best link to the past and preserving Corvette’s factory authenticity heritage in the future.  It is an honor for Bloomington Gold Corvettes to present these fine Benchmark® Corvettes this coming August, 2020.”

For details on the upcoming June Bloomington Gold event at the Indianapolis Speedway, visit www.BloomingtonGold.com and for information on Corvettes at Carlisle this August in Carlisle, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the Carlisle page, register for the massive all-Corvette Fun Field, learn more about becoming a vendor or simply purchase spectator tickets.  Discounts are available through one month out for those registering to show, while spectator tickets are available at a discount up to and even during the event.  Log on, learn more and save!

The top-selling non-truck in America, and No. 4-selling vehicle overall is Toyota’s RAV4 with nearly 450,000 units sold in 2019. RAV4 launched in the United States 23 years ago, creating a niche that became the compact crossover SUV segment. It has always been hip, trendy and sporty, and was named for being a “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive” (RAV4), although not all RAV4s have four-wheel drive.

Remaining true to its roots, the fifth-generation RAV4 was fully redesigned last year and receives minimum tweaks this year. The major upgrade for 2020 is the introduction of RAV4’s TRD Off-Road model. One negative for 23 years was that RAV4 was soft-road, but that all changes with the new TRD Off-Road version, and its tough Off-Road suspension kit with red coil springs, TRD’s unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires and TRD badges inside and out.

Also new for 2020, all RAV4 models expand multimedia capability with Android Auto™ added to the Apple CarPlay® and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The LE and XLE grades, both gas and Hybrid, gain standard SiriusXM® with a three-month trial, which was already standard on the higher grades. There are also multimedia enhancements, an augmented weather package on the XLE trim and full leather inside the Adventure model. A Hybrid is available and a plug-in Hybrid is set to be added for 2021.

Toyota’s Global Architecture platform forms a solid foundation and good driving dynamics, comfort, and safety. RAV4’s chiseled good looks combine sportiness, style and athleticism and a demeanor that tackles urban, suburban and outdoor adventures with equal aplomb. RAV4 accomplishes this in compact dimensions of 180.9 inches long, 73.0 inches wide and 67.2 inches high, on a 105.9-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.4 inches to 8.6 depending on trim, and RAV4 weighs in at a range of 3380 to 3655 pounds depending on trim.

RAV4 retains its efficient 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine that delivers 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, for a sufficiently steady, but not overpowering amount of muscle. The AWD versions are rated, depending on trim and extras, at 27mpg/city and up to 35mpg/hwy, with some estimated at 33mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid is also powered by a 2.5, assisted with an electric motor on the rear axle. The combined system output is 219 hp, and 400 lb-ft, and backed by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, is EPA-rated at 41/38 with a combined average of 40mpg. My naturally aspirated test ride averaged 29.2mpg in mixed-use driving in town, on the highway and some soft-road fun. The Independent MacPherson front struts with stabilizer bar and multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar levels most pavement irregularities and soft-roaded adequately.

Response from the Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion set-up was attentive for the niche, with acceptable understeer, rear sway and minor top-wobble in tight turns.

RAV4 is not a speed deliverer, but at the track, my RAV4 shaved a tenth off last year’s  8-second-flat zero-to-60 run at 7.9 seconds, and finished a 16.1-second quarter-mile.

With seating for five, The RAV4 cabin is quiet and sporty, and my Limited trim was luxurious and filled with connectivity, tech, and featured a front-row moonroof, heated 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, 2-way lumbar support, and 7-inch Multi-Information Display.

Front headroom is a bit tight, but expected for the niche, at 37.7 inches, with 39.5 in row two. Legroom is accommodating at 41.0 inches in row one, with 37.8 inches for second-seat passengers and there is a wide-body 57.8 inches of shoulder room in front and  56.4 inches in row two.

From a safety perspective, RAV4 is on point with the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which includes, as expected, pedestrian detection, along with Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist and Steering Assist. RAV4 also has Star Safety System™ with Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology. Eight standard airbags consist of dual stage advanced driver and front passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; first and second row side curtain airbags; driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.

The base 2020 RAV4 Hybrid starts at $27,850 plus a delivery fee of $1120, and gas-only models start with the 2020 RAV4 LE basing at $25,950, the XLE at $27,245, the XLE Premium at $29,950, the sporty Adventure at $33,055, the Limited at $34,480, loaded with standard tech, safety and cosmetics, and the new TRD Off-Road at $35,280. My test RAV4 Limited in Silver Sky Metallic exterior paint mated to a Black Softex interior, added Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD for $1400; the Limited Grade Advanced Technology Package added Smart Key system, hands-free power liftgate with jam protection, Bird’s Eye View camera with Perimeter Scan, overhead 360-degree view and curb view, wireless Smartphone charging and more, for $1025; Bodyside moldings for $209; mudguards added $129; a running board added $549; roof rack cross bars added $315; and delivery, processing and handling added $1120 for a sticker-as-tested of $39,326.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>