I actually like the Ridgeline, but it's definitely a mid-size (noticeably bigger), and significantly more expensive than the Mav. Not going to get any cheaper either...
Certainly a unibody style based on the images with the integrated bed - I can't imaging they would produce a unibody on a subframe in that price point.
But you are no doubt correct about several points, the Mav has a huge head start, decent reputation, and proven Hybrid platform they...
I'm not that interested off the top, but I do appreciate more competition. The only practical competitor to the Mav was the Santa Cruz (soon to be discontinued), and while it's a slick little ute, it sacrifices a lot of the utility of a "traditional" compact pickup. I'm glad that another...
I get the point from a financiers point of view (don't necessarily agree to unapproved surveillance), but ultimately wonder if they are really that necessary anymore? If the truck can do over-the-air updates, and wireless connectivity for starting/locking and system monitoring, the servers can...
Welcome aboard. I've also got one in space white with the blackout package and stripes. Interesting colour, probably more grey than white, but shifts a bit in the sun.
I like your cutout board solution - simple and clean. I was thinking of something similar, but maybe incorporating a cheap locking wheel chock for my big KTM.
And for the general audience, even with a big adventure bike, I wouldn't be worried about the tailgate. As soon as you pull the straps...
I traded the Explorer for my Mav partially so I could haul the Bike on some nationwide cross-country trips without having to book a month off and bring 3 sets of tires. lol
A southern US coast-to-coast ride is in my future, with New Orleans, Tail of the dragon, and the Florida Keys on that...
If you ever find yourself in Calgary Alberta, look up the Powderface Trail just beyond Bragg Creek. That's the decent back down to Sibbald Creek Trail. Connect it to Spray Lakes road from Kananaskis to Canmore, and you have a wonderful 50/50 loop you'll remember forever. ;-)
This is a good side discussion, as the entire line of EcoBoost engines from Ford have shown huge potential for tuning, with big gains available if you are willing to further sacrifice your economy and emissions.
What is yet to prove is how much tuning could be applied by the next gen of boy...
I wouldn't necessarily support that statement. It's application-specific. The impaired efficiency of the EB (mileage/maintenance) is as much a hindrance to some as the small power increase is of benefit to others.
If I never tow or need sub-5 second 0-60 times, that excess power is 100% a...
I agree with your summary. Clearly Ford is choosing to focus the hybrid Mav on economy, and that's it's market separator, but hybrids drives have much more potential as both high performance and severe duty platforms. My examples:
1. Ferrari are planning to transition to solely (or at least...
I would like a dashboard tray insert/cover that hides the contents. In a perfect scenario, smooth cowl-shaped insert that looks like a natural extension of the screen into the dash, no complex interior layout, just adds a bit of depth while smoothing out the lines. Would also love it if the...
As your last bullet suggests, the obvious other items to factor in are mechanical maintenance costs over the same mileage.
1. Hybrids "should" significantly extend brake pad and rotor life as regen does a lot more of that work - full brake jobs are not cheap
2. Oil change intervals should go...
Side discussion, but BC is starting to introduce variable speed highways with automatic signboards. 120KPH (75mph) in clear/dry conditions, but reduces in response to poor weather or congestion, etc.
I think this is a great idea in concept, as previous BC trials on highways with elevated...
Mine came with the Bakflip, and aside from the inability to mount to it (not strong enough to carry a rack) my only other comment is that it's not very weatherproof. Trips to the car wash, or even a rinse with the hose results in a fair amount of water getting inside the bed.
Previous hard...
I had a sunroof on my old Lariat F150, and while I didn't open it much while driving, I did enjoy the extra light it brought in and it made for a quick and easy way to vent the heat when parked without creating a security concern. It's pretty easy to discreetly work through a side window if you...
I generally keep my spirited driving to my motorcycle, and haven't had the need for radar on it, but surprisingly I have found that the GPS app I use in the truck (Sygic) is quite effective in the city for flagging police and other roadside hazards. Not recommending it or anything, but it's...