So far, the past few weeks I’ve focused on the EVs that we Midwest auto writers trundled around in at our annual spring rally at Road America. But some of the most impressive haulers were the large SUVs, their high-tech interiors resembling aircraft cockpits.
While all the SUVs focused heavily on luxury, there’s no doubt most would also go off-trail and into the muck with great success.
In fact, we proved it with one — and a pickup.
The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) persuaded most of the major manufacturers to bring their latest and greatest for us to zip around Road America’s surroundings, and a few let us slop around in an extremely mucky off-road course improved by two solid days of rain.
Here’s what my videographer friend Paul Daniel and I sampled.
2025 Infiniti QX80
Oh my, Infiniti ups its game with a new three-row SUV that goes all in on power and luxury, with pricing to match. This new QX80 looks impressive, starting with the lighted Infiniti logo on its giant waterfall-style grille.
Power is impressive, too, from a twin-turbo V-6 that makes 450 horsepower while creating 516 pound-feet of torque. Wow, but of course this is a big beast riding on a 121-inch wheelbase, and with three rows of seats, it will accommodate a large family and its luggage. That high-horse engine prefers premium fuel too, but it will tow up to 8,500 pounds.
But then, this is a premium AWD SUV starting at $82,450. But that’s the entry level — move up three trims to the Autograph edition and the price jumps to $112,590. What can I say?
There’s a stylish interior with semi-aniline quilted leather seats, and the first and second rows are both heated. Cooled seats are optional, as is a heated third-row seat.
Standard, though, is a 24-speaker Klipsch premium stereo, with some of the speakers wrapped around the front seat headrests. There are three big screens here, too, for info and adjusting most needed functions, including a tri-zone climate control system with what Infiniti is calling biometric cooling. OK?
Almost forgot — the first two rows of seats also include a massage feature. That seems to be the coming thing for all luxury makes that get near or exceed $100,000 in pricing.
2025 Jeep Wagoneer S
The new Jeep Wagoneer S is smaller than other Wagoneers — by quite a bit — and also quiet like the Infiniti, but that’s because it’s Jeep’s first fully electric model. Think of it as an electrified Grand Cherokee, as it’s closer to that in size and handling. Compared with the gas-powered Grand Cherokee, this is 1.1 inches shorter in length and rides on a 3.7-inch shorter wheelbase at 113 inches. Compared with a Wagoneer, the S is 22.3 inches shorter in length and its wheelbase is 10 inches shorter.
Not sure why the Wagoneer name is used here, unless those big boats are going to be phased out at some point and this smaller Wagoneer will remain. Whatever!
This S still handles better than a Wagoneer, and due to its smaller size, is easier to park and handle in tight spaces. Ride is a bit stiff, but much of that could be the shorter wheelbase compared with the full-size Wagoneer.
Yet, it’s the electric nature that sets this one apart, with a massive 600 horsepower coming from two electric motors. Torque is rated at 617 pound-feet, and indeed, the Wagoneer S feels zippy.
Naturally, there’s AWD standard, and range is estimated to be about 300 miles. Charge time from 20% to 80% is said to be 23 minutes, so competitive with many other EVs. If you charge on a 240-volt outlet at home, a 5% to 80% charge will take seven hours — so overnight will do it.
Outside, this looks like a modern Jeep with a narrow light band across the nose, but with a hint of the usual seven-bar Jeep grille built in.
Inside, this is spiffy with red faux leather seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a lot of screenage — including a 10.3-incher for the passenger and another similarly sized one for climate controls. A head-up display system also is standard. Plus, for the first time in a Jeep, the door releases are electronic — just press a button.
There’s decent storage in back, and a 3.0-cubic-foot frunk for that little extra cargo you may need to hide under the hood.
2026 Lincoln Navigator w/Rejuvenate
Oh my, this is what luxury is all about. Not only is the Navigator as big as your living room, it’s more comfortable and loaded with splashy tech. I’ll discuss the performance particulars in a bit for this high-end luxury three-row SUV, but first — Rejuvenate.
What’s Rejuvenate?
It’s the relaxation and self-centering program that fully envelops occupants in Lincoln’s massive 48-inch (that’s 4 feet, folks) panoramic display screen that stretches door to door across the Navigator’s dash.
I hope you just watched the video of us relaxing in the Navigator — but if not, here are the basics.
Press a coded button on the Navigator’s big info screen below the panoramic, theater-like screen and it offers various relaxation options, but Rejuvenate is the star. Press that and select either a five- or 10-minute relaxation session — not while driving.
The driver’s seat reclines, the pano screen fills with relaxing images, and a very calming woman’s recorded voice suggests you relax and reduce stress for a bit. The seat begins massaging your back and bottom, and you’re told to breathe deeply and let it out slowly, etc. But it’s that pano screen that sets the real tone. Select one of three impressive options: waterfall, elements (water drops, etc.), or Aurora Borealis.
The screen rushes a waterfall, those soothing water drops and other peaceful images, or the swirling Aurora Borealis across the screen to visually soothe your body and soul. Oh, and there’s something called Lincoln Digital Scent here, too, that can add a scent to your relaxation session.
Pretty wild — but effective. Might help put a kid to sleep or at least keep them entertained for five to 10 minutes, too. I’ve had massaging seats in other high-end vehicles, but never anything like this. The pano screen alone is worth the price of admission — well, sort of.
Admission starts at $102,190 and runs up to $122,190 for the Navigator Black Label edition that includes Rejuvenate. FYI: It’s also available on the Nautilus as the Reserve III option or in the Black Label edition of that somewhat smaller SUV.
Navigator Black Label also has quilted leather seats, wood accents, oval steering wheel, a 48-inch panoramic sunroof, and will seat up to 8 when properly equipped.
Power is exceptional too, coming from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that cranks 440 horsepower for this 210-inch long SUV.
Navigator? Travel desires met, and exceeded!
2025 Toyota 4Runner
First, know that Toyota plans to meet every buyer’s off-road and on-road needs — all in one vehicle — with this new 4Runner as the nameplate celebrates its 40th year. To that end, Toyota offers nine trim levels, all riding on a new laser-welded frame that cuts corrosion — definitely a good thing if you’re gonna take a vehicle off-road in muddy or swampy conditions.
But there’s luxury, performance and off-road capability, all touted to different performance levels depending on which trim you buy. Not enough room here — or anywhere — to discuss all those options and trims, but know that a new multi-link rear suspension has been added for comfort and a front stabilizer bar disconnect for better off-road ability, as it increases wheel articulation.
Plan to camp atop your 4Runner? Hey, it’ll now hold up to 770 pounds. And the SUV will still tow 6,000 pounds, as it is based on the sturdy Toyota Tundra pickup frame.
Two powertrain options here, too: a 2.4-liter turbo four that creates 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid with 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, aided by a 48-horse electric motor.
There’s so much more to mention — like a power-down rear hatch window, electric locking rear differential and Softex (fake leather) seats that are actually cooler to sit in than leather. But we’ll get into more of this when we get to test-drive the new 4Runner, hopefully later this year.
2025 RAM 1500 RHO
OK, this one isn’t an SUV — it’s the new Ram pickup with a twin-turbo inline-six known as the Hurricane engine, and it turns this into a top-level performance off-roading truck.
We got to slop around in the mud with it and, as with the Jeep Wrangler, it was impressive in some of the worst (or is it best?) deep mud and slop conditions Paul or I have ever experienced.
No, it’s not as nimble as a Wrangler — but not much is. Yet, that powerful engine was a kick and showed that even without a HEMI V-8, the Ram could still kick any mudder’s backside. Now that Ram is the No. 2 best-selling pickup, putting this new engine onboard is sure to give it even more off-road — and on-road — cred.
First, the Hurricane is a whirling dervish, pumping 540 horsepower and delivering 521 pound-feet of torque. Ram says it’ll do 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds — better than what we used to expect from a V-8-powered muscle car.
Naturally, there are big RHO decals on the truck bed’s side fenders, and a new grille and lower front bumper, plus a textured upper grille to give it a unique look. Massive 35-inch off-road tires and bulging fender covers max out its macho looks. Add twin 5-inch tailpipes, and there’s a bellow from this that will light any off-roading cowpoke’s fuse.
We like the three running lights housed in the giant hood scoop too, plus LEDs all around for great visibility at night.
Inside, there’s an available 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, dual wireless phone chargers, and reclining premium leather-trimmed seats that are heated.
Tow hooks? Of course — two up front, one in back. Plus, this Ram will pull 8,380 pounds.
Coming up: A look at four smaller crossovers and a new MINI.
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