![]() ![]() This also automatically raises the suspension to its maximum height and readies the T-case and rear diff lock. When off-road, selecting the “rock” mode requires the T-case be put in Low. Poking around some of the off-highway roads and trails in western Arizona, we gouged one of our low-profile front tires on a very benign-looking rock, but otherwise, we could raise the air suspension enough to keep our front and rear fascias out of the dirt in most situations. The in-town towing mileage was our worst tank of our testing so far at 9.3 mpg. Like the Jeep/trailer, the boat towed beautifully, and with hydraulic trailer brakes, it stopped even better, and the full-time four-wheel drive is just the thing for recovering your boat at the slippery launch with nary a hint of tire spin. We also hauled a 23-foot wakeboarding boat and trailer combo weighing roughly 6,000 pounds around Lake Havasu City over a long weekend. Our combined mileage over a 400-mile route with the Jeep in tow was 13.66 mpg, despite some pretty steep grades. The transmission didn’t hunt for gears, and we were able to comfortably cruise with traffic no matter the grade. Credit no doubt goes to the Sport’s full-time four-wheel-drive system and very well tuned on-road stability systems. On the highway at legal towing speeds we never felt like the trailer was pushing or manhandling the lighter tow rig around. In fact, even with a loaded trailer, this vehicle stops as well (or maybe better) as some lifted vehicles with 37s we’ve driven. Even with the trailer brakes at their lowest setting, the huge Brembo brakes made hauling down from speed a non-issue. Despite a decent amount of tongue weight, the Sport’s air suspension leveled the vehicle and the drivetrain had no problem coping with the load. We first took an all-freeway towing trip with a Jeep and trailer combo of around 7,000 pounds. With the rear seats folded up and in use, the rear cargo area has ample floor area, but the raked rear window does intrude in the cargo area, so shelve your dreams of moving furniture and really bulky boxes with more than two passengers aboard. Our test model isn’t equipped with roof rails, so we can’t add an external cargo rack, which would come in handy in some situations. The cargo area lifts up to expose the spare tire, but the floor material isn’t as flimsy as cheaper vehicle’s, and it feels like it can hold some weight without bowing or folding up. We’ve hauled several toilets home from our local hardware store (new in the box, not used), hung mountain bikes off the back and inside of it, and even loaded the rear with power tools, a toolbox, and building supplies. You can fold the rear seatbacks down in thirds for single, multiple, or no passengers. As for carrying bulky cargo, the retractable cargo cover can be removed from the vehicle and the rear seats folded down to provide a decent amount of storage. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |