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2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to its Origin

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Last Updated on September 6, 2025 by Daily News Staff

SALT LAKE CITY /PRNewswire/ — Legends never die. Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin. Since its introduction in the U.S. market in 1958, the Land Cruiser evolved over the years from the legendary two-door models like the 40 Series with its fold-down front windshield, white roof, and rear jump seats to the capable yet fully loaded 200 Series, which was the last generation to be sold in the States and combined Land Cruiser’s unbreakable strength with premium luxury features. Now, Land Cruiser stays true to its heritage, returning as a high-quality off-roader at a more accessible price point that will take a wider range of customers on numerous backcountry adventures across the globe.  

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to its Origin

Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform, the new Land Cruiser is designed, engineered, and tested to survive in the harshest of environments. For this new generation, Land Cruiser is exclusively available with the range-topping i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s slightly smaller and narrower than the outgoing 200 Series model, making it nimbler on the trails, and Land Cruiser features off-road tech that has debuted on the newest generation of Toyota trucks. Limited to 5,000 units for the first two months of production, Land Cruiser will be offered in a First Edition grade that includes two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment.

“This icon belongs in our lineup,” says Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ. “For 2024, Land Cruiser returns to its origin with a heritage-inspired design paired with the legendary capability and durability Land Cruiser is known for, and it will take even more customers on adventures across the globe as it has done for generations.”

The 2024 Land Cruiser will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara and Hino plants in Japan and arrive in the U.S. in the spring of 2024. Manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will start in the mid-$50,000 range and be announced closer to its on-sale date. 

Back to its Origin

For decades, Land Cruiser has been known for its world-renowned capability as the staple of Toyota’s core values of quality, durability, and reliability. When Land Cruiser arrived in the U.S. in the late ’50s, Toyota sold only one unit in its first year. But then, when the 40 Series arrived, Land Cruiser became the best-selling Toyota in the U.S. for five years running. These early models featured solid front and rear axles on leaf springs, and the boxy look with a flat roof, short overhangs, and “TOYOTA” grilles became iconic. Soon after, though, customers wanted a bigger 4×4, and the Land Cruiser grew into larger station wagon models such as the 55 and 60 Series and ultimately lead to where the Land Cruiser left off in the U.S.: the 200 Series, a premium, full-size luxury off-road SUV.

Now, in its return to the U.S. market after a three-year hiatus, Land Cruiser utilizes the global TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. This new ladder frame allows for more rigidity in the chassis compared to the 200 Series model thanks to the use of high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds. Compared to the outgoing 200 Series, the new Land Cruiser is 4.4 inches narrower and 1.2 inches shorter for more off-road prowess.

Toyota’s North American-based studio CALTY Design Research worked closely with the global development team to establish the design direction for the new Land Cruiser. The design team used four key terms to lead the development: authentic, reliable, timeless, and professional. The all-new Land Cruiser is derived from a pure expression of form aligning with function. 

For the signature Land Cruiser look, the 1958 grade features the iconic round LED headlights and “TOYOTA” heritage grille, while Land Cruiser grades upgrade to slim, rectangular headlights reminiscent of the FJ62. A squared body profile resembles that of Land Cruisers of old, and the A pillar is pushed back not only to complement the look, but for better outward visibility on the trails. The front overhang is also decreased for greater approach.  

A newly developed double-wishbone front suspension with twin-tube shocks is paired with a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. To provide improved steering feel and facilitate the incorporation of additional safety and convenience features, Land Cruiser will feature electric power steering, and all models feature 17-inch disc brakes front and rear. With a trailer hitch standard on all grades, Land Cruisers can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

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i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Standard

Land Cruiser’s new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain comes standard on all grades and pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed transmission feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack that creates a total system output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.  Fuel economy estimates will be announced closer to Land Cruiser’s on-sale date.

All Land Cruisers are equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with a center locking differential and an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range. The system also features vehicle stability control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). An electronic locking rear differential is standard on all Land Cruisers and can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels for improved traction control on rough terrain.

An Off Road Icon

Land Cruiser has long been an off-road icon and this new generation continues its legacy. An all-new front stabilizer bar disconnect is standard on Land Cruiser and First Edition grades and increases flex at the push of a button. Overall, Land Cruiser has an approach angle up to 31.0 degrees and max departure to 22.0 degrees while breakover angle reaches 25.0 degrees. Ground clearance is up to 8.7 inches. For off-road protection, Land Cruiser customers can add rock rails and full coverage high strength steel skid plates. For off-road recovery, front tow/recovery hooks come standard. The Land Cruiser 1958 grade comes standard from the factory with fog lamps that will aid in overall visibility. The Land Cruiser grade gets upgraded color selectable RIGID fog lamps.

Multi-Terrain Select, which is now functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, is standard on the Land Cruiser grade and offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrain such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The CRAWL Control function is standard and acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control allowing the driver to focus on steering while the system maintains one of five selectable speeds. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature that’s standard and it helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle. Drivers can view potential obstacles that are looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor that can display crisply on the available 12.3-inch touchscreen, which comes standard on the Land Cruiser grade.

With Toyota Genuine Accessories and Associated Accessory Products (AAP), Land Cruiser is a blank canvas for customization. The AAP ecosystem will continue to evolve over time and currently includes over 100 accessories such as off-road recovery gear, rack attachment brackets for storage gear, outdoor sporting equipment carriers, and more. These products can also be conveniently rolled into customer’s monthly payments making accessorizing Land Cruiser through Toyota easier than ever.

A Connected Cruiser

With seating for up to five, Land Cruiser 1958 models feature black fabric seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen displaying Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The new multimedia system also gives drivers the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The Land Cruiser grade has heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats available in either black or Java and includes a 12.3-inch multimedia monitor and an available 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. Land Cruiser grade is also available with 4G connectivity for up to five devices that can turn the vehicle into an AT&T Hotspot. An available premium package includes leather-trimmed seats on the Land Cruiser Grade. The limited First Edition grade is exclusively available with leather-trimmed seats and a “First Edition” logo embossed on the door panels. A standard Qi wireless charging pad has enhanced power output, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. There are also enhanced functional features while driving on rough trails including a palm rest for using the center touch screen and side knee pads.

A Smart Key System with push-button start is standard on all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry, tailgate access, and vehicle starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key.

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Simple Grade Structure

Land Cruiser will be available in three grades: Land Cruiser 1958, Land Cruiser, and the limited run Land Cruiser First Edition. An available premium package adds power heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, moonroof, and more.

The 2024 Land Cruiser will be offered in seven exterior color choices: Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Black, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue. The two-tone Trail Dust and Heritage Blue exterior colors feature a Grayscape roof.

 Land Cruiser 1958Land CruiserLand CruiserFirst Edition
PlatformTNGA-F
EngineTurbocharged 2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder
Hybrid Battery1.87-kWh NiMH Battery
Transmission8-speed Automatic Transmission
DrivetrainFull-time 4×4 with two-speed transfer case
Horsepower326 horsepower
Torque465 lb.-ft.
Towing6,000 lbs.
Wheelbase112.2 in.
Overall length193.7 in.
Overall width (+ mirrors)84.2 in.
Overall height73.2 in.
Ground Clearance8.7 in.
Running Ground Clearance8.3 in.
Approach/Breakover/Departure Angles30.0º/25º/22.0º31.0º/25.0º/22.0º31.0º/25.0º/22.0º
Wheels18-in. alloy18-in. alloy(20-in. opt)18-in. alloy
Tires245/70R18265/70R18 (265/60R20 opt)265/70R18
Land Cruiser 1958Land CruiserLand Cruiser First Edition
·   Rear locking differential·   CRAWL control·   “TOYOTA” heritage grille·   Round LED headlamps·   LED fog lamps·   18-in. alloy wheels with 245/70 all-
     season tires·   8.0-in. multimedia monitor·   6-speaker sound system·   Heated steering wheel·   Fabric/manual heated seats·   2400W AC inverter
Adds or replaces…·    Front stabilizer bar disconnect·    Rectangular LED headlamps·    RIGID color-selectable LED fog lamps·    18-in. alloy wheels with 265/70 all-
      season tires·    Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)·    Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM)·    12.3-in. multimedia monitor·    10-speaker sound system·    SofTex heated/ventilated power seats
Adds or replaces…·     Roof rack·     Rock rails·     Front skid plate·     Round LED headlamps·    18-in. alloy wheels with 265/70 all-
      season tires·     Tailgate light·     Back door guard·     Mudflaps·     Unique-stitched key glove·     Leather heated/ventilated power seats

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard

All 2024 models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. TSS enhancements are made possible by system sensors with improved detection capability. This suite of features includes: 

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection 
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Lane Tracing Assist
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Proactive Driving Assist 

When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, Proactive Driving Assist is designed to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances. 

The Toyota Safety Sense features have been enhanced for TSS 3.0: 

  • The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. In addition to pedestrian and bicyclist detection, this system now includes the capability to detect a motorcyclist. 
  • Lane Departure Alert will now provide Steering Assist as well as enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane. 
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control will have Full-Speed Range capability and adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes. 
  • Lane Tracing Assist is new to Land Cruiser, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control must be enabled for it to function. The system requires detectable lane markings to function. Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced over prior TSS generations. In addition to lane centering, this system also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane. 
  • An Emergency Driving Stop System is a new function of Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature is designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control. 
  • Road Sign Assist is also new to Land Cruiser. This system is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID). 

In addition to TSS 3.0, other standard features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard. 

Beyond Zero Vision

As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to working toward a carbon neutral future, Land Cruiser is the latest hybrid offering in Toyota’s lineup to wear the Beyond Zero badge. Today, Toyota offers 16 electrified vehicles for customers to choose from. With twelve hybrid models, two plug-in hybrid models, the bZ4X battery electric vehicle, and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell Mirai, Toyota provides more choices than any other automaker for customers to reduce their carbon footprint.  

Limited Warranty 

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership. 

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The 2024 Land Cruiser comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years, unlimited mileage of Roadside Assistance.

4Connected Services are dependent on network availability and other factors.

About Toyota 

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com

For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

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EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs

With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.

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EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs

EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs

(Feature Impact)With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.

Watch this video to learn more

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Wfc8YxhbLx8%3Fsi%3DsQxn2IHDcwFmCkXd%26controls%3D0

According to Spectrum News, EV sales increased in the first quarter of this year. In the same time frame, interest in new EVs increased 16% and interest in used EVs increased by 30%. As families look for opportunities to ditch the gas pump without sacrificing power or space, new all-electric options create a compelling argument for families to turn to EVs.

For those looking to offset their weekly fuel up, the 2026 Kia EV9 can save drivers around $1,800-3,400 per year compared to gas-powered SUVs. Cars.com named the 2026 Kia EV9 the Best Electric Vehicle of 2026 for the second consecutive year.

“The Kia EV9 stood out because it delivers everything we want from a modern electric SUV – strong real-world range, fast charging, excellent space and comfort, and smart flexibility across the lineup,” said Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor, Cars.com.

For those who aren’t ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle, Kia has expanded its hybrid options. The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid adds horsepower and updated design features, while the Kia Telluride model offers a hybrid version for the first time with a total driving range of up to 637 miles on the Ex FWD-trim.

To learn more about the Kia EV9 and Kia’s hybrid models, visit Kia at kia.com. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

SOURCE:

Kia

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Consumer Corner

Ford Fathom vs. Slate Truck: The Battle for the Affordable Electric Pickup

Ford Fathom vs Slate Truck: Compare price, features, range and practicality as two affordable electric pickups prepare to battle for buyers.

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Ford Fathom vs Slate Truck: Compare price, features, range and practicality as two affordable electric pickups prepare to battle for buyers.
Ford’s Fathom and the Slate Truck take two very different approaches to the affordable electric pickup. Image Credit: chatGBT

For years, one of the biggest complaints about electric vehicles has been simple: they cost too much.

Electric pickup trucks have made that problem even more obvious, with many models carrying prices that can quickly climb well beyond what an average truck buyer might want to spend.

Then came Slate Auto, promising something radically different — a small, simple electric pickup with a starting price below $25,000 before destination charges.

Now Ford is entering the conversation.

Meet the Ford Fathom, an upcoming midsize electric pickup expected to start at just $28,350 before destination charges.

And suddenly, the affordable electric truck market is getting very interesting.

What Is the Ford Fathom?

The Fathom is more than another electric Ford.

It’s the first production vehicle based on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, an architecture designed specifically to reduce the cost and complexity of building EVs.

Ford plans to build the Fathom at its extensively retooled Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, with production scheduled to begin in 2027.

The company says the standard-range Fathom will carry a starting MSRP of $28,350, before destination charges. Preorders are expected to begin in early 2027.

That puts Ford remarkably close to one of the most talked-about inexpensive EVs in America: the Slate Truck.

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Remember the Slate Truck?

We previously covered the Slate Truck because its concept is refreshingly simple.

Instead of building an expensive truck loaded with equipment and then trying to make it cheaper, Slate essentially started with the minimum necessary to make a useful electric pickup.

The result is an intentionally basic two-seat truck.

Slate’s latest specifications list a 65-kWh LFP battery, rear-wheel drive, an estimated 205 miles of range, a 5-foot bed, 7-cubic-foot front trunk, maximum payload of 1,550 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Slate emphasizes that these remain manufacturer estimates because the truck is still in preproduction.

The Slate’s philosophy could almost be summarized this way:

Here’s the truck. Add what you want.

That’s part of its appeal.

But Ford has apparently decided there is another way to build an inexpensive electric pickup.

Ford’s Approach: Give Buyers More From the Beginning

This may be the most important difference between the two trucks.

The Slate is deliberately minimalist.

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The Fathom is being designed to feel more like the modern vehicle consumers already expect.

Ford says the Fathom will seat five people and offer features including a large high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, digital-key capability and bidirectional power.

Every Fathom will also be BlueCruise-capable, although use of Ford’s hands-free highway-driving technology may require activation or a subscription depending on how Ford ultimately packages the service.

That creates a fascinating comparison.

The Slate asks:

How much equipment can we remove to make an EV affordable?

Ford appears to be asking:

How can we manufacture an EV differently so we don’t have to remove as much?

Those are two very different solutions to the same problem.

Ford Is Reinventing the Assembly Line, Too

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Fathom isn’t the truck itself.

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It’s how Ford intends to build it.

Ford is introducing what it calls an “assembly tree” at its Louisville factory.

Rather than moving an entire vehicle through a conventional linear assembly process, major portions of the Fathom can be constructed separately before being brought together.

Ford is also using large castings and other manufacturing changes intended to reduce complexity and production time.

The company says the approach could improve manufacturing efficiency by approximately 15 percent.

In other words, Ford isn’t simply trying to build a cheaper electric truck.

It’s trying to develop a cheaper way of building electric vehicles.

If it works, the implications could extend well beyond the Fathom.

Ford Fathom vs. Slate Truck

Here’s where the matchup currently stands:

FeatureFord FathomSlate Truck
VehicleMidsize EV pickupCompact EV pickup
Starting MSRP$28,350 before destinationUnder $25,000 before destination
Seating52 in pickup configuration
DriveDetails pendingRear-wheel drive
BatteryStandard-range version confirmed; capacity TBD65-kWh LFP
Estimated rangeNot yet announced205 miles*
BedYes; dimensions TBD60.5 inches
FrunkYes7 cu. ft.
PayloadTBDUp to 1,550 lb.
TowingTBDUp to 2,000 lb.
TouchscreenYesMinimalist device-based approach
Power windowsExpected as conventional equipmentManual in base configuration
BlueCruise capabilityYesNo
Bidirectional powerYesNot comparable at present
Production2027Preproduction/launch phase

*Slate’s range figure is a manufacturer estimate approximating the EPA test cycle and is not yet an official EPA range rating.

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Slate Still Has an Important Advantage

None of this necessarily makes the Slate irrelevant.

In fact, Slate’s simplicity could become its greatest selling point.

Some buyers don’t want increasingly complicated vehicles dominated by giant screens, software subscriptions and electronic features.

They want something closer to the small pickups Americans could buy decades ago:

simple, useful and relatively inexpensive.

Slate also places customization at the center of the ownership experience. Its pickup can effectively serve as a blank canvas for owners who want to configure the vehicle around their needs.

For a small business, delivery operation, hobbyist or someone who simply wants a basic runabout with a pickup bed, that could be extremely attractive.

Ford is selling an affordable modern EV.

Slate is selling an affordable platform you make your own.

But Ford Has One Enormous Advantage

Ford is Ford.

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That matters.

Slate is attempting one of the hardest things imaginable in the automotive industry: launching a new automaker while simultaneously designing, manufacturing, selling and supporting an entirely new vehicle.

Ford already has factories, suppliers, dealerships, service departments, financing operations and parts-distribution networks throughout the country.

That doesn’t guarantee the Fathom will succeed.

But it eliminates many of the uncertainties consumers face when buying a vehicle from a startup.

And when the difference between two vehicles could amount to only a few thousand dollars, that established infrastructure becomes an important part of the purchasing decision.

The Biggest Question Is Still Range

There’s one specification we desperately need before declaring a winner:

How far will the Ford Fathom travel on a charge?

Slate currently estimates approximately 205 miles from its 65-kWh battery.

Ford has confirmed that the $28,350 Fathom will use a standard-range battery, with a longer-range version expected, but the company hasn’t yet revealed official range figures.

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If Ford can deliver competitive range while keeping the Fathom around the promised $30,000 threshold, it could become one of the most consequential affordable EV introductions in years.

If the base truck’s range is significantly lower, however, Slate’s proposition starts looking considerably stronger.

The Affordable Truck May Be Making a Comeback

Perhaps the most encouraging part of the Fathom-versus-Slate story has nothing to do with which company wins.

It’s the fact that manufacturers are once again talking seriously about affordable trucks.

Pickup trucks have become larger, more luxurious and substantially more expensive over the past several decades.

Slate went in the opposite direction by asking how little truck someone actually needs.

Ford is now asking whether advanced manufacturing can deliver more vehicle without dramatically increasing the price.

Those philosophies are about to meet in the marketplace.

And consumers may ultimately be the winners.

For now, we’re calling this one:

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Slate is the fascinating minimalist. Ford Fathom is the potentially formidable mainstream challenger.

But we’re reserving final judgment until Ford tells us the numbers that matter most — EPA range, battery capacity, payload, towing capacity and what buyers will actually pay when the truck reaches dealerships.

What do you think? Would you choose the ultra-simple Slate Truck, or spend a little more for the five-passenger Ford Fathom? Let us know in the comments.

Follow STM Daily News Consumer Corner Automotive for updates as Ford releases additional Fathom specifications and as the Slate Truck moves closer to customer deliveries.

Sources & Related Links

  • Slate Auto — Official Website — Official information on the Slate Truck, customization options, pricing and projected range. Slate currently lists the Blank Slate at $24,950 with 205 miles of projected range
  • Slate Truck — Official Specifications — Detailed manufacturer specifications covering the 65-kWh LFP battery, dimensions, charging, 1,550-pound maximum payload, 2,000-pound towing capacity and projected 205-mile range. 
  • Slate Auto FAQ — Useful background on pricing, deliveries, charging and Slate’s unusual minimalist approach. Slate says first deliveries are planned for late 2026 and lists a $1,450 destination charge
  • Slate Press Kit — Particularly useful for STM Daily News because Slate provides official high-resolution photography, video and media materials here.
  • Slate — Getting Your Truck — Explains Slate’s direct-to-consumer purchasing process, preorders and expected delivery process.
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Automotive

3 Must-Dos Before Your Next Road Trip

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3 Must-Dos Before Your Next Road Trip

(Feature Impact) Review any driver’s road trip checklist, and you’ll likely find some items always top the list, such as suitcases, snacks and (sometimes) a spare tire.

New research from Hankook Tire’s ongoing consumer Gauge Index Survey found that, when packing for a road trip, nearly 6 in 10 drivers (58%) said they would prioritize bringing a spare tire and tools. While the majority said they check their spare tire, getting stuck without air in the spare could quickly turn an adventure into a headache.

Before you hit the road next, here are three ways to prepare:

1. Check your vehicle.

Preparing for a long road trip requires more than simply saving room in the suitcase for souvenirs. Once the bags are packed, it’s easy to get behind the wheel and go. However, a quick car inspection is an important step, especially as 36% of Americans said if they could eliminate one travel inconvenience, it would be vehicle issues.

According to the survey, nearly all drivers (86%) check their fuel level before a road trip. Yet only about two-thirds (66%) inspect their engine fluids even though this is also a key recommendation before a long drive. Don’t forget to plan your refueling or EV charging stops ahead of time: 27% of drivers said running out of fuel is their top concern on the road.

2. Kick the tires.

Most drivers (78%) check their tire pressure before a road trip, and the majority of drivers (90%) have a spare tire in their vehicle. Yet less than half (44%) actually check their spare tire before a long drive. This may be because 71% of drivers regularly inspect their spare at least once a month, giving them peace of mind that it’s ready if needed.

Before heading out, experts recommend checking tire tread, as well. A quick coin test can confirm your tires are in good shape. Insert a nickel or quarter heads-down into the groove of the tire with the head pointing down. If the top of the head is visible, it’s recommended to replace the tires.

3. Pack the emergency essentials.

Beyond the phone charger and salty-and-sweet snack combo of choice, think about what else you might need if you find yourself in a roadside emergency. Many drivers consider a first-aid kit (25%) and navigation system or map (35%) essential additions to a spare tire. The latter could certainly help avoid many drivers’ biggest worries: More than 1 in 5 (21%) said getting stranded in a remote area is their worst-case scenario for a road trip mishap.

No matter where your journey takes you, a little preparation goes a long way. By referring to these insights from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey, you can start your adventure confidently prepared for whatever the road may bring.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Hankook Tire

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