What’s New from the Windy City
Two themes emerged from the 2022 Chicago Auto Show: special edition vehicles and those powered by electricity. The special edition vehicles included trucks and SUVs sporting an array of accessories and trim kits, while cars and SUVs using electricity are continuing to grow more dominant by the day. The 2022 Chicago Auto Show runs through February 21 at McCormick Place.
Here are some first looks I had at the auto show—in alphabetical order.
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BMW mates M & EV BMW iX M60
BMW says the introduction of the all-electric 2022 iX M60 SUV “marks a milestone…as it signifies the entry of BMW M into the segment of electrified performance vehicles.” Those performance numbers of 610 horsepower (hp) and 811 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.) are joined by an estimated 280-mile driving range. Look for the 2022 BMW iX M60 to be at dealers by June 2022 with a starting price of $106,095, which includes the mandatory destination fee.
- Ford Bronco Everglades Special Edition
Sporting a winch, snorkel and a 36.4-inch ground clearance, the 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades 4×4 is just begging to be driven someplace swampy. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine, producing 300 hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque through a 10-speed automatic, should be plenty powerful to get you through an everglade, just watch out for the crocodiles and manatees! The Ford Bronco Everglades is also targeted to be in dealers in June 2022, with ordering currently open and a starting price of $54,500, including the destination fee.
- Ford Ranger Raptor (Announcement Only)
While not onsite in their display at the Chicago Auto Show, Ford did tease what this off-road beast will look like in action. No on sale date or pricing was announced for the latest addition to Ford’s performance lineup.
- Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Larger, longer, taller and completely redesigned, the 2023 Kia Sportage subcompact SUV is now offered as a plug-in hybrid. The front-wheel drive (optional all-wheel drive) Sportage PHEV will have 32 miles of all-electric driving range and go on sale in the fall of 2022, with pricing yet to be announced.
- Nissan Frontier Special Edition Concepts
The Nissan Design America team cut loose on the Frontier midsize pickup to produce three concepts–Project Hardbody, Project Adventure and Project 72X. Each has a unique feel, look and vibe. The 72X has graphics and throwback steel wheels that is retro to Nissan trucks from 40 years ago. Project Adventure offers the spirit of camping in the wild, while Project Hardbody is begging to be driven hard off-road. Pricing and availability was not announced.
- Ram 1500 EV (Announcement Only)
Ram, a division of Stellantis, announced it will be launching an all-new Ram 1500 EV–with the release date and pricing yet to be revealed. What they did say is the Ram 1500 EV will be more advanced than other electric pickups, with some models equipped with a small gasoline range extender engine. This technology is not new as it has been seen already on the Chevrolet Volt, Cadillac ELR and the BMW i3, though all those have been discontinued. Ram will be offering the range extender version of the Ram 1500 EV to improve towing and long-range driving.
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Super-size twin turbo power and new hybrid powetrain Toyota Sequoia Capstone
The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone SUV has been reimagined with more luxury, technology and performance, which includes the first-ever twin turbo V6 hybrid. With 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque, this full-size SUV has the ability to tow 9,000 pounds. Pricing will be released closer to when the Sequoia goes on sale later in 2022.
- Toyota Tundra Capstone
The 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone pickup edition is offered in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, powered by the same twin turbo V6 hybrid as the Sequoia producing 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. With a tow rating of 10,340 pounds and a bed payload of 1,485 pounds, this five-seat premium pickup is designed to get you there in style and comfort. Pricing will be released closer to when it goes on sale in the Summer of 2022.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and the manufacturers.
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