2024 Chicago Auto Show
February 14, 2024We’re back from the Windy City with a number of new product reveals and public debuts. Our first news comes from Kia:
A refreshed Carnival MPV and K5 sedan. The Carnival update includes an optional hybrid powertrain: A 1.6-liter turbo paired with a 54-kilowatt electric motor. An SUV-like minivan design outside and more tech inside is found on both hybrid and non-hybrid models.
The K5 also sees a powertrain update. A naturally-aspirated, 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine is now standard in most trims, giving an 11-horsepower increase. The K5 also boasts a refreshed design and more standard tech, like enhanced driver assistance features.
Nissan hit the show floor with two adventurous vehicles. First, the Nissan Frontier Forsberg Edition.
This limited-edition package includes 17-inch beadlock wheels, Yokohama all-terrain tires, NISMO off-road suspension and exhaust, and plenty more. Priced at almost $10,000, the package can be installed on any Frontier model year 2022 and up.
The brand also highlighted this specially modified Nissan Ariya EV, which traveled from the North Pole to the South Pole over a 10-month journey. No changes made to the battery or powertrain, just larger all-terrain tires and wider fenders.
Chicago also marked the first public debut of a few products from American automakers…
… like the refreshed Ford Explorer. No changes to the powertrain, but this midsize utility does receive a streamlined trim lineup. Changes to the interior and exterior design aren’t drastic, but welcomed and attractive.
Expect new and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment, and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving suite is available on select trims.
Chevrolet publicly debuted the fourth-generation Equinox. You guessed it: bigger screens inside, both instrument and infotainment panels measure about 11 inches each. All-wheel drive powertrains utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel units using a CVT.
And that’s it for this week’s Motor News.