Drew Dowdell

I just noticed something about the Aviator. That armrest flips up to a storage container underneath, a Lincoln-specific feature that dates back to the 80s Lincolns, Continental specifically. I loved that extra bit of storage in my Continental. It was a tidy and easy to reach place for me to store fuel and turnpike receipts to turn in for reimbursement without stuffing them in the glovebox or wallet. The car didn't have a center console, but even then, mine in the Avalanche can get messy with receipts.

Eh, $23k before tax for 36 months with the truck isn't a screaming deal. Plus, that's not even the long-range one he wants. So, if you want a truck, why look at the Aviator? (Genuine question, trying to sus out the desire here) What are the desired traits?

Hmm, I'm wrong then. That sounds like a significant reengineer. I really liked the current generation Aviator in Grand Touring trim. It's heavy because it's an AWD PHEV, but mountains of torque and it just wafts over road imperfections like they aren't even there. you can take railroad crossings at speed and not spill your latte

I'm not that picky. I'd go as new as 2017. After that, they get too sporty and not cushy enough for me. I just know I'd want either bronze/tan and look like a doctor, or black on black and look like a gangsta. The only thing is that I think they have the same suspension setup as their contemporary Explorer. I don't know if they're sprung any differently. The Explorer of those years wasn't a terrific riding vehicle.

Even if you find one that maybe has too many miles but is still in decent shape, you can go drive that to see if the layout and powertrain is to your liking enough to pursue it further.

I'm feeling the same way about the second. third, or fourth gen Lexus LS lately. There's so much noise in the world, and I just want to shut it all out. I don't want excitement, I want peace.

I don't think they're making a Meridian Hybrid just yet. They do have really nice interiors for not being a premium brand.

You know what? I can see it.... You could probably upgrade the stereo to a modern CarPlay unit pretty easily too.

Cadillac today unveiled the refreshed 2025 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade V. This visual refresh brings the look of the Escalade in line with the forthcoming Cadillac Escalade IQ EV. The driver of this styling change is the move from horizontally oriented front-end lighting style to a verticle one. The verticle lighting style is a historic signature look that reemerged on the Cadillac Lyriq and the refreshed 2025 Cadillac CT5. Included in the front end detail and inspired by the Cadillac Celestiq, the Cadillac crest is illuminated on all Escalade models, while V-Series and Premium Luxury Platinum trims receive an illuminated grill surround. Power open and close doors are available along with new available 24-inch wheels, the largest ever offered on an Escalade. Three new exterior colors are on offer: Deep Sea Metallic a dark blue with a hint of gold, Latte Metallic a light bronze , and Agean Stone, a green-gray. Also imported from the Escalade IQ is much of the interior styling. A curved pillar-to-pillar 55-inch screen graces the dashboard, featuring voice control, navigation, a built-in app store, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. SuperCruise is standard on all trims and comes with a 3-year OnStar SuperCruise plan. With the built-in 5G wireless hotspot, passengers can stream HD entertainment to the available 12.6-inch personal screens when opting for the Executive Second Row package that also include massaging seats, dual wireless phone charging pads, headrest speakers, stowable trays, and a rear command center. Audiophiles will enjoy the standard AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system or the optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference system that increases to 40-speakers with the Executive Second Row option. Nightvision, a feature pioneered by Cadillac 24 years ago is available on all trims and standard on V-Series and Platinum. Most of the upper trims also come standard with a full-color heads-up display. Performance The 420 horsepower / 460 lb-ft 6.2-liter V8 and the 682 horsepower / 653 lb-ft Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 carry over for Escalade and Escalade V, respectively. Both engines route power through a 10-speed automatic to either the rear or all four wheels. Adaptive Air Ride Suspension is standard, while Premium Luxury, Sport, and higher trims come with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0. The diesel inline 6-cylinder has been dropped from the lineup. The 2025 Escalade will start production later this year at GM's Arlington Assembly Plant in Texas. View full article