2020 Honda HR-V, Used Honda Odyssey Swap and more (hands on) info on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL [Ask Nathan]

Nathan’s Dream Dodge
    • What will the 2020 Honda HR-V be like?
    • Moving from a Honda Odyssey to a Lexus GX?
    • How are the seats in the new Jeep Wrangler JL?

The first question comes from a fan who wants information on the 2020 Honda HR-V.

Q: Do you know anything about the 2020 Honda HR-V? Is it the same as before?

I’m curious because I was thinking of buying one next year to downsize from my 2000 Honda CR-V. But I’m worried that if I buy now, I will miss out on new changes.

2016 Honda HR-V

A: Hello and thanks for the email!

Yes, there are bound to be a few cosmetic and packaging changes, but there has been no announcements regarding new powertrains or major model changes. I would imagine that they will wait a bit longer before revising a vehicle that came out fairly recently.

With that being said: there are rumors that Honda is playing with electrification in a big way. Some say it may spread to vehicles like the HR-V. My guess is that Honda may add a small displacement turbocharged engine under the hood and, possibly, add a automatic transmission option.

We’ll see!

p.s. Any Honda fans have additional information to offer?

N

This next question comes from a fan who is looking at replacing his 2011 Honda Odyssey with 2016 Lexus RX 350, but he’s underwater.

honda odyssey vs toyota sienna

Q:Hi TFL I like watching tfl videos u guys have always done a good job comparing cars . Now the my question about trading in a car and getting a certified car .

I have a 2011 Honda Odyssey ex-l currently running 79800 which is still on extended warranty and a loan balance of 16300, the resale value is not that great coz if I trade this into a dealer it will be 11,300 which not a good sign so I found this 2016 Lexus RX 350 certified which ran 14,000 miles asking 41,567 , what’s is the best option to think wisely about this I need your guys decision coz I just a average guys with a decent budget ,should I put 5000$ or wait for my loan to pay off or To get the down payment ?
Thanks
Regi

[photo: Lexus]

A: Hi Regi!

It looks like you’re really upside down with that Honda Odyssey. The Lexus RX 350 is an excellent vehicle, one of the most popular Lexus builds; however, I would never recommend trading under your circumstances. Unless there is something wrong with the Honda, I would suggest paying it down, upping your credit and waiting a little while longer.

As for CPO vehicles, yes indeed, certified pre-owned vehicles are (usually) a good bet.

Hope that helps!

N

2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon limited

The last question comes from a Jeep fan who wanted to know about the new Jeep Wrangler JL’s interior.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Limited
Mopar-modified 2018 Jeep Wrangler Limited

 

Q:Nathan! Did any of the TFL crew get to sit in the New JL Jeep Wrangler or Unlimited? If so did Jeep make the front seat leg room more comfortable?

The pic looks like the upgrade flattened the hump on the transfer shifter hump next to your feet?

Joe C

 

A: Hi Joe!

I cannot comment on the overall comfort of the new interior, but I can say that the positioning of all the components addressed that issue. I should add that the seats are new and the steering wheel is much more adjustable.

I’ll be able to say a lot more soon.

N

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.