By Nathan Adlen -February 24, 2019
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.
- Will we ever see a Porsche pickup truck?
- Do you like or hate the Honda Ridgeline?
- Does Tesla have a “Dog Mode?”
The first question comes from Twitter (@Nathanadlen) asking about the possibility of a Porsche pickup truck.
Q: (Via Twitter@NathanAdlen) Do you think they will (ever) build a Porsche pickup truck?
Maybe use a Amarok or Ranger platform with a Porsche engine? Something to compete against the Mercedes X-Class.
Dicy Diggs
A: Hi and thanks for the question!
A few years back, I did hear that they (Porsche) explored the idea, but nothing came of it. That’s not to say it will never come up again, but I think they are looking in a different direction now.
Aside from their SUV successes, Porsche is beginning to focus on EV production. If the Porsche Taycan is any indication on how serious they are about competing with and beating Tesla and Mercedes-Benz (to name a few), a Porsche pickup truck is low on the agenda chart.
Sorry, I doubt we’ll see anything happen anytime soon.
N
The next question comes from a Honda fan who thinks I’m waffleing when it comes to my opinion about the Honda Ridgeline.
Q: Countless times you say you either like or hate the Honda Ridgeline.
Which one is it? Do you like it or hate it? You can’t have it both ways. Youre biased obviously. I think that if you owned one for more than a few weeks you would think its the best truck out there like I do.
Get your ducks lined up Nathan!
Roy
A: Hello Roy, thank you for the note.
No. Nope, never ever – I will never settle on black or white on my review on any vehicle. If it’s 85% good and 15% not-so-good (like I believe the Honda Ridgeline is) then I will say it. I call them as I see them.
There is a lot to like about the Honda Ridgeline. As a competitor in the midsize pickup truck class, it has the best highway ride, most comfortable cabin, most utilitarian bed and tailgate and it is extremely easy to drive as a daily vehicle. Also, its street performance is quite good.
Now THIS is how the Honda Ridgeline (which this concept is based on) should look!
I would consider owning one as my spouse, “She-who-must-be-obeyed” would like driving it over less sophisticated riding/driving pickup trucks. She hates most pickup trucks. Also, my teen could easily drive one in any weather condition – it’s damn good in snow.
In my book, if the Honda Ridgeline was closer to perfect – it would have the following:
- Better towing – about 6,000+ lbs would be awesome and competitive.
- Better economy – It needs to average more than a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4X4 with a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder. It doesn’t.
- A proper locking rear differential.
- A little more ground clearance.
- A separate bed.
- Perhaps a diesel or hybrid option.
- A less expensive price tag.
- More masculine looks.
Sorry, I am not voting it the best because you want me to. Nor am I deeming it a bad vehicle because some dislike its unique take on the modern midsize pickup truck. Nope, it’s a great utility machine that’s only a few steps away from awesomeness.
Cheers!
N
The last question comes from a fan who want to replace their leased Toyota C-HR.
(Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) What would you replace my leased Toyota C-HR with?
Don’t mind the power, but it is too small for my big dog and kennel. It’s too low for snow in my town and it’s too expensive to buy. Any suggestions?
A: Yes I do!
I turley enjoyed the new 2020 Kia Soul. While my current reviews feature the beefed up (and more expensive) Kia Soul GT-Line, I drove the X-Line too. That video and review will be up in the very near future.
You can read about the 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line (here).
I can say that, for well under the price of a Toyota C-HR, the (regular) 2020 Kia Soul has greater ground clearance, a (much) more useable/utilitarian interior and a fantastic warranty.
The Toyota C-HR does handle better and it has better steering feel. Still, that’s when it’s being pushed. Normal driving and ease of parking show the Kia Soul as the better vehicle.
N
Speaking of the 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line….
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.[Ask Nathan]
