AEV Prospector XL Review: A Ram Truck to Mine the Overlanding Market
There's trail running, and then there's overlanding. The former portends day trips or weekend jaunts; possibly longer trips with primitive tent camping. The latter conjures extended off-grid adventuring where you may need to be self-sufficient for days weat a time while exploring the wilderness on logging trails, forest-service roads, and the like. American Expedition Vehicles seeks to cover the trail-runners with its Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator and Chevy Colorado offerings while offering overlanders the Ram Heavy Duty pickup-based Prospector and Prospector XL.
What Is AEV?
Founder Dave Harriton got his start stretching his dad's old TJ Wrangler in Montana, did a few more for some friends, then started American Expedition Vehicles. When the company's builds earned design kudos from Chrysler, it found Detroit-area partners to help step up its engineering game. Before long it was cranking out hits like the Jeep Hemi V-8 conversions that predated the Wrangler 392, as well as the Brute and Brute Double Cab Wrangler pickups that presaged the Gladiator. The AEV-designed, GM-manufactured Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition is a factory-orderable $5,750 option package that transforms the desert-runner ZR2 into more of a technical rock crawler. In addition to supplying parts for these GM builds, AEV upfits roughly 800 vehicles per year in its Wixom, Michigan, facility, evenly split between Jeeps (Wrangler and Gladiator) and Ram Heavy Duty pickups (2500 and 3500).
What Is the AEV Prospector XL?
AEV offers two packages applicable to either the Ram 2500 or 3500: Prospector and Prospector XL. Both get toughened AEV bumpers, a 3.0-inch suspension lift, AEV wheels, plus interior and exterior badging and graphics. Tires are the main difference between the two packages. Base Prospectors get 37-inch tires that fit under stock fenders with Mopar flares. XLs get 40-inch tires that require the fender and rear quarter openings to be expanded by about 3.0 inches (XL is 40 in roman numerals). Choose the XL if you're looking for the ultimate rock-climber/mud-bogger; go for the entry Prospector on a 3500 for max payload capacity when fitting heavy overlanding gear like an in-bed camper. That's because AEV de-rates the rear gross-axle-weight rating from 7,000 to 6,390 pounds for the 40-inch tires, but not for the 37s (our 2500's factory RGAWR of 6,000 is unchanged with either tire). XL versions comprise the majority of AEV's Ram business, with roughly a 60/40 split between 2500/3500. They're almost all Cummins diesel-powered except for Power Wagon upfits (some folks just gotta have those diff lockers). The base Prospector package costs $15,987; the Prospector XL costs $20,999.
Chassis Modifications
At the heart of this upfit is AEV's 3.0-inch DualSport suspension, with the "dual" referring to its goal of improving technical off-road prowess with no penalty to the original ride and handling. AEV accomplishes this trick by maintaining the stock springs and the original suspension geometry. To do this, it relocates the various mounting points for the suspension hardware. The front axle, for example, is articulated down and forward, increasing the wheelbase by 1.6 inches. This saves AEV having to custom make longer versions of the 40-some different Ram springs tailored to every different weight class. AEV also fits a hydraulic-assist steering upgrade to help swivel the giant tires. Our XL was upgraded further with optional AEV/Bilstein 8100 external-reservoir shocks ($2,140) designed to keep their cool and resist the fade that comes from boiling the shock fluid in prolonged hard running in a hot desert. And it all rides on a set of AEV 10- x 17-inch black Katla 10 wheels wrapped in 40 x 13 50R17 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires.
Overlanding Gear
Perhaps the most vital piece of overlanding kit for self-preservation is a sturdy winch. AEV front bumpers are all designed to accept one, but they cost extra. Our AEV Prospector XL featured a Warn 16.5ti with synthetic rope that rang in at $2,711. Nighttime adventuring requires lighting, so we also had $2,801 worth of auxiliary LED lamps that mount to the $1,700 bumper brush guard, plus a set of rear-bumper LED lights ($594). The bed is fitted with a matching spare wheel and tire on a vertical mount ($1,736) that obscures most of the rear-window visibility and blocks the location where a rearview camera would go. We'd opt for the lay-flat spare option (there's no slinging any spare tire larger than stock underneath). A bed rack with crossbars provides a mounting point for a rooftop tent, axes, Jerry cans, etc. And finally, to fortify the underbody we added hardened differential covers front and rear ($381.50 and $409.50) and a breathable intercooler skidplate ($531.50). This all brings the estimated curb weight to within 1,000 pounds of the truck's gross rating, so some judicious expedition packing is called for (or an upgrade to the 3500). Along with some cosmetic upgrades, total AEV optional equipment came to $19,150.50, bringing the all-in price of our well-equipped Laramie to $119,194.50.
How Does the Prospector XL Drive?
Having recently spent a year in a stock Ram 2500 Laramie Cummins, the most indelible initial impression is how loud the tires are, the sound and vibration even coming up through the steering wheel in turns. This is followed closely by how high the AEV Prospector XL sits. You'll look down on lifted Super Dutys and across at semi drivers. Getting comfortable with the size takes a few miles; sitting so high off the road dulls your sense of speed. So if your natural pace is 10 mph beyond the speed limit, you may frequently find yourself 15 or 20 over. The taller, heavier tires and added curb weight blunt the acceleration, but it's still plenty strong. The added inertia is also noticeable in braking, where stops take more pedal effort than in our long-term Ram 2500. But sure enough, the ride feels almost identical—maybe smoother, thanks to the additional mass (AEV estimates ours weighs just shy of 4.5 tons). That is, until one of these jumbo donuts hits a single-wheel bump and sends a shudder through the steering and chassis. These mud tires don't grip paved corners like the stock tires, but then the stockers can't claw through mud bogs.
Off-Roading the Prospector XL
Having mostly wheeled crossovers and stock Jeeps at our local ORV park, we're used to the toughest obstacles being off limits. Not for this rig! Climb any rock or plunge through any bog by simply relying on the tire-tread lugs and the Cummins torque and inertia to power through. Tough dusty ruts, sandy moguls—it doesn't matter. The Prospector XL tackled every path or obstacle with ease, or at least every path physically wide enough to accommodate it. And with the long wheelbase and gigantic turning circle, you must be cognizant of your escape route should a path prove too narrow. We were also impressed by how sturdy everything felt. The AEV Prospector XL took the harshest impacts in stride, and with no expensive sounding noises.
How Do I Get an AEV Prospector XL?
If you have a low-mileage current-generation Ram (or Jeep) that's never been wrecked, AEV can upfit it for you, but most builds are ordered new through AEV's online configurator and delivered through one of its 100 dealers. The dealer facilitates getting the stock truck built, shipped to AEV for the upfit, then shipped to the dealer. Upfitting typically takes about a week barring supply issues, and tires have lately been in particularly short supply. Buyers can specify unique paint—like the zinc-chromate green on AEVs four 2019 SEMA builds—but this stretches the build to 30 days and adds $13,687.
Is the AEV Prospector XL Worth It?
That $119,000 price includes a lot of showy bits we could do without. But the engineering is so stout we felt compelled to gin up an ideal build, starting with a strategically optioned 2500 Tradesman Cummins with Auto Level Rear Air Suspension, the Convenience Group, Uconnect 5 nav, Bed Utility Group, and the aux switches for $64,745. Then we spec'd a Prospector with 37s, the Mopar retractable steps ($2,420—they were included in our Laramie, and you need 'em!), AEV's leather and Cordura seat upgrade ($2,205), the smaller light bar ($1,024) plus the winch, intercooler skidplate, diff covers, and a few doodads for a total upfit cost of $29,196. We'd be out the door for $93,941 with the same suspension in a slightly more livable, goes nearly anywhere package with a bit more payload capacity, a quieter ride, and a slightly lower climb.
Looks good! More details?2022 AEV Prospector XL Ram 2500 Laramie Cummins Turbodiesel Specifications BASE PRICE $91,679 LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door truck ENGINE 6.7L/370-hp/850-lb-ft turbo-diesel direct-injected OHV 24-valve I-6 TRANSMISSION 6-speed auto CURB WEIGHT 9,000 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 150.6 in L x W x H 238.8 x 89.5 x 83.7 in 0-60 MPH 8.0 sec (MT est) EPA FUEL ECON Not rated ON SALE Now Show AllYou may also like
It's time to present the finalists for the inaugural MotorTrend Performance Vehicle of the Year. Yes, after running through our contenders—those rides that missed the cut for the final round of voting the PVOTY honors, we're introducing those that did make the finalist cut. One of these vehicles earned our Golden Calipers, having excelled in all six of our criteria (safety, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, and performance of intended function). The weighting of some of those criteria may differ slightly from our Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year competitions—after all, when outright performance is our focus, efficiency is perhaps graded on a curve—but every single one is considered when choosing our winner.Read on to meet the first four members of our finalist field—the rest will be unveiled tomorrow—to represent the cars that made it out of our initial round of voting following evaluations at Hyundai's Proving Ground outside of Los Angeles. The finalists then went on to road drives on Angeles Crest Highway and, later, grueling track tests at Willow Springs Raceway. Come back on Monday, February 14 to see which one emerged with the title!
Well, it looks like the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat manual option has been removed from Dodge's site, for now. You could potentially blame the lack of popularity of manuals in most new car sales, but it seems Dodge's reasoning is a bit more digital than that. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) fitted to manual-equipped Challengers required a new calibration, putting any chance of getting a stick on the model on ice.A forum post, via Road & Track, dating back to December 10, 2021 shows that the manual transmission version of the Challenger Hellcat is not currently available. However, looking on Dodge's website, every other manual option of the Challenger can be ordered-but the Hellcat manual isn't even on the site. That same forum post also alleges that getting the manual transmission paired with the Hellcat's 6.2 liter supercharged Hemi V-8 to pass emissions is the issue, which could imply this is the required recalibration Dodge mentioned.There might be some grain of truth to that, but we weren't able to directly confirm. When we did ask if there was a calibration issue with the Challenger Hellcat, Dodge did confirm, but added that updating calibrations are a normal part of vehicle production and that this isn't related to the issues with silicon-based chip and PCM supply shortages currently disrupting the industry.It would appear that setting up this new calibration might take some time. Dodge says it's unsure of when the updated programming will be ready and when the Challenger Hellcat manual will come back for ordering. For now, if you were interested in a manual Challenger Hellcat (and why wouldn't you be?) you'll have to pick something else, go with the automatic, or just wait and hope Dodge can bring it back.
mercedes-benz eqb-class Full OverviewThe electrification of Mercedes-Benz in America is off to a good start. The U.S. is already the top market in the world for the flagship EQS sedan, and dealers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the more affordable EQE sedan this fall. Insiders are quietly confident that Mercedes-Benz can sell up to 45,000 electric vehicles stateside in 2023. And the perky 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB will be a key contributor to hitting that number.Unlike the EQS and EQE sedans, the EQB is not built on a dedicated EV platform. Instead, it shares much of its structure with the conventional internal combustion GLB subcompact SUV. As we reported in our preview drive of the EQB350 4Matic late last year, the smooth, silent, punchy electric powertrain transforms the subcompact SUV. The EQB feels much more like a miniature Mercedes than the GLB.We've covered the EQB350 4Matic in detail, though since our drive Mercedes-Benz USA has confirmed the 288-hp, 383-lb-ft SUV will start at $59,100. And although no official figures have been released, informed sources suggest the EQB350's 70.5-kWh battery (its usable capacity is 66.5 kWh) will deliver an EPA-rated range of about 220 miles.The EQB300 4Matic is priced from $55,550, and at first glance it's the more compelling buy of the two. It's identical to the EQB350, right down to the last nut and bolt, as well as the 188-hp motor at the rear axle. The only difference is the power and torque output of the motor at the front axle, which has been dialed back to deliver a total system output of 225 hp and 288 lb-ft.Less power means slightly less performance—Mercedes says the EQB300 is about 1.8 seconds slower to 60 mph than its more powerful sibling, stopping the clock at just under 8.0 seconds. But less power also means there's less demand on the battery, which should equate to more range.Unofficial figures suggest the EQB300 4Matic will have an EPA range of 230 miles. Now, just as with an internal combustion engine, your mileage may vary, depending on how, when, and where you drive. But a 10-mile improvement in rated range isn't quite the headline number you might expect.That's because Mercedes has chosen to optimize energy consumption in both EQBs by using the permanently excited synchronous electric motor driving the rear wheels as often as possible, as the front motor's asynchronous design means it generates only minimal drag losses in partial-load operation. And that means the EQB350's more powerful front motor isn't always sucking down extra electrons. For most of your driving time, the two models are—in energy consumption terms—identical.Our key takeaway from the EQB350 drive—that the EV powertrain adds a level of refinement and performance that's missing from the gasoline-powered GLB—holds true for the EQB300. But keen drivers will notice a difference between the two EQBs on the road, especially if the road is one that twists and turns.In simple terms the EQB300 doesn't claw its way out of the corners with the same urgency as the EQB350. As a result, it doesn't feel as surprisingly lively or quite as much fun to drive. There's not a lot in it, and in truth few EQB customers are likely to notice, especially on the school run or the daily commute. The transition between regenerative and mechanical braking didn't feel quite as seamless as in the EQB350, either. That said, the multilink rear axle felt just as well-planted and delivered plenty of traction out of corners.Our European-spec EQB300s were all on optional 20-inch rims shod with 235/45 tires. That setup won't be available in the U.S., and we won't be missing anything. Our experience with the EQB350 suggests the standard 18-inch wheels and optional 19s will offer better low-speed ride. What's more, the 20s appeared to make the steering feel gluier and less linear, as if the system was working harder to twist a bigger contact patch.Mercedes offers three driver-selectable lift-off regen levels, actuated via the paddles on the steering column. There's also a mode that allows the car to use navigation data, traffic information, and speed sign recognition to automatically adjust the regen level itself. As with its more powerful sibling, on anything but busy city streets the EQB300 feels best to drive with the least amount of regen, as it enables it to flow more freely down the road.Visually, the EQB300 is identified by EQ-specific design tweaks such as the front and rear LED light bands. The tall, boxy bodywork delivers an interior that is surprisingly roomy. The second-row bench seat slides fore and aft 5.5 inches, and in the rearmost position, there's plenty of leg- and knee room for 6-footers. There's lots of headroom, too, even though the rear seat H-point is higher than that of the front to give rear passengers better all-around visibility. Load space ranges from 16.4 cubic feet with the third row in place, to 57.2 with the second and third rows folded flat.Although Mercedes-Benz makes it clear that in the event of a rollover it considers the optional third row suitable only for those under 5 feet 5 inches tall, the $1,250 option will appeal to those using the EQB for the school run. Why does it cost $400 more than in the GLB? The third-row seats fold flat into the load space floor, so the electrical hardware stored there in the EQBs must be moved into a compartment underneath that's accessed via a flap in the rear bumper.Standard equipment on the EQB300 includes the 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display for the MBUX multimedia system. Standard safety features include active lane keeping assist, blind-spot assist, and active brake assist.Those who prioritize range and performance over everything else will almost certainly opt for Tesla's Model Y Long Range, which also offers seven-passenger capability. But the Model Y costs a whopping $11,640 more than the EQB300— $13,390 more if you're comparing seven-seat versions.No, this Mercedes won't go as far or as fast as the Tesla. But it drives and feels like a real Mercedes and boasts a better-packaged and better-finished interior than the Tesla. Unless you're planning a lot of long, fast road trips in your compact luxury electric SUV, the quieter, more comfortable Mercedes-Benz EQB300 4Matic is a better value—and worth a second look.Looks good! More details? 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 4Matic PRICE $55,550 LAYOUT Dual motor, AWD, 5-/7-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (rear) and asynchronous motor (front) 225 hp/288 lb-ft TRANSMISSION 1-speed auto CURB WEIGHT 4,800 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 111.3 in L x W x H 184.4 x 72.2 x65.6 in 0-60 MPH 7.8 sec (MT est) EPA FUEL ECON, CITY/HWY/COMB Not yet rated ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY N/A CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB N/A ON SALE Fall 2022 Show All
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