In August, Jeep pulled the cover off the Gladiator Farout Concept and won a boatload of cool points for doing so. However, this time around, the cool points are awarded to the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys, the latest iteration of the already popular Gladiator. The Willys edition, available on Gladiator Sport and Sport S, is all about style, personalization, and that signature Jeep capability.
“Building on the widely popular Wrangler Willys, we’re thrilled to announce the Willys model is joining the Gladiator lineup as another way for Jeep to connect with our customers,” explained Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – North America. “Gladiator Willys models harken back to the original Jeep lineup while offering an aggressive look and additional increased capability.”
2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys: Equipment List
Sitting under the hood of the new Jeep Gladiator Willys is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. True to Jeep form, the Gladiator Willys comes to the party with a limited-slip rear differential, Rubicon cab rock rails and shocks, and 32-inch BFGoodrich KM2 mud-terrain tires. A two-speed transfer case, with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, is standard on the Gladiator Willys.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys looks the part with black, 17-inch aluminum wheels, gloss black grille, vintage 4×4 decal on the tailgate, and a special Willys front decal. Opt for the Sport S variant, and Jeep will throw in the Technology Group and Convenience Group packages. For good measure, the Gladiator Willys comes with all-weather floor mats.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Availability
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys is available in eight different colors: Black, White, Granite Crystal, Sting Gray, Billet, Firecracker Red, Hydro Blue, and Snazzberry. This gorgeous rig starts at $36,760 and is available to order now at Jeep dealers. Already included in that MSRP figure is the $1,495 destination charge.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
For the 2020 model year, the Lexus GX 460 received an upgraded off-road package with crawl contol, a new spindle grille, and a few luxurious interior tweaks. That said, there is little new for 2021, aside from Amazon Alexa compatibility and acoustic front side glass. Nice as those updates are, we would look first for a nice pre-owned model. The Lexus GX 460 is quite luxurious inside and plenty capable off-road, but the 4.6-liter V8 is showing its age and the gas mileage is less than stellar.
Exterior Styling
74
Interior Layout
86
Driving Dynamics
77
Safety & Tech Features
90
Everyday Functionality
91
Pros
Interior Space
Off-Road Capability
Safety & Tech Features
Cons
Engine Power
Fuel Economy
84
The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is a capable SUV if you are going stir crazy and want to take a road trip. Given the luxurious interior, it’s easy to keep right on driving. With a V8 under the hood, the GX 460 can tow a small camper or a trailer full of motorcycles or snowmobiles for a weekend getaway. It’s also the ideal luxury SUV for a family who lives outside the city and needs to travel unpaved roads to get home.
This week, we drove the 2021 Lexus GX 460 in the Luxury trim. Here is how our test drive went.
Lexus GX 460: What’s New For 2021?
For the 2021 model year, the Lexus GX 460 receives acoustic front side glass on all models and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Silver 18-inch wheels and a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel are now available on the Premium and Premium Plus packages. Otherwise, the GX 460 is mostly unchanged for 2021. There were no updates in terms of engine performance or towing capacity.
With that in mind, we might recommend shopping for a gently used model. Given there are so few updates for 2021, we would try and save the money versus buying a brand new GX 460.
The new Lexus GX 460 comes in six colors: Starfire Pearl, Atomic Silver, Nebula Gray Pearl, Nightfall Mica, Black Onyx, and Claret Mica. Interior colors include Black, Sepia, Ecru, and Rioja Red with a black headliner. There are three trim levels for the 2021 Lexus GX 460: the base GX model, Premium, and Luxury.
2021 Lexus GX.
2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Features
Our 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury came standard with LED headlights, running boards, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a power-adjustable steering column.
Infotainment features included Lexus Enform emergency and remote vehicle services, a customizable touchscreen display, four USB ports (two front/two rear), Bluetooth capability, and satellite and HD radio. Other niceties for the GX Luxury include a sunroof, rearview camera, and headlamp washers.
On the performance side, our GX 460 Luxury came with trailer sway control, Adaptive Variable Suspension with three modes (Normal, Comfort, and Sport), auto-leveling rear air suspension, a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a torque-sensing limited-slip center differential, and the Lexus Safety System+ package.
Optional Packages
Our tester also came with the Sport Design Package, which included 19-inch wheels, second-row captain’s chairs, dark gray front fascia, satin chrome lower grille surround, and a gunmetal metallic exhaust tip.
Our 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury was also equipped with the Off-Road package. That package includes multi-terrain and panoramic view monitors, a transmission cooler, a fuel tank protector, crawl control, and a muti-terrain select system.
2021 Lexus GX 460 Pricing
The starting MSRP for base models is $53,100, while the Premium and Luxury start at $55,890 and $64,365. With all of the options listed above, expect the MSRP to be easily north of $70,000.
2021 Lexus GX interior layout.
Interior Highlights
The Lexus GX 460 is big on the inside and will fit a growing family with its three rows of seating. However, the GX 460 can seat seven if you opt for a second-row bench. Either way, stepping inside reveals a big comfortable cabin with 10-way power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats. The fit and finish and quality of materials are what we would expect from Toyota’s luxury division.
The second-row is roomy even for taller adults with heated captains chairs that also tilt and slide. The third row folds flat at the push of a button to offer even more cargo-carrying ability for those weekend excursions. The interior is cavernous as the max cargo volume comes in at 64.7 cubic feet.
2021 Lexus GX 460 seating configuration for six.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is standard with a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic. Max towing capacity is 6,500 lbs.
EPA ratings come in at 15/19 city/highway and 16 combined. The GX 460 also takes premium fuel, so visits to the gas pump to fill up the 23-gallon tank won’t be cheap.
The Lexus GX 460 likes to cruise on the open highway, and it felt smooth on our 200 mile trip to the Painted Mines Park east of Colorado Springs. The Adaptive Variable Suspension eats up the speed bumps and potholes without jarring you or your passengers. It had plenty of power to get around the slower trucks on the flat concrete, but going up I-70 at 7,500 feet elevation, the V8 seemed to struggle to get us up the steep incline.
If you have a full load of passengers or are pulling a trailer, the new GX 460 may struggle to handle the weight. Despite the luxurious interior, Lexus hasn’t upgraded the horsepower or torque output of the 4.6-liter V8 in a decade.
2021 Lexus GX 460 on the open road.
Driving Dynamics: Rugged & Capable
The GX 460 comes with a body-on-frame construction, full-time four-wheel-drive, and a limited-slip differential. Our tester came with the optional Off-Road package that now includes multi-terrain and panoramic view monitors and a multi-terrain select system. You can adjust the traction depending on the terrain. There is Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, or Mud and Sand settings.
You can also select Crawl Control to navigate steep terrain when the GX 460 is switched into low range. Lexus says the system regulates wheel spin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and brakes, helping improve traction.
Conclusion: Older But Still Functional
The 2021 Lexus GX 460 could use a remodel, but it’s still one of the most capable three-row SUVs. The truck-like platform and four-wheel-drive system will offer peace of mind when you have to drive on snowy and icy roads. And the heated leather seats will be nice when it does get cold. While the Lexus GX 460 could use an engine upgrade, for most everyday driving situations, the 4.6-liter V8 will suffice.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Total Auto Protect Review
In Our Opinion:
Total Auto Protect is an extended car warranty provider with three coverage options. Although its extended warranties are fairly standard, Total Auto Protect reviews make it stand out among other providers. We also like the company’s bonus services offered with every coverage plan.
Industry Standing:
Coverage:
Affordability:
Customer Service:
Pros:
Works directly with customers
Positive customer service reviews
Works with thousands of certified repair shops and dealerships nationwide
Cons:
No sample contracts online
Only three coverage options
Only covers cars with up to 150,000 miles
3.5
Total Auto Protect is one option for drivers looking to purchase extended car warranty coverage, but is it the right provider for you? We’ve read through many Total Auto Protect reviews, and in this article, we’ll give our expert opinion on the provider.
We’ll go over the ins and outs of Total Auto Protect’s three coverage plans as well as costs, added benefits, and warranty exclusions. We’ll also discuss the customer feedback the company has received via numerous Total Auto Protect reviews.
Our review team has thoroughly researched the extended warranty industry and found the best extended car warranty providers currently available. We recommend getting quotes from a few of these providers to compare against Total Auto Protect. You can get started by clicking below.
Top Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers, and here are our top picks.
Total Auto Protect is an extended car warranty provider based in Wilmington, Delaware. Since it started working with dealers in 2011, the company has received mostly positive customer feedback. Total Auto Protect is also one of the few extended warranty providers that work directly with customers rather than through an administrator.
The provider covers vehicles with up to 150,000 miles on the odometer and offers three coverage plans. Total Auto Protect allows for repairs to be made by any facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®), including dealerships. This gives customers more than 1,500 options for covered repairs.
Total Auto Protect Extended Warranty Coverage
Total Auto Protect offers three protection plans, ranging from basic powertrain warranty coverage to a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper plan. The provider does not offer information about its term limits, so it’s best to ask what contract lengths are available for your vehicle when getting a quote.
Total Auto Protect extended car warranty plans, like any vehicle service contracts, guarantee to pay for the repairs or replacements of any defective parts or workmanship after your manufacturer’s warranty expires. Here’s an overview of Total Auto Protect’s coverage plans:
Covered Component
Total Plus
Total Convenience
Total Premier
Engine
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Transmission
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Drive Axles
?
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Electrical
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Cooling
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Brakes
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All-Wheel Drive
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Steering
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Heating
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Air Conditioning
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Fuel System
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Anti-Lock Brakes
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High-Tech Electronics
?
Turbo/Supercharger
?
Suspension
?
If you need a covered repair, you can have your car fixed by any ASE-certified mechanic nationwide. Total Auto Protect’s coverage plans are also transferable and cancelable. If you’re unhappy after purchasing a vehicle service contract, you can cancel it within 30 days for a full refund or for a prorated refund after that time period.
Additional Perks
Total Auto Protect includes a few added benefits with its plans, such as:
Towing service
Rental car service
Fuel delivery service
24-hour roadside assistance
Locksmith and lockout service
Trip interruption reimbursement
What’s Not Covered Under a Total Auto Protect Warranty?
Total Auto Protect doesn’t list any specific exclusions online, but like most extended auto warranty providers, it likely won’t cover certain parts and scenarios, including:
Misuse or abuse
Wear-and-tear parts
Accidents or collisions
Environmental damage
Routine maintenance services
Parts covered by a factory warranty
Coverage-specific exclusions also apply to each plan, so make sure you read over your Total Auto Protect contract carefully and understand what is and is not covered before signing on the dotted line.
Total Auto Protect Cost
Total Auto Protect does not offer upfront pricing on its website. This is likely because there’s no standard pricing for most auto warranties. A number of different factors will affect your Total Auto Protect coverage cost, including:
Deductible: Usually, a lower deductible leads to a higher overall coverage plan cost.
Coverage length and type: More comprehensive and longer contracts are usually more expensive.
Vehicle make and model: Luxury vehicles and those with many high-tech components typically cost more to cover.
Vehicle age and mileage: Older, higher-mileage vehicles are more prone to breakdowns, so they’re more expensive to protect.
How to Get a Quote & File a Claim
To get a quote for a Total Auto Protect vehicle service contract, you can either call the provider directly or use its online form. Before you reach out for a quote, make sure to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current mileage handy.
To file a claim, the company provides an online claims tool as well as a phone number to call.
Total Auto Protect Reviews
Total Auto Protect customer reviews are mostly positive, with many noting helpful service representatives and affordable coverage plans. The provider boasts a 4.7 customer satisfaction rating on Trustpilot. However, Total Auto Protect is not listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Here’s an overview of customer experiences with Total Auto Protect:
Positive Total Auto Protect Reviews
“Great experience so far! Transaction was easy, and my rep Jason was extremely attentive and informative. Looking forward to working with them on my car, and glad to be a customer.” – Angelito M. via Trustpilot
“They got me the best coverage on the market. Total [Auto Protect] was recommended to me by my dealer. I got quotes from some other companies, but Total [Auto Protect] offered me the best price, and they got me approved for a five-year plan.” – Jeffrey S. via Trustpilot
Negative Total Auto Protect Reviews
“Their onboarding process is lacking, and they should do a better job in answering emails. We will see how the claims/authorized process handles breakdowns and repairs when that time comes.” – Daniel G. via Trustpilot
Our Final Thoughts on Total Auto Protect
We rated Total Auto Protect 3.5 out of 4.0 stars. We like the provider’s positive customer feedback, which often mentioned the attentiveness of Total Auto Protect’s representatives. While the company only offers three coverage plans, we think that it’s still a decent choice for an extended car warranty.
Below, we’ve outlined a few of our top recommended providers so you can compare Total Auto Protect one-to-one.
Our Top Recommendations for Extended Car Warranties
It’s always smart to get quotes from more than one provider. By getting multiple quotes, you can compare coverage and cost offers and ensure you’re making the best decision for your vehicle and budget. We recommend reaching out to Endurance and CARCHEX, two of our top picks for extended car warranty coverage.
Endurance: Best Direct Coverage
For drivers looking to work directly with a provider, we recommend Endurance. The company is available in all U.S. states except California.
Here’s an overview of Endurance extended warranty services:
Endurance offers five plans to choose from.
Contract term limits extend up to 15 years or 200,000 miles.
The company providers four deductible options: $0, $50, $100, and $200.
Endurance allows repairs to be made at dealerships and other ASE-certified repair facilities.
Endurance has online sample contracts for all of its plans so that you can review coverage before even speaking with a representative.
Read our comprehensive Endurance warranty review for more information, and get a free, personalized Endurance quote below.
Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim
CARCHEX: Best for Older Vehicles
CARCHEX is a reputable option for drivers looking to cover older, higher-mileage cars. The provider has received many positive customer reviews and is also backed by industry experts like Edmunds.com and RepairPal.
Here’s an overview of CARCHEX extended warranty coverage:
You can choose from five coverage options.
CARCHEX provides coverage for cars up to 20 years old.
Contract term limits extend up to 10 years or 250,000 miles.
CARCHEX also offers sample contracts online for prospective customers.
The company has been in business for over 20 years, making it one of the best-established car warranty companies in the industry.
Learn more about this provider in our full CARCHEX review, and click below to receive a free, personalized quote from the provider.
Chevrolet’s latest concept build is a “blast from the past” and takes us back to the 1970s when the K5 Blazer roamed the streets. This is Chevy’s latest eCrate conversion concept that pairs the body of a 1977 K5 Blazer with an all-electric propulsion system. The result is this stunning K5 Blazer-E.
If you’re like me, you’ve heard Gen Z drivers lament the classic good looks of mid-century rides – especially muscle cars – and yearn for an environmentally friendly option. Expect that group to be among the most ardent fans of this K5 Blazer-E concept when it debuts at the virtual SEMA360 show on November 2nd.
“Minutes after Chevrolet showed the E-10 concept, customers started calling to ask how soon they could build their EV project,” said Russ O’Blenes, Chevrolet Director of Engineering, Performance, and Racing. “The K5 Blazer-E demonstrates what is possible for customers who want to convert their vintage truck to a daily driver with the instant torque and unique driving experience of an EV.”
Chevy says this latest concept is “functional proof” of the viability of the Electric Connect and Cruise package it plans to sell in the second half of 2021. Chevrolet Performance will survey SEMA members interested in building their electric projects to finalize the automaker’s initial eCrate offering. “For customers who want more extreme performance, the modular eCrate system will have virtually limitless applications,” O’Blenes added.
Chevy K5 Blazer-E. Photo: Chevrolet.
Chevy K5 Blazer-E: The Nuts & Bolts
Chevy’s concept began with the original 1977 K5 Blazer. The team removed the Blazer’s 175-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V8 and three-speed automatic (they also ripped out the fuel and exhaust systems). They replaced that engine with a Bolt EV electric motor, which delivers 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque. The electric motor is paired with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic from Chevrolet Performance. The original transfer case, driveshaft, and axles remain.
This Blazer has a 400-volt Bolt EV battery pack with 60 kilowatt-hours of usable energy. Production controllers, wiring harnesses, shock protection, battery heating and cooling, battery-overcharge protection, and regenerative braking are all from the Bolt.
The aftermarket components include an electric power steering kit, an electric pump providing vacuum to the stock brake system, and an electronic controller to drive inputs to the vintage gauges – such as displaying the battery’s charge on the original fuel gauge.
Essential Equipment
The 60-kWh Electric Connect and Cruise package includes:
60-kWh battery pack.
200-horsepower electric motor.
DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the electric motor.
DC-to-DC power converter to power low-voltage systems.
Wiring harnesses, controllers, and water pumps for battery heating and cooling.
eCrate Installer Certification Program
Chevrolet Performance is in the process of equipping and certifying Electric Connect and Cruise installers, including dealers and other aftermarket companies. Michigan-based Lingenfelter Performance Engineering will be the first company to pilot the training and certification program.
Chevrolet Performance reports it is evaluating additional eCrate packages with higher-performance options and new battery configurations to fit a broader range of aftermarket applications. Longer-term, the team will work to integrate GM’s modular Ultium battery system technologies.
“As GM introduces a new fleet of electric vehicles, it creates an exciting opportunity to bring EV technology to the aftermarket,” said Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. Vice President of Performance and Motorsports. “Our vision is to offer a comprehensive line of Connect and Cruise systems from Chevrolet Performance – delivering a solution for every customer ranging from LSX V8s to eCrate conversions.”
Nancy Dunham is a life-long journalist whose work appears in many national automotive and general interest magazines and accompanying websites. Her dad was an executive with Western Auto Supply Co. (sold to Sears), so the smell of tires still brings back a flood of childhood memories. Favorite professional assignment: driving on the Texas Motor Speedway. She lives in Austin, Texas with her cat Prudence.
