By Robert Bard

Hit the road this Spring with the spacious and fuel-efficient Ram 1500, the new luxurious three-row crossover, Cadillac XT6 and the stylish and functional GMC Acadia. All with innovative state-of-the-art technology, it is time for you to take the wheel.

2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn

Fuel efficient, durable, and with innovative state-of-the-art technology, the 2019 Ram 1500 has an award-winning fourth-generation Uconnect system and class-exclusive, 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen display featuring split-screen capability for dual-application operation, the 2019 Ram 1500 is the strongest ever with most efficient frame in the segment – 100 pounds lighter with 98 percent high-strength steel. Its all-new Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks deliver the best combination of ride, handling and comfort in a pickup truck. Its new 4×4 off-road package includes suspension with one-inch lift, electronic locking rear axle, tuned shocks and hill-descent control.

The Ram 1500 delivers significant gains in fuel efficiency with eTorque mild hybrid system on second generation 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines – widest use of mild hybrid technology in the segment. Its new face includes a chiseled Ram’s head logo and “RAM” grilles. Lighter, longer and wider, including an overall cab length increase of four inches, creating the most spacious interior for additional features and passenger comfort.

The Ram 1500 offers more than 100 safety and security features, active safety and security systems join the technology onslaught with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, Blind-spot Monitoring and ready-alert braking. So, whether you go off-road or hit the city streets, you’ll enjoy the First FCA application of 12-inch fully configurable touch screen. For more information visit: https://www.ramtrucks.com/

2020 Cadillac XT6

The all-new luxurious three-row crossover makes every seat the best seat in the house and offers comprehensive standard and available safety technologies. Spacious, safe and appealing to the eye, the Cadillac 2020 XT6 provides every passenger an optimized experience.

Check out its generous cargo capacity and the intuitive controls including a rotary controller with new jog functionality. Its responsive driving experience, powered by a 3.6L V-6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission offers up to four selectable driving modes – need say more?

Elegant yet simple, the Cadillac XT6 will have many heads turning. Distinctive trim and interior colors delineate the Premium Luxury and Sport models. Premium luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.

Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating; Cadillac’s in-vehicle air ionizer; automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, and a standard automatic heated steering wheel. Adaptive Cruise Control – Advanced, NFC phone pairing and wireless charging for compatible phones, HD Surround Vision Camera, Illuminated Cadillac Crest hands-free liftgate, and keyless Open and Adaptive Remote Start. For more information visit: https://www.cadillac.com/

2020 GMC Acadia

Arrive at your destination with style. The new 2020 GMC Acadia is stylish, functional and is equipped with great technology. The lineup includes SLE, SLT, an all-new AT4 trim and GMC’s flagship Denali, with available seating arrangements for five, six or seven passengers, depending on the model. The 2020 Acadia delivers the latest GMC infotainment system that is more intelligent and more intuitive.

It offers users improved voice recognition, a higher resolution touchscreen and a simplified interface that requires fewer steps for some tasks, along with simpler screen layouts inspired by the latest smartphone technology. We enjoyed the 8-inch-diagonal screen and its user-friendly interface.

With the new technology included you can set up your personal profile, this includes climate settings, audio and you can transfer those preferences to another GM vehicle with a compatible infotainment system. Up to four profiles can be assigned to the system and they can be assigned to the Acadia’s key fobs, automatically resetting the preferences for the incoming driver.

Connected Navigation offers real-time updates, as well as Predictive Navigation and additional information provided by a cloud database. (Feature requires a Connected Navigation trial or subscription and connectivity.) As for USB-C ports, two new USB-C charging ports are integrated in the front and rear of the center console. That brings the number of ports in the Acadia to five, including a USB-A charging port for the third-row seating area. For more information visit: https://www.gmc.com/