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The Ford F-150 Lightning looks to be getting an off-road variant, which will likely use the Tremor moniker.Our spy photos show a Lightning with a front skid plate as well as the same all-terrain tires as the gas-fed F-150 Tremor.Car and Driver asked Ford to confirm if the electric F-150 will get the Tremor treatment, but a spokesperson declined to comment on future products.The Ford F-150 Lightning can take its driver where they need to go on electricity alone. But what if their destination extends where the blacktop ends, more specifically where surfaces are slipperier and rocks treat the underbody like George Foreman used to treat opponents in the boxing ring? For that, off-road-oriented upgrades such as those on the gas-fed F-150 Tremor are a basic requirement. Based on our spy photos, the Lightning may soon be getting a similar type of treatment.Tremor-Like F-150 LightningFord isn’t saying a peep about a forthcoming F-150 Lightning Tremor. Car and Driver asked a spokesperson to confirm its existence, but they predictably replied with the company line about not commenting on future products. Of course, it’s hard for us not to speculate that such a truck is likely on the way when we spy an electric F-150 fitted with some of the same equipment that’s found on the existing Tremor.GLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverAlong with similarly styled matte-black 18-inch wheels, the most obvious things the Lightning test mule shares with the Tremor are its 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires. That type of knobby rubber isn’t currently offered on any electric F-150. While front tow hooks are, none currently have the front skid plate that appears under the spied Lightning’s chin. More importantly, the revised lower fascia will provide a better approach angle for clearing obstacles.GLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverGLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverContributing to its improved clearances, the test truck also has an elevated ride height, which is another Tremor tell. We don’t know from the photos whether or not the Lightning’s adjustable air suspension has been altered, yet we can clearly see the side steps found on most models are missing. What’s also missing are the Tremor’s bedside badges and signature orange accents that appear on the gas model’s grille, front tow hooks, and side vents.All these clues suggest the F-150 Lightning is in store for an off-road variant, and since every other Ford pickup—minus the comparatively minuscule Maverick—offers a Tremor configuration, we’d wager that moniker will also apply to the EV. Now we just have to wait and see.Other Ford Tremor TrucksThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

For Jeepers who want to get even more off-road capability out of their rigs, American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is offering three new upfit options for 2024 Wranglers. The kits are available for the Rubicon and—for the first time—the more affordable Willys model.Wrangler’s Upcountry KitsTwo-door versions of the ’24 Wrangler Willys and Rubicon start at $41,190 and $47,190, respectively. Tack another $7476 onto those price tags for the regular Upcountry kit. It includes a 2.0-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires as well as AEV-branded satin black Pintler wheels and a jack base. Fender flare extensions and a spare-tire relocation kit from Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) are also part of the upfit.The Upcountry+ costs $11,599 and includes all those goodies and more. The other upgrades are AEV’s EX front bumper, which is made of hot-stamped Boron steel and has a hoop and end caps that accommodate the stock fog lights. Also included from AEV are a front skid plate, a non-winch cover plate, and relocating the front camera.Wrangler’s Level II KitAEV’s Level II setup is essentially what was offered on the 2023 Wrangler 20th Anniversary Edition, which were limited to 150 copies and cost an astronomical $94,358 (4xe) and $113,820 (Rubicon 392). While Willys customers don’t get a shot at the top kit, the Rubicon crew do, as it’s exclusively available on that model. It costs an extra $20,049 for the V-6 version and $22,099 for the 4xe plug-in hybrid.StellantisStellantisRubicons’s upfitted with the Level II package add 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires and feature an AEV-specific suspension (with a 2.5-inch lift and Bilstein dampers), an AEV rear bumper, off-road lights, a steering damper, and a Zeon 10-S winch. Each version also includes bits from the Upcountry+ kit (i.e., EX front bumper and skid plate). Each also wears a set of satin black AEV Savegre II wheels.All that extra height helps the Jeep ford 37.1 inches of water and provides 14.2 inches of ground clearance. Its other clearances include a 50-degree approach angle, 33-degree breakover angle, and 43-degree departure angle.For those looking to upfit their ’24 Jeep Wrangler Willys or Rubicon, they should place orders through their local dealerships. Jeep says the AEV upgrades will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.Extra Wrangler ReadingThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

Kia is discontinuing the Rio in the U.S. after the 2023 model year, as reported by Automotive News.The Rio subcompact was offered as a sedan and a hatchback, with both starting under $20,000.It’s possible that the new Kia K3 will serve as a replacement for the Rio, but it will surely be more expensive.The Kia Rio is the latest victim in the string of affordable small-car discontinuations in the U.S. The subcompact sedan and hatchback won’t return for the 2024 model year, a Kia representative confirmed to C/D.The Rio was one of just three remaining sub-$20,000 new cars available in the U.S. for the 2023 model year. With the impending cancellation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, this will leave only the Nissan Versa as a member of this club going forward, although Nissan has not yet announced 2024 Versa information.RIP Small CarsThrough July of this year, Kia has sold 16,554 units of the Rio, a 2 percent decline compared with last year. But the Rio has never been among Kia’s bestselling models, and its low prices likely mean slim profit margins. The compact Forte sedan will now be the cheapest model in the Kia lineup. It started at $20,815 for the 2023 model year; 2024 pricing hasn’t yet been announced.Kia also recently revealed a new small sedan called the K3. We expect it to serve as a replacement for both the Rio and the Forte going forward, but it’s not likely to carry a sub-$20,000 starting price. Look for more information on this new model to come later this year, as it could arrive in the U.S. for the 2025 model year.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More