It's easy to see why the Cadillac Escalade made it to the top of the heap in our "Top Pimped Out 4x4s" category. The flashy, overpowering grille definitely gives it a gangsta look that's not overlooked by rappers and soccer moms alike.
In our recent Escalade vs. Navigator comparison, this Caddy wins out hands down. See why this glammed-out SUV makes our No. 1 "pimped out" pick.
The Jeep Commander was the dark horse of this 4x4 bunch. When it rolled up to the driveway, this Jeep was unexpectedly pimped out from top to bottom. The boxy style is reminiscent of the Hummer, but the Jeep Commander has much more class and is definitely worth a second look.
The chrome grille - at once all Jeep and yet with a more over-the-top look - is one reason this 4x4 now claims pimp status. We tested out the silver model and we were impressed with the over-the-wheel rivet design and even the bulky handles in the rear. However, the "17- x 7.5-inch machined-face aluminum with sparkle silver pockets" wheels made this pimped out ride a real standout.
The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 drove like a rapper's dream: smooth as an MTV dancer's booty. The off-white, black and faux bois interior with lots of chrome touches here and there appealed to both the guys and the gals. The kids found themselves in rapper heaven too with an easy-to-view entertainment system.
At a base price of $38,000, perhaps even non-pimps can afford this luxury Jeep. (The model we drove ended up at almost $45,000 with the entertainment system, towing accessories and GPS system.)
At around $80,000, only real pimps can afford the Range Rover HSE. This luxury 4x4 looks more classy than pimped out on the outside, but the smooth-riding engine and sumptuous interior screams: "Damn!" Read our recent comparison story about how the super smooth Range Rover HSE won out over the Lexus RX 400h.
The Lincoln Navigator seems to always be behind this SUV/4x4 bunch. However, since its crucial role in the Oscar-winning urban movie, "Crash," the Navigator's status as a pimp mobile has risen rapidly. See how it stacks up in our recent Escalade vs. Navigator comparison.
The pint-sized Hummer H3 definitely has major pimp potential even for its smaller size, especially the chromed-out, Hummer-like grille. We enjoyed the manly feel of the oversized steering wheel and automatic shift control. The interior was a pleasing-to-the-eye study in burnished metal and large plastic knobs.
At only $29,000, the H3 is a good buy in this category. The priced bumped up to almost $38,000, however, with all the major pimp packages available on this vehicle like leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, seven-speaker monsoon audio system, chromed aluminum 16-inch wheels, XM satellite radio, trailer hitch and universal garage door opener.
The Vortec 3500 DOHC 3.5-liter inline 5 engine on the H3 certainly drives super smooth drive with its amazingly tight wheel radius and superior handling and braking. The suspension is tight too. The independent front suspension with rogsion bars also has multi-leaf spring rear suspension and a traction control system.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser may not be as glamorous as the 4x4s above, but it is perhaps the best deal at just over $20,000 MSRP. Several weeks back, we were astonished when Toyota's funky FJ Cruiser Turned Heads everywhere we went.
