USSV Rhino GX Executive is tough on the outside, luxurious on the inside

By Stephen Edelstein Published January 22, 2018

If you think the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is too subtle, give U.S. Specialty Vehicles (USSV, for short) a call. The California-based company converts Jeep Wranglers and Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks into flashy SUVs that would make John Rambo proud.

The USSV Rhino GX Executive is the company’s ultra-luxury model. Like the “entry-level” Rhino GX, the Executive is based on the previous-generation Ford Super Duty. In fact, you can still see Super Duty headlights poking out of its militaristic bodywork. But while it may look like it was built for a war zone on the outside, the Executive is more like a private jet on the inside.

Recommended Videos

In the back, the Rhino GX Executive sports two power-reclining bucket seats with built-in ottomans. In between the two chairs sits a touchscreen for controlling infotainment functions. A 40-inch screen is mounted on a partition between the rear seating area and the front. An intercom allows rear-seat passengers to converse with the driver. USSV also offers the option of a sunroof and satellite TV hookup.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The Executive is nearly 19 feet long, but USSV says it only seats five people. Depending on how you look at it, this gargantuan vehicle is either the ultimate limousine, or the ultimate poster child for space inefficiency. We’re guessing USSV’s customer base doesn’t care much about practicality.

Supporting that bulk is the chassis from a Ford F-450 Super Duty, and buyers get engine options pulled from Ford as well. Choices include a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, or a 6.8-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline V10. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. All Rhino GX models ride on 20-inch wheels with 38-inch Toyo Open Country M/T off-road tires.

Unlike more conventional luxury SUVs, the Rhino GX Executive doesn’t offer much in the way of personalization options. It only comes in three colors: black, tan, and military green. The leather interior is available in black, or a two-tone scheme of black and either red or tan. If you want more options, buy a Bentley Bentayga.

USSV won’t quote a price for the Rhino GX Executive, but it does require a 25 percent deposit for U.S. customers, and a 50 percent deposit for international customers.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025

Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Cars

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?

Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while it's larger than the Tesla Model Y, it's also likely to be a little more expensive.

The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; it's big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, it's clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, you'll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.

Cars

Volvo EX90 vs Tesla Model Y: Is Tesla’s cheaper EV also better?

2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

The Volvo EX90 is finally here. The all-electric Volvo SUV was first unveiled a few years ago, but after some delays, the sleek Scandinavian vehicle is now available for order. As an electric SUV, it will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. However, it will also have to compete with the most popular electric vehicle out there: the Tesla Model Y.

There are some clear differences between the two vehicles. While the Volvo EX90 is noticeably larger, the Tesla Model Y is significantly cheaper. Should you spend the extra cash for Volvo’s electric SUV, or should you opt for the Tesla?
Design
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two vehicles lies in their design. The EX90 is more of a traditional SUV, featuring a big, boxy build that’s larger than the arguably crossover-sized Tesla Model Y. Beyond basic dimensions, however, there are plenty of other design differences. For instance, the Volvo EX90 has a more traditional appearance compared to the Model Y, which, despite being on the market for some time, remains relatively unique when compared to vehicles from other manufacturers. That’s not to say the EX90 looks dated — on the contrary, it’s sleek and stylish, showcasing Volvo’s signature design.