The Rhino GX Executive SUV: Really

Are you the sort of person who likes to roll in a vehicle that looks like it can withstand the impact of an FIM-92 Stinger missile yet like to have all of the comforts of a high-end vehicle?

If so, you might be interested in the USSV Rhino GX Executive Model from Rancho Cucamonga, California-based U.S. Specialty Vehicles.

The Rhino GX is based on a Ford F-450 SuperDuty chassis. The roll cage body structure is produced with dual-layer cold steel. There are steel body panels and composite fenders and bumpers. It comes with a 6.7-liter Powerstroke V8 turbodiesel or a 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine. Both are mated to a five-speed automatic.

The vehicle, which nominally seats five, but four are going to be going in individual comfort in the premium leather luxury power seats, is sizable, measuring 225 inches long, 96 inches wide, 88 inches high (there are heavy-duty running boards), and has a 140.8-inch wheelbase.

In addition to the leather, chrome and wood found throughout the cabin, there are such things as a 40-inch TV that is fed by a KVH TRAC Vision A9 satellite receiver.

There are knurled grab handles, LED light bars, and 38-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires wrapped around 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.

The exterior colors are “Stealth Black,” “Tactical Green” and “Desert Sand.”

All of which leads to a question found on the USSV FAQ page on its website: “Is it armored?”

Answer: “No. Armoring is optional, and will be done by a certified third party.”

At the very least one would probably have to look at replacing the glass with something a little more robust, given the way the Rhino GX appears.