Friday, February 6, 2026

All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is powered by a new 530 horsepower eight-cylinder engine in the Mercedes‑Benz S 580 4MATIC and a new 442 horsepower six‑cylinder engine in the S 500 4MATIC with both engines having a 23 horsepower integrated starter generator that provides support at lower engine speeds. The plug-in hybrid Mercedes‑Benz S 580e 4MATIC combines the new upgraded six-cylinder engine with an electric motor, increasing combined system output by 73 hp over the previous generation powertrain to 576 horsepower. There's standard 4.5-degree rear-axle steering and optional 10-degree rear-axle steering that reduces the turning circle by nearly 6.6 ft. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in parallel with the front wheels. The new S-Class features fourth generation MBUX infotainment that integrates AI from both Microsoft and Google, combining multiple AI agents (Microsoft Bing Search, Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent and ChatGPT4o) and a new MBUX Virtual Assistant. The new MBUX Superscreen, included standard, unites the 14.4-inch central display and the 12.3-inch front passenger display beneath a seamless glass surface. The two new MBUX remote controls for rear passengers provide operation of vehicle functions such as climate control and window shades, as well as the larger 13.1-inch displays of the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. These rear passenger displays also feature integrated HD cameras for video conferencing with Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Webex16.

Genesis X Skorpio Concept

Genesis X Skorpio Concept is an off-road concept vehicle designed to perform across demanding terrain including deserts, is powered by an 1,100 horsepower V8 engine with 850 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle is equipped with 18-inch beadlock wheels paired with custom 40-inch off-road tires. Other concept models optimized for rugged environments include the GV60 Outdoors Concept, GV70 Outdoors Concept and GV80 Desert Edition.

2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata Starts At $31,665

The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata two-seat roadster, offered in Sport, Club, Grand Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, is powered by a 181 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission while Sport and Club models are offered with a manual transmission. Miata has Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, and Secondary Collision Reduction. The MX-5 Miata Sport starts at $31,665 (including $1,235 for destination and handling).

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

2026 Kia Niro EV Starts At $41,195

The 2026 Kia Niro fully electric compact crossover, available in Wind and Wave trim levels, is powered by a 201 horsepower 150kW powertrain delivering a 253 mile range. The Niro EV has dual 10.25-inch displays, featuring Apple CarPlay2 and Android Auto and is equipped with Kia Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spit Collision Warning, and Smart Cruise Control. The 2026 Kia Niro starts at $41,195 (including $1,495 destination). 

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

New Volvo EX60 EV Coming Soon

The new Volvo EX60 five-seater all-electric mid-size SUV, available in seven trim levels, offers three different powertrain variants. The P12 AWD Electric variant offers a range of up to 400 miles, while the P10 AWD Electric has a range of up to 320 miles and the rear-wheel powered P6 Electric variant delivers up to 310 miles of range. The EX60 can add up to 173 miles of range in just 10 minutes when using a 400kW fast charger. In the United States, EX60 customers have direct access to more than 25,000 DC fast chargers on the Tesla Supercharger network without the need for an adapter. The EX60 comes with 10 years of battery warranty. The EX60 is powered by the latest iteration of HuginCore, the Volvo Cars core system that empowers the car to think, process and act. 

The Volvo EX60 Cross Country, which sits 20 millimeters higher off the ground and can add another 20 millimeters of riding height if needed, is now available for pre-orders in some European markets, with more markets to follow later this year. Customers can choose between the all-wheel drive P10 AWD Electric with up to 300 miles of range, followed shortly after by a P12 AWD Electric with longer range.

2026 Subaru WRX Starts At $33,690 This Spring

The 2026 Subaru WRX, offered in Base, Premium, Limited, GT, tS, and Series.Yellow trim levels, is powered by a 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission on all trim levels, except GT. The WRX is equipped with an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus System with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM with 360L and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free trial), HD Radio, Rear-Vision-Camera, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming. WRX is also equipped with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, including models equipped with a manual transmission. On vehicles with a manual transmission, EyeSight® includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Emergency Stop Assist, Lane Departure & Sway Warning, and Pre-Collision Braking. (Pre-Collision Throttle Management is included on models equipped with SPT.)  will arrive at retailers in Spring with a starting price of $33,690 (including $1,195 destination & delivery).

Thursday, January 15, 2026

2026 Mazda CX-5 Starts At $31,485 Soon

The 2026 Mazda CX-5, in its third generation and offered in S, Select, Premium and Premium Plus trim levels, will be powered by a 187 horsepower SkyActiv-G 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) at launch. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Off-Road drive modes, which can optimize the performance of transmission and AWD system for varying driving conditions. The new CX-5 is quieter than the outgoing model and the technology suite features a large driver's display, an available head up display projected on the windshield and 12.9-inch or available 15.6-inch center infotainment display. This latest iteration of the Mazda Connect system is based on Google built-in technology with the ability to handle many in-car controls via voice command. CX-5 2.5 S models will have a starting MSRP of $31,485 (including $1,495 for destination and handling) with vehicles going on-sale in the coming months.

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Coming This Quarter

The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale, powered by a 268 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, features restyled front fascia with new concave scudetto grille with a shortened front overhang that reduces overall length by 0.2 inch. The 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale arrives this quarter.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Priced At $209,700

The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is powered by a 1,064 horsepower twin turbo LT7 5.5L V8 engine and gets 186 horsepower from the eAWD (electric drive unit to generate a total of 1,250 horsepower, sending it to the ground via electrified all-wheel drive. The 2026 Corvette ZR1X began production in December 2025 and has a price tag of $209,700 (including destination).

Hyundai STARIA Electric

The Hyundai STARIA Electric, powered by the 800-volt high-voltage system used in the IONIQ EV models, will be offered at launch as the LUXURY (7-seater) for private, family and leisure use and WAGON (9-seater) for larger families, group travel or shuttle operation. STARIA Electric is equipped with an 84-kWh battery and a 160-kW electric motor driving the front wheels, can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes with an estimated WLTP range of up to 248 miles. STARIA Electric is equipped with Hyundai’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit and will go on sale in Korea and Europe in the first half of 2026, with additional markets to follow. 

2027 Ram Power Wagon Diesel Starts At $88,470 In 2nd Half 2026

The first-ever 2027 Ram Power Wagon with Cummins turbo diesel, available in a 4X4 crew cab configuration with a six-foot, four-inch bed, is powered by 430 horsepower 6.7-liter Cummins HO turbo diesel inline-six engine with the new 3.42 rear axle ratio paired with a TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic transmission.  It is equipped with front and rear electronic-locking differentials, Bilstein shocks, underbody protection, five-link coil rear suspension, Hill Decent Control and disconnecting front stabilizer bar. Power Wagon gains fifth-wheel gooseneck preparation and available Automatic-Leveling Rear Air-Suspension. The 31-gallon fuel tank and diesel efficiency deliver an estimated 600-miles of range. The truck delivers a 26.1-degree approach angle and 26.0-degree departure angle. Strategic underbody packaging yields 13.2-inches of ground clearance and a 20.6-degree breakover angle, complimented by standard Mopar® accessory rock rails to protect the cab and chassis. Inside, a standard 12-inch or optional a 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system, integrated trailer brake controller, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and ParkSense front and rear park assist. Safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-spot Monitoring with trailer coverage, Pedestrian Detection, and Rear Cross Path Detection also come standard. Optional upgrades include Front Passenger Interactive Display, trailer tow and off-road info pages, and premium amplified audio systems from Alpine (9-speaker) or Harman Kardon (17-speaker). The tow rating is nearly 20,000 pounds with a payload capacity of almost 3,000 pounds. 2027 Ram Power Wagon with Cummins turbo diesel arrives in the second half of 2026 at a starting price of $88,470 (including destination). 

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Test Drive: 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus 3-Row SUV

The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus in this review is priced at $52,395 and is powered by a 280 horsepower e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine equipped with M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system and mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission with standard i-Activ AWD. For 2026, the Turbo Premium Plus trim can be configured with either second-row captain's chairs to seat seven or a bench seat for eight people, and a choice of black or white Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel, foot lamp illumination and a 150-volt power outlet in the cargo area. i-Activsense safety features include a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View, Rear View Monitor with reversing guidelines, Smart Brake Support Rear, Smart Brake Support Front Crossing, and Front Cross Traffic Alert. 

We took it on a rainy 380 mile Southern California test drive.

Click to watch video.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Starts At $26,085 In Early 2026

The all-new 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback, powered by a standard 147 horsepower 2.0-liter engine matched with an intelligently variable transmission while the GT-Line Turbo gets the 190 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, starts from $26,085 (including $1,195 destination). The Hatchback offers an available nearly 30-inch total combined digital display comprised of a 12.3” instrument display, 5” climate display, and 12.3” touchscreen infotainment display. Available features include an ultra-wide glass sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, and heated and ventilated front seats in SynTex (in black or red). Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard, while Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround-View Monitor and Parking Distance Warning are available. The K4 Hatchback is expected to arrive at Kia retailers in early 2026 and will be available in standard appearance and GT-Line trims.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Mercedes‑Benz CLA Hybrid

The all-new Mercedes‑Benz CLA hybrid is powered by a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, electrified transmission and lithium-ion battery. The electric motor and its components are integrated into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a new lightweight, compact 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a 1.3-kWh usable capacity powers the electric motor. The CLA hybrid features a large, one-piece fixed panoramic glass roof, an optional floating MBUX Superscreen spans the width of the interior with a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display and 14-inch front passenger display behind a large glass surface. The CLA hybrid closely resembles the all-electric model but has a radiator grille with the Mercedes‑Benz star pattern in chrome. 

2026 Nissan Altima Starts At $28,825

The 2026 Nissan Altima, powered by a 188 horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injection engine, adds the Midnight Edition package for Altima SR which also adds a newly standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging pad. The 2026 Nissan Altima is on sale now with SV and SR grades starting at $28,825 (including $1,245 destination and handling). Both grades are available with a choice of front-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The new SR Midnight Edition package includes a black V-motion grille, two-tone black roof, darkened window trim, black wheels, darkened badges and black 19-inch wheels. The Midnight Edition treatment also equips Altima SR with dual-zone automatic climate control and a moonroof. 

2026 Honda Pilot Starts At $43,690

The 2026 Honda Pilot lineup, with a redesigned front fascia with a larger grille, is powered by a 285 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Every 2026 Honda Pilot now features a new ultra-wide 12.3-inch touchscreen powered by the latest HMI software and a 10.2-inch digital driver display. A power tailgate, previously available on EX-L and above trims, is now standard on all 2026 Pilot models. The Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies include Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot is offered in Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite and Black Edition trim levels which start at $43,690 (including $1,495 destination and handling charge).

2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap, combining the technology of the Sahara and Rubicon models with 4x4 capability, is powered by either the 2.0L turbo or 3.6L engine. This is the second of 12 special-edition Wrangler models in the Jeep brand’s yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series debuts. Orders for the new 2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap are now open, with a starting MSRP of $495 on Rubicon X, $2,690 on Sahara (includes optional body-color hardtop) and $3,185 on Rubicon (includes optional body-color hardtop and body-color fender flares). 

Genesis G90 Wingback Concept

The Genesis G90 Wingback Concept highlights that Genesis intends to extend the Magma program.