Wednesday, September 10, 2025

2026 Lexus IS 350 Coming In Early 2026

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 sedan, available in F SPORT Design and F SPORT grades, powered by a 311 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with the rear-wheel drive model using an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, while the AWD version sends power through a six-speed automatic. The Lexus Interface has been enlarged to 12.3 inches and the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver has also been increased to 12.3 inches. Every model comes equipped with the Lexus Premium Sound system, featuring a standard 10-speaker configuration while a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is available as a factory option. For 2026, the IS comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. The new model will go on sale in early 2026.

2026 Honda Ridgeline Starts At $42,090 Now

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline, available in four all-wheel drive trim levels, is powered by a 280 horsepower V6 engine that can tow up to 5,000 pounds. New for 2026, Ridgeline Black Edition is available with contrasting black roof. The Ridgeline starts at $42,090 (including a $1,495 destination charge) for the Ridgeline Sport. The new TrailSport-exclusive color Ash Green Metallic is pictured above. .


Polestar 5 Starts At $140,000 In Europe

The Polestar 5 four-door performance Grand Tourer is powered by an in-house developed electric rear motor that contributes up to 450 kW and 660 Nm to the Polestar 5 Performance’s 650 kW and 1,015 Nm total power output. For increased efficiency the rear motor of the Polestar 5 can disconnect, and the Polestar 5 Dual motor can achieve up to 415 miles on a single charge while the Polestar 5 Performance can drive for up to 350 miles. An 800 V electrical architecture, the first of its kind on a Polestar vehicle allows the Polestar 5 to charge at up to 350 kW on a suitable DC charger. The 10-80% battery charge benchmark can take as little as 22 minutes. Polestar 5 performance Grand Tourer on sale now priced from EUR 119,900 ($139,230) in Germany for Polestar 5 Dual motor and EUR 142,900 ($167,193) for Polestar 5 Performance including fees. Polestar is a Swedish electric car brand.

2026 Toyota Highlander Starts At $46,765 In November

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is powered by a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a direct shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with selectable drive modes that include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes in XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades. The XLE grade has standard mechanical All Wheel Drive. The XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades have Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. All Highlander 2.4-L turbo gas powered models have a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators for 243 net combined horsepower for a manufacturer-estimated 35 combined MPG rating and will be equipped with Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand AWD system and have up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. There's standard three row Seating for up to seven with an optional bench seat for up to eight (XLE and Limited Grades). Highlander has standard three zone climate control, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and the choice of 8.0-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen, which run the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The 2026 Highlander lineup is expected to start arriving at U.S. Toyota dealerships this coming November. MSRP will start at $46,765 for the gas XLE grade and $48,515 for hybrid XLE grade (including $1,495 dealer processing and handling fee). 

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid test drive video.

BMW iX3 Arrives Summer of 2026

The BMW iX3 fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle is powered by the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology with a range of up to 400 miles (estimated range of up to 400 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards). The new BMW iX3 will launch the new BMW design language, which will expand across the whole of BMW’s range as new models and variants are introduced. The BMW iX3 is the first series-production model in which BMW Panoramic iDrive redefines the user experience. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors which generate a combined output of 463 horsepower. The 17.9-inch Central Display with matrix backlight technology features a further improved version of the QuickSelect menu structure to enable optimum operation of functions and content by touch. The new BMW iX3 can be ordered from launch with an optional M Sport package. The market launch of the new BMW iX3 will commence in the US in the Summer of 2026.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Starts At $40,330

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 crossover offers CX-90 3.3 Turbo models that are a powered by the 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. CX-90 3.3 Turbo models have an EPA estimated 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The CX-90 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) is equipped with the e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain comprised of a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that is mated to an electric motor with a 17.8kWh high-capacity battery, producing 323 horsepower with an all-electric range of up to 26 miles. All CX-90 PHEV models can tow up to 3,500 lbs. when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $40,330 (including $1,530 for destination and handling) and the CX-90 PHEV Preferred starts at $52,025.

2026 Honda Prelude Coming Late Fall

The 2026 Honda Prelude is powered by two large electric motors combined with a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle direct injection gasoline engine that delivers combined system output of 200 horsepower. The 6th-generation Prelude marks the debut of Honda S+ Shift. Prelude features includes 2+2 Seating with 60/40 split fold-down rear seat 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™ compatibility WiFi Hotspot capability, wireless phone charger, 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system, Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, Post-Collision Braking System and blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 2026 Prelude, available in one well-equipped trim, is set to arrive at Honda dealerships nationwide this late Fall.

Audi Concept C

The Audi Concept C, an all-electric two-seat sports car, has a 10.4-inch foldable center display that provides users with relevant information in an intuitive way.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Test Drive: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium Grade

The 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium, powered by a 278 horsepower 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder i-FORCE engine mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission, has a part-time 4-Wheel powertrain and starts at $56,920 in the U.S. The 4Runner utilizes Toyota’s TNGA-F global platform shared with the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. TRD Off-Road has high strength under body protection, 18” wheels, 33” all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks® and Multi Terrain Select with Crawl control. TRD Off-Road Premium adds a Multi-Terrain Monitor, SofTex-trimmed power seats, 14-inch audio multimedia touchscreen with JBL premium audio, the JBL FLEX portable speaker, hands-free power lift gate, TRD shift knob and heated steering wheel. 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. 

Click to view video. 

Sunday, August 31, 2025

2026 Lexus NX 350 Starts At $45,470

The 2026 Lexus NX 350 is powered by a 275 horsepower 2.4L turbo engine connected to an eight-speed transmission with an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined rating. The NX 350h (FWD/AWD) pairs the D4-S fuel injection 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with up to two high-torque electric drive motor-generators producing 240 combined system horsepower delivering a combined EPA estimated rating of 40 MPG. The NX 450h+ (AWD) has an EPA-estimated 37-mile range rating on electric power only and an EV output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine for an EPA-estimated combined 84 MPGe rating. For 2026, the NX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Proactive Driving Assist. NX 350h models are now available with Front-Wheel Drive. F SPORT Handling grade now available on all powertrain configurations and the new Premium grade is available on 450h+ model. Starting MSRP is $45,470 (including DPH).

CONCEPT AMG GT XX

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is powered by three axial flux motors and a direct-cooled battery, technologies that will enter production next year in the upcoming new high-performance AMG.EA architecture. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX introduces a range of innovations that include an augmented reality racing helmet, ergonomic 3D seat pads and novel biotechnology-based materials. Exterior highlights include illuminated paint elements along the sides of the vehicle, headlights with integrated speakers and the MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear of the car.

2026 Subaru Forester Starts At $31,445

The sixth-generation 2026 Subaru Forester, offered in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and newly added Wilderness, is powered by a revised 180 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine utilizing a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission. The Forester has standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru dual 7.0-inch Multimedia System touchscreens handle infotainment with USB-based Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming, AM/FM radio, Rear-Vision Camera, illuminated USB-A charge port, SiriusXM and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free trial of SXM Platinum Plan included), and HD Radio®. Standard on every 2026 Forester, the latest version of EyeSight® that can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. Additional available safety features include Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and Emergency Lane Keep Assist. The 2026 Subaru Forester SUV starts at $31,445 (including $1,450 destination and delivery) this Fall. The new 2026 Forester Wilderness (pictured) has a starting price of $39,835.

2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Starts At $25,375 This Fall

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, available in the SE, FX Edition and XSE, is powered by a 169 horsepower 2.0L Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine with up to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined rating. The 2026 Corolla Hatchback comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen equipped with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system and Blind Spot Monitor w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is now standard across all grades. MSRP will start at $25,375 (including $1,195 DPH) for the SE grade. For 2026, there will be 1,600 Corolla Hatchback FX Editions assembled for the U.S. with the spirit of the legendary FX16. This special edition is based on the SE grade, adding a black vented sport wing, 18-inch gloss white-finished alloy wheels with black lug nuts, a heritage-inspired rear badge reminiscent of the original FX16 from the 80s and black Sport Touring Seats with suede inserts and orange stitching, The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this Fall.

2026 Nissan Kicks Starts At $23,925 Now

The 2026 Nissan Kicks, offered in S, SV and SR grades, is powered by a 141 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder inline engine mated to an Xtronic transmission. For 2026, Kicks S adds a standard 12.3-inch infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ and two front USB-C ports. A new Cold Weather package for Kicks SV and SR grades conveniently bundles heated front seats, heated mirrors and rear floor heater ducts, an ideal option for those in cooler climates. The 2026 Nissan Kicks is on sale now starting at $23,925 (including $1,495 destination and handling).

2026 Lexus RX Coming Later This Year

The 2026 Lexus RX adds the RX 450h+ Premium grade giving it Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F SPORT Handling, F SPORT Performance and F SPORT Design trim levels. A wireless charger is now standard on all models. The RX 350 (FWD/AWD) is powered by a 275 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a short-ratio eight-speed Direct Shift-8AT. The RX 350h (AWD) has a hybrid motor coupled with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with 246 total system horsepower. The RX 450h+ (AWD) is powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery paired with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (shared with NX), for a manufacturer-estimated combined 85 MPGe rating and an EPA-estimated 38-mile driving range rating on electric power only. The RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD hybrid combines a 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and integrated Power Control Unit and electric motor together producing 366 horsepower. The 2026 RX is expected to arrive in dealerships later this year.

Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept

The new Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept all-wheel drive Minivan, has a large cargo floor panel instead of third-row seats for storage or sleeping. Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept features a suspension lift above the standard Pacifica Limited AWD model of 2.75 inches in front and 2.5 inches in rear. Other features include Off-road 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch Foreshadow wheels, Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform roof storage rack, Roof-mounted auxiliary TYRI LED lighting, Roof-mounted ARB retractable awning, Baja Designs LP4 LED fog lamp pods, paint protective wrap on lower-body panels and Mopar splash guards.

2026 Subaru Outback Starts At $36,445 Later This Year

The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback SUV, available in Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trim levels, is powered by a 180 horsepower  2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine or a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine in the Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness models. All engines are paired to a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 8-speed manual shift mode and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Outback introduces an all-new 12.1-inch Subaru Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, paired with a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster on all trim levels. Starting at $36,445 (including $1,450 Destination and Delivery), the 2026 Subaru Outback will be available at retailers nationwide starting later this year.

2026 Lexus TX Starts At $57,090

The 2026 Lexus TX, offered in Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT Handling, F SPORT Performance Premium, and F SPORT Performance Luxury grades, is powered by a 275 horsepower 2.4L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder on the TX350, a 366 total system horsepower 2.4L turbocharged hybrid on the TX500h, and a 404 total system horsepower 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid on the TX550h+. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on all 2026 TX models and includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, and All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. For LSS+ 3.0, the new Curve Speed Management feature is added to manage speed in curves when cruise control is engaged and may lower vehicle speed if needed. Lane Tracing Assist, Emergency Driving Stop System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Panorama Glass Roof now standard on TX 550h+. Starting MSRP is $57,090 (including DPH).

2026 Mazda3 Starts At $26,785

The 2026 Mazda3, powered by a 186 horsepower SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 L engine or a 250 horsepower turbo mated to either a SKYACTIV®-MT 6-Speed Manual Transmission or a SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with manual-shift mode and Sport mode. Front-wheel drive is standard, with i-Activ all-wheel drive available on select trims. The interior features an 8.8-inch center display with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, push button start, a remote keyless illuminated entry, a rearview camera, two front USB-C inputs, air conditioning, Bluetooth®, and now a standard eight-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio system. LED lighting is standard across both variants, as are body-colored side mirrors with LED turn signals, and 16-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels. Both sedan and hatchback models will arrive at dealerships this Summer starting at $26,785 (including $1,235 for destination and handling).

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, limited to just 33 units worldwide, is powered by a 630 horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that goes 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds to a top speed of 207 mph.