It feels like I’ve written this headline a dozen times, but with the names of other automakers instead. One by one, lofty EV goals are toppling like dominoes. We’ve seen brands get swept up in the zero-emissions hype, boldly declaring deadlines to phase out combustion engines, only to quietly walk things back a few years later.

Case in point: Mini. In 2021, the BMW-owned brand announced it would go fully electric by the decade's end. Yeah... that's not happening anymore. The company has come to terms with the reality that gas cars still reign supreme, and will for the foreseeable future. In an interview with Automotive News, Michael Peyton, Mini’s VP for the Americas, admitted the all-electric dream is being put on ice (pun intended).

2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door

“We’re still moving in that direction [an electric-only lineup], but we’ve seen, particularly for North America, ICE is still very much a thing and will be for the foreseeable future. So, we have changed a bit of our approach as a brand [and] going to build ICE longer.”

With that in mind, Peyton added that Mini will continue to spend money on gasoline-fueled cars: “You’ll see investment in new ICE products. We’re going to continue to make sure we’re building products for those customers.” He even floated the idea of a new ICE-powered crossover, one that could fill the gap left by the cancellation of the Aceman for the U.S.

The China-made EV was supposed to come to North America, but tariffs got in the way. With Mini changing its mind and deciding not to make the Aceman at home in Oxford, UK, from 2026 on, the subcompact electric crossover won’t come to the US.  Peyton also ruled out producing the Aceman at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, citing a lack of supplier support for assembling the model locally. The three-door electric Cooper hatchback isn’t coming to the U.S. for similar reasons. Mini even had plans for an electric convertible, but that’s not happening anymore either.

2025 Mini John Cooper Works Aceman

Still, there’s hope for some interesting additions. Peyton hinted at revisiting the idea of a “true” Mini. Maybe something inspired by the Rocketman concept? That would be neat to see. A larger model slotted above the Countryman is also on the table. He did make it crystal clear that a truck is not on the agenda since there isn’t a market for a Mini pickup. It’s worth noting that the original Mini brand from the pre-BMW era did sell two-door trucks.

Mini isn’t the only BMW Group brand that has set its sights on becoming purely electric. Rolls-Royce still intends to drop the venerable V-12 in the early 2030s. BMW hasn’t set such goals, insisting customers shouldn’t be forced to buy EVs. However, the Group estimates that more than 50 percent of annual shipments by 2030 will be represented by cars without combustion engines. However, it believes it can only happen “if certain conditions are in place at that point, such as a comprehensive charging infrastructure.”

Making EVs account for half of sales won't be easy. In 2024, the share of electric vehicles in total BMW Group (including Mini and Rolls-Royce) shipments was only 17.4 percent. It's a notable jump from the 14.7 percent the year before. 2025 is off to a strong start, with EV sales across the three automotive brands rising by 32.4 percent to 109,516 units in the first quarter. That’s 18.7 percent out of 586,149 cars shipped by BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce between January and March.

Other Automakers Have Done The Same:

Source: Automotive News

[UPDATE] In a statement to Motor1, a Volvo spokesperson said the 2026 S90 won't be sold in the United States or Europe: "We currently plan to offer the new S90 in China plus a small number of other key Asian markets."

Aging like fine wine, the Volvo S90 is getting a nip and tuck nearly a decade after its debut. While the brand now offers a fully electric ES90, its largest gasoline-powered sedan is sticking around for the time being. Despite a sales dip of 18.4 percent to 40,210 units in 2024, the numbers are still strong enough to warrant the investment in a second facelift. That suggests Volvo intends to keep the S90 alive for at least a few more years.

The refresh essentially mirrors the updates we saw last September on the XC90. The SUV’s revised grille and matrix LED headlights now make their way to the S90. Subtle changes include a redesigned hood, front bumper, and front fenders. Around back, the taillights have been reshaped and restyled as well. For 2026, Volvo is adding two new paint options, Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red, alongside fresh two-tone alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the S90 receives the XC90's larger 11.2-inch infotainment screen. Because of its size, the new tablet-like display no longer fits flush with the dashboard and now sticks out, which may not please everyone. Yours truly included. On the upside, the cabin benefits from improved sound insulation and now comes standard with adaptive suspension, promising a quieter and cushier ride.

Volvo hasn’t shared full technical specs yet, but it does note that the plug-in hybrid variant can cover 50 miles (80 kilometers) in electric mode based on the WLTP cycle. Some markets will also receive a mild-hybrid gasoline version with front-wheel drive. The Gothenburg-based automaker stopped making cars with diesel engines a little over a year ago.

Don’t look for images of the facelifted V90 in the photo gallery because there aren’t any. Whether the wagon will get these updates is unclear. Volvo sold 9,939 units last year, including the standard V90 and the rugged V90 Cross Country. That’s four times less than the sedan. Some regions, such as The Netherlands, are saying goodbye to the gorgeous estate.

The facelifted S90 will launch first in China this summer, with other markets to follow. However, the United States is unlikely to be among them. That’s because the sedan is built in China, a change made in 2017, which now puts it squarely in the crosshairs of newly announced tariffs under the Trump administration.

Erik Severinson, Volvo's Chief Product and Strategy Officer, says the new-ish luxury sedan will stay for the long haul but only in certain regions: “The S90 is a key part of our product portfolio for the coming years in some of our Asian markets.” Similarly, the XC90 will remain on sale in the foreseeable future.

We've contacted Volvo to find out whether the 2026 S90 will be available in the US and Europe.

Catch Up With Volvo:

Lexus dropped a teaser yesterday for the next-generation ES, confusingly calling the luxury sedan a “global flagship model.” That got us wondering: What does this mean for the LS? Is Lexus preparing to retire its long-running full-size sedan? We reached out to the company for clarification, and representatives from both the European and U.S. branches assured us that the LS is not going anywhere.

Patrick Scheelen, Senior Manager of Lexus Product Communications for Europe, confirmed: “There is no intention for LS discontinuation globally.” Leigh Anne Sessions, Senior Manager of Lexus Communications North America, declared: “In Japan, the word flagship means that it is a core model for the brand, and the ES fits this description, as it was launched at the same time as the LS and is one of our best-selling models globally. We do not have any LS news to share at this time.”

We can all agree that the LS is starting to show its age, having been around in its fifth generation since 2017. Sales have dwindled over the years, prompting Lexus to recently pull the plug in the UK after a 35-year run. Only three units were sold there in 2024, and just 39 since the start of the decade. Homologation and regulatory hurdles also played a role in its departure from Britain, though the LS continues to be available in other parts of Europe and globally.

In the U.S., Lexus sold 2,163 LS sedans in 2024; not stellar, but not the worst in its segment either. The Audi A8 trailed behind with 1,628 units sold, while the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series dominated with 8,809 and 10,714 units, respectively.

The LS isn’t just competing with rival sedans; it also faces pressure from within. The Lexus LM, a luxurious minivan based on the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, quietly cannibalizes sales of the traditional LS range-topper. Although a China-centric product, the LM is also sold in Japan, Australia, India, and select European markets.

Still, we like to believe there’s room for a proper flagship sedan with a classic three-box silhouette. Rumors out of Japan have floated the idea of the LS morphing into something more akin to the Century SUV, but don't Lexus and Toyota already have enough SUVs?

For now, the LS sedan isn’t going anywhere. Whether it stays a traditional luxury sedan or morphs into something radically different remains to be seen, but at least the moniker is still in the picture.

Catch Up With Lexus:

Just when you thought 2025 couldn't get crazier, say hello to the fastest-accelerating production Subaru ever. "Praise be, they brought back the WRX STI," you might be thinking. But there are no STI badges—or WRX badges, even. It's the Subaru Trailseeker, an electric crossover SUV with an eye toward off-roading. It's not supposed to be a pavement scorcher.

Subaru pulled the covers off its new SUV at the 2025 New York Auto Show, looking like a bigger Solterra with some new Outback ruggedness tossed in for good measure. You can read all about it in our Trailseeker debut post. But one thing that went largely under the radar was its performance. Subaru claims the Trailseeker can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds. That's enough to outrun the last WRX STI off the assembly line, It's also ahead of the limited-production STI S209. This SUV is quick.

In defense of internal combustion, it should be a very close race between the Trailseeker and S209. To refresh your memory, it popped up in 2019 with 341 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-pot. By comparison, the Trailseeker has "approximately" 375 combined hp from its dual electric motors, one at each axle.

We assume the Trailseeker is considerably heavier than the old S209. At this time, Subaru isn't specific on details, but being a sizeable SUV with a 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery, it's not a lightweight. But it should be infinitely easier for the Trailseeker to put its power to the ground.

Generally speaking, the S209 reaches 60 mph in the mid-four-second range, but that requires a death-defying clutch drop to engage its six-speed manual transmission. The Trailseeker is basically point-and-shoot, which isn't nearly as much fun as flipping gears. But it is the quick, consistent way to pin people in the seat.

2019 Subaru STI S209

Curiously, Subaru hasn't been talking much about the Trailseeker's performance. With numerous vehicle stats and a final horsepower figure still TBD, it's possible the company could "slow" it down a touch before production begins.

Right now, production is expected to take place in early 2026.

More Subaru News:

Source: Subaru

Genesis stunned us with the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concept cars. Based on the flagship G90 sedan, the two-door concepts previewed a new direction for the Genesis brand. Now the brand's chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke, says at least a G90 coupe is a real possibility for production.

At a New York Auto Show press conference, Donckerwolke said those concepts are real-deal prototypes—not design mockups simply for Genesis to display at an auto show. He also said the G90 platform underneath is totally unmodified, which helps make a better business case for the car. The investment is just in the bodywork, not the expensive stuff underneath.

Genesis X Gran Coupe Concept

"After having tried EV coupes and convertibles, we realized that people were not ready yet," Donckerwolke said. "So we said, 'Okay, let's take an existing platform and make a coupe out of it,' And we noticed that there was no compromise to be made in the design and in the desirability of the product by taking the platform of the G90."

"I'm very positive, and in the next months, we'll show the potential of the demand we will get from the markets, and I hope we'll have good news very soon. But you can believe that I will not let that go."

Later, Motor1 spoke with SangYup Lee, who heads up global design for Hyundai and Genesis, and he echoed Doncerwolke's comments. "When you're talking about a luxury brand, a big coupe and big convertible is really state of the art, the icon of the brand," Lee said.

"We call Genesis an elegant brand, and this is the ultimate athletic elegance."

Genesis hasn't outright confirmed a G90 coupe for production, but the early signs are promising.

The Latest Genesis News

The Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line finally has the power to live up to its name for 2026. The people's brand graced its crossover with a notable horsepower bump through modifications made to its existing turbo inline-four. Newly redesigned without a third row, the third-generation Tiguan is also lighter and more fuel-efficient than before. 

A Huge Power Gain for Volkswagen's Crossover

Under the hood of the Tiguan SEL R-Line is VW's widely used EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque—more than the company's sporty Golf GTI hot hatch. It's a huge 67-hp increase over the Tiguan's base engine, promising a "more sporting character."

The bump in power comes from a bigger turbocharger and higher boost pressure, along with stronger pistons, beefier connecting rods, and a nitrided crankshaft. There are oil squirters for the pistons, and variable intake lifts for the intake and exhaust sides of the engine. Other changes include updates to the intake plenum, intercooler, and lubrication system, including a higher-displacement oil pump.

Best of all, the new engine runs on regular-octane gasoline. No need to spring for the premium stuff.

Tiguan Rides on a Highly Updated Platform

Introduced last year, the third-generation Tiguan is no longer a three-row vehicle, with just five seats available across all trims. The R-Line shown here is shorter and up to 170 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, riding on VW Group's MQB Evo platform. An eight-speed automatic transmission translates torque to the pavement, sending power to all four wheels via VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive.

The R-Line gets 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, and comes available with some fun new color choices, like Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni, and Monterey Blue Pearl. A black roof is standard, adding some contrast to the design.

Inside you'll find the newest version of Volkwagen's infotainment system, with real buttons on the steering wheel (thank goodness) and a gigantic 15-inch infotainment display. It's paired to a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. There's a "Driving Experience Dial" located in the center console to control the volume—a huge step up from the frustrating touch sliders on some of VW's last-gen cars. The dial can also control drive modes and change the ambient lighting.

Pricing and Launch Date

Volkswagen has yet to release pricing for the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line, with more information set to arrive when the car is launched in Fall 2025. Given the upgrades and looming tariff expenses, we expect it to be slightly more expensive than the current car, which starts at $36,880.

More Tiguan Action

A few weeks ago, Nissan confirmed it's bringing an Xterra-inspired EV into production. But what about bringing back the real thing? Burly off-road SUVs have enjoyed a massive jump in popularity since the Xterra ended production in 2015, and that fact has not gone unnoticed at Nissan. They're working hard to bring back Nissan's beloved off-roader, and not as an EV.

"We want to bring an Xterra back, we're working very closely on it," Ponz Pandikuthira Nissan USA's head of product planning in an interview with Motor1 at the New York International Auto Show. He further referenced Vinay Shahani, Nissan USA's head of sales and marketing as also being pro-Xterra.

"Vinay is a huge fan, I'm a huge fan, we're trying to find a way to do it," said Pandikuthira.

They want the new Xterra to live up to the reputation of its forebearers, too. "Xterra stood for something, and that's why it was so successful," Pandikuthira continued. "Everything that you need, nothing that you don't. It's got to be rugged, it's got to be capable, and we think there's a very good way to do this, and it's probably not ideal to bring an EV to replace that."

The thought is that the Xterra-inspired EV Nissan teased a few weeks back will be for people who live in cities and enjoy outdoor activities like camping on the weekend. "For the one who wants to relive the old Xterra, but they're older, they have more money to spend, maybe want a slightly bigger car, we've got a plan in place. Stay close to us and we'll make it happen."

For Shahani, who was previously the Xterra brand manager, this endeavor is almost personal.

"If I look around and see where other OEMs have gone into that space, I feel like that's our rightful place," he told us. And it fills a key spot in Nissan's lineup today. "It's just an iconic vehicle, and when you add it to the lineup we have today, it kind of rounds us out."

Shahani pays close attention to what people say about Nissan on social media, and he said the second most common question he sees is "When is the Xterra coming back?" (The first is the same, but for the GT-R.)

"[Pandikuthira] and I are very aligned on where this brand needs to go, what we need to have in the lineup, and we're excited about the idea of bringing it back, we've just got to create the business case."

If Pandikuthira and Shahani can convince the powers that be, it'll be at least a few years before we'd see a new Xterra. But it's an idea they're both clearly jazzed about. 

More News From Nissan:

If you were holding out on your next supercar purchase for a new Audi R8, you're going to be waiting for a long time. Kjell Gruner, Volkswagen Group of America's new CEO, confirmed there are no plans to revive the legendary all-wheel drive supercar.

No New R8 on the Horizon

"[It's a] product portfolio discussion—what's viable in the market," Gruner told journalists when asked about a new R8 at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday. "A mid-engine, internal combustion engine vehicle, I don't see that on the road map."

The R8 made its debut in 2007, powered by a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that sent power to all four wheels through the company's famous Quattro system. It quickly became a halo vehicle for the brand, eventually gaining a Lamborghini-sourced V-10. A second generation appeared in 2015, gaining new looks but losing its available manual transmission. Production ended last year.

The GTI Is Still Safe, Thankfully

Sad news, yes. But the VW Group's more attainable brands aren't entirely giving up on iconic performance cars. The GTI and the Golf R are here to stay, despite faltering sales in the first quarter of 2025.

"The US market is not a hatchback market," Gruner told journalists. "It evolved over time—there was some time when hatches were cool and then minivans were cool. SUVs are now cool, they can do pretty much everything a customer wants to do. Hatchbacks will never be a huge market in the US, and honestly, they don't need to be for us."

"But with [our] German roots, these fun hatches are crucially important, also from a brand perspective," he added. "Volkswagen is about fun to drive. If you get into a Golf R or a GTI, you get out with a smile on your face. We will continue to be there, absolutely."

Gruner went on to explain the Golf's recent model changeover as the reason for the slow first quarter. The company refreshed the car at the beginning of last year, with 2025 model-year cars starting to reach US shores now. Sales of the GTI dropped 21.6 percent, while the Golf R fell 37.6 percent.

More on the GTI

Ram didn't have a great year in 2024. With tariffs causing general chaos in the auto industry, 2025 isn't looking that great, either. But the company is pushing hard to bring more choices to customers, and Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis recently emphasized just how strong that push will be. In short, get ready for a Ram blitz.

"There are 25 product announcements planned within the next 18 months, and it all starts June 8," Kuniskis announced in a LinkedIn post. "I'm proud to be back, proud to be a part of this team, and more determined than ever to show the world ... nothing stops Ram."

That sounds like a very lofty goal for a company that has just two vehicles in its lineup: Ram trucks and Ram ProMaster vans. But those 25 product announcements obviously won't all be new models. Lest we forget how much Ram likes special-edition pickups. It's safe to assume a good chunk of those announcements will be things like "Built to Serve" editions or wacky color combos.

But, it's also safe to assume there will be some properly big news in there. It's certainly no secret that Kuniskis is making some changes since he came out of retirement last year. Speaking to Motor1 at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, he all but confirmed the return of the Hemi V-8 to the lineup but noted "you can't do it right away." That could be one of the 25 announcements we'll get sooner rather than later, possibly even the first announcement on June 8.

The biggest announcement, however, will be the new Ram mid-size pickup truck. Since the 1500 Classic was discontinued, Ram hasn't had a lower-cost choice for truck buyers and Kuniskis told us he wants "a mid-size truck so bad." And it is happening—a Ram spokesperson confirmed a mid-sizer was in development. We just don't know when it will arrive.

If the company wanted to get the world's attention, that would be the announcement we'd go with on June 8. In any case, expect to hear a whole lot more from Ram in the coming months.

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While much of the automotive industry is focused on the electric revolution, Hennessey Special Vehicles still believes the combustion engine can evolve. The bespoke builder has partnered with Ilmor Engineering to create the world’s most powerful production-spec internal combustion engine ever. It makes a ridiculous 2,031 horsepower.

It’s part of Hennessey’s new Evolution package for the Venom F5. It costs $285,000, includes several other upgrades, and is backward compatible with existing F5s. Mind you, that price is just for the package. You still need a Venom F5 to make it all work.

The latest iteration of Hennessey’s 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 Fury engine has new oval-shaped pistons designed by Ilmor, titanium exhaust valves, lightweight valve covers, and billet aluminum connecting rods. Ilmor and Hennessey’s engineers also added Precision 76/80 Next Gen turbochargers and larger high-flow fuel injectors to feed the beast. Aside from the biblical horsepower, this engine develops no less than 1,445 pound-feet of torque.

The company claims the Venom F5 Evolution can skedaddle from zero to 200 miles per hour in just 10.3 seconds. That’s as quick or quicker than some quarter-mile times.

The Evolution package also includes a new adaptive suspension that Hennessey tuned for each of the available drive modes: Sport, Road, Race, Drag, Wet, and F1, which unleashes the car’s full power.

The company also enhanced the F5’s aerodynamics, working with Formula One and IndyCar aerodynamicist Dr. Mark Handford. The car has a completely redesigned front splitter and significant changes to the car’s underside.

Hennessey added a single dive plane ahead of each front wheel, new tire wake deflectors underneath, and front wheel arch louvres. A new Gurney lip on the rear deck spoiler improves the Venom’s high-speed stability.

The Evolution package also includes additional Touring options to enhance the Venom’s comfort levels, like a carbon-fiber drink holder. Hennessey also added more bolstering to the optional Touring Carbon Seats and customers can opt for a new touring exhaust, too.

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Source: Hennessey Special Vehicles

Those seeking a bit more adventure from the new Outback already have a Wilderness trim to spec up. Debuting with the rest of the seventh-generation Outback family at the 2025 New York Auto Show, the latest Wilderness doesn't stray far from the familiar formula. You get more ground clearance, more badges, and more copper trim.

There's a bit more to it than that, of course. The suspension is tuned specifically for Wilderness; engineers installed acceleration sensors in certain locations to help the electronically controlled dampers better understand the Outback's motions, whether on a trail or highway. This all combines to create more stability in pretty much any situation, though specific focus is given to off-road conditions. It works with an enhanced X-MODE off-road mode to help tackle tough terrain. Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires on 17-inch trim-specific wheels help, too.

The Outback Wilderness has 9.5 inches of ground clearance. That's up from 8.7 on the standard Outback, though Subaru doesn't explain where the extra height comes from. Similarly, Subaru mentions "enforced underbody protection" but stops short of anything related to skid plates. With revised front and rear bumpers, it has an approach angle of 20 degrees, a departure angle of 22.5 degrees, and a breakover of 21.2 degrees.

Everything else on the Outback Wilderness is purely aesthetic. That includes the grille with bold Subaru branding in the middle and copper trim on various exterior bits. The fog lights have it, elements on the taillights have it, and it stands out particularly well on the roof rails. You'll find Wilderness badges on the rear gate and C-pillars, and embroidered on the headrests in the interior. Speaking of inside, the seats are covered in a water-resistant synthetic leather material. That is, unless you get the optional Nappa leather trim.

Power-wise, the Outback Wilderness is only available with the turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder. It makes the same 260 horsepower as the previous model, but torque is up to 277 pound-feet. It goes to all four wheels through a CVT with a simulated eight-speed manual mode, should you so desire.

Pricing for the 2026 Outback Wilderness will be announced closer to its on-sale date, which is currently slated for early 2026.

More Subaru News From New York:

Source: Subaru

The Subaru Outback as we've known it for 30 years is dead. Well, maybe not entirely dead. If you stare long enough at the profile of the 2026 Subaru Outback, there's a hint of station wagon in its big, bulky body. Then again, there's a hint of station wagon in most crossover SUVs. That's what makes them a crossover.

And now, that wholly describes the new seventh-generation Outback. Spy photos tipped us off to the design changes, and with the camouflage removed we see a plethora of chiseled lines and plastic cladding, all designed to give the former wagon a "new, bolder design," according to Subaru. There's newfound symmetry at the front, with a wide rectangular grille flanked by stacked headlights. The lower fascia—thick with dark cladding—holds driving lamps in more rectangular cutouts.

An All-New Design Inside and Out for the Outback

Moving rearward, the sloping roofline of the old model is all but gone. The new Outback retains an upright appearance with larger windows, culminating at the rear hatch with a steeper rake to the window. The D-pillar no longer has sloping glass. Even the wheel arches have awkward, segmented styling similar to the Forester. In some ways, the Forester almost looks more like a wagon than the Outback does now. Is it an improvement from the previous-gen model? The jury's still out.

The interior definitely looks better, though. The big portrait screen is replaced with a landscape-oriented 12.1-inch screen sitting higher on the dash. The driver gets a fresh 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and while they aren't connected, both displays are housed in a single bezel for a clean, symmetrical look. These are standard across all Outback trims, though higher-spec models will enhance the displays with a posh two-tone dash made in part from recycled materials. And button fans rejoice—Subaru adds a bank of tactile controls for climate settings. There's even a big shift stalk in the center console.

The changes aren't just for looks, though. Subaru says the new body creates 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, two more cubes versus the old model. That's largely due to a 2.0-inch increase in roof height. That also leads to more headroom for occupants, though Subaru doesn't have specific dimensions to share right now. We're told that extra sound deadening is used in the roof and headliner, reducing interior noise. And the seats are now mounted directly to the chassis for better long-distance comfort.

New Looks, Same Subaru Powertrain

Underneath those new body panels and securely bolted seats is a familiar Subaru formula. A 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder still turns all four wheels, but it's revised and now makes 180 horsepower. That's two ponies less than the old wagon, but there are two more torques, at 178 pound-feet. Subaru doesn't mention any changes in driving dynamics from the minor tweaks; power goes through a CVT with simulated shifts, if you so choose.

A modified version of the WRX's steering system is tuned specifically for the Outback, with better low-speed control. An updated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system has faster lockup for the center diff. And for those seeking more power, the XT returns with the same turbocharged 2.4-liter four-pot making 260 hp. Torque is up to 277 lb-ft, seven more than last year. It also uses the CVT with a manual mode, though Subaru says its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is updated with a center diff that locks faster, among other small changes.

The new Outback still has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, but you can get factory-installed 19-inch wheels for the first time. As for technology, the company's latest Eyesight driver assist gear is available, including hands-free driving up to 85 mph on approved highways. Apple and Android compatibility are still standard across the line for those who prefer their phones for entertainment and navigation.

Pricing for the 2026 Outback will be announced closer to its on-sale date. That will come in late 2025, launching in Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT and Wilderness trims.

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Source: Subaru

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has finally debuted for the American market. Hyundai revealed the SUV’s new design and powertrains at this year’s New York International Auto Show, but it also took the opportunity to launch a new off-road-oriented trim. It’s called the XRT Pro and is more than just a visual makeover.

It comes with a trim-exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential, and the Palisade XRT Pro has 8.4 inches of ground clearance—one inch more than non-XRT Pro models, according to the company. The automaker also says the SUV has improved off-road angles: 20.5 degrees approach, 22.4 degrees departure, and 18.3 degrees breakover. The trim features a unique lower front fascia and red recovery hooks front and rear.

The XRT Pro is only available with a new 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is standard and features new Mud, Snow, and Sand terrain settings.

Hyundai elevates the XRT Pro’s styling with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels—wrapped in 255/60R18 all-terrain tires. It also features dark XRT exterior trim accents on the grille, cladding, and window surrounds. Inside, the SUV gets H-Tex leatherette seats with heat and ventilation and a heated steering wheel.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro will go on sale early this summer with the rest of the V-6 trims. The Palisade is also available with a new hybrid powertrain. The automaker hasn’t revealed the Pro’s price, but the 2025 Palisade XRT starts at $44,525, including the $1,475 destination charge, and we would expect a more rugged version to cost more.

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Source: Hyundai

We got our first glimpse of the second-generation Hyundai Palisade back in December. It's bigger than the three-row SUV it replaces—2.5 inches longer overall with 2.7 more inches between the wheels. It'll go on sale later this year in America with an all-new design and two new powertrain choices.

The Palisade comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission. That's a bit less than the outgoing 3.8-liter engine that produced 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. The new engine is available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Also new for 2026 is a hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors mounted inside the six-speed automatic transmission. The total output is 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai expects the hybrid Palisade to achieve 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, with an estimated towing capacity of 4,000 lbs.

Hyundai continues to take design risks, with the Palisade featuring bold LED daytime running lights that dominate the flat, upright grille. Despite its wide front, Hyundai says the SUV has a 0.31 drag coefficient. The active airflow shutters in the lower fascia likely help.

The 2026 Palisade also has a completely restyled cabin. Hyundai embeds the dual 12.3-inch screens in the dash while providing a stack of physical buttons underneath. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 15-watt wireless charging pad featuring an integrated cooling fan for faster charging, which should just be the industry standard.

The 2026 Palisade will go on sale later this year, with V-6-powered arriving at dealers early this summer. The hybrid variant will arrive this fall. It'll be available in 10 exterior colors while customers can choose from cloth, leatherette, lather, and Nappa leather upholstery. The 2026 Palisade is also the first Hyundai to launch with the brand's new XRT Pro trim, which receives mechanical upgrades for improved off-road capability.

Hyundai hasn't revealed the SUV's new price, but the 2025 Palisade starts at $38,675, and we don't expect a sizable jump for the new model if it wants to remain relevant in the competitive three-row SUV market.

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Source: Hyundai

Everyone loves black trim. How many cars do you see per day with aftermarket black badges? I see plenty. Kia knows, so it's adding its Nightfall Edition trim to its flagship EV9 three-row electric crossover. And unlike most appearance packages, this one actually comes with a tangible performance boost.

Available on the EV9 Land trim, the Nightfall Edition gets the "Boost" mode from the EV9 GT-Line, which ups torque from 443 to 516 pound-feet temporarily. Power remains the same at 379 horsepower, and Kia quotes a 0-60 MPH figure of 4.5 seconds. Not bad for something with a Kia badge on its nose, and space to fit you, your spouse, and your 2.5 children with ease. 

In addition to the gloss-black trim throughout, the EV9 Nightfall Edition gets new 20-inch wheels in black, naturally. There's also a new exclusive color, Roadrider Brown, which Kia, for some reason, chose not to highlight in the photos it sent out to media. Inside, there's new all-black trim in place of the two-tone interiors you get on other EV9 Land models, with unique trim on the seats.

Kia is also confirming that all 2026 EV9 models will get the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port standard, with an adapter for use on Combined-Charging System (CCS) equipment optional. As a reminder, the US-market EV9 is built at Kia's Georgia plant and eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs, at least while that's still a thing.

We're still waiting on pricing for the 2026 EV9, including the Nightfall Edition, but hopefully it won't be too much more than the previous model given that it's built in the US. 

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Last year, Kia pleasantly surprised us by confirming the new K4 Hatchback was US bound. Now, it's here. Kia pulled the wraps off the production 2026 K4 Hatchback at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, and confirmed US sales will begin later this year. Who said the hatchback was dead?

This is Kia's answer to hatch variants of the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, and perhaps to a lesser extent, the Acura Integra. Buyers may be shifting towards crossovers, but Kia sees enough of a market to roll the dice on a K4 Hatchback here in the states.

It's a very distinctive hatch, with a floating-roof design and rear door handles integrated into the C-Pillar, disappearing from view. The gently tapering roof allows for what Kia claims is best-in-class rear headroom, and the K4 Hatchback also has more rear legroom than any of its rivals. That said, its 22.2 cubic-feet of rear cargo room, while good, can't match the 24.8 cubic-feet of the Honda Civic Hatchback. Remarkably, though, the K4 Hatchback is 11 inches shorter overall than the sedan.

Like the sedan, the K4 Hatchback will be available with two engines, a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 190-hp 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder in the GT-Line Turbo. The former pairs with a continuously variable transmission, while the latter mates with an eight-speed automatic. Both the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo get a unique sporty suspension tune, too, and 18-inch wheels along with other racier styling elements.

Other than the rear cargo area, the interior is basically identical to that of the K4 sedan, with dual 12.3-inch screens for gauge cluster and infotainment. There's a ton of driver-assist systems standard, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while optional on the GT-Line Turbo is Kia's great Highway Driving Assist. 

Kia hasn't confirmed details on trim and pricing yet, so we don't know if the K4 Hatchback will follow the same exact scheme as the sedan. But like for like, expect the Hatchback to cost a bit more than the sedan, which currently starts at $23,165, and climbs to $31,860 for a fully optioned GT-Line Turbo. 

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Just two months after its debut, the Kia EV4 has arrived in the US. Kia brought its new entry-level EV sedan to the New York International Auto Show, and confirmed some US-market specs for its Model 3-fighter. The big one? An estimated 330 miles of range for the long-range Wind model. 

Kia will offer the EV4 in three trims in the US. The base Light gets a 58.3-kWh battery, while the Wind and GT-Line get a larger 81.4-kWh pack. Kia pegs the range for the Light at 235 miles, and while it doesn't have a range estimate for the GT-Line, expect that figure to be less than that of the Wind because of its standard 19-inch wheels in place of 17s. 

Speaking of charging, the US-spec EV4 will come with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, and all variants should be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent on a DC fast charger in about a half hour. Unlike the larger EV6 and EV9, the EV4 uses a 400-volt electrical architecture, which doesn't enable the highest charging speeds, but helps drive costs down. 

All EV4 variants in the US will get a 201-horsepower motor driving the front wheels. This is, again, in contrast to the EV6, which is rear-wheel drive as standard. But like all Kia EVs so far, the EV4 gets Kia's i-Pedal adaptive one-pedal driving mode, and vehicle-to-load capability, so you can power household appliances off the car's high-voltage battery.

Kia hasn't announced pricing yet—understandably, given the fact that that the EV4 is Korean-built—but it says it expects US sales to begin in the first quarter of 2026. We're also still waiting on US details for the EV4's potentially cheaper crossover companion, the EV3. At this rate, the sedan may go on sale first.

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Subaru's first electric vehicle is getting a makeover for 2026. The Solterra, which Subaru co-developed with Toyota, will arrive later this year with new styling, a bigger battery, more power, and a new XT trim.

The standard 2026 Solterra features improved all-wheel drive, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and a 233-hp dual-motor powertrain, making 18 more horsepower than the 2025 model. The new XT trim also has two motors, but the system produces 338 horsepower, which Subaru claims will send the EV from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds. Nice.

The five-seat crossover also has a 74.7-kilowatt-hour battery, larger than the 72.8-kWh pack listed for the 2025 model. The updated Solterra comes with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port as standard, allowing it to access thousands of Tesla Superchargers. You'll be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 35 minutes at up to 150 kilowatts.

Subaru also added a new battery preconditioning system. The updated Solterra, which is debuting at the New York auto show, can now drive more than 285 miles on a charge, significantly more than the 227-mile rating for the 2025 model.

The Solterra has an updated design, too. Subaru revamped the front fascia, giving the Solterra its new EV lighting signature and an illuminated logo. It also has new headlights, a restyled bumper, and new wheel designs in 20- and 18-inch sets. 

The only noticeable change at the rear is the new Subaru wordmark between the taillights, replacing the brand's six-star logo. Don't worry, it still has the stylish roof spoiler. Specific 2026 Solterra models will even have color-matching front fenders, giving it a less rugged appearance. The new styling tones down the outgoing model's aggressiveness, but it still looks awkward in places, like below the headlights. 

Inside, the Subaru gets a reconfigured center console and a new 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. It comes standard with Subaru EyeSight, which includes a suite of safety features such as pre-collision braking, front cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Subaru will announce the Solterra's pricing closer to its on-sale date, which will happen sometime later this year. The 2025 Solterra starts at $39,915, which includes the $1,420 destination charge. Subaru Solterra sales jumped 172.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025. The addition of more power, more range, and a better battery should only help ... so long as the new looks don't hurt.

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Source: Subaru

Subaru's second-ever electric car is here. Meet the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, a rugged SUV with standard all-wheel drive designed to sit above the existing Solterra. 

The Trailseeker shares much of its design with the refreshed Solterra, with a longer and taller body. There's more cargo room, more headroom, and a flat floor for more legroom. Underneath you'll find a similar drivetrain setup, but the Trailseeker gets a Tesla-style NACS charging port as standard, unlocking access to more than 15,000 Superchargers throughout North America.

Specs, Performance, and Range

The 74.7-kWh battery found in the floor of the Trailseeker is the same unit found in the Solterra, delivering power to two electric motors, one at the front and another at the back. Subaru says the two motors make "approximately" 375 horsepower combined. That's enough for an estimated 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, and "more than" 260 miles of range.

The Trailseeker gets 8.3 inches of ground clearance—the same as the Solterra—and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. Where it differs most is shape; the Trailseeker is six inches longer and nearly an inch taller than the Solterra, with more space to stash your stuff.

Design and Interior

The Trailseeker shares much of its looks with the smaller Solterra. The two cars, introduced Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show, have a new corporate fascia with a six-star illuminated logo, new headlights, and a new bumper shape. Out back there's a new three-dimensional logo, while 18- and 20-inch wheels are available. There's also black plastic cladding all around to exude a sense of adventure. Whether buyers see it that way remains to be seen.

Inside, the Trailseeker gets a huge 14-inch infotainment touchscreen mounted horizontally. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are, of course, standard, as is Subaru's suite of EyeSight driver-assistance features. Below the screen you'll find two wireless phone chargers. The rear occupants, meanwhile, get USB-C charging ports.

Pricing

Subaru has yet to release pricing for the Trailseeker. The company says MSRP, along with more concrete numbers for horsepower and range, will be revealed closer to its on-sale date in early 2026.

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Genesis is at it again, making promising concepts that leave us hoping for a production version. Recent efforts have revolved around a stunning coupe and convertible G90 duo, whereas the new X Gran Equator is radically different. The concept debuts this week at the New York Auto Show, making us wonder whether Hyundai’s luxury division is coming after the Rivian R1S or the electric Mercedes G-Class.

Although Genesis doesn’t explicitly say it’s an EV, the fully enclosed underbody and absence of an exhaust suggest there’s no gas engine, despite the imposingly long hood. Is it a wagon or an SUV? We reckon it’s somewhere in between, reminiscent of the Audi Steppenwolf concept from 25 years ago. The X Gran Equator apparently “defies traditional SUV conventions” and features a practical split tailgate, a rare feature in today’s cost-cutting era.

The latest concept is a significant departure from the GV90-previewing Neolun introduced at last year’s show in the Big Apple. Genesis doubles down on its signature “two lines” lighting motif, with dual strips extending nearly the entire width of the fenders. Everything about the X Gran Equator is supersized, including its 24-inch beadlock wheels.

The massive alloys may not be ideal for overlanding, but automakers tend to exaggerate details on concept cars. Should a production version happen (fingers crossed), Genesis will likely opt for more resonable wheels to suit off-road driving. The intricate spoke design, mirrored on the roof rails, looks great, but surely they're a pain to clean.

Instead of a giant panoramic roof, the X Gran Equator gets a four-piece glass layout, which recalls the Ineos Grenadier’s dual-panel setup. While the front doors have pop-out handles, the rear ones don't. Accessing the back doors appears to be done by pressing a small rectangular button mounted on the C-pillars.

Inside, it’s refreshing to see Genesis resisting the urge to slap in a tablet and call it a day. There’s no oversized center screen; instead, four digital dials sit in the middle of the dashboard. Three smaller round displays in front of the driver serve as the instrument cluster. The center console features a small selection of physical buttons, including one for an off-road mode.

Genesis imagines the X Gran Equator strictly as a four-seater, with large center consoles between the seats incorporating grab handles, also found on the B-pillars and the passenger side of the dash. The door handles sit unusually low, while the traditional glovebox has been replaced by dual boxes with leather straps.

We’re curious about the switches on the roof, likely used to open the four glass roof sections, unless they control sunblinds. Other neat touches include swiveling front seats and a terrain mode selector on the steering wheel. The interior is notably more restrained than some of Genesis' recent concepts, which may suggest a road-going model is being considered.

Still, the brand says the X Gran Equator is "not confirmed for production." However, some of its features, like the split tailgate and roof rails, could make their way onto a car you can actually buy.

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