All-New 2026 Lexus ES Coming In March 2026

The all-new 2026 Lexus ES 350h is powered by Toyota's sixth-generation 2.5-liter hybrid system with an integrated eAxle combining the power control unit and transaxle. The all-new BEV models are the ES 350e, with a manufacturer-estimated range rating of 300 miles when equipped with 19” wheels and the 500e. The ES is the first Lexus model to receive the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. Featuring a 14-inch touchscreen display, the system includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity. The all-new ES is the second of three new Lexus BEV models scheduled to debut by March 2026.

2025 Kia EV6 Starts At $44,375

The 2025 Kia EV6 is refreshed for the new model year with updates to its front and rear design and a larger 63.0 kWh standard battery pack in the Light trim and a larger 84.0 kWh standard long-range battery pack in the Light Long-Range trim, with a Kia-estimated 319 miles of range in RWD configurations. The standard dual 12.3-inch display setup integrates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. Kia’s next-gen Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system supports OTA5 updates, streaming, gaming, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The EV6 Light starts at $44,375 (includes $1,475 destination) and the EV6 Light Long Range RWD starts at $47,675. The EV6 GT with standard 601 horsepower and up to 641 horsepower in GT mode starts at $65,275.

Test Drive: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia

The first-ever 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, available XLE and Limited grades, is powered by 240 net system horsepower hybrid system with an EPA-estimated combined 38 MPG rating and can tow up to 2,700 pounds. The station wagon-like crossover SUV is larger than both the Venza and Rav4 and as luxurious as a Lexus. Richard Saxton reviews the Crown Signia.

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Genesis X Gran Equator Concept

 

All-New 2026 Subaru Outback Goes On Sale Late 2025

The all-new seventh-generation 2026 Subaru Outback, available in Premium, Limited, Touring, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trim levels, is powered by a revised 180 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired to a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 8-speed manual shift mode or a 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine available on Outback XT models and exclusive to Outback Wilderness. Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, and adds an all-new 12.1-inch touchscreen center display paired with 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster standard on all models. Outback gets a 2-inch taller roofline to offer 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 2 cubic feet more than its predecessor. The 2026 Subaru Outback goes on sale in late 2025.

New 2026 Hyundai Palisade Arrives Early Summer

The new 2026 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV, 2.5 inches longer overall and with an all-new exterior, is powered by either a newly developed 287 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 direct-injected engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a two-chamber torque converter or a 329 total horsepower hybrid that combines a 258 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine with two electric motors mounted in the six-speed automatic transmission’s case adding up to 90 horsepower expected to achieve 30+ mpg on the highway for an internally targeted range of up to 619 miles. The hybrid powertrain also offers an estimated 4,000 lbs. of maximum towing capacity. New available convenience technologies are first- and second-row Relaxation seating, 100-watt capable USB-C ports, and factory-installed tow hitch plus new safety technologies include built-in dual-camera Dash Cam, ten airbags, third-row seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters. The 2026 Palisade supports the latest version of Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium4 which allows owners to leave their key fob at home and use a supported smartphone or smartwatch to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle. The suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Forward Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The 2026 Palisade are set to arrive at Hyundai dealers in early Summer.

The all-new 2026 Palisade XRT PRO is powered by a newly developed 287 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter. The HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on XRT PRO is targeting a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.  XRT PRO has 8.4 inches of ground clearance, one inch more than non XRT PRO models.

2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition Coming In The 2nd Quarter

The 2026 Kia EV9 Nightfall Edition, with the 379 horsepower generated from its dual motors, features a standard Boost function that increases torque from 443 lb.-ft to 516 lb.-ft. Offered on the dual-motor Land AWD trim with 6-passenger and available 7-passenger seating configurations, the EV9 Nightfall Edition has Gloss Black, including new exclusive 20-inch Gloss Black wheels with dark Kia emblem, wrapped in 275/50R-20 all-season tires. The EV9 Nightfall is available with a 60/40 split-fold second row bench that increases seating capacity to seven. The all-electric EV9 now qualifies for the federal EV tax credit. Sales are anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

2026 Kia EV4 sedan Arrives 1st Quarter 2026

The all-new 2026 Kia EV4 sedan, based on a 400V Electric Global Modular Platform which underpins multiple Kia EV models, offers a choice of a standard 58.3 kWh battery (Light) or long-range 81.4 kWh battery (Wind, GT-Line). Both battery configurations provide power to a front-mounted 150 kW motor. The front wheel-drive EV4 Light and Wind models have an all-electric Kia-estimated range of 235 miles and 330 miles, respectively. The EV4 is capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent charge in an estimated 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh (Light) battery and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh (Wind, GT-Line) battery. The EV4 has a nearly 30-inch total combined wide-screen display, comprised of dual 12.3-inch screens and five-inch climate display. The EV4 is expected to be available in Light, Wind and GT-Line trim levels when it arrives in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2026.

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Coming Late This Year

The 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback is powered by a standard 47 horsepower 2.0-liter engine matched with an intelligently variable transmission or an available 190 horsepower 1.6-liter, turbocharged engine. The K4 Hatchback’s driver cockpit is designed around a dual digital display7 that spans nearly 30 inches, combining an intuitive layout with the technology of Kia’s available Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system. Available features include ultra-wide glass sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, heated and ventilated front seats2 dressed in SynTex (in black or red) complement. 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 launch in the U.S. late 2025 and will be available in standard appearance and GT-Line trims.

2026 Subaru Solterra BEV Arrives Later This Year

The new 2026 Subaru Solterra is powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an estimated range of more than 285 miles, up more than 25 per cent compared to the outgoing model. The 2026 Solterra adds more powerful front and rear motors to make 233 horsepower while for the first time, a Solterra XT trim level adds more powerful dual electric motors that combine to make 338 horsepower. A new all-wheel drive system integrates independent front and rear motor outputs. The 2026 Solterra’s new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack charges from 10% to 80% in less than 35 minutes at speeds up to approximately 150 kW. Standard NACS charging ports will allow Subaru EV owners to charge at more than 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North Americai. At home, the Solterra offers convenient Level 1 or Level 2 charging compatibility. The 5-seat SUV includes 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Pricing and detailed specifications for the 2026 Subaru Solterra will be available when it goes on sale later this year.

2026 Subaru Trailseeker BEV Coming Early Next Year

The all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is powered by a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion, high-capacity battery, delivering more than 260 miles of range from a single charge. Trailseeker comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive from two powerful electric motors placed on the front and rear axles, making approximately 375 horsepower and offering towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. For off-road, Trailseeker is equipped with X-MODE® Dual-Mode System with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud Modes, Grip Control and Downhill Assist Control. The standard 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. All models are equipped with a suite of EyeSight® driver-assistance technologies, including Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, a panoramic view monitor, Emergency Stop Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. Pricing and detailed specifications will be available closer to launch in early 2026. 

All-New 2026 Audi A6 Coming In 2nd Half 2025

The all-new 2026 Audi A6, 2.36 inches longer than the previous model, is powered by a 362 horsepower 3.0L TFSI, 6 cylinder engine with quattro® All-Wheel Drive mated to a 7-Speed S tronic Dual-Clutch Transmission. The A6 has the Audi virtual cockpit with an 11.9-inch display diagonal and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display with the optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, which is integrated into the dashboard design. More information will follow closer to the U.S. on-sale date in the second half of 2025.

2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon Coming Later This Year

The new 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon has 577 total combined horsepower from a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and permanently excited synchronous electric motor powers. The optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which adds RACE START, delivers 604 horsepower from a 161 horsepower electric motor integrated into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and a 400-volt, 28.6-kWh battery at the rear of the vehicle below the trunk floor. The battery is designed with a 21.2-kWh usable capacity for everyday driving, while the remaining energy is reserved for electric boost during dynamic acceleration. The AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon will be arriving at U.S. dealerships later in 2025.

2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe Starts At $40,775 Mid-Year

The new two-wheel-drive 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe is powered by the same 241 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine found in the 228 xDrive Gran Coupe and starts at $40,775 (including $1,175 destination and handling). The 228 Gran Coupe benefits from all of the enhancements and refinements introduced on the xDrive model last fall, including the standard M Sport exterior design, standard Adaptive M Suspension, BMW Curved Display running BMW Operating System 9, and available systems for automated driving and parking. Deliveries of the 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe are expected to commence in mid-2025.

2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 Has More Range

The 2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 will have an increased range up to 310 miles and the xDrive40 up to 278 miles depending on wheel size. The improvements are due largely to the use of silicon carbide semiconductor components in the power electronics (SiC inverters), as well as optimized wheel bearings that reduce friction and rolling resistance.

Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Arrives Later This Year

The new limited Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition, based on the 2026 AMG CLE 53 Coupe and Cabriolet with specially curated exteriors, is powered by a 443 horsepower AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine equipped with an exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The Coupe is finished in MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno paint and yellow AMG graphics and has 20-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in black with yellow rim flanges while the Cabriolet has AMG-exclusive MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno paint, highlighted by black and blue AMG graphics along with 20-inch AMG Multi-Spoke Y-Design wheels with black accents. This special model arrives at U.S. dealerships later this year and will be available to U.S. customers in limited numbers. 

All-New Second-Generation Hyundai NEXO Coming Later This Year

The all-new second-generation Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and has increased total output from 135 kW to 190 kW while the battery’s output has doubled from 40 kW to 80 kW. The hydrogen fuel cell stack now delivers maximum gross power of 110 kW, a 16 percent increase, while the new electric motor provides up to 150 kW. By adjusting motor output, the e-Handling system optimizes grip, boosting steering response and stability. The rear doors open wider than the previous-generation making it easier to get in and out. The NEXO targets more than 434 miles of range from a five-minute charge. NEXO has a 12.3-inch driver information cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment monitor. It will be available in Creamy White Pearl, Phantom Black Pearl, Amazon Gray Metallic, Ocean Indigo Matte, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, and Goyo Copper Pearl colors. NEXO is coming to global markets later this year.

2026 Toyota Crown

The 2026 Toyota Crown, available in XLE, Limited, Nightshade and Platinum grades, has 340 net combined horsepower from front and rear electric motors paired with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and mated to a direct-shift 6-speed automatic transmission delivering an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined city/highway fuel economy rating. The XLE, Limited and Nightshade grades are equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System that pairs front and rear electric motors with a 2.5-liter engine for an EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined city/highway rating. All-Wheel Drive Toyota Hybrid System and Hybrid MAX is available only on the Platinum grade. All Toyota Crown models feature the Toyota Audio Multimedia system and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, which users can interact through touch and voice activation. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is powered by a new 824 horsepower 5.2-litre Twin Turbo V12 engine mated to a rear mounted eight-speed automatic transmission delivering a top speed of 214 mph. Pre-defined ESP modes (On, Track, Off, Wet), are selectable via the ESP button on the center console. Only 37 will be built over a one-year period to celebrate 60 years of Volante production. The total Vanquish production is limited to under 1000 each year. The lightweight K-fold roof can be opened in 14-seconds and closed in 16-seconds, and is operatable on the move up to 31mph. Aston Martin’s next generation infotainment showcases the digital 10.25” TFT driver display and there's the Bowers & Wilkins 15-speaker, double amplified surround sound system. Optimized underbody stiffening provides a 75 per cent increase in lateral stiffness over the previous flagship convertible.