2026 BMW iX Starts At $76,325 In The 2nd Quarter

The 2026 BMW iX is offered in new 402 horsepower iX xDrive45 with an estimated range of up to 312 miles and starting price of  $76,325 (including $1,175 destination and handling), the 536 horsepower iX xDrive60 with an expected range of up to 340 miles and starting price of $89,675, and the 650 horsepower performance-oriented iX M70 xDrive with an expected 302 miles of range and starting price of $112,675. Estimated ranges are according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards. The exterior has been revised including headlights, an updated grille with illumination on the iX xDrive45 and iX xDrive60. Illumination is standard on iX M70 xDrive. The new BMW iX is already equipped with Driving Assistant Plus as standard in addition to Forward Collision Mitigation, Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keeping Assistant and Speed Limit Assistant it also includes Distance Control and Steering Assistant, each of which can be used at speeds of up to 112 mph, as well as Active Speed Limit Assist. A tow hitch will be available as an option for the new BMW iX in the summer of 2025. For all model variants, the maximum permitted towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. Production of the 2026 BMW iX will begin in March of 2025 at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing. Deliveries are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Coming This Fall

The new third-generation 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is equipped with the next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system that integrates a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine and electric motors with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission delivering total system output of 194 horsepower. All trim levels of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid are equipped with X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology which can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions. Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert also come on the Crosstrek Hybrid. Pricing, specifications, and equipment for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will be announced closer to its on-sale date in Fall 2025.

Acura RSX EV Goes Into Production Later This Year

The all-new, all-electric Acura RSX, engineered on the new Honda-developed EV platform, is scheduled for production later this year at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. Development testing in real-world conditions for the all-electric RSX begins this week.

2025 Alfa Romeo Series Starts At $46,490

The all-new 2025 Alfa Romeo Intensa special series, available on the full lineup of 2025 Tonale, Stelvio and Giulia (above) models featuring distinctive two-tone design elements, will be powered by either a 1.3-liter 285-horsepower PHEV powertrain with 33 miles of all-electric range or the new 2.0-liter 268-horsepower turbocharged gas engine on the Tonale starting at $46,490 (including $1,995 destination) for the Tonale Intensa with 2.0-liter turbo engine and starting at $56,490 for the Tonale Intensa PHEV. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia Intensa starts at $51,990 and Stelvio Intensa starts at $57,390, both powered by a 280-horsepower turbocharged engine and standard Q4 all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts At $174,995 Later This Year

The 2025 Corvette ZR1, available in 1LZ and 3LZ trim levels, is powered by a 1,064 horsepower 5.5L twin-turbocharged LT7 DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine and will have a starting MSRP of $174,995 (including $1,695 DFC) for the 1LZ coupe and $184,995 for the 1LZ hardtop convertible. The 3LZ coupe is available for a starting MSRP of $185,995 (including DFC) or $195,995 (including DFC) for the 3LZ convertible. Performance options include the ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero Package with an MSRP of $8,495 which adds a high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, a tall hood spoiler and underbody strakes to increase downforce, and the ZTK Performance Package with an MSRP of $1,500 which requires the Carbon Fiber Aero Package. Chevrolet will begin accepting orders for the 2025 Corvette ZR1 in mid-February with production to begin at Bowling Green Assembly in the 2nd quarter. 

2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Trucks Arrive This Quarter

The new 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Trucks are powered by either the standard 405 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine or the new 430 horsepower 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engine paired to the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed transmission  enabling 36,610 pounds of towing capability with a 3.42 rear axle ratio. (Max towing was previously available only with a 4.10 axle ratio.) The RamBox cargo management system includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage bins built into the bed rails. Available with RamBox is a pickup bed divider and cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats. For 2025, Ram Heavy Duty pickups feature updated grilles with a unique design, depending on the selected trim level. New premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projectors, are available, while LEDs are now standard. An on-board power inverter offers up to 2.4 kilowatts with two covered outlets located inside the bed of the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty. The new 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks feature an improved 12-inch or new 14.5-inch touchscreen display and the Uconnect 5 system offers more connected services. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster shows nearly two dozen different menus, including driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, active driving assist, Drowsy Driver Detection and Traffic Sign Information. New standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, ParkSense front/rear park assist (Big Horn). New Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Active Lane Management are available. The Ram 3500 Chassis Cab starts at $49,285 (including destination), Ram 4500 Chassis Cab at$55,660 and Ram 5500 Chassis Cab at $56,770. The new 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks are scheduled to arrive in dealerships this quarter (Q1 2025).

SaxtonOnCars Celebrates 15 Years! It Started With Tesla

SaxtonOnCars started 15 years ago in 2009 shortly after I left my assignment with Edmunds.com creating daily new vehicle content for their predictive tool, Car Stock Exchange. My coverage of the auto industry really began as a sportscaster in the mid-70s commentating on stock car racing and demolition derbies on CKVU-TV in Vancouver, and reporting on all levels of auto racing. When I made the shift to financial newscasting at Financial News Network (FNN), I was tapped to host their weekly primetime program AutoTrends and be involved in live collector car auction broadcasts (years before Speed Channel launched). The drive continued at KWHY-22 "The Business Channel" in Los Angeles with my CarBiz segments interviewing automotive executives. My automotive mic was on cruise control at KFWB News980 and Bloomberg Radio where the Motor Press Guild (MPG) Batchelor Awards recognized my radio coverage of the auto industry. Then to Edmunds.com and now SaxtonOnCars with an accompanying YouTube Channel. The ride continues - thank you for your support. 

My first article was on the Tesla Model S in November 2009 (above) after seeing Elon's Roadsters being driven at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show for the first time (below). And, that amazing story has reached historical proportions as we all know.

2025 Subaru Solterra Starts At $39,915

The 2025 Subaru Solterra all-electric SUV, available in Premium, Limited, Touring, and new Touring Onyx Edition trim levels, delivers up to 227 miles of range and now has a lower starting price for 2025. The 2025 Subaru Solterra will start at $39,915 (including $1,420 destination and delivery). All Solterras are equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Subaru StarDrive® Technology and have 8.3 inches of ground clearance 

2025 Nissan Ariya Starts At $41,160

The 2025 Nissan Ariya starts at $41,160 (including $1,390 destination & handling fee) for the 214 horsepower Engage FWD 66 kWh battery trim level that has a range of 216 miles and is on sale with wireless device charging now standard across all Ariya grades. Nissan EV owners will need a Nissan-provided North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapter kit to access 17,800 Tesla Supercharger stations, now available for $235. The kit can be ordered through a Nissan dealer and is available online at NissanUSA.com. Starting in 2025, Nissan will begin fitting EVs for the U.S. and Canadian markets with a NACS port. Evolve+ has 238 horsepower and a 289 mile range while the Evolve+ e-4ORCE and Platinum+ e-4ORCE trims have up to 389 horsepower delivering a range up to 272 miles.

2025 Nissan Murano Starts At $41,860

The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano, powered by a 241 horsepower 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) powertrain paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters, starts at $41,860 (including $1,390 destination and handling). Murano offers available Google built-in7, with up-to-date Google Maps and over 100 available apps in the 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system is paired with a Bose® 10-speaker audio system.

Honda Prelude Nameplate Returns Late Next Year

The all-new hybrid-electric Honda Prelude sports coupe will be introduced to the U.S. market late next year, returning the nameplate to the brand in its 6th generation. This year Honda began selling the Honda Prologue, the brand’s first all-electric SUV. And late next year, Honda will begin production of the first EVs based on the new Honda-developed EV platform at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio.

2025 Toyota bZ4X BEV Starts At $38,465 In Early 2025

The battery-electric 2025 Toyota bZ4X with an EPA-estimated range rating of 252 miles on the XLE FWD model will cost up-to $6,000 less and adds a new Nightshade edition with standard All Wheel Drive. For 2025, the MSRP starts at $38,465 (including $1,395 DPH fee) on the XLE FWD grade, $40,545 on the XLE AWD grade and the Limited grades starts at $43,195 (FWD), a price reduction of $5,380. The XLE AWD equipped models range is 228 miles and the Limited grade has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 236 miles on the FWD model; the Limited and Nightshade AWD models have an EPA-estimated range of up to 222 miles. The bZ4X is 3.7 inches longer than the RAV4, at 184.6 inches, with a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase at 112.2 inches. The 2025 bZ4X is expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships nationwide in early 2025.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Starts At $42,220 In January

The 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner, available in SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off–Road, TRD Off–Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trim levels, is powered by a 278 horsepower i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG highway on the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium grades, and available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium and Limited. There's an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid that produces up to 326 horsepower. 4Runner is available in 2-Wheel, part-time 4-Wheel and Full-time 4-Wheel Drive. All i-FORCE MAX grades come standard with 4-Wheel Drive and the Limited and Platinum grades have Full-time 4-Wheel Drive with an electronic locking center differential offering a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will hit dealerships in January of 2025 with a starting MSRP of $42,220 (including $1,450 for Delivery Processing and Handling fee). 

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Starts At 30,515

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata, offered in  Sport 6MT,  Club 6MT,  Grand Touring 6MT,  Grand Touring 6AT trims, is powered by a 181 horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is offered in either a manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A 35th Anniversary edition model will also be available for 2025 featuring a bespoke Artisan Red exterior color and tan nappa leather interior.  i-Activsense safety features  include Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Secondary Collision Reduction. The MX-5 Miata Sport 6MT starts at $30,515 (including $1,185 for destination and handling). 

2025 Subaru WRX Starts At $36,920 Early Next Year

The 2025 Subaru WRX, available in Premium, Limited, GT, and tS trim levels, is powered by a 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all trim levels, except the GT. The Subaru Performance Transmission is available in Premium and Limited trim levels and is standard on the GT. The  tS has electronically controlled adjustable dampers tuned by Subaru Tecnica International, uprated Brembo® brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels in satin gray finish paired with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. The WRX is equipped with an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus system with high-resolution touchscreen for audio, vehicle, and climate controls. All Subaru WRX models are equipped with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. The 2025 Subaru WRX will arrive at retailers in early 2025 with a starting price of $36,920 (including $1,170 destination and delivery charges).

Test Drive: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited

Toyota launched the Grand Highlander for the 2024 model year. Richard Saxton test drives the Hybrid Limited trim level powered by a 245 total horsepower 2.5-liter Hybrid drivetrain with standard electronic on-demand All Wheel Drive. The Grand Highlander has a 3,500 lb. towing capacity on the Hybrid grades. Standard on the Grand Highlander is a 12.3-inch touchscreen displaying Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system. For 2025 the Grand Highlander is offered in five grades across three different powertrains – the LE, XLE, Hybrid Nightshade, Limited, and Platinum. XLE, Limited, Hybrid Nightshade, and Platinum models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships in late December of 2024. LE models are expected in the first half of 2025.  

Click to watch review.

2024 LA Auto Show Video: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Arriving Soon

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T (starting at $61,590 including $1,995 destination) and the Charger Daytona Scat Pack (starting at $75,185) are the first all-electric vehicles from the Dodge brand, and qualify for a full $7,500 federal tax credit when leased. 

Richard Saxton discusses the muscle cars with Kevin Hellman, Senior Vice President of the Dodge/SRT Brand of Stellantis at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona models arrive at dealerships soon.

Click to watch interview.

LA Auto Show: 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition

The new 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition, driven by an electric motor with an output of 117 horsepower and a range of up to 149 miles, features a 42-kWh battery with a Level 2 (11 kW) charge time of 4.5 hours. Equipped with an 85-kW fast charger system that in five minutes of charging time delivers a range of up to 31 miles. The 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition will be available in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing will be announced at a later date. 

LA Auto Show: 2025 Subaru Forester Arrives Early Next Year

The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV based on the previous-generation model, with 9.2 inches of ground clearance and 3,000-lb. towing capacity, is powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. A SUBARU STARLINK® 6.5-inch Multimedia system with a high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth® hands-free streaming connectivity is standard. MSRP is $36,415 (including  $1,420 destination and delivery). The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is assembled alongside the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester in Gunma, Japan. The Forester Wilderness will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2025.

LA Auto Show: 2025 Kia EV6 Arrives First Half Next Year

The 2025 Kia EV6 will be available in Light (RWD only), Light Long Range (RWD or e-AWD), Wind (RWD or e-AWD), GT-Line (RWD or e-AWD), and GT (e-AWD) trims. For 2025, the EV6 introduces the standard 63.0 kWh battery paired with a rear motor producing 167 horsepower. The available 84.0 kWh battery has a targeted to all-electric range of 319 miles in Light LR, Wind, and GT-Line trims with the RWD configuration. This setup comes with a rear motor making 225 horsepower. The more powerful AWD option combines dual motors to deliver 320 horsepower, while the EV6 GT makes 601 horsepower. With standard GT mode activated it goes up to 641 horsepower. It’s expected to go on sale in the first half of next year.