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2026 Toyota RAV-4: All-Hybrid Lineup, GR Sport PHEV, 7 Trims & Specs
Drew Dowdell posted an article in Toyota
For years, the RAV-4 has been the bestselling SUV in the US. Now in its sixth generation, the Toyota RAV-4 is one of the original compact crossovers. Once with a V6, the RAV-4 will now be available only with hybrid power, but that doesn't make it slow. Even the lowest power RAV-4 makes more horsepower than that V6 from 2005 while the new GR Sport trim PHEV can produce 320 horsepower. Powertrain and Performance All powertrain versions in the 2026 model are upgraded units from the previous generation. The base setup is a 226-horsepower front-wheel drive model (previously, the hybrid was only offered in all-wheel drive) while adding all-wheel drive to the spec sheet adds a third electric motor and another 10 horsepower for the rear wheels. What was previously known as the RAV-4 Prime, the Plug-in Hybrid model now makes 320 horsepower instead of 302. Driving range for the PHEV is up too from 42 miles to 50. In certain trims, namely the Woodland and XSE PHEV can use their CCS port to DC fast-charge, refilling the battery pack from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The maximum towing capacity for some AWD Hybrid and PHEV models is now 3,500 lbs while the base FWD and LE AWD Hybrids remain at 1,750. Toyota's electrification push extends across the lineup — see also the 2026 Toyota bZ updates with improved range and charging. Design Inside and Out Being one of the most popular models on the market, the design formula is updated but familiar. The C-shaped headlamps from Toyota's recently updated Camry appear while the grille feels familiar like a Toyota 4Runner. Inside, the controls have been minimized. In modern parlance, that means more screens and fewer buttons. HVAC controls appear to have lost their knobs and are likely now located in the center control screen. Seven Trims: Core, Rugged, and Sport With such high sales — Toyota sold over 475,000 units in the US last year and over 1 million worldwide — they are making a trim for everyone with 7 trims to choose from. There are three groupings of Core, Rugged, and Sport. Core (LE, XLE, Limited): The well-known trims that are by far the most popular. For 2026, they are only available as a hybrid without the option to plug in. Rugged (Woodland): Standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, faux skid plates, and rugged styling tweaks. Available as a standard hybrid or the plug-in version. Shoppers comparing rugged compact crossovers should also look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Sport (SE, XSE, GR Sport): The SE and XSE can be optioned with either powertrain. The GR Sport, not previously offered in the US (Europe got a GR Sport on the previous model starting in 2022), only comes with the 320-horsepower plug-in setup. Pricing and Availability While pricing hasn't been released yet, Toyota builds the RAV-4 in the United States, so we expect only a minimal increase in price over the outgoing Hybrid RAV-4, currently a base price of about $33,600 after delivery. The 2026 Toyota RAV-4 goes on sale later this year. More Toyota and Compact SUV Coverage 2027 Toyota Highlander EV: Specs, Range, Price & Trim Toyota Brings Back the C-HR as the Little Stylish EV That Can Toyota bZ4X EV Grows Up with Range, Charging and Updates for 2026 The Mazda CX-5 Grows for 2026 2021 Toyota RAV-4 Prime Has 302 Horsepower -
For years, the RAV-4 has been the bestselling SUV in the US. Now in its sixth generation, the Toyota RAV-4 is one of the original compact crossovers. Once with a V6, the RAV-4 will now be available only with hybrid power, but that doesn't make it slow. Even the lowest power RAV-4 makes more horsepower than that V6 from 2005 while the new GR Sport trim PHEV can produce 320 horsepower. Powertrain and Performance All powertrain versions in the 2026 model are upgraded units from the previous generation. The base setup is a 226-horsepower front-wheel drive model (previously, the hybrid was only offered in all-wheel drive) while adding all-wheel drive to the spec sheet adds a third electric motor and another 10 horsepower for the rear wheels. What was previously known as the RAV-4 Prime, the Plug-in Hybrid model now makes 320 horsepower instead of 302. Driving range for the PHEV is up too from 42 miles to 50. In certain trims, namely the Woodland and XSE PHEV can use their CCS port to DC fast-charge, refilling the battery pack from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The maximum towing capacity for some AWD Hybrid and PHEV models is now 3,500 lbs while the base FWD and LE AWD Hybrids remain at 1,750. Toyota's electrification push extends across the lineup — see also the 2026 Toyota bZ updates with improved range and charging. Design Inside and Out Being one of the most popular models on the market, the design formula is updated but familiar. The C-shaped headlamps from Toyota's recently updated Camry appear while the grille feels familiar like a Toyota 4Runner. Inside, the controls have been minimized. In modern parlance, that means more screens and fewer buttons. HVAC controls appear to have lost their knobs and are likely now located in the center control screen. Seven Trims: Core, Rugged, and Sport With such high sales — Toyota sold over 475,000 units in the US last year and over 1 million worldwide — they are making a trim for everyone with 7 trims to choose from. There are three groupings of Core, Rugged, and Sport. Core (LE, XLE, Limited): The well-known trims that are by far the most popular. For 2026, they are only available as a hybrid without the option to plug in. Rugged (Woodland): Standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, faux skid plates, and rugged styling tweaks. Available as a standard hybrid or the plug-in version. Shoppers comparing rugged compact crossovers should also look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Sport (SE, XSE, GR Sport): The SE and XSE can be optioned with either powertrain. The GR Sport, not previously offered in the US (Europe got a GR Sport on the previous model starting in 2022), only comes with the 320-horsepower plug-in setup. Pricing and Availability While pricing hasn't been released yet, Toyota builds the RAV-4 in the United States, so we expect only a minimal increase in price over the outgoing Hybrid RAV-4, currently a base price of about $33,600 after delivery. The 2026 Toyota RAV-4 goes on sale later this year. More Toyota and Compact SUV Coverage 2027 Toyota Highlander EV: Specs, Range, Price & Trim Toyota Brings Back the C-HR as the Little Stylish EV That Can Toyota bZ4X EV Grows Up with Range, Charging and Updates for 2026 The Mazda CX-5 Grows for 2026 2021 Toyota RAV-4 Prime Has 302 Horsepower View full article
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I was in a situation where I had rented a car – a category with a trunk – and there weren’t any available. Their running out of certain categories happens frequently nowadays. As such, I was assigned a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. This didn’t look like any of the Trailblazers I remember. For one, it was a lot smaller. It was also badged as AWD. I assumed there would be a Chevy 1.5L T I-4 under the hood. Previous Trailblazers of the New Millennium ran with a 4.2 L I-6, possibly the modernized, aluminized version of the same 250 c.i. I-6 of the last century. A friend bought one of these in the early 2000’s. I was once given one by a rental agency and its 4.2L I-6 was incredibly smooth, but given how quickly the fuel gauge headed west, I took it back for an exchange within a day. Before even settling into the car, I looked under the hood to find a 1.3L T 3-cylinder engine. Three-cylinder engines have become a lot more prevalent in Europe, even in small SUV-CUV types but typically in econoboxes. As for initial impressions, it looked like the car would be sensible to drive and operate its functions. This turned out to be true. The seats are supportive and comfortable enough, together with some attractive stitching, The materials are not high grade, with the same tougher fabric which might be in the Malibu. In fact, except for some minor differences, transitioning from a Malibu to a Trailblazer is easy. The width of the cabin, the gauges and switches, and the urethane steering wheel and its controls are similar. In fact, in the Trailblazer, some things are better. The touch screen is engaged in the dash, with the center vents above it, providing for excellent dispersion of what the air conditioner was dishing out - which was very cool. Further down, the cubby for electronic devices is flatter and larger and the outlets and switches are all linearly arranged next to each other for easy use. Also, with the inherently higher seating position, the view is better and the shifter and console height are in a more user-friendly position. The exterior sheet metal shows good taste, and the character lines are nicely done. The front fascia with its lighting set-up is its strong point. Even the rear taillamps look good as they wrap the rear corners. Returning to mechanical specifications, the transmission was a geared one. The interwebs and its owner manual revealed this. If a new Trailblazer is AWD, the transmission is a 9-speed automatic. If it’s a 2WD, the transmission is a CVT. This is a very utilitarian and practical package, and it couldn’t be described as refined. However, the engine is not grainy but its rhythmic but not hushed hum is always present. When pushed, it just hums more audibly. The engine does what it’s supposed to do. With around 140 horsepower, this is not a powerplant with which to riskily pass, sprint up long grades, and think it’s a jackrabbit, despite its having a turbocharger. The transmission is a “humorous” one. I can’t think of another word. There’s the expression “children should be seen and not heard.” In this Trailblazer, it’s more like “children are heard but not seen.” As the gearbox marches through its 9 gears, the spool-ups are quick and you hear them, but the unit slushes into the next gear as if it was a CVT and you don’t even feel the shifts. However, if throttled, you will definitely feel the shifts and, in stop and go driving at lower speeds, it can hunt within the first 3 gears and do it in a jerky way. However, in composed linear driving, the shifts are seamless but the short intervals for each gear, complete with the “sound effects,” was humorous … at least to me. The Trailblazer is a nimble enough vehicle. It rides fairly smoothly, but can quickly become unsettled. Its ride quality is not as budget-like as that of the now gone Chevy Spark and Sonic, but not as pleasant as that in the Malibu or even what they were able to accomplish in the final-gen Cruze. Wind noise is reasonably controlled, but tire and suspension related noises aren’t as effectively soaked up. The road surface is always being communicated to the cabin, telling you this is not a premium vehicle. In the CUV-SUV category, I’ve only driven the much larger Chevy Traverse with a 3.6 VVT V6 … and we’re talking two different worlds. With the higher seating position, front and side visibility are good. The thick rear sail panel makes angled rear visibility challenging. This seems to be the norm in this typology of vehicles. This unit did not have parking or side traffic sensors, which are much needed, and a few lane changes were more challenging since I like to mix up looking over my shoulder and using the mirrors. With the rear seat up, storage space is good … thanks to the Trailblazer’s the boxy shape, and it’s very good with the split rear seat folded forward into the cabin. It would come in handy to move boxes or a bundle of items. There was a slot for a rear cover over the storage area, but it was missing. This is one of the reasons I try to avoid this typology at the rental counter. The windows are more tinted toward the rear, but I was still not comfortable with that. The rental agency said ‘but we sell insurance for your personal effects.’ I doubt someone has the time to replace apparel and items that have been purchased over a span of agent while traveling. Rental agencies don’t do a good job of monitoring this item. I’m sure that a private owner would keep the retractable cover in its place as needed. Inside, while the controls are logically placed, there is no remote hatch or fuel filler release. However, if the vehicle is locked, the fuel door cannot be opened. Fuel consumption can vary a lot and the instant fuel mileage readout will clue in the driver to that. I set the drivetrain to 2WD and “eco” mode, but it still has to lug around AWD hardware. The readout goes from unimpressive city driving fuel efficiency to very plausible mileage at steady highway cruise. The 9-speed automatic allows the Trailblazer with AWD to cruise at 65 mph at about 1,900 rpms. That’s why it can attain the higher fuel mileage, but it took going to 3 cylinders to attain that. It was very easy to transition to the Trailblazer from several other Chevrolet models, and especially the Malibu. Thinking of the similarities and differences, the Trailblazer could almost be viewed as a higher sitting and less refined riding 3-cylinder Malibu turned CUV-SUV. For a consumer at the intersection of needing the packaging this vehicle provides and its price point, the Trailblazer could make sense. View full article -
2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek: Rugged Trim With ProPILOT 2.1
Drew Dowdell posted an article in Nissan
Rock Creek: Rugged Looks, Trail-Ready Features Today, Nissan revealed the updated 2025 Nissan Rogue and introduced a new trim to the lineup called Rock Creek. Now, before you get out your overlanding gear, the Rock Creek is a rugged appearance package. Like many outdoorsy crossovers in this segment, the Rogue Rock Creek is probably best limited to compacted dirt trails. The Rock Creek comes with 235/65R17 Falken Wild Peak all-terrain tires, Hill Descent Control, a tubular roof rack, updated facia with red accents, and water-repellent leatherette seats. Additionally, the updated HD Intelligent Around View Monitor that all Rogues get for 2025 also includes an Off-Road View that can operate at speeds up to 12 miles per hour to help maneuver around obstacles. A premium package for Rock Creek further adds a wireless phone charging mat, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, motion-activated power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and interior accent lighting. Rock Creek will be available in four colors: Everest White, Super Black, Boulder Gray, and Baja Storm. ProPILOT Assist 2.1 and Updated Tech For 2025, optional on SL and Platinum, Rogue can be equipped with an updated ProPILOT Assist, now at version 2.1. This version allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on single-lane highways while remaining attentive to their driving surroundings. With the available technology package, the 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor gains two additional camera angles: Front Wide View, which allows drivers to "see through" pillars and parked cars, and Invisible Hood View, which shows footage from underneath the vehicle. Rogue S, SV, and Rock Creek feature an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while SL and Platinum move up to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. VC-Turbo Powertrain Powering all 2025 Nissan Rogues is a 1.5-liter variable compression turbocharged 4-cylinder (VC-Turbo) that produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque mated to Nissan's XTronic CVT. The engine continuously adjusts its compression ratio to optimize for power or efficiency depending on driving conditions. The Nissan Rogue lays claim to the best-in-class gasoline-powered fuel efficiency rating. Check out the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek photo gallery for a full look at both color options and the rugged styling details. -
Rock Creek: Rugged Looks, Trail-Ready Features Today, Nissan revealed the updated 2025 Nissan Rogue and introduced a new trim to the lineup called Rock Creek. Now, before you get out your overlanding gear, the Rock Creek is a rugged appearance package. Like many outdoorsy crossovers in this segment, the Rogue Rock Creek is probably best limited to compacted dirt trails. The Rock Creek comes with 235/65R17 Falken Wild Peak all-terrain tires, Hill Descent Control, a tubular roof rack, updated facia with red accents, and water-repellent leatherette seats. Additionally, the updated HD Intelligent Around View Monitor that all Rogues get for 2025 also includes an Off-Road View that can operate at speeds up to 12 miles per hour to help maneuver around obstacles. A premium package for Rock Creek further adds a wireless phone charging mat, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, motion-activated power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and interior accent lighting. Rock Creek will be available in four colors: Everest White, Super Black, Boulder Gray, and Baja Storm. ProPILOT Assist 2.1 and Updated Tech For 2025, optional on SL and Platinum, Rogue can be equipped with an updated ProPILOT Assist, now at version 2.1. This version allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on single-lane highways while remaining attentive to their driving surroundings. With the available technology package, the 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor gains two additional camera angles: Front Wide View, which allows drivers to "see through" pillars and parked cars, and Invisible Hood View, which shows footage from underneath the vehicle. Rogue S, SV, and Rock Creek feature an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while SL and Platinum move up to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. VC-Turbo Powertrain Powering all 2025 Nissan Rogues is a 1.5-liter variable compression turbocharged 4-cylinder (VC-Turbo) that produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque mated to Nissan's XTronic CVT. The engine continuously adjusts its compression ratio to optimize for power or efficiency depending on driving conditions. The Nissan Rogue lays claim to the best-in-class gasoline-powered fuel efficiency rating. Check out the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek photo gallery for a full look at both color options and the rugged styling details. View full article
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What's New in the Refreshed 2025 Hyundai Tucson and Why It Matters
Drew Dowdell posted an article in Hyundai
At the New York Auto Show this week, Hyundai unveiled the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon. This mild refresh modernizes the Tuscon and brings it more into alignment with the rest of the Hyundai lineup, including their EVs. New Dashboard and Twin 12.3-Inch Screens The exterior styling updates, largely consisting of a front fascia update, are subtle. Inside, Hyundai made the interior more open and airy with a new, lower-height dashboard featuring a panoramic gauge and infotainment screen. The screens consist of twin 12.3-inch displays with crisper colors and graphics, as well as faster processing speeds. While the screens can control all functions of the car, Hyundai still included physical buttons for the most frequently used controls. Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay are now standard across the line. A new steering wheel features a much more open design, and on premium trims, the gear selector is now an electronically controlled stalk on the right side of the wheel, much like in the Hyundai Ioniq 6. On some Tuscon models, a new 12-inch color heads-up display with premium graphics is available, and for the first time, navigation directions from Apple Carplay and Android Auto will appear in the display. Proximity key with push button start is now standard across the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon lineup, while an available Digital Key 2 allows for fob-free driving and access via the driver's mobile phone. Driver Attention Monitoring and Safety Tech For 2025, Tucson adds Forward Attention Warning, which utilizes an infrared camera mounted on the steering column to help track the driver's eye gaze and monitor attention levels to help ensure safe driving. Available Smart Cruise Control 2 continually assesses driver alertness. If the driver is found to be unresponsive, the system can even help safely bring the vehicle to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake once the vehicle is stopped. Additionally, rear outboard passenger seatbelts now feature standard pretensioners and load limiters. Three Powertrains Including a 268-HP Plug-In Hybrid The powertrains largely carry over from the previous model with a standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder at the entry level end. Also available is a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid with 231 horsepower with a slightly more powerful electric drive unit (47.7-kW, up from 44.2-kW), and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid model features the same 1.6-liter unit, but now paired with a larger electric drive unit with 72.0-kW of output rather than the 66.9-kW motor from the prior year. The plug-in hybrid boasts 268-horspower total system power. With a 13.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid takes less than 2 hours to charge on a level 2 charger. All hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive. Check out the 2025 Hyundai Tucson photo gallery for a look at every trim including N Line, XRT, and the plug-in hybrid. 2025 Tucson 2.5L models will arrive at U.S. dealerships in June, while 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be available late summer.- 2 comments
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At the New York Auto Show this week, Hyundai unveiled the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon. This mild refresh modernizes the Tuscon and brings it more into alignment with the rest of the Hyundai lineup, including their EVs. New Dashboard and Twin 12.3-Inch Screens The exterior styling updates, largely consisting of a front fascia update, are subtle. Inside, Hyundai made the interior more open and airy with a new, lower-height dashboard featuring a panoramic gauge and infotainment screen. The screens consist of twin 12.3-inch displays with crisper colors and graphics, as well as faster processing speeds. While the screens can control all functions of the car, Hyundai still included physical buttons for the most frequently used controls. Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay are now standard across the line. A new steering wheel features a much more open design, and on premium trims, the gear selector is now an electronically controlled stalk on the right side of the wheel, much like in the Hyundai Ioniq 6. On some Tuscon models, a new 12-inch color heads-up display with premium graphics is available, and for the first time, navigation directions from Apple Carplay and Android Auto will appear in the display. Proximity key with push button start is now standard across the 2025 Hyundai Tuscon lineup, while an available Digital Key 2 allows for fob-free driving and access via the driver's mobile phone. Driver Attention Monitoring and Safety Tech For 2025, Tucson adds Forward Attention Warning, which utilizes an infrared camera mounted on the steering column to help track the driver's eye gaze and monitor attention levels to help ensure safe driving. Available Smart Cruise Control 2 continually assesses driver alertness. If the driver is found to be unresponsive, the system can even help safely bring the vehicle to a stop, activating the hazard lights and the electronic parking brake once the vehicle is stopped. Additionally, rear outboard passenger seatbelts now feature standard pretensioners and load limiters. Three Powertrains Including a 268-HP Plug-In Hybrid The powertrains largely carry over from the previous model with a standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder at the entry level end. Also available is a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid with 231 horsepower with a slightly more powerful electric drive unit (47.7-kW, up from 44.2-kW), and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid model features the same 1.6-liter unit, but now paired with a larger electric drive unit with 72.0-kW of output rather than the 66.9-kW motor from the prior year. The plug-in hybrid boasts 268-horspower total system power. With a 13.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid takes less than 2 hours to charge on a level 2 charger. All hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive. Check out the 2025 Hyundai Tucson photo gallery for a look at every trim including N Line, XRT, and the plug-in hybrid. 2025 Tucson 2.5L models will arrive at U.S. dealerships in June, while 1.6L turbo hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be available late summer. View full article
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Today, Ford unveiled the refreshed 2023 Ford Escape. The '23 Escape offered evolutionary styling over the outgoing model and several safety and technology evolutions as well. New ST-Line Sport Appearance Added to the lineup this year is a new ST-Line model, an appearance package that makes the standard Escape look sportier. Offered in base ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite, the ST-Line packages use the same 1.5-liter Ecoboost, 2.0-liter Ecoboost, and 2.5-liter hybrid engines found in the rest of the Escape lineup. Visually, the ST-line gets a black mesh grill, monochrome moldings, and a large single-wing rear spoiler. The ST-line Elite has an available “coast to coast” LED light bar that spans the distance between the headlights for a distinct look. Inside, the ST-Line comes solely in an ebony interior with red stitching on the doors, seats, armrest, and steering wheel. Simplified Trims and 13.2-Inch Screen The other trim names have changed for 2023 as well. Gone are S, SE, SEL, and Titanium, respectively replaced by Base, Active, and Platinum. Base model Escapes come with an ebony interior, while higher trim customers can select ebony or space gray. The infotainment system has been upgraded with a 13.2-inch screen that has Alexa and cloud connectivity built in. The infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates at times the customer schedules. Four Powertrains Including Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains carry over largely unchanged from the previous model. The base engine is the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder Ecoboost producing 180 horsepower. The 2.0-liter Ecoboost producing 250 horsepower also remains. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Escape was the first hybrid crossover, and it keeps its hybrid options with a 2.5-liter standard hybrid and a plug-in version with a larger battery capacity. In front-wheel drive configuration, the hybrid is expected to produce a combined 210 horsepower. All engine options can be had in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Ford touts that no matter which powertrain a customer selects, they can enjoy over 400 miles of driving range, with the plug-in hybrid version stretching to nearly 550-miles. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid model features four EV modes that allow drivers to select the settings most suitable for their individual needs. In Auto EV mode, the vehicle decides whether to run on gas or electric power In EV Now mode, drivers can operate on all-electric driving In EV Later mode, drivers can switch to full gas-powered driving to conserve electric miles for later In EV Charge mode, drivers can continue to charge the battery while driving and generate electric-only miles to use later Enhanced Co-Pilot360 Safety Ford Co-Pilot360 has been enhanced with a 360-degree camera system, Intersection Assist 2.0 to help avoid collisions with pedestrians during turning, an enhanced blind spot assist that will nudge the steering wheel in the event of an obstacle in the way. Additional available new technologies include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Predictive Speed Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Connected Built-In Navigation. Check out the 2023 Ford Escape photo gallery for a look at the ST-Line and PHEV trims. The 2023 Ford Escape is built in Louisville, KY and will go on sale in early 2023. -
Ford News: What the 2023 Ford Escape Refresh Brings to the Table
Drew Dowdell posted a topic in Ford
Today, Ford unveiled the refreshed 2023 Ford Escape. The '23 Escape offered evolutionary styling over the outgoing model and several safety and technology evolutions as well. New ST-Line Sport Appearance Added to the lineup this year is a new ST-Line model, an appearance package that makes the standard Escape look sportier. Offered in base ST-Line, ST-Line Select, and ST-Line Elite, the ST-Line packages use the same 1.5-liter Ecoboost, 2.0-liter Ecoboost, and 2.5-liter hybrid engines found in the rest of the Escape lineup. Visually, the ST-line gets a black mesh grill, monochrome moldings, and a large single-wing rear spoiler. The ST-line Elite has an available “coast to coast” LED light bar that spans the distance between the headlights for a distinct look. Inside, the ST-Line comes solely in an ebony interior with red stitching on the doors, seats, armrest, and steering wheel. Simplified Trims and 13.2-Inch Screen The other trim names have changed for 2023 as well. Gone are S, SE, SEL, and Titanium, respectively replaced by Base, Active, and Platinum. Base model Escapes come with an ebony interior, while higher trim customers can select ebony or space gray. The infotainment system has been upgraded with a 13.2-inch screen that has Alexa and cloud connectivity built in. The infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates at times the customer schedules. Four Powertrains Including Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains carry over largely unchanged from the previous model. The base engine is the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder Ecoboost producing 180 horsepower. The 2.0-liter Ecoboost producing 250 horsepower also remains. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Escape was the first hybrid crossover, and it keeps its hybrid options with a 2.5-liter standard hybrid and a plug-in version with a larger battery capacity. In front-wheel drive configuration, the hybrid is expected to produce a combined 210 horsepower. All engine options can be had in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Ford touts that no matter which powertrain a customer selects, they can enjoy over 400 miles of driving range, with the plug-in hybrid version stretching to nearly 550-miles. The Escape Plug-In Hybrid model features four EV modes that allow drivers to select the settings most suitable for their individual needs. In Auto EV mode, the vehicle decides whether to run on gas or electric power In EV Now mode, drivers can operate on all-electric driving In EV Later mode, drivers can switch to full gas-powered driving to conserve electric miles for later In EV Charge mode, drivers can continue to charge the battery while driving and generate electric-only miles to use later Enhanced Co-Pilot360 Safety Ford Co-Pilot360 has been enhanced with a 360-degree camera system, Intersection Assist 2.0 to help avoid collisions with pedestrians during turning, an enhanced blind spot assist that will nudge the steering wheel in the event of an obstacle in the way. Additional available new technologies include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Predictive Speed Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Connected Built-In Navigation. Check out the 2023 Ford Escape photo gallery for a look at the ST-Line and PHEV trims. The 2023 Ford Escape is built in Louisville, KY and will go on sale in early 2023. View full article -
Tesla's CEO Elon Musk teased last week of a new master plan that would be appearing early this week. But like the launch of one of their new vehicles, there was a bit of delay. Last night, the plan was unveiled. If you were hoping for some exciting announcements, then you'll be disappointed with this plan. One of the big parts of 'Master Plan, Part Deux' is to "the major forms of terrestrial transport." What this means is the company is working on developing a compact SUV and a and a "new kind of pickup truck." Musk also says early development work has begun on a Telsa-Semi (Musk's name, not ours) and methods of urban transportation. Musk goes on to talk about developing Tesla's semi-autonomous systems further. A lot of this will rely on utilizing fleet learning (i.e. Autopilot) to help speed up development to a fully autonomous system. The post says the world could be ready to accept autonomous vehicles after they've driven 6 billion collective miles. Using three million miles per day as an estimate, it could take up about 2,000 days (about 5.5 years). Musk stands behind the Autopilot, saying “deploying partial autonomy now, rather than waiting until some point in the future” because “when used correctly, it is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves (sic) and it would therefore be morally reprehensible to delay release simply for fear of bad press or some mercantile calculation of legal liability.” Other bits of this master plan include, Setting up a car sharing service allowing owners to make some cash Creating solar-panel roofs with "seamlessly integrated battery storage." (Would involve the merger of Tesla and solar panel installer SolarCity) Source: Tesla View full article
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Tesla's CEO Elon Musk teased last week of a new master plan that would be appearing early this week. But like the launch of one of their new vehicles, there was a bit of delay. Last night, the plan was unveiled. If you were hoping for some exciting announcements, then you'll be disappointed with this plan. One of the big parts of 'Master Plan, Part Deux' is to "the major forms of terrestrial transport." What this means is the company is working on developing a compact SUV and a and a "new kind of pickup truck." Musk also says early development work has begun on a Telsa-Semi (Musk's name, not ours) and methods of urban transportation. Musk goes on to talk about developing Tesla's semi-autonomous systems further. A lot of this will rely on utilizing fleet learning (i.e. Autopilot) to help speed up development to a fully autonomous system. The post says the world could be ready to accept autonomous vehicles after they've driven 6 billion collective miles. Using three million miles per day as an estimate, it could take up about 2,000 days (about 5.5 years). Musk stands behind the Autopilot, saying “deploying partial autonomy now, rather than waiting until some point in the future” because “when used correctly, it is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves (sic) and it would therefore be morally reprehensible to delay release simply for fear of bad press or some mercantile calculation of legal liability.” Other bits of this master plan include, Setting up a car sharing service allowing owners to make some cash Creating solar-panel roofs with "seamlessly integrated battery storage." (Would involve the merger of Tesla and solar panel installer SolarCity) Source: Tesla -
Jeep is on a roll when it comes to sales and the brand is hoping to continue that with two new products in the pipeline. Mike Manley, global chief for Jeep told The Detroit News that the brand will introduce a replacement for the Compass and Patriot at the New York Auto Show in March. Manley said the replacement will use the name of one of the outgoing models. “We’ve got two very good names, two well-established names with Compass and Patriot that continue to perform very well. It will be one of those names — which one, we’re going to have to wait and see,” said Manley. Patriot has the better recognition in the U.S. while Compass is well known in Europe. Manley also confirmed that Jeep will be getting a pickup based on the next-generation Wrangler. The truck would be built alongside the Wrangler at the Toledo plant. “Sergio and I work very, very closely on the Jeep product portfolio, and both of us have been a fan of a potential Wrangler pickup ..." said Manley. “For me, there is a historical place in our lineup for it.” More details about the pickup are expected to come out later this month when FCA has their 2016 Earnings call. Source: The Detroit News -
Jeep is on a roll when it comes to sales and the brand is hoping to continue that with two new products in the pipeline. Mike Manley, global chief for Jeep told The Detroit News that the brand will introduce a replacement for the Compass and Patriot at the New York Auto Show in March. Manley said the replacement will use the name of one of the outgoing models. “We’ve got two very good names, two well-established names with Compass and Patriot that continue to perform very well. It will be one of those names — which one, we’re going to have to wait and see,” said Manley. Patriot has the better recognition in the U.S. while Compass is well known in Europe. Manley also confirmed that Jeep will be getting a pickup based on the next-generation Wrangler. The truck would be built alongside the Wrangler at the Toledo plant. “Sergio and I work very, very closely on the Jeep product portfolio, and both of us have been a fan of a potential Wrangler pickup ..." said Manley. “For me, there is a historical place in our lineup for it.” More details about the pickup are expected to come out later this month when FCA has their 2016 Earnings call. Source: The Detroit News View full article
