The Lexus ES has never been Europe’s sedan of choice, but the Japanese brand is clearly determined to change that with the latest generation. After debuting globally at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, the ES is making its European premiere a month later, hoping to give heavy hitters like the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Audi A6 a run for their money.

More: New Lexus ES Drops The Grille And Embraces Electrification

A fixture in the Lexus lineup since 1989, the ES has had a rather slow and steady European introduction, making its way into Eastern Europe in 2010 and arriving in Western Europe only in late 2018. It was seen as an indirect successor to the now-discontinued GS, though many might argue it never quite found its European groove.

New Design, New Powertrains

The eighth-generation ES comes with a complete redesign that aims to improve its appeal. The exterior is fresh and modern, with a body-colored spindle grille flanked by sharp, slimmer L-shaped headlights. Hybrid models feature a slim grille for added cooling, while the EV models take a more minimalist approach to the front end.

The profile is now more aerodynamic than before, with a smooth sloping roofline that leads to a fastback-style rear. At the back, a full-width LED bar and sharp shoulder lines give it a more aggressive stance.

In terms of size, the new ES has grown. A lot. It’s now 165 mm (about 6.5 inches) longer than the previous model, with an extra 80 mm (3.1 inches) between the axles, making for a far roomier interior.

A Tech-Filled Interior

Step inside, and Lexus has clearly worked to elevate the tech experience. The highlight is a massive 14-inch infotainment screen, marking the largest display in any Lexus model so far, and which can be customized with various shortcuts and widgets. It’s paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, for Europeans, the option for a passenger display that is available in China, seems to be off the table.

More: The Tesla Model Y Has A New Rival From Toyota That’s Half The Price

Lexus also promises a quieter cabin, thanks to improved sound insulation and higher-quality materials. The interior features include illuminated panels made using a printing technique called bamboo layering, as well as synthetic leather embossing. The “Hidden Switches,” touch-sensitive controls that appear only when the car is on, are a neat trick. For audiophiles, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound System is available.

Comfort has been improved too thanks to the new seat design, with a higher seating position for easier ingress/egress, a reclining rear bench, and greater support for the front passengers. If you’re being chauffeured, you’ll be happy to know that the front passenger seat has a folding function that maximizes rear legroom. Finally, there is an enhanced Lexus Safety System + ADAS suite.

Hybrid And EV Options

The new ES rides on an improved version of the TNGA-K architecture, which already underpins several vehicles in the group, including the Toyota Camry and the Crown Crossover. The new generation introduces a multi-link system on the rear axle, alongside a new suspension setup and increased rigidity. According to Lexus, these upgrades result in an improved ride quality and a more composed drive.

More: Last Chance To Own A Naturally Aspirated V8 Sports Sedan Before They’re Gone For Good

When it comes to the powertrains, European buyers will have a choice between two self-charging hybrid options in FWD and AWD configurations. The base ES 300h produces 199 hp (148 kW / 201 PS), while the ES 350h is more powerful with 244 hp (182 kW / 247 PS), both relying on the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

For the first time, however, the ES is available with fully electric powertrains. The FWD-only ES 350e produces 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and comes with a 77 kWh battery. The flagship ES 500e, with AWD, produces 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) and carries a 75 kWh battery pack. Lexus hasn’t confirmed the official WLTP range figures yet, but they expect the most efficient model to go up to 530 km (329 miles) on a single charge.

Availability

European sales of the new Lexus ES are expected to kick off in Spring 2026, with final pricing and detailed specs to be announced closer to launch. Whether this new generation can make a dent in the dominance of European luxury sedans remains to be seen, but it’s certainly taking its best shot.

Lexus Europe

As more automakers revise their EV plans in response to the realities of the market, Honda is also adjusting its electrification strategy. President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe recently announced significant changes to the company’s approach, including a sharp reduction in both its ambitious sales targets and, more importantly, its investment in electric vehicles.

More: Honda’s Future EVs Will Let You Pretend You’re Driving An NSX Or S2000 With Simulated Sounds And Shifts

Slower-than-expected EV adoption has been a key factor behind this shift. While Honda still sees electric vehicles as the best long-term path to carbon neutrality by 2050, the pace of adoption has not kept up with predictions. A combination of evolving environmental regulations and shifting trade policies has kept EVs from breaking through at the rate many hoped for.

Adjusted Expectations

Honda now predicts that EVs will make up less than 30% of its global sales by 2030. In response, the company is slashing its planned investment in electrification from ¥10 trillion ($69 billion) to ¥7 trillion ($48 billion) by 2031. Part of this reduction stems from the postponement of a major EV investment project in Canada.

More importantly, Honda is introducing a new mixed production system that can handle both EVs and HEVs, with the added flexibility to shift between different factories. This will be paired with a “resilient supply chain strategy” designed to make adjustments as needed, depending on market fluctuations in different regions.

Next-Generation Hybrids

With demand for hybrids expected to continue growing toward the end of the decade, Honda plans to introduce 13 next-generation HEV models globally between 2027 and 2031. These hybrids will sport the redesigned “H” emblem, which was previously reserved for EVs. The company aims to reach 2.2 million annual HEV sales by 2030, contributing to a broader sales increase beyond the projected 3.6 million units in 2025.

More: 2026 Honda Prelude Coupe Interior Revealed With Civic Vibes

Honda’s two-motor e:HEV hybrid system will also see improvements, offering enhanced efficiency and better packaging. A new all-wheel-drive (AWD) unit will further elevate performance. The next-generation hybrid system will be 30% cheaper to produce than the current version, making it a more cost-effective option for the company.

Big Plans for North America

Specifically for North America, Honda is developing a new hybrid system tailored for larger vehicles, with an emphasis on high performance and towing capabilities. This powertrain will debut in models set to launch in the next few years, including a large SUV. While the model isn’t named, we suspect that it could very well be a replacement for the Pilot.

Sophisticated ADAS

The company is also investing heavily in intelligent technologies like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Aiming to enhance the competitiveness of both EVs and HEVs, the next generation of Honda’s ADAS will offer a higher level of autonomy in both city and highway driving. These systems are expected to be launched around 2027 across a wide range of EVs and HEVs in North America and Japan.

Besides its own-developed next-gen ADAS, Honda will also work with Chinese startup Momenta Global Limited to develop systems tailored for all future Hondas that will launch in China.

Honda

The world of small, rugged crossovers is about to get a little more interesting. Fiat is getting ready to give the Grande Panda lineup a new addition, one that gives a nod to the classic Panda 4×4. The automaker unveiled a concept version of this off-road-ready urban crossover, equipped with an electrified rear axle that brings AWD capability to the table.

More: Next-Gen Fiat Panda Coming In 2030, Will Be Sold Alongside Grande Panda

Named the Fiat Grande Panda 4×4 Manifesto, this concept made its debut during the media drive of the Grande Panda Hybrid in Italy. According to Fiat, the vehicle is “the fullest expression of an idea that continues to evolve,” calling it “the foundation of an exciting journey.” This echoes earlier remarks from Fiat CEO Olivier Francois, who confirmed that a 4×4 version of the Grande Panda is currently in development.

Retro Design and Tough Features

The Manifesto stands tall with a few key changes compared to the high-spec trims of the standard Grande Panda. Notable updates include additional plastic cladding along the body, a roof rack equipped with a spare tire, and pixel-style LEDs integrated into both the grille and roof. While Fiat has hinted at more accessories for the production version, these additions already give the concept a proper rugged makeover.

Fiat opted for a unique Bordeaux paint job as a subtle tribute to the original Panda 4×4, which first rolled out in 1983. The exterior also features beige accents, along with retro-inspired 16-inch steel wheels. The same wheel design can be found on the entry-level and RED trims of the Grande Panda, though the finishes differ. For this concept, however, the wheels are wrapped in beefy all-terrain tires, a fitting choice for an off-road-ready vehicle.

Electrified Powertrain for AWD Capability

Beneath its tough exterior, the Manifesto’s pièce de résistance is its “electrified innovative rear axle,” a feature that grants it AWD capabilities. This setup is reminiscent of the 28 hp (21 kW / 29 PS) rear electric motor found on the mild-hybrid Jeep Avenger 4xe and Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4, suggesting Fiat is tapping into a familiar powertrain architecture.

More: Fiat’s 500 Hybrid Lets You Shift Your Own Gears

Fiat hasn’t yet confirmed whether the electrified rear axle of the concept is paired to the mild-hybrid 1.2-liter engine or whether the front axle is also electrically driven. However, it’s possible that the AWD setup could be compatible with both powertrain options.

While no official launch date has been announced, a production version of the Grande Panda 4×4 could arrive in European dealerships sometime in 2026.

Fiat

Even today, when most populated areas of the US and Europe provide access to at least some EV charging points, it’s all too easy to succumb to the panic of range anxiety when the remaining charge indicator lights up red. Now imagine you’re trying to explore rural Asia and you’ll understand why one EV owner came up with an unusual method of keeping range anxiety at bay.

Related: Cybertruck’s $16K Range Booster Is Dead And Tesla Isn’t Saying Why

The Chinese Tesla owner, who wanted to visit the Mount Everest viewing platform in Lazi County before road-tripping through uninhabited areas of Tibet, decided to turn his fully-electric Model Y into a kind of range-extender hybrid.

A Gasoline-Powered Back-Up Plan

To do it he mounted a gasoline generator to the rear of his SUV, complete with its own license plate to stay within the bounds of the law. The idea wasn’t to rely solely on the ICE power station and to avoid real static EV charging stations, but to help keep the Tesla going in remote areas where those chargers were few and far between.

While hardly capable of cranking out DC fast charging levels of power, the owner found it was still able to produce 3 kW even at the 17,400 ft (5,300 m) of the Everest viewing platform. That was enough to add 12 miles (19 km) of range per hour, though as Car News China points out, it’s not a true range extender because it can’t charge the Model Y on the move,

The owner, who’s known as @Xiaomo, reportedly paid ¥2,800 ($390) for the generator, which swallowed around 22 US cents’ worth of gas for every mile (1.6 km) covered. That makes running on gas more expensive than running on electricity piped in from a cheap mains supply in China, but it’s certainly preferable to finding yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead EV.

Tesla doesn’t seem interested in offering range extenders for its cars, but we’ve come across plenty more owners who’ve had the same idea, including one who added a turbo-diesel engine to the trunk of his Model S.

Images: @Xiaomo

It’s no secret that Western brands are having a tough time in China after making bank for years. Sales are falling as buyers turn to domestic brands that are gaining ground fast and in some instances overtaking legacy automakers. BMW and Mercedes were comprehensively outsold in 2024 by a brand that didn’t even exist four years earlier.

Also: Aito Gets 70,000 Pre-Orders For New M8 EREV

That brand is Aito, one that you might not have heard of even if you’re familiar with other Chinese automaker like XPeng, Xiaomi and Nio that we frequently cover here at Carscoops. Aito was born in 2021 when smartphone maker Huawei teamed up with Seres Group, a company once known for its basic mini trucks and minivans whose twin kidney grilles were shameless rip-offs of BMW’s.

Two brands, one with no high-end car-building expertise and the other completely new to to car game? It doesn’t sound like the basis for a company that could crush the kings of Western luxury carmaking within a few short years, but that’s exactly what has happened. Seres Group’s total vehicle sales trebled in three years to 427,000 according to figures quoted by Bloomberg, and Aito’s success was a major driver.

Aito’s Breakthrough Year

Atio sold 151,000 luxury cars last year – defined as vehicles costing over ¥500,000 ($69k) – making it the most popular brand in the luxury segment. BMW came second with 145,000 units and Mercedes was a distant third having delivered 127,000 cars. Fourth-placed Land Rover scraped 50,000 sales and Porsche, whose China woes are well known, secured fifth spot with 48,0000 units delivered, ThinkerCar’s data shows.

Because most of Aito’s models fall below the ¥500k luxury threshold, the heavy lifting at the high end was handled by the brand’s M9, an SUV that’s roughly the same size as China’s long-wheelbase BMW X5 and comes with a triple-screen dashboard and a choice of range-extender and full EV powertrains.

Seres 5 Review: Can A Chinese Newcomer Beat Tesla And BMW In The EV Game?

Aito isn’t slowing down. The company launched a slightly smaller version of the M9 this year called the M8, which is just 40 mm (1.6 in) shorter, and it’s set to continue cranking up the heat on Western luxury brands in 2025. However, even Aito has to contend with a general slowdown in luxury car demand and an all-out price war. Still, it’s clear that the brand’s rapid ascent is far from a fluke.

Subaru was slow out of the blocks when it came to adding EVs to its lineup, but now it’s wondering whether to even bother trying to catch up to rivals. The automaker revealed this week it was “re-evaluating” its electrification strategy amid a turbulent and uncertain time for the auto industry.

Also: Subaru Trailseeker Is Faster Than A WRX But No One Knows If It’s A Wagon Or SUV

Look at Subaru’s US website and you’ll find just one EV: the recently facelifted Solterra. A second, the Outback-sized Trailseeker that made its debut at last month’s New York Auto Show, is scheduled to be added to the range for 2026. But we’re unlikely to see many more EVs join it any time soon.

Tariffs and Tax Credits: The Great Unknowns

Aside from a general concern about a slowdown in the rate of EV takeup, Subaru, like every other automaker, is hamstrung by a lack of clarity from the US regarding its long term position on both import tariffs and EV tax credits. Nobody knows what the tariff situation will look like six or 12 months from now or whether tax credits will be scrapped or not.

Subaru estimates Trump’s tariffs could cost it $2.5 billion this year because, although the company does have a plant in Indiana, it only builds around half of the 700,000+ cars the brand sells in the US each year, Auto News reports. The remainder have to be imported, an d while Subaru could theoretically push the US plant’s current 345,000-unit annual capacity to 500,000, its supplier base can’t handle more than 370,000 units without a major upgrade.

Overseas Production and Shifting Plans

That means the Trailseeker will probably have to be built overseas, Auto News suggesting production will take place north of Tokyo. Subaru also had planned to create a new EV-only plant, but is rethinking that strategy, too. It now says it might have to add combustion vehicles into the mix at the new site.

Subaru execs made the admissions while announcing the company’s fiscal year financial results that revealed operating profit had dipped 13 percent to $2.7 billion. Global sales dropped 4.1 percent to 936,000 vehicles and North American deliveries slid 4.1 percent to 732,000 vehicles, though sales in Japan did climb 5.4 percent to 104,000.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA isn’t the only model losing camouflage as spy photographers have caught a lightly disguised CLA Shooting Brake on the Nürburgring. It follows in the footsteps of the regular model, but adopts a far more practical wagon physique.

Starting up front, there’s a familiar fascia with starry headlights and a traditional grille. The latter indicates this prototype is ICE-powered and this likely means it has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

We can also expect two electric variants with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque, while the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. These powertrains give the sedan a WLTP range of up to 492 miles (792 km), but we wouldn’t be surprised if the wagon’s extra mass cuts into that number.

Getting back to styling, the CLA Shooting Brake features a long, sloping roof and a sleek, graceful beltline. These are complemented by an angular liftgate and the now-signature starry taillights that Mercedes seems to be slapping on every model these days, whether it’s warranted or not.

Baldauf

The few glimpses of the interior reveal a familiar cabin that should have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and an available 14-inch front passenger display. We can also expect AI, an MBUX Virtual Assistant, and a generous list of standard equipment.

Of course, the real star will be the added cargo space. While details on the wagon’s capacity are still under wraps, the sedan’s trunk only holds 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters), so the wagon should provide a more generous offering.

Baldauf

The all-new Compass has officially made its European debut, though the initial press images offered only select glimpses of the new SUV in the studio. Thankfully, while renewing its sponsorship deal with Juventus F.C., Jeep pulled back the curtain with some fresh, more revealing shots of the car.

More: Which New Stellantis Compact SUV Would You Actually Buy?

This is the fully electric version of the all-new Compass shown in a striking lime green with a black roof – the same livery used in its original presentation. It adopts a boxier design compared to its predecessor with more muscular fenders, high-tech LEDs, and sharper lines on the front and rear bumpers.

This particular trim rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, which give it a more aggressive stance. The Willy’s Jeep graphic on the hub caps suggests it could be a launch edition with the usual Easter eggs. Another one we spotted is a small Willy’s face mounted on the front bumper intake. Speaking of intakes, they appear to be largely blocked in the electric variant, as is the seven-slot grille.

The new design is combined with fresh underpinnings, as the Compass now rides on the STLA Medium architecture. This is compatible with various powertrain options including mild- and plug-in hybrid, as well as fully electric.

More: Which European Car Should Stellantis Import Or Rebadge For America?

The base model produces 145 hp from a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter four, while the more potent 1.6-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain generates a combined 195 hp. Finally, the electric variants start at 213 hp and go all the way up to 375 hp in flagship AWD form.

Production of the new Compass will start in late 2025 in Italy, followed by its market launch in European markets. As for North America, the availability of the SUV remains uncertain due to the tariffs.

Jeep Loves Juventus

Jeep has also announced its continued partnership with Juventus, serving as the Official Sponsor for the next three seasons. After a one-year hiatus, the Jeep logo will return to the jerseys of both men’s and women’s teams, this time joined by a “Visit Detroit” script.

Jeep / Stellantis

We’ve got some bad news for Ram fans who were hoping to jump into one of the automaker’s two new electrified trucks. Both have been delayed again, their production debuts having already been pushed back at least once.

The all-electric 1500 REV and hybrid Ramcharger both had their global reveals back in 2023 and were originally slated to enter production in late 2024. That date was then pushed back to 2025, but now truck fans face an additional wait of up to two years to get their hands on one of the hi-tech pickups.

Related: A Secret Ram EV Truck You Never Heard Of Just Sparked A Multi-Million Lawsuit

Stellantis has delayed the Ramcharger’s introduction to the first quarter of 2026 and the REV won’t now land in dealerships until the summer of 2027 as a 28MY truck. The delay was first reported by Crain’s Detroit Business, which discovered two different reasons for the hold-ups.

The Ramcharger delay is due to Ram “extending the quality validation period” to get a handle on some quality niggles, a Stellantis spokesperson told CDB via email. Though the rep didn’t expand on what kinks needed straightening, the powertrain – an electric motor and battery setup charged by a massive combustion V6 – is an entirely new one for the automaker.

Stellantis makes no suggestion that the delay of the 1500 REV is related to quality issues with its fully-electric powertrain. Instead, the spokesperson places the blame squarely on market forces, specifically a “slowing consumer demand” for half-ton BEV pickups.

With technology and customer expectations evolving so quickly these days, let’s just hope the trucks still feel fresh and exciting when they finally start rolling off the line in Sterling Heights, Michigan – several years later than originally planned.

While the delays are disappointing, at least the trucks haven’t been canned altogether like the heavy-duty electric pickup Ram scrapped last year. And there is still plenty of good news coming out of Ram right now. We reported a few weeks back that the brand promised to announce 25 new products over the next 18 months, and the first one is scheduled for June 8.

One of those new models is a smaller truck, though it’s still unclear whether it will go into battle with midsize pickups like the Ford Ranger, or take aim at the small Maverick.

DS Automobiles has revealed the N°4, essentially a rebranded and refreshed version of the DS4. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s flagship N°8, the new model marks a pretty notable departure from its predecessor, with design updates that give it a more premium feel while retaining a familiar aesthetic.

Starting up front, the premium hatchback adopts an all-new front fascia with a slender grille that lights up. It’s joined by an illuminated DS logo as well as revised daytime running lights. Designers also added a more expressive bumper with a visually expanded lower intake. Elsewhere, the hood has been extended by 0.5 inches (12 mm) to cover part of the grille.

More: Stellantis’ Presidential Ride Is A French Flag On Wheels

Moving further back, we can see a familiar profile and 19- or 20-inch wheels. They’re joined by a ‘floating’ roof, which can be had in a contrasting black color. The subtle changes continue out back with dark accents and new badging.

A Familiar, But Improved Cabin

While the exterior sports some notable changes, the cabin is instantly recognizable. However, there’s a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system.

The company didn’t have much else to say about the interior, but higher-end variants offer Alcantara and Criollo Brown Nappa leather as well as brown ash wood trim. Customers can also get heated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 14 speaker Focal audio system.

In terms of space, the Hybrid can hold 15.2 cubic feet (430 liters) of luggage while the Plug-In Hybrid comes up short at 12.7 cubic feet (360 liters). The EV effectively splits the difference at 13.8 cubic feet (390 liters).

A Powertrain For Everyone

The fully electric N°4 E-Tense features a 58.3 kWh battery pack and an electric motor developing 210 hp (157 kW / 213 PS) and 253 lb-ft (343 Nm) of torque. This gives the car a WLTP combined range of 280 miles (450 km). When the battery is low, a 120 kW DC fast charger can take it from 20% to 80% in around 30 minutes.

The N°4 Plug-In Hybrid has a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor that has been integrated into a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. They’re joined by a new 14.6 kWh battery, which increases the electric-only range by 30%.

Jumping into the numbers, the PHEV has a combined output of 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS) and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.1 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. Besides being faster, the hatch has an electric-only combined range of up to 50 miles (81 km).

Customers looking for a more traditional experience can opt for the N°4 Hybrid. It features a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. This means the model has 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque. DS also said drivers can expect to travel in “all-electric [mode] for up to 50% of the time during urban use, depending on traffic conditions and driving style.”

Kia’s midsize truck, the Tasman, is just getting started and is expected to stick around for quite a while, according to a high-ranking company official. However, it won’t remain frozen in time. Along the way, it’ll see upgrades including, in all likelihood, a styling refresh and, more notably, hybrid and fully electric variants.

More: Kia Confirms First Midsize Pickup For America

The update comes via Roland Rivero, General Manager of Product Planning at Kia Australia. Speaking with CarExpert, Rivero described the Tasman’s ladder-frame chassis as a “fairly modular platform” that can accommodate “numerous powertrains.”

Hybrid and EV Versions on the Table

Depending on the market, the Tasman is currently offered with gasoline and diesel engines, but electrified versions are on the horizon. Rivero confirmed that Kia is actively “studying and reviewing” both hybrid and fully electric variants, though he stopped short of committing to a specific timeline for their launch.

One possible setup involves pairing the turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine that’s available in the Korean market with a self-charging hybrid system, like what Hyundai is doing with the latest Palisade. Such a move could position the Tasman to compete directly with electrified midsize trucks like the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid.

As for the fully electric Tasman, expect a dual-motor setup providing all-wheel drive. This version would go up against the zero-emission trucks being developed by Toyota and Isuzu, including electric versions of the Hilux and D-Max.

Kia’s local head of Product Planning said the Tasman’s lifecycle will follow the typical pattern for light commercial vehicles, lasting “anywhere from 8 to 12 years.” To keep demand strong over that span, Kia plans to update and refine the midsize truck in a variety of ways.

Weekender Concept Shows What’s Possible

Some of those future styling updates might take cues from the recently revealed Tasman Weekender concept, which debuted at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show. While Rivero emphasized that the Weekender is “just a concept” for now, he acknowledged that it could influence future updates, saying there’s “plenty of opportunity to enhance the Tasman” throughout its run.

More: New Kia Pickup Coming To America And It’s Nothing Like The Tasman

The concept gets wider, body-colored fenders, redesigned bumpers, a more pronounced hood, and chunkier tires over the production model. These could make their way into a tougher, off-road-oriented variant of the Tasman, a move in line with the growing popularity of factory-built rugged trucks, led by models like the Ford Ranger Raptor.

In any case, it appears that Kia has plenty of ideas about the future of the truck, enhancing its presence as a newcomer in this competitive segment. Until a facelift arrives, owners of the Tasman can rely on the numerous available accessories, tailored for different use-case scenarios.

Stellantis isn’t just a car company; it’s a continent-spanning brand collective with a habit of churning out crossovers like a bakery pumps out croissants. With names from Italy, France, Germany, and the US under its belt, it’s no surprise that many of its mainstream models share bones beneath the surface. That includes its latest crop of compact SUVs, which use common underpinnings while each clings to its own visual identity in a crowded, hyper-competitive segment.

More: Which European Car Should Stellantis Import Or Rebadge For America?

Among these mechanically-linked cousins, Jeep, Citroen, Opel, and Peugeot each toss their hat into the ring with subtly different flavors, all aiming for the same buyers and the same wallets. On paper, they have more in common than not, but visually there’s enough variation to make a side-by-side design comparison worthwhile.

Thus, we lined them up and now it’s your turn to tell us which one you’d actually want in your driveway. Even if it’s theoretical since most of you won’t get the chance, as Europe is the only region where all of them are currently on sale.

The Compact Contenders

The contenders include the newly revealed Jeep Compass, Citroen C5 Aircross, Opel Grandland, and the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. In the future, they should be joined by the DS No7, which will replace the current DS7. While earlier generations of the European models rode on the PSA-era EMP2 platform, the Jeep is the newcomer to this shared architecture, having recently moved from its old FCA roots to the STLA Medium platform.

More: This Stellantis Brand Is Working On A Spicy SUV With An Electric Twist

As mentioned, none of these SUVs are currently sold in the US. The Compass might eventually cross the Atlantic, but Jeep is still “assessing the situation,” which is just a polite way of saying “we’re waiting to see how messy the trade tariffs get” as the company has paused work at the Canadian plant it was supposed to build the North American version.

As mentioned, none of these SUVs are currently offered in the US. The Compass has the best shot at making the jump, but Jeep is still “assessing the situation” – which is the polite way of saying they’re waiting to see just how messy the trade tariffs get. In the meantime, the company has paused work at the Canadian plant that was originally set to build the North American version.

Same Platform, Different Personalities

All five SUVs ride on the same platform but feature different bodywork. The Peugeot 3008 and 5008 are the only ones that look like twins from the front, while the others keep their sheet metal to themselves. That gave designers enough freedom to inject some brand DNA, even if the proportions are dictated by the shared architecture.

Front-end design is where the Jeep leans hard into its off-road roots, with a squared-up face, seven-slot grille, and thick plastic cladding. The Citroen goes the other way, aiming for futuristic with split headlights and decorative intakes that do more looking than actually breathing.

More: DS No8 Breaks Cover As The New French Electric Flagship

Peugeot’s models take the sporty route, wearing slim headlights and sharp LED “claws” that stretch into the grille. Opel’s Grandland plays it conservative, wearing the brand’s “Vizor” face that’s more subtle, though definitely modern.

Side profiles offer more variety. Jeep stays on-brand with boxy fenders and trapezoidal arches, giving it the most “adventure-ready” stance. Peugeot gives the 3008 a coupe-style roofline, making it the swoopier of the bunch, while the 5008 keeps it upright for max cargo space. The Citroen C5 Aircross adds curves and quirky details, staying true to its contrarian reputation, while Opel again plays it safe. The Grandland’s shark-fin D-pillar is its one standout flourish.

Size Matters (Kind Of)

When it comes to dimensions, the Peugeot 5008 is the big boy of this comparison, measuring 4,791 mm (188.6 inches), placing it in Europe’s (mid-size) D-SUV territory with rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota RAV4.

Citroen’s C5 Aircross and the Opel Grandland are nearly the same length, at around 4,652 mm (183.1 inches), which positions them squarely in the upper end of the C-SUV segment, roomy enough for families but still city-friendly. Bringing up the rear in length are the Compass and 3008, clocking in at 4,550 mm (179.1 inches) and 4,540 mm (178.7 inches) respectively. They’re compact, but not cramped.

Rear Design and Cabin Differences

From the back, the Citroen arguably stands out the most, thanks to LED taillights that jut out like sci-fi fins. The Peugeot 3008, again, plays the sporty card with a sloping roof and spoiler, and it shares its sharp taillights with the taller, boxier 5008.

Interestingly, the Grandland’s rear design is arguably its strongest angle, as was the case with the previous generation. And Jeep? The latest Compass finally brings something modern to the table, improving significantly on its outdated predecessor.

More: Citroen Just Put The Biggest Screen Ever In A Stellantis Model

That brings us to the interior design, where things get surprisingly varied. Each SUV takes a different approach to the digital cockpit, offering its own interpretation of modern tech. The most distinctive setup belongs to Peugeot’s iCockpit, featuring a curved display, a compact steering wheel, and center console details that lean into a light sci-fi aesthetic.

Citroen claims the title for largest screen in any Stellantis vehicle, with a 13-inch portrait touchscreen perched on the dash, flanked by their signature plush “Advanced Comfort” seats. Opel’s cabin is similarly spacious, though the design is more reserved. Jeep adds some flair with metallic trim and unique textures, but keeps the layout simple and user-friendly.

Under the Hood: Shared DNA

All five SUVs share the same foundation, so there’s no need to dig too deep. They’re all built on the STLA Medium architecture and offer a range of powertrains for European buyers, including mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric options.

Entry-level versions come with a mild-hybrid setup built around a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The plug-in hybrids step things up with a larger 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, paired with a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery pack. Fully electric models offer either single- or dual-motor configurations, along with two battery choices depending on range and performance needs.

Your Move, Stellantis Fans

So which one does it best? Which compact SUV nails the styling, and which one should actually make the jump across the Atlantic? Cast your vote and let us know what you think.

Stellantis

The Mini Countryman is typically thought of as a road-focused SUV, but thanks to off-road experts Delta4x4 and the Dakar-winning team X-Raid, it’s been reimagined into something far more extreme, yet still street-legal beast. This radical conversion, currently presented as a digital concept, could potentially be brought to life in limited numbers if enough interest is generated.

More: BMW’s M2 Dakar Concept Is So Good It Hurts That It’s Just An April Fool’s Joke

The two companies recently showed a Mini Countryman X-Raid tuning package, which included a raft of upgrades like new wheels, tires, a suspension lift, and some eye-catching orange decals. These tweaks were only a warm-up, though, and they soon dove into creating a version inspired by X-Raid’s rally-winning desert warriors.

From April Fool’s Joke to Real Project

According to X-Raid, the idea started as an April Fool’s joke, but it quickly evolved into a real project. The highlight of the exterior are the front and rear fender extensions that add 200 mm (7.9 inches) of width to the compact SUV. A bull bar protects the front bumper from minor collisions, while extra LEDs on the grille and roof will turn night into day.

The roof rack provides extra space for overlanding equipment such as snow tracks, a full-size spare wheel, and a couple of tanks. Furthermore, Delta4x4 has added Defender-style storage compartments on the rear side windows, and decorative belts on the hood and tailgate. As a finishing touch, the body is wrapped in a matte gray shade with orange graphics.

Delta4x4 / Facebook

Underneath the Mini Countryman, things are looking even more serious. It now rolls on 18-inch Delta4x4 Hanma alloy wheels wrapped in heavy-duty all-terrain rubber by Loder. Combined with a rally-tuned suspension that adds an extra 50 mm (2 inches) of ground clearance, this SUV is ready for more than just the occasional gravel road.

More: Dacia Duster Soul Of Dakar Concept Could Inspire Future Special Edition Models

X-Raid hasn’t mentioned any performance upgrades, but judging by the rendering, the base model appears to be the fully electric Mini Countryman SE All4. This version comes with a dual-motor AWD setup that produces 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and is powered by a 66.5 kWh battery, providing a range of 212 miles (341 km). That said, the modifications are likely compatible with any variant of the Countryman, including the hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter engine version.

A Limited-Edition Possibility

While the vehicle is still a concept, X-Raid and Delta4x4 have hinted at the possibility of “small-scale production” if customer demand is high enough. Hopefully, the renders will resonate with the more adventurous kind of Mini Countryman owners, bringing the Dakar-inspired build on the road. Despite its wild stance, the company has confirmed that this is a “street-legal package”.

Earlier reports also suggest that Mini itself is also working on a more rugged version of the Countryman, though details about that are still vague at best. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if this wild rendition becomes a reality.

Ford’s Bronco family is about to get a whole lot bigger, and it looks like China will be the first to see the new addition. A camouflaged SUV sporting Bronco badges and styling has been spotted in China, giving us an early glimpse of an upcoming high-riding model from Ford. This SUV is clearly a departure from the US-spec Bronco Sport and will join the mid-size five-door Bronco already on sale in China.

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This mysterious SUV was included in Ford’s latest product plan for China, which was announced just last month. While the official announcement kept things vague, spy shots from Autohome have given us a few juicy details about what could be the third member of Ford’s ever-expanding Bronco family.

Design Details and Familiar Features

The camouflaged prototype boasts a boxy, rugged design reminiscent of the growing number of SUVs from China. The headlights carry a Bronco Sport influence, though they forgo the signature round LED graphics. From the side, round fender flares, pop-out door handles, and an upright windshield with black pillars add to the vehicle’s bold look.

At the rear, a full-size spare tire and vertically stacked taillights bring to mind the Land Rover Defender, while the clear finish gives it a contemporary touch.

Moving inside, the Bronco identity shines through, highlighted by the emblem on the flat-bottom steering wheel. Though parts of the interior remain concealed, we can still make out a high-mounted center console featuring ample storage and a free-standing infotainment screen seamlessly integrated into the dashboard.

Size and Unibody Architecture

Spy Shots Autohome

While the exact dimensions and positioning of this model remain unclear, it appears to be larger than the US-spec Ford Bronco Sport, which measures 4,387 mm (172.7 inches) long. This could be Ford’s response to the perceived preference of Chinese customers for bigger and roomier vehicles. For context, the five-door Bronco stretches to 4,800-4,825 mm (189-190 inches) in length.

A look underneath suggests that the SUV is based on a unibody architecture. This is probably the biggest point of differentiation from the regular Bronco that rides on a ladder-frame chassis sourced from the Ranger pickup. It remains to be seen whether this Chinese model will share its unibody foundation with the Bronco Sport, Escape/Kuga, and Focus, or if Ford has something entirely different in mind for its new Bronco variant.

More: A New Ford Sedan Has Been Spied In America

Elements such as the covered grille, the aero-friendly alloy wheels, and the dual ports on the rear fenders suggest that the SUV is fitted with an electrified powertrain, which would be a first for a Bronco-badged product. The setup could either be a plug-in hybrid or a range-extender, as both of them require the presence of a fuel port and a charging port.

A few details, like the covered grille, aero-friendly alloy wheels, and dual ports on the rear fenders, hint that this SUV might come with an electrified powertrain, which if true, would be a first for anything wearing the Bronco badge. This could mean a plug-in hybrid or a range-extender setup, as both would require both a fuel port and a charging port.

This new Bronco model is expected to be built in China, likely through one of Ford’s joint ventures with Changan or Jiangling Motors. Expect more details later this year, when the vehicle’s specs and images will likely be revealed through China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, ahead of its official market launch.

Last September, Volvo rowed back from its previous pledge to go all-electric by 2030, and now, eight months later, that looks like a very smart move. The Geely-owned automaker just announced its latest sales figures, and they show registrations of fully electric Volvo vehicles fell by almost one-third.

Volvo’s EV sales fell 32 percent in April versus the same period last year. The company sold 17,090 EVs in April 2024, compared to the 11,697 EVs sold in the month just gone. PHEV sales actually grew fractionally (by 2 percent) to 14,688, but MHEV and ICE registrations also dropped 5 percent to 34,315.

Related: Trump’s Tariffs Drive Volvo To Build A New Model In The US

That means Volvo’s combined electric sales were down 16 percent, and total sales for all power types for April stood at 65,838, or 11 percent lower than they were for the corresponding period last year. And April’s terrible performance really dragged down the overall Q1 EV sales figures, which showed a 6 percent sales decline and are down 7 percent Jan-April.

The lacklustre demand for EVs comes despite the EX30 being rolled out to the US and sales of the big EX90 also now having begun. But Volvo is one of the automakers affected by President Trump’s tariffs, albeit not as badly affected as Audi or Porsche. Although it does build the EX90 at its South Carolina plant in the US, other models like the XC90, XC60, XC40, and EX30 are all made overseas and subject to import levies.

Volvo sales April 2025

Volvo is looking to address that issue and is planning to build a second model – probably the XC60 or XC90 – at the same site. Volvo recently dropped the S90 from the US market due to tariffs, though the newly facelifted sedan will still be offered in Asia.

The man tasked with managing the turnaround is Hakan Samuelsson, who returned to the CEO role on April 1 on a two-year contract while the company looks for a permanent new boss. He replaces Jim Rowan, who took over from Samulesson in 2022 but was shown the door this spring after three years in the big chair.

While China’s major automakers continue pushing the EV envelope with advanced tech and compelling price tags, a different breed of smaller manufacturers is still playing dress-up. Among the growing crowd of micro-EVs that unapologetically borrow from luxury brands like Bugatti, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati, one tiny outlier stands out. This pint-sized oddity doesn’t just mimic a Bentley, it also comes with a surprise under the hood: a range-extender powertrain.

At the front, it’s doing its best impression of a mini Bentley Bentayga, featuring a large mesh-style grille and a pair of round LED headlights. Move to the side or rear and the illusion fades a bit, with a shape that’s closer to a Smart. The tiny wheels and off-kilter proportions won’t have anyone second-guessing what it actually is, but it’s entertaining all the same.

More: Tiny Rolls-Royce And Maybach Clones Are The Cutest Things You’ll See Today

What makes this vehicle a little more than just a visual gag is the inclusion of a small combustion engine that looks suspiciously like it was borrowed from a garden tool. In a video shared on Instagram by yaypan_lik, it can be seen sputtering to life and making more noise than a vehicle of this size probably should. That said, the engine isn’t connected to the wheels; it only works as a generator to feed the battery.

This setup means the car is still powered by a fully electric motor, which is far quieter and presumably more efficient than the gas-powered backup. The hybrid system makes practical sense in places with limited EV charging infrastructure. Fittingly, the clip was filmed in Uzbekistan, where plug-in access might be less reliable.

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A Mini Bentley, A Micro Price Tag

According to the Instagram post, the car was priced at around $3,100 and apparently sold, although some commenters speculated the actual sale price may have been lower. A bit of digging shows that the faux Bentley is manufactured in Shandong, China, by Weihai Yilin New Energy Technology. Online listings show prices ranging from $2,500 to $3,100, consistent with the Uzbekistan post.

More: $11k Homemade Cybertruck Is Both Hilarious And Impressive

Measuring 3,850 mm (151.6 inches) in length, the Bentley doppelganger is technically a five-seater, although fitting that many adults inside would likely require some creative Tetris skills. Features include a digital cockpit, LED lights, a roof-mounted fan, heating, power windows, alloy wheels, and disc brakes on all four corners. There’s even a variant with a slightly tweaked exterior mimicking the front end of the Bentley Mulliner Batur, for those seeking an extra touch of fake exclusivity.

The electric motor is rated at 5 horsepower (3.5 kW), giving it a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). That puts it in the same performance bracket as heavy quadricycles like the Citroen Ami. As for the combustion engine, battery size, or range, those details are absent. But a full charge reportedly takes 8 to 10 hours.

Would You Buy It?

Of course, it’s not a real Bentley. It doesn’t drive like one, it doesn’t feel like one, and it definitely doesn’t come with the prestige. But for a few thousand dollars, it’s a bizarre, undeniably amusing way to get around the block. The real question is whether you’d choose this over a moped. And if your answer is yes, then maybe the tiny fake Bentley replica is doing something right.

Photos: Yilin Electric Car

Electric vehicles may dominate headlines and political agendas, but the road to a cleaner future isn’t a one-way street. At least, not according to Toyota, the world’s best-selling brand and long-time champion of hybrid technology. While other automakers sprint toward full electrification, Toyota is still holding its ground, cautiously expanding its EV lineup while doubling down on hybrids.

More: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

Despite recent moves in China with the broader bZ series, Toyota has taken plenty of flak for its relatively slow EV rollout. But if you ask Chairman Akio Toyoda, there’s a method to what critics call hesitation. Known for his firm stance on a multi-energy strategy, Toyoda once again explained why Toyota hasn’t followed the all-electric herd.

In an recent interview with Automotive News, Toyoda said, “When the term carbon neutrality became popular, we said as a company the enemy is carbon. We have to focus on what we can do immediately to reduce carbon dioxide. That is the basis of our decision. It has not changed and will not change.”

Why Hybrids Still Matter

Toyoda also pointed to Toyota’s history with hybrid vehicles. “We have sold some 27 million hybrids,” he said. “Those hybrids have had the same impact as 9 million BEVs on the road. But if we were to have made 9 million BEVs in Japan, it would have actually increased the carbon emissions, not reduced them. That is because Japan relies on the thermal power plants for electricity.”

While the Toyota chairman didn’t break down the math behind those figures, he clearly wanted to show that EVs aren’t a silver bullet. Sure, battery electric vehicles offer zero tailpipe emissions, but that’s only part of the equation. The environmental impact of producing EVs and generating the electricity to charge them tells a more complicated story. Add to that the patchy state of charging infrastructure in many regions, and it becomes easier to understand why hybrids still make sense, at least for now.

Toyota’s deep roots in hybrid development go back to the original Prius in 1997. Since then, hybrids have grown to become a major part of the company’s global sales. Today, hybrid variants are offered across nearly every Toyota model line. Demand is particularly strong in markets like Europe and North America, where self-charging hybrids are often seen as a practical, lower-commitment step toward electrification.

More: Toyota Throws Gasoline On ICE vs EV Debate, Why Go All Electric When We Can Do Both?

And while EVs continue to grab market share, there’s a sizable segment of buyers who remain unconvinced, whether that be due to cost, range anxiety, or lack of infrastructure. Toyota seems content to serve that middle ground.

A Broader Strategy, Not a U-Turn

Toyoda’s multi-pathway approach includes more than just hybrids. He’s also supporting plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, battery EVs, and even combustion engines powered by synthetic fuels. For Toyota, it’s less about betting on a single winner and more about keeping all options open.

“We should look at all options and work in all directions,” Toyoda said. “As a company, we have been very consistent in saying what we’re fighting against is carbon dioxide.”

This isn’t new rhetoric from Toyoda. Last year, he made headlines for suggesting that even in the long term, fully electric vehicles will only make up 30 percent of global sales. He also warned that a sudden shift to an EV-only future could put 5.5 million Japanese jobs at risk.

In a sea of reveals at the Shanghai Auto Show, it’s easy to miss a few standout vehicles, especially with the rapid-fire pace of new model debuts. But once the dust settles, a few interesting names float to the surface, one of them being the new BYD Sea Lion 06, a sharp-looking electrified SUV with a front end that feels like it wandered out of a Genesis design studio.

More: Denza Z Is An Electric 911 Rival With A Fold-Away Steering Wheel

The split LED headlights look straight out of the Korean luxury brand’s playbook, flanking a grille-free nose that closely resembles the refreshed Genesis GV60. But the Sea Lion 06 doesn’t go in for sleek coupe-SUV theatrics. Instead, it opts for a more upright SUV stance that gives it a bit more presence on the road, and maybe a bit more practicality too.

Design Details with Familiar Influences

A few other styling cues stand out, like the wraparound greenhouse and a set of full-width taillights that evolve the design language of the BYD Seal sedan. There’s even a nod to Bentley in the way the rear light bar is shaped, nothing over-the-top, but enough to suggest BYD’s designers have been paying attention to the high-end crowd.

Step inside, and it’s a familiar sight for anyone who’s looked at a modern Chinese EV. The centerpiece is a 15.6-inch infotainment screen mounted to the center of the dash, a setup that’s practically standard at this point. What does break up the usual formula is the floating center console, fitted with metallic-look switchgear that feels like another subtle Genesis reference. As expected from BYD, the Sea Lion 06 comes equipped with its in-house “God’s Eye” advanced driver assistance suite.

Two Powertrains, One Look

BYD

Underneath, the SUV rides on BYD’s updated e-Platform 3.0 Evo. Buyers can choose between a fully electric version or a plug-in hybrid (DM-i). The EV comes in both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid pairs electric drive with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Despite these different drivetrains, the exterior remains identical across variants, BYD didn’t even tweak the wheel design for the sake of differentiation.

More: BYD Changes Course After Realizing Not Everyone Is Ready For EVs

As suggested by its name, the BYD Sea Lion 06 is positioned under the Sea Lion 07, although the difference in size between them is quite small. More specifically, the 06 measures 4,810 mm (189.4 inches) long, which is only 20 mm (0.8 inches) shorter than the 07. Still, the 2,820 mm (111.0 inches) wheelbase of the 06 is a 110 mm (4.3 inches) shorter than that of the 07.

Even so, the Sea Lion 06 has a bigger footprint than rivals like the Tesla Model Y and the Genesis GV60, and its shape suggests it might be more suited to family duties than some of its sleeker competitors.

As for pricing, BYD is aiming squarely at the value segment. In China, the Sea Lion 06 is expected to land between ¥160,000 and ¥200,000, which translates to roughly $22,000 to $27,500. Whether this electrified SUV makes its way to markets outside China, such as Europe, remains to be seen.

Ford is pouring tens of billions of dollars into electric vehicles, betting big on a future that’s already here, but so far, the returns aren’t looking great. While the EV market overall continues to grow, Ford’s own electric sales are moving in the opposite direction. If the Dearborn automaker wants to close the gap with rivals like GM and Hyundai-Kia, let alone take a swing at Tesla’s lead, it needs to figure out how to boost local EV sales, and quickly.

A look at Ford’s most recent sales results does not paint a pretty picture for the automaker. In April, Ford managed to sell 4,859 EVs across the country. This represents a massive 39.4% decline from the 8,014 units it sold in April last year. Ford’s total EV sales for the first four months of 2025 are also down 2.9% from last year, with 27,409 units finding new homes. And that’s with Ford extending its popular Employee Pricing discounts for all.

Read: Ford Chief Says China Leads US By 10 Years In EV Batteries, Needs Their IP

A dramatic drop in demand for the Mustang Mach-E is the main reason why Ford’s sales collapsed last month. In April, 2,927 Mustang Mach-Es were sold, representing a 40.2% decline from the 4,893 sold in April 2024. Interestingly, sales are up by 0.4% year to date with 14,534 sales.

Sales of the F-150 Lightning have also dropped. In April 2024, Ford shifted 2,090 units, but this year, just 1,740. Year-to-date sales are also down 9.2% to 8,927. The E-Transits also had a very bad month with just 192 sales, a plunge of 81.5%.

Unlike its EVs, Ford’s hybrids are actually gaining ground. In April, the company sold 23,331 hybrid models, a 29.6% increase over the previous year. Year-to-date, hybrid sales are up 31.9%, with 74,404 units sold so far in 2025.

Outside of EVs, things are looking good for Ford. In April, the company’s total vehicle sales rose 16.2% compared to the same month in 2024, reaching 208,675 units versus 179,588 last year.

With the exception of EVs, Ford’s overall sales are up through the first four months of the year, despite the turmoil that the whole industry is facing since the introduction of Trump’s tariffs. Year-to-date, Ford has sold 709,966 vehicles in the US, or 3.2% more than the 687,671 it delivered in 2024.

Update: Stellantis has officially pulled the curtain back on the 2026 Compass in Europe. We’ve updated our article with all the new details and photos.

Jeep is setting its sights on a bigger, broader market with the next-generation Compass, a compact model that’s poised to become the brand’s most globally available vehicle yet. The redesigned Compass boasts a more rugged, modern look and has grown in nearly every dimension. It now sits on the new Stellantis platform and offers a variety of electrified powertrains, from mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid to fully electric versions.

More: Citroen Just Put The Biggest Screen Ever In A Stellantis Model

On the outside, the new Compass adopts a more chiseled appearance. It takes design cues from both its smaller sibling, the Euro-market Avenger, and the larger Wagoneer S, sporting sharp fenders, crisp LED lights, and ultra-slim front intakes. The SUV’s stance is enhanced by boxy wheel arches and generous plastic cladding. Shorter front and rear overhangs give the Compass a more nimble, agile appearance, particularly when compared to its predecessor.

Additionally, the Compass benefits from an improved drag coefficient, thanks to aerodynamic tweaks like active grille shutters.

And because Jeep is all about that “nature-inspired” vibe, the new Compass comes in six colors that sound like they were plucked straight from a travel brochure. We’ve got Hawaii Green, Pacific Blue, Antarctica White, Amazonia Brown, Yosemite Grey, and Volcano Black.

Interior Design

Inside, Jeep has made a noticeable leap in both design and technology. The cockpit features a 10-inch display for the instrument cluster, paired with a large 16-inch infotainment screen. These are neatly arranged above a row of buttons and a rotary knob. The center console and dashboard are accented with aluminum-style finishes, and there’s plenty of storage space for your gear.

Powertrains and Platform

One of the key features of the new Jeep Compass is the STLA Medium architecture, shared with other Stellantis products like the Peugeot 3008/5008, the Opel Grandland, and the Citroen C5 Aircross.

The Compass is now longer, wider, and with a longer wheelbase. It measures 4,550 mm (179.1 inches) in length, 1,928 mm (75.9 inches) in width (+85 mm), and has a 160 mm (+6.2 inches) longer wheelbase at 2,795 mm (110.0 inches). This results in 55 mm (2.2 inches) more legroom, a 34-liter (1.2 cubic feet) front interior storage compartment, and a 45-liter (1.6 cubic feet) increase in boot capacity, now topping out at 550 liters (19.4 cubic feet).

The real news here, though, is the expanded engine range. The Compass will offer a variety of electrified powertrains, including e-Hybrid, e-Hybrid plug-in, and fully electric models. For markets outside Europe, non-electrified gasoline powertrains could still make an appearance, but for now, the emphasis is on electric. Both front- and all-wheel-drive variants will be available.

At launch in Europe, customers will have the choice of a 145-hp 48V Hybrid, a 195-hp Hybrid Plug-in, or three fully electric models. The electric options range from a 213-hp front-wheel drive version up to a beefy 375 hp in the all-wheel-drive version. To achieve that output in the AWD model, Jeep has developed a new, more powerful rear electric motor, specifically designed for the Compass, offering an additional 49 kW of peak power and up to 232 Nm of torque.

Charging and Range

When it comes to charging, the Compass is equipped with a 160 kW DC fast-charging solution, allowing it to go from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes. It also features an onboard charger that supports up to 22 kW. As for range, the fully electric models can travel up to an impressive 650 km (404 miles) on the WLTP cycle.

In FWD form the new Compass offers a ground clearance of up to 200 mm, with a 20° approach angle, a 15° breakover angle, and a 26° departure angle. Jeep promises it’s more than capable of handling tough terrain, and it also boasts a water fording depth of up to 470 mm. All versions come standard with Selec-Terrain, delivering 360-degree protection similar to the Avenger.

Review: Jeep Avenger Proves ICE And Manual Combo Can Still Be Compelling

The all-wheel-drive versions are even more capable, thanks to an enhanced design that boosts the approach angle to 27°, the breakover angle to 16°, and the departure angle to 31°. Ground clearance and water fording ability are also improved. Hill descent control comes standard on all-wheel-drive models.

First Edition and Availability

To kick things off, Jeep will offer the First Edition of the Compass, available for order now in Europe. Customers can choose between the 48V e-Hybrid with 145 hp or the fully electric FWD model with 213 hp and a 500 km (310-mile) driving range. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q4 of 2025.

Stellantis has confirmed that production of the new Compass will begin in Italy in late 2025. While North American models were originally slated to roll off the line in Canada starting in 2026, delays related to U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles have reportedly pushed back the launch for that market.