Christopher Faust, transportation director for Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 in Illinois and John Daniels, vice president of marketing for Transfinder, discuss utilizing multiple “finder” technologies to assist in operational and procurement challenges at the district.
They also share how and why to participate in the Top Transportation Teams challenge, which is led by Transfinder and currently accepting signups.
Marty Savino, national account manager for School-Radio, explains communications upgrades that districts can make for increased safety and security during incidents like school shootings.
Michelle Summers, assistant director of transportation for Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Texas, discusses the value of coming to conferences and participating in the inaugural STN Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program, as well as superintendent relationships and technology upgrades.
CONCORD, N.C. — Jim Knight started his keynote address at STN EXPO East like a concert, highlighting that culture isn’t something you talk about. It’s something people feel. And attendees felt that energy as they walked into the room and heard the music playing over the speakers.
His message Monday was clear: If you want a culture that rocks, you have to create experiences people won’t forget. A feeling of culture starts with moments.
Knight, the former head of global training and development for Hard Rock International’s hotels, casinos, dining and entertainment, quickly moved past traditional definitions of culture. Instead, he grounded the concept in something far more tangible: human behavior.
“Fantastic, awesome, world-beating cultures—they only exist because of human behaviors,” he said.
To illustrate, he shared a story about witnessing a fast-food employee near Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, interact with a young girl dressed as a princess. Rather than simply take her order, the employee bowed and declared, “All hail the princess,” prompting the entire staff to follow suit.
The moment lasted seconds but its impact, Knight said, is probably something the girl’s family still talks about. “That’s culture,” he said, adding that culture is not heritage, legacy or the past. “Culture is what’s happening right now.”
The ride to and from school may be routine. The interaction is not. “The student experience has to rock,” he continued. “And that starts with the relationship. How the driver made me feel, that’s what matters.”
At its core, he defined culture simply as “a collection of people,” each bringing their own behaviors into the organization. That definition carries weight in an industry facing persistent driver shortages and turnover.
Side Bar: Jim Knights’ 10 Takeaways
1. Fantastic cultures only exist because of human behaviors
2. Celebrate heritage (past), but focus on the present (people)
3. Be Like U2 – Everyone signing off the same sheet of music
4. To avoid four-letter words, don’t provide/endorse mediocrity
5. People crave differentiation – deliver personalized experiences
6. In a world of darkness, be a bright light in each student’s day
7. Treat each person special – Like it’s your first day of work
a. Create generational fans (you have the parents & the kids on your bus)
9. The true path to cultural Nirvana’s through 3C rock stars – YOU ARE THE AMPLIFIER
10. Change your mindset from transportation to creating experiences
BONUS: Position the Job to be Tattoo-Worthy
“Every time somebody joins or leaves [an organization], culture changes,” Knight said, adding that the student transportation industry faces a retention challenge. “If you could hold on to the right people, you’d have exactly what you want.”
Knight used a simple exercise. He asked attendees to close their eyes and point in the direction of true north, to demonstrate how easily organizations drift without alignment. “If everybody’s guessing, you get confusion,” he said. “If everybody’s aligned, you get productivity.”
He compared it to a band, using U2 as an example. While Bono and The Edge may draw the spotlight as lead singer and lead guitarist, respectively, the rhythm section of drummer Adam Clayton and bassist Larry Mullins, Jr., keep the band on the same page.
“Everybody has a role to play,” Knight said. “But you’ve got to be singing off the same sheet of music.”
In transportation, that means consistent communication from leaders to the school bus drivers. Everyone needs to be in tune about expectations, priorities and purpose.
“If you don’t share it, people will make it up,” he added.
One of Knight’s most pointed observations centered on what he called “acceptable mediocrity,” and four-letter words that he hates. Words like “fine,” “good” and “okay” may sound harmless, but he argued they signal something deeper.
“They scream mediocrity,” he said, adding that over time, organizations begin to accept these outcomes as success.
Differentiation Happens One Interaction at a Time
Knight emphasized that creating a standout culture doesn’t require sweeping changes. It starts with small, intentional actions.
“Read the person. Seize the moment. Personalize the experience,” he said, recalling his time at Hard Rock, where he made it a point to engage each guest in a unique way—whether through humor, conversation or simple recognition.
“You do that, you create loyalty,” he said. “You create stories.”
The same principle applies to student transportation. “People crave differentiation,” Knight said. “Deliver personalized experiences, and you build comfort, safety and trust.”
He played a video each Chick-Fil-A location shows to all new employees. The video highlights different people eating at the chain fast-fodd restaurant, with captions about what’s each person has going on in their lives. Everyone is dealing or navigating something. Every life has a story if we bother to read it, he said.
As a result, Chick-Fil-A immediately communicates the culture of caring they want from their employees.
“In a world of darkness, be a bright light in each student’s day,” Knight continued.
For many students, the bus ride is more than transportation. It’s a transition point, and sometimes the first interaction students have of the day. It puts drivers in a uniquely influential position.
Jim Ellis, director of transportation at Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, noted that culture and the driver shortage tie hand and hand. “If you don’t want to be here, then I really don’t want you,” he said, underscoring the importance of cultural fit in a role that involves transporting children. He pointed to the driver shortage as a complicating factor, making it harder to be selective, but stressed that long-term success depends on building a team committed to more than just driving.
“You’ve got to be the one that fits that culture… making sure that you are that first thing they see.”
Britton Overton, director of transportation for Pender County School District in North Carolina, added that staffing challenges also impact morale, which in turn shapes culture. “It definitely affects culture, but also morale—and morale helps to build that culture or tear it down,” he said, noting that supporting drivers and maintaining positivity are critical to sustaining both.
Knight also challenged attendees to reflect on their own mindset. Think back to the first day on the job, he said, a time when employees arrived early, paid attention and took pride in every detail.
“Somewhere along the way, we lose that,” he said, adding that employees start cutting corners by focusing on their own gain the longer they stay in an organization.
Reclaiming that “day one attitude” is essential to sustaining culture over time, he commented.
Tisha Hergert, transportation director for Onsted Community Schools in Michigan, said Knight was very enthusiastic. “Everything that he mentioned to us, it was so easy to break down and will be very easy to implement. When I go back to my district, I feel like I can fire my crew up.”
Ultimately, Knight reinforced that culture is amplified, or diminished, by the people delivering the experience. He outlined what he called the “three C’s” of high-performing teams: Competence, Character and Culture fit.
“The true path to cultural nirvana is through 3C rock stars,” he said, adding that in student transportation, those rock stars are the drivers.
Beth Allison, safety and training instructor for Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia, poses with Jim Knight after his keynote at STN EXPO East March 30, 2026.
Knight closed with a mindset shift that tied the session together. “Stop thinking about transportation,” he said. “Start thinking about creating experiences.”
Because while routes, schedules and safety protocols are essential, they are only part of the equation. What students and families remember and what defines culture, is the human interaction.
“Don’t just think about this stuff,” Knight said in his final remarks. “Act on it.”
Overton told School Transportation News that Knight’s keynote was “very inspirational.” He noted that culture has become “a big word in discussion nowadays,” adding that Knight offered practical takeaways that he plans to implement back home. “
“[Knight] gave me some good insight and broadened my thinking of how I can make our transportation better in our district,” Overton added, emphasizing that sessions like the Monday keynote are about learning what works and adapting it locally.
New Barnato will sit below the Bentayga as Bentley’s first fully-electric SUV.
Output could reach up to 1,140 hp, pointing to serious performance potential.
Its sleek styling draws from the EXP 15 concept with crisp, sharp, modern details.
Bentley is getting ready to widen its SUV lineup with a second high-riding model, one that will slot in below the Bentayga. This time, though, the formula changes. Instead of another combustion-powered offering, the new arrival is set to be fully electric.
Early reports pointed to the name ‘Mayon,’ which appeared in a trademark filing with the European Union Intellectual Property Office last year. However, more recent intel points to the ‘Barnato’ name being used; after all, it carries more heritage honoring Le Mans winner and Bentley owner Woolf Barnato.
Our sleuths behind the lens have already captured heavily camouflaged prototypes testing in winter conditions, yet we’ve gone one step further by digitally decoding its design and exploring everything else we know ahead of its expected debut.
Unlike the much-criticised Bentayga, the Barnato is a sleeker affair that draws part inspiration from the brand’s futuristic EXP 15 concept.
At the front, the fascia evolves Bentley’s familiar matrix grille theme into a closed-off interpretation that hints at its electrified powertrain. The headlights adopt four distinct lighting elements, accompanied by a horizontal DRL strip that spears into the front fenders, and lower down, a wide lattice-detailed intake aids cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.
From the side, it appears shorter and more athletic than the Bentayga, with pronounced muscular haunches and frameless windows adding a sportier character. A scalloped shoulder line emphasises stately dynamism, while at the rear, the SUV features slim, jewel-like LED taillights, and a Taycan-style rear diffuser profile aids airflow.
Digital Cabin Experience
SH Proshots
Inside, Bentley is mixing old-school craftsmanship with a very modern digital backbone. Front and center sits a sweeping curved OLED display that cascades into the center console, echoing the layout seen in the latest Porsche Cayenne Electric. It runs on Android Automotive OS, backed by quicker processors, sharper AI voice control, and access to downloadable apps. There’s even a 3D digital model of the Barnato embedded in the system, letting occupants manage various functions directly through the interface.
Other goodies will include an OLED instrument cluster with 3D overlays, an augmented-reality head-up display, and digital key functionality. A new three-spoke steering wheel features physical buttons and knurled scroll wheels, and we can expect seating configurations to include four- and five-seat layouts.
There’s also a curious bit of hardware carried over from the wider VW Group playbook. A multi-function left-hand column stalk, first seen on the Audi Q3, joins a right-hand stalk that doubles as the transmission selector, similar to the setup in the Volkswagen ID.4. Even so, the materials and finish leave no doubt about where this sits in the hierarchy. It still feels unmistakably Bentley.
Platform And Powertrain
The Barnato rides on the VW Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture shared with the upcoming Cayenne Electric. Battery capacity is expected to reach 113 kWh, enabling high-performance and long-distance touring. Bentley claims 100 miles (160 km) of range can be recovered in less than seven minutes.
Using the electron-equipped Porsche as a reference point, power levels could range from 402 hp (300 kW/408 PS) to over 1140 hp (850 kW) in flagship variants. All models will likely feature dual-motor all-wheel drive as standard, with the rear motor featuring direct oil cooling to manage heat during sustained performance driving.
Rivals And Reveal
The Barnato is being lined up for the top tier of performance SUVs, going head to head with heavy hitters like the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Lotus Eletre, Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX, Ferrari Purosangue and Luce, and the flagship Range Rover SV. Serious company, then.
Expect electrified offerings from Porsche to act as the technical yardstick here, setting the pace in areas like performance, software, and charging capability.
Kia once targeted a late 2025 U.S. launch, but that window has now fully passed.
Built on E-GMP, it offers up to 372 miles of WLTP-rated range on a full charge.
Small crossover could become the brand’s most affordable EV in North America.
Kia is one of the fastest-moving brands in the business. Now, a keen-eyed reader believes they’ve spotted something new, a model we’ve already seen overseas showing up much closer to home. The Korean automaker has brought an EV3 prototype across the Atlantic for testing in Mexico.
It’s unclear why Kia would still wrap it in camouflage given that it’s already made its global launch, but the move could point to plans for bringing the sub-compact electric crossover to North America.
Despite the thick camouflage covering nearly every body panel, it’s easy to match the EV3 that’s already on sale elsewhere, including Europe. The short overhangs, upright stance, and boxy rear section are all visible, along with a high roofline that suggests Kia is prioritizing interior space over sleek styling.
Photos Silvia García / Carscoops
The test vehicle also appears to ride on aero-optimized wheels similar to those seen on other Hyundai Motor Group EVs, while the front end is completely hidden under padded covers designed to conceal the final lighting signature. The reader who snapped these photos, Silvia Garcia, told us that the same vehicle has been around town for at least a few days.
Testing there is especially interesting, as the country already builds several Kia and Hyundai models for global markets. Running prototypes in Mexico could simply be part of evaluating local road conditions. That said, it also lines up with the idea that Kia may be eyeing Canada for the EV3.
European specification Kia EV3
Kia initially focused the EV3 on overseas markets, including Europe. When it debuted in 2024, though, the company did confirm plans for a U.S. launch, targeting late 2025 or early 2026 with a starting price in the in the low-to-mid $30,000s. That, as you may have noticed, hasn’t happened, and nobody at Kia has said much since.
A lot has changed in the meantime: the $7,500 federal tax credit is gone, the American EV market has cooled considerably, and tariffs are making the whole equation messier by the day. The awkward part is that the appetite for affordable electric cars has never been stronger.
The EV3 is built on Kia’s E-GMP platform and is currently offered with two battery options, a 58.3 kWh Standard Range and a larger 81.4 kWh Long Range pack, both driving a single front-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW). Depending on the battery, WLTP range is rated at up to 372 miles (599 km), while fast charging allows a 10 to 80% top-up in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
Back in January, Kia also pulled the covers off a hotter EV3 GT, this time with a more serious edge. It uses the larger battery and bumps output to 282 hp (215 kW / 286 PS), enough to cut the 0–62 mph (100 km/h) sprint down to a claimed 5.7 seconds.
A Clarksville-Montgomery County School System school bus traveling on a field trip crashed, resulting in at least two student fatalities.
STN received initial information about the Tennessee crash Friday, but details were limited at this report. Law enforcement officers are on scene in Carroll County, where the crash took place around noon Eastern Time.
“First and foremost, our hearts are with the families impacted by this devastating loss,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol released in a statement. A photo of the final resting position of the bus shows it at a steep angle, off the roadway.
Twenty-four students and five adults were on board the school bus at the time. Individuals were transported to the hospital, some via life-flight, while others were taken by ambulance. Two students were pronounced dead at the scene.
While the Tennessee Highway Patrol has not officially released the names of the students, online fundraisers and local media outlets identified the students as two eighth-grade girls: Zoe Davis and Arianna Pearson.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol stated via a press conference that in a preliminary crash investigation, the school bus collided with a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck and a passenger vehicle. Video of the crash shows the bus crossing the center line, veering into the other lane of traffic.
Lap/shoulder seatbelts are believed not to have been installed on the school bus. Additional information on the nature of the crash remained unknown at this time.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System posted on its website that the community is “grieving the tragic loss of two young lives. Please continue to keep these families in your heart,” the statement reads. “We continue to pray for the students and employees injured and everyone who was affected by today’s accident. The Kenwood Middle community will need our continued support, and we will share opportunities to assist families as details are confirmed.”
Officials noted that counselors will be available to support anyone in our school community and across the district who may need someone to talk to in the days ahead and for as long as needed.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County School District, First Baptist Church of Huntingdon, TN, and the numerous other law enforcement, emergency medical, and community organizations and volunteers from across the state who have provided tremendous support during this tragedy,” the statement continued.
The article was updated to indicate the crash did not take place during Spring Break. It will continue to be updated as more information is available.
The ID. Unyx 08 is sold with 82 kWh and 95 kWh battery packs in China.
VW says the flagship model can drive up to 453 miles on a single charge.
Xpeng’s advanced Level 2 driving-assistance system is used in the SUV.
VW’s partnership with Xpeng in China has started to bear fruit. Less than two years after the two car manufacturers joined forces to develop new EVs, production of the full-size ID. Unyx 08 has just started. It’s been priced very reasonably, too.
Pre-sales have started to coincide with the production of the ID. Unyx 08, starting at 239,900 yuan ($34,700) and topping out at 299,900 yuan ($43,400). To put those prices into perspective, a new ID.4 starts at $45,095 in the US, yet the ID. Unyx 08 blows it out of the water in terms of performance and technology.
The design of the new SUV is unlike any VW sold in the West, which is no bad thing. The front is sleek with intricate LED daytime running lights and black elements. Flowing sides taper off to a modern rear-end with an illuminated VW logo. All up, it is 5,000 mm (196.8 inches) long, 1,954 mm (76.9 inches) wide, and 1,672 mm (65.8 inches) tall, with a 3,030 mm (112.9-inch) wheelbase.
Efficiency And Power
Autohome
Importantly, the ID. Unyx 08 is underpinned by an 800-volt electrical architecture and offered with 82 kWh and 95 kWh battery packs, both sourced from CATL. Chinese buyers can order the SUV with either a 308 hp (230 kW) motor at the rear wheels, or in all-wheel drive configuration, which includes a 188 hp (140 kW) motor at the front wheels, making for a combined 496 hp (370 kW). This model can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.
VW has yet to release range estimates for all powertrain configurations, but we know versions with the 95 kWh pack will be able to drive up to 730 km on the CLTC cycle. The battery packs also support 315 kW DC fast charging, meaning the pack can be topped up from 10-80 percent in roughly 20 minutes.
The EV is also equipped with Xpeng’s Level 2 intelligent driving assistance system and has a modern interior that appears just as tech-focused as some Chinese competitors. Positioned behind the steering wheel is a relatively traditional digital instrument cluster, but the ID. Unyx 08 also includes two huge screens, consisting of one for the infotainment system and another for the passenger.
Other key features include massaging seats, an optional in-car fridge, an electrochromatic panoramic glass roof, and a 20-speaker audio system.
Cupra hit the brakes on their American road trip, but the company isn’t resting on their laurels. That’s clear today as the automaker has introduced an updated Tavascan.
Set to be launched this summer, the updated model has a new entry-level variant that features a 58 kWh battery pack as well as an electric motor producing 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS). The company was coy on additional details, but said the model will deliver an “engaging driving experience” and have around 270 miles (435 km) of range.
There’s no word on pricing, but the entry-level variant should be significantly cheaper than the existing Endurance and VZ trims, which use a larger 77 kWh battery. Those models are also far more powerful as they’re rated at 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS), respectively.
Speaking of the Endurance and VZ, they gain a new Launch Control function. All models also appear to have a new one pedal driving mode, which applies the regenerative brakes as soon as you lift off the accelerator.
Updated Interior With New Tech
The changes continue inside as the Tavascan has been equipped with a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system running Android OS. The latter promises a more intuitive user experience as well as access to an assortment of popular apps.
Despite the focus on technology, Cupra is rocking it old school with a new steering wheel that has physical buttons. That’s a welcome change, but the touch sliders remain.
On the subject of climate control, the crossover has “new electric air vents that activate even before the driver enters the cabin.” As Cupra explained, the system detects the key approaching the vehicle and begins to pre‑circulate air. Once people step inside, the vents apparently adjust direction based on where they’re sitting and the position of the sun. The vents can also be controlled by voice command for “added convenience.”
Needlessly complicated air vents aside, the updated Tavascan has digital key technology that enables owners to unlock, start, and share access to the vehicle using a smartphone. One ‘key’ is reserved for the owner, while four others can be shared.
Buyers will also find a new premium audio system with Sennheiser Contrabass technology. It uses “psychoacoustic techniques to deliver deep, punchy low‑end frequencies” to deliver a “rich, enveloping soundscape.”
Other Minor Changes
On the styling front, there isn’t much to report other than a new Dark Void paint job. The purple hue is described as a “deep and expressive new color that enhances the sculptural presence of the Tavascan and reinforces its progressive identity.
Last but not least is a new vehicle‑to‑load function, which is enabled via a dedicated adapter that plugs into the charging port. It effectively turns the crossover into a massive battery bank.
A tri-motor system could give the Mercedes-AMG GLC over 900 hp.
Spy shots show the tester with an active roof-mounted spoiler.
New battery cells could allow the SUV to charge at up to 400 kW.
Thanks to a new platform, more advanced batteries, and better electric motors, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ is shaping up to be the firm’s most capable EV yet, at least based on early impressions. With a credible rival to the BMW iX3, along with increasing competition from Chinese EVs, Mercedes is clearly intent on expanding its electric GLC lineup.
Just a single version of the SUV has been unveiled so far, officially known as the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology, producing 483 hp thanks to a pair of electric motors. In times gone by, that figure would have been enough for an AMG badge, but things have changed, and EV buyers now expect supercar-levels of performance.
Mercedes’ solution will be a proper AMG version of the GLC EQ. Pictured in these spy shots, the SUV will combine more menacing looks with significant performance gains, pushing it into a whole new stratosphere.
Design Changes
SH Proshots
This prototype, pictured in a deep shade of matte black, has camouflage across its front and rear, hiding some of the changes being made. Chief among these will be a more aggressive front bumper, tweaked air intakes, and a new grille. You’ll also notice it is sitting on a set of new blacked-out wheels with upgraded cross-drilled brake rotors and beefed-up calipers.
Perhaps the most intriguing detail is at the rear, where an active spoiler appears to be part of the package. Normally it would sit flush when parked, but this prototype was caught with it fully raised, giving a clear look at what’s to come. With the kind of power it promises to offer, there will be no shortage of airflow for it to work with.
Further down, the taillights should carry over from the standard electric GLC, but a new rear bumper will tie the look together with the revised front end.
According to sources, the AMG version of the GLC will follow the same path as the GT 4-Door EV and the brand’s dedicated electric SUV, pairing three of YASA’s advanced axial-flux motors. The target is over 900 hp, which should be enough to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in under three seconds.
Elsewhere, the AMG model could use new prismatic battery cells, rather than the cylindrical ones of the standard GLC, improving power density and thermal performance. These cells may also enable DC fast-charging speeds of up to 400 kW, an improvement over the standard SUV’s 330 kW, and matching the iX3.
As for when it will debut, there’s a good chance it breaks cover this fall at the Paris Motor Show in October, with sales likely to follow not long after.
Volkswagen ID. Polo has leaked ahead of its debut this spring.
Closely resembles a toned down version of the ID.2all concept.
New EV will offer outputs ranging from 114 hp to 223 hp.
Someone better check the plumbing as March has been full of leaks. The Rivian R2 snuck out shortly before its big debut, while images of the BMW 7-Series and X5 quickly followed.
Now, it’s Volkswagen turn as images of the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI have surfaced online. Their original source is unclear, but they were eventually posted to Instagram before being removed. However, the internet never forgets so they’re still floating around cyberspace.
That being said, the images are hardly surprising as Volkswagen has been heavily promoting the models as part of an extensive teaser campaign. As you can see, the EV closely resembles the ID.2all concept, but features a more traditional grille and headlight treatment. They’re joined by larger door-mounted mirrors and less flamboyant bodywork.
The ID. Polo GTI closely echoes the regular model, but it’s distinguished by a unique front bumper with a sportier intake featuring a honeycomb mesh insert. The air curtains have also been replaced by vertical daytime running lights, while there’s a red stripe and “GTI” badging beneath the grille.
Volkswagen has already confirmed the model measures 59.6 inches (4,053 mm) long, 71.5 inches (1,816 mm) wide, and 60.2 inches (1,530 mm) tall with a wheelbase spanning 102.4 inches (2,600 mm). This is roughly the same size as the MQB-based Polo, but the interior is 0.7 inches (19 mm) longer and has additional headroom and rear seat legroom.
Buyers will also find a relatively spacious boot that holds 15.4 cubic feet (435 liters) of luggage, which can be expanded to 43.9 cubic feet (1,243 liters) by folding the rear seats down.
Speaking of the interior, Volkswagen has already revealed the cabin will have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment system. The minimalist interior will also have a two-spoke steering wheel, physical switchgear, and a handful of metallic accents.
The ID. Polo will ride on the MEB+ platform and be offered with front-mounted motors sporting outputs of 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS), 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS), and 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS). The ID. Polo GTI will arrive one year later with 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS).
The 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) variants will come equipped with a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and an underwhelming DC fast charging capacity of 90 kW. The other two variants embrace a larger 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, which promises to deliver up to 280 miles (450 km) of range. These versions also have a higher 130 kW DC fast charging capability.
The ID. Polo lineup will debut shortly and Volkswagen has previously said pricing will start around €25,000 ($28,810).
Ford debuts the EV-only Transit City van in Europe for last-mile urban delivery.
Payload ranges from 2,392 lbs. to 3,373 lbs. across three body configurations.
It is based on a Chinese platform and will be manufactured in China too.
Ford Pro’s van lineup is already sprawling, with models like the fully electric E-Transit Custom and E-Transit covering a lot of ground. Still, that hasn’t stopped Ford Pro from adding another name to the roster with the all-new Transit City. Built on an EV-focused platform developed by Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) and assembled in China, it will be offered in mainland Europe and the UK.
To further slash costs, Ford has pursued an aggressively simplified strategy. There’s just one trim, no options list, and very little room for personalization. It’s as pared back as it gets. The design follows suit. You get a straightforward look with modern LED lighting linked by a closed-off grille, clean body surfaces, black wheels, and unpainted plastic bumpers that make no attempt to hide their budget-friendly intent.
The Transit City is available in three body styles, including a standard panel van, a long-wheelbase high-roof variant, and a chassis cab version. The latter is designed to serve as a blank canvas for conversions by aftermarket specialists.
Payload capacity ranges between 1,085 kg (2,392 lbs) and 1,530 kg (3,373 lbs), depending on the specification. As for the available space at the back, the largest van can hold up to 8.5 cubic meters (300 cubic feet) of cargo and has a loading space length of 3,070 mm (120.9 inches).
Despite its budget character and lack of options, the standard equipment is quite generous for the segment. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and plenty of storage compartments.
Furthermore, the van comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and even a heated driver’s seat.
A Dedicated EV
Unlike other models in Ford Pro’s commercial vehicle lineup, the Transit City is a dedicated battery-electric vehicle with no internal combustion or hybrid variants on the horizon. The company claims the electric powertrain will help reduce maintenance costs by up to 40% compared to a diesel van.
It rides on a ladder-frame chassis developed by the JMC joint venture and is fitted with a front-mounted electric motor producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). Energy is stored in a 56 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, allowing a WLTP range of up to 254 km (158 miles). While that might sound modest to some, Ford notes that typical users in this segment average less than 110 km (68 miles) per day.
Charging is handled via an 87 kW peak DC fast-charging rate, enabling 50 km (31 miles) of range to be added in 10 minutes, or a 10-80% top-up in approximately 33 minutes. Using the standard 11 kW AC charger, a full charge takes about five hours.
Focused On Affordability
Ford hasn’t put a price tag on it yet, but it has made confirmed that the Transit City will slot between the smaller E-Transit Custom and the full-size E-Transit. Right now, those models start at £43,630 ($58,300) and £49,545 ($66,200), respectively, which gives a fairly tight window for where this new addition is likely to land.
Elon Musk teased a new Tesla model described as “cooler than a minivan”.
Tesla is discontinuing the Model S and Model X by the end of the year.
A Cybertruck-derived three-row SUV appeared as a clay model in 2025.
Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla is working on a new model, and the internet has done what the internet does: immediately begun speculating. The leading theory involves a rugged, three-row SUV inspired by the Cybertruck.
Unless, of course, the big reveal turns out to be the three-row Model Y L recently spotted at Gigafactory Texas, in which case Musk’s gift for generating hype will have once again conjured a drum roll worthy of a stadium concert. Wouldn’t be the first time.
But we digress. On March 24, the Tesla CEO shared a post on X noting that the Cybertruck’s rear bench is large enough to fit three child seats or three adults. A follower then suggested he “make a minivan,” to which Musk replied: “Something way cooler than a minivan is coming.”
One credible scenario involves what has been dubbed by the internet, the CyberSUV. Back in September 2025, a clay model appeared in the background of an official Tesla video, suggesting a potential SUV sibling to the Cybertruck.
The mockup featured a redesigned roofline and greenhouse, while the front-end design, full-width LED bar, and flat stainless steel surfacing appeared to carry over from the truck.
A CyberSUV would be larger and more spacious than the Model Y and Model X, positioning it against full-size SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade.
Repurposing the Cybertruck platform for an SUV makes strategic sense. Sales of the electric truck are abysmal, given initial expectations, and an SUV twin could help Tesla increase production at Giga Texas while tapping a segment that American buyers never stopped loving. Keeping R&D costs down would be another advantage, particularly if the new model shared its underpinnings along with numerous exterior and interior components with the Cybertruck.
As we mentioned, another possibility is a stretched Model Y heading to North America. Last year, Musk stated that this model wouldn’t enter US production until late 2026, if at all. Footage from outside Gigafactory Texas, however, tells a somewhat different story.
Drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer captured a large vehicle shell wrapped in blue plastic and sitting inside a wooden crate. Many believe the shell belongs to the Tesla Model Y L, already sold in China with extended bodywork and six-seat seating.
Whether the new Tesla will actually be cooler than a minivan remains to be seen. Hopefully, Tesla will clear up the mystery soon.
Ferrari CEO says touch controls cost less to build, not better to actually use.
Luxury brands are bringing buttons back after years of touchscreen overload.
Hyundai and VW are now restoring physical controls in their latest new models.
For the past decade or so, the automotive industry has been marching steadily toward touchscreens and capacitive buttons, and the reasoning has always been the same: they look cleaner, they signal modernity, and they photograph well in press materials. At the same time, they’ve often proven harder to use in practice.
Now, one of the world’s most storied automotive names is admitting what many suspected all along: touch controls took over because they’re cheaper, not because they’re better.
According to Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, the shift away from physical buttons has little to do with improving the driving experience and everything to do with manufacturing efficiency. “The touch [button] is something that is made for the supplier’s advantage… Making a touch button is cheaper — 50 percent cheaper.” He also made clear that the trend is not driven by customer preference or any inherent technological advantage.
That’s the blunt admission he made while speaking to Autocar India, and it lines up with what we’ve been hearing across the industry. Capacitive panels reduce parts count, simplify wiring, and allow manufacturers to reuse the same hardware across multiple models. They also eliminate the need to design, engineer, and validate bespoke physical switches for each function. In high-volume cars, those savings add up quickly. But even premium brands leaned into the trend, sometimes at the expense of usability.
Ferrari’s “Phygital” Philosophy
Ferrari, however, now says it’s going the other direction, especially for its first electric vehicle, the Luce, due out later this year. Instead of doubling down on screens, the company plans to bring back more physical switches, dials, and toggles, particularly for frequently used functions. This includes steering wheel controls and secondary systems such as climate settings, areas where tactile feedback can make a noticeable difference.
Vigna calls the approach “phygital,” a blend of physical and digital controls meant to keep the interface intuitive without giving up modern software features. That philosophy will appear in the upcoming EV, the interior of which, has already been revealed, giving us a first look at the new layout.
The Jony Ive Irony
What makes this particularly interesting is that the Luce has been developed with input from design consultancy LoveFrom, led by former Apple designer Jony Ive. That’s the man behind the original iPhone, a product that became historically significant in large part because of its deliberate absence of physical controls.
All said, Ferrari is far from alone in this new understanding of why physical controls are so important. Super-luxury brands like Rolls-Royce never fully departed from such controls. Mainstream brands like Hyundai and Volkswagen are also open about the need to eschew touch controls for physical ones. Now, we just have to wait to see how each company will implement those design briefs.
The production-spec Denza Z makes its global debut at Goodwood this summer.
Daniel Craig is fronting Denza’s push into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Concept styling carries over largely intact, but the large rear wing is gone for now.
A new Chinese sports car is on the way, and it’s aiming straight at one of the most recognizable nameplates in the business. Denza, BYD’s premium offshoot that began as a joint venture with Mercedes before it sold its stake in 2024, is preparing to unveil its long-anticipated Porsche 911 rival, and it has enlisted a certain former secret agent to attract eyeballs.
Denza’s flagship sports car was previewed with the eye-catching Z Concept in April last year, and now we’re getting an early look at the production version ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The preview image puts a bright orange Z front and center, sitting just behind BYD executive vice president Stella Li and former James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and from what’s visible, it clearly sticks true to the concept.
This new model is set to crown Denza’s lineup, positioned above the Z9 GT, D9 MPV, and B5 SUV as the brand’s top-tier performance offering.
Partially visible at the front are the sharp, diamond-shaped headlights and an aggressive front bumper, not dissimilar to what you’ll find on the Lotus Emira. Notably, the production model ditches the concept’s sharp splitter, though that may be present on a higher-performance version of the car.
Little else of the car can be seen, though you will notice it has silver-and-black wheels and does without the concept’s large fixed rear wing. Earlier prototypes have already been spotted testing at the Nürburgring, suggesting serious performance intent and perhaps even a push for a headline lap time.
Near Four-Digit Horsepower
Denza Z Concept
Powertrain details have yet to be confirmed, and Denza never actually said what was powering the concept. However, all signs point towards the Z getting the same powertrain as the all-electric Z9 GT. That car uses a 100-kWh Blade battery and a trio of electric motors that combine to deliver more than 952 hp. Obviously, this would easily outmuscle the Porsche 911, which isn’t available in an all-electric configuration.
Beyond raw output, Denza has also pointed to a suite of advanced hardware, including magnetorheological suspension and steer-by-wire. It’s also likely to inherit some trick features from the brand’s Z9 GT, such as crab-walk, slow-motion drifting into parking spaces, and tighter turning capability.
According to Stella Li, BYD has partnered with Daniel Craig for a promotional campaign for Denza, helping to expand its presence across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The firm already has Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado rivals with the B8 and B5 off-roaders, and is now targeting the pinnacle of sports cars.
Mystery vehicle at Tesla Texas plant looks longer than the Model Y.
Fans think it could be the stretched Model Y L already sold in China.
If true, Tesla may be readying a larger family SUV as Model X goes away.
Every time a drone buzzes over Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory, the internet immediately goes into detective mode. Usually, the result is a grainy shot of construction equipment and a few wild guesses. This time, though, the mystery object might actually be something real. Fans of the brand have torn these shots apart like they’ll reveal whether or not alien life exists.
Drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer recently captured footage of a large vehicle shell sitting inside a wooden crate outside Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas. The structure was wrapped in blue plastic and surrounded by construction materials. That didn’t stop folks from trying to suss out exactly what we’re looking at. Most think it’s Tesla’s Model Y L.
That’s the long-wheelbase take on Tesla’s compact crossover, first rolled out in China last year. It matters more than it might seem at first glance. This is effectively Tesla’s only proper three-row crossover heading into the near future. Yes, you can spec tiny rear seats in the standard Model Y, though calling them usable depends on how much you like the people riding back there.
The Model X is about to go away with the death of its flagship stablemate, the Model S. That leaves Tesla with a big gap in the market. A lengthened Model Y would help plug that third-row-sized hole.
The vehicle in the drone footage appears to be little more than a body shell. These unfinished body structures allow automakers to continue development or manufacturing testing without building a full car to do so. It’s a normal part of production and something we’d expect from Tesla if it were setting up to sell the Model Y L in the U.S. market.
As Teslarati pointed out, observers have done just about everything they can to sort this out. Some used AI to create renders. Others compared how the dimensions came together compared to the standard Model Y. Some went as far as to superimpose the Model Y L’s window shapes over the shell.
All signs, at least for now, point toward this being the Model Y L, or something very close to it. One user even shared a rare overhead shot of what appears to be the production SUV, and the resemblance lines up almost too neatly to ignore. The proportions, the silhouette, the overall footprint, it all matches.
That said, there’s no word on when or even if the vehicle could come to the U.S. market in any official capacity. Musk once seemed to indicate that it might not ever end up in the States. These images seem to indicate otherwise, though with Tesla, certainty has never really been part of the package.
Porsche’s new CEO met with Audi’s leadership within days of taking the role.
Next Audi TT will be an EV based on the next-generation 718 Boxster platform.
Porsche is targeting up to 10 percent margins by using more Audi architectures.
Porsche and Audi have collaborated numerous times over the decades, but the relationship has often been fraught as engineers and executives butted heads over shared goals. Now, the two car companies are planning to deepen their ties, not just to cut costs but also to help ensure their survival.
The two companies are under increased pressure from declining demand, tariffs, and product strategy mistakes. Porsche has had a particularly trying time after backing away from its plan to target 80 percent EV sales by 2030, and amid a collapse in demand for its models in China.
Industry veteran Michael Leiters was recently named as Porsche’s new chief executive, and according to Auto News, he traveled to Audi’s headquarters to meet with boss Gernot Döllner within days. According to Leiters, “Audi is a key partner for us,” noting that “we want to leverage shared potential even more.”
Porsche is aiming to restore margins to as much as 10 percent as it shifts its focus back to combustion-powered vehicles, and hopes to do so by using more Audi platforms and parts. For example, the next-generation Macan – which will include ICE models – will share the same Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture as the Audi Q5. Porsche also still has plans for an SUV to sit above the Cayenne, currently known as the K1, which itself will be derived from the upcoming Audi Q9.
The future of Porsche’s planned electric 718 Boxster and Cayman models is also important for Audi. While Porsche has backed away from its initial plans to sell these models as EVs only, switching to a multi-energy plan with combustion engines included, they’ll offer the platform for the next-generation Audi TT. The new TT will be sold exclusively as an EV with batteries placed behind the driver to allow for a lower seating position and mid-engined driving dynamics.
German Frictions
Porsche and Audi worked together on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) underpinnings used by models like the Macan Electric, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron, but according to reports, there was fierce internal rivalry between the companies and disputes over development leadership, forcing VW boss Oliver Blume to step in and act as mediator. Neither Porsche nor Audi can afford to have disputes like these moving forward.
School districts in major cities like Los Angeles and Miami are taking steps to reassure families and protect students amid heightened fears of federal immigration enforcement operations near schools and bus stops.
The Trump administration last year rescinded a 2021 Department of Homeland Security memorandum that recognized schools along with churches and healthcare facilities as safe havens from Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. All children regardless of their or their parents’ immigration status retain the right to public education, per the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v Doe.
No confirmed reports exist ICE agents conducting operations directly at school bus stops, detaining individuals on school buses, or targeting children at these locations. However, operations have reportedly occurred in the vicinity of schools in areas including Los Angeles and parts of Florida, contributing to community anxiety, enrollment drops in some districts and concerns about safe travel to and from school.
In the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second-largest school system, officials have emphasized campuses and bus stops as safe havens. In January, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who was placed on paid leave earlier this month amid an unrelated FBI investigation, said schools must remain places of stability amid fears that “fear doesn’t have a border” and shows up in neighborhoods and school communities.
The school district launched initiatives including the “We Are One” campaign, which provides “Know Your Rights” immigration resources, legal referrals, mental health support, community food distribution, and a 24/7 family hotline. LAUSD has also distributed “Family Preparedness Packets” in multiple languages, outlining steps if approached by immigration officers.
LAUSD affirmed it will not ask about or share a student’s immigration status unless required by law and maintains safe zones around schools.
To address transportation fears, LAUSD is offering individualized school bus routes, expanded transportation options and access to its virtual academy for families preferring online learning. Partnerships provide legal support, and staff have been deployed in high-risk areas for visible presence during drop-off and pickup times.
Bus Driver Training and Protecting Safe Routes to School
In Florida’s Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Collier County Schools across the state on the Gulf Coast, officials have encouraged calm preparation while re-affirming policies. The districts do not collect immigration status information on students or families and will not release records without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
School personnel, including bus drivers, are instructed to request agent identification and a valid judicial warrant if approached by ICE. Without credentials, bus drivers are to deny entry to non-public areas. Staff have received training on responses, including the right to remain silent. Districts are assisting families with emergency plans, such as designating alternative child pick-up contacts if parents are detained and offering mental health support for students facing fear or trauma.
Meanwhile, Safe Routes to School programs focused on safe travel for students walking or riding to school have adapted to support immigrant families. California’s Alameda County Office of Education and community partners in the San Francisco Bay area have organized foot patrols and rapid response networks near campuses and bus stops. Volunteers receive reflective vests, whistles and air horns for visibility during pickup and drop-off. Trainings cover immigrant rights and protocols if ICE is spotted.
In nearby areas like Hayward, community groups have emphasized collective action, care and visibility to help families feel safer. Transform, an advocacy organization, highlights these efforts as ways ordinary people can protect children during expected enforcement actions, as seen in instances where community readiness coincided with lower attendance on anticipated raid days — though large-scale operations did not materialize.
Learn more about our upcoming April magazine, inflation and fuel prices, internet for school buses, record revenue for Zum, district efforts amid ICE enforcement, and a driver dressing to impress.
Michael Signer, chief policy and legal officer for EverDriven, discusses the evolution of alternative student transportation from safety and regulatory perspectives to help school districts meet student needs alongside yellow buses.
Freelander returns as a standalone electrified brand under JLR and Chery.
Teaser and spy shots reveal pixel-style LED headlights and a boxy SUV design.
A global rollout is planned following the first model’s initial launch in China.
Update: So much for waiting on the official reveal. The first proper look at Land Rover’s newly spun-off Freelander brand has arrived early, thanks to a set of crash test images from China that show far more than intended just days before the March 31 debut.
The Freelander-badged SUV appears significantly larger than its Land Rover predecessor, adopting a more upright, squared-off stance. Visually, it sits somewhere between a Defender and a Discovery, with boxy headlights featuring modern LED graphics, a tall rear end, thick plastic cladding, and Freelander lettering pressed into the bodywork.
A look inside reveals a tech-heavy cabin, headlined by what appears to be a pillar-to-pillar display stretching across the base of the windscreen. It is paired with a large, freestanding infotainment screen. Beyond the tech, the electrified SUV seems to offer a three-row, six-seat configuration, trimmed in light blue leather upholstery.
The original story follows below.
Photos Weibo
The Freelander name is making an unexpected return, though not in the way many would have predicted just a few years ago. Jaguar Land Rover’s Chinese joint venture with Chery has confirmed that the new Freelander will debut on March 31. This time, the badge does not belong to Land Rover at all, instead re-emerging as a standalone electrified brand with no traditional ties to its former parent.
The first teaser focuses on the rectangular headlights, featuring pixel-style LED graphics. We can also spot an upright nose and hints of fender extensions, paired with gray plastic cladding on the front bumper.
The upright lines across the front seem to nod to the original design. The Land Rover Freelander first arrived in 1997, followed by a second generation in 2006 that stayed on sale until 2015, when it was ultimately phased out in favor of the Discovery Sport.
Overall, the new model leans heavily on the Land Rover Defender’s design playbook, much like a growing number of SUVs coming out of China. Still, with JLR’s UK studio leading the design, this one at least has a legitimate claim to the look.
Earlier spy shots have already given away much of the Freelander’s stance, revealing a boxy silhouette that leans heavily into SUV convention. It is expected to feature a three-row layout, with an overall length stretching beyond 5,100 mm (200.8 inches), placing it firmly in large family hauler territory.
Under the skin, the SUV is expected to ride on Chery’s modular architecture. The platform is designed to support both fully electric and range-extender powertrains, while also enabling ultra-fast charging,
Production of the new model will be centralized at the CJLR plant in Changshu, China. The facility is currently undergoing a ¥3 billion ($436 million) investment as it transitions away from the aging Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, preparing instead for the upcoming Freelander lineup.
The Chinese joint venture has also begun scaling up its workforce, recently sharing a recruitment poster on social media that lists more than 30 open positions across its Shanghai and Suzhou operations. The recruitment drive confirms that JLR and Chery are building an entirely new corporate infrastructure. While the new brand will initially launch in China, a wider global rollout is planned for the near future.
Spy Shots: Chery-JLR Freelander SUV for China
Freelander is a new brand under Chery-JLR. The Chinese name is 神行者 (Shén Xíngzhě). Freelander will manufacture various SUVs based on Chery platforms.
The spy shots show a boxy off-road-style SUV during winter tests in Northern… pic.twitter.com/IduwHRG5vw
BYD and Chery are actively looking to establish a Canadian dealership network.
It comes after Canada agreed to a quota of Chinese EVs allowed in with reduced tariffs.
The Chinese automakers’ plans start with Toronto, before expanding west and east.
A report has seemingly confirmed that two of China’s biggest electric car manufacturers are swiftly building the foundation for a Canadian push. The news comes from a consultant tasked with laying the groundwork. The companies are in talks to set up branded dealerships throughout the country, a serious move into a massive market that has so far eluded Chinese car makers.
It’s understood that both BYD and Chery have plans centered around establishing independent dealerships, but cautioned that the low volume of cars allowed by the quota may not be enough to sustain many Canadian dealerships.
The initial strategy involves launching out of the Greater Toronto Area, then expanding west and east to cities such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. Those involved in the talks say that BYD’s goal is to build about 20 dealership locations in the first year of operation. That would give China’s biggest carmaker a visible presence in Canada’s biggest urban markets, where there is a continuing rise in the demand for electric vehicles as consumers look for cheaper alternatives.
The news comes from Farid Ahmad, the CEO of Dealer Solutions Mergers & Acquisitions, a consultancy which has already had discussions with three possible BYD locations. “They’ve asked us to help them find as many of the 20 that they possibly can, but they’re out there doing that themselves, as well,” said Ahmad speaking to The Globe And Mail. Ahmad went on to say that a number of Chinese manufacturers were interested in setting up shop in Canada, including Chery.
Canada recently restructured its tariff regime relating to Chinese-built electric vehicles by implementing a quota that permits 24,500 Chinese-made EV to come into Canada at a significantly reduced duty rate of just 6.1 percent. That change in policy means a change in math for companies such as BYD and Chery that previously have struggled with steep barriers that made it difficult for them to expand.
With the advent of lower import costs now possible under the quota, the move into the Canadian market is becoming more realistic. Still, there are a number of steps before any cars are in showrooms. Regulatory approvals, dealer agreements, financing structures, and service networks all have to be put in place.
Launch Timing Remains Unclear
Sources caution that although discussions are ongoing, there hasn’t been an official date initiated for the launch by BYD. The company has not publicly outlined its timeline, nor the specific models it prioritizes for Canada.
By coming into the Canadian EV market, Industry analysts believe BYD and Chery will transform pricing and competition in the industry. The market has been dominated by established North American, European, and Korean brands for an extended period. A new player that is well-known globally for high-volume electric vehicles production could expand consumer choice and put a squeeze on rivals.
Rivian and Jeep are launching similar electric SUVs this year.
The R2 is cheaper than the Recon and offers far more range.
Both have similar outputs at launch and other versions are coming.
Rivian introduced the highly anticipated R2 last week and a lot of people got sticker shock. While the company had promised a starting price of around $45,000, the launch model costs $57,990.
Price, Performance And Range
That’s significantly more expensive than expected, but it looks like a bargain compared to the 2026 Jeep Recon. It starts at $65,000 and has a 100 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 650 hp (485 kW / 659 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 3.6 seconds and travel up to 230 miles (370 km) on a single charge in Moab trim.
The R2, on the other hand, has an 87.9 kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. Those numbers are nearly identical to the Jeep and so is the 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.6 seconds.
The models also offer a similar recharging experience as the Recon’s battery goes from 5-80% in around 28 minutes, while the R2 goes from 10-80% in as little as 29 minutes. However, there’s a big difference as the R2 Performance has 330 miles (531 km) of range. That’s 100 miles (161 km) more than the Recon Moab and 80 miles (129 km) more than future versions of the SUV.
Off-Road Chops
Speaking of capability, the Recon Moab has 9.1 inches (231 mm) of ground clearance as well as approach, departure, and breakover angles of 33.8, 33.1, and 23.3 degrees. While the R2 sits higher off the ground at 9.6 inches (244 mm), it offers far less impressive angles of 25, 26, and 20.6 degrees. The Jeep rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch tires, while the Rivian has 21-inch wheels and 32-inch rubber.
Size And Cargo Space
In terms of size, the Recon measures 193.3 inches (4,911 mm) long, 87.4 inches (2,221 mm) wide, and 73.8 inches (1,875 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 112.9 inches (2,868 mm). This means it’s 7.4 inches (188 mm) longer than the R2, despite having a 2.7-inch (69 mm) shorter wheelbase.
Despite being smaller, the Rivian has more cargo space thanks to a 5.2 cubic foot (147 liter) frunk and a rear cargo compartment that can hold 79.4 cubic feet (2,248 liters) of luggage. The Recon, on the other hand, has a smaller 3 cubic foot (85 liter) frunk and a boot that holds 65.9 cubic feet (1,866 liters) of gear.
Equipment
While the R2 seems to be wiping the floor with the Recon, Jeep has a few tricks up its sleeve. The most notable is doors, rear quarter glass, and swing gate glass that can be removed without tools. This open air experience can further be enhanced by an optional Sky one-touch power top. That sounds a lot more fun than the R2, which has a drop down rear window and a panoramic glass roof.
Rivian hasn’t said much about the crossover’s cabin, but buyers will find a Black Crater Signature interior with Birch wood trim. They’re joined by 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation as well as heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Other highlights include a nine-speaker premium audio system and a flashlight integrated into the driver’s door.
The Recon’s interior looks a little less glamorous, but it has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. They’re joined by Capri leatherette front seats with heating and eight-way power adjustment. Other highlights include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charger, and an 11-speaker Alpine premium audio system.
Customers will also be able to get a Comfort Package, which includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a passenger camera.
With all that being said, which one interests you the most?
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