According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Study, Americans are becoming less satisfied with their vehicles. The overall satisfaction index dropped one point this year to 79.

Mainstream brands held steady at 79, while luxury brands slipped a point as they fell to 80. The biggest drop came from smaller brands, which are grouped into an “others” category, as they plunged 9% to 74.

More: New Car Owners Overwhelmed By Modern Technology

Jumping into specifics, Subaru was deemed the most satisfying brand with a score of 85. It was followed by Mazda and Toyota in second with 82, while Buick, GMC, and Honda tied for third at 81.

Stellantis had a dismal showing as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram all fell. In fact, all four brands found themselves at the bottom of the list with Chrysler and Ram tied for dead last at 69.

2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Mainstream Brands

ACSI

Interestingly, satisfaction with most vehicle related components and experiences was largely unchanged. However, there were drops related to technology and safety. The latest study also introduced two new categories – expected future resale or trade-in value and driving distance on a full charge or full tank of gas – and consumers weren’t exactly thrilled with either, especially for EVs.

On the luxury side of the equation, Lexus was top dog with a score of 87. They were followed by Mercedes (82) as well as Cadillac and Tesla, which tied for third at 81. BMW finished last with a score of 75 and they dropped four points from 2024.

2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Luxury Brands

ACSI

Luxury buyers were less satisfied with a number of things including driving performance, exteriors, interiors, and technology. There were also drops in safety and dependability.

Aside from the mainstream versus luxury divide, people were less satisfied with hybrids and EVs. Hybrids fell two points to 80, while electric vehicles dropped four points to fall to 73. This stands in contrast to gas-powered models, which held steady with a satisfaction index of 80.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index noted that with 22% of borrowers opting for 84-month loans, there will likely be an increased emphasis on reliability and dependability as consumers are holding onto their vehicles for longer. Ram spotted this shift awhile ago and they recently launched a new 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

ACSI

Buick has been on a roll as second quarter sales soared 19.3 percent and the brand is up 29.2 percent for the year. This follows a successful 2024, which saw sales climb 9.8 percent to hit 183,421 units in the United States.

This momentum has been fueled by new and updated models such as the Envista. The crossover starts at $24,600 and has quickly become the brand’s second best-selling vehicle.

Review: 2024 Buick Envista Proves Entry-Level Doesn’t Have To Be Boring

While the fresh lineup has helped to boost sales, a new report suggests we won’t be seeing much from the brand in the future. However, AutoNews says an electric subcompact crossover could arrive before 2029. Little is known about the model at this point, but the publication suggested it could be built alongside the Chevrolet Bolt at Fairfax Assembly.

That’s not a lot to go on, but General Motors recently announced plans to embrace lithium iron phosphate batteries for their “next-generation of affordable EVs.” The rumored Buick would seemingly fit that bill and the batteries are slated to go into production at the Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee in late 2027.

Aside from one possible new addition, we can expect a handful of facelifts. The Enclave was redesigned for the 2025 model year and a freshening is expected in 2028. Around that same time, we can expect the Envista to see a “significant” facelift or even a possible redesign.

The publication added the best-selling Encore GX could be redesigned around 2029. That would be a relatively long lifecycle as the current model debuted at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and was updated for the 2024 model year.

That brings us to the Envision, which is said to be Buick’s “biggest wild card.” The crossover is imported from China and is reportedly being hit with a steep 45 percent tariff. This has people questioning the model’s future in America and the publication suggests it might be dropped. That remains to be seen, but the compact crossover may be updated in 2026.

To mark the 28th anniversary of their partnership, SAIC and GM have opted for a more grounded celebration, setting aside flashy supercars in favor of a concept vehicle called the Gen-Z Explorer, an electric hatchback aimed at the future of mobility in China.

While it may not offer the thrill of a sleek sports car, a production version, rumored to launch under Buick’s newly created Electra sub-brand, could become a significant model for the group in the Chinese market.

Read: Buick’s New Sub-Brand Teases Its First Sedan But It’s Not For Everyone

The concept was created by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) Design, a joint operation between the two automakers, and was unveiled earlier this week. It’s believed to be similar in size to Nio’s Firefly and stands apart from anything else in the Buick or GM lineup. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as its clean, understated design could help it appeal to a broader range of buyers.

Unique Design Cues, Practical Intentions

Though there’s nothing particularly loud about its design, the Gen-Z Explorer does hide some showpiece features. Both the front and rear sections are reportedly embedded with thousands of micro LEDs capable of displaying images and messages. Look past the bright yellow and blue lighting, and you’ll also see that it has a three-door layout, unlike the Firefly’s five-door setup. A production version could easily add rear doors for practicality.

Powertrain Packs a Punch

According to Chinese media, the pint-sized SAIC-GM concept is packing some serious punch. It’s reportedly equipped with a new-generation powertrain that includes an electric motor at each axle, combining to produce 644 hp (480 kW).

That’s 3 hp more than the much larger Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and over 100 hp more than Renault’s potent new all-wheel drive 5 Turbo 3E. The Gen-Z Explorer can reportedly do 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in an impressive 3.8 seconds.

That’s not all. Its battery pack is said to have an energy density of 350 Wh/kg, and while we don’t yet know its capacity, the concept can theoretically travel 745 miles (1,200 km) on a single charge. It also has an 800-volt electrical system, allowing for 373 miles (600 km) of range to be added in just 10 minutes, as well as wireless charging.

No immediate plans for the car’s production future have been announced, but if it reaches the public roads, it will likely be sold through Buick’s new all-electric Electra brand in China.

When we first laid eyes on it, we didn’t give the Nissan N7 the kindest of receptions, calling it a straight-up copy of the Xpeng P7. As it turns out, Chinese buyers clearly didn’t have a problem with its looks; they voted with their wallets and made the N7 the most popular foreign-brand car model last month.

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

The N7 sedan scored 6,189 sales in June in a tight battle where the top three models were closely matched, and everyone else was two laps behind, so to speak. Buick’s GL8 New energy minivan was right on the N7’s tail, eventually recording 6,082 sales, while Toyota’s bargain-priced Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, found 6,030 buyers.

Tight Competition at the Top

Trailing well behind in fourth place was Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 3,950 sales, according to data from China’s Autohome, and there was another big drop to the fifth-placed Smart #1, which 2,324 buyers took home. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in shape to the N7, proved far less popular. Only 2,270 people snapped up one of those in June.

Though the Maxima-sized N7 wears Nissan badges it’s actually the result of a joint venture between the struggling Japanese company and China’s Dongfeng, and shares components with Dongfeng eπ 007. For a tempting 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800, the base N7 510 Pro comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery claims 317 miles (510 km) of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle.

CHINA’S FOREIGN BRAND BEST SELLERS

At the other end of the scale, the N7 625 Max features a much fuller list of standard equipment and a 73 kWh battery that claims a 388-mile (625 km) range. Bear in mind, though, that this is according to China’s testing standards, so take the range claims with a large pinch of salt.

More: Chevrolet’s Latest Electric SUV Has A Secret Chinese Twin

Power output varies by trim. Buyers can choose between 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW), with pricing and performance adjusted accordingly. Demographics for the N7 skew young and family-oriented: 68 percent of buyers are men, 74 percent are married, and 60 percent are under 35, according to figures released by Nissan.

Currently, the N7 is a China-only model, but Nissan has already confirmed it’s exploring international markets. A global launch could be on the table under a different name, potentially reviving the old Primera badge. Just don’t expect to see it on American roads anytime soon.

Nissan

Update: GM has released new details on the China-exclusive Electra L7 sedan, including full powertrain specifications. This story has been updated to reflect the latest information.

While Buick’s presence in the US is now all about crossovers and SUVs, the brand is taking a different route in China, where the traditional sedan still has a place. The all-new Electra L7 joins Buick’s lineup in the world’s biggest automotive market, bringing sleek styling, a high-tech interior, and electrified powertrains.

More: Buick’s Electric Crossover Just Got A Lot Better In China

Electra is Buick’s sub-brand for new energy vehicles. It was formally announced in April 2025, with three concepts: a sedan, an SUV, and a minivan. The Electra L7 is the production version of the sedan, which evolves from the 2024 Electra L concept shown the previous year.

Design Toned for Reality

The model retains much of the design language introduced in the concept, though a few features have been streamlined for production. The lighting signature at both ends has been reworked, with more practical LED graphics. Furthermore, the sleek, flush door handles and traditional side mirrors replace some of the show car’s more experimental elements, bringing it closer to real-world usability.

Buick is showcasing a few standout design elements on the Electra L7, including its distinctive wing-shaped “Galaxy” headlights and turbine-inspired alloy wheels. The EV features a fastback silhouette with a focus on aerodynamics, measuring 5,032 mm (198.1 inches) in length, 1,952 mm (76.9 inches) in width, and 1,500 mm (59.1 inches) in height.

Its 3,000 mm (118.1 inches) wheelbase gives it a spacious footprint that places it just ahead of theT esla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQE in overall length, while falling slightly short of the BMW i5.

Buick

Interior Tech with AI and AR

While Buick hasn’t yet shown the cabin, it promised “class‑leading intelligent driver-assist capabilities, a smart luxury cockpit and best‑in‑class extended‑range technology”.

The Electra L7 is expected to feature a total of eight screens, a massive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, and an array of AI-driven features. All of this will run on Qualcomm’s 8775 chip, which supports high-end infotainment and connectivity. Driver assistance tech will come from Chinese tech company Momenta, which has developed a suite of sophisticated ADAS capabilities.

Flexible Platform, Dual Powertrain Strategy

The sedan is just one of six new energy models Buick plans to launch in the next year, likely alongside production versions of Electra’s SUV and minivan concepts. All of them will be built on Buick’s Xiao Yao architecture, a flexible platform designed specifically for China. These underpinnings are compatible with fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender powertrains, in FWD, RWD, and AWD layouts.

More: Buick’s New Sedan Concept Rivals The S-Class In Size

At launch, the Electra L7 will feature a range-extender powertrain. It uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine sourced from SAIC, which produces 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. This engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly, instead, it functions solely as a generator to recharge the 40.2 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack.

Propulsion comes from a dual-motor setup, delivering 164 hp (122 kW / 166 PS) at the front and 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) at the rear. Together, they produce a combined output of 502 hp (374 kW / 509 PS), providing all-wheel drive and plenty of performance on tap.

Buick claims the EREV version of the Electra L7 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). More notably, it offers an impressive combined range of 1,400 km (870 miles), with up to 302 km (188 miles) of EV-only driving based on the generous CLTC testing standards. Despite its strong performance, the car remains efficient, with average fuel consumption rated at just 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers (470 MPG).

Looking ahead, Buick plans to offer a fully electric version of the Electra L7. This variant will feature a CATL-supplied battery and a 900V electrical architecture, enabling support for ultra-fast charging. According to preliminary estimates, the system will be capable of adding up to 350 km (218 miles) of range in just 10 minutes, significantly reducing downtime during long trips.

Pricing and Availability

The Electra L7 is described as a “300,000-class vehicle”, meaning it will be priced close to ¥300,000 ($41,800) in China. Buick hasn’t announced a date for the market launch, but is already accepting applications of interest for test drives.

As with other Electra-branded models, the L7 is likely to stay exclusive to China, so a US launch isn’t in the cards. Production will take place at the factory of the SAIC-GM joint venture in Wuhan.

Buick has sold over 10 million vehicles in China since 1998. Its local lineup offers a much wider choice of models compared to that in the US, including four SUVs, four sedans, one hatchback, and a range of minivans.

Following a preview earlier this month, Buick has officially launched the facelifted Electra E5 in China. According to the brand, it features 47 “user-driven upgrades” as well as revised styling and an improved powertrain.

The automaker was coy on specifics, but the crossover adopts a streamlined and less fussy design. As part of the makeover, the faux grille has been replaced by a stylish shark nose front end with soft curves and a sportier bumper.

More: Buick Electra E4 Unveiled As The Second Ultium EV For China

Elsewhere, there are hidden door handles, rain-sensing wipers, and subtle matte silver trim. The new E5 also sports “more fashionable and dynamic” taillights as well as 18- or 19-inch wheels, while higher-end variants add rear privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof, among other things.

A Familiar But Upgraded Interior

The interior appears to largely carryover, but Buick made a number of minor improvements. Key among them is the expanded use of soft-touch materials, which now cover 64% of contact surfaces. The rear seats also recline by 27 degrees for a more relaxed posture.

On the technology front, there’s a 30-inch curved display that supports Apple CarPlay as well as iOS 26. Buick also confirmed the E5 comes with SAIC-GM’s first AI voice assistant. It promises to respond in a matter of milliseconds and can execute up to ten sequential voice commands. The assistant also integrates with other AI models such as DeepSeek, Doubao, and ERNIE.

If you’d rather sit in silence, no problem as the crossover has “premium” insulation and double-layer acoustic glass. This results in an interior noise level of 22 dB which, according to its maker, make it one of the quietest EVs on the market.

In terms of equipment, the entry-level model comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an eight-speaker audio system. They’re joined by fabric and leather front seats with eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. Higher-end models are more luxurious as they have heated leather seats and a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system.

Customers will find a host of standard driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and forward collision warning. Moreover, the safety equipment list includes automatic emergency braking, blind zone alert, and lane departure warning.

Three Batteries And One Electric Motor

Three different powertrains are available. The entry-level model feature a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that provides a CLTC range of 320 miles (515 km) and is paired to a front-mounted electric motor producing 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. This enables the E5 to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

The next version comes with a 68.4 kWh ternary lithium battery, which increases the range to 339 miles (545 km). Despite having the same motor, it is a tad quicker as 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill come in 7.5 seconds.

Drivers who need to travel long distances will likely opt for the range-topping variant of the E5. This comes with a 76.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which provides 385 miles (620 km) of range. However, it’s the slowest of the lot, sprinting to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds.

Some details were undoubtedly lost in translation, but the press release implied the crossover has a new electric motor that was developed in-house. It’s oil-cooled and promises “industry-leading” high-speed efficiency.

Buick also noted the E5 has battery cells co-developed with CATL. This helped pave the way for a 30% increase in charging speed, meaning a 20 minute stop can deliver up to 217 miles (350 km) of range.

Pricing starts at ¥149,900 ($20,852) for the entry-level version and climbs to ¥169,900 ($23,635) for the range-topping Premium Edition. However, you’d better like black, white or gray ,as those are the only colors available, at least initially.