The latest-generation Jeep Compass doesn’t stray far from the brand’s off-road DNA, and the 4xe trim is the clearest expression of that intent. This all-wheel-drive version is built with actual trail use in mind, not just the look of it, featuring a more functional exterior, chunkier wheels, raised suspension, and an interior that’s been reworked for real-world wear and tear.

More: Jeep Shows New Compass In The Real World

While Jeep had already shared a look at the Compass 4xe’s exterior during its global debut last May, this marks the first full reveal of the interior. Among the model-specific upgrades is a revised cloth upholstery treated with polyurethane. Jeep claims it’s twice as resistant as standard fabric and far easier to clean after muddy outings.

Interior Built for Practicality

Additional touches include anti-scratch surfaces on the rear seatbacks, ideal for transporting pets or outdoor gear. The cabin also gets increased storage options and rubberized floor mats designed to handle mud, gravel, and water without fuss.

Visually, the interior leans into a more utilitarian aesthetic, with tan accents on the dashboard, doors, and seats, accompanied by subtle red highlights. Jeep says the earth-toned color palette helps mask dirt better over time. A 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 16-inch infotainment screen come standard.

Upgraded Exterior for Trail Duty

On the outside, the Compass 4xe features slightly redesigned front and rear bumpers finished in Jeep’s scratch-resistant Bumper Shield coating. It also gains more prominent skid plates, a rear tow hook, a matte black anti-glare hood decal, and a new set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in higher-profile tires.

More importantly, the SUV rides on a suspension that sits 10 mm (0.4 inches) higher than stock, contributing to better off-road angles (27° approach, 31° departure, and 16° breakover).

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

Built on the STLA Medium platform, the new Compass supports a variety of powertrains, including mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric configurations. Jeep has yet to confirm which specific options will be available in the 4xe trim, though all-wheel drive and an extra off-road mode on the Selec-Terrain system come standard. The plug-in hybrid version produces a combined 195 hp, while the fully electric dual-motor variant bumps that up to 375 hp.

Deliveries in Europe are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with production taking place in Italy. The US version remains up in the air, delayed by ongoing tariff disputes. When it does arrive, the Compass 4xe will face competition from models like the Toyota RAV4 Adventure, Honda CR-V Trailsport, and Subaru Forester Wilderness.

Jeep

As more buyers gravitate toward hybrids over fully electric vehicles, automakers are rethinking their EV roadmaps. Among them is Honda, which has reportedly shelved plans for a large electric SUV intended for the US market as it reevaluates its electrification strategy.

More: Honda’s Future Is Packed With New Models And It Isn’t All Electric

The decision seems tied to the slower-than-expected pace of EV adoption in the US. A recent tax bill passed under the Trump administration may have also played a role, rolling back key EV incentives and making electric models less appealing to cost-conscious buyers.

Cost Challenges and Changing Priorities

According to a report from Nikkei Asia, development and procurement costs for larger EVs are significantly higher, mainly due to the size and expense of the battery packs. Honda appears to have concluded that the financial risk of launching a large EV in this environment wasn’t worth taking, especially with the model originally scheduled for a 2027 debut.

The now-canceled SUV was meant to round out a lineup that includes a midsize electric SUV and sedan, both of which have already appeared in near-production form and are still expected to launch in 2026 as part of Honda 0 Series concepts. Honda’s broader plan was to offer seven EVs in the US by 2030, a target that now looks less certain.

Electrification Pullback, Hybrid Push

In May, Honda announced it had reduced its investment in electrification from ¥10 trillion ($69 billion) to ¥7 trillion ($48 billion). The company is now placing more emphasis on hybrid models, which will result in a scaled-back EV rollout.

Between 2027 and 2031, Honda aims to introduce 13 new-generation hybrids worldwide, targeting 2.2 million hybrid sales by 2030. This lineup will include a new large SUV designed specifically for the North American market, which could effectively replace the scrapped electric version.

More: Honda’s Latest Concept Looks Familiar Yet Unexpectedly New

Earlier this year, we reported a notable uptick in Honda Prologue sales, with a 963% increase in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Still, total sales stood at just 16,318 units, making it the lowest-selling model in Honda’s US portfolio. Despite the sharp percentage gain, the numbers underscore the ongoing challenges in the EV segment.

Of course, Honda is not the only automaker that has delayed its EV plans. Nissan has canceled two EVs originally planned to be produced in the US, Ford has paused development of large EVs, while Toyota has postponed the production of a large electric SUV from 2026 to 2028.

As demand patterns shift in the auto industry, the tension between future-focused electric vehicles and proven combustion models continues to shape manufacturing plans.

Toyota has always been a strong believer in that a multi-energy approach is best, which is why you’ll find EVs, hydrogen fuel-cell cars and combustion models in its showrooms. But the brand is experiencing such a massive demand for one particular ICE SUV it was forced to press pause on a planned new EV to make room.

Related: Akio Toyoda Says EVs Are Dirtier Than You Think

An electric SUV that was to be built at the automaker’s Princeton, Indiana, plant from 2027 now won’t start rolling off the line until 2028, according to a Bloomberg report. And that line has been switched to Toyota’s Georgetown site, where another EV will start production in the back end of 2026, around six months later than planned.

This is bad news for EV fans, but could be good news for anyone looking to buy a Grand Highlander in the next couple of years.

There are a couple of reasons for the delay and switcheroo, one of which is that EV sales haven’t taken off in the way Toyota – and every other automaker – thought they might. Although the brand’s own bZ4X had a great first quarter, and the facelifted model, now called simply bZ, is a much stronger proposition, the overall US EV market is growing at a slower rate than in previous years.

Hybrids and Gas Models Are Still Pulling Ahead

And going hand-in-hand with that is the much faster growth being experienced by the hybrid segment and the continued appeal of simple gas cars, trucks and SUVs. Toyota’s Grand Highlander – which is available in gas and hybrid forms – has proved such a hit with buyers that the automaker desperately needs to make more of them.

The Grand Highlander was Toyota’s second-best-selling non-truck model in June, deliveries jumping 92 percent when, at the same time, even the number one spot RAV4 was down 4.5 percent.

The rush to pick up one of the midsize SUVs left dealers with just a three-day supply at the end of that month, Bloomberg reports, and switching production of the delayed-to-’28 EV will ensure Toyota has plenty of spare Grand Highlander capacity at Georgetown going forward.

Toyota

Mitsubishi’s European return is starting to take shape in unexpected yet practical ways. After announcing its retreat from the region in 2020 due to mounting losses, the brand has quietly shifted gears. Now, five years later, Mitsubishi is expanding its presence across Europe by tapping into its alliance with Renault, opting for strategic efficiency over in-house development.

More: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Returns But It’ll Be As Japanese As A Croissant

That partnership began with the Mitsubishi Colt and ASX, which are essentially Renault Clio and Captur models with new badges. The next phase arrives in September with a fully electric successor to the Eclipse Cross, sharing its platform with the Renault Megane E-Tech crossover.

Following that, Mitsubishi plans to launch a more family-focused model called the Grandis, based on the Renault Symbioz, before the end of the year.

Building Identity in a Shared Platform World

There’s understandable skepticism around badge engineering, but Mitsubishi isn’t ignoring the criticism. Frank Krol, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, addressed this in a conversation with Auto News. He said the upcoming Eclipse Cross EV will be “much more Mitsubishi” than previous rebadged efforts.

He also emphasized the brand’s intention to bring more own-developed models to Europe. At the moment, the Outlander PHEV is the only vehicle that fits that description.

Still, Krol hinted at another stage of Mitsubishi’s collaboration with Renault for the near future. While he didn’t get into details, this could be a new model based on the next generation of the Renault Clio that is expected to debut before the end of 2025.

Mitsubishi’s target is to grow annual European sales to between 75,000 and 80,000 units, up from 60,879 in 2024. That figure already represented a 44 percent increase over 2023, largely driven by the strong performance of the Renault-derived Colt and ASX.

The Problem And A Possible Answer

Despite some encouraging progress, Mitsubishi’s Renault-based models haven’t been able to offset recent losses. Between January and May 2025, the brand saw a 29 percent drop in European sales. Much of that decline stems from the discontinuation of the Space Star (Mirage) and Eclipse Cross, both of which were pulled from the market after falling short of updated safety regulations.

More: Mitsubishi’s American EV Will Be A Nissan In Disguise

The departure of the Space Star is especially significant. In 2024, it made up 39 percent of Mitsubishi’s European sales, occupying the crucial entry-level spot in the lineup. Without a replacement in the city car segment, the brand faces a clear gap in its offering.

Kei Cars in Europe? Not So Simple

One potential fix could lie in a European take on Japan’s kei car segment, an idea floated by Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and former Renault CEO Luca de Meo. For Mitsubishi, this approach would tap into its deep kei car know-how without requiring heavy investment in Europe-only models.

As Krol put it, “That would be a good tool to ramp up this industry in terms of electrification.” Still, he was quick to add that bringing kei cars to Europe “sounds easier than it is,” hinting at the regulatory and market hurdles involved.

Mitsubishi is currently active in 20 European markets, with two more under review. That’s a notable drop from the 32 markets it covered in 2019, a decline largely tied to the withdrawal of the L200 pickup from the region. According to Krol, reintroducing the midsize truck in Europe would require an electrified powertrain, which isn’t a commercially viable option given the segment’s limited sales potential.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi cancelled plans to develop two in-house electric vehicles, choosing instead to focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids. During a May earnings call, global CEO Takao Kato acknowledged the need for EVs in Europe, but said the company would meet that demand by leveraging products from partner OEMs rather than going it alone.

The EV race isn’t just heating up, it’s turning existential for legacy automakers. At the Aspen Ideas Festival last Friday, Ford CEO Jim Farley made that reality clear. If American car companies can’t keep up with China’s EV momentum, he warned, Ford’s future may be in jeopardy.

“We’re in a global competition with China, and it’s not just EVs,” he said before dropping the hammer. “If we lose this, we do not have a future Ford,” he said. This man isn’t speaking from hearsay either. He’s speaking from experience.

More: Thousands Of Chinese Cars Sank With This Ship And The Bill Keeps Climbing

His warning comes after a string of trips to China, six or seven in the past year, he says. There, he saw firsthand how fast Chinese automakers are outpacing the West. It’s the most humbling thing I have ever seen,” he explained.” Why be so blown away by a nation that can’t sell cars in the USA? It comes down to production.

Chinese EVs: High Volume, High Quality

According to Farley, not only is China making more EVs than anybody else, but their quality isn’t lacking either. “Seventy percent of all EVs in the world, electric vehicles, are made in China,” Farley said. That statement comes not long after Xiaomi launched the YU7, a $35,000 luxury SUV that allegedly has 200,000 orders already.

“They have far superior in-vehicle technology. Huawei and Xiaomi are in every car. You get in, you don’t have to pair your phone. Automatically, your whole digital life is mirrored in the car. Beyond that, their cost, the quality of their vehicles is far superior to what I see in the West,” Farley says.

So the message is clear. Farley wants to see the U.S. catch up with China as quickly as possible. Despite that, Ford is adapting its strategy to produce fewer EVs, not more. That’s because the markets Ford caters to seem more interested in hybrids right now. Business Insider points out that Ford’s shares are up by more than 9 percent so far this year.

Still, the larger question lingers: will adjusting course be enough to compete long-term in a global EV market increasingly defined by China’s dominance? Farley isn’t waiting for the answer; he’s already sounding the alarm.

Dacia is preparing to broaden its electric horizons in the coming years, gradually expanding beyond its sole EV offering, the Spring. The Romanian automaker plans to introduce electric powertrain options across its lineup, including the ever-popular Duster SUV.

The fully electric version is expected to keep the rugged spirit of its combustion and hybrid counterparts, while continuing Dacia’s mission of offering affordable vehicles.

More: Which Budget Small SUV Deserves Your Money, The Dacia Duster Or The Jeep Avenger?

According to a report from Autocar, CEO Denis Le Vot confirmed that an electric Duster “will come in time,” though he didn’t provide a launch date. More specifics on the brand’s electrification roadmap are expected during a special event scheduled for November.

Electric Duster Likely to Use CMF-BEV Platform

The upcoming electric Duster is likely to be based on the CMF-BEV architecture, also known as AmpR Small. This platform already underpins the Renault 5 and 4, and will also be used for upcoming EVs from Nissan, including the new Micra and Juke. Its flexibility in supporting both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations makes it well-suited to the Duster’s mission.

Dacia intends to adopt the same platform across its full EV lineup moving forward. On paper, this seems like a straightforward transition, since the CMF-BEV is an evolution of the existing CMF-B platform already used for the brand’s ICE and hybrid models, including the Sandero, Jogger, Duster, and Bigster.

The shared components between the two platforms could make it possible for Dacia to produce future EVs alongside their combustion-engine counterparts in the same factories, helping to keep manufacturing costs down.

Design Changes Expected to Be Minimal

At the moment we don’t know whether the electric Duster will deviate from the design of the current ICE-powered model. However, judging from Dacia’s focus on reducing costs, we can assume that the styling updates won’t be radical. After all, the third-gen Duster was introduced in late 2023, so it still looks fresh.

When it arrives, the Duster EV will face competition from a growing list of compact electric SUVs. Key rivals will include the mechanically related Renault 4 E-Tech, the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda 4×4, the Jeep Avenger, and the Suzuki e-Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser electric twins.

More: Dacia Working On New Sub-€18k EV For Europe

Before the Duster gets an EV option, Dacia will introduce an electric variant of the Sandero supermini in 2027, alongside an affordable urban EV that will serve as a replacement to the smaller Spring. Furthermore, the automaker is working on two new ICE-powered compact models that will join the Bigster at the top of the lineup, initially offered with gasoline and hybrid powertrain options.

The ICE-powered Duster Is Here To Stay

It is worth noting that the Duster EV will not serve as a successor to the current model that is available with gasoline, LPG, and hybrid powertrains and is expected to survive well into the 2030s.

Recent reports suggested that the hybrid Duster will soon get a new 4×4 version featuring an electrified rear axle, similar to the rival Jeep Avenger 4Xe. After all, Europe’s ICE ban won’t be applied before 2035, so there’s plenty of time for new and updated offerings.

Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Even as the global car market continues to shift, one thing remains certain: Toyota knows how to move metal. After a brief detour in second place, the Toyota RAV4 is back on top as the world’s best-selling car, edging out the Tesla Model Y by a sliver.

And it’s not just the soon-to-be-replaced RAV4 doing the heavy lifting, as Toyota has managed to land five models in the global top ten, including the Corolla Cross, Corolla sedan, Hilux, and Camry.

More: New RAV4, See Every Angle And Hidden Detail

This ranking comes from industry analyst Felipe Munoz, who compiled a detailed snapshot of 2024’s global car sales by model. His methodology pulls from a wide mix of sources, including national statistics offices, dealership associations, customs data, specialized websites, blogs, other analysts, and informed estimates. According to Munoz, the ranking covers 153 markets, accounting for roughly 99% of all cars sold globally.

Toyota Retakes the Lead, Barely

Combined sales of the Toyota RAV4 and its China-market twin, the Wildlander, reached 1,187,000 units in 2024. That was just enough to slide past the Tesla Model Y, which landed at 1,185,000 units. It’s a narrow win, but a win nonetheless.

It’s important to note that both the RAV4 and Model Y were refreshed shortly after the period covered by this report. Toyota rolled out a full redesign for the RAV4, that hasn’t gone on sale yet while Tesla introduced its updated Model Y Juniper that’s already available.

That said, the Model Y still holds the title for best-selling EV worldwide by a comfortable margin. Its 2025 numbers, however, are already showing signs of slowing.

Compact Crossovers Keep Climbing

The Toyota Corolla Cross occupied the third place with 859,000 sales, benefiting from the fact it is offered in many different markets around the world. The compact crossover was closely followed by the Honda CR-V/Breeze SUV that sold 854,000 units.

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Toyota’s dominance continues with the Corolla / Levin Sedan (697,000 units) in the fifth place and the Toyota Hilux (617,000 units) in the sixth place.

World’s Best Selling Pickup

The aging Hilux is due for a new generation soon, but that didn’t stop it from becoming the world’s best-selling pickup. Despite not being sold in North America or China, two massive truck markets, it still managed to outpace all competitors. Right behind it in the global rankings is the Ford F-150, which sold 595,000 units and claimed seventh place overall. In the US, the F-150 was the second best-selling vehicle of 2024, coming in just behind the RAV4.

More: Cracks Are Beginning To Appear In China’s Largest EV Maker

Rounding out the top ten are three sedans that continue to hold their ground in a market that increasingly leans toward crossovers and SUVs. The Toyota Camry took eighth with 593,000 sales, followed by the Tesla Model 3 at 560,000 and the BYD Qin at 502,000. BYD’s entry marks the only Chinese brand on the list this year, underscoring the company’s steady rise as a global competitor in both EVs and internal combustion vehicles.

Hyundai’s performance arm is evolving fast, and Europe is about to see a major shift. The N division’s electric ambitions are picking up speed with a growing lineup of EV-only models, starting with the Ioniq 5 N that’ll soon be joined by the Ioniq 6 N. That doesn’t mean the combustion engine is getting kicked to the curb just yet, though, as Hyundai’s go-fast sub-brand isn’t ready to shut the door on other powertrain options.

More: Kia Is Done With Gas GT Performance Cars

While the Elantra N continues to wave the ICE flag in North America, Europe has taken a stricter turn. Emissions regulations have already pushed the i20 N and i30 N hot hatches off the map, sparking speculation that Hyundai N would go fully electric, much like Kia appears to be doing with its GT-badged performance cars.

EVs Are Just One Part of the Plan

Speaking to Autocar, Joon Park, Vice President of Hyundai N and head of the Global Marketing Strategy Team, pushed back on the assumption that N is going EV-exclusive. “The problem that we have is that there is a perception from the media and our fans that Hyundai N is only focusing on the EV world, which is not true,” Park said. “Even though we are going to introduce the Ioniq 6 N at Goodwood Festival of Speed, we are not limiting ourselves to EVs.”

Park added that the division is open to exploring a wide range of ideas: “We’re going forward with EVs, of course, as well as all the other proposals we could do. Because for N, imagination and courage are the words we need to remember.”

Room for Hybrids and More

The performance division’s boss, a self-declared fan of combustion-powered sports cars, didn’t go into detail about what kinds of powertrains future Hyundai N models might use. Still, it’s reasonable to think the brand could align with its parent company’s multi-pathway strategy.

More: Genesis Says Its New Hybrids Will Surprise You

The Hyundai Group has already confirmed it’s developing a variety of models with hybrid and EREV (extended range electric vehicle) systems. These are meant to complement its growing battery-electric lineup while reducing reliance on charging infrastructure.

Not every one of those platforms will be a fit for Hyundai N’s performance focus, but the direction is clear. A similar approach is also in the works at Genesis, where the newly launched Magma sub-brand is expected to blend performance with a mix of powertrain technologies.

What’s Coming Next

The Hyundai i30 N, which launched in 2017, kicked off the sub-brand’s journey with a proper hot hatch that set the tone for future N models. Since then, the performance treatment has been applied to the i20, Kona, Veloster, Elantra, and more recently, the Ioniq 5.

Now, the Ioniq 6 N is getting ready for its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will serve as a showcase for what the next all-electric N car will look and feel like.

Another model that could join the lineup in the coming years is a production version of the Vision N 74 Concept, positioned as a low-volume halo car. The concept featured a hydrogen-electric hybrid setup delivering 670 hp (500 kW / 680 PS), though it’s still unclear whether a similar powertrain would make it into a road-going version.

Skoda has a reputation for letting loose with its student-designed concepts, but when it comes to production models, it usually plays it safe. The current lineup leans heavily on crossovers and SUVs, with a few hatchbacks, sedans, and estates filling out the rest. CEO Klaus Zellmer has acknowledged that while mainstream segments remain the brand’s focus, there’s still potential for something a little more adventurous down the line.

More: Your Grandpa’s Favorit Skoda Gets An EV Reboot

Despite the ongoing shift toward electrification, Skoda has kept its performance-focused RS badge alive, though the sportiest thing it currently sells is a coupe-style SUV. Still, the 2022 Vision GT concept, which recently made its way into the Gran Turismo game in 2024, offered a glimpse of what a more expressive, performance-minded Skoda could look like.

Concept Cars That Tease, But Rarely Translate

Speaking to Car Magazine, Zellmer reflected on the Vision GT and its nods to the classic 1957 1100 OHC: “These are little experiments – they sort of charge the brand a little bit, but the business rationale is minute, unfortunately.” That pretty much sums up the challenge. Fun ideas are easy to dream up, but justifying them to a boardroom is another story.

Zellmer went on to explain why Skoda hasn’t put a more exciting car into production, admitting that the brand is doubling down on profitable, high-riding mainstream models with powertrains to suit every buyer, including EVs, hybrids, and combustion, while sidelining niche offerings for now.

“Unfortunately, we don’t currently have either the financial luxury, nor the capacity, to do that,” he said. “I’d love to. I would love to see a car that speaks to hearts, like a convertible or something like that – but currently our full focus is on the portfolio that covers that big footprint. Those cars would only be niche models.”

Mainstream First, Passion Projects Later

Skoda has become one of the VW Group’s success stories, steadily building up its brand image and boosting sales over the past two decades. In 2024, the automaker posted record-breaking numbers, with €28 billion ($32.8 billion) in revenue and 926,600 vehicles sold. With results like that, it’s only natural to wonder when Skoda might finally green-light a model that’s more about passion than volume.

More: Skoda’s Race Concept Proves Fiber Makes You Go Faster

Zellmer doesn’t rule it out, but says it won’t happen right away. For the foreseeable future, the focus remains on solidifying the brand’s EV lineup. However, he is optimistic they will be able to broaden their horizons in the next decade.

“Once we have sorted out our portfolio into a certain number of cars, where each and every bodystyle sells more than 100,000 units a year – then you can start contemplating more ideas”, he said. “We are already selling more than 200,000 Octavias every year.”

Could a Niche EV Actually Happen?

Skoda’s CEO also pointed out that developing a niche model might not be as resource-intensive as it sounds. With the right platform already in place, the brand could simply design a new body on top of an existing performance EV setup. And judging by the specs of the Enyaq RS, which delivers 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS), an electric sports car built on that foundation wouldn’t exactly be lacking in firepower.

But it’s not just sports cars on Zellmer’s mind. He also brought up the Yeti, the boxy crossover that Skoda sold between 2009 and 2017, and which still has a loyal following. “I’d love to see a Yeti again, because I think that car is such a great character, it has such a good name and a loyal base, you know. I’m amazed so many people still talk to me about it.”

The Lexus IS has been part of the automaker’s lineup since 1999, as a rival to the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. With the current generation in its twilight years, fans of the nameplate are hoping for a new model that could revive the sporty spirit of the original. Independent digital artist Theophilus Chin came up with a new rendering, proposing a sexier future for the Japanese sedan.

The illustrations are based on the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sedan Concept, which sparked speculation about a fully electric successor to the IS. In order to bring the model to 2025 standards, Theottle updated the exterior design using features from the more recent Lexus ES that debuted earlier this year.

More: New Lexus Sedan Gunning For Mercedes And BMW In Europe

The speculative front end in these renderings is sharp and aggressive, with angular LED headlights and sporty, triangular intakes on the sculpted bumper. The small opening on the nose hints at a hybrid powertrain, an interesting shift away from the fully electric concept. But the real win here is the Spindle grille, which has been updated to look much more refined and palatable than previous iterations.

The profile of the car stays true to the radical lines of the concept, maintaining the roofline and proportions of the original. However, it introduces more conventional surfacing, with character lines borrowed from the larger ES. A new set of alloy wheels, standard mirrors, and regular door handles bring the design closer to reality, as if the car were nearing the end of its sketch phase.

Theottle

Lexus

The rear of the car is where things get more interesting. With a ducktail spoiler above a slim, full-width LED bar, this design is a sharp departure from the fastback tail of the ES, offering a more athletic and coupe-like rear end. The shoulders are more pronounced, and the rear windscreen is noticeably sportier. It still manages to look like it could make its way into production without losing that concept car flair.

Will The Production Model Look Anything Like The Renders?

As promising as these illustrations are, it’s worth noting that we can’t exactly count on the production model looking exactly like these renders. Production cars are subject to the harsh realities of packaging constraints, and things are bound to change as the design gets finalized.

Lexus has kept things under wraps for now, with camouflaged prototypes still a ways off. However, given that the current IS has been around since 2013, and has already seen two facelifts in 2017 and 2020, we can reasonably expect that a new version is on the horizon.

More: Another V8 Sports Car Is Facing The Chopping Block

Lexus recently released the Climax and Ultimate Editions of the IS 500 in Japan and the US, signaling that the naturally aspirated V8 engine’s days are numbered. But Toyota’s commitment to hybrids and multiple powertrains suggests that the next IS will offer hybrid options, and possibly even a fully electric variant.

Competition in this segment is only getting fiercer, especially with electric and range-extender sedans gaining ground in markets like China. The new IS will have to face off against the likes of the Audi A5, BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse 3-Series and i3, and even the ICE and electric versions of the next Mercedes C-Class.

More than a year after making its digital debut, Lancia’s long-awaited hot hatch has finally rolled onto the tarmac. The sub-compact Ypsilon HF was officially launched at the Balocco proving ground in Italy, giving the world a first proper look at the fastest, most expensive Ypsilon to date.

More: The First Electric GTI Isn’t From VW

For those who like the sporty aesthetic without the price tag (or the horsepower), there’s also the HF Line for the supermini, a trimmed-down alternative available in both hybrid and electric form. It keeps most of the visual drama while skipping the mechanical upgrades.

Performance

Starting with the full-blown Ypsilon HF, the hot hatch is equipped with a single electric motor generating 276 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) and 345 Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque. That puts it right in line with other high-performance EVs under the Stellantis umbrella, such as the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and the upcoming Opel Mokka GSE and Peugeot 208 GTI.

With the help of a front-mounted Torsen limited-slip differential, the Ypsilon HF can launch from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds. While that’s quick for its class, top speed is less impressive, capped at 180 km/h (112 mph). Power is drawn from a 54 kWh battery, providing a WLTP-rated range of 370 km (230 miles) between charges.

The HF rides on a stiffened chassis with revised suspension geometry and a lower stance. It sits 20 mm (0.8 inches) closer to the ground than the standard Ypsilon and gets a wider footprint, with 30 mm (1.2 inches) added to the front and rear tracks. Braking has also been upgraded, courtesy of an Aclon system with monobloc four-piston calipers and 355 mm discs up front.

Rally-inspired Looks

Visually, the Ypsilon HF stands apart with a sportier bodykit and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Compared to the standard model, it features redesigned bumpers with larger intakes, wider fenders with aero extensions behind the front wheels, a rear diffuser, and the HF badge featuring the iconic red elephant. It’s offered in Nero Ardesia, Bianco Quarzo, and Arancione Lava, the last of which pays tribute to the racing liveries of classic Fulvia and Stratos models.

Inside, the Ypsilon HF gets an electric-blue dashboard, aluminum pedals, sports seats wrapped in Econyl, and a generous scattering of HF logos. Standard equipment includes dual 10.25-inch displays with custom graphics, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and Level 2 driver assistance features. Lancia’s quirky “multifunctional coffee table” console is also along for the ride.

The HF Line As A Budget Alternative

If the full-fat HF is a bit much for your wallet, or you just don’t need all that power, the HF Line delivers the visual flavor at a more digestible price. It wears the same bumpers and logos as the HF, but skips the wide fenders and drops down to 17-inch alloys. Inside, it gets its own version of sporty seats featuring a “cannelloni-style” design with orange stitching. It’s still dramatic, just with a milder aftertaste.

More: 2025 Lancia Ypsilon Hybrid Gains More Power Without Gaining More Power

Despite its aggressive styling, the Ypsilon HF Line doesn’t come with any performance or chassis upgrades. It’s available with either a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing a rather poor 109 hp (81 kW / 110 PS), or the standard electric powertrain. In its ICE form, the HF Line does 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.3 seconds, a full 3.4 seconds slower than the HF. Oddly enough, it manages a higher top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

Price and Release Timeline

The Ypsilon HF is scheduled to hit European dealerships after the summer, while the HF Line is already available for order. In Italy, the fully electric HF starts at €39,200 ($45,900), which makes it the priciest Ypsilon ever sold. The HF Line, on the other hand, starts from a much more palatable €22,450 ($27,300) with the mild hybrid.

Track-Ready Versions

Lancia isn’t stopping at the road-going versions. The brand also shared details on two racing-spec Ypsilons, both powered by non-electrified 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engines and featuring mechanical limited-slip differentials up front.

More: Is Stellantis Secretly Working On A New Lancia Fulvia?

The entry-level Ypsilon HF Racing produces 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) and aims for value-conscious racers with a starting price of €38,900 ($45,600). At the top of the heap sits the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF, packing 209 hp (156 kW / 212 PS), a five-speed Sadev gearbox, upgraded brakes, and proper rally hardware. That one will cost you though, as it starts at €74,500 ($87,400).

Lancia

Since internal combustion engines were adopted as the de facto mode of propulsion for automobiles, they became one of their most defining characteristics. Sonorous Italians, ultra-high revving Japanese, or “no replacement for displacement” Americans: those stereotypes exist simply because said engines became synonymous not just with certain models, but brands (and even countries) as a whole.

Today, we live in a world that has experienced a rapid technological advancement in a relatively short time, and cars are no exception. In fact, they have become just another commodity to the new generation of buyers who, if at least one exec is to be believed, simply don’t care what’s under the hood of their ride.

More: Ferrari Just Delayed Its Second EV Because Rich People Can’t Kick Their Combustion Habit

That executive is none other than Ford Vice Chair John Lawler, so his opinion has a certain gravity. “I don’t think that consumers really think about powertrains the way they did 30 years ago”, he said on May 28 during Bernstein’s strategic decisions conference, according to Autonews.

He is probably right. The shift to electrification has transformed the way new car buyers view their purchases, and it’s not just electric vehicles, but hybrids that have contributed to that. Blame the effort to reduce CO2 emissions if you have to, but there’s no hiding from the truth; nowadays, cars fall under the “white goods” category, and romantics be damned.

“Where [combustion engines] defined what a vehicle was – the horsepower, the displacement, the torque and everything about the vehicle – I think a lot of that is gone,” Lawler explained.

Music To Automakers’ Ears

Sure, in certain niches combustion is still king, but the vast majority of customers don’t give a damn whether their car comes with an ICE, hybrid or all-electric powertrain as long as it’s priced withing their reach and has the features and range they desire. And while petrolheads may bemoan that reality, automakers welcome it with open arms.

That’s because it opens up hitherto unavailable possibilities. Since engines are no longer a defining trait, each brand is free to choose from a much wider array of units. What’s more, it doesn’t even have to make them itself which, much to shareholders’ joy, will lower costs and increase profit – plus it can benefit the end user, who won’t have to pay the premium needed to cover the R&D each maker’s department spent in creating each engine.

Parts sharing is nothing new, and neither is engine sharing, even if carmakers don’t exactly advertise the fact that an Audi’s V10, for instance, is basically the same as a Lamborghini‘s despite the latter having a significantly higher price tag.

Some have already formed partnerships to develop and built new powertrains that will be used in a multitude of models with different badges and even sold to third parties who want to cut down on costs (ed’s note: who doesn’t?). Horse, Renault’s and Geely’s joint venture, is a good example.

“It’s a win-win business model for everybody,” Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini said during the Shanghai auto show two months ago. Of course it is: everyone gets what they want, so everyone’s happy. And there’s nothing wrong with that, is there?

The China Syndrome

Another factor that plays a huge role is China. Its automakers are making inroads left, right, and center and buyers are lapping up what they have to offer. According to Lawler, the costs they incur are 30 percent lower than anyone else in the world. How can you compete with that?

More: Automakers Found A Sneaky Way To Charge You More Without Touching The Sticker

The answer is simple: you don’t. And since you can’t beat them, your best course of action is to join them. The Blue Oval’s Vice Chair claims that the Chinese have 10-11 million units of excess capacity and they’d love for foreigners to come in and fill that void.

And come they will, because they won’t say no to a 30 percent cost reduction. Especially since the well that used to be the Chinese market has now dried up and locals increasingly flock to domestic brands, much to legacy automakers’ dismay and loss of serious income.

No need to fret, fellow petrolheads. We can always hold on to our rides for as long as it’s legal to drive them on public roads; then, there’s always the track. The one thing we can’t do is hold back progress. Besides, even Henry Ford famously said “If I asked people what they wanted, they’d tell me ‘a faster horse'”, and that shows, yet again, that customers don’t create the future; visionaries do.

Whether it’ll be a better future or a dystopia is up for debate. Sadly, we probably won’t be around to find out, so it’s a moot point anyway as far as we’re concerned. Let’s burn some rubber while we still can, shall we?

Posh Citroen spinoff, DS Automobiles, has been showing off its new flagship, a blocky-looking coupe crossover whose powertrain lineup consists solely of electric options. But a DS chief has let slip that the company is keeping its options open amid volatility in the electric car market.

When asked by Autocar at the international press drive event about the chance of the No8 being reconfigured to work with a combustion engine, DS product chief Cyprien Laurentie admitted that “it’s always a possibility.”

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

The DS No8 currently comes with a choice of single-motor, front-wheel drive, and dual-motor, all-wheel drive power. Base versions generate 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) or 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) plus an extra 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) from a temporary boost function, and top-flight models make 345 hp (257 kW / 350 PS), or up to 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS) with the boost function enabled.

Laurentie highlighted the impressive 466-mile (750 km) range as one reason the No8 required “no real compromise” on the part of its driver in its current electric-only configuration, and described it as “perfect for commuting and travelling.”

But DS has struggled for years to get a foothold in the premium market, and it isn’t above changing course if the EV-only experiment with the No8 doesn’t work. “We will keep a close eye on the market and adapt if necessary,” Laurentie told Autocar.

Adapting for combustion power wouldn’t necessarily be that complicated. The No8 is built on the same STLA Medium architecture as the Peugeot 3008, a car that takes advantage of the platform’s flexibility to offer buyers a choice of mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

Citroen’s C5 Aircross uses the same building blocks and is also available with a mix of power options, though the PHEV’s feeble 53-mile (85 km) range looks off the pace in an era when the best plug-ins can travel 50 percent further on electric power. And having a second-rate combustion setup might not be any help to DS when it’s battling well-established premium opposition.

Do you think DS should stick to its EV guns, or would it be better to spread its bets and greenlight a hybrid model to sit alongside the current electric-only No8?

DS

At the 2025 Toyota Technology Day in China, there was no shortage of promises and future-focused tech talk. While much of the spotlight was on product updates, the real takeaway was Toyota’s push to inject artificial intelligence and advanced electrification into its lineup, especially in partnership with local tech giants.

More: Toyota’s New Model Y Rival Just Launched In China For Less Than A Used Corolla

Among the headline announcements, next-generation versions of the Highlander and Sienna will feature extended-range electric powertrains. Alongside these updates, Toyota and its local joint venture partner GAC laid out plans for two new energy vehicle platforms and confirmed strategic collaborations with Chinese heavyweights like Huawei and Xiaomi.

Two New EV Platforms in the Pipeline

Starting with the new platforms, they are designed for “new energy vehicles”, meaning they will be compatible with fully electric, range-extender, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. One platform is optimized for compact to mid-size vehicles under 5 meters long (196.9 inches), while the other is designed for larger vehicles up to 5.3 meters (208.7 inches).

Toyota’s upcoming bZ7 will be the first model to use the larger of the two new platforms. Serving as the brand’s electric flagship in China, depending on pricing, it could positioned as an affordable rival to the similarly sized Tesla Model S. Although the bZ7 was first previewed in April 2025, its launch in the Chinese market is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

This model also marks a major shift in Toyota’s tech strategy. The fully electric bZ7 will be the first to feature the Huawei DriveONE powertrain, which combines the motor, MCU, and inverter into a single integrated unit. Inside, it gets the Huawei Hongmeng cockpit system, offering an updated suite of apps and connectivity options. It will also come equipped with a LiDAR sensor, suggesting it’s being prepped for advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

AI, ADAS, and the “Caring Butler” Future

Besides the new platforms that are being developed in China, GAC Toyota is working on a new electronic architecture that will support the next generation of ADAS and advanced intelligent cockpits. Artificial intelligence is expected to play a growing role in how these systems evolve.

According to Chinese outlet Sohu, GAC believes the in-car voice assistant will become a “caring butler” by 2026–2027, and by 2028, it’s expected to mature into a “symbiotic partner” capable of intuitively responding to user needs, even claiming to “read people’s hearts.”

More: Toyota’s Cheapest EV Ever Costs $15,000, Gets 10,000 Orders In 60 Minutes

The Japanese automaker will also collaborate with Xiaomi for in-vehicle technology, such as audio, and a clever intercommunication system between front and rear occupants using the built-in screens and cameras.

Digital Chassis and Broader AI Integration

Looking further ahead, upcoming GAC Toyota models will feature an AI-powered “intelligent digital chassis.” This system will be able to read road conditions in real time, adjusting suspension characteristics through electromagnetic shock absorbers and dual-chamber air suspension systems, which sounds similar to what Tesla is offering on higher end models.

Also: Toyota Showed Dealers New Celica But Still Won’t Say If It’s Coming

GAC Toyota also envisions an AI ecosystem extending beyond vehicles. The company plans to integrate AI into areas like research and development, manufacturing, quality inspection, and logistics. What’s less clear is whether any of these innovations will make their way into Toyota’s global product lines, or if they’ll remain exclusive to the Chinese market.

Chrysler’s electric future was supposed to be just around the corner. Back in 2022, the company said it would launch its first EV in 2025 and shift to an all-electric lineup by 2028. That put it in the same boat as a long list of automakers pledging allegiance to a battery-powered future.

However, just like many other major legacy brands, including Volvo, Cadillac, Ford, GM, VW, and Mercedes, Chrysler seems to be quietly backing away from those early promises. Why? EV sales are growing, but not nearly at the pace some executives were confidently forecasting just a few years back.

Current Lineup Is Running on Fumes

Right now, Chrysler is barely keeping the lights on with just two aging minivans, the Voyager and the Pacifica, which are, for all practical purposes, the same vehicle. The brand is in serious need of something new and relevant. That was supposed to be an electric crossover slated for 2026, but the launch has now been pushed back “until further notice.”

Stellantis knows full well that Chrysler needs some serious attention, and giving the brand a real shot at relevance may mean offering powertrains that appeal to as wide a range of buyers as possible.

Chrysler Wants to Experiment

Stellantis design chief Ralph Gilles recently spoke with Auto News about what the future holds for Chrysler, just after it celebrated its centenary on June 6. He said the conglomerate wants to “experiment” with the brand and noted that the flexible STLA Medium and STLA Large platforms are ideal for new Chrysler products.

“I think it’s time for us to pivot,” he said. “We’re going to try. We’re going to experiment with the brand. There is an unserved part of our portfolio in our showroom that our dealers have identified that we can maybe serve with Chrysler, so we’re in the process of experimenting.”

New Platforms Could Power the Revival

“We have two brand-new platforms — STLA Medium, STLA Large — that are perfect foundations for new product, and we’re waiting for them to appear,” Gilles added. Importantly, both the STLA Medium and STLA Large platforms are designed to support ICE, hybrid, and battery-electric powertrains.

The STLA Medium platform is already being used in models like the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C5 Aircross, and the new Jeep Compass. STLA Large, meanwhile, supports both ICE and EV variants of the Jeep Wagoneer S and the new Dodge Charger.

Read: Chrysler Halts 2026 Electric Crossover “Until Further Notice”

While we wait for Chrysler’s next generation of products to take shape, Gilles confirmed that the Pacifica minivan will get an update in 2026. The refreshed model will feature front and rear fascias inspired by the sleek Halcyon concept, giving it a much-needed design nudge as the brand repositions itself.

Needless to say, that’s not going to be enough to turn things around on its own. A facelifted minivan, no matter how slick the bumpers or grille might be, isn’t going to carry the weight of an entire brand’s comeback. Chrysler will need more than just tweaks, it needs fresh models, clearer direction, and vehicles that a lot more people genuinely want to buy.

Luxury might be where Genesis built its name, but lately, it’s been looking beyond plush cabins and elegant sedans. The brand has started flexing its muscles in motorsport and now seems ready to explore more performance-oriented territory through its new Magma sub-brand – think of it as Genesis’s answer to BMW’s M division. Alongside that push comes word of a deeper dive into electrification.

Read: Genesis G80 Magma Hints At Performance Electric Sedan

Manfred Harrer, the head of Genesis’s performance development tech unit, recently shared that these new systems are well underway. While Genesis currently offers a limited mix of internal combustion and fully electric models, it has made no secret of its plan to expand its electrified lineup, especially by adding traditional hybrids into the mix.

Hybrids, But Not as You Know Them

We first heard about the brand’s hybrid ambitions last year, but Harrer just confirmed that Genesis is working on both conventional hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). He also revealed he’s already had seat time in one of the prototypes.

“This is going full steam, but now is not the right moment to reveal the exact date when we can really bring it to the market,” he said of the project. “But I promise you, we are working intensively to bring it sooner rather than later. And this is really advanced technology. It fits perfectly with the brand’s premium luxury approach and is the next step for our electrified propulsion.”

The Case for EREVs

Harrer also spoke about the brand’s planned EREVs. He noted they offer a similar seamless driving experience to an EV, but with more range. Genesis’s first range-extender model is expected to be a special version of the GV70 tailored for North America, though Harrer stopped short of confirming that outright.

“The beauty of EREVs lies in combining EV driving characteristics – instant high torque and serene cabin space – with a longer range,” he said. “It’s kind of a modern hybrid: You can use it as an EV on a daily basis, but if you have to take a long trip, say, from San Francisco to Las Vegas, and you don’t want to carefully plan your route around EV charging stations, it provides seamless driving with the ICE generating electricity for you. This freedom is generating a lot of excitement around the world.”

“But there’s more to EREVs than range. There’s also the ample power for towing capacity – the energy to tow something like a horse trailer – which remains an unsolved issue with EVs.”

Next-Gen EV Platform in the Works

In addition to new powertrains, Genesis is also working on a next-generation EV platform that promises to boost driving range. This new platform will also support EREV options and include a “new kind of torque vectoring system” that promises to “bring back agility at every speed.”

“We can’t do much about the weight of the underfloor batteries in EVs,” Harrer said. “What we can do, however, is modify weight distribution within the vehicles by optimizing the placement of various components and adjusting the balance of systems. For example, different types of tires could be used at the front and rear to enhance the grip level. Another way would be balancing the drivelines. In the future, you will see more drive-oriented, more powerful e-motors with a rear-wheel bias. This would bring balance by pushing the vehicle from the rear.”

More Powertrains Coming to G90

Harrer also confirmed that the first model to carry the Magma nameplate will be the GV60. As for the flagship G90, he hinted at some notable updates on the way, including a broader range of powertrain options.

“We are currently enhancing the G90 with numerous ideas for new technologies, including digital experiences and improvements to ride quality, ” he said. We’re also looking forward to more powertrain variations, which go in tandem with our broader efforts to optimise our whole propulsion lineup encompassing electrified and hybridized solutions.”

The Cadillac Celestiq is getting some unlikely competition from a new startup called Dacora Motors. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t seem that well-versed in the automotive industry as they falsely claimed they’re planning to launch the “first made-in-America ultra-luxury vehicle in nearly a century.”

Cadillac would certainly beg to differ, but Dacora Motors’ car is an oddity that looks like someone asked AI to envision what an ultra-luxury Volkswagen Beetle would look like. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case as the company said the car was “designed in collaboration with the legendary Pininfarina Group.”

More: Cadillac Sollei Concept Is The Four-Seat Ultra-Luxury Convertible Of Our Dreams

It’s not one of their better designs, but Dacora says the vehicle pays “homage to the sweeping forms of 1930s Streamline Moderne.” Specifics are few and far between, but the car has a handcrafted wood hood that is flanked by circular headlights.

They’re joined by bulging fenders, minimalist wheels, and retro-inspired bright work. We can also see a distinctive greenhouse, a sloping rear end, and afterburner-style taillights. Other notable highlights include covered rear wheels and an SUV-like ride height of 7.5 inches (191 mm).

A Classy And Customizable Cabin

The minimalist interior eschews plastic for wood, woven wool, and “toxin-free bioleathers.” The company also said they’re “rejecting screen-dominated cockpits” as the “digital display disappears behind a semi-transparent wooden panel” when not in use. The infotainment display, on the other hand, appears to be projected onto wood trim.

While the company was vague on important details, they said the interior will be fully modular and can be refreshed seasonally. Speaking of which, the company envisions “twice-yearly drops” that will enable owners to “change interiors like wardrobes – think wool for winter, linen for summer, and limited-edition materials for seasonal expression.”

The startup also envisions a modular interior that offers seating for between 3 and 7 people. The 3-seat Executive setup has a rear-lounge configuration with a personal workspace, while the 4-seat Lounge has front and rear captain’s chairs that are separated by custom consoles. Customers can also get dual bench seats and up to 45 inches (1,143 mm) of rear seat legroom

Getting back to the center consoles, the company said there will be versions with a humidor, an integrated espresso machine, and a living bonsai garden housed beneath a glass dome. The company also envisions more traditional setups including a biometric safe and refrigerator.

Electric And Hybrid Powertrains

Specifications are about as hazy as a Canadian wildfire, but Dacora claimed the car will have over 800 hp (597 kW / 811 PS) and a range of around 400 miles (644 km). They also mentioned that the 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) EV will be able to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than four seconds.

If you’re not a believer in going fully electric, the company has you covered as they promised to offer an optional hybrid powertrain. However, as you’ve probably guessed, they said virtually nothing about it.

Made In New York

Dacora was coy on launch details, but said each vehicle will be handcrafted at their 100-acre Hudson Valley Garage campus in New York.  k. Pricing starts at $500,000, with reservations now open for a refundable deposit of $50,000.

That’s significantly more than the aforementioned Celestiq, which starts from around $340,000 before you even touch the options list. Still, Dacora claims to have “reservations already exceeding 150% of its planned first-year production capacity.” However, they didn’t mention numbers and the lack of information isn’t very reassuring.

We’re approaching the halfway point of the year, and things have already been wild. Tariffs, both the ones in effect and those merely looming, have changed the automotive industry, regulations are changing, and automakers are trying to keep up.

For its part, Ford has managed to have a positive year so far. Sales across the Ford and Lincoln brands are up 6.1 percent in the USA. At the same time, its EV business just took a huge hit during the month of May.

Also: Volvo’s EV Crash Hits Harder Than Expected As Buyers Walk Away From Batteries

It was only a couple of months ago that Ford’s EV sales looked like they were sliding, but not by too much. After April, they were down 2.9 percent year over year. That, though, seemed like it could be an aberration since sales in April alone were down 39.4 percent. With this new sales data in hand, it seems clear that buyers are flocking away from EVs and toward hybrids and gas-powered cars.

Ford doesn’t break up sales figures for its hybrid Lincoln products, but as a group, hybrids were up 28.9 percent in May. They outperformed every other propulsion type by at least ten basis points or more. Internal combustion cars came in second with a 17.2 percent bump over last year’s sales. Electric vehicles were down a whopping 25 percent. Due to the heavy volume of hybrid and internal combustion sales, the group was ultimately up 16.3 percent in May.

FORD AND LINCOLN SALES

Digging a little deeper into the data provides further insights. For example, the Mustang Mach-E continues to be a hit among consumers despite the EV downturn for Ford. It was up 11 percent in May and is still up 2.8 percent year over year. That’s a big rebound after it was down 40.2 percent in April. The big issues for Ford’s EV business seem to be the work vehicles.

More: This Raptor Was Flipped For $24K Over Sticker And It’s Not Even New

The F-150 Lightning was down 41.7 percent in May and is down 17.3 percent year over year. The E-Transit saw a sales drop in May of 93.3 percent and is down 24.8 percent for the year. It appears that buyers are leaning into the middle ground more than ever at Ford. The automaker’s hybrid business is up 31.2 percent this year. 

The Bigger Picture

Incentives likely helped boost May’s overall results, with employee pricing offers and consumer concerns about incoming tariffs giving shoppers extra motivation. Several models posted standout gains. The Bronco surged 51.1 percent year over year in May and is now up 46.5 percent for 2025. The Ranger also turned in a strong performance, rising 34.4 percent for the month and jumping 157.9 percent for the year.

On the flip side, the Mustang, despite having the ICE muscle car segment to itself, continues its downward trend, slipping 3.2% in May and falling 18% since the start of the year.

Lincoln had a solid month as well, climbing 39 percent in May and 13 percent for the year so far. The Navigator was a key driver of that growth, rocketing 133 percent in May and up 75.5 percent year to date.

FORD US SALES

LINCOLN US SALES

Update: Jeep is still playing the slow-drip teaser game with the 2026 Cherokee, aiming to build interest ahead of the full reveal expected in the coming months. This time around, we get a look at the rear three-quarters of the SUV, along with a profile shot, courtesy of a new video that shows the outgoing Cherokee transforming into the new one.

Also: Jeep’s 2026 Cherokee Just Gave Away Its Interior And More

The rear end carries over the squared-off design theme from the front, with the taillights and license plate area framed by what appears to be piano black trim surrounds and inserts. There’s a hint of Land Rover Discovery in the overall shape, though the taillight assembly with its surround might also evoke the third-generation European-market Honda Accord – an unexpected comparison, but not completely off the mark.

And, in case you were holding your breath for a name change, don’t bother. Despite some rumors suggesting the brand might drop “Cherokee” in favor of a new nameplate as a mark of respect to the Cherokee Nation, the brand is sticking with the original. Looks like that debate is settled.

More: Forgotten Jeep Reimagined For 2027 And Now We Kind Of Want It Back

While the camouflaged prototypes gave us a solid idea, the official press photos reveal that the new Cherokee takes a more traditional Jeep approach, moving away from the swoopier design of its 2023 predecessor. Instead, it embraces a boxier look, with a front end that shares styling cues with the upcoming electric Recon 4xe, all while staying true to what Jeep fans expect.

“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. “Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream line up.”

In addition to confirming its name, Jeep revealed that the mid-size SUV will debut with a “new, efficient, and powerful hybrid propulsion option.” That said, we could see traditional internal combustion engines and, eventually, an all-electric variant joining the lineup, as the STLA-Large platform supports all types of powertrains.

For more on the new Cherokee, check out our original story below, where you can also get a glimpse of our exclusive interior shots.

John Halas contributed to this report.

Jeep’s lineup has filled out over the past couple of years with the addition of the luxury Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer and all-electric Wagoneer S, which is soon to be joined by the also-electric Recon. But potentially more important than all of them is the 2026 Cherokee, and new spy pics reveal the face and interior for the first time.

Compared with previous prototypes, this one has stripped away much of the front-end disguise, giving us a look at a grille that’s like a mashup of several other Jeep grilles. The five visible vertical grille sections (two are still hidden) are taller than the ones on the Grand Cherokee and seem to stand more proud of the body. But they also don’t have the a piece of trim above them to display the model name like the Wagoneers do.

Related: Here’s What We Know About Jeep’s 2026 Cherokee

But even if it did have a bit of trim with the name on, what would it say? We’re calling this SUV the Cherokee because it’s effectively a replacement for the Cherokee that bowed out in 2023, and will nestle below the Grand Cherokee in the Jeep lineup. But some reports say Jeep will move away from the name it’s used for decades as a mark of respect Cherokee Nation.

Whatever it’s called, this new Cherokee’s dashboard design has more in common with the Wagoneer S EV than it does the existing Grand Cherokee. These first ever interior pics of the Ford Bronco Sport rival show a large digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen that’s mounted at an angle, just above a bank of touch-sensitive buttons for the climate control.

It’s good to see drivers won’t have to dive into the infotainment to change the temperature, and the switches do look great, but physical push-buttons would be even better. Further down the console is what looks like a rotary controller for the transmission and a toggle to move between the driver modes. The passenger side of this prototype is covered with cloth disguise but it’s possible Jeep could offer a third screen above the glovebox, as it does on the Wagoneer S.

Housed between the shock towers of Stellantis STLA Large platform you’ll find the Cherokee’s first ever hybrid powertrain options, and later, an all-electric variant. Leaked documents suggest production is scheduled to begin this fall for the 2026 model year and we’re sure to find out more – including the name – in the months leading up to that debut.

Images: Baldauf

Alfa Romeo’s future plans may not be as smooth as the curves of their cars. While the Giulia and Stelvio as we know them are on their way out, their successors are already in the works. Originally, Alfa planned to go all-in on electric for the new models, but earlier this year, they backpedaled, announcing that hybrids would also be part of the package. Sounds like good news, right? Well, not so fast, as this shift in strategy might have led to delays for both models.

Also: New Alfa Romeo Stelvio Unmasked From Official Patents

The original plan was to debut the next-generation Stelvio this year, start production by the end of 2025, and then roll it out in 2026, with the Giulia following closely behind. However, according to reports from Italy, the decision to offer combustion engine variants has thrown a bit of a wrench into those plans.

The Delay Dilemma

While speaking with Al Volante, Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili confirmed that work on the new Stelvio and Giulia is still moving forward. “As you know, we had gone in the direction of having only electric cars, but now we have to develop some thermal motors too. So, we are defining the timeline,” he said. When asked whether the two models would be ready for a 2026 launch, Ficili gave the most reliable answer a CEO could provide: “We will let you know.”

Official patent drawings of the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

And Ficili isn’t the only one hinting at a potential delay. Mirko Marsella, the head of the metalworkers’ union at the Cassino plant (where these cars are being built), says the lines are all set for the new models, but the cars themselves are still a work in progress. In other words, they’re ready to assemble them, but the actual product is missing in action.

Hybrid Hiccups

As Al Volante reports, the big stumbling block seems to be the plug-in hybrid powertrains, which have reportedly given Stellantis engineers some trouble finding a workable solution within the STLA Large platform. While this platform is primed for the 3.0-liter Hurricane turbo engine, to be used in the ICE Dodge Charger, Alfa plans to use a 4-cylinder engine for its mainstream models, a configuration no other Stellantis brand has yet adopted for the STLA Large. This, of course, means a lot of development work that can’t be rushed.

Additionally, union representatives at the Cassino plant have confirmed they’ve been briefed on the situation, stating that, as of now, there is no pre-series model fitted with internal combustion engines.

Stellantis Shuffles Italian Plans

As Carbuzz pointed out, Stellantis has also acknowledged the delays, confirming to Gazzetta that its Italian plans are being revised due to a combination of market conditions, EU regulations, and, of course, tariffs. The company is evidently recalibrating in response to the shifting landscape.

We know that the two models will share the same STLA Large platform, also used by vehicles including the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S. This platform is versatile enough to support both hybrid and electric models, though details on how much power the new Stelvio and Giulia will produce remain scarce. There have been whispers that high-performance Quadrifoglio models could generate nearly 1,000 horsepower in their electric form, but until we see the final specs, it’s anyone’s guess.

2026 / 2027 Alfa Romeo Stelvio illustration by Kolesa.