New 2026 Lexus ES: Hybrid and Electric Powertrain Details Revealed New 2026 Lexus ES: Hybrid and Electric Powertrain Details Revealed Despite undergoing two facelifts during its lifecycle, the outgoing Lexus ES couldn’t mask its aging design. First introduced in 2018 as the seventh-generation model, it was clearly time for a complete overhaul and Lexus has finally delivered. Making its global debut at Auto Shanghai this week, the all-new 2026 Lexus ES arrives with sweeping changes inside and out. The bold new styling may seem recognizable, and there's a reason for that the ES takes clear inspiration from the LF-ZL concept first revealed over a year ago. While the production model tones down some of the concept’s more dramatic elements, it still marks a striking evolution from its predecessor. One of the most welcome changes is the departure of the car’s signature oversized grille. That said, the sharply sculpted profile featuring thick gloss-black trim running across the doors...

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Adventure-Ready and Sharper Than Ever 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Adventure-Ready and Sharper Than Ever For those craving extra ruggedness from the all-new Subaru Outback , the Wilderness trim offers an even more trail-toughened package. Making its debut alongside the rest of the seventh-generation Outback lineup at the 2025 New York Auto Show, this latest iteration sticks closely to the established Wilderness blueprint just with a few meaningful enhancements. Subaru has boosted the vehicle’s off-road readiness by increasing ground clearance to 9.5 inches, up from 8.7 inches on the standard model. While the automaker hasn’t specified exactly how that added height is achieved, they have reinforced underbody protection for improved durability in rough terrain. The redesigned front and rear bumpers also contribute to enhanced approach (20°), departure (22.5°), and breakover (21.2°) angles. 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Adventure-Ready and Sharper ...

2026 Hyundai Palisade Debut With 329 Horsepower 2026 Hyundai Palisade Debut With 329 Horsepower We first saw the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade back in December and it's grown significantly over its predecessor. The redesigned three-row SUV is now 2.5 inches longer overall, with a wheelbase stretched by 2.7 inches , offering more interior space and a more commanding presence on the road. It’s set to launch later this year in the U.S., featuring a bold new design and two updated powertrain options. The standard engine for the 2026 Palisade is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque , paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission . While slightly down from the previous 3.8-liter engine (which delivered 291 hp and 262 lb-ft), this new V6 remains a strong performer. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive , with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. 2026 Hyundai Palisade Debut With 329 Horsepower For improved efficiency and perfor...

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP The K4 Hatchback offers a more functional take on Kia's stylish K4 sedan and is set to arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year. Last year, Kia surprised fans by announcing that the new K4 Hatchback would make its way to the American market and now it's officially here. The automaker unveiled the production-ready 2026 K4 Hatchback at this week’s New York International Auto Show, confirming that sales will kick off later in 2025. Looks like reports of the hatchback’s demise were greatly exaggerated. 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Debuts With 147 HP This model positions Kia to compete directly with the likes of the Honda Civic Hatchback, Mazda3 Hatchback, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, and even the Acura Integra. While crossovers continue to dominate buyer interest, Kia clearly believes there’s still room for a sharp, sporty hatch in today’s market. The K4 Hatchback has a bold look, featuring a floating ...

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Wagon is Heading to America With 604 HP The Mercedes-AMG E53 Wagon is Heading to America With 604 HP This car feels out of place in 2025 America. Wagons have been largely out of favor here since the 1970s, and with the 25-percent tariff on German imports starting in April, it’s a tough sell. That said, Mercedes is pushing ahead with their hot E-Class hybrid for the U.S. market, and we have to hand it to AMG for making it happen. And what a creation it is. Meet the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid Wagon, nearly identical to the European model from over a year ago. For a quick refresher, it packs 577 horsepower in normal driving, jumping to 604 hp when Race Start mode is engaged. These numbers align with the E53 sedan, which shares the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Sandwiched in between is an electric motor, delivering an additional 161 horsepower. All that power is routed through the AMG Performance...

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Features New Split Headlight Design The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Features New Split Headlight Design Even though the Ioniq 6 has been on the market for three years, it still gives off a futuristic vibe almost as if it rolled straight out of a time machine. Hyundai , however, isn’t letting it rest on its unique design. The automaker is already rolling out a mid-cycle refresh for the electric sedan, and it’s just as visually striking perhaps even more so thanks to the new split-headlight setup. The updated front end now includes a separate strip of daytime running lights above, while the main beams are subtly integrated into the bumper's dark trim. The refreshed Ioniq 6 also introduces a sporty N Line variant. It comes with more aggressive-looking bumpers and a bold two-tone exterior that may divide opinions. Around back, the twin spoilers are gone, replaced with a sleeker ducktail-style aerodynamic piece. The overall look, enhanced by black accents and chun...

2025 Aston Martin Valhalla Debuts With 1,064 Horsepower 2025 Aston Martin Valhalla Debuts With 1,064 Horsepower The Aston Martin Valhalla traces its origins back to the 2019 AM-RB 003 concept. In normal circumstances, we might be discussing a mid-cycle refresh by now, but instead, Aston has finally unveiled its highly anticipated mid-engine supercar after several delays. Was the wait worthwhile? We won't know for sure until we drive it, but the numbers are impressive. The Valhalla boasts 1,064 combined horsepower from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, exceeding initial expectations. Most of this power 817 hp comes from the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 located behind the driver. This isn't merely an enhanced version from the DBX707 ; it features a flat-plane crankshaft, dry sump lubrication, bespoke camshafts, a new ignition system, and upgraded turbochargers. 2025 Aston Martin Valhalla Debuts With 1,064 Horsepower The rest of the power comes from three electric motors. One i...

2026 Kia Sportage Debuts With 231 Horsepower 2026 Kia Sportage Debuts With 231 Horsepower Kia is heading into the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show with refreshed models, including an updated version of its top-seller, the Sportage . Though the visual changes debuted in South Korea, this version brings the same design tweaks and tech upgrades to North America. The most noticeable update is the new front design, showcasing Kia 'opposites united' design language. The grille and headlights now feature straighter vertical lines, replacing the zig-zagging boomerang-shaped running lights of the previous model. This gives the Sportage a cleaner, more upright look, aligning with current trends in crossover design. At the rear, the taillights have new internal structures, and there are minor trim adjustments to the bumpers. New wheel options range from 17 to 19 inches. 2026 Kia Sportage Debuts With 231 Horsepower Inside, the dashboard sees subtle changes for a sleeker appearance, compleme...

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback Debuts With 362 HP 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback Debuts With 362 HP The swoopy SUV segment, once thought to be a fleeting trend, is here to stay. Competing with the Mercedes GLC Coupe and the soon-to-be-phased-out BMW X4, the new Audi Q5 Sportback is predictably familiar. It’s essentially the 2025 Q5 with a coupe-inspired twist, aiming for a sleeker silhouette though opinions on its aesthetic appeal may vary. From launch, there will also be a high-performance SQ5 variant. One welcome change in the SQ5 is the elimination of fake exhaust tips. Audi has listened to customer feedback and removed these from its latest models, including the new S5. The SQ5 Sportback has also ditched the diesel engine that was available in the previous generation in Europe. Now, it comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 gasoline engine producing 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, mirroring the powertrain found in the new S5. 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback Debuts With 362 HP The lineup includes other...

2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower 2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower The 2026 Kia EV9 GT takes the already excellent EV9 to thrilling new heights. This 501-horsepower electric crossover blends luxury, practicality, and a performance boost that ensures school runs are anything but ordinary. Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it offers a compelling mix of speed and sophistication. The GT’s upgraded powertrain includes a 214-hp front motor and a 362-hp rear motor, a significant step up from the regular AWD EV9's 189 hp per motor. Kia estimates a 0-60 MPH time of 4.3 seconds, shaving 0.7 seconds off the EV9 GT-Line AWD's sprint. However, final horsepower figures are still being refined, so the GT's output may climb even higher. 2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower To handle the extra muscle, the EV9 GT features larger brakes, adaptive suspension dampers, 21-inch wheels with Continental tires, and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. The...