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Subaru and Toyota to Launch New Electric Compact SUVs in 2026

Subaru and Toyota to Launch New Electric Compact SUVs in 2026

Yahoo18-03-2025

Toyota and Subaru are preparing to launch a new pair of electric compact SUVs in 2026 as part of their ongoing partnership. The two automakers previously worked together on the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra, and their latest collaboration will expand their presence in the growing EV market, CarScoops reported.
These new models are expected to target a wider audience by adopting a more traditional SUV shape. Unlike the bZ4x and Solterra, which feature a low-slung, futuristic design, the upcoming SUVs could resemble the next-generation Toyota RAV4, with a sharper nose, roof rails, and a more upright rear end. While the Toyota and Subaru versions will likely share most of their design and components, each will have a distinct front-end styling to maintain brand identity.
Like the bZ4x and Solterra, the new EVs are expected to ride on the e-TNGA platform, which Toyota developed for its electric models. This will allow them to share battery packs, electric motors, and other key components, reducing development costs for both automakers. The use of a common platform also enables Toyota and Subaru to focus resources on other EV projects while maintaining a competitive position in the compact SUV segment.
A key difference from the bZ4x and Solterra is that the new electric SUVs will reportedly be produced at Subaru's Yajima plant in Japan rather than Toyota's Motomachi facility. Production is set to begin in January 2026, with the vehicles expected to launch shortly after.
Toyota recently teased three upcoming EVs set to launch by 2026. Two of these vehicles appear to be production versions of the EPU electric pickup and the Land Cruiser SE concept, both of which were first shown in 2023. The third teaser remains unidentified, but speculation suggests it could be Toyota's version of the upcoming compact SUV developed with Subaru.
If this is the case, the teaser hints at a design that leans toward a more conventional SUV silhouette, departing from the bZ4x and Solterra's sleeker crossover styling. The new models could offer a more rugged look, which may appeal to buyers who prefer a traditional SUV stance.
Toyota has been steadily growing its electric vehicle lineup in key markets. In Europe, the automaker currently offers the bZ4x, C-HR+, and Urban Cruiser EVs. Meanwhile, Subaru's only EV offering remains the Solterra. The introduction of this new SUV will help Subaru broaden its electric vehicle lineup, as the automaker aims to launch four EVs in partnership with Toyota over the next few years.
In addition to its collaborations with Toyota, Subaru has announced plans to develop its first in-house electric vehicle, which is expected to arrive by 2028. This is part of Subaru's broader strategy to have EVs account for half of its global sales by 2030.
The new Subaru and Toyota electric SUVs are expected to be available in Japan, Europe, and the U.S., reinforcing both brands' commitment to expanding their EV portfolios. As the 2026 launch approaches, more details will likely emerge, providing a clearer picture of how these models will compare to existing electric SUVs in the market.

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2026 Nissan Sentra: Everything We Know
2026 Nissan Sentra: Everything We Know

Motor 1

time2 hours ago

  • Motor 1

2026 Nissan Sentra: Everything We Know

Nissan isn't giving up on small cars. Even though the tiny Versa is rumored to be on the chopping block, the company is currently working on a brand-new version of the Sentra in an attempt to dethrone compact sedan staples like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The current version of the Sentra won't survive past the current 2025 model year, which means a new one should arrive sooner rather than later. Expect it before the end of the year with an on-sale date of 2026. We've already seen the spy photos and heard many of the rumors, but here's everything you need to know about Nissan's next compact sedan. Here's What We Know 2026 Kia Telluride: Everything We Know 2027 Nissan Maxima: Everything We Know What Will the New Sentra Look Like? 2026 Nissan Sentra Rendering by Motor1 Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1 Nissan's new design language will extend to every one of its vehicles, Sentra included. Many of the cues we've already seen on SUVs like the Kicks and Murano , as well as the upcoming Leaf , should trickle down to the compact sedan. Based on the spy photos and teasers we've already seen, the new Sentra will look much sharper—and it could be slightly longer than the current car. The compact sedan will have a new face highlighted by the brand's latest angular headlight treatment. A light bar should run across the hood line just above the V-shaped grille (though, don't call it a V-Motion grille ). New Nissan Sentra Spy Photos Photo by: KGP Photography New Nissan Sentra Spy Photos Photo by: KGP Photography The back end will likely have a similarly svelte design with an LED taillight treatment that extends across the trunk lid. Those same spy photos also show a subtle ducktail spoiler jutting out from the trunk lid, which should give the Sentra a slightly sportier look. Our artist brought those spy photos to life in the renderings you see here. What Kind of Technology Will It Have? 2025 Nissan Murano Interior Photo by: Nissan If you've been in any of Nissan's latest SUVs, the Sentra's interior should look familiar. We expect a streamlined, screen-heavy design with a few touch-capacitive controls. Don't worry, though, Nissan won't ditch buttons entirely. The company's latest products do still have centralized volume knobs and a few tactile controls. The Sentra's current 7.0- and 8.0-inch touchscreen displays should both grow in size, and Nissan will undoubtedly offer a digital instrument cluster to go with it. The company currently offers dual 12.3-inch screens in most of its cars, which should carry over to the Sentra. What Engine Will the New Sentra Have? The current Nissan Sentra has a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine making 149 horsepower, and we don't expect much to change. The base model will likely keep its 2.0-liter engine, with minor upgrades in power and efficiency. That said, the Rogue's turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine could also carry over. Nissan has also been vocal about its lack of hybrids. The company could remedy that with its next-generation Sentra. Even though the automaker doesn't currently offer a hybrid powertrain in the US, Nissan does have a range of e-Power hybrids in Japan that could make their way Stateside—or at least, a version of those powertrains. The Sentra spy photos show a prototype with tailpipes, which leads us to believe that the Sentra won't go all-electric, as others have speculated. In fact, we don't expect Nissan to offer an electric version at all. The new Sentra will likely hit the market with a naturally aspirated gas engine and a hybrid option. Nissan Sentra teaser Photo by: Nissan What Will the New Sentra Compete Against? Even though the 2026 Sentra may grow in size, it will remain in the compact sedan space. That will put it up against current competitors like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, and Toyota Corolla. How Much Will the New Sentra Cost? Don't expect the 2026 Sentra to get a major price hike. The current Sentra starts at just $22,730 for the base SV model, while even the most expensive trim—the SR Midnight Edition—is only $26,425. As a brand-new model, the 2026 Sentra will undoubtedly see a price increase over the current version. We wouldn't be surprised to see a base price of around $25,000. The Sentra could even move production from Mexico to the US to avoid President Trump's proposed tariffs. That said, we expect the new Sentra to remain competitive with the Honda Civic in terms of price, which starts at just over $25,000 for the 2025 model year. When Will We See It? Nissan has already confirmed that the 2026 Sentra will debut later this year before going on sale sometime in 2025. Exact timing is still to be determined. 13 Source: KGP Photography Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

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  • Car and Driver

2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview Toyota offers its Tundra full-size pickup truck two ways: with or without a hybrid assist. The gas-only version, which we cover separately, makes 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the Tundra hybrid cranks out 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet. The hybrid powertrain is not available on the entry-level SR and SR5 trims, so electrifying requires stepping up to the Limited trim, which comes nicely equipped. Hybrid buyers are also restricted to the larger CrewMax cab. If you can live with those specs, you'll enjoy more output than the nonhybrid version while using about the same amount of fuel. Seems like a fair trade to us. What's New for 2026? As is tradition, Toyota has a new paint color that's exclusive to its TRD Pro models for 2026. This year's hue is called WaveMaker, and it's giving blue-raspberry candy vibes. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid is expected to start around $60,000 and go up to $83,000 depending on the trim and options. Limited $60,000 (est) Platinum $70,000 (est) 1794 Edition $71,000 (est) TRD Pro $75,000 (est) Capstone $83,000 (est) The hybrid Tundra skips the base SR and SR5 trims and starts with the Limited trim level, so if a low base MSRP is your primary concern, you'll likely want to stick to the gas-only model. There's some real value packed in the Limited, however, as every Tundra hybrid comes with remote start, keyless entry, and a power tailgate complete with a fob-operated tailgate release button. For that reason, we'd stick with the Limited to get the power of the hybrid powertrain combined with a decent number of amenities and features without venturing into pricey luxury-truck territory. Want to compare the 2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Tundra's gas twin-turbo V-6 makes 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, then the electric motor chips in to make up the difference—system totals are 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet. Equally as important, full torque is available at a low 2400 rpm, ideal for doing actual work. The battery is a 1.87-kWh, 288-volt unit, and the system operates as a traditional hybrid with no plug-in option. By comparison, Ford's F-150 PowerBoost hybrid also uses a turbocharged V-6 and electric motor combo to come up with 430 hp and 570 pound-feet, but full torque holds off until 3100 rpm. Every Tundra uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid unit allows for electric-only driving at crawling speeds and even at some higher velocities when going downhill. The Tundra features coil-spring rear suspension, which pays off with smoother unladen ride quality. The only thing missing from the Tundra's lineup is a direct competitor that answers the lunacy of the high-powered Ford F-150 Raptor and (now-departed) Ram 1500 TRX. While the TRD Pro does offer a lifted suspension and skid plates that cater to some level of off-road glory, its all-terrain tires don't fling mud as far as others. 0–60-MPH Times Our long-term 2023 Tundra hybrid hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. That's 0.1 second quicker than the 2022 Tundra hybrid we tested, and 0.4 second quicker than the last nonhybrid Tundra we tested. Top speed for the Tundra hybrid is an electronically limited 107 mph. View Photos toyota Towing and Payload Capacity The Tundra hybrid is rated to tow up to 11,450 pounds in the Limited trim and 11,380 in Platinum, though that's with rear-wheel drive and the short bed. Four-wheel drive and the long bed lower those numbers incrementally. For reference, the gas-only Tundra has a max-tow rating of 12,000 pounds. The added weight of the hybrid components reduces payload only slightly, the Limited hybrid's payload maxing out at 1680 pounds compared to the gas-only Limited's 1700-pound rating. The F-150 PowerBoost hybrid, by comparison, tops it in both measures: It can pull up to 12,700 pounds and has a 2120-pound payload. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Tundra hybrid yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings as high as 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Only the city number bests that of a comparable nonhybrid Tundra, meaning this truck uses its electric side to add output rather than boost efficiency. The Tundra hybrid delivered only 19 mpg on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Tundra Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Large square air vents, a massive infotainment screen, and thick knobs that are easy to use dominate the Tundra's dashboard. Toyota has even gone full luxo with wood accents available on the 1794 Edition; the Capstone has genuine American Walnut veneer. The center console provides a massive catch-all for storage and there's no shortage of door cubbies for mail, beverages, or tools. The only major drawback with the hybrid is that what would be cargo space under the rear folding seats is instead where the battery lives. The smaller extended-cab Tundra (a.k.a. Double Cab) is only available for nonhybrid models, leaving all Tundra hybrids as the larger crew cabs with the choice of either a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed. View Photos Toyota Infotainment and Connectivity The cornerstone of the Tundra hybrid's infotainment experience is its standard 14.0-inch touchscreen. (Gas-only versions start off with a smaller 8-inch screen, but all the hybrids get the larger unit.) It's bright, legible, and of high enough resolution to mistake Waze navigation for a video game. The only misstep is the lack of a dedicated physical tuning knob; the volume knob makes for fast adjustment, and we wish we could scroll through XM with the same intuitive action. A 12-speaker JBL audio system is optional on the Limited and standard on the above trims, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is also offered. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Every Tundra is stocked with a full complement of driver-assistance technology as part of Toyota's Safety Sense 3.5; blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer detection are standard on all Tundra hybrids. For more information about the Tundra's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Toyota's limited and powertrain warranties align with what's offered on every other full-size pickup truck. However, the brand's complimentary scheduled maintenance is unmatched in the segment. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE Base: $68.500 POWERTRAIN twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.4-liter V-6, 389 hp, 479 lb-ft + AC motor, 48 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined output: 437 hp, 583 lb-ft; nickel-metal hydride battery pack) Transmission: 10-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc Tires: Falken Wildpeak AT3W 285/65R-18 116T M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 145.7 in Length: 233.6 in Width: 81.6 in Height: 78.0 in Passenger Volume: 117 ft3 Curb Weight: 6107 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.5 sec @ 92 mph 100 mph: 18.0 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 107 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 194 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.71 g EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 20/19/21 mpg - C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs

The V8 Isn't America's Truck Engine Anymore—And We Have Proof
The V8 Isn't America's Truck Engine Anymore—And We Have Proof

The Drive

time3 hours ago

  • The Drive

The V8 Isn't America's Truck Engine Anymore—And We Have Proof

The latest car news, reviews, and features. America's list of favorites is well established. Our favorite pastime? Baseball. Our favorite pie? Apple, of course. And as for our favorite truck engines, well, we like our V6s. Sorry, but that last line was meant to make you flinch—not because it's fake ragebait, but because it's true. Just as Ram revived the Hemi V8 in its half-ton truck lineup last week, I set out to learn which engine configuration is the most popular among the U.S. of A.'s full-size pickup buyers. In talking with automakers, market analysts, and other industry experts, I learned that the answer, by far, is the six-cylinder. So, how did this happen? A lot of it boils down to the choices on offer by manufacturers. Toyota dropped the V8 from the Tundra entirely for this generation, switching to a twin-turbo V6 with or without hybrid assist. And up until last week's announcement, Ram ditched the Hemi altogether for the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. Since Hemi Ram 1500 production doesn't start for another few months, that means two of the biggest players in the space don't have a V8 to sell you, even if you want one. Ford And then there's Ford. While the Blue Oval has sold V8-powered pickups continuously since 1935, it began billing its EcoBoost V6s as the premium option more than a decade ago. The numbers back it up, too, as the 3.5-liter variant makes 400 horsepower—the same as Ford's 5.0-liter V8—and 500 lb-ft of torque, which is a 90 lb-ft increase over the five-oh. It also offers a PowerBoost hybrid variant of the 3.5-liter, along with a smaller 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6. When I reached out to Ford, they said each engine offering accounts for an approximately equal split of their sales volume, meaning the V6s far outweigh the V8. General Motors stands as the most prolific V8 half-ton truck manufacturer. It offers two of those engines to customers—the 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter—and together, they power half of all new Chevrolet Silverado 1500s (making up 42% and 8%, respectively). GM also sells a stout 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six, but its highest-volume engine that's not a V8 is actually the 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder. After the 5.3-liter, the base 2.7-liter is the most prominent by far at 36 percent. Caleb Jacobs Having learned all this, I reached out to Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst at S&P Global Mobility. She told me that according to the firm's U.S. data, V8 pickups made up 64.6% of half-ton truck registrations in 2020; by 2024, that number dropped to 38%. Meanwhile, full-size trucks with six-cylinder engines increased from 32.8% to 47.6% of registrations over the same period. Impressively, the four-cylinder GM half-tons accounted for 11.5% of registrations on their own last year. 'Reasons for the change include that the V6 and four-cylinder options are far stronger than they used to be,' Brinley explained. 'The Ram 1500 provides a case in point as its Hurricane six-cylinder engines are more efficient and more powerful than the 5.7-liter V8.' Brinley is right. The Hemi makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, but the standard output Hurricane makes 420 hp and 469 lb-ft. Step up to the high-output Hurricane and those numbers are way higher than the Hemi's at 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. There's simply no comparison when it comes to performance. 'Still, many full-size pickup truck buyers do believe a V8 is the best solution for their truck, and at 38% of registrations in 2024, that amounted to about 530,000 V8-equipped trucks registered in 2024,' Brinley continued. 'Offering multiple engine solutions remains important for the segment, as long as the engines can cost-effectively be made to be compliant with regulations. Over time, the V8 take rate is likely to continue to slow. But today, there are enough full-size half-ton pickup buyers looking for a V8 to make it advantageous to provide an option, particularly for the high-volume Detroit-based brands. As Ram learned, not providing the option gives buyers a reason to reject the truck and has an impact on overall sales.' That's almost certainly why Ford hasn't ditched the V8 yet, even though it was the first to market with a turbo-six. Pickup truck customers love options, even if most of them choose the same ones. And brand loyalty matters far more in this segment than most others. Lose a customer, though, and it's incredibly difficult to win them back. 'Stepping away from offering a V8 in the 1500 was definitely a big mistake, and Ram's since likely steered shoppers to GM and Ford instead,' explained Robby DeGraff, manager of product and consumer insights at car industry research company AutoPacific. 'Even with the return of the profitable Hemi, it's good that buyers will have other powertrains available to suit their preferences including eventual electrification. Powertrain choice is king, and when remove that from a prospective vehicle buyer, that's when your profits begin to sink. ' Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis hammered that point home when he announced the Hemi's return. 'Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle it defines you,' he said. 'Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi. We own it and we fixed it.' While it's hard to project the V8's take rate, Kuniskis estimates that it will be low during the initial production ramp-up—somewhere around 20% to 25%—though he noted it could be as high as 40% later on. Ram Another automotive market insider told me that could be great for Ram, but it's unlikely to shift the tide back toward V8s industry-wide. 'I don't think the return of the Hemi is going to have much of an impact on the overall market, [and] other automakers are unlikely to change product strategy as a result,' said Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at Telemetry Agency. 'You're not suddenly going to see more V8s in other brands.' Each manufacturer has invested a ton of money in its six-cylinder truck engines because that's the direction the market has been going in, and likely will continue to in the face of emissions regulations. I'm not qualified to say that V8s are as good as they can get, but V6s are already good enough at making big power while delivering OK fuel economy and emissions results that automakers aren't about to go back. And although there's still a big chunk of truck customers that want the simplicity of a V8, the truth is that most people buying them are largely indifferent. So long as that's the case, automakers will keep building and selling what works for them. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@

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