Latest news with #AlexLeanse
Motor Trend
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Rolls-Royce Ghost Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Alex Leanse Calling any Rolls-Royce 'entry-level' seems preposterous, but if a vehicle in this lineup must have that designation, it's the Ghost. Despite being the cheapest Rolls-Royce, the Ghost still has all the automaker's ultra-high-end craftsmanship and luxurious driving dynamics. Once, the Ghost was based on the BMW 7 Series, and the current generation that went on sale for 2020 is built on Rolls-Royce's bespoke Architecture of Luxury platform. It's also offered with an extended wheelbase or in sport-inspired Black Badge specification. What's New Rolls-Royce gave a significant update to the Ghost for 2025, so changes for 2026 are likely to be few. For model year 2025, the Ghost gained: Updated headlights, bumpers, and wheels Reshaped dashboard Improved tech and connectivity features Additional paint and trim choices This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available. What We Think Aside from other Rolls-Royce models, few vehicles can match how incredibly quiet and smooth the Ghost is. That sure is lovely, but given that some rivals come close to that luxury for significantly less money, is the Ghost worth it? With its strong, silent V-12 engine and incredible refinement, the Ghost is very nice to drive . But it's not exactly fun to drive, given the light steering and relaxed responses to its controls. Upgrading to Black Badge specification doesn't help much. Nevertheless, the Ghost is a stupendous car, packed full of materials and design details of the highest craftsmanship and quality. It's very expensive, but the Ghost could be worth it for drivers who demand luxury beyond reproach. Top-Ranked Competitors: MotorTrend Tested Under the Ghost's long hood is a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine, backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. As standard, the Ghost's engine produces 563 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took 4.2 seconds in MotorTrend testing. In Black Badge specification, output rises to 592 hp and 664 lb-ft, which should reduce the 0–60 mph acceleration time to approximately 4.0 seconds. MPGs Fuel economy for the Ghost is approximately 12/19 mpg city/highway, figures that won't cause the slightest bit of bother to anyone who can afford the car in the first place. Safety Ratings and Features Driver assist and active safety features on the Ghost include: Front automatic emergency braking Lane keep assist Blind-spot monitoring Adaptive cruise control Seating Configurations The Ghost can be built to seat five occupants by equipping the three-across rear bench seat. Alternatively, a rear seat with a fixed center console is available, reducing capacity to four but improving comfort for rear passengers. Technology Infotainment In addition to a digital gauge display, the Ghost comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mobile app integration allows for remote viewing of the vehicle's location and functions. Various USB ports and a wireless charging pad keep devices powered up. Sound System The Rolls-Royce Bespoke audio system in the Ghost comprises 18 speakers and a 1,400-watt amplifier. Available Upgrades By choosing the Rear Theatre Configuration, the front seatbacks gain a 12.0-inch touchscreen for each rear passenger to use. Other upgrades include a 360-degree camera and head-up display. Value Standard Features As standard, the Ghost comes equipped with luxurious features including heated front and rear seats, power-closing doors, front and rear parking sensors, an illuminated grille, and a polished Spirit of Ecstasy figurine at the front of the hood. Standard 20-inch wheels can be upgraded to 21 or 22 inches. Recommended Trim Get the standard Ghost in your dream configuration, or the Extended version if you plan to hire a chauffeur for the car. Skip the Ghost Black Badge, as its suspension tune roughens the ride without delivering a commensurate increase in sportiness and driving enjoyment. Ghost Extended For buyers seeking a chauffeur-driven car, the Ghost Extended could be a good choice. This model has a longer wheelbase and body than the standard Ghost, adding 6.7 inches of second-row legroom on top of the 42.3 inches already offered.
Motor Trend
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Nissan Sentra Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Alex Leanse Nissan is gearing up to reveal a redesigned 2026 Sentra. This compact sedan has existed in various forms since the early 1980s, and the current Sentra arrived for model year 2020. Here's what to expect from the 2026 Nissan Sentra, which will compete against affordable compact sedans including the Honda Civic, Kia K4, and Toyota Corolla. Future 2026 Sentra: What It Looks Like All we've seen of the 2026 Sentra is a shadowy teaser image shared by Nissan, and some spy shots of a camouflaged prototype. From what we can tell, the car will remain recognizable as a Sentra, albeit with an evolved design. The bodywork looks edgy with defined edges and creases, but there's some soft elegance around the wheel arches and greenhouse. Window glass looks large for a compact car. Hooked LED headlights will catch the eye, and there could be a trendy full-width taillight bar. Front and center will be a fresh interpretation of Nissan's corporate grille treatment. Expect larger wheels on the 2026 Nissan Sentra SR, up to 19 inches from the already sizable 18s on the 2025 model. New Engine The 2026 Sentra could have the same engine as what the 2025 model has now: A 2.0-liter I-4 that produces 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the front wheels via a CVT automatic. In the 2025 Sentra, it provides 0-60 mph acceleration of 8.4 seconds and returns about 30/40 mpg city/highway. If Nissan gives the 2026 Sentra new engine options, one possibility is for the 1.5-liter turbo I-3 engine that's currently used in the Nissan Rogue compact SUV. In that vehicle, it produces 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, with a CVT and standard FWD or optional AWD. If that engine made its way into the Sentra, it would likely make the car a little quicker at the expense of fuel economy. Nissan Sentra Hybrid? Hopefully Nissan doesn't sell any hybrids in the U.S. as this is written, but that could finally change soon. In overseas markets, Nissan sells a so-called e-Power hybrid engine that combines a small three-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Interestingly, the e-Power system is designed to provide acceleration only by the electric motor, while the engine works as a gas-fueled generator to charge the battery that powers the motor. We drove a new Nissan e-Power hybrid and thought the system has potential. Hopefully, that technology makes its way into a future Nissan Sentra Hybrid to rival the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius. The Sentra is at its best in lower to mid-level trims; a hybrid could make the Nissan more of a value on higher and more expensive trims. Safety Features The new 2026 Sentra should come with driver-assist and active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher-end models could gain adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, along possibly with Nissan's ProPilot Assist technology, which allows for hands-free driving in certain road scenarios. Other Affordable Compact Cars:
Motor Trend
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Alex Leanse The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee joins a legendary line of vehicles. Introduced in the early 1990s, the Grand Cherokee became an archetype of what an SUV should be, combining roadgoing refinement with function and off-road capability. The current model was introduced for model year 2021 in three-row L configuration. The two-row standard Grand Cherokee covered here arrived for 2022, aimed at other midsize SUVs including the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, and Subaru Outback. What's New We're hopeful that 2026 will bring updates to the Grand Cherokee lineup including: Refreshed exterior design Improved interior technology features Available Hurricane I-6 engine to improve acceleration and efficiency This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available. What We Think Solid and stylish, the current Jeep Grand Cherokee is compromised most by one key attribute—but that could change for 2026. With its chiseled, handsome looks, the Grand Cherokee could never be mistaken for anything but an SUV. Inside the cabin, the Grand Cherokee presents more stylish design and a decent array of standard features. However, in lower-end configurations the Grand Cherokee's interior materials feel a bit cheap, and all versions would benefit from upgraded technology—which could come for 2026. On the road, the Grand Cherokee moves with weighty, assured manners, meaning the SUV always feels substantial; if you want quick steering and a lightweight feel, look elsewhere. Crucially, the 2026 Grand Cherokee is also ready to venture off the beaten path. Regardless, though, its archaic V-6 engine should be replaced with something modern and better. That's at the top of our wish list of changes for the 2026 Grand Cherokee, so stay tuned to see if the company's excellent Hurricane I-6 goes under the hood. Top-Ranked Competitors: MotorTrend Tested The standard engine in the 2026 Grand Cherokee will likely continue to be a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and 4WD optional or included depending on trim. In MotorTrend testing, a Grand Cherokee AWD with this V-6 accelerated from 0–60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Jeep no longer offers a V-8 engine in the Grand Cherokee. Hurricane I-6 Engine? Hopefully We're hopeful that the Grand Cherokee will get an engine upgrade for 2026. The likely candidate would be the Hurricane, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6. Depending on how it's tuned, the Hurricane can produce up to 510 hp, much more than the Grand Cherokee's old 5.7-liter V-8 had. What's more, the engine is refined and efficient, as well. The Hurricane would likely be optional in the 2026 Grand Cherokee, with the 3.6-liter V-6 remaining standard. Hopefully, the Hurricane fits in the Grand Cherokee's engine bay, because it's an excellent engine. MPGs and Range Expect fuel economy to measure at approximately 19/26 mpg city/highway. Maximum driving range on a tank of gas is over 500 miles. Jeep also offers a plug-in hybrid two-row SUV called the Grand Cherokee 4xe. Safety Features Expect the 2026 Grand Cherokee to come well-equipped with driver-assist and active safety features. Likely to be included among these are: Front and rear automatic emergency braking Rear cross-traffic alert Lane-keep assist Blind-spot monitoring Adaptive cruise control Cargo Space and Interior Room Interior space in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is comfortable, but others offer more room for people and their stuff. Technology Infotainment Screen size could increase in the 2026 Grand Cherokee. Instead of the 10.1-inch upgrade touchscreen it has now, the Jeep could get the 12.3-inch unit from the Wagoneer S. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will remain included. Expect to see a 10.3-inch driver display as standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen ahead of the front passenger offered as an option. Both rows of seats will have USB ports, and a wireless charging pad will be added on higher trims. Sound System Depending on configuration, an audio system with six, 10, or 20 speakers is equipped. Available Upgrades Additionally, a head-up display and night-vision camera will be available. The Three-Row Grand Cherokee For additional passenger and cargo space, Jeep builds the Grand Cherokee L. As the letter in its name implies, the Grand Cherokee L has a longer wheelbase that accommodates a third row to seat up to seven passengers. Otherwise, the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L provide essentially identical features, hardware, and driving manners. See more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee L here. All-Electric Grand Cherokee? For the closest thing to a Grand Cherokee EV, get the 4xe powertrain. This plug-in hybrid system gives the Grand Cherokee 4xe up to 25 miles of all-electric driving range. Read more about the 2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe here. If a true EV is what you want, consider the Jeep Wagoneer S. The sub-brand expanded The SUV is sized and shaped similarly to the Grand Cherokee but has an all-electric powertrain. The Wagoneer S is built using very different hardware than the Grand Cherokee, though, and is intended more for luxurious high performance on pavement—it has up to 600 hp, after all—rather than all-around capability including dirt. Read all about the Jeep Wagoneer S here.
Motor Trend
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Ford Bronco Prices, Reviews, and Photos
Reviewed by Alex Leanse Ford revived the legendary Bronco nameplate in 2021 when it revealed an SUV packed with heritage and rugged hardware. The current Bronco is available in a variety of two- and four-door configurations, all engineered for fun capability. Rivals to the Bronco include the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Honda Passport TrailSport. What's New Given that the Bronco arrived for 2021, it's possible that Ford will treat it to a midcycle update for 2026. Changes could include exterior and interior design adjustments, additional standard features, and new trim levels. The long-rumored Bronco Hybrid may also be introduced. What We Think Easy to like but not to love, the fun Ford Bronco has lots of charm yet not enough substance. Off-road, the Bronco excels, with a great factory setupa nd a load of features th at let it pick through tough terrain admirably. Taking off the doors and roof is a fun way to get immersed in nature. Back on pavement, the Bronco struggles. Its road manners are somewhat crude, and its cabin becomes very noisy at higher speeds. Ford's tech features are useful, but the Bronco's packaging suffers for its rugged capability, as does its fuel economy. Crossovers—even those with off-road tuning—are easier to live with every day. Performance and MPGs Engines for the 2026 Bronco are expected to carry over from 2025. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 that produces 275 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 300 hp and 325 lb-ft on high-octane gas. A 10-speed automatic and a seven-speed manual are available; 4WD is standard either way. In MotorTrend testing, Bronco models with this engine needed between 7.3 and 7.9 seconds to accelerate from 0–60 mph. Fuel economy rates at approximately 16–20/17–21 mpg city/highway depending on configuration. The Bronco can also be equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 that makes 315 hp and 410 lb-ft, or 330 hp and 415 lb-ft on high-octane gas, and can only be paired with the 10-speed automatic. Acceleration from 0–60 mph takes between 6.6 and 8.4 seconds with this engine. Fuel economy measures in at about 17–18/17–20 mpg. Bronco Hybrid When? With the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid and Toyota 4Runner hybrid on the scene, Ford is behind the curve—but could an electrified Bronco finally arrive for 2026? A Bronco Hybrid would likely add an electric motor to the turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 powertrain, increasing output while improving fuel economy. If it's a plug-in hybrid, this Bronco would have some all-electric driving range. The Beastly Bronco Raptor The Ford Bronco Raptor might be the best factory-built off-road vehicle of all time, with a buffed-up body that accommodates greatly increased track width and enormous tires. But the Bronco Raptor isn't just a wheel and tire package—it has high-tech suspension, thick skidplates, a disconnecting sway bar, and lots of software intended to maximize its trail performance, not to mention a powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine. Learn all about the 2026 Ford Bronco Raptor here. Safety Features The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist and active safety features on the 2026 Bronco should include front automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and trailer sway control. Higher-end models will have adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors. Cargo Space and Interior Room The Bronco offers a good amount of passenger and cargo capacity, but it's not necessarily the most spacious off-road SUV. Technology The 2026 Bronco's tech is expected to center around a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.0-inch gauge cluster display, USB ports in both rows of seats, and seven-speaker audio are standard, with a premium 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen system available. Other tech options include a 360-degree camera, digital rearview mirror, and universal garage door transponder. There are also pre-wired auxiliary switches to ease modification and upfitting. Other Off-Road SUVs:
Motor Trend
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Volvo XC90 Prices, Reviews, and Photos
Reviewed by Alex Leanse After almost a decade in production, the Volvo XC90 received a significant update for what Volvo calls the 2025.5 model year to keep it competitive. The 2026 XC90 continues to offer a variety of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid, while the new Volvo EX90 arrives as the automaker's all-electric three-row SUV. Rivals to the XC90 include the Lexus TX, Audi Q7, and Acura MDX. What's New Given the extensive refresh applied for 2025.5, the Volvo XC90 is expected to enter 2026 with few changes, if any. For 2025.5, Volvo gave the XC90 the following updates: A restyled exterior Remodeled interior Modern, upgraded tech Chassis updates What We Think Despite its aged fundamentals, the refreshed 2026 XC90 manages to feel modern and relevant among today's luxury three-row SUVs. The exterior design is only subtly altered, but still looks crisp and contemporary. More extensive changes occur inside, where the XC90 gains many new design details and features like the larger and more capable infotainment touchscreen. Sustainable materials are used throughout, which all look and feel upscale. Excellent driving manners have never been the XC90's strong suit. That isn't to say it drives poorly, but some competitors are more satisfying and engaging from behind the wheel. Furthermore, the cabin remodel didn't address the snug third-row seat, but did add some clumsy digital buttons for basic controls. Those seeking a comfortable, stylish, and safe three-row SUV can continue to find one in the XC90. Although the new XC90 isn't a revolution, the changes Volvo applied are substantial enough to make a difference. Performance and MPGs Three powertrains are offered in the XC90, all of which use an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The standard B5 engine is a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 that produces 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0–60 mph is estimated at 7.3 seconds. Fuel economy should come in at about 23/30 mpg city/highway. Choosing the B6 engine adds an electric supercharger to the 2.0-liter turbo I-4 for totals of 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This cuts 0–60 mph acceleration to an estimated 6.8 seconds, but reduces fuel economy to approximately 20/26 mpg. The range-topping T8 powertrain is a plug-in hybrid. It's starts with a 2.0-liter turbo I-4, but adds an electric motor to make 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. With this, the XC90 T8 should hit 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds. More important, it improves fuel economy, returning 58 mpg-e and providing more than 30 miles of all-electric driving range. XC90 EV? The All-Electric Volvo EX90 EV The closest thing to an electric XC90 is the EX90. Volvo's three-row electric SUV was introduced for 2025, designed to resemble the XC90 but equipped with a dual-motor electric powertrain returning approximately 300 miles of range and a 0–60 mph time under 5.0 seconds. The EX90 is also equipped with hardware for advanced self-driving potential. Inside, there are different design and tech features than the XC90, but both Volvo SUVs are intended to be luxurious family transportation. Safety Ratings and Features When most recently crash safety tested for 2025, the XC90 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status and a NHTSA five-star overall rating, each the best possible result. Volvo's Pilot Assist suite of driver assist and active safety features is included on every XC90. It contains front and rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Cargo Space and Interior Room Although passenger space is good in the first two rows, the XC90's third row is small and tricky to access; it's best for children. Cargo space is about what's expected from an SUV of this size, but some rivals offer more. Technology As part of its refresh, the XC90 gained an updated dashboard with a larger vertically oriented 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Familiar Google-designed apps as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. There's also a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and optional head-up display. Volvo's mobile app allows for remote monitoring and control of vehicle functions. A wireless charging pad is standard, along with USB charging ports throughout the cabin. Above the basic 10-speaker audio system, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium arrangement is available. Other options include a 360-degree camera and digital rearview mirror. Which 2026 XC90 Trim Level Is Best? We'd choose between the B6 and T8 powertrains for the XC90; the basic B5 engine feels a bit overworked in this SUV. Regardless, the midrange Plus trim level seems best. Over the basic Core model, the XC90 Plus gains a 360-degree camera, heated steering wheel and rear seats, side parking sensors, and an integrated booster seat in the middle of the second row. Above Plus, the range-topping Ultra has a Harman Kardon audio system, head-up display, front seats with additional adjustments and ventilation, and rear door sunshades. Top Ranked Competitors:
