Latest news with #ToyotaGrandHighlander
Auto Blog
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla Won't Like New Sales Figures in Challenging European Countries
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Walmart Is Selling a 'Fantastic' $90 OBD2 Scanner for $23, and Shoppers Say It's 'Very Easy to Use' The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is here with one change: higher prices. With 2025 models discounted, buyers may want to act before inventory runs out. View post: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Is Pricier With No Major Changes —Should You Buy the 2025 Instead? This early AMG G-Wagon, owned by Ivan Lendl, features a very different front – an odd but telling preview of the luxury SUV formula we know today. Tesla sales fall in multiple key markets while Musk waits on FSD approval Tesla registrations fell in several significant European countries during July, including France, Denmark, and Sweden, for the seventh consecutive month. The electric automaker registered 1,307 new vehicles in France during July, down 27% year-over-year. In Denmark, Tesla sold 336 cars, representing a 52% annual decline. Swedish Tesla sales during July were especially bleak at 163 vehicles, an 85.8% year-over-year drop. The company's Model Y SUV revamp was supposed to drive sales, which included the release of a long-range four-wheel drive version in March and a rear-wheel drive variant in May, but it failed to do so. In July, Denmark Model Y registrations decreased by 49%. 0:05 / 0:09 Another Chinese automaker is taking the fight to Tesla Watch More The fallout from Elon Musk's political presence, regulatory hurdles, and tough competition from Chinese and European brands are all creating Tesla's perfect storm of adversity on the continent. Regarding regulatory hurdles, Musk said during Tesla's Q2 earnings call in late July that the company's European sales would 'significantly' improve once Tesla can fully deploy its semi-autonomous Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Musk added: 'This is a very important point to convey. We have been working with the Netherlands, and I think we are close to getting [FSD] approval there,' according to EV. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. Different legal frameworks have partly contributed to FSD approval in the European Union (EU) taking longer than Tesla would like, as the EU requires a more precise definition of who's at fault in a self-driving crash. Tesla also needs approval from each country, and different nations have varying opinions on autonomy. The EU generally limits self-driving approval to Level 2 systems, aligning with FSD. While Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker allowed to enable Level 3 autonomy in the EU, it's only approved on the highway at a lower speed than the autobahn's average pace. Mercedes-Benz's Level 3 system also uses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology, which is more expensive but often considered more capable than Tesla's self-driving system, relying on cameras and several neural networks or deep learning systems. France's auto market is shrinking In July, car sales were up 20% in Denmark and 6% in Sweden, but Tesla faces unique challenges in countries like France, where new vehicle registrations fell 8% year-over-year, according to Reuters. During June, France's car sales slid 6.7%, while Tesla's sales there dropped 10%. In Q2 as a whole, Tesla's registrations in France declined 67%. While France's downward auto sales aren't limited to Tesla, the automaker's struggles in the nation stand out. Tesla's market share in France has fallen from 1.6% in 2024 to 0.9% in 2025, outpacing the overall European market's decline of 7%. Additionally, hybrid cars represented nearly 50% of France's new car registrations in Q1, a 24.7% increase from last year. Tesla is up against France's 6.6% decline in new battery electric vehicle (BEV) purchases during Q1, where the segment held an 18.2% market share. The average age of cars in France also reached a new high of 11.3 years in 2025, according to Futura Sciences. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts Elon Musk's position appears to be that FSD availability across Europe will largely reverse the company's negative course in several of the continent's key markets, but regulatory hurdles aren't the only factor holding Tesla back. Tesla is also dealing with increased pressure from Chinese competitors, a lack of affordable options, and continued backlash from Musk's politics. Production of Tesla's first affordable model, a stripped-down Model Y, is set to begin next quarter, later than expected, while low-cost Chinese electric models are already flooding into Europe. About the Author Cody Carlson View Profile
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Barely Costs More Than Last Year
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Barely Costs More Than Last Year originally appeared on Autoblog. Minor Price Bumps Across The Range The RAV4 is the world's best-selling car, as well as America's most popular Toyota, but in second place is the Grand Highlander, a spacious three-row SUV that will soon be joined by an all-electric Highlander little brother. In the meantime, Toyota is ensuring that the 2026 Grand Highlander will sell as strongly as its predecessor by applying a nominal price increase for the new model year. Most trims get a price bump of $500, with one excpetion now $580 pricier. With this, the Grand Highlander starts at $41,360 before the obligatory destination charge of $1,495. 2026 Grand Highlander Pricing In Detail View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The entry-level trim is the LE, and as with the 2025 model, adding AWD to any trim (unless it's already equipped as standard) costs $1,600. The only change to the lineup is that the Hybrid Nightshade now gets a black badge overlay, and it seems that this alteration doesn't come free, as this is the only trim to get a slightly higher price increase of $580 to start at $53,190. As above, all pricing in the table below excludes the $1,495 destination charge for either model year. Trim MY2025 MY2026 AWD Difference LE $40,860 $41,360 +$1,600 +$500 Hybrid LE $44,210 $44,710 Std. +$500 XLE $43,630 $44,130 +$1,600 +$500 Hybrid XLE $45,380 $45,880 +$1,600 +$500 Limited $48,360 $48,860 +$1,600 (Limited XLE) +$500 Hybrid Limited $51,710 $52,210 Std. +$500 Hybrid MAX Limited $54,690 $55,190 Std. +$500 Hybrid Nightshade $52,610 $53,190 Std. +$580 Platinum $54,045 $54,545 Std. +$500 Hybrid MAX Platinum $58,775 $59,275 Std. +$500 The standard engine on offer is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Hybrid gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor to produce 245 hp. At the top of the range is the Hybrid MAX powertrain, featuring a combination of the 2.4-liter turbo-four and rear-mounted electric motor that together produce a total of 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Chevy Will Like The New PricingWhile the price increases are nominal, as they should be for a carryover model that is produced within the borders of the United States, they do make the Grand Highlander slightly more expensive than its Chevrolet Traverse competition, which carries a base MSRP of $40,800 for 2026 (excluding $1,895 for destination and delivery). Moreover, base model for base model, the SUV with a bowtie badge is more powerful, offering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5-liter turbo. Meanwhile, the 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $36,390, and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 costs $38,045. With price increases likely for the 2026 variants of both these SUVs, the gap to Toyota will surely close, and we expect the Grand Highlander to continue racking strong sales for Toyota before a more significantly refreshed model arrives in the next year or so. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Barely Costs More Than Last Year first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: Is It Worth $40,860? My In-Depth Guide to Its Upsides & Downsides
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when the Toyota Grand Highlander debuted a couple of years ago. In my mind, I thought that the regular Highlander was enough for the masses and their love for all things SUV. After all, the reliable people hauler has grown over the years and now comes in both regular and hybrid flavors, so what more could people want? Apparently, they want just a little more. Typical Americans. But after spending a few days in the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid, I came away impressed with everything it had to offer. Yes, that includes the added space that the "grand" in the moniker entails. For the record, the Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and two inches taller than its non-grand stablemate. That makes it 201.4 inches long compared to the standard Highlander's 194.9 inches, so you'd better measure your garage space before signing the dotted line for one of these things. Since the Grand Highlander I drove was a hybrid model, it had plenty of low-end power with its electric assist while churning out some surprising fuel efficiency numbers. Needless to say, by the end of my time spent with the three-row SUV, I was pretty much sold. It's too bad I don't have a family to cart around, or much of a need for a large SUV, in general. However, despite everything I liked about the SUV, I noticed there were a couple of cons. As such, here are three pros and two cons I found during my few days with the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Toyota has stepped up its game in the past five years by giving its vehicles more appealing and comfortable cabins, and the Grand Highlander is no exception. Keeping with the "grand" theme, the plus-sized Highlander boasts 149 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is 8 cubic feet larger than the regular version. It's also 8 cubic feet larger than the Mazda CX-90's interior, which is its closest competitor. My tester for the week also came equipped with second-row captain's chairs, which cut down the seating capacity to seven from eight. If you don't need eight spots, then this configuration works well as the two lucky passengers in the second row will be treated to plenty of space, their own climate controls, heated seats, and a couple of cupholders. The third row is large enough for tall passengers as well, but the middle seat is better reserved for short ones or children. In addition to a host of driver-assist features, the Grand Highlander Hybrid has all the in-cabin tech features that drivers want. This includes a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen with an intuitive interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium JBL sound system featuring 11 speakers. There are also plenty of comfort features to keep everyone happy, including a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and rear window sunshades to keep the sun from intruding into the cabin. Lastly, a 12.3-inch digital dash display sits in front of the driver to keep them informed of the car's vitals, and there are seven USB-C ports around the cabin to keep everyone's phones charged up. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's two main competitors include the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid. The Santa Fe Hybrid offers slightly better gas mileage (36 mpg combined) and a lower starting price point, but the Highlander Hybrid offers a little more in its standard form, which could justify its higher $40,860 starting price. The Mazda, on the other hand, has a starting price of $49,945 and does not offer the same type of fuel economy as the Toyota. However, it does have an all-electric driving range of 26 miles, which could be useful for some commutes. Regardless, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is priced well in the weird three-row hybrid SUV segment and provides a middle-of-the-road choice for buyers looking for a balanced and well-priced family hauler. There are two different engine choices for the Grand Highlander Hybrid: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a HybridMax turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Both engines are connected to a pair of electric motors, but the former produces 245 horsepower while the upgraded version produces 362. Don't get me wrong, the base engine does a great job at pulling the SUV around town just fine, but it's a little sluggish when accelerating and can feel a little slow during passing maneuvers. In that case, I would recommend the up-level engine if power is more important than gas mileage, as the larger engine will dip fuel economy into the high 20-mpg range. Although Toyota has stepped up its game when it comes to the interiors of its vehicles, the Grand Highlander doesn't feel as premium as its competition. I liked the soft faux leather and soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels, but the Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Santa Fe's interiors are a little nicer and most lavishly laid out. Ultimately, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is an excellent choice in the three-row SUV segment. After spending time with it, I came away thoroughly impressed with its fuel economy, interior space, and well-mannered driving dynamics. It might not be the cheapest or most-premium-feeling kid on the block, but if you need a large SUV to tote around your family and their stuff in a fuel-efficient manner, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is worth checking out. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV brings style and tech to electric family haulers
SAVANNAH, Georgia — The 2026 Ioniq 9 three-row electric SUV is a dual-threat, with style and features to compete with premium brands like Acura, Audi, Buick, Lincoln and Tesla, but priced to take on upcoming three-row EVs from the likes of Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, and Toyota. The six- or seven-seat SUV has room for families, youth soccer and the like, but feels a step-above once you log a few miles. The Ioniq 9 is on sale now. Prices start at $58,955 ― about $3,000 more than the top models of gasoline mainstream branss like the Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Ioniq 9 seats six or seven, depending on whether the middle row is a bench or captains seats. The SUV's wheelbase and overall length ― 123.2 and 199.3 inches, respectively ― are nearly identical to Hyundai's Palisade internal combustion SUV, but the Ioniq looks tidier, lower and sportier, thanks to clever proportions and an elegant design that leans into elliptical shapes and body lines inspired by traditional Korean dress. A descending roofline and tapered 'boattail' rear end contribute to a sleek and upscale appearance. The base rear-drive model has a single motor that generates 215 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque rated 335 miles on a charge in EPA tests. Midlevel all-wheel-drive models have a motor on each axle, 333 hp, 446 pound-feet and 320 miles range. The top three trims also have AWD and are rated at 422 hp, 516 pound-feet and 311 miles. A big 110.2 kWh battery can accept DC fast charging up to 350 kW and change from 10%-80% in 24 minutes at a CCS charger. The same charge at less powerful Tesla NACS chargers takes 41 minutes, still pretty good. Most owners generally charge overnight at home at 240v. That takes nine hours, 40 minutes 10%-80%, enough to ensure starting most days with a full battery. Ioniq 9 RWD S: $58,995 Ioniq 9 AWD SE: $62,765 Ioniq 9 AWD SEL: $66,320 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Limited: $71,250 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy: $74,990 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design: $76,490 Source: Hyundai Prices exclude new import tariffsand $1,600 destination charge. Say what you will about Joe Biden ― and we all have ― the former president knew how to create manufacturing jobs and reduce prices. Hyundai built its 'Metaplant America,' a $7.6 billion assembly and battery complex in response to incentives in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which encouraged U.S. manufacturing by offering tax credits on vehicles, batteries and materials sourced domestically. Before the IRA, Hyundai planned to supply the U.S. with EVs and batteries built in South Korea for years before building any here. Motivated by thousands of dollars per vehicle, the Metaplant plant shot up like a weed, building its first vehicle ― the smaller Ioniq 5 EV ― less than two years after groundbreaking. It's building 9s now, too, and will add other EVs or hybrids at a later date. The plant will eventually be able to build 500,000 vehicles annually. A battery plant on the formerly wooded 2,906-acre site in Bryan County near Savannah will bring employment to 8,500 jobs paying 25% more than the county average, according to Hyundai. Hyundai's also building a second joint-venture battery plant in Georgia, raising total investment in the state to $12.6 billion, thanks to incentives passed into law years before the current flurry of tariffs. The current administration has threatened to eliminate the incentives. Buick Enclave Ford Explorer Jeep Grand Cherokee L Kia EV9 Lincoln Aviator Rivian R1S Tesla X Volkswagen ID Buzz Volvo EX90 The Metaplant's workforce includes two eerie but likable dog-like Boston Dynamics robots – both called 'Spot' – that inspect vehicle bodies with bright, digital eyes. Management emphatically shot down social-media rumors they plan to replace humans with an all-robot workforce. Employment is rising, not falling, as demonstrated from a training center under construction and a welcome center that will include wings for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, all of which are slated to build vehicles there. Automatically guided vehicles that look a bit like self-driving card tables carry parts and vehicles through much of the plant, raising or lowering them as needed at each assembly station. Other automated equipment welds and positions heavy parts. Up to 335-mile range Rear- or all-wheel drive Charges at up to 350 kW NACS charging port and CCS adapter More: 2025 GMC Acadia Denali AWD is better than previous generation, with 1 exception I drove a loaded AWD Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy from the narrow cobblestoned streets of old Savannah over modern highways to its assembly plant, then on the winding, oak and marsh-lined country roads of the atmospheric Low Country. It's surprisingly maneuverable for a vehicle the same length as Hyundai's hulking Palisade. The steering is responsive and direct. The suspension kept the SUV stable and level when accelerating, stopping and rounding curves quickly. The Ioniq 9 is exceptionally quiet, thanks to active road noise cancellation, acoustically windshield and first- and second-row windows. The seats are comfortable and accommodating, include a roomy second row and usable rear set. Cargo space is good. A small front trunk has room for charging cables or a little gym bag, but not much more The displays are big and clear. Physical dials and buttons control temperature, volume, tuning and a handful of other features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is wireless charging. The Ioniq 9 has few shortcomings. I wouldn't mind a few more buttons in lieu of flat-panel touch points for climate control. The base model's power output ― 215 hp, 258 pound-feet of torque ― is unimpressive for a vehicle whose lightest model tips the scales at 5,507 pounds. Even peak output ― 422 hp, 516 pound-feet ― is mild compared to many EVs with flashy max-output settings. The Performance Calligraphy I drove was more than capable in the kind of urban and highway driving most owners will do ― and I suspect few owners will use other EVs cutely named but range sapping overdrive settings A flood of appealing EVs has hit the market in the last year, but few SUVs with three rows of seats. That's a surprise, given how popular those family haulers are with the public. The electric competition is limited to the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, Tesla X, Volkswagen ID Buzz and Volvo EX90. The Ioniq 9's looks, comfort and advanced features should make it a leader in that class. Rear- or all-wheel drive midsize three-row SUV Seats six or seven Base price: $58,955 (All prices exclude import tariffs and $1,600 destination charge) On sale now Model tested: AWD Performance Calligraphy Price as tested: $74,990 Power: One electric motor on each axle Output: 422 hp; 516 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Single-speed direct drive Battery: 110.3 kWh lithium-ion EPA estimated range on a charge: 311 miles Maximum charging speed: 350 kW DC; 11.5 kW 240v AC Charging time: 10%-80% in 24 minutes at 350 kW; 41 minutes at Tesla Supercharger; nine hours 40 minutes at 240v. Wheelbase: 123.2 inches Length: 199.2 inches Width: 78 inches Height: 70.5 inches Ground clearance: 6.9 inches Passenger volume: 163.5 cubic feet Cargo volume: 21.9 cubic feet behind rear seat; 46.7 behind second row, 86.9 behind front seat Curb weight: 6,000 pounds Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds Assembled in Ellabell, Georgia Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 challenges Tesla X for electric family-hauling Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Boston Globe
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Boston Globe
How much will car prices go up with tariffs? New England buyers aren't waiting to find out.
'Business is brisk,' said Balise, president of Balise Auto Group, which operates 26 dealerships in western Massachusetts. 'People that were thinking about buying a car are definitely advancing their shopping. We saw it in March and we've seen no slowdown in April.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Related : Advertisement Tariff fears helped boost US new car sales by 11 percent in March, according to research firm Wards Intelligence. And throughout Massachusetts thrifty consumers are scrambling to buy now. Vaccine development scientist Annette Ferrari said she and her husband Rob Colonna had been in no hurry to replace their 2015 Mini Cooper. But then came the tariffs. 'I don't want to get caught, three months from now, needing a new car when prices are up 25 percent. It would be vastly more expensive,' said Ferrari, who lives in Boston's South End. 'If we had more time, we'd be more thoughtful, but we really feel like we have to do it now.' Advertisement They weren't looking for a Ferrari; instead they considered three promising Volvo models they'd spotted on the website of a nearby dealership. But by the time Ferrari and Colonna got there, the cars were already gone. Ferrari said they'd lined up visits to two other Volvo dealerships on Tuesday evening and that they expected to buy a car that day. 'We're lucky that this is something we're able to do, but it's still jarring,' she said. Ethan Warren, a novelist from Norwell, just took delivery of a Toyota Grand Highlander ordered last year with a host of options. The vehicle arrived at Braintree Toyota last week. 'We felt really lucky that we acted in this timeline,' said Warren. 'We would've been in a very different situation even just a week later.' Warren described the feeling as movie hero Indiana Jones grabbing his hat from under the door at the last possible second. How many tariff-free vehicles are still available? 'It's different, brand by brand,' said Sean Tucker, lead editor at car market research firm Cars are seen at a Toyota dealership in Houston, Texas, on March 27. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence at Boston-based online car retailer Advertisement But shoppers who resign themselves to the tariff may not feel its full weight. Karl Brauer, executive analyst at Brauer is also betting that the pain won't last. 'I think there's a good chance that the tariffs will be adjusted in a relatively short time span,' he said. That would be good news for buyers of new and used cars, said Brauer, because elevated new car prices drive shoppers to buy used vehicles, thus driving up their prices. According to ISeeCars research, nationwide used car prices declined in March, the first dip in over a year. And according to Kelley Blue Book, average used car prices in New England declined in March from a year ago. slipping from $29,161 to $28,663. In Massachusetts the year-over-year average for March edged upward from $29,161 to $29,336 But Kelley Blue Book's Tucker said he's seeing the first signs of an uptick, as wholesale auction prices for used cars have begun to creep higher in recent weeks. 'That means about six to eight weeks out we're going to see a spike start,' he said. And the used car spike will be especially sharp if the Trump tariff lingers through the year. Balise, who is also president of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association, said automakers are all over the map in responding to the tariff threat. 'We've had a couple manufacturers with a long-term outlook that have come right out and said, 'Listen guys. We're not increasing prices anytime soon ... don't panic. Don't worry, we're going to be smart.'' Balise declined to identify those carmakers. Advertisement But Balise said another manufacturer, also unnamed, is telling dealers it will pass along the tariff cost, and slap labels on its new cars so consumers see why the price has gone up. 'It just sounds to me like they're over-reacting quicker than they have to,' Balise said. That's because Balise, like Brauer, thinks the tariffs will soon be reduced, as the Trump administration cuts deals with the EU, Canada and Mexico. If that happens within the next couple of months, the damage will be minimal, said Balise. But if the tariffs last much longer, it'll be a serious problem, as prices soar and auto imports slump. 'A lot of people are saying, are you panicked?' said Balise. 'Well, give me 60 days and then maybe I'll be panicked.' Hiawatha Bray can be reached at
