Latest news with #compactSUV
Motor Trend
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Audi Q3 Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez Redesigned for 2026, the Audi Q3 arrives with a new look, an upgraded powertrain delivering improved performance, and a suite of cutting-edge technology features. From its refined cabin to its enhanced driver-assistance systems, the latest Q3 aims to set a new benchmark for luxury in the compact SUV segment. Entry-level luxury subcompact SUV competitors include the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, and Acura ADX. What's New Audi debuts an updated Q3 this year. The redesigned crossover features fresh styling, an updated engine, modernized tech including Audi's Digital Matrix style exterior lighting, and more space. This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available. What We Think Audi's entry-level SUV delivers on style and brand identity, but the previous Q3 generation fell short in areas that matter to discerning luxury buyers. Could the updated 2026 Q3 change that? The baby ute's sleek exterior and modern cabin—complete with sharp digital displays and surprising rear-seat space—give it a strong showroom appeal. However, the pre-2026 Q3's driving experience tells a different story. Although the luxury SUV's small size allows for nimble handling, a bouncy ride and underwhelming engine performance limit its luxury feel. Inside, the upscale design on pre-2026 models is undercut by low-rent materials. For buyers seeking the most affordable way into an Audi SUV, the Q3 still fits the bill. We look forward to seeing if the new version moves the luxury performance needle relative to the outgoing model. Top-Ranked Competitors: Performance The 2026 Audi Q3 may launch with two versions of an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. On the lower-trim models, output may come to 201 hp 236 lb-ft of torque, just like the A3 small sedan. Higher-trim 2026 Q3 S-Line models may be more powerful, at least matching the outgoing SUV's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft. Quattro AWD will be standard. We estimate sprints to 60 mph will take roughly 8 seconds with this setup. MPGs and Range Despite the increase in output, fuel economy is expected to improve on last year's 20–22/28–29 mpg city/highway through enhanced engine efficiency. Look for Q3 fuel economy to be on par with the 2025 XC40, which returns 23/30 mpg. Safety Features This year's Q3 will build on a set of driver assists that last year included: Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping Automatic emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Automatic high beams How Big Is the 2026 Q3? Audi's smallest SUV continues to come with two rows and room for five passengers. Given the changes that came to the related Volkswagen Tiguan for 2025—namely a longer wheelbase and redesigned center console without a gear selector (it moves to the steering column)—space looks on track to improve. Technology Infotainment The lineup's standard 10.3-inch driver display should carry over, but Audi will be moving on from the last model's 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Look for a 12.9-inch replacement interface (like the Tiguan's). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as several USB ports, will be standard. Available Upgrades The new Audi Q3 features advanced Digital Matrix style lighting—LED headlights and taillights that can change dynamically to avoid blinding oncoming traffic or project one of many available light signatures. Will some of this tech arrive on the U.S.-spec Q3? We'll see. Value The Q3 continues to be the most affordable Audi SUV, itself an enticement for brand intenders. A new model this year sweetens the deal, but refinement issues have held back past versions of the SUV from appealing to a wider audience. The 2026 Audi Q3 is the only SUV model from the brand with a starting price under $50,000 including destination.
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a refreshing and a different offering in a flooded SUV market
Sporty and stylish: The GAC Emzoom is a refreshing addition to the compact SUV market. It might come to the point where we lose track of how many Chinese brands there are in South Africa. We might even begin to lose track of how many compact SUVs are in the market because it has become congested with them. Chinese brand GAC Motor entered two SUV models into the South African market in the middle of 2024: the Emzoom and the Emkoo. In typical fashion, both cars looked good and came with all the fancy technology that we have become accustomed to getting in Chinese cars. The Mail & Guardian got behind the wheel of the Emzoom, which is available in three variants: Comfort, Executive and R-Style. We were lucky enough to get the top-of-the-range R-Style model and I was pleasantly surprised. I knew that the exterior and interior were going to be appealing, because Chinese manufacturers always put a lot of emphasis on bringing out a neat product. However, I did find some styling similarities with BMWs. For starters, on the R-Line trim, the black grille gets three gold panels, much like some BMWs, which have M-specific colours on their grilles. The colour coding on the inside also provided some similarities. The same blue plastics you see around the aircon vents in BMWs are present in the Emzoom R-Style. This is probably because Thomas Schemera, who has held key roles at both BMW M and Hyundai, is now the chief operating officer and senior vice president of GAC International. Alongside the ambient lighting inside the Emzoom, the air conditioning and volume dials also get a rainbow light around them. These style features give the car a fun and sporty atmosphere. Manufacturers sometimes try too hard to make compact SUVs feel luxurious with fancy screens, decked out interiors and the absence of buttons. While the Emzoom still has the fancy screens and is decked out, it doesn't aim for a luxurious interior, but rather something that boosts adrenaline. The Emzoom comes with the standard 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine that we are accustomed to getting in Chinese compact SUVs. Paired with a dual-clutch transmission gearbox, it will deliver 130kW of power and 270Nm of torque. The coolest feature of the car is the exhaust system which is designed to produce sound through 'active exhaust valves'. These can be toggled between open and closed, allowing for a louder and more sporty sound when open, especially in the sport mode. It adds to the fun feel the Emzoom was meant to have. You could actually fool people into thinking you were driving a sports car. But this feature also has a downside. I became obsessed with the exhaust sound, continually putting the car into sport mode. This exposed the sensitivity of the accelerator, making the car move too quickly. This is not ideal when navigating into tight parking spots or even pulling into your garage. Besides that, the Emzoom provides excellent handling and effortlessly picks up speed when you need it to. I experienced some turbo-lag, but it was not bad at all. It didn't make the vehicle feel unresponsive. The other downside is the fuel consumption. This is a pretty compact vehicle and, while GAC claims a consumption figure of 6.2 litres/100km, I averaged 8.1 litres/100km. Overall, I really enjoyed the GAC GS3 Emzoom. It felt different and refreshing. I loved the fact that GAC went all out in making it a fun and sporty experience without producing a performance monster. You get everything you need — and the lovely exhaust sound as a bonus but, in a flooded SUV market, it is difficult to say whether the Emzoom will make a splash. Pricing GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T Comfort — from: R419 900 GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T Executive — from: R439 900 GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T R-Style — from: R489 900
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
3 Best Used Compact SUVs Under $25,000 To Track Down in 2025
It's not hard to understand why the compact SUV segment is so crowded. Crossovers are better on gas and more city-friendly than mid-size or large sport utility vehicles, and more roomy, versatile and capable than cars — and even the good ones can be affordable. Learn More: Consider This: That's especially true on the used market, where a trio of recent models stand out as exceptionally good deals for buyers whose budgets max out at $25,000. The Subaru Forester entered its sixth generation in 2025 as a bigger, more tech-heavy and pricier version of its pre-makeover self. Publications like Edmunds are giving it lukewarm reviews so far, but if you're looking for a used compact SUV known for reliability, fuel economy, comfort and safety, look no further than one generation back to the Generation 5 Forester. In 2024 — the last model year for Gen 5 — CoPilot for Car Shopping chronicled the Forester's best years since its 1998 debut, and determined that anything from the 2019-24 Gen 5 run is a winner. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) cite the fair market value of the typical 2021 Forester — which both its experts and customers alike gave a stellar 4.4-star rating — as $19,971 at the entry level, but even the highest trim package keeps you under $25,000. Read Next: The Honda CR-V has been a mainstay on America's highways since the mid-1990s. The car/minivan blend has been a perennial family favorite for most of that time, but whether you trust Edmunds, KBB or Car and Driver, 2021 was a banner year, even by CR-V standards — all three and many others agreed it was one of the best SUVs for the money. They call it spacious, reliable, roomy, fun to drive and packed with tech that punches above its price point — and then, of course, there's that famous Honda reliability and low ownership costs. According to KBB, a $25,000 budget can get you behind the wheel of a 2021 Honda CR-V in any of the first three trim packages, leaving only the EX-L Sport Utility 4D and fully loaded Touring Sport Utility 4D out of reach, but only by $773 and $1,776, respectively. According to Car and Driver, the RAV4 is Toyota's best-selling model and America's best-selling vehicle that isn't a pickup truck — and the 2020 model sheds light on why. KBB gave that model year a near-perfect 4.8 stars, citing its fuel economy, comfort, reliability and even its light off-road chops. The entry-level package has a KBB fair market value of $22,250, and even the next trim up can be had for $24,064. If your heart is set on the next-best package, the XLE Premium Sport Utility 4D, don't scratch it off your shortlist just yet — the average is just $555 over-budget, so sub-$25,000 options are out there for those willing to turn over enough stones. Sources Edmunds, 2025 Subaru Forester CoPilot for Car Shopping, 'Which Years of the Subaru Forester are Most Reliable?' Kelley Blue Book (KBB), 2021 Subaru Forester Edmunds, 2021 Honda CR-V Review KBB 2021 Honda CR-V Car and Driver, 2021 Honda CR-V Review Car and Driver, '2026 Toyota RAV4 is a Hybrid Family SUV Worth Waiting For' Kelley Blue Book, 2020 Toyota Rav4 This article originally appeared on 3 Best Used Compact SUVs Under $25,000 To Track Down in 2025
Auto Blog
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Honda Unveils Eye-Popping 2026 HR-V
Honda's compact SUV is back Honda has just revealed the 2026 model year HR-V, with a few changes and upgrades to set it apart from its predecessor. The 2026 HR-V will continue to use the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. AWD remains optional, and it appears that efficiency numbers (listed below) will remain about the same. 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L Once again, the 2026 Honda HR-V will be based on the eleventh-generation Honda Civic. This is the second generation of the HR-V for our market, and Honda sold nearly 139,000 units in the U.S. over the 2024 model year, a nearly 14-percent increase over 2023. Still, it's been a few years since the second-generation model was introduced, so some changes are needed. Three trims will be available. The base model HR-V LX now comes with 'Pewter Gray' 17-inch alloy wheels, while the HR-V Sport gets new 18-inch 'Berlina Black' alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line HR-V EX-L also sports 18-inch alloy wheels, albeit with a machine-finished look. Two new exterior colors join the roster: 'Solar Reflection Metallic,' which is available on the LX and EX-L, and 'Boost Blue Pearl,' which is only available on the HR-V Sport. Base model HR-Vs get rear privacy glass, and mid-level trims get blacked-out rear badging. 2026 Honda HR-V Pricing & EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Trim MSRP MSRP Plus $1,395 Destination Charge EPA Mileage Rating City/Hwy/Comb4 LX (FWD) $26,200 $27,595 26 / 32 / 28 LX (AWD) $27,700 $29,095 25 / 30 / 27 Sport (FWD) $28,000 $29,395 26 / 32 / 28 Sport (AWD) $29,500 $30,895 25 / 30 / 27 EX-L (FWD) $30,050 $31,445 26 / 32 / 28 EX-L (AWD) $31,550 $32,945 25 / 30 / 27 The interior gets some upgrades, too The base model LX and mid-level Sport get a larger 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. New front footwell lighting mirrors the dynamic climate control knob lighting, which can be blue, red, or white. The steering wheel has a silver finish and has also been restyled. Honda's suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies will also come standard. Like the previous model, Honda is including 'next generation' airbags as well as knee and rear passenger side impact airbags. Final thoughts While the basic looks and performance remain the same, Honda was smart to give the HR-V a mid-cycle refresh. It's one of its better sellers and remains competitive against the Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, and Nissan Kicks, among others. With competitive pricing and fuel economy, it stands a chance of making an impact in its segment. The 2026 Honda HR-V is arriving at dealerships now.
Globe and Mail
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Toyota unveils all-new RAV4, which will be built in Ontario and only come as a hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 dethroned the Ford F-150 pickup as the best-selling passenger vehicle in the United States after a reign of 40 years. While that's not the case in Canada, the RAV4 still comes in second and manages to keep its head well above the rest of the field of compact SUVs, including the exceedingly popular Honda CR-V. Now there's an all-new RAV4, which will be built in Ontario and is destined to build on the momentum of the previous generation. Its continued success will likely hinge on the fact that the RAV4 will be sold only as a hybrid. The RAV4's success, especially in recent years, signifies a shift in consumer preferences toward smaller and more economical vehicles. High prices, fuel costs and inflated loan rates are driving people away from large SUVs and pickups over to more fuel-efficient compact and subcompact cars and crossovers. Toyota's success with the RAV4 cannot be understated. Long wait times to secure a new one in Canada are the norm. The Toyota Canada website still states that inventory for the RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid is limited. Since the first Corolla-based generation came out in 1995, the RAV4's car-like driving manners with increased utility proved a winning formula. Today, compact SUVs represent one of the most popular segments in the industry. The new 2026 RAV4 doesn't mess with the last generation's formula but only improves on it. The chassis receives a stronger foundation with stiffer suspension mounts and frame joints that are said to decrease noise and vibrations. There are three new grades of RAV4: Core, Sport and Rugged. Depending on what you pick, there's either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrain on offer. Each grade features distinctive styling and has separate trim levels, providing a lot of choice for the consumer but also making the new model structure confusing. So much so that Toyota included a table in their press release to illustrate which powertrain is available with which trim. Allow me to simplify it as best I can. The Core and Rugged models are all regular hybrids. The Sport trims get the option of hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Under the Sport trim umbrella, there's an all-new Gazoo Racing (GR) trim with specially tuned suspension under the consultation of Toyota's in-house racing division. The GR Sport RAV4 will be a plug-in hybrid only. The plug-in hybrid system, now in its fourth generation, gets up to 320 horsepower, an 18 horsepower increase over the outgoing generation, while being more efficient and getting up to 80 kilometres of all-electric range. The company says that the gains have been made possible through highly efficient silicon-carbide semiconductors and a larger battery. The plug-in will also get DC fast charging capability (not on all trims), which means a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. Level 2 charging speeds have also been improved with a new onboard 11-kilowatt charger. The new fifth-generation hybrid sees improvements in efficiency but also more power, now up to 236 horsepower, owing to an updated battery, power electronics and transaxle. A new infotainment system is Toyota's first step toward software-defined vehicles, according to the company. There's an all-new digital instrument cluster and either a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch centre touchscreen and an available head-up display. The new infotainment system is said to be easier to use with improved voice recognition and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Core models get a clean body-coloured grille, the GR gets a large and open functional grille and the Rugged or Woodland version will get a look that feels inspired by Toyota's bigger SUVs such as the Land Cruiser and 4Runner. A large part of Toyota's recent success can be attributed to its influx of hybrid models across its lineup, with many of them, like the Camry and Sienna, being exclusively electrified. The new RAV4 is likely to bolster this upward sales trajectory by significantly increasing the number of hybrids on offer from the company. The RAV4 is built in Cambridge and Woodstock, Ont. and both plants are undergoing retooling for production of the new RAV4, which will launch later this year. Eighty-five per cent of those RAV4s are exported to the United States. The company says that as of now, tariffs have not affected current production plans, which will remain in Canada. Pricing and further details on the new RAV4 will be available closer to its launch. Shopping for a new car? Check out the Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.
