Motor News

Toyota is reportedly considering adding a new small pickup truck to its lineup that would be based on the Corolla.This new vehicle would compete with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.Rumors suggest it could arrive in 2027 and that it would be built at Toyota’s plant in Mississippi that currently builds the Corolla.Toyota already has the mid-size and full-size segments covered with the Tacoma and Tundra pickups, but there could be room beneath these trucks for a new smaller, crossover-based pickup. As reported by Automotive News, Toyota is considering adding a Corolla-based compact pickup truck that would compete with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. As for the name, your guess is as good as ours, but we wouldn’t be shocked if Toyota brought back a name from its history such as Stout—a moniker it first applied to a small pickup sold in the U.S. in the 1960s.Much like the relationship between the Maverick and the Bronco Sport and the Santa Cruz and the Tucson, the Corolla-based pickup would likely share components with the Corolla Cross subcompact SUV. As shown in our illustration, it could combine a five-seat crew-cab configuration with a short cargo bed to replace the crossover’s hatch.ILLUSTRATION BY BEN SUMMERELL-YOUDE/FOX SYNDICATION|Car and DriverHybrid power is almost a certainty, given that it’s Toyota we’re talking about. We’d guess that the Corolla Cross’ 196-hp, all-wheel-drive hybrid setup with an EPA combined rating of 42 mpg would be the standard powertrain in the pickup. It may be beefed up a bit to help with towing and payload capacity. The Maverick’s optional hybrid drivetrain, for reference, produces 191 horsepower and is rated at 37 mpg combined, but it currently comes only with front-wheel drive. If You Can’t Wait Until 2027The supposed arrival of this new pickup is still a few years away, so it stands to reason that it would be based on a facelifted or redesigned Corolla Cross rather than the version on sale today that arrived for the 2022 model year. While the Corolla Cross is built at Toyota’s joint factory with Mazda in Alabama, AN’s report says that the pickup would be built alongside the Corolla sedan in Mississippi.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

Kia has revealed the new EV5 electric SUV.The production version looks quite similar to the concept car revealed earlier this year, and its interior is nifty.It will go on sale in China later this year, and we expect it to arrive in the U.S. for the 2025 model year.Kia appears to be fast-tracking the latest addition to its EV lineup, as it has already revealed the production version of the EV5 concept car from this spring. The real thing looks remarkably similar to the concept on the outside, and its interior features interesting design touches and looks to offer plenty of space thanks to the electric SUV’s tall, boxy silhouette.KiaWith hard edges on the bodysides and angular lighting elements, the family resemblance between the two-row EV5 and the three-row Kia EV9 is clear. Kia says that it’s a compact SUV, meaning it will likely compete against vehicles such as the Toyota bZ4X and Volkswagen ID.4. While the wheels are a bit smaller and the trim pieces are toned down, the EV5 otherwise hasn’t changed much compared with the concept car; the highly modern headlights and taillights with LED accent strips, for instance, are pretty much identical.KiaKiaThe interior of the production EV5 has changed a fair amount compared with the concept’s lounge-like cabin with swiveling seats, but still appears to incorporate some distinctive design touches. The steering-wheel shape looks fresh, the dashboard looks wide and expansive, and two large screens serve as the digital gauge cluster and the central infotainment display. The front seats incorporate a bench-like layout, although we don’t see a third seatbelt on the cushion in between the driver and passenger’s perches, so it’s not likely to offer six-passenger capacity.KiaKia has yet to release any specifications for the EV5, but we expect it to offer similar powertrain setups as the EV6. That model, which is based on Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP platform, offers single- and dual-motor configurations ranging from 225 hp up to 577 hp, with a 77.4-kWh battery pack.Look for more information to come about the EV5 later this year, as it’s scheduled to go on sale in China within the next few months. Kia says it will reveal more about its plans for this new model—and likely other future electric models—in October at an EV Day event.Kia EV FamilyThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

The GMC Hummer EV SUT’s EarthCruiser upfit gives the electric pickup truck a bed-mounted camper.The EarthCruiser transformation includes a carbon-fiber housing with a pop-up roof and a full-size bed that sleeps two.Solar panels on the roof help power the camper’s accessories, which include a fridge, a water heater, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen control panel.On its own, the hulking GMC Hummer EV pickup truck looks like it can take on anything and go anywhere—provided its battery has the juice to make it there and back. Now, after teaser images gave us a taste of its overlanding potential, GMC has fully revealed the new EarthCruiser upfit for the bed-toting Hummer. The transformation makes it an electric-powered mobile home, albeit one that most likely costs well north of $100K altogether.Electric AdventuringGMC teamed up with Oregon-based EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles to create the Hummer upfit. Adventurers with deep pockets and a desire to explore the outdoors—as well as a fearlessness to venture into the unknown on battery power alone—will be especially intrigued by the EarthCruiser conversion.GMCMounted in the electric truck’s five-foot-long bed, the housing is made of carbon fiber and features a pop-up roof. The structure’s dimensions measure 217 inches long overall, part of which overlaps the crew-cab Hummer’s roof (that’s where the full-size bed goes). With the roof up, the camper is 117 inches tall, and inside there’s up to 80 inches of standing room. Dropping the top lowers the total height to 90 inches.GMCOff-Road GlampingThe Hummer’s EarthCruiser upfit is more than a hardbodied tent. It has many of the same amenities as home. There’s a fridge, a sink, a stovetop, a water heater, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen control panel that are all powered by the solar panels on the roof, which feed a 6.0-kWh electrical system that’s said to provide power for seven days. In that time, people can keep clean with the EarthCruiser’s outdoor shower, and at night there are exterior lights that set the mood.GMCGMC says the conversion through EarthCruiser is expected to become available sometime in 2024. Those looking to reserve the EarthCruiser upfit for a Hummer EV SUT can do so on the company’s website—just don’t forget, you have to provide the truck separate. Also, the camper’s extra weight and added aerodynamic drag will cut into its driving range, which currently is EPA-estimated at up to 329 miles.Despite not knowing how much the upfit costs, EarthCruiser is known for hardcore conversions, which conversely cost a lot more than a humble Coleman tent. A 2023 Hummer EV pickup already costs close to six figures, so it’s safe to assume their combined price won’t be cheap. Still, we think those who can afford one will have one of the coolest looking overlanders on the road or the trail.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning is adding a Platinum Black special edition.It’s a blacked-out visual package with a matte-black wrap, special badging, and other black trim elements.The Lightning Platinum Black starts at $99,990 and deliveries will start early in 2024.Ford doesn’t currently offer too many visual customization options for the F-150 Lightning pickup, but there’s a new special edition joining the lineup for 2024 that makes a bold statement. It’s called the Platinum Black and this new package wraps the entire electric truck in matte black, along with special badging, wheels, lighting, and interior bits.The 2024 F-150 Lightning Platinum Black will be available in limited quantities—2000 units to be exact—and deliveries are scheduled to start in early 2024. It’s based on the top Platinum trim and carries a starting price of $99,990—a fair bit more than the 2023 Lightning Platinum’s starting price of $93,290.For that extra dough, you get the matte-black exterior, 22-inch black wheels with matte-black lug nuts, black badging, a soft tonneau cover, a “smoked” light bar, and a gloss-black roof with graphics in the panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Platinum Black—naturally—has black Nirvana leather upholstery plus a plate in the door jamb denoting the special-edition series number. There’s also a plaque in the frunk. The vinyl wrap itself is from supplier 3M and Ford is offering a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty for the wrap specifically (the truck is painted Agate Black underneath).Like all Platinum-trim F-150 Lightnings, the Platinum Black comes standard with the Extended Range battery pack and the 580-hp dual-motor powertrain configuration. Ford claims it will deliver the same 300-mile EPA-rated range as the standard Platinum.New features for all 2024 model-year F-150 Lightnings include an automatic lock function when you exit the truck and walk away with the key in your pocket, and the updated BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free driver-assist feature. The optional ProPower onboard generator now automatically powers on when you unlock the truck, meaning that you don’t have to physically start the truck before plugging in devices. Ford says that these upgrades will be offered as software updates for existing owners of 2022 and 2023 Lightnings.More on the LightningThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

The Mercedes-Benz EQB is undergoing a minor revision for the 2024 model year, with a new grille, front bumper, and updated headlights and taillights.The cabin receives a new steering wheel, and the EQB now comes with “sound experiences” that play while driving.The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB will go on sale during the first half of next year.Mercedes-Benz has been busy implementing minor refreshes across its SUV lineup for the 2024 model year, with the GLA, GLB, GLE, and GLS all receiving light updates earlier this year. Now, the German automaker has revealed a nip and tuck for the electric 2024 EQB SUV, bringing a revised grille graphic, new lighting elements, and a modernized interior.A Replaced Face The visual changes are minimal, but Mercedes revised the front end to better fit in with the rest of its ever-expanding arsenal of electric vehicles. The “grille” trim piece now features a star pattern, as seen on the EQS and EQE, and a light bar runs along the top, linking the daytime running lights within the headlight housings. The front bumper has also been reshaped, while the taillight graphic has been updated with parallel lines in place of the previous rectangular LEDs. Something Called “Sound Experiences”Inside, the EQB is fitted with a new steering wheel with haptic controls. Mercedes also added two “sound experiences” that create a fake noise as the car accelerates and decelerates, although this is only available if you opt for the Burmester surround-sound system. Two extra sound profiles can also be purchased online after the owner takes delivery of the car. The infotainment system has been updated with the latest software, including three available visual layouts that are referred to as “Subtle,” “Sporty,” and “Classic.” Mercedes also says the voice assistant has gotten smarter, while the Burmester stereo now features Dolby Atmos, which boasts improved spatial audio. The updated EQB is also fitted with a new multipurpose camera and a new backup camera that’s said to improve the driver-assistance systems. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB will go on sale in the U.S. during the first half of next year. Although the company hasn’t yet announced prices, they should only slightly increase over the starting figures for the outgoing model year, which range from mid-$50K to mid-$60K.More New MercedesThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

The Ford F-150 Lightning looks to be getting an off-road variant, which will likely use the Tremor moniker.Our spy photos show a Lightning with a front skid plate as well as the same all-terrain tires as the gas-fed F-150 Tremor.Car and Driver asked Ford to confirm if the electric F-150 will get the Tremor treatment, but a spokesperson declined to comment on future products.The Ford F-150 Lightning can take its driver where they need to go on electricity alone. But what if their destination extends where the blacktop ends, more specifically where surfaces are slipperier and rocks treat the underbody like George Foreman used to treat opponents in the boxing ring? For that, off-road-oriented upgrades such as those on the gas-fed F-150 Tremor are a basic requirement. Based on our spy photos, the Lightning may soon be getting a similar type of treatment.Tremor-Like F-150 LightningFord isn’t saying a peep about a forthcoming F-150 Lightning Tremor. Car and Driver asked a spokesperson to confirm its existence, but they predictably replied with the company line about not commenting on future products. Of course, it’s hard for us not to speculate that such a truck is likely on the way when we spy an electric F-150 fitted with some of the same equipment that’s found on the existing Tremor.GLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverAlong with similarly styled matte-black 18-inch wheels, the most obvious things the Lightning test mule shares with the Tremor are its 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires. That type of knobby rubber isn’t currently offered on any electric F-150. While front tow hooks are, none currently have the front skid plate that appears under the spied Lightning’s chin. More importantly, the revised lower fascia will provide a better approach angle for clearing obstacles.GLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverGLENN PAULINA|Car and DriverContributing to its improved clearances, the test truck also has an elevated ride height, which is another Tremor tell. We don’t know from the photos whether or not the Lightning’s adjustable air suspension has been altered, yet we can clearly see the side steps found on most models are missing. What’s also missing are the Tremor’s bedside badges and signature orange accents that appear on the gas model’s grille, front tow hooks, and side vents.All these clues suggest the F-150 Lightning is in store for an off-road variant, and since every other Ford pickup—minus the comparatively minuscule Maverick—offers a Tremor configuration, we’d wager that moniker will also apply to the EV. Now we just have to wait and see.Other Ford Tremor TrucksThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

For Jeepers who want to get even more off-road capability out of their rigs, American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is offering three new upfit options for 2024 Wranglers. The kits are available for the Rubicon and—for the first time—the more affordable Willys model.Wrangler’s Upcountry KitsTwo-door versions of the ’24 Wrangler Willys and Rubicon start at $41,190 and $47,190, respectively. Tack another $7476 onto those price tags for the regular Upcountry kit. It includes a 2.0-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires as well as AEV-branded satin black Pintler wheels and a jack base. Fender flare extensions and a spare-tire relocation kit from Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) are also part of the upfit.The Upcountry+ costs $11,599 and includes all those goodies and more. The other upgrades are AEV’s EX front bumper, which is made of hot-stamped Boron steel and has a hoop and end caps that accommodate the stock fog lights. Also included from AEV are a front skid plate, a non-winch cover plate, and relocating the front camera.Wrangler’s Level II KitAEV’s Level II setup is essentially what was offered on the 2023 Wrangler 20th Anniversary Edition, which were limited to 150 copies and cost an astronomical $94,358 (4xe) and $113,820 (Rubicon 392). While Willys customers don’t get a shot at the top kit, the Rubicon crew do, as it’s exclusively available on that model. It costs an extra $20,049 for the V-6 version and $22,099 for the 4xe plug-in hybrid.StellantisStellantisRubicons’s upfitted with the Level II package add 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires and feature an AEV-specific suspension (with a 2.5-inch lift and Bilstein dampers), an AEV rear bumper, off-road lights, a steering damper, and a Zeon 10-S winch. Each version also includes bits from the Upcountry+ kit (i.e., EX front bumper and skid plate). Each also wears a set of satin black AEV Savegre II wheels.All that extra height helps the Jeep ford 37.1 inches of water and provides 14.2 inches of ground clearance. Its other clearances include a 50-degree approach angle, 33-degree breakover angle, and 43-degree departure angle.For those looking to upfit their ’24 Jeep Wrangler Willys or Rubicon, they should place orders through their local dealerships. Jeep says the AEV upgrades will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.Extra Wrangler ReadingThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

Kia is discontinuing the Rio in the U.S. after the 2023 model year, as reported by Automotive News.The Rio subcompact was offered as a sedan and a hatchback, with both starting under $20,000.It’s possible that the new Kia K3 will serve as a replacement for the Rio, but it will surely be more expensive.The Kia Rio is the latest victim in the string of affordable small-car discontinuations in the U.S. The subcompact sedan and hatchback won’t return for the 2024 model year, a Kia representative confirmed to C/D.The Rio was one of just three remaining sub-$20,000 new cars available in the U.S. for the 2023 model year. With the impending cancellation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, this will leave only the Nissan Versa as a member of this club going forward, although Nissan has not yet announced 2024 Versa information.RIP Small CarsThrough July of this year, Kia has sold 16,554 units of the Rio, a 2 percent decline compared with last year. But the Rio has never been among Kia’s bestselling models, and its low prices likely mean slim profit margins. The compact Forte sedan will now be the cheapest model in the Kia lineup. It started at $20,815 for the 2023 model year; 2024 pricing hasn’t yet been announced.Kia also recently revealed a new small sedan called the K3. We expect it to serve as a replacement for both the Rio and the Forte going forward, but it’s not likely to carry a sub-$20,000 starting price. Look for more information on this new model to come later this year, as it could arrive in the U.S. for the 2025 model year.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More