Is a 2026 PHEV SUV Worth It? The Five-Year Math, Model by Model
I ran the math on 2026 plug-in hybrid SUVs against their gas counterparts. Recovery percentage, charging access, premium fuel, and what changed when the federal credit ended.
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I ran the math on 2026 plug-in hybrid SUVs against their gas counterparts. Recovery percentage, charging access, premium fuel, and what changed when the federal credit ended.
Read moreI ran the math on 2026 hybrid SUVs across every major model. Premium, fuel savings, breakeven year, and the verdict by buyer profile. Updated April 2026.
Read moreOur 2026 SUV buyer's guide ranks 11 picks by use case, not rank. Best family SUV, best hybrid, best EV under $50K, with verified specs and five-year ownership math.
Read moreThe 2027 Kia Telluride dropped the V6 for a turbo-4 and added a hybrid. Pricing, five-year ownership math, and whether to buy now or hold for 2028.
Read moreEvery 2026 minivan compared head-to-head. Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica specs, pricing, fuel economy, and our verdict.
Read moreEvery major vehicle at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, from the $27,600 Chevy Bolt to the $2.83M Zenvo hypercar, plus links to full coverage.
Read moreKia revealed the 2027 EV3 with 320 miles of range and a redesigned Seltos with three powertrains at the 2026 New York International Auto Show.
Read moreThe 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo represents the flagship variant of Kia’s new compact sedan lineup, replacing the outgoing Forte with a vehicle that delivers substantially more power, technology, and refinement. Priced at $31,445 as tested with the Technology Package, this turbocharged sedan offers a compelling value proposition in a segment dominated by the Honda Civic and Mazda3. Engine and Performance The GT-Line Turbo distinguishes itself from lesser Kia K4 trims with a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. This represents a significant upgrade from the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces just 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque found in LX
Read moreIn the ever-evolving landscape of compact sedans, the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line emerges as a curious contender. Positioned as a replacement for the outgoing Forte/K3/Cerato, this new entry aims to capture the hearts of young buyers seeking a sporty yet affordable option. With a bit of real-world driving experiences, including a journey from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, and plenty of winter storm time, it’s clear that the K4 GT-Line is a mixed bag of impressive features and notable shortcomings. Key Takeaways Stinger-inspired design stands out: The K4’s fastback roofline and hidden rear door handles give it a sportier, more premium look than the Forte it replaces, making it one of the most distinctive compact sedans on sale. Performance doesn’t match the
Read moreThe 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SX-Prestige AWD emerges as a compelling fusion of efficiency, luxury, and versatility. The Sorento PHEV doesn’t just represent another entry in the crowded SUV market, it showcases Kia‘s commitment to electrification without compromising on the practicality and comfort that families demand. With its sleek exterior design and promise of up to 32 miles of all-electric range, this vehicle aims to bridge the gap between daily commutes and weekend adventures, all while keeping a watchful eye on fuel consumption and environmental impact. Key Takeaways 32 miles of electric-only range covers most commutes: The Sorento PHEV’s all-electric capability handles typical daily driving without burning fuel, then seamlessly transitions to the 1.6L turbo hybrid system for longer trips.
Read moreSettling into the driver’s seat of the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. This wasn’t just any test drive; I was about to embark on a 400-mile journey from Sacramento to Los Angeles for the 2024 LA Auto Show. It was the perfect opportunity to put Kia‘s refreshed midsize SUV through its paces. The 2024 Sorento has undergone a significant facelift, and it’s immediately apparent. The front fascia sports a bolder grille, flanked by redesigned LED headlights with striking amber daytime running lights. These changes give the Sorento a more commanding presence on the road, reminiscent of its larger sibling, the Telluride. The X-Pro package adds a rugged touch with 17-inch wheels
Read moreThe 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige marks a significant evolution in the minivan segment, seamlessly blending practicality with luxury and improved fuel efficiency. The vehicle’s interior exudes an upscale ambiance that rivals European luxury vehicles, departing from the utilitarian design typically associated with family haulers. The SX Prestige trim elevates the Carnival’s interior with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. Soft-touch surfaces adorn the dashboard and door panels, while genuine leather upholstery covers the seats. The cabin features ambient lighting with customizable color options, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. I opted for teal, which looks great alongside the rest of the trim. Brushed aluminum accents and wood-grain trim pieces further enhance the luxurious feel, strategically placed throughout the interior.
Read moreThis Super Bowl season, Kia is set to enchant viewers with a 60-second commercial for the all-new 2024 Kia EV9. The commercial is designed to showcase the EV9 as a beacon of hope and a source of power to illuminate the lives around us. To examine the making of the commercial, Michael Kahn, Publisher at The Weekly Driver conducted an exclusive telephone interview with Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America. Wager shared behind-the-scenes insights, revealing the creative process and strategic thinking that went into the making of the “Perfect 10” commercial. Featuring the collaborative track “Wish I Was Here” by Cat Power and Coldplay, the ad tells the heartwarming tale of a young figure skater, her father,
Read moreThe Kia Telluride, a three-row sport utility vehicle, was introduced in early 2019 as a 2020 model. It quickly found success in the midsize segment and has maintained its popularity while infiltrating the sales of long-tenured competitors. The Telluride followed the Ford Explorer (1990 debut), Toyota Highlander (2000), Subaru Outback (1994), Hyundai Santa Fe (2000) and Ford Bronco (1965–1996, 2021–present) in sales in 2022. Selected as 2020 World Car of the Year by more than 100 automotive journalists in 30 countries, the Telluride continues the South Korean manufacturer’s new status. Its reputation for making shoddy vehicles is long gone. With its extensive changes in 2023, the 2024 Kia Telluride only has a few updates but remains part of the vehicle’s
Read moreHyundai and Kia, the South Korean automakers, have issued recalls for nearly 92,000 vehicles due to a defect in the oil pump that could potentially cause fires, according to regulatory filings. The recall is the latest in a series of similar actions taken by the companies this year over concerns of fire risks from defective parts. The recall involves an electronic controller for an oil pump assembly, known as the “Idle Stop & Go” system, which may contain damaged components from a supplier. These faulty components could cause the pump to shortcircuit and overheat, leading to a risk of fire. The oil pump in a car is a critical component that circulates engine oil under pressure to the rotating bearings,
Read moreIt wasn’t too long ago when vehicles from Hyundai and Kia still elicited odd responses from new car buyers. But the related South Korean manufacturers’ vehicles, including the 2023 Kia EV6, been value-priced, mechanically impressive and well-designed automobiles for years. Further proof arrived when the Hyundai Genesis ended its tenure as a luxury sedan in 2016 and morphed into the stand-alone Genesis G80. With other models, the Genesis brand continues to gather industry awards and top rankings among industry analysts and watchdog publications. Kia, partially owned by Hyundai, has also had success, particularly the Kia EV6 GT. It’s another reason car buyers should consider the once frowned-upon carmakers when recommendations are offered. The brands earned three of the top four
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