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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 moreWinter driving changes how your vehicle performs. Whether you drive a gas car, hybrid, electric, or hydrogen vehicle, cold weather brings new challenges. This guide covers specific winter tips for each powertrain type, plus universal safety advice every driver needs to know, relevant for vehicles up to 2026. Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Battery-Only Electric Cars Electric vehicles rely entirely on battery power. Cold temperatures drain that battery faster than warm weather. Understanding how this works helps you plan better winter trips. How Cold Affects Your Battery Your EV’s battery contains chemical reactions that create and release energy. When it gets cold, these reactions slow down significantly. Your battery becomes less efficient at the same time your car needs extra power to
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 moreNavigating the winding roads of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X hummed quietly beneath me, a stark contrast to the rugged terrain towering around forgotten logging roads. This latest iteration of the iconic off-roader represents a significant evolution, blending Jeep‘s legendary capability with modern electrification. This plug-in hybrid off-roader combines Jeep‘s legendary 4×4 capabilities with electrification amongst the iconic Wrangler lineup. With 375 horsepower and 21 miles of all-electric range, the Rubicon X is ready to deliver unparalleled performance both on and off the beaten path. But does this $78,995 trail-ready hybrid live up to its hefty price tag? I put it to the test in challenging terrain to find out. Performance and Powertrain The heart
Read moreOne year after its second-generation debut last year, the high-end Toyota relative has introduced the 2023 Lexus NX450h into its lineup returns in 2023 with a collection of small crossover sport utility vehicles, including two hybrid offerings. The 450h+ is the upscale carmaker’s first plug-in hybrid and it joins the NX 350h conventional hybrid. The NX lineup was first introduced nearly a decade ago and is slotted between the subcompact UX and the mid-sized RX. Who knew there was a need for a slew of “Nimble Crossovers,” the meaning of the vehicles’ two-letter identifier? Buyers, apparently. The NX joined two siblings in the top 10 luxury hybrid SUV sales for 2022. The 2023 models are a holdover. The Lexus 450h+
Read moreUnveiled by the South Korean manufacturer five years ago, the Kia Niro debuted in the United States in 2018. The five-door subcompact joins the list of unheralded vehicles offered as gas-powered crossovers, hybrid plug-in electric vehicles (PHEV) and electric-only options. Many of the little SUVs seem much the same. The 2021 Niro has the identical platform as close automotive relatives, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Ioniq. (Hyundai owns about one-third of Kia.) The Niro revisits last year’s model with a few updates. The front grille has a new diamond shape. The headlamps are also new and the wheels have been redesigned. What remains from previous models is the best of what PHEVs offer. For newbie buyers, range anxiety isn’t an
Read moreAfter two days of brief, round-trip commutes of only a few miles each way from Harvey’s to Heavenly Mountain Resort, I returned today from South Lake Tahoe to Sacramento in my test vehicle, a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime. It’s a plug-in hybrid. I’m driving the new vehicle, the most upscale Prius ever made, for the entire Amgen Tour of California. The women’s race began May 11 in South Lake Tahoe and ends May 14 in Sacramento. The men’s race begins May 14 in Sacramento and will advance to its May 20 conclusion in Pasadena. Driving the reverse route of the 103-mile haul from my home in Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe, I made two brief side stops on the way
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