Toyota Prius

Toyota RAV4 XA40 vs XA50: Which Generation Should You Buy in 2026

Two generations, one iconic nameplate, and a buying decision that thousands of Australians face every year. We put the 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 (XA40) head-to-head against the 2019–2023 Toyota RAV4 (XA50) across every dimension that matters — from engines and safety tech to running costs and wiper blade fitment — to find out which one is the smarter buy. TL;DR Table of Contents 1. Introduction: Why the RAV4 Comparison Still Matters The Toyota RAV4 is Australia’s bestselling SUV — a title it has held or contested consistently since the mid-2010s. Across the XA40 and XA50 generations, it accounts for an enormous proportion of the used SUV market, meaning that at any given price point between $18,000 and $55,000 AUD, a RAV4

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Apple Car Key Guide: All Supported Vehicles

Technology | Updated: May 14, 2026 Almost six years after BMW shipped the first vehicle with Apple Car Key, the technology now ships across 23 automotive brands, with ten more on Apple’s announced list. Three of those brands moved from announced to shipping in the past six months: Rivian in December, Toyota in February, and Porsche this week. The Toyota launch matters most. The world’s largest automaker spent years charging for its proprietary digital key system before quietly rolling out Apple Car Key on the 2026 RAV4 in February without a press release. Owners discovered it on Reddit. Toyota’s implementation still requires an active Remote Connect subscription at $15 per month after the one-year trial. Apple Car Key is free

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2025 Lexus UX 300h Review: for the Commuter, Small Crossover, Big Efficiency

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h represents continual evolution in the subcompact luxury crossover segment. This model year brings an entirely new hybrid powertrain that delivers more power while maintaining the fuel efficiency Lexus hybrids are known for. Finished in Eminent White Pearl with a Palomino NuLuxe interior, the UX 300h demonstrates how Lexus positions its entry-level crossover against established German competitors. Lexus equipped the 2025 UX 300h with its fifth-generation hybrid system, shared with the redesigned 2024 Toyota Prius. The 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine produces 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque on its own. Combined with two electric motors in front-wheel-drive configuration, the system generates 196 horsepower. This is a 15-horsepower increase over the previous UX 250h. The new

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5 Signs Your Toyota Prius Needs a Head Gasket Repair

Catch problems early to save your engine and wallet. When your hybrid behaves oddly, consider head gasket repair for Toyota Prius as a likely fix. This quick guide clarifies common behaviors and what they mean so you can act before overheating, misfires, or coolant loss snowball into truly expensive damage. A timely head gasket repair for Toyota Prius can mean the difference between a manageable fix and a full engine replacement – an expense that can easily spiral into the thousands. By restoring proper compression, fuel economy, and temperature balance, you’re not just repairing a part, but preserving the long-term reliability and performance that make the Prius one of the most trusted hybrids on the road. Quick symptoms to watch

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2025 Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention: Complete Protection Guide

Key Takeaways TL;DR: Despite recent decreases, catalytic converter theft remains a significant threat in 2025. Effective anti theft technology combines physical barriers, strategic parking, and alarm systems to protect valuable emission control devices from opportunistic criminals targeting precious metals. Catalytic converter thefts continue plaguing vehicle owners nationwide, despite promising statistical improvements. The national insurance crime bureau reported a 23% decrease in reported thefts during the first half of 2025, yet the problem persists with sophisticated methods employed by thieves targeting these valuable exhaust systems. Understanding prevention strategies becomes crucial for car owners facing this ongoing threat. Recent data reveals that unprotected vehicles remain vulnerable to theft attempts lasting mere minutes, while properly secured catalytic converters deter thieves seeking quick cash

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Hybrid Cars Make a Comeback Amidst Electric Vehicle Sales Slowdown

The battle between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids represents more than just a trend; it’s a pivotal shift that heralds a new chapter in transportation. Competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars is intensifying, presenting a complex array of challenges and opportunities that are reshaping the industry. As automakers like Ford, Kia, and Toyota adapt to shifting consumer preferences and navigate through political, economic, and infrastructural complexities, the nuances of the burgeoning EV market, along with an unexpected resurgence of hybrids, lead to strategic recalibrations being undertaken by automotive companies. Hybrids, once overshadowed by the allure of fully electric vehicles, are experiencing a renaissance. This shift is driven by consumers’ reluctance to fully commit to electric vehicles, deterred by

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2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: built, billed right

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is marketed as an inexpensive small sport utility vehicle with superior fuel economy. It’s an enticing description for a family needing solid transportation, reliability, efficiency and strong brand resale value. New with last year’s model, the hybrid joins the Corolla family. Its pedigree stands alone as the best-selling car in history. The Cross debuted in 2022, with the new hybrid, of course, substantially boosting gas mileage. In its debut model year, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in S, SE and XSE trims. All versions are powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid system for a combined 196 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. As

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2024 Subaru Impreza does value right

The redesigned 2024 Subaru Impreza, a five-door hatchback, confirms the manufacturer’s long-standing reputation for versatility and reasonable pricing. It’s a little car that can and has a lot new, including a debuting top-line RS trim. Now 30 years old, the Subaru Impreza is available in Base, Sport and RS trim levels. The first two offerings are equipped with 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engines with 152 horsepower. The RS features a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower. All models are powered by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the carmaker’s signature all-wheel-drive system. Subaru’s knack for value is evident with the Impreza’s long automotive grocery list of standard equipment. The RS builds on the Base model. It includes 16-inch steel wheels, adaptive LED

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Driver’s dozen provides new car review challenge, South Korean EVs take honors

Automotive journalists often drive new vehicles for a week and then write reviews about their experiences. It’s rare one vehicle in a manufacturer’s lineup can be quickly compared to a more modest or a higher-end trim of the same car. Also unusual is promptly testing two diverse cars or trucks from the same carmaker. The novel approach was one idea presented at the recent Best of the Bay, a 2 1/2-day gathering of the Western Auto Journalists (WAJ). It’s the 30-year-old Bay Area community of automotive content creators and industry representatives. Nine manufacturers showcased 13 cars at Vintner’s Resort in Santa Rosa for testing, including two from Genesis, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota. Acura, Honda, Lexus, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz (AMG) presented

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2023 Toyota Prius Prime: Older Hybrid Good, New Better, No Stereotype

During the past two decades, the Toyota Prius has been as polarizing as any car in the United States. Many consumers associate the vehicle with liberalism and chastise its appearance. Sometimes lost is the significance of the carmaker’s advancement in the hybrid and electric marketplace. The Prius debuted in the United States in 2020, three years after it was unveiled in Japan. It arrived a few months after the Honda Insight, which had limited availability and in only a few states. Toyota’s innovative lineup had mainstream distribution. Approaching its mid-20s, it has surpassed 15 million in global sales. Key Takeaways Fifth-generation redesign silences critics: Gone are the polarizing looks, sluggish acceleration, and blocked rear window. The 2023 Prius Prime looks

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Ford’s Removable Roof Battery: A Game-Changer in EV Range Solutions

In the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront. However, ‘range anxiety’ – the fear of running out of battery before reaching a charging station – has been a persistent concern for potential EV owners. Ford has proposed an innovative solution to this issue: a removable roof battery for EVs. “The techniques described relate to an electrified vehicle backup battery system, which includes a traction battery pack and a backup battery assembly that is removably mounted to the vehicle. This backup battery assembly can recharge the traction battery pack through a charge port of the vehicle.” Ford‘s patent application for this removable roof battery technology has been making waves in the industry. The proposed

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From campus to road trips: best cars for the college lifestyle

Embarking on a college journey is invigorating. From the hustle of studying, attending lectures and tackling assignments to the joys of learning, socializing and exploring, there’s never a dull moment. Having a reliable and practical vehicle can make a significant difference. Whether it’s for everyday commuting, weekend trips or occasional road trips, the right car can enhance the college lifestyle. Many students often wonder what car best fits their college lifestyle. The decision hinges on many factors, including budget, functionality, and the car’s fuel efficiency. And while you may rely on online paper writing services and have the best online essay writers write an essay for me if you’re asking “do my essays for me“, when it comes to choosing

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2022 LA Auto Show: A look back in images

The recently concluded 2022 LA Auto Show featured its annual array of new cars with new colors and plenty of innovation as the industry moves toward all-electric mandates. As always, there were automotive surprises — some good, others awful. A smaller show welcomed the media and the public for 10 days at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The absence of recent mainstays, Rivian and Tesla, as examples, was part of the show’s smaller stature. Manufacturers had more room to display their new editions. Subaru presented its usual lineup of utilitarian, all-wheel-drive sedans and SUVs. And the manufacturer, which markets its vehicles for owners who have dogs, again created a national park-type setting with a few dogs on site to attract

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#238, Consumer Reports’ Top-10 Most Reliable Cars For 2022

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:41 — 58.6MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreAfter nearly 20 years at Consumer Reports, Jon Linkov is an expert among automotive experts. The Deputy Auto Editor, Linkov is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast to discuss one of the publication’s most popular features — its annual most reliable cars list. Join co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia as we discuss with Linkov the “Top 10 Most Reliable Cars For 2022.” “What we do is survey our members, our millions of members, and ask about their experiences with the cars they own or have owned,” said Linkov of the most reliable cars list. “We just don’t look at current

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Electric vehicles aren’t new, just new again after 200 years

Approaching 200 years ago, a few smart, innovators with big dreams began experimenting with vehicles propelled by electricity, the original Electric Vehicles. Two Scotsmen respectively introduced an electric carriage and locomotive with galvanic cells with limited lives. The contraptions quickly gained notoriety. They were revolutionary for the early 1830s, but are best remembered as pre-historic precursors to the current electric vehicle surge. All major and niche car manufacturers — Chevrolet to Ford, Tesla to Lucid —have electric cars and trucks or are preparing an alternative fuel or electric vehicle. The automotive future is now, accelerated in California by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order announced in September 2020. The state will require by 2035 that all new car and passenger trucks

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