Dodge Hornet R/T, Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEVs recalled over fire concern

2024 Alfa Romeo TonalePlug-in hybrid versions of the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale crossover SUVs are being recalled over possible loose battery cables that could lead to fires. The two related crossovers are the first plug-in models from their respective brands, both part of Stellantis. The Tonale launched for the 2024 model year with a standard plug-in hybrid...

2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid makes the list of safest SUVs

2024 Mazda CX-90Plug-in hybrid versions of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row crossover SUV have received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To earn a spot on the Top Safety Pick+ list, a vehicle must earn top "Good" scores in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, original...

2023 Toyota Prius, Prime plug-in hybrid make IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list

2023 Toyota Prius PrimeThe redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime plug-in hybrid have received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To qualify for the award, vehicles must earn top "Good" scores in the IIHS' driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overall front, and original moderate overlap front...

2018-2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid recalled due to fire risk

2022 Kia NiroKia is recalling certain Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models due to an issue that could cause engine compartment fires. The recall encompasses 121,411 vehicles, including 2017-2022 Niro Hybrid and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-In Hybrid models, according to recall documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Kia also...

One of four new California vehicles has a charge port

2023 Toyota Prius PrimeEVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for 25.4% of California new car sales in the second quarter of 2023, reports electric vehicle advocacy group Veloz. The actual number of vehicles with charge ports sold was 125,939, representing a new quarterly record for California, which typically leads the U.S. in plug-in car sales. The Q2 total was a 59%...

2024 Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV: 35 electric miles, 35 mpg, due late 2023

2024 Lexus RX 450h+Lexus on Tuesday revealed launch timing and specs for the first-ever plug-in hybrid version of its RX mid-size crossover. The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ will arrive at U.S. dealerships at the end of 2023 with a base price of $70,080 (including destination). That buys a Lexus-estimated, EPA-cycle 35 miles of electric range. Fuel economy, again just a...

Mazda MX-30 EV cut from US lineup, rotary version too

2023 Mazda MX-30 EVMazda on Friday afternoon revealed that its MX-30 lineup will not be returning for U.S. sales after the 2023 model year. For longtime Mazda fans, that piece of news also means that Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine won’t be coming back to America anytime soon. The MX-30 EV arrived for first deliveries in late 2021, and with its 100-mile EPA...

Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid costs less to lease than non-hybrid

2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xeIn California, Jeep is currently offering a lease of the Wrangler 4xe for about $100 per month less than one of the equivalent non-hybrid Wrangler that bears a lower sticker price. Looking at the overall effective monthly cost (including cash due at signing), the deal spotted by CarsDirect amounts to $399 a month for 36 months with $4,499 due at...

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid lineup looks optimized for the outdoors

2024 Hyundai Santa FeThe redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe broke cover earlier this week with a more outdoorsy exterior that will likely pair with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Expected to reach U.S. showrooms for the 2024 model year, this fifth-generation Santa Fe goes in a different styling direction than previous generations, with a boxy profile and angular...

Toyota RAV4 Prime, Lexus NX PHEV recall: Don’t charge in cold weather

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSECertain 2021 and 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrids are being recalled, and in the meantime owners are being advised not to charge their vehicles in cold temperatures. The recall affects 43,442 vehicles built between Nov. 25, 2019, and May 27, 2022. Vehicles in this group could have a faulty current-rectifying module...