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via North Carolina State Highway Patrol brings back the Mustang

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) bid farewell to their fleet of Ford Mustangs back in the early 1990s, but now the American pony car is making a comeback. The NCSHP announced it would be putting new Mustangs into service last summer. 

Shortly after their announcement, Hurricane Helene threw a wrench into those plans, and forced the NCSHP to divert funds to disaster relief instead. Now the law enforcement body is getting back in gear, starting with putting 25 new Ford Mustangs into service.

The NCSHP’s new fleet is based on the 2024 Ford Mustang GT

The NCSHP bought an undisclosed number of 2024 Ford Mustang GTs last year, but it took some time to get them ready for service. Before hitting the road, the training team had to determine how the cars would behave in the real world. The logistics team also had to get them suited up with the proper police equipment.

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The 2024 Ford Mustang GT rolls out with a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. That combination delivers 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque that pushes the muscle car to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. The police-fitted Ford Mustangs also boast a top speed of nearly 170 mph.

Related: Kia reveals a new lineup of electric vans

NCSHP previously operated a fleet of the famous Ford Mustang SSP

Before making the switch to a fleet of Dodge Chargers, which are no longer available with a V8 engine, the NCSHP operated a fleet of Mustang SSP pursuit vehicles. The Mustang SSP, or Special Service Package, was made by Ford between 1982 and 1993. The Foxbody Mustang served as the basis for the police package.

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The Mustang SSP arrived as a model better suited for pursuits and high-speed chases than the old-but-gold Crown Victoria. The SSP model featured several major changes that Ford worked towards with law enforcement, including a new engine and transmission cooler, revised radiator connections, a heavy-duty front suspension, and reinforced floor pans.

At its peak, more than 60 law enforcement agencies operated a fleet of Ford Mustang SSP muscle cars. In all, more than 15,000 examples of the Mustang SSPs were put into service. That number isn’t surprising, frankly, given that one of the taglines was “This Ford chases Porsches for a living.”

Related: Top three most expensive cars in the world

The old Ford Mustang SSP models are pretty slick, both during their prime and today. One such example was the focus of an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.

North Carolina residents have some concerns about the Ford Mustang fleet

To no one’s surprise, purchasing a fleet of Ford Mustangs was met with criticism from residents. Other law enforcement agencies are working on cutting costs by buying more practical vehicles, like the Ford Explorer. According to the NCSHP, however, the Mustang was around the same cost as the other patrol vehicles in its fleet.

Cost wasn’t the only issue among residents. Some expressed concern regarding how the Mustang, which only comes in rear-wheel drive, will operate in snowy road conditions.

The NCSHP stated upgrading from the old Dodge Chargers to Ford Mustangs is a part of modernizing their fleet. The NCSHP currently employs more than 1,600 troopers who patrol nearly 80,000 miles of North Carolina roadways. That puts them second only to Texas.

Final thoughts

There’s no doubt a Ford Mustang is an asset to any law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling roadways. Considering the NCSHP has a rather large area to cover, it’s hard to argue that modernization via Ford Mustang isn’t justified. Then again, the NCSHP hasn’t disclosed the cost of each Mustang, so perhaps that scrutiny from taxpayers is warranted after all.

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Related: Mercedes-Benz plans workforce cuts in China by 2027

via Mercedes not letting go of the V8 or V12 just yet

You won’t have to look far to find fans of the Mercedes-Benz V8, nor will you need to try particularly hard to find outrage when it comes to the latest C63 AMG. That car traded its lauded biturbo eight-cylinder for a tiny electrified four-cylinder, and it’s going about as well as expected. Now, the brand’s focus is “leaner, faster and stronger,” with renewed focus on an electrified V8 engine and continued V12 offerings.

Related: Major EV automaker CEO steps down after over a decade

New V8 engines will return in the AMG.EA platform

The Mercedes press release is light on details, so no specific displacement or performance data yet. However, the German automaker assures a “strategic evolution of its portfolio,” which includes an “electrified V8.” Mercedes will offer the engine alongside EV models that will seemingly share the AMG.EA platform. If you don’t know what that is, you’re not alone. The cars are still under wraps.

What we do know is that the first of the AMG.EA cars will be a four-door coupe dubbed the CLE 63 that will likely run adjacent to, rather than replace, the current AMG GT63. The second will be a performance SUV. We will also see the hybridized, 4.0-liter biturbo V8 already under the hood of some current offerings, like the AMG S63 and SL 63. Chances are that the new mill is likely to draw heavily on the existing power plant.

None of that guarantees the V8 will return to the C63 that sorely misses it, but sources have confirmed a revised V8-powered C63 will arrive sometime in 2026. And, of course, you have to further consider that even in Mercedes’s backyard, they’ve had to offer significant discounts to move units. The V8 was a staple in these cars, and the sales data, or lack thereof, speaks volumes.

Related: Mini delays EV production in UK, citing industry uncertainties

Mercedes will continue to offer a V12 “in select markets”

BMW sent off their V12 years ago with a special edition 7 Series. While less ceremonial, Audi’s last twelve-cylinder has also been gone from the US market since 2017. Incredibly, Mercedes seems set on offering the V12 even though its rivals are out of the game. Perhaps, more likely, exclusively because of that reason.

“In select markets, 12-cylinder engines will continue to be offered,” Mercedes’s press release reads.

Usually “in select markets” translates to the US getting zilch, but not today. The V12 is available in the US and Europe, but only in exclusive Maybach models – namely, the S680. Perhaps Mercedes learned from their C63 mistake and decided not to upset arguably some of their most loyal and well-heeled customers. Don’t expect it to show up everywhere, but at least the V12 lives to fight another day.

Final thoughts

Hey, nobody’s perfect. We enthusiasts are all too willing to forgive and forget when an engine as glorious as the AMG V8 is on the table. While Mercedes is mum on specifics, we expect the new V8 to be pretty similar to the existing 4.0-liter biturbo. That is excellent news, because it means we’ll soon be able to stop wincing every time a late-model C63 drives by. However rare that may be.

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Related: Stellantis unveils “eyes-off” driving system

Over 167,000 Toyota Sienna minivans recalled due to seat issueToyota is recalling 167,802 Sienna minivans because certain bolts in the third-row seat assemblies of these vehicles may not have been properly tightened during assembly. The recall encompasses 2021 through 2025 models, representing every model year of the current-generation Sienna. Toyota's minivan received its first redesign in roughly a decade...

via EV market share hits record high

Electric vehicle (EV) sales took a predictable dip in January, following a record-breaking December. Americans purchased 102,243 EVs last month — a 23% decline from December, according to new data from Cox Automotive. However, the seasonal drop doesn't tell the full story. Year-over-year, EV sales grew over 30%, showing sustained momentum in the transition away from gas-powered cars.

EVs accounted for a record 9.1% of all new car sales in January. While this figure still leaves plenty of room for growth, it signals increasing consumer interest in electric mobility.

Even amid declining sales, Tesla dominated among the top-selling models, with the Model Y and Model 3 leading the pack. Volkswagen’s ID.4 saw a surprising 653% increase in sales, selling nearly 5,000 units,— suggesting that supply chain improvements and increased incentives contributed to its resurgence.

Related: Uncovered Tesla permit details how Tesla's massive Semi will be charged

Used EV market gains traction

The used EV market, though still a small slice of the overall industry, is expanding rapidly. Sales of used EVs jumped 31% year-over-year, reaching 26,933 units in January. Month-over-month, sales saw a modest 3.5% increase, reinforcing growing demand.

Affordability is a key factor driving used EV sales. Nearly 40% of used EVs sold were priced under $25,000, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The average used EV price fell 5.1% year-over-year to $37,476, with certain brands — including Chevrolet, Jaguar, and Toyota — seeing lower average used EV prices compared to their gas-powered counterparts.

Related: 2025 GMC Terrain: 5 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to look elsewhere

EV supply and pricing trends

Inventory levels for new EVs increased slightly in January, with the average days’ supply rising 5.3% month-over-month to 87 days. Despite this, EV inventory remains below that of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, indicating steady demand. Volkswagen saw the biggest drop in supply, while Lexus experienced the largest increase.

For used EVs, supply remains tight. The average days’ supply decreased by 3% compared to December, bringing it down to 45 days — a 23% decline from last year. This trend suggests growing confidence in used EVs, aided by factors like extended battery warranties and federal tax credits.

On the pricing front, new EVs averaged $55,614 in January — up slightly from December but down 1.4% compared to last year. Incentive spending was lower month-over-month but remained 48.6% higher year-over-year, with brands like Volkswagen, Subaru, Kia, and Nissan offering the most generous discounts.

Related: This sports car was Andorra's best-selling vehicle of 2024

Final thoughts

While January’s dip in new EV sales follows historical seasonal trends, the broader picture remains positive. Record market share, increasing affordability in the used EV segment, and strong consumer demand suggest that the EV market is far from slowing down.

As the Trump administration moves to repeal the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more drivers buying EVs before the credit is gone. As automakers refine their strategies and more models become available at lower price points, 2025 could shape up to be another landmark year for electric vehicles.

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Related: The most reliable new full-size SUVs in 2025

via These are the last new vehicles sold with CD players in 2025

Who would’ve thought that in 2025, there would still be new vehicles being sold with CD players? Well, we checked, and our research shows that there are just four of them left. We get that if you’re a millennial or younger, you might have never used a CD player, but for the rest of us, it’s how we listened to music growing up.

Since the rise of streaming audio, CD players have been phased out of vehicles over the past decade, and now hardly anyone bothers to include them in their models.

For those of you who are unaware, the term stands for “compact disc”, a digital optical disc that stores and plays music back via a laser that reads the near-invisible bumps and flat areas of digital data on the underside. A sensor reads the laser’s reflection on these surfaces to produce an electrical signal, which is then converted into sound through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) during playback.

The sound quality is clear, crisp, and wonderful. Although CDs pale in comparison to some lossless streaming audio, they often match the sound quality of streaming music. For most listeners, the difference will be negligible.

It’s unlikely that anyone would select their next new vehicle based on whether or not it has a CD player, but it’s nice to know there are still a few cars left that have one. You may have that zippered CD carrying case lying around gathering dust, and boy, would it be nice to break them out, watch that disc retract into the old-school CD player slot, and then crank out those tunes in the order the artist meant for them to be listened to.

Related: Nissan Z markups are officially over — is now the time to buy?

2025 Lexus IS 300/350/500

Contrary to how stunning the exterior of the 2025 IS sedan looks, it isn’t the result of a redesign; it's actually a dramatic facelift of the 3rd and newest generation. Aside from the exterior, much of it remains the same as the previous generation, which began in 2014 when CD players were more prevalent. The lack of any significant changes in the cabin also explains why there’s still a CD player present in each member of the IS line. It’s not even a CD changer but a single disc player parked in between the physical audio knobs on the center stack.

Whether you select the base IS 300 with its 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine or the top dog IS 500 with its 472 horsepower naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter engine, each model gets a CD player as standard equipment, along with Apple Car Play integration and Android Auto compatibility.

You can pump your music out via the standard 10-speaker audio system, or upgrade to the available 17-speaker, 1800-watt Mark Levinson system, which is also standard equipment on the IS 500 Sport Performance.

2025 Lexus RC 300/350/F

This soon-to-be-terminated old-school grand touring coupe and its high-performance F sibling all come with a standard CD player, just like its four-door cousin, the Lexus IS. The Japanese luxury brand is ending the RC’s life at the end of 2025, and we’re sad to see it go. Two-door luxury coupes aren’t exactly flying off showroom floors, and the RC is having its headstone carved as we speak.

Related: Incoming Volvo ES90 uses onboard AI to learn and improve over time

The RC line has been around for a decade, and as much as we love each one, we have to admit that they’ve gotten long in the tooth. We love that it has managed to keep its standard single CD player located in the same spot as the one in the Lexus IS. It’s easy to access while driving, and the audio switchgear on the center stack makes controlling the system a breeze. Just avoid the awkward touchpad control that’s still present in every trim of the RC.

Like the Lexus IS, you can upgrade the sound system from the standard 10-speakers to a booming 17-speaker Mark Levinson system, which is totally worth the additional $2,725 for a superior listening experience. This 831-watt system comes standard on the top-tier RC F Final Edition, the last of its kind. That sound system also brilliantly matches the loud 472-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine.

2025 Subaru Outback Touring/Touring XT

The Outback is a staple in the Subaru lineup, and the wagon-esque SUV is one of the brand’s best sellers. Although the styling has recently changed, adapted from the more aggressive Wilderness trim, the 2025 Subaru Outback manages to hold onto its single CD player. The caveat is that it’s only standard on the Touring and Touring XT trim levels, not on the other seven trim levels, which is a bit of a surprise. No, it’s not even an option on those.

So, why does Subaru still make a CD player standard on two Outback trim levels? Well, the average age of a Subaru Outback owner is 61, and the CD medium hits that age sweet spot just about perfectly. You can play your CDs through a powerful 576-watt 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system that’s standard equipment on both trim levels. It also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The Outback Touring comes with the base 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower, but you can upgrade to the fancier and more powerful Touring XT with the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four with 260 horsepower for more driving verve. But don’t mistake either of these for land rockets because they’re more geared towards comfy cruising and mild off-roading with their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Related: 2025 GMC Acadia: 5 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice

2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT

The Legacy sedan has been around for decades, but it has been virtually forgotten in the shadow of its Outback and Forester crossover brethren. This venerable sedan is going the way of the dodo next year, marking another great four-door family car that will bite the dust. With it goes its standard CD player on the top Touring XT trim level, the only one of five trim levels to get it.

Just like its Outback Touring XT sibling, the Legacy Touring XT pairs its CD player with a standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. If you want to go new school and opt to give the CD player a break, you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to play tunes, controlled via the 11.6-inch touchscreen.

Cruising with your tunes in the Touring XT comes by way of the Legacy’s best engine, the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four with 260 horsepower mated to a CVT that drives all four wheels via the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Legacy and its CD player signal the end of an era for a model and a medium that hung on for as long as they could.

Final thoughts

Times change, and so does technology. What is groundbreaking today will be obsolete before you know it. The death of the CD player may mourned by some, but the advent of online streaming meant it was only a matter of time before we got to this point.

The good news is that if a CD player is an absolute must for you and none of these cars meet your requirements, the used car market will always be on your side.

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Related: Is the 2025 Corvette Z06 worth $112,100?

What's New for 2025: Honda2026 Honda Passport and 2026 Honda Prelude lead Honda forward in uncertain times Honda's hybrid versions of the CR-V and Accord become the most popular engine options for those models 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback arrives with 48 mpg combined Honda enters the 2025 calendar year with much greater uncertainty than the 2025 model year. Merger...

via Delivering pizza in a 2025 Hyundai Kona EV - 150 miles away

"No good deed goes unpunished." We all know that gem, and we all recognize a time in our lives when doing something nice netted our misery. Fortunately, this isn't quite that dramatic, and during my adventure, I was able to test the heck out of the stellar little Hyundai Kona EV.

The mission

I was to go from Torrance, CA, to Palmdale, CA, to meet some folks in need near Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. They were pet owners who needed assistance, and I was going to lend a hand. That was the goal.

Related: Scout's legal troubles are growing

What actually happened was more along the lines of a 150-mile round-trip pizza run.  See, after the L.A. fires, the rains finally came, which led to the event being canceled without my knowledge. The issue was that I was already en route, slogging it out in wet traffic, before I got the call far too late into my journey. At least it was a great way to test out the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV. 

The car

This was the Kona Limited EV, the top-of-the-line model with the bigger 64.8 kWh battery. According to Hyundai, this means up to 261 miles of range and a more powerful 201-horsepower motor powering the front wheels. 

It's truly an electric compact hatchback, not an SUV or crossover. There's no all-wheel drive (AWD) option, and it has less than seven inches of ground clearance. Still, it managed to power through water deep enough to nearly submerge the 17-inch wheels. 

Related: Thinking about buying a Toyota Camry? Here are other top choices to consider

Overall performance was outstanding. Braking, accelerating, and handing were all above par. There is no real steering feel, but if you put it in Sport mode, it stiffens up the steering effort nicely. It's also quicker. 

I left my neighborhood with about 200 miles of range left after a few days of testing. I figured I would power up out there with its 100 kW DC fast charging capability, which would have been a bit slow but the safer bet nonetheless. Once I got there, I opted to turn around and head back, which left me with exactly 50 miles of range and a round trip of over 150 miles. Impressive. 

The 2025 Hyundai Kona EV Limited is priced at just under $43,000. Sure, the price is a bit steep, but you get heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof, and solid performance. Additionally, you get two 12.3-inch screens for the instrumentation and infotainment with wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Hyundai's expansive safety suite includes automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control. Excellent parking assist cameras are also available. It even got a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. 

The outcome

After navigating a few nasty sections of deep-standing water, diverting to avoid a mudslide area, and navigating through tons of rescue vehicles while still on station, I finally got the phone call: "Sorry, dude, it's canceled." I was only ten minutes away. 

After finding some colorful words to shout at the faux leather-wrapped steering wheel, I found out that I wasn't the only one in that situation. Thus, I took on the role of good Samaritan and delivered pizza to the other few who made the trip. Using the heated passenger seat, I kept the zah warm as I met up with other lost souls. 

Related: What if Honda revived the Element to challenge Ford's Bronco Sport

We finished a few slices, bid our farewells, and went our separate ways. I opted to go home through the traffic without any stops for power. As I said before, the Kona EV did even better than I expected, with a total of 50 miles left on the battery after this trip. Remember that much of this was on freeways and highways, which drains EV batteries faster, 

As I listened to loud music to elevate my sour mood, it dawned on me that this little car was a great companion. It handled well, noise isolation was better than I expected, and overall performance was great. I especially liked the simple yet welcome hard buttons, switches, and dials.  

Final thoughts 

Overall, the whole thing was a long drive and a frustrating situation. Despite that, I was able to push a little, somewhat innocuous EV pretty hard. It was a sweet little driver, and I think that the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV is much better than many think.

Sure, the upcoming Volvo EX30 and Chevrolet Equinox have greater range and are excellent choices, but the Hyundai Kona EV feels like an old friend, and that makes it all worthwhile.   

Related: A new contender enters the EV charging race

via Scout's legal troubles are growing

Scout Motors is finding itself in hot water even before delivering its first vehicle. The revived off-road brand, backed by Volkswagen Group, is facing mounting legal challenges from vehicle dealerships over its direct-to-consumer sales model. Lawsuits in Florida and opposition from California’s dealer association highlight the complex legal landscape Scout must navigate as it prepares to launch its Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV.

Related: Nissan shares fly as a new partner enters deal talks

Florida dealers file lawsuit

In Florida, a group of Volkswagen and Audi dealers has filed a lawsuit against Scout, arguing that the company is violating the state’s dealer franchise laws by accepting deposits for its vehicles. Under Florida law, even deposits are considered sales, and Scout has already secured over 50,000 of them.

The lawsuit further claims that Scout is a “common entity” of Volkswagen of America, which should prohibit it from bypassing traditional dealerships. The dealers are asking the state to halt Scout’s deposit collection and prevent it from selling directly in Florida. This case will likely set an important precedent, as Tesla and Rivian are already allowed to sell directly in the state, but they lack an established parent company with franchised dealers.

Related: Stellantis' future takes a wild turn after CEO exit

California dealers push back

Scout is also facing resistance in California, where the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has sent a cease-and-desist letter warning that the brand’s sales strategy violates a 2023 amendment to the state’s vehicle code. The amendment prevents automakers from competing with their own franchise dealerships, a rule aimed at maintaining the traditional dealer network.

Volkswagen and Scout argue that Scout operates independently, much like Tesla. However, the CNCDA disputes this, pointing to VW’s direct financial and operational backing, including funding Scout’s factory in South Carolina. If the dealers escalate their legal efforts, it could further delay Scout’s ability to sell vehicles in California.

Related: 2025 Lexus LX 700h review: A hybrid SUV that defies expectations

A growing battle over direct sales

Dealer franchise laws vary widely across the U.S., creating legal hurdles for automakers attempting to sell vehicles directly. Some states, like South Carolina—where Scout’s factory is being built—prohibit direct-to-consumer sales outright. However, a bipartisan bill is being introduced to allow Scout to operate without dealerships in the state.

Scout’s legal troubles highlight a broader battle between traditional dealership networks and automakers seeking more control over their sales process. Tesla and Rivian have successfully avoided dealerships, but legacy brands like Volkswagen must work within a system that protects existing franchise agreements.

Final thoughts

Scout is positioning itself as a competitor to Rivian and Tesla, offering consumers an alternative to the dealership experience. However, if legal challenges prevent it from selling directly, the brand could face significant hurdles in attracting buyers who prefer to bypass dealerships.

For Volkswagen, the implications extend beyond Scout. If courts rule against the brand, it could limit other automakers from adopting direct sales models in the future. With lawsuits underway and legislative battles looming, Scout’s ability to navigate these legal challenges could shape the future of car sales in the U.S.

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Related: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ pushes technology to new heights

via 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ pushes technology to new heights

The arrival of an electric 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ is big news. Beyond its expectation-defying powertrain comes a host of advanced technology that recasts the Escalade as more than a leather-lined SUV for athletes, rock stars, and oligarchs.

For the 2025 Escalade IQ, Cadillac employs the same Ultium battery pack from the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Hummer H1T and a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen as the highlight of its interior.

Related: Nissan shares fly as a new partner enters deal talks

The power expected of a Cadillac

A pair of electric motors provide 680 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque, which increases to 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque when Velocity Max mode is activated. All-wheel drive is standard.

GM says the new Escalade IQ has 460 miles of range, the most of any SUV, although that’s an in-house estimate, not an EPA rating. Better yet, its high-voltage architecture can add up to 100 miles of range in a mere 10 minutes at a peak 800-volt DC fast charging.

Related: Stellantis' future takes a wild turn after CEO exit

Beyond its muscular driveline, GM has ensured that its new flagship SUV provides the best tech experience as well. One example is the Escalade IQ’s Vehicle-to-Home charging, which can send power to GM Energy’s Ultium-equipped home products from the vehicle when needed. The Escalade IQ can also power external devices, although this will come as an over-the-air software update during the 2025 model year.

The technology you expect

As is typical of modern vehicles and their LED lighting, the Escalade IQ has distinct choreographed lighting when you approach or depart. It can also be fitted with indulgent power doors that open and close at the touch of a button.

Once underway, you’ll find the Escalade IQ has an Adaptive Air Ride Suspension system that can lower the SUV by two inches or raise it by an inch when needed. It’s also equipped with four-wheel steering, which allows it to move diagonally to better access tight spaces. Given its 224.3-inch length, that should prove beneficial.

There there’s Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driver assistance technology. It comes standard along with a lengthy list of standard active driver safety assistance features, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, HD Surround Vision, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, and Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking.

Related: Ford’s EV losses hit billions in 2024, is the worst yet to come?

Those systems and their controls are part of the Escalade IQ’s massive 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen that’s powered by Qualcomm Technologies, including its Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF system. Google's suite of apps, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, is built-in, and owners can download their favorite apps through the Play Store as well.

Music to your ears

When it comes time to crank up the tunes, the Escalade IQ sports a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system by default. Step up to Luxury 2 and Sport 2 trims, and you get upgraded to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system.

But the ultimate upgrade is the optional 40-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, which comes with the available Executive Second Row Package. That package also adds dual 12.6-inch-diagonal infotainment screens, a rear control screen, dual wireless phone charging pads, USB-C and HDMI ports, and headrest speakers.

The technology is enhanced by an interior accented with customizable ambient lighting with 126 color choices.

Final thoughts

Given the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ’s state-of-the-art powertrain, it’s only fitting that its technology package fits that bill as well. That Cadillac has succeeded only speaks to its engineering prowess. It’s a long-held tradition at Cadillac, one that’s been true since its founding 122 years ago.

Thankfully, this isn’t some concept but a true flagship EV available at your Cadillac dealer now starting at $129,990.

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Related: 2025 Lexus LX 700h review: A hybrid SUV that defies expectations

Jeep 4xe, Ford and Audi PHEVs recalled again for battery fire riskOwners of certain plug-in hybrids need to take vehicles into a service center again Jeep, Ford, Audi PHEVs have battery packs that may need replacement The faulty battery packs were supplied by Samsung SDI A software update to fix a battery fire risk in popular plug-in hybrids by Jeep, Audi, and Ford did not work, according to a Wednesday filing...

via Is the 2025 Toyota Prius worth $28,350?

Redesigned for 2023, the Toyota Prius is no longer a commodity car built to a price to maximize fuel economy while minimizing C02 emissions and driving pleasure. Until 2023, the only thrills to emanate from a Prius came from passing the gas station. Only the parsimonious need apply.

But for the past two years, that’s no longer true. The Prius now provides a heaping helping of driving pleasure along with its penny-pinching persona while being wrapped in attractive automobile attire.

Related: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max review: A proverbial homerun

For 2025, the Toyota Prius will receive a new Nightshade Edition, which blackens the exterior trim, interior upholstery, and stitching when the body is painted Wind Chill Pearl or Midnight Black Metallic.

More power, better fuel economy

No longer a denizen of the right lane, the 2025 Toyota Prius produces 194 horsepower with front-wheel-drive or 196 horsepower with all-wheel-drive. Yet despite the healthy muscle emanating from under the hood, fuel economy remains very good.

Opting for the front-wheel-drive model returns a stellar 57 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. All-wheel drive reduces that to 54 mpg while ordering the XLE or Limited trim reduces that to 49 mpg. That said, no, Prius is a gas hog. But competitors, such as the Ford Maverick pick-up and Kia Niro SUV, offer similar fuel economy in more popular vehicle formats.

Actually satisfying to drive

Then there’s the Prius’s power, which delivers enough punch to guarantee that you won’t always be passed anymore. That said, you’ll be hard-pressed to break a seven-second 0-60 mph run, but that's still a good three seconds faster than previous versions. The steering returns some semblance of feedback, and it feels planted while cornering, with minimal body lean. It has a neutral feel that makes it unexpectedly pleasurable to push through its paces.

For the foul-weather phobic, the availability of all-wheel drive must seem like a godsend. But the Prius, like other hybrids, uses low rolling resistance tires, so there’s less advantage than you might expect once the flakes fly. And you’ll pay $250 more annually in fuel costs, not to mention the higher purchase price for a Prius with all-wheel drive versus one with front-wheel drive.

Related: Tesla threatened with 100% tariffs in Canada over Musk's Trump support

Then there's that sleek style

If there was one truism of the Toyota Prius, it's that the design aesthetic resembled that of an alien life form, with the only guiding design principle being that of extreme unsightliness. It’s as if Toyota was testing its buyers to see how much hideousness they would put up with in return for excellent fuel economy.

That’s certainly no longer the case.

The latest Prius is sleek and trim in appearance while retaining its hatchback versatility. While it does diminish interior space, it’s a worthy trade-off for the aesthetic improvement as the Prius is no longer a vehicle that will have people judging your taste.

Yet while passenger space remains unchanged at 91 cubic feet, cargo space on the LE has shrunk to 24 cubic feet from 27 cubic feet, according to the EPA. For other grades, it's a mere 20 cubic feet. Despite the loss, the Prius’ cargo volume matches or exceeds that of similarly priced or less expensive hybrids with which it competes.

However, the bigger design toll comes with rear seat headroom, which is a bit dearer than before, so it’s something to consider if you regularly shuttle the average American in the rear row. For 2025, that means a man who’s 5'9" tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds and a woman who’s around 5'4" tall and weighs 171 pounds.

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Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers fuel-free driving

Of course, you could opt for the Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid that has 39 or 44 miles of gas-free electric driving, depending on the model. After that, it operates like any other Prius hybrid, albeit with slightly lower fuel economy.

While that may seem appealing, its price is some $6,100+ higher, meaning it will take 24 years to break even financially. Still, for some, the thrill of EV driving with gas-fueled backup is appealing despite the added cost, especially if the Prius is being used mostly for daily commuting.

Final thoughts

Given that every Toyota is now offered with a hybrid variant, Toyota had to give the Prius an additional reason to exist. They’ve succeeded. You would never associate the word "fun" with any Prius, yet it now delivers an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Prius’ driving proficiency is completely different from previous ones. For the first time, Toyota abandoned the anti-performance, anti-design ethos that has consistently stigmatized this vehicle. Now that it's been redesigned, you can enjoy driving while it returns more than 50 mpg, making it the first Prius you might actually want to drive.

That said, you can buy a Corolla Hybrid starting at less than $24,000, although it lacks the Prius’s fun-to-drive nature and hatchback utility. We think the Prius is well worth the extra scratch.

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via Tesla threatened with 100% tariffs in Canada over Musk's Trump support

Tesla may soon face a significant hurdle in Canada. Chrystia Freeland, a candidate for the leadership of Canada’s Liberal Party, has proposed a 100% tariff on U.S.-made Teslas in response to former President Donald Trump’s latest trade policies, The Canadian Press reported.

Freeland’s comments suggest that the move would be a direct retaliation against Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports—and a deliberate effort to make Trump’s allies, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, “pay a price.”

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A growing target on Tesla

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Freeland emphasized the need for a strategic response to Trump’s tariff policies. “We need to be very targeted, very surgical, very precise,” she said. “We need to look through and say who is supporting Trump and how can we make them pay a price for a tariff attack on Canada.”

Tesla’s Canadian sales depend heavily on vehicles manufactured in the U.S., as well as some imports from China. If Freeland’s proposed tariffs were enacted, the resulting price hikes could push Canadian EV buyers toward other brands. Tesla is currently the best-selling EV brand in Canada, with the Model Y and Model 3 leading the charge, but higher costs could threaten that dominance.

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Political and economic implications

Freeland’s remarks come at a time of rising tension over Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico, set to take effect Tuesday. A phone call on Monday between President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum led to a one-month pause on the Mexico-targeted tariff after President Sheinbaum agreed to “supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Canada, meanwhile, shows no signs of negotiating with President Trump. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday that the government would impose 25% tariffs on a slew of U.S. imports in retaliation to Trump’s actions. Canada’s new tariffs are set to take effect Tuesday, the same day that Trump’s tariff will start on Canadian imports.

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Tesla braces for impact

As Canada has outpaced the U.S. in EV adoption—nearly 17% of new cars sold in Canada last year were fully electric, compared to just 8% in the U.S.—Tesla’s presence in the Canadian market is substantial. In 2023 alone, the company sold at least 60,000 Model Ys and Model 3s in the country.

Tesla’s reliance on international supply chains could further complicate the situation. Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja acknowledged the risks during the company’s recent fourth-quarter earnings call, stating that “The imposition of tariffs, which is very likely, will have an impact on our business and profitability.”

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Trade war or political retaliation?

Freeland’s proposal to directly penalize Tesla over Musk’s financial and operational support of Trump signals a growing willingness to personalize trade disputes. Musk was the largest financier of Trump’s recent campaign and has played a key role in the former president’s efforts to reduce the U.S. federal workforce. Meanwhile, Tesla has been navigating its first full year of declining global sales, with buyer sentiment shifting towards a growing selection of EVs.

Final thoughts

If Canada follows through on Freeland’s suggestion—and if other nations take similar action—it could escalate tensions between governments, automakers, and political figures. Whether the tariffs materialize or not, Tesla’s future in Canada could hinge on how these trade battles unfold in the coming months.

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