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Honda’s built a reputation on engines that usually outlast its owners. The Shea family’s 2017 Honda Pilot had covered just 56,000 miles and was diagnosed with rod bearing failure last year, just out of warranty. The dealership quoted nearly $25,000 for a replacement engine, more than what it would cost to just buy another Pilot of the same year. Honda declined to help, even though the issue is linked to one the NHTSA is investigating over 1.4 million Honda and Acura models with V6 engines for. But when a couple of elected officials and a television news team got involved, the story flipped: Honda finally picked up the bill for the Shea’s new engine. 

Honda

The pressure started with 7News, which reported on the family’s predicament last year and stayed on it. Senator Chris Van Holler and Representative Jamie Raskin then contacted Honda and the NHTSA. Raskin sent the automaker six questions about the engine failure and its decision not to cover the repair. Honda then replied, saying it would recover the engine and put in a new one at no cost. Shea credited the two lawmakers and the news team as the deciding factors. While Honda initially shrugged off responsibility, a letter from a member of Congress was much harder to wave off. Honda’s statement to 7News said inspecting the engine could help its ongoing investigation, which isn’t really an admission of fault either. 

The NHTSA is investigating connecting rod bearing failures across roughly 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles, and seven crashes or fires have been documented. No recall has been issued yet. A 2023 NHTSA recall covering about 250,000 vehicles from the 2016, 2018, and 2019 model years left 2017 out, which is exactly where the Shea family’s Pilot sat. Had the family paid for the replacement engine, they would have been out $25,000 for a failure regulators were already studying. Congress may need to legislate tighter investigation timelines so that other owners who aren’t so lucky don’t end up paying for a company’s mistakes. 

FROM A $25,000 REPAIR BILL TO A BRAND NEW ENGINE… FOR FREE.

Ellie Shea’s 2017 Honda Pilot had just 56,000 miles when she heard a strange noise from the engine. Honda initially denied coverage, and the SUV sat in the family’s driveway for more than a year.

After the @7NewsDC… pic.twitter.com/WPqgbaruIh

The Kia EV9 has been one of the best-selling three-row EVs on sale in America in 2026. In fact, the only dedicated three-row electric SUV that has outsold it this year is the Rivian R1S, according to an EV sales report from Cox Automotive. The EV9 is loved for its daring design, airy interior, and practicality, while offering better efficiency than an equivalent gas-powered SUV. For 2027, Kia has handed the EV9 the smallest of price hikes, while boosting the desirable Land trim with more torque and a newly standard cosmetic package. These small but meaningful changes will be needed when Toyota’s all-new Highlander EV arrives early next year.

Related: Best Electric SUVs for 2027: Our Winner Starts Under $60,000

2027 Kia EV9

Kia

The latest EV9 costs just $90 more than the 2026 model in entry-level guise. Here’s a full breakdown of trims and their prices for 2027:

• EV9 Light (Short Range): $54,990

The EV9 Land now costs $1,090 more than before, which is the largest price increase for any trim. However, Kia has justified the increase by making the previously optional Nightfall Edition Package ($1,500) standard. With this package, the Land gains features like 20-inch black wheels, a gloss black finish for exterior components like the skid plates and grille, a black headliner, and seating upholstery with an exclusive pattern. Added to that, the 2027 EV9 Land also gets a healthy increase in torque to 516 lb-ft, placing it on par with the range-topping GT-Line.

No other changes have been announced for the 2027 Kia EV9, which is expected to be available imminently.

Related: I Drove the 2026 Kia EV9, and This is My Honest Review

Kia

The base EV9 still uses a 215-horsepower motor sending power to the rear wheels. In Light Long Range guise, power drops to 201 hp. The top three trims all make 379 hp and have all-wheel drive. In the Wind, you get 443 lb-ft, while the Land and GT-Line make 516 lb-ft. The top two trims are quick, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of just five seconds; they’re far quicker than any three-row Telluride.

The maximum range on a full charge goes to the Light Long Range, which can cover up to 305 miles. The Light Short Range gets just 230 miles, but it’s fractionally the most efficient model in the lineup in city driving (101 MPGe).

Depending on the trim, the EV9 can seat six or seven occupants. Standard features include an eight-way power driver’s seat, SynTex imitation leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, automatic tri-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Working your way up the trim ladder avails high-end features like a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable second-row seats, heated/ventilated second-row seats, and the choice of a power sunroof or fixed glass roof.

We rated the EV9 GT-Line 9 out of 10 when we drove it earlier this year. This top trim may not be cheap, but the plush ride, potent acceleration, and huge interior make for a fantastic family vehicle. It does an equally competent job of keeping the driver and the kids happy.

Related: I Drove the 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD. Here’s My Honest Review

Cole Attisha

As impressive as the Kia EV9 is, buyers looking for a three-row electric SUV may want to wait for the all-new Toyota Highlander. Despite reports claiming it will be delayed for a second time, Toyota as confirmed that it’s still on track to launch the new Highlander early in 2027. For clarity, the Highlander EV is not to be confused with the current, gas-powered Highlander.

Besides the sheer clout of the Toyota badge and the fact that Toyota EVs are selling up a storm right now, the Highlander has much to offer. It will have a competitive range of up to 315 miles, up to 338 hp in AWD variants, and plenty of useful tech, including a vehicle-to-load system that can power appliances and other devices.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but if the Highlander can undercut the EV9 in this segment, it has every chance of becoming the best-selling three-row EV in America.

Related: 2027 Toyota Highlander EV Vs. 2026 Kia EV9: 3 Key Differences

Aside from limited production and extreme powertrains, film provenance can also help increase a car’s value. That’s evident in cars like the original Batmobile from the 1966 TV series, which sold for $4.62 million in 2013. This time, however, the spotlight turns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with an Acura NSX Roadster Concept used in 2012’s The Avengers now up for auction.

In the movie, the NSX Roadster Concept was driven by Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.), who was known for putting the Audi R8 on the big screen in the earlier Iron Man movies. The car has been listed on Cars & Bids by Acura itself, which said that 100% of the winning bid proceeds will go to a charity mutually agreed upon with the buyer. The Japanese luxury marque will also contribute to the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmakers and artists.

Cars & Bids

Because the first Avengers movie came out in 2012, this car isn’t based on the production second-generation NSX, which debuted in 2016. Instead, the design, courtesy of Acura’s Advanced Design Studio, was inspired by the second-gen NSX Concept, while the underpinnings came from a first-gen model. The original NSX was so iconic that it challenged Ferrari’s dominance in the exotic car market in the 1990s, with three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna helping with its development.

This means the NSX Roadster Concept for sale comes with a 3.0-liter VTEC V6 engine, not the twin-turbo hybrid powertrain in the second-gen NSX, despite looking like one. The engine makes about 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The exterior features custom resin and fiberglass bodywork built by Trans FX, finished in a paint color matching Iron Man’s armor. It also features the “STARK 33” license plate that appeared in the movie.

Cars & Bids

It’s worth noting, however, that the NSX Roadster Concept – which has clocked about 252,000 miles – cannot be registered, titled, or driven on public roads. That means the new owner will primarily be getting a collector’s item, which can be displayed in private collections or at car events. As of this writing, the bid stands at $98,500, with the auction set to end on October 31.

Before the car goes to a new home, Acura will display it at the Las Vegas Concours alongside the Nexera Vision. The Nexera Vision represents a new design direction for the brand, with futuristic elements and bodywork reminiscent of a Ferrari or McLaren. Its new lighting signature is expected to debut on the next-gen RDX Hybrid, one of several upcoming Acura models, alongside an adventure-focused model – reportedly based on a Honda Passport – and an eight-seater flagship SUV.

Cars & Bids

Scout Motors hasn’t even sold a single car yet, and it’s still at odds with the ‘volks’ that can sell them ‘wagens.’ Under the startup’s business model, the Volkswagen-backed brand is planning to go directly to consumers, but it’s encountered stiff resistance because of certain laws that prevent automakers from doing so.

Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California has denied both Volkswagen Group of America and Scout Motors the motion to dismiss a California New Car Dealers Association lawsuit that’s against the startup’s direct-to-consumer plans.

Scout Motors

Scout Motors’ legal team seems to be working overtime, serving suits to protect its interests and standing its ground in court at the same time. Because the brand wants to sell straight to the end consumers, franchised dealers under the Volkswagen Group of America are strongly opposed to this, so much so that some dealers have even banded together in order to assert the franchise laws that protect them.

The California New Car Dealers Association filed the suit in April 2025, stating that Scout is wholly owned by the Volkswagen Group of America, and the association claims that the company cannot use a subsidiary to sell cars, even if it is under a different brand. Additionally, the association also “plausibly” alleges that the Volkswagen Group of America violated California’s Unfair Competition Law through Scout Motors.

Under an amendment to the state’s franchise law, which took effect on January 1, 2024, the association claims that the direct-to-consumer model that Scout is planning to employ violates the amended state law. Specifically, that state law requires affiliated brands to use franchised dealers to sell and service vehicles, according to the suit. The other allegation that the association is holding against VW and Scout is that VW is circumventing California law by positioning Scout as a different brand altogether and competing with its own existing franchisees.

California is only one state that has filed a suit against Volkswagen of America for the Scout brand. Even in Florida, Scout fought existing franchises because of its direct-to-consumer business model.

Scout Motors

This development was reported by Automotive News. Scout Motors moved to dismiss the case once before, but it was eventually denied. Now the same situation is playing out. During the first denial, the Volkswagen Group of America raised several arguments, but the case continued anyway. Now, another motion to dismiss was denied once again, and the case will proceed with more discovery.

“The court told Volkswagen and Scout essentially what it told them in March, said Anthony Bento, the California New Car Dealers Association chief legal officer. “They raised arguments that were available to them the first time around, and the court declined to dismiss the case – now twice. Our claims stand, and we continue with discovery in the case.”

As usual, Scout Motors and Volkswagen Group of America declined to comment.

Scout Motors

While Toyota is known as one of the world’s top-selling automakers, it is also planning to expand its role as an engine supplier with a new family of inline-four engines. These engines have been downsized to help meet stricter emissions regulations, but turbochargers and hybrid systems are still in the cards to maintain performance. Interestingly, one of the new engines is being tested in a Toyota GR86 concept car in Japan, suggesting the next-gen GR86 could come with an in-house powertrain instead.

This engine is the 2.0-liter inline-four codenamed G20E, but according to Japan’s Car Watch, the concept car runs without a turbocharger. Removing forced induction would continue the nameplate’s tradition of staying naturally aspirated, from the GT86 to the GR86. The latter currently uses a 2.4-liter boxer engine developed by Subaru, which also uses it for the BRZ. Kazuya Oshima, who is in charge of the concept’s development, highlighted how running without forced induction can provide more predictable and linear power delivery. The lack of turbo hardware also helps reduce weight.

Interestingly, the engine in question reportedly produces only around 220 horsepower, about eight horsepower fewer than the Subaru-sourced power unit. Sure, it is quite normal for models to make less horsepower after a major overhaul, as seen in the Land Cruiser when it traded its V8 for a 2.4-liter i-Force Max powertrain, but one of the biggest complaints about the GT86 was its output of around 200 hp.

The GR86 received an evolved version of the boxer engine with a larger 2.4-liter displacement, addressing concerns about power. However, if the next-gen model uses the G20E in its current form, it could be perceived as a downgrade, at least on paper.

However, it will all come down to the actual driving experience. One of the challenges could be preserving the GR86’s handling characteristics, especially considering that boxer engines help lower the center of gravity, so switching to an inline-four could change that. There’s also the packaging and chassis development, with Car Watch reporting that the concept car uses double-wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, instead of the MacPherson struts currently installed at the front of the production model.

Car Watch Channel/YouTube

Aside from the technical aspects, a future switch to Toyota’s inline-four could potentially give the automaker greater control over powertrain development.

It is still unclear when the next-gen GR86 will come out. For reference, the current generation debuted in 2021, nearly a decade after the first-gen GT86 arrived. Based on Oshima’s comments, the nameplate will likely retain its lightweight characteristics, which have helped define a shrinking sports car segment that includes the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Subaru BRZ.

Toyota

Rearview cameras are important not only to help drivers see behind their vehicles when backing up, but also to comply with U.S. safety regulations. This is why Ford addressed rearview camera display defects in the Maverick under NHTSA recall 24V684 in September 2024. The fix was an update to the Connected Touch Radio (CTR) software, but apparently, the remedy may not have been completely effective.

NHTSA opened a Recall Query (RQ) to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2024 recall. The safety agency estimates that the investigation covers about 273,301 units of the 2022–2024 Maverick and Maverick Hybrid, which could experience frozen rearview camera images while reversing. Such a failure could provide false information to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

The investigation does not establish that all 273,301 vehicles remain defective. But the RQ 26004 raises questions about whether the remedy fully addressed the problem. The 2024 recall stated that a memory leak could result in a frozen rearview camera display. A memory leak happens when software fails to release unused memory.

NHTSA received five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging frozen rearview camera images even after the recall remedy was performed. Although the new investigation lists no crashes, the original recall report says Ford was aware of two accident reports and no injuries associated with the defect.

If the investigation shows that the fix was inadequate, another safety recall could potentially be issued. It could mean owners would have to allocate time to bring their pickup trucks back to dealerships for repairs. That’s become a familiar theme for some Ford owners, especially this decade, as the Blue Oval has led the industry in recall counts in recent years.

Ford has maintained that its high number of recalls reflects efforts to identify and address potential problems as early as possible. Some may view that as an excuse for poor quality control, but, to be fair, the company earned the top honor in the mass-market category of the 2026 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, suggesting its efforts to improve quality are paying off, at least during the first 90 days of ownership.

While the investigation into the Maverick’s rearview camera issue continues, Ford also recalled about 1.74 million vehicles under two separate safety campaigns earlier this year over rearview camera display problems. One recall involved overheating of the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), while the other dealt with displays that could flip or invert.

General Motors may have introduced several new engines for its upcoming trucks, including a new V8 and a massive diesel mill for heavy-duty models, but the American automaker appears to have more ideas in the works. A recently published patent points to another approach to improving the way internal-combustion engines operate.

First spotted by CarMoses, the patent was filed last year and published last week. Titled “Extended Expansion Engine With Variable Compression Ratio for Longitudinal Mounting Applications,” it describes a mechanical arrangement designed to change piston movement and vary the engine’s compression ratio.

USPTO

In a conventional engine, pistons move up and down inside cylinders, with connecting rods transferring that motion to the crankshaft. GM’s proposed design, which is an inline-six according to the sketches, adds a more elaborate arrangement of gears, links, and control components to change the relationship between these moving parts.

With this setup, the engine could play with how much it squeezes the air-fuel mix before lighting it up. Compression ratio is a big deal – it affects everything from efficiency to power, and even how the engine handles a heavy load.

Then there’s the extended-expansion trick. After the bang pushes the piston down, those hot gases still have some juice left. Letting them expand a bit more means you can squeeze out extra work before they head out the tailpipe.

On paper, this could mean better fuel economy – at least when the stars align. Of course, tossing in more moving parts means more complexity, higher costs, and extra friction. GM will have to prove the gains are worth the headaches.

USPTO

The patent specifically addresses longitudinal engine mounting, a layout commonly used in rear-wheel-drive vehicles and many trucks and SUVs. That makes the concept relevant to some of GM’s existing vehicle architectures, although the company has not identified a particular model for the technology.

If developed further, the design could offer another way to improve gasoline-engine efficiency without changing the basic fuel source. Still, GM has not provided production plans, performance figures, or fuel-economy estimates for the proposed arrangement.

Like most car patents, this is just a peek at what could be, not a guarantee you’ll see it at your local dealer. Most of these ideas never make it past the drawing board.

USPTO

The Lexus RZ has come a long way since originally arriving in the U.S. for the 2023 model year. That early model was held back by a poor range and high pricing, but both issues have been addressed to some extent. As a result, demand for the RZ has almost doubled over the course of 2026. Lexus has now published official pricing for the 2027 model, which continues without any major changes. Is this the luxury electric SUV to have at its price point, or should you consider something else? Here’s a closer look at what the RZ offers.

2027 Lexus RZ

Lexus

The 2027 RZ is still available in six variants, starting with the 350e and leading up to the powerful 550e F Sport. Here’s a look at 2027 pricing versus the 2026 model.

Trim

2027 Price

2026 Price

RZ 350e

$47,495

$47,395

RZ 450e AWD

$50,995

$50,895

RZ 350e Premium

$49,970

$49,595

RZ 450e Premium AWD

$53,470

$53,095

RZ 450e Luxury AWD

$58,495

$58,395

RZ 550e F Sport AWD

$58,770

$58,395

The 350e Premium, 450e Premium AWD, and 550e F Sport AWD trims have been handed the biggest price bumps of $375 each. The base trim is only $100 more than before. These prices all include the delivery fee.

Lexus

As before, the range starts with the 221-horsepower 350e with front-wheel drive. The 450e AWD has 308 hp from dual motors, while the 550e F Sport produces 402 hp and is the performer of the lineup; this model can reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The base 350e has the best range on a full charge, at 301 miles. That drops all the way down to 228 miles for the 450e with 20-inch wheels.

The RZ’s best quality is that it feels like a true Lexus, from the smooth ride to the top-notch build quality. However, its overall range (across all trim levels) is lower than many rivals. It doesn’t have a genuine one-pedal-driving mode, and the top performance model isn’t as fun as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or the Genesis GV60 Magma.

Lexus has confirmed that the 2027 RZ will arrive at dealerships early next year.

Related: I Drove The New Lexus RZ, And I Have Mixed Feelings

2026 Tesla Model Y

Tesla

Based on price, the Lexus RZ’s primary rivals include the following:

• Tesla Model Y ($39,990–$57,990)

The RZ matches the luxurious feel of the Optiq and GV60, while surpassing the Model Y in that regard. The Tesla isn’t as opulent, but it starts much cheaper, is quicker, and can travel up to 355 miles on a full charge. It’s ultimately better at being an EV than the Lexus, but it’s not a better luxury car.

The Optiq lineup has a range of between 250 and 317 miles, so it also outclasses the Lexus in that area. It offers more standard and available power than the Lexus, and is more engaging to drive. Pricing is similar, so we’d favor the Optiq.

Finally, there’s the GV60. It has between 222 and 306 miles of range, which isn’t fantastic but closely matches the RZ. The Genesis can feel a bit cramped inside for taller occupants, but the detailing and quality can’t be faulted. It has similar power to the RZ, although Lexus has nothing to match the incredible GV60 Magma, which produces 641 hp.

Lexus

Last year, Lexus sold 5,340 units of the RZ through the first three quarters of the year. Over the same period in 2026, sales have increased to 10,214 units. It’s now within striking distance of outselling the Optiq, but the Model Y is still way out in front.

For anyone coming from an NX or RX, transitioning to the RZ will feel entirely natural—assuming you can live with the limited range. It’s quiet, comfortable, and promises to be reliable. However, for buyers coming from another EV, the RZ may come across as merely good rather than great. It doesn’t move the goalposts in this segment in any one area, which is why it’s worth considering one of its rivals before making a decision.

Related: 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT Review: A Swift Luxury Bargain With a Short Leash

Mitsubishi Motors is back at the SEMA Show for the first time since 2012, but it’s not bringing a wild custom build to Las Vegas as you might expect but a production model.

This year’s SEMA Show (Nov. 3-6) marks the world debut of the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition, the most rugged variant yet of the brand’s bread-and-butter SUV. The Japanese automaker obviously wants a bigger slice of the popular off-road SUV market, and a cheap way to do that is to give the existing Outlander some off-road chops.

Mitsubishi Motors

The off-road model gets an array of exterior, interior and hardware upgrades that make it “the most capable and adventure-focused Outlander ever offered in North America”—Mitsubishi’s words, not ours.

For starters, the Diamond Trail Edition adds a new Rock mode to the Outlander’s standard Super-All Wheel Control System (S-AWC) for more capability off the beaten track. The setting is said to use enhanced brake control to quickly suppress wheel-slip and help secure traction. Furthermore, Rock mode is said to activate faster than other S-AWC modes.

Mitsubishi Motors

Additionally, when Rock mode is selected, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) system is automatically activated as well to help the driver control speed in rocky or mogul terrain. HDC can also be adjusted for the speed at which it holds the vehicle.

Another new addition is a screen that can be displayed in the instrument cluster showing front-wheel steering angle, individual wheel-slip and traction-control intervention. The Multi-View Camera System can also be activated and remains on up to 18.6 mph, a 6.2 mph increase from the standard model.

Mitsubishi Motors

Seen from the outside, the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition looks significantly more rugged thanks to redesigned bumpers that improve approach and departure angles—from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees (approach) and from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees (departure). The bumpers match the aggressive over-fenders and the unique 18×7.5″ black alloy wheels shod with dedicated Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires, contributing to a rugged, trail-ready look.

The Outlander Diamond Trail Edition also gets a new matte black grille with black Dynamic Shield, as well as a black finish for the headlights. Keeping with the off-road-capable theme, the SUV also gets two round projectors attached to the front bumper and raised roof rails that allow easy installation of roof racks. Finally, the Outlander Diamond Trail Edition debuts a new Trail Green Metallic color that can be offset with a white roof.

Mitsubishi Motors

Moving to the cabin, there’s an all-new seating material finished in dark grey with khaki stitching. Unique to the Diamond Trail Edition, this material repels water and is easier to clean, which should come in handy for an adventure vehicle.

The interior also features unified matte and dark tones, as well as textured matte black, dark chrome and dark satin. The Diamond Trail Edition logo, which represents skilled athletes on a downhill course, is found on the seat backs, floor mats and the door trim.

Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors

While Mitsubishi has yet to confirm whether the all-new Montero/Pajero body-on-frame SUV is coming stateside, its Momentum 2030 long-term business plan notes that the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition will head a new generation of off-road-capable vehicles for North America.

Future models will focus on adventure and vehicle capability while building on the brand’s history of quality, dependability and reliability.

This vehicle represents the next step in our Momentum 2030 vision, combining Mitsubishi Motors' off-road heritage with the capability, technology and versatility today's customer demands. From the production model to the customized concepts on display, we're showing enthusiasts how far their adventures can go, while reinforcing our goal to helping customers truly ‘Drive their Ambition.’

Mitsubishi will showcase three Outlander Diamond Trail models at SEMA. One vehicle will be stock except some Mitsubishi Genuine Accessories and a color-matched Thule roof box, while the other two will be heavily modified.

Mitsubishi Motors

Toyota is undoubtedly a leader in the global automotive landscape, competing against the likes of Volkswagen Group and Hyundai Motor Group. The Japanese automaker may be best known as a vehicle manufacturer, but moving forward, it also plans to expand its role as an engine supplier, targeting €1.5 billion (about $1.7 billion) in annual revenue by 2032.

According to Automotive News, the engines and hybrid systems could arrive in 2027, with plans to sell them to automotive partners. No customers have been named yet, but Subaru, Mazda, Suzuki, and Daihatsu are among the potential frontrunners. There’s one potential obstacle: while Subaru and Mazda already use some Toyota technology in their vehicles, they are developing new engines of their own, which differ from Toyota’s offerings.

Kyle Edward/Autoblog

Subaru typically uses boxer engines, which, by the way, celebrate their 60th anniversary this year. Boxer or flat engines have become a signature of the brand, along with its all-wheel-drive system, so adopting Toyota’s new inline-fours could be complicated. Subaru’s next-generation boxer engines are targeting improved fuel-air mixing and 50% thermal efficiency, which could be crucial, especially considering the automaker plans to stop selling combustion-engine vehicles in Europe by the end of 2027 at the latest due to stricter emissions and other regulations.

Meanwhile, Mazda is developing a proprietary hybrid system, which will be paired with its new 2.5-liter Skyactiv-Z inline-four engine. The powertrain is expected to arrive in the CX-5, the brand’s best-selling model, by the end of 2027. The company is also developing rotary engine technology, a signature that has defined the brand with models like the RX-7. In this context, these projects could further complicate Toyota’s engine-supply ambitions.

Toyota’s new inline-four engines include a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated, a 1.5-liter turbo, and a 2.0-liter turbo. The 1.5-liter engines are intended for hybrid applications, while the 2.0-liter turbo could be used independently or with a hybrid system. These engines are intentionally downsized to help manufacturers meet stricter emissions requirements without abandoning combustion powertrains. They’re also compact enough to fit various vehicle designs, including those originally intended for EVs, enabling a multi-powertrain approach.

Cole Attisha

It remains to be seen whether Toyota can meet its 2032 target, especially with some of its biggest partners developing their own engines. Still, Toyota and its Japanese alliance partners account for roughly 16 million vehicle sales annually. That doesn’t mean all those vehicles will use the automaker’s new engines, but it highlights the potential scale of its engine-supply business.

In addition, Toyota aims to expand its Arene software platform from two to 50 nameplates and 10 million vehicles annually by 2030, with plans to eventually share the technology with alliance partners.

Toyota