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The Jeep Gladiator is one of the noisiest and least comfortable pickups you can buy, but it’s almost unbeatable as an off-roader and adventure truck. Remove the doors and throw your dirt bike in the back, and it’s a functional, capable weekend toy that can withstand serious abuse. Jeep is now building on the Gladiator’s already formidable reputation with the launch of the 35-Inch Tire Launch Edition for 2027. The name says it all: Buyers can now order a Gladiator with 35-inch all-terrain tires straight from the factory, further enhancing the pickup’s go-anywhere abilities.

Stellantis

The factory-installed 35-inch all-terrain tires are available on the Gladiator Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X trims. Those tires wrap around unique bronze-painted beadlock-capable wheels, giving the truck an even more imposing look and boosting ground clearance. With this limited-edition 35-Inch Tire Package, the Gladiator boasts 12.9 inches of ground clearance. For reference, the Ford Ranger Raptor has 10.7 inches of ground clearance. Even the hardcore Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is beaten here; it has 12.2 inches of clearance on its 35-inch tires.

The Jeep’s approach/breakover/departure angles also increase to 46.7/23.3/26.7 degrees, respectively. The one-inch suspension lift is complemented by a 4.56 final-drive ratio, heavy-duty Dana axles, and performance brakes to deliver super Trail Rated capability.

“Gladiator customers continue to personalize their vehicles to tackle bigger adventures, and 35-inch tires have consistently been one of the most popular modifications,” said Branden Coté, Jeep CEO. “The Gladiator 35-inch Tire Launch Edition gives customers the capability, confidence and distinctive look they want straight from the factory, backed by the quality and engineering expected from the Jeep brand.”

Stellantis

The 35-Inch Tire Launch Edition offers buyers more than just off-road extras. It also gives the already rugged Gladiator an even more aggressive appearance. The following extras are included with this package:

• Highline fender flares

The Rubicon and Rubicon X receive extra hood and vent graphics when equipped with this package. The 2027 Jeep Gladiator 35-Inch Tire Launch Edition is now available to order, but pricing has not yet been shared and there’s no sign of the package on the Jeep Gladiator configurator yet.

The cheapest trim that’s compatible with this package is the Willys, which starts at $47,445. Based on everything that’s included, we expect it to cost close to $50,000 with the package installed. 

While production of the package is limited, Jeep has not specified exactly how many units will be available.

Related: Everything I Fell In Love With After A Week With The Jeep Gladiator Willys

Stellantis

Jeep isn’t trying to compete with the Honda Ridgeline or more polished versions of the Toyota Tacoma. It’s the unabashed sledgehammer of the midsize pickup segment, combining old-school V6 power with immense off-roading capabilities and endless customization. The new tire package builds on this recipe to great effect. It plays to the Gladiator’s strengths and unlocks more capability. We’re pleased to see the option being applied to the more basic Willys, too, and not just the expensive top trims. It brings top-tier off-roading prowess at a palatable price point—but look elsewhere if you’re after a comfortable everyday pickup.

Related: I Drove The 2026 Jeep Gladiator For A Week: It’s A Flawed, Entertaining Adventure Truck

At well over 5,000 pounds, the new BMW iX3 is quite a heavy beast for a vehicle in the compact SUV segment. You can thank the big battery for that, of course. The question is: Does the heavy electric powertrain significantly impact the iX3’s agility? To answer that, km77 subjected the electric BMW to the dreaded moose test to see how effectively it could complete the evasive maneuver. Designed to see how safely a car can avoid a sudden hazard, it’s the ultimate test of a vehicle’s roll control, how well it manages understeer/oversteer, and whether the electronic stability control system does its job.

The vehicle used for the test is the 50 xDrive, which is the same iX3 model that arrived in the U.S. first. An even quicker variant, the iX3 M60, was unveiled earlier in October and arrives later. The vehicle that conducted the moose test had a few extras, including substantial 22-inch wheels.

The testers first took the iX3 out for the slalom test, where it had to navigate its way through a series of cones. The driver appreciated the iX3’s precise steering and resistance to excessive body roll. It finished the slalom in 22.7 seconds, matching the Porsche Macan (gas model). It was fractionally slower than the more powerful Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic EQ (22.6 seconds).

In the first moose test run at around 48 mph—whereby the driver had not yet had an opportunity to gauge the vehicle’s responsiveness—the iX3 suffered from significant understeer, preventing the driver from swerving back into his lane within the required distance. The iX3 eventually completed the maneuver at a best speed of just over 45 mph. That exactly matches the electric GLC.

While the iX3’s maximum speed was nothing remarkable, it actually bettered the gas-powered X3 M50’s result (42.8 mph), which was considered a disappointment. Testers found that the iX3’s understeer was less pronounced than in the X3 and the electric SUV was more confidence-inspiring, too. That’s despite the fact that the iX3 weighs over 500 lbs more than the X3 M50.

Related: 2026 BMW X3 Vs. 2027 BMW iX3: Side-by-Side Gallery

2027 BMW iX3

BMW

The mounting of the iX3’s battery in the SUV’s floor structure likely contributes to its superior handling characteristics when compared to the gas-powered X3. This may not be the only reason to choose the iX3 over the X3, though.

Whereas the X3 looks like it’s awkwardly stuck between two distinct BMW design eras, the new iX3 fully commits to the Neue Klasse philosophy with its slimmer grille and less cluttered lines. Inside, it has BMW’s all-new layout with the Panoramic iDrive system, which moves away from the older dual-screen layout in the X3. Interior quality has taken a welcome step up in the iX3, too, whereas the gas X3 isn’t as impressive as its predecessor in this department.

2027 BMW iX3

BMW

At $61,500, the dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive is cheaper and more powerful than the X3 M50 xDrive. The iX3 produces 463 horsepower from dual motors, whereas the M50 makes 393 hp from its six-cylinder turbo engine. To be fair, BMW’s six-pot B58 is as good as it gets, but it’ll only get you to 60 mph 0.3 seconds quicker than the iX3. In M50 guise, the X3 costs $5,000 more. You can load up the iX3 with some desirable features and still end up with a cheaper vehicle.

While we haven’t had the chance to fully test the new X3 yet, we have seen it in the metal. Those first impressions, along with its better handling results and lower price, make it potentially more appealing than its gas-powered sibling.

Related: BMW iX3 Outsells Porsche, Audi and Mercedes Electric SUVs in U.S. Debut

Tesla originally envisioned producing around 250,000 Cybertrucks annually, but the electric pickup has fallen well short of that target. To be fair, though, EV demand has been underwhelming in the U.S., especially since the Trump administration ended the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in September 2025.

But apparently, the U.S. isn’t the only market where the Cybertruck is feeling the heat. Over in the Land Down Under, Tesla has canceled plans to produce the electric pickup for Australia and New Zealand. This means the company won’t be rolling out a right-hand-drive version anytime soon, which could limit the nameplate’s reach in other RHD markets.

Tesla

In an email sent to reservation holders, Tesla wrote, “After careful consideration, plans to produce Cybertruck for Australia and New Zealand have been discontinued. As a result, we’re unable to fulfil your reservation, and it will be cancelled.” This came nearly seven years after prospective buyers placed their deposits, back when it seemed the Cybertruck would play a significant role in the EV landscape.

But now, the Cybertruck’s future is uncertain. In addition to the canceled expansion, Tesla has adjusted the pickup’s pricing several times, suggesting it’s struggling to find the right balance between affordability and demand. There are also shifting priorities, with the EV maker increasingly emphasizing the Cybercab and Optimus. The latter is a humanoid robot planned to roll off the Fremont assembly line, which the company is freeing up by discontinuing the Model S and Model X.

More importantly, sales have been underwhelming. Cox Automotive estimates that Tesla sold 4,323 Cybertrucks in the U.S. in Q3 2026, a modest figure considering the pickup once attracted more than one million reservations. It was, however, the best-selling electric pickup, ahead of rivals like the Rivian R1T, but still far behind the company’s best-selling vehicle, the Model Y, which sold nearly 100,000 units.

Tesla

As always, only time will tell. But from what’s happening right now, the Cybertruck’s future looks increasingly uncertain, especially in the full-size electric pickup segment, where Ford ended production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning, while Ram canceled plans for its battery-electric 1500 in favor of a range-extended version.

Tesla has yet to announce plans to discontinue the Cybertruck or introduce a successor. One of the latest hints about its direction came during the company’s January 28, 2026, earnings call, when Elon Musk discussed transitioning the Cybertruck production line toward fully autonomous vehicles, potentially used for local cargo deliveries within cities.

Tesla

Ever since Mitsubishi’s U.S. sales peaked in 2002 with models like the Eclipse, the automaker has struggled to regain its footing in the region. It continued to compete as a major player against Toyota in Southeast Asia, but with the rise of Chinese electric vehicles this decade, even that comfort zone is now under threat.

According to Nikkei Asia, Mitsubishi is responding to the squeeze from Chinese EVs in Southeast Asia by shifting more resources toward mature markets, including Japan, Australia, and the U.S. This strategy would reduce Mitsubishi’s reliance on Southeast Asia. However, it carries risks because the brand has a relatively small market share and a limited dealership network stateside. Sounds like trading one uphill battle for another.

Jared Levenson/Autoblog

The strategy is an interesting development, given that Mitsubishi historically focused on Southeast Asia, while alliance partners Nissan and Renault took the lead in North America and Europe, respectively. But the alliance has since shifted toward a more flexible, project-based arrangement.

Still, Mitsubishi continues to work with Nissan in the U.S., even developing a new EV called the Eclipse Sportback, which is based on the Nissan Leaf. Mitsubishi is also looking to tap into the lucrative U.S. pickup truck market with a new entry in collaboration with Nissan. The truck is expected to compete in the midsize segment against the likes of the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

Mitsubishi’s U.S. strategy has already been laid out in its Momentum 2030 plan, which also includes dealership expansion. The plan was updated to expand the lineup from four models to six by 2027, including a rugged Outlander. It would target adventure-oriented buyers, who may otherwise be inclined to get a Honda Passport TrailSport.

Mitsubishi

Given that some of the new models are tailored to U.S. demand rather than simply filling gaps in the lineup, it will be interesting to see how the plan pans out. What’s apparent is that U.S. sales are declining, with the automaker selling just 68,554 vehicles in the first nine months of 2026, a 6.6% drop year over year. The silver lining is that the decline was entirely attributable to the discontinued Mirage, as sales of its remaining models actually grew 14.3%.

Again, Mitsubishi isn’t withdrawing from Southeast Asia, but rather shifting more new-product resources toward developed markets. After all, Southeast Asia still represents nearly a third of its global vehicle sales. Ultimately, the company is targeting global sales of 900,000 vehicles in the fiscal year ending March 2030, up 13% from fiscal 2025.

Mitsubishi

The Pope is an important symbol in the Christian world, as the representative of God himself on earth. As such, each Pope is an icon and becomes a recognizable figure worldwide. With millions in his ‘flock’ scattered across the world, the Pope must go on world tours to spread the good faith bestowed upon him by his divine position.

Seeing the Pope is an important aspect of his visits, but his overall safety is also a concern. That is why we have the Popemobile, a vehicle converted into a rolling stage or platform for His Holiness to be seen by his followers. Each Popemobile has become its own icon throughout the car world, and the newest one has just been announced.

Fiat

G1 Globo published a report announcing the vehicle Pope Leo XIV will use for his official visit to Uruguay in November 2026. Stellantis’ production partner in Uruguay, Nordex, will build and convert the Fiat Titano, making this Popemobile home-built.

As mentioned, the Titano will be modified with features befitting the requirements of every Popemobile. The core ideas are safety and visibility, which are tricky to put together but possible.

Surprisingly, the report says that this Popemobile will be customized with exposed sides instead of the usual confined, closed bulletproof glass box. It will also have a swivel seat with adjustable height for the Pope, plus a pair of extra seats and, finally, an electric rear staircase for easier entry and exit from the truck bed. The Titano will also receive visual upgrades like a white exterior with the papal seal on the doors, complemented by flags on the front wings. It also has special touches like a red carpet, white leather seats, and a glass canopy for rain.

Mercedes-Benz

According to the report, the Fiat Titano will be used only for his November 6 to 8 visit to Uruguay. In Argentina, he is reportedly going to use a Toyota Hilux. Toyota has also confirmed this, saying it will donate two units of the Popemobile: one for Buenos Aires and another for his trip to Córdoba. It will likely also feature modifications, but no official list has come out yet; we can assume it’ll be close in layout and likeness to the Titano.

GM won’t promise that every future Cadillac will have a steering wheel, but it is promising that anyone who wants to drive a V Blackwing will be able to. Whether or not this means drivable in our current understanding, or some dystopian electronically-mediated version of driving, remains to be seen.

Jaclyn McQuaid, GM’s senior vice president of vehicle products, told The Drivecast she can’t rule out a wheel-free Cadillac: “I can’t say that there won’t be Cadillacs where that one day happens”. It echoes a concept GM showed in 2024, the Opulent Velocity, whose steering yoke retracts in fully autonomous mode.

Cadillac

For now, not much changes. GM’s eyes-off driving system debuts in the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ and then moves to full-size light-duty trucks, with a later “Mission Mode” meant to let vehicles run errands for owners. Eyes-off is a step beyond today’s hands-free Super Cruise, but nothing in McQuaid’s comments says the wheel goes away.

Enthusiasts got the clearest answer. McQuaid said “if somebody wants [to drive a] V Blackwing, they’re going to be able to drive a Blackwing,” and added that it “doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all answer.” She cited GM’s racing programs in F1 and NASCAR and called herself “a lover of driving.” According to reports, the next CT5-V is expected to offer a naturally aspirated V8 and a manual gearbox, which would keep the Blackwing tradition of driver-focused engineering alive.

Cadillac

Federal safety rules were written around a human driver. In July, NHTSA gave Zoox a two-year exemption for a wheel-free robotaxi, capped at 2,500 vehicles in any 12-month period. That is a commercial permit, not a way to sell cars to consumers. NHTSA proposed rule changes for driverless vehicles on October 23, but they must go through public comment first, and one report estimates six to eighteen months for rules like this.

GM’s McQuaid also tied autonomy to older drivers keeping their independence, which is a more relatable pitch than a car with no wheel. I don’t know what relevance “older drivers” have when it comes to wanting to drive and exercise your independence. As somebody who has a soft spot for classic cars, one thing is clear: what we as enthusiasts or drivers want almost doesn’t matter anymore – we are all riding the profit-maximizing, obsolescence planning constrain train past the golden age of engaging and visceral automobiles, all the way to regulation station. Once the data is out, showing that self-driving cars are safer than human-driven cars, the powers that be will use that argument to take driving away from us.

Acura reportedly plans to sell 200,000 vehicles per year by 2030, which would put it ahead of Cadillac and Audi if these two luxury brands maintain their current sales levels. The plan is to expand the lineup from four to six nameplates, including an unnamed adventure-focused SUV and an eight-seater flagship SUV.

But thanks to Honda’s new trademark filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), there may now be an idea of what the upcoming Acura vehicles could be called. Honda, Acura’s parent company, filed four names on October 16: TDX, LDX, Type-Trail, and Type T, all under “Automobiles and structural parts therefor.”

Acura

At this point, it’s anyone’s guess where these names would be used, or if the Japanese automaker would even use them. Sometimes, automakers file trademarks to protect names from competitors without necessarily planning to use them. But given the timing of Acura’s expansion plans, the filings couldn’t have come at a better time.

The TDX and LDX are likely model names, considering that Acura’s SUV lineup includes the ADX, RDX, and MDX. Meanwhile, sedans like the now-discontinued TLX and RLX use the LX suffix instead of DX. This suggests that the TDX and LDX could be crossovers or SUVs, matching the luxury brand’s descriptions of its upcoming models.

The TDX could be the adventure-focused model, with reports suggesting it could be based on the Honda Passport. Meanwhile, the LDX could be the eight-seater flagship, assuming L stands for Large. These new additions could compete against the Lexus GX and TX, respectively.

As for Type-Trail and Type T, they could be trim names, similar to the Type R used on the Honda Civic or Type S on performance-oriented Acuras. They could also be off-road-focused trims, which would make sense given the strong demand for trail-ready vehicles. In fact, the more off-road-ready TrailSport trim accounts for around 80% of Honda Passport sales.

Cole Attisha

Again, these are just speculations, though more details may not be too far away. The adventure-focused model is expected to arrive in the first half of 2028, so some details may start to emerge next year. Meanwhile, production of the eight-seater flagship SUV could reportedly begin in the third quarter of 2029.

It also wouldn’t come as a surprise if Honda itself uses some of the trademarked names, particularly Type-Trail and Type T. After all, the automaker is expanding its off-road lineup, having introduced a new initiative called Trail Line earlier this year to bring Honda Racing Corporation’s off-road racing expertise into production vehicles.

Acura

It’s that time in the product lifecycle when Hyundai updates its design language across most of its models. We’ve already seen the debut of the all-new Elantra and Tucson, as well as speculation about the looks of the facelifted Santa Fe. With the brand seemingly refreshing its look, people are curious what else it has in store for its other cars.

A new render has surfaced speculating on what the new Hyundai Elantra N will look like.

NYMammoth published some fictional renders of the inevitable Elantra N on Instagram. The illustrations focus on the rear design of the upcoming Elantra N, based on spy shots that recently went viral during testing of the new model.

One of the most obvious details in the render is the rear design. According to the renders, Hyundai may black out the entire rear panel. That design cue draws inspiration from the current Ioniq 6, which blends the signature N colorways with a blacked-out rear, though it’s still speculation at this point. However, Hyundai has a compelling reason to blend the designs of its N models. This would unify the N branding and cars, creating a signature detail for the automaker’s performance arm.

Other distinct details from the render include a rear taillight design resembling the current designs we’re seeing from the brand, as well as aggressive aerodynamic features that are likely functional, helping the Elantra N cut through the air better and stay more planted on track. You can also see in the render a dual-exhaust system integrated into the rear diffuser, and most of all, the Elantra N looks much more muscular and imposing than the outgoing design.

nymammoth/Instagram

While we can all speculate on the looks, what truly matters about the Elantra N is the way it drives. Details aren’t public yet regarding the powertrain of the upcoming Elantra N, but people are speculating about a major change. The report says that Hyundai could ditch the current 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for an uprated 2.5-liter motor; that engine is also expected to be electrified, with the new Elantra N set to be the Korean car maker’s first hybrid performance model.

nymammoth/Instagram

Diesel prices are skyrocketing everywhere, and that means filling up a diesel pickup is starting to sting. So it’s no surprise that GM CEO Mary Barra got grilled during the company’s Q3 2026 earnings call about whether these sky-high diesel costs might scare off buyers.

Barra’s answer was unexpected. She says GM’s Duramax diesels are still cheaper to own, even as diesel prices rise. She argues that better fuel efficiency can offset the higher fuel costs. But does using less fuel really mean you’ll spend less over time?

Chevrolet

GM didn’t spell it out, but let’s be real: they’re talking about the 3.0-liter LZ0 turbo-diesel inline-six going up against Ford’s 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 hybrid and Toyota’s 3.4-liter i-Force Max V6 hybrid.

GM Authority analyzed the numbers, looking at four-wheel-drive fuel economy and 2026 base prices. The Duramax comes out ahead, but the difference from Ford’s hybrid isn’t very large.

The Duramax pulls off 24 mpg combined, just a hair better than Ford’s 23 mpg and noticeably ahead of Toyota’s 20 mpg. It’s also the cheapest to get into, so GM isn’t just blowing smoke here.

However, the hybrids are much more powerful, obviously. Toyota’s system produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, Ford’s offers 430 hp and 570 lb-ft, while GM’s diesel has 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. Those are sizable gaps, which could matter if you want better on-road performance and lower-end grunt.

Zac Palmer

Of course, mpg and sticker price are just the tip of the iceberg. Scheduled maintenance can sneak up and take a bite out of your wallet over the years. Don’t forget, diesel trucks need diesel exhaust fluid too. Sure, DEF is cheap if you buy it by the jug, but it’s still a cost hybrid owners can mostly ignore.

So, GM’s case holds water if you’re only looking at fuel economy. But the real answer to which truck is cheaper to own? That depends on everything from fuel prices and how much you drive to maintenance, where you drive, and how long you hang onto your truck.

Chevrolet

Buying a used car inherently involves financial risk, but a thorough pre-purchase inspection is widely considered the ultimate safety net. Buyers gladly pay independent mechanics to check fluids, run diagnostics, and examine the undercarriage to avoid bringing home a lemon. However, a recent incident involving a freshly purchased Mazda reminds consumers that even comprehensive inspections are not foolproof guarantees against immediate failures.

According to Motor1, a couple purchased a used Mazda6 after specifically paying for an independent inspection. The mechanic gave the vehicle a clean bill of health, clearing the way for the sale. Yet, just 30 minutes after leaving the lot, the engine began emitting loud noises before failing entirely. This rapid deterioration highlights a grim reality of the used market. An inspection only reveals what is visibly broken at that exact moment. It cannot accurately predict internal component failures lingering on the verge of snapping, especially if previous owners hid severe maintenance neglect.

Mazda

Nightmare scenarios often lead frustrated buyers to question a manufacturer’s entire lineup. However, looking at broader data, the automaker’s overall brand reliability remains largely intact. When evaluating long-term ownership, buyer satisfaction surveys consistently demonstrate that Mazda drivers are fiercely loyal, frequently praising the brand’s sharp driving dynamics and premium interiors compared to economy competitors.

Yet, when comparing Japanese brands for long-term durability, the actual winner depends entirely on the specific maintenance history of the individual vehicle. A neglected Mazda will always be a worse purchase than a meticulously serviced Nissan, regardless of corporate reputation. For example, compact commuter reliability might look fantastic on paper. However, if that specific car was abused as a rental or ignored by previous owners, it can still suffer catastrophic failure mere minutes after passing a seemingly clean mechanic’s inspection.

It is easy to read a nightmare scenario like this and conclude that paying for an inspection is a waste of money. Skipping this step, however, remains the worst mistake a shopper can make. With new data exposing a severe auto affordability crisis, buying second-hand is often the most realistic way to combat skyrocketing prices. A mechanic does not have a crystal ball to predict a thrown rod bearing, but they will absolutely catch a leaking water pump, failing brakes, or hidden rust damage.

The ultimate takeaway is that an inspection is about risk mitigation, not absolute risk elimination. Used cars are complex machines subjected to unpredictable wear and tear. While an inspection cannot offer an ironclad guarantee against sudden engine failure, it remains the most effective tool for filtering out obvious financial disasters before you ever sign the final paperwork.

Mazda