• In the first half of 2025, 23% of Volvo cars built were plug-in hybrids
• The new Volvo XC70 brings their maximum plug-in range to over 200km
• Volvo plans for all cars electrified by 2030

It is a rarity to celebrate an announcement by a major car manufacturer, unless they’re from China in recent times. Especially in a volatile world, with supply chains and job prospects more fragile than a 90’s Alfa Romeo. However from the port of Gothenburg in Sweden comes news that Volvo Cars brought the total number of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) built to one million. Regardless of your opinion on electrification, this signals Volvo’s plan is unfolding.

Related: Volvo Will Build New Hybrid in U.S. to Dodge Tariffs

Since Volvo began producing cars in 1927, if you ask people for one word that defines them, I bet on safety. When you buckle your seatbelt, you have the work of their engineer Nils Bohlin, who pioneered the three-point safety belt in 1959. 1972 brought their rear facing child seat, inspired by astronauts. If a child needs a booster cushion, you have Volvo to thank in 1978. This focus continues today, and in 2019 they announced their “Equal Vehicles for All”, where all safety research is given free to the world.

It is understandable that safety overshadows the development Volvo made with electrification. Their first PHEV was released in 2012, a diesel hybrid variant of the V60 estate. They wasted no time in providing PHEV variants for all cars, for several years they were alone globally in doing this. Ahead of the game… or seeing the sign of things to come… you take your pick. In 2024, the XC60 PHEV was the best-selling PHEV in Europe, and out of 11 models, five have PHEV and six have fully electric options. The aim… all variants to be PHEV or fully electric by 2030. Doable? I’d say strongly that if anyone can, Volvo will.

Some manufacturers have electrified from their inception; their names get mentioned enough. In a world with higher taxation charges, the demand for oil, and concern of environmental impact, it’s inevitable manufacturers are forced to electrify. In the five years leading to 2024, Volvo Cars themselves saw PHEV sales grow from 46,000 to 177,000 units per year. Surely this still doesn’t compete with the all-electric brands? That view ignores the challenge legacy manufacturers have shifting from combustion to all electric. Factory alterations, allocating resources, updating safety, new suppliers, prioritising models… these and more are amplified for someone like Volvo that for most of its history only had combustion engines. Not forgetting the truck side, where it was announced this year for the first time they are Europe’s leader, with a 17.9% market share. Juggling all of these deserves admiration, signalling that in this turbulent world, Volvo have lots to celebrate.

• Black Edition available for both XC90 plug-in and mild hybrid models
• Special black finishes, inside and out
• EX30 Black Edition also on the way soon

Now in production for a decade, Volvo continues to breathe new life into its XC90 mid-size luxury crossover. It was comprehensively refreshed for the 2025 model year, with changes including a modernized design, a revised dashboard layout, a new infotainment display, and a refined suspension.

Volvo’s latest change for this BMW X5 and Audi Q7 rival is a new Black Edition, a sportier take on the SUV. Volvo has already unveiled Black Editions for smaller models like the XC60, but now it’s the turn of the XC90.

Volvo XC90 Black Edition exterior

Volvo

The black look works beautifully with Volvo’s typically restrained design language. A high gloss black finish has been applied to the grille, iron mark, rear badges, and wheels. Onyx Black used to be the only paint color for Volvo Black Editions, but the XC90 Black Edition can also be finished in Crystal White, Denim Blue, and Vapour Grey for those who prefer the contrast look.

In the cabin, there are two all-black environments to choose from, but both have charcoal headlining and checkered aluminum decors. The charcoal seats can be finished in a choice of two material options.

"Following clear demand from our customers, we are expanding our line-up of Black Edition cars, adding the XC90," says Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars. "There’s now a timeless and confident-looking Black Edition for our customers in all sizes."

If you live in a state like Indiana, you can complete the look with a cool blacked-out license plate.

Related: Indiana’s New Blackout Plates Are Perfect For Murdered-Out Mustangs

Black Editions of the XC60, EX40, XC40, and EC40 (previously called the C40 Recharge) already exist. Volvo is also planning to release a Black Edition of its smallest EV, the EX30, soon. With this and the new XC90 added to the mix, there will soon be six different Black Edition Volvos.

For the UK market, Black Editions of the XC90 in Plus, Plus Pro, and Ultra trims will be available. The US-spec XC90 Black Edition is yet to be confirmed, but the trim structure here is slightly different, with Core, Plus, and Ultra derivatives.

Black Editions continue to prove popular, especially in the SUV segment. Other options in this class include the Audi Q7 with the Black Optic Package, which also darkens the exterior trim of the big Audi, while Lincoln’s Aviator can be upgraded with the similar Jet Appearance Package. Volvo’s version does go a step further by also darkening the interior trimmings, too.

The XC60 Black Edition costs roughly $11,000 more than the base XC60, which gives us an idea of the expected premium on the similar XC90.

• 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid hits 35 mpg on the highway
• Annual fuel costs up to $1,100 less than non-hybrid V6
• Hybrid’s efficiency varies by trim/wheel size

Already one of America’s favorite three-row crossovers, the second-generation Hyundai Palisade has also introduced a hybrid powertrain option. It’s one of the most significant changes to the model, since only a V6 was available previously. 

Upon its reveal earlier this year, Hyundai only said that it expected the new Palisade Hybrid to return over 30 mpg, but the official EPA numbers are now in, and it’s great news for Palisade fans looking for a more efficient family vehicle.

Related: 2026 Hyundai Palisade MSRP Increase, Still a Better Value Than Toyota, Honda?

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

Hyundai

According to the EPA, the most efficient Palisade Hybrid is the Blue variant with front-wheel drive, which manages 33/35/34 mpg city/highway/combined; this isn't far off the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's best of 36 mpg combined. Other trims with all-wheel drive drop to 29/30/29 mpg. Hyundai’s own website indicates that the SEL Premium matches the Blue, but the Limited and Calligraphy hybrids get 31/32/31 mpg with FWD and 29/30/29 with AWD; these more expensive trims have larger wheels than the Blue and SEL Premium.

Regardless of which hybrid you go for, all are far more efficient than the non-hybrid model, and you can travel up to 619 miles on a full tank of gas.

With the 3.5-liter V6, expect 19/25/21 mpg with FWD and 18/24/20 mpg with AWD. The off-road-oriented XRT Pro with the V6 is even worse, and manages 16/22/19 mpg.

Hyundai’s website doesn’t yet list the Blue trim, which starts at $44,160 with FWD. It’s expected to become available later this year.

Related: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Trim Matchup: SE vs Calligraphy

The EPA provides an estimate of annual fuel costs, based on drivers covering 15,000 miles per year, with 55% city driving and 45% highway driving. This figure is also based on current fuel costs, which can fluctuate often.

Assuming all things are equal, the Palisade Hybrid Blue’s annual fuel cost is $1,400. The base V6 model’s figure rises to $2,250, and the XRT Pro is the most expensive to run, with an annual fuel cost of $2,500—over $1,000 more than the Hybrid Blue.

Not only is the hybrid a lot more efficient, but it’s more powerful, too. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors combine for 329 horsepower, easily outmuscling the V6’s 287 hp. 

Price is the only real deterrent to getting behind the wheel of the Palisade Hybrid, as it starts at $4,725 more than the cheapest V6-powered model.

On paper, the Palisade Hybrid looks like a no-brainer. It’s likely going to be quicker to accelerate, yet rewards you at the pumps. You’ll also enjoy far fewer stops at the gas station, as the range on a full tank is up to 619 miles in the most efficient derivative—the V6 will only get 399 miles in FWD guise.

Currently, electrified Hyundais (combining EVs and hybrids) account for 38% of the manufacturer’s retail sales mix in the United States. The efficient Palisade Hybrid is bound to push that figure over 40%.

When the all-new Kia Telluride arrives, expect it to adopt the same 329-hp hybrid powertrain as an option, alongside the V6.

Few cars have been mocked as relentlessly as the Toyota Prius. Its first generations were easy targets, with oddball proportions and a design that shouted function over form. Yet the Prius endured, becoming both a symbol of green driving and a punchline at the same time.

In 2023, the model went through a quiet transformation. The current Prius now wears a sharp, coupe-like profile that feels closer to a sport compact than an economy car. It looks confident, with clean lines that replace the awkward wedge shape of its predecessors without changing its identity – a practical and efficient hybrid.

Toyota

The numbers show that Toyota’s gamble to restyle the Prius is paying off. Last month, the Prius moved 3,813 units in the US. That figure is lower than the same month last year, but the year-to-date trend tells a different story. Toyota has delivered 46,777 Prius units so far this year, which marks a 63 percent increase from 2024.

Within Toyota’s car lineup, it now ranks third in popularity, trailing only the Camry Hybrid and Corolla Hybrid. The Camry remains the volume leader with more than 24,000 units sold in September, while the Corolla reached nearly 18,500. The Prius still sells in smaller numbers, but its growth rate outpaces its stablemates. What was once dismissed as a quirky, polarizing car is now pulling its weight in Toyota’s broader electrified strategy.

Toyota

The Prius sits within a larger story of Toyota and Lexus finding momentum in hybrids. Together, the brands reported third-quarter sales of 629,137 vehicles, with the RAV4 at the top and nearly 283,000 of those carrying electrified badges. That figure means 45 percent of TMNA’s quarterly volume came from hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cells, or EVs. The Camry Hybrid and Sienna Hybrid continue to be strong contributors, while new entries like the Grand Highlander Hybrid and Tacoma Hybrid demonstrate rapid gains.

Lexus is finding success with its TX Hybrid, though its electric RZ crossover continues to lose ground. Toyota’s bZ4X EV is in a similar slump, down sharply from last year. Even so, Toyota’s wide mix of 30 electrified models is cushioning those declines. The company’s bet on multiple powertrain paths, anchored by hybrids, is keeping sales steady as it prepares for the next-generation RAV4 to take its turn in the spotlight.

The reborn Honda Prelude is already in the hands of early adopters in Japan, even before the car makes its way to the US. The coupe carries the weight of history, as the original Prelude was a staple of Honda's performance lineup from the late 1970s through the early 2000s.

Now reintroduced as a hybrid two-door coupe, the first batch has been sold out, with customer deliveries beginning last month. Some drivers have started sharing firsthand impressions of what the new model is like to live with. Among them is Creative Trend, a Japanese car blog, which has offered both technical insights and a curious social observation: driving a new Prelude seems to attract attention from older men, many of whom once owned earlier versions of the model.

Honda

The author reports being approached regularly by men in their 60s or older while out in public with the Prelude. Many of them talk about owning older Preludes or driving comparable cars such as the classic Nissan Fairlady Z. The conversations then shift into questions about the new car's price, performance, and practicality. The Prelude's sticker price – valued at 6.18 million yen (around $41,000 at current exchange rates) – has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether a hybrid coupe is worth that sum in today's market.

Others have been more critical, remarking on design changes and the shift away from the character of the older models. Some dismissed the car outright, while a few were curious enough to ask for a ride.

A recurring topic is the Prelude's engineering. The car shares suspension components with the Civic Type R, though they have different braking systems, with the Prelude using an electric servo rather than hydraulic brakes. According to the owner, this combination delivers strong stability and confident stopping power on public roads, but it is not tuned for circuit performance.

Beyond social encounters, the owner has outlined some early impressions of the car itself. Having already covered more than 560 miles within the first week, the Prelude has proven to be efficient and stable, with enough performance for city driving, winding roads, and highway use. Some cons, though – the automatic headlights engage earlier than expected, though this is due to Japanese traffic regulations requiring activation below certain brightness levels. Rear visibility in heavy rain is reportedly poor, a compromise tied to the coupe's styling and the absence of a rear wiper.

In the US, the Prelude is expected to go on sale later this year, so we can likely expect to hear about what owners think on this side of the world soon. American Honda has yet to provide pricing for the returning sports coupe as of this writing.

The Nissan Xterra was once the brand's answer to the midsize off-road SUV market. Boxy, practical, and truck-based, it gave Nissan a direct rival to models like the Toyota 4Runner. It sold well during the late 1990s and 2000s but was ultimately discontinued in the US about a decade ago. Tougher emissions rules and shifting consumer interest toward crossovers made the old formula less viable.

First discovered through a patent filing, Nissan has confirmed that it's preparing to bring the Xterra back in 2028, this time with a hybrid V6. For a company struggling to stabilize its footing in the US, the revival could be more than just a nostalgic nod. It may be the product that gives Nissan – and potentially Infiniti – the momentum they have been seeking.

According to Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier, the new Xterra will share its platform and hybrid powertrain with the Frontier pickup, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60, Bloomberg reports. Dealers are welcoming the move, with Meunier noting that the model will "bring scale back to the plant and get the costs at the right level." He also said, "The dealers are super excited about it because it's going to be a great example of Nissan coming back."

Notably, Nissan is considering a more upscale Infiniti-branded version of the SUV. That could broaden its reach and allow the company to capture a wider swath of customers.

The Xterra's return would also help fill unused capacity at the Canton, Mississippi factory, which could eventually assemble the Armada and Infiniti QX80 alongside it. Body-on-frame SUVs are generally more profitable, and Nissan is positioning itself to take a larger share of that market.

The decision to revive the Xterra also coincides with Nissan putting a freeze on its US-built EV program. The automaker had originally planned to launch a fully electric SUV out of Canton in 2028, with batteries supplied by SK On in South Korea. That project has been shelved as demand for EVs softens and federal subsidies expire. Nissan still imports the Leaf from Japan, though volumes have been reduced due to tariffs, while the not-so-popular Ariya has also been axed.

"With the market being very uncertain about EVs, I think it's the right thing to do," said Meunier.

With the Xterra selling side-by-side with updated models like the Sentra and an upcoming plug-in hybrid and e-Power Rogue, Nissan's future, at least in the US, is not looking so grim for now. If successful, the new Xterra could rescue Nissan while also providing a needed lifeline for Infiniti.

• Daniel Ricciardo confirmed to appear at the 2025 Raptor Rally in Lake Havasu
• Owners can bring their own Raptors to the rally for guided off-road fun
• Ricciardo’s Enchante brand launches exclusive apparel with Ford at the event

Ford has found its newest star: Daniel Ricciardo. After stepping away from Formula 1 last month, the Australian driver has settled into his new role as Ford’s Global Racing Ambassador. His first major appearance comes later this October at the Raptor Rally in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Ford

Believe it or not, Ricciardo’s connection to Ford’s high-performance trucks isn’t just some new sponsorship perk. He bought his first Raptor in 2017, long before his ambassadorship, and describes it as “freedom and everything I wanted as a kid.” Sure, Formula 1 and off-road driving might seem like complete opposites, but Ricciardo has never shied away from a challenge. Interestingly, he’s not the only F1 driver tied to Ford these days. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen recently got behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang GTD, too.

Ford

The Raptor Rally isn’t your run-of-the-mill redneck rally. Instead, it's the perfect opportunity for owners to bring their own vehicles and experience them the way they were meant to be driven. Whether it’s the Ford Ranger Raptor, the Bronco Raptor, or the F-150 Raptor, participants will have the opportunity to join curated off-road runs alongside fellow enthusiasts. Ricciardo’s involvement won't be your typical impersonal sponsorship appearance either. Instead of just showing up to wave from a stage, he says he's excited to "see your Raptors in action, and to meet so many of you who are just as passionate about these machines as I am." On top of that, he’s weaving in another one of his passions. His clothing brand, Enchante, is partnering with Ford to drop limited-edition pieces tied to the Raptor Rally.

Ford

After stepping away from Formula 1 – even parting with his Aston Martin Valkyrie – Ricciardo seems to have found his new home with Ford. While the extent of their relationship remains up in the air, one thing remains certain: his love for cars is still strong; it's just a bit different this time around. Whether you're a fan of Formula 1, Ford, or Ricciardo himself, the 2025 Raptor Rally promises a mix of everything that's good in the world with the Honey Badger right at the center.

Related: Valkyrie Owner Sues Aston Martin Because $3.5M Hypercar Is 'Too Dangerous To Drive'

The redesigned 2026 Nissan Leaf is a small electric car that emphasizes practicality and affordability, so its mission is about as different from that of the Nissan Z sports car as it gets. But as Nissan explained in a recent press release, the automaker used engineers from the Z program to help develop the Leaf in an effort to deliver a consistent feeling of "Nissan-ness" across these two very different vehicles.

"Our goal is brand consistency across every segment," Matthew Wright, a research and development engineer based at Nissan's Arizona Testing Center, said in a statement. "No matter the vehicle, we want to deliver a comfortable, secure experience so customers are confident behind the wheel."

"Precise steering and responsive acceleration aren't just for sports cars," Wright added. "We made countless adjustments to help ensure Leaf customers enjoy a fun, confident drive." The goal wasn't necessarily to make the Leaf feel sportier, but to make it feel like a Nissan.

"The steering precision and controllability are aligned with those in other Nissan vehicles, giving a consistent impression across the lineup," Wright said. Ride and handling tend to take a backseat to infotainment and driver-assist tech in conversations about the merits of new cars these days, but the way cars actually drive is still an important way for the engineers at Nissan and other brands to make their mark. And when it comes to the Leaf, those engineers have a breadth of experience.

"We want the development team to have a breadth of product experience," Christian Spencer, Nissan senior manager of marketability, said. The Leaf team includes engineers who worked not only on the Z, but also SUVs, pickup trucks, and sedans, according to the automaker. "We also use shared tuning strategies across the brand," Spencer said. "Having uniform methods helps us ensure consistent Nissan quality in every car."

Nissan

The new Leaf is still very much an economical EV, not a sports car. But in addition to chassis tuning, Nissan made some hardware changes to improve handling. The floor is 80% stiffer than the previous generation, according to Nissan, and this third-generation Leaf adopts a multilink rear suspension in place of the previous generations' torsion-beam setup.

However, the really big news is a base price of $31,485 for the 303-mile Leaf S+ model. That's the lowest base price of any EV currently on sale in the United States, and there's an even cheaper Leaf S model on the way, albeit with a smaller battery pack and likely significantly less range.

• Toyota calls out automakers for marketing mild-hybrids as full hybrids
• Toyota says 48V systems should not be labeled as “hybrid drive”
• Explains the key differences between mild, full, and plug-in hybrid systems
• Toyota promises to keep hybrid terminology transparent across its lineup

Toyota says the word hybrid is being thrown around far too loosely. With nearly every automaker rushing to electrify, the brand believes many customers are being misled into thinking mild-hybrid systems offer the same benefits as a full hybrid. And if you think those two are the same thing, you’ve fallen for marketing lingo.

Toyota

Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, has made the company’s stance crystal clear, when speaking with Australian media. He argues that rival brands are confusing customers by marketing 48-volt assist systems as hybrids, even though they can’t operate on electric power alone. A true hybrid, Toyota explains, has a dedicated electric motor and a battery large enough to drive the car independently. Mild-hybrids, on the other hand, only use a small 48-volt system to help with starts and acceleration, offering marginal fuel savings. Despite that, several automakers continue to promote them as full hybrids, claiming improved efficiency that Toyota says is often exaggerated.

Toyota

All cars use a small electric system, usually powered by a 12-volt battery. Hybrids, however, use far more power. To clear the air, here’s how the three main electrified systems differ:

• Mild-hybrid (MHEV): Uses a small 48-volt battery to support the engine but cannot run on electric power alone. Slightly smoother, slightly more efficient – that’s about it.
• Hybrid (HEV): Features both an engine and an electric motor that can drive the car independently or together. Examples include the Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid.
• Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): Includes a much larger battery that can be charged externally and delivers a greater electric-only range before the engine kicks in. Examples include the Toyota Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime.

Interestingly, Toyota’s next big move might see the gargantuan Land Cruiser adopting plug-in hybrid technology.

Toyota

When asked to define what truly qualifies as a hybrid, Hanley didn’t hold back: “We don’t count 48-volt as a hybrid system. They’re not hybrids, not remotely.” Toyota wants to make sure buyers know exactly what level of electrification they’re getting. In Australia, models like the HiLux and Land Cruiser Prado that use the 48-volt setup wear the “V Active” badge instead of the hybrid nameplate. And while the debate over hybrid terminology might sound like semantics, it ultimately comes down to honesty. Because at the end of the day, not every so-called “hybrid” has earned the title.

Mansory has built wild supercars for footballers, rappers, and oil barons, but landing a Formula 1 driver as a brand ambassador might be the German tuner's most significant flex yet. Esteban Ocon's newly delivered Mansory Lamborghini Revuelto represents more than just another outrageous build. It's Mansory's ticket into the paddock, bringing a company known for divisive taste as close to Formula 1 as you can get without actually becoming a chassis manufacturer.

The 28-year-old French driver, currently with Haas F1, has become Mansory's racing ambassador. His helmet already carries their logos during race weekends, and now this $1.1 million Mansory Initiate solidifies a relationship that extends beyond a 1-of-1 build. Having one of their creations parked in an F1 driver's garage offers legitimacy that money typically can't buy.

Mansory

Founded in 1989 by Iranian tuner Kourosh Mansory, the company built its reputation on polarizing modifications that make exotic vehicles even more extreme. Their approach involves extensive forged carbon fiber bodywork, aggressive aerodynamics, and mechanical upgrades. Full Mansory Atelier conversions like Ocon's easily exceed seven figures.

Ocon's Revuelto showcases everything Mansory does best and everything critics find excessive. Black marbled carbon fiber panels with red accents wrap the exterior, complemented by a prominent rear wing and distinctive wheels. His race number 31 appears on the wheel arches, while bright red leather dominates the interior. The 6.5-liter V12 hybrid powertrain receives Mansory's performance treatment, taking the standard Revuelto's 825 horsepower up to 880 horsepower. Overall system output is up to 1,070hp from a 1,000hp. All in, it’s exactly what Mansory clients usually want: absolute uniqueness.

Mansory

Mansory is leveraging this partnership with Esteban Ocon to position themselves within motorsport's most prestigious arena. They can't field an F1 team or engineer hybrid powertrains, but they can put their logo on a driver's helmet and build him a car that turns heads in Monaco. For Mansory, that's close enough to Formula 1, and probably more profitable than actually competing would ever be.