The updated 911 Turbo S has been a long time coming. While much of the 911 lineup has already transitioned to the refreshed 992.2 generation, Porsche held back its flagship model – until today.

After a tasteful teasing last week, the updated 911 Turbo S has finally been revealed at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. Available as both a coupe and cabriolet, the 2026 model introduces the T-Hybrid system, which debuted in the 911 GTS, along with sharper styling and a broader focus on customization while retaining the comfort and usability that has defined the Turbo nameplate for decades.

Porsche

Underpinning the new model is Porsche's T-Hybrid system, which utilizes a pair of electric exhaust gas turbochargers (as opposed to the single e-turbo in the 911 GTS) to enhance both output and responsiveness. The result is a combined output of 701 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, making this the most powerful production 911 to date. Power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor and distributed by the familiar all-wheel-drive system.

The numbers reflect a measurable step forward. The coupe now accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, shaving 0.2 seconds from its predecessor. Reaching 124 mph takes 8.4 seconds, a half-second improvement. Top speed remains capped at 200 mph. Around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the car clocked a 7:03.92 lap, which is 14 seconds quicker than the outgoing Turbo S.

Despite carrying an extra 180 pounds due to hybrid hardware, Porsche claims superior agility and stability, with development driver Jörg Bergmeister describing it as more planted and responsive across all track sectors.

The 911 Turbo S features wider rear tires – now 325/30 ZR21 – paired with motorsport-derived ceramic brakes. The rear rotors grow to 410 mm, the largest ever fitted to a Porsche two-door model. A revised chassis with electro-hydraulic roll control, faster than the hydraulic system it replaces, helps the car remain balanced through corners, while standard titanium exhaust components reduce weight and enhance sound.

Porsche

Visually, the new Turbo S aligns with Porsche's typical Turbo design strategy, adopting contrasting details in a color called Turbonite. This accent appears on the crest, lettering, wheel options, and trim pieces, marking it out from lesser 911s. The body itself remains wider than Carrera models, with integrated intakes on the rear quarters feeding air into the engine. A reworked rear fascia features bolder vents, while active aerodynamic elements – including a front diffuser, adaptive spoiler, and tilting rear wing – adjust drag and downforce according to conditions.

Inside, the theme continues with Turbonite highlights across the dash, doors, and seats. Carbon fiber trim with Neodyme accents and a Race-Tex headliner add to the impression of exclusivity. The coupe comes standard with a two-seat layout, but can be optioned with rear seats at no additional charge, while the cabriolet maintains a 2+2 setup.

Standard equipment includes HD Matrix LED headlights, adaptive 18-way seats with Turbo S embossing, and the Sport Chrono package, which features a tire temperature display. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers further customization options for discerning owners, including carbon fiber roofs and intakes, as well as carbon wiper arms that weigh half as much as standard ones.

Porsche

American Porsche-philes are lucky as they can already order the 2026 911 Turbo S, with first deliveries expected in spring 2026. Pricing starts at $270,300 for the coupe and $284,300 for the cabriolet, with both figures excluding a $2,350 delivery, processing, and handling fee. As usual, options and customization programs such as Paint to Sample can push totals higher.

Porsche also extends personalization to the wrist, offering a matching Turbo S chronograph through Porsche Design, built in Switzerland, and configurable to echo the details of the buyer's car.

Porsche

Electric vehicles remain expensive in most markets, leaving many buyers priced out of the transition. Volkswagen is attempting to change that by introducing a new wave of entry-level models. The brand has already confirmed the ID. Polo, a small electric hatchback, and the more performance-focused ID. Polo GTI.

The latest addition is the ID. CROSS Concept, a compact SUV revealed at the 2025 IAA Mobility show in Munich. Although presented as a concept, the ID. CROSS is confirmed for production and points directly to a new SUV arriving in 2026. The goal is simple: provide a battery-powered option that looks and feels like a Volkswagen people already know, but with a price and positioning that make it more accessible.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has given the ID. CROSS a new design language it calls "Pure Positive." The idea is to combine stability, likeability, and subtle heritage cues. At 163.8 inches long and 72.4 inches wide, the SUV sits in the same footprint as the T-Cross, but with a more modern and cleaner profile.

The floating roof, upright C-pillars, and horizontal louvres nod to icons like the VW Bus and Golf, while 21-inch "Balboa" wheels created with Goodyear add a concept-car touch. The front and rear feature three-dimensional LED light signatures, complete with illuminated VW logos.

Inside, the cabin is meant to feel like a lounge more than a traditional car interior. Upholstered in light "Vanilla Chai" tones with bouclé fabric called Daisy, it has a softer and more textured character than most compact SUVs. Preconfigured light, sound, and climate modes, as well as eucalyptus leaves set in the floating center console, emphasize a connection to nature.

VW didn't relegate the ID. CROSS's practicality, offering 450 liters of boot space, a 38-liter compartment under the rear seats, and a small frunk up front. The seats can fold flat to form a reclining area, a nod to the VW Bus's reputation for versatility.

Volkswagen

The ID. CROSS sits on the MEB+ platform, an updated version of Volkswagen's modular electric architecture. Power is generated by a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, producing 208 horsepower (155 kW). Range is expected to be up to 261 miles (420 kilometers) under WLTP testing, with a top speed limited to 109 mph (175 km/h).

The SUV is also designed with utility in mind. It can tow up to 2,646 pounds (1,200 kilograms) on a braked trailer at an eight percent gradient and offers a 165-lb (75-kilogram) tow ball load, enough to carry two electric bikes. Volkswagen says future MEB+ software will improve driver assistance features such as Travel Assist, borrowing capabilities previously reserved for more expensive models.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen plans to reveal the production-ready ID. CROSS in summer 2026. It will join the ID. Polo and Polo GTI as part of the brand's four-vehicle affordable EV rollout, followed by the ID. EVERY1 in 2027. All of these models fall under the Volkswagen Group's "Brand Group Core," which includes Škoda, SEAT, Cupra, and VW Commercial Vehicles. The idea is to share technology and scale to lower costs across multiple brands.

While pricing has not yet been confirmed, Volkswagen has made clear that these vehicles are meant to bring electric mobility into reach for a larger number of buyers.

Volkswagen

The Volkswagen ID.4 was full of promise when it came to the US market back in 2021. Since then, the compact electric SUV has enjoyed a series of ups and downs, vacillating between nigh-unsellable and serious contender. VW brought the nameplate substantial updates back in 2024, and it even managed to be the third best-selling EV overall as recently as January 2025. Of course, that was well before sales of the model dropped a precipitous 65% in Q2 of 2025 — perhaps a direct result of losing eligibility for the $7,500 federal tax credit. Now, the brand is ramping down production while laying off 160 employees from its Chattanooga production site.

Volkswagen

The news came early on September 2, 2025, and it likely isn’t a surprise to anyone paying attention. For one, a sales slump of 65% is hard to ignore, and it contributed to a 19% drop in sales year-over-year. Second, there wasn’t likely to be an uptick in demand coming any time soon, with an EV rebate gone and the possibility of tariffs still swirling. To make matters worse, a recall targeting the VW ID.4 was issued nearly exactly a year ago for door handles that could leak in wet conditions.

There is some silver lining to those affected by the layoffs, though. While 160 employees will be furloughed beginning in late October, VW publicly remarked that it will supplement unemployment from the state of Tennessee. Effectively, that means laid-off workers will receive 80% of their base compensation and retain full health benefits. Although officially a “slowing down” of production, ID.4 assembly will coast to a full halt by late October. This is the second time VW has elected to slow down production; the first announcement came in late March, when the automaker cut a shift from the ID.4 line.

2025 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen

Michael Lowder tells the Chattanooga Times Free Press in an email that VW’s decision to press pause is purely a “market-driven” one. "This adjustment in no way changes our commitment to the ID.4, our growing EV portfolio, or our commitment to our Chattanooga team,” Lowder states. While the slowdown isn’t said to affect the other vehicles built at the plant — the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport — we do wonder what effect, if any, the development will have on union talks. Just last month, Automotive News reported that talks between the UAW and VW were nearing conclusion, with final offers on the table. The last round of negotiations looked promising, with a 20% raise, cost-of-living adjustment, and reduced health care costs. Of course, that offer arrived after very nearly a year of negotiations.

The VW ID.4 is a solid enough EV, and now might be a great time to pick one up at a hefty discount. As far as the future goes, that’s tougher to guarantee. There’s the vague possibility that if the EV rebate entirely disappears later this month, the ID.4 could become more competitive, as it would no longer be at a $7,500 disadvantage relative to its rivals. But we’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully, it’s “see you soon,” not “goodbye” for the Volkswagen ID.4.

It’s an oft-repeated mantra that EVs are a “lease, don’t buy” proposition, but it seems like not everyone’s subscribed to the same newsletter. In fact, new data published by Experian in its quarterly auto finance report shows the opposite holds true for vehicles arguably the most ubiquitous in the EV space: Tesla. Perhaps even more shockingly, the brand isn’t completely alone.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla

While most top EV models enjoy a healthy lease-to-loan ratio — and we’ll get to that in a minute — American brands specifically seem to attract buyers committed to the long haul. The data shows that a whopping 70% of Tesla Model Y shoppers chose to finance or pay cash for their vehicle in Q2 2025, leaving just under 30% leasing. The Model 3 had a similarly high 42% of customers opting to finance or pay cash. If we look back to Q1, we see that these numbers are an increase from last quarter’s Model Y figures, meaning significantly more customers chose to pay cash. Furthermore, in Q1, we saw the Tesla Cybertruck defy all odds with 73.92% of customers paying cash or financing in lieu of leasing.

Tesla buyers aren’t the only ones eschewing leasing, either. Nearly 38% of Ford Mustang Mach-E shoppers opted to pay in full or finance their car. That’s a small decrease from Q1 2025, when around 40% of customers chose the same. Last quarter, we also saw F-150 Lightning cash and financing account for around 55% of all purchases. Chevy’s Equinox EV stood out in Q2, too, with around 40% of customers choosing to pay cash or finance it.

Among the best-selling EVs for the quarter, there were some predictable finds. Rivian R1S lease take rates sat at 69.85%, and over 70% of Nissan Ariya customers — which represented 2.3% of all EV customers in Q2 2025 — chose to lease. Outliers on the higher end include the Honda Prologue, where 84% of customers chose to lease, and the BMW i4, where a whopping 89% of customers opted for short-term ownership. Notably, Experian’s Q1 data also revealed that 88% of VW ID.4 buyers chose to lease.

Experian

Of course, there are a few good reasons for customers to take the lease path instead of financing or paying cash for an EV. For one, all new cars depreciate, and EVs are certainly no exception. Due to the developing technology, the inevitability of expensive battery replacements, and fluctuating new car prices, EVs are even more heavily impacted than internal combustion vehicles by depreciation. EVs are still generally on the pricier side, too, which makes leasing more affordable in the short term. Data points to a $175 difference between leasing and financing an EV in Q2 2025, with leasing being cheaper across all EVs, which is identical to Q1 2025. Some outliers? The Tesla Model 3 was $255 cheaper per month when leased. The Honda Prologue was $282 cheaper.

Experian

It's worth noting that, despite financing and cash being the purchase option of choice for many of these Tesla shoppers, the Model Y and Model 3 dominated all others when looking at the top 10 most-leased EV models. The Model 3 and Model Y together accounted for over 30% of all EV leases in Q2 2025. Respectively, they held the number one and number three spots across all leased vehicles, gas, electric, or otherwise. This figure, perhaps more than anything else, illustrates the sheer volume of EVs that Tesla sells compared to rivals.

As far as extrapolating anything from the data? Well, Tesla's lease take rates have always trailed other OEMs, as initially, lease buyouts were not allowed. Furthermore, the Model Y and Model 3 are still fairly fresh, having both received significant updates in the last year. It tracks that customers might expect value to hold better on these models over time, and paying cash or financing means a little more flexibility if they decide to ditch the car. Meanwhile, over at Ford, some Lightning models enjoy a $10,000 incentive only on financed trucks. Frankly, the Mach-E and Equinox EV take rates have no easy explanation, but they’re also slightly closer to industry norms. Possibilities are endless, but ultimately, it does seem like legacy brand shoppers are either not comfortable with leasing or prefer the flexibility of financing/outright purchases.

Eight-time Formula 1 grand prix winner Daniel Ricciardo has decided to declutter his garage by putting his hypercar, the 2023 Aston Martin Valkyrie, up for auction. The supercar will kick start Broad Arrow’s Zoute Concours Auction with a bang on October 10, 2025, in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. The iconic British luxury sports car marque has only manufactured 150 examples of the Valkyrie, and the Zoute Concours Auction has put an estimate of $2.79 million to $3.26 million.

The sale coincides with the former F1 star's announcement that he has quit racing and joined Ford as its Global Racing Ambassador.

A post shared by Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo)

Broad Arrow

The market price of the Valkyrie is around $3 million, but as expected, the former F1 racing driver’s supercar has additional customized goodies worth over $200,000 from Aston Martin's "Q" division. Ricciardo, popularly known as ‘Honey Badger’ got his Valkyrie painted in a special Dichroic Dawn color, which was later called Badger Blue. It is further equipped with accessories glossy lacquer finish on the roof and engine cover, Magnesium Performance Wheels, and exposed 2×2 twill satin carbon interior hardware.

The Valkyrie wears chassis 089 and is virtually new, as the odometer reveals it has run only 100 miles. The car has received Aston Martin's comprehensive 24-month service and has the factory “Intensified” Valkyrie Ownership Experience Programme Service Plan, which is valid through August 2027.

Aston Martin set out to create a street-legal hypercar with Formula 1 levels of performance and technology, and to achieve it, the brand turned to none other than Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s legendary former chief technical officer. The result is the Valkyrie, developed in partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies in Milton Keynes. Built around a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque, the car pairs a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 with a 105-kW electric motor, revving to an astonishing 11,100 rpm. The combined system produces 1,160 horsepower, delivered with the aid of a hybrid KERS setup and controlled through an F1-style removable steering wheel. Performance is just as extreme: 0–60 mph in under three seconds, 681 lb-ft of torque peaking between 6,000–7,000 rpm, and a top speed electronically limited to 220 mph.

The Mitsubishi Montero, sold in many parts of the world as the Pajero or the Shogun, was once the brand's most recognizable SUV. Built on a ladder-frame chassis (later evolved into monocoque) and equipped with genuine four-wheel drive capability, it competed directly with models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Armada – the latter gaining a brand-spanking-new Nismo version. It was also the vehicle that helped popularize the SUV movement in Japan during the late 1980s and 1990s.

In Japan, the Pajero bowed out with a Final Edition in 2019, and the production facility that built it was shuttered in 2021. For Mitsubishi, the model's departure also meant losing a flagship nameplate at home. However, the brand has been quietly working on a revival, and development vehicles have already been spotted on the road, fully camouflaged. Now, thanks to information from Japan, we finally have a clearer picture of when it will make its return.

Mitsubishi

According to NHK News, the new Pajero will be revived in December 2026. The report also states that Mitsubishi intends to strengthen its domestic presence with the return of what was once its most important SUV. Dealers in Japan have reportedly been informed that an announcement is scheduled for the end of 2026, which aligns with NHK's report.

Production will not take place in Japan this time. Instead, the SUV will be manufactured in Thailand, where Mitsubishi already builds the Triton pickup, and then imported back into Japan. While details remain scarce, the Pajero's return carries symbolic weight for Mitsubishi, given its heritage and role as a brand cornerstone.

Mitsubishi

Pajero's shots from Europe show a development vehicle with styling cues familiar from Mitsubishi's latest models. A horizontal grille pattern, headlights resembling those of the XForce, and rugged black cladding suggest a tough, rugged design. Six-hole wheels and vertically arranged taillights suggest a clear departure from the Destinator 7-seater, strengthening the case that this is indeed the next Pajero.

Reports also indicate it may use an improved ladder-frame platform derived from the Triton and Pajero Sport, with a diesel turbo four-cylinder engine as the likely starting point. Hybrid options, whether mild or plug-in, have not been ruled out.

How much of this proves true will be revealed in time. Mitsubishi is flying me out to Japan next month for this year's Japan Mobility Show, with a side trip scheduled to test drive an "unknown" vehicle. Whether that ends up being the Montero/Pajero or something else, I'll share updates once I have more information.

Mitsubishi

Toyota has reshuffled the Highlander lineup, dropping the old base trim and making all-wheel drive standard. The result: the midsize SUV now carries a higher starting price than ever before. That alone might raise eyebrows, but the real head-scratcher is how the Highlander now overlaps with the larger Grand Highlander and sits above many of its rivals on the price ladder.

Toyota

For 2026, the Highlander lineup starts at $46,765 for the XLE AWD. That’s nearly $5,000 higher than last year’s LE FWD trim at $41,815. With the LE gone, there’s no longer a budget-friendly entry point. The XLE does add more equipment, and the standard AWD brings peace of mind for buyers who tow or drive in rougher climates, but the leap in starting price changes the Highlander’s positioning entirely. To be fair, trim-for-trim increases are only a few hundred dollars.

Toyota

Here’s the part that makes less sense: the larger Grand Highlander is actually cheaper. Its base price is $41,360, and even an AWD version comes in at $42,960. Although it also underwent a price increase for the 2026 model year, the big brother still undercuts the Highlander by $3,800 while offering more room for passengers and cargo. Even when you move up to the XLE trim, the difference is barely there, with the Grand Highlander XLE AWD costing just $460 more than the Highlander XLE AWD. With the sales numbers heavily favoring the bigger model already, Toyota may have created a situation where customers find little reason to stick with the regular Highlander.

Toyota

Looking outside Toyota’s lineup, the Highlander also finds itself priced above many competitors. A Kia Telluride with AWD starts at $38,390, the Hyundai Palisade AWD begins at $41,435, the Mazda CX-90 comes in at $38,800, and the Honda Pilot with AWD starts at $42,300. That means the Highlander costs more than its rivals and even more than the larger Grand Highlander. SUV buyers tend to be value-conscious, and a gap this wide could make the Highlander feel redundant. Unless Toyota has something else up its sleeve – which we hope isn't another price hike on the Grand Highlander – the 2026 Highlander seems to be the awkward middle child of the three-row SUV market.

Kia

Hyundai

Joel Stocksdale

The 6.2-liter V8 – internally nicknamed the "Boss" engine – powered Ford's toughest workhorses from around 2010 to 2022. It debuted in the F-150 SVT Raptor and later became a staple in heavy-duty applications, including the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty, plus the E-Series vans.

Endowed with a cast-iron block, SOHC valvetrain, and featuring two spark plugs per cylinder, the Boss has earned a reputation for ruggedness and dependability, having been retained in production for over a decade. Owner forums echo that reputation, with some even calling it one of the most reliable motors that Ford has ever made. Others cite the engine's typical fleet usage, noting that typical well-maintained examples can reach thousands of miles with minimal maintenance.

Despite the Ford Boss V8's tough reputation, our favorite engine CSI, YouTube's I Do Cars, received one that was all too human in its failures. The engine exhibited massive internal damage from the get-go.

At the top end, spark plugs were either smashed or worn to unacceptable gaps. The intake ports were packed with dust, detritus, and oil sludge, and several valve guides had detached from the heads – signs of internal violence. One piston was half-missing; another was gone entirely.

The oil pan revealed a graveyard of engine internals – shattered rods, broken pistons and rings, wrist pins, and aluminum debris. The crank journals and bearings were discolored and scored, consistent with severe oil starvation.

As the video presenter summed it up: in one catastrophic moment, this V8 went from a working 6.2-liter engine to something akin to a 4.6-liter V6 – through sheer destructive neglect.

I Do Cars/YouTube

The Boss V8's resilience hinges not just on design, but on diligent maintenance. Regular oil changes are crucial to keeping the internals properly lubricated, since a clogged pickup or failing pump can quickly turn a strong motor into scrap. Warning signs, such as rough idling, misfire codes, burning oil, or unexplained temperature spikes, should never be ignored, particularly when the truck is under a heavy load.

When servicing, proper use of OEM gaskets and machining cylinder heads flat is always preferable to shortcuts (such as grinding or slathering sealant) to avoid introducing debris into vital passages. Even minor maintenance items, such as spark plugs, oil filters, and valve cover gaskets, contribute to long-term vehicle health when addressed regularly.

Overall, like most engines, a long life depends on routine care, timely attention to problems, and proper care.

Ford

Here’s a twist no one saw coming: Ram has teamed up with the NFL to launch a special edition Rampage R/T pickup, but you won’t find it at dealerships in the United States. Instead, this football-themed truck is exclusive to Brazil, despite celebrating one of North America’s biggest sports. Only 300 will be built, so unless you’re in São Paulo or Rio, you’ll be stuck watching from the sidelines.

Stellantis

Stellantis

Stellantis

The Rampage R/T NFL Edition isn’t just a sticker pack. It packs Ram’s 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 turbo engine, good for 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That gets it from 0 to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds, making it the quickest compact pickup in Brazil. Yet, it will remain a slouch compared to the new Ram 1500 TRX. With the NFL Edition Rampage, you get new sport pedals, stainless steel exhaust tips, and illuminated NFL logos inside and out to set it apart from the standard truck. Buyers also get a gift kit with a cooler, cap, and thermal cup. It feels like the most American set of accessories imaginable, which makes it all the more ironic that Americans can't buy one.

Stellantis

Stellantis

Stellantis

The decision makes more sense than it might seem. The NFL has built a huge following in Brazil, with more than 36 million fans, according to the league. By tying the country’s most popular Ram pickup to one of the world’s most recognizable sports brands, both sides get a marketing win. Still, it is hard to ignore the irony: a North American automaker and a North American sports league are celebrating their partnership by keeping the truck south of the equator.

Stellantis

Stellantis

Stellantis

For Ram fans in the U.S., it still stings. While the Rampage itself may not be a household name, this limited-edition version feels like a piece of rolling memorabilia that some NFL superfans would have lined up for. With suede-and-leather seats embossed with the league’s logo and only 300 units planned, it is destined to be a rare sight even in Brazil. Our only hope is that the latest Ram 1500 gets a similar treatment.

EV insurance 2025 still runs higher than gas, and the gap widened substantially this year. National numbers shows EV drivers paying about $4,058 on average versus $2,732 for ICE—roughly a 49% difference, according to Insurify’s 2025 report. Despite what looks like a big dipper, that’s not a price crash story; overall insurance inflation cooled from 2023’s spike, but prices remain high. The BLS CPI release still shows motor-vehicle insurance rising year over year, just at a slower pace.

Figure 1 — Average Annual Premiums ICE v EV (2020–2025) (USD): Source: Insurify.

The EV–ICE premium gap narrowed from the mid-40s in 2021 to ~23% in 2024, then jumped to ~49% in 2025. That is EV averages rising about $628 while ICE slipped ~$46, so the spread widened. Treat the shape as directional: Insurify’s 2021–23 points use monthly quote medians (annualized); 2024–25 use annual averages.

Figure 2 - After tightening through 2024, the EV–ICE gap widens to ~49% in 2025 as EV averages rise and ICE holds flat. Source: Insurify.

Two levers matter: repair severity and shop readiness. Fresh claims data pegs repairable collision severity around $5,903 for BEVs vs. $4,938 for ICE in Q2 2025—higher parts costs and longer calibration time keep EVs much more expensive to insure. Mitchell’s Plugged-In Q2 2025 lays it out: sensor-dense front and rear modules, aluminum closures, specialty glass, and ADAS calibration add real dollars.

When there are dips and spikes in averages, someone is winning and someone losing. Mass-market EV crossovers with mature parts pipelines and clear repair guides show easing. Think Model Y, Model 3 (Highland), VW ID.4, Ioniq 5, and EV6.

Luxury and low-volume rigs still have premiums that really sting: Rivian R1T/R1S, Cybertruck, Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQE. Gas rivals like RAV4 and CR-V still insure cheaper in most ZIPs, even as fueling math favors many EVs.

Model (2025)

Direction

Why it moves this way

Tesla Model Y

↓

High volume parts, mature repair guides, strong crash avoidance

Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

↓

Simplified front modules, common glass/lighting

VW ID.4

↓

Wider parts availability, mainstream labor ops

Hyundai Ioniq 5

↓

Strong crash performance, clear calibration routines

Kia EV6

↓

Improving parts flow, fewer long backorders

Chevy Equinox EV

↓/flat

Common components, mainstream pricing

Ford Mustang Mach-E

flat

Mixed repair costs; decent shop network

Nissan Ariya

flat

Average parts pricing, stable claim profile

BMW i4

↑

Premium lighting/glass; calibration time

Audi Q4 e-tron

↑

Dense sensor stack; luxury parts pricing

Mercedes-Benz EQE

↑

Aluminum closures, radar/camera arrays

Rivian R1T

↑↑

Low-volume body panels, heavy wheels/tires

Rivian R1S

↑↑

Same as R1T; structural repair time

Tesla Cybertruck

↑↑

Unique panels, specialty glass, limited networks

Lucid Air

↑↑

Low volume, premium components

Figure 3 — Shopper’s Table (direction & why). Source: Aggregate of Insurify national EV vs. ICE averages (2024–2025), Mitchell Plugged-In Q2 2025 BEV vs. ICE repair severity trends, and IIHS front crash-prevention findings.

• Pick mature, high-volume models: Model Y/3, ID.4, Ioniq 5, EV6. Big fleets mean faster parts and shorter repair times.
• Choose safety-heavy trims: AEB, rear auto-braking, blind-spot, cross-traffic. Prevention beats repair.
• Keep fascias and glass simple: Skip pixel headlights, full-width light bars, and pano roofs.
• Run 18–19-inch wheels: Common tire sizes replace cheaper than 20–22s.
• Buy into a strong repair network: Confirm nearby certified shops can calibrate your cameras/radar.
• Stick with mainstream options: Standard paint and shared panels beat boutique bits. Avoid matte paintjobs.

• Quote the exact VIN with 5–6 carriers; then re-quote after you pick wheels and packages.
• Run telematics for 60–90 days if you drive clean.
• Bundle your home and auto with one insurer, then re-quote 30–45 days before each renewal—state-filed rates change, and fresh quotes may price your VIN lower
• Verify your policy lists AEB, rear auto-braking, and anti-theft correctly.

Spec it smart and keep about $900 a year on EV insurance—same car, smaller bill. That’s a realistic ~20–23% from bundling and telematics on the average EV premium.

EV insurance 2025 is a spec sheet test. Choose the sane wheels, the proven safety kit, and the car that local shops can fix fast. Your quote—and your stress—drop.