Volvo Introduces the 2025 EX30
Volvo’s 2025 EX30 might just be the bite-size electric crossover that catapults Volvo’s sales into new territory. In addition to a trove of pictures and details, we also have the…
As a follow-up to the Airflow concept unveiled at CES 2022, Chrysler has rolled out an updated version with new colors and a tweaked front end. The extent of the changes included a Galaxy Black exterior paint choice in place of the original white, accompanied by Cyprus Copper accents on the trim and wheels. They call it the Airflow Graphite Concept, accordingly. This is a decent start for a brand that is planning on going EV-only by 2028, but they are going to need to bring the heat with the other vehicles it rolls out between now and then. The Airflow is expected to go into production by 2025, but we think a Pacifica minivan should follow soon after. More pics and details here.
Both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride have been refreshed for 2023. Powertrains remain unchanged, but the details of the front end designs as well as the interiors have been massaged. New off-road-oriented trims have been added to both, XRT for Palisade and X-Line/X-Pro for Telluride. The X-Pro is meant to be a little more serious with beefier tires, more ground clearance and a 500 pound increase in towing capacity. The Palisade’s XRT trim, which is borrowed from the Tucson and Santa Fe, is more of an appearance package. Both models benefit from new safety features and updates to interior technology, such as the Telluride’s new dual-screen infotainment screens. More on Palisade here, Telluride here.
The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer were already behemoths in their respective segments. Now, Jeep is taking the fight to Navigator L and Escalade ESV with the extended Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L. Not only are these now two of the longest large body-on-frame SUVs in America (almost on par with Escalade ESV), they are powered by Stellantis’ new Hurricane twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engines. In the Wagoneer L, it makes 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque. Grand Wagoneer L will benefit from a bump to 510 and 500, respectively. More pictures and details here.
The Kia Niro makes its second-generation debut for North America with the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric variants all returning. The design is inspired heavily by the HabaNiro concept from 2019, with a unique C-pillar color-contrasting aero blade. This active element will be offered in matching body colors or a variety of colors like orange, white and grey. Niro HEV (hybrid) will be powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder and 32 kW electric motor for 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Niro PHEV (plug-in hybrid) swaps out the hybrid’s electric motor for a 62 kW unit, bumping horsepower to 180. The battery is 11.1 kWh in size and can be fully charged on a Level 2 charger in under 3 hours, giving drivers 33 miles of EV-only range. The Niro EV (electric) does not ride on Hyundai’s e-GMP 800v platforms, but does receive a decent upgrade over the old system. With a 64.8 kWh battery and 150kW (201-horsepower) electric motor, it is projected to go 243 miles on a single charge. It will charge at DC Fast Chargers, with a maximum charge strength of 85 kW. More on this here.
Subaru took the wraps off of a refreshed Outback, with new design elements inspired by the Solterra EV. This is most evident by the front end’s C-shaped black body cladding. The grille has also grown in size. EyeSight, Subaru’s driver assistance tech, receives some upgrades such as wide-angle cameras, lane change assist and emergency steering assist, among other things. Infotainment receives wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Onyx Edition trim now offers the naturally-aspirated engine option on top of the 2.4L turbo. More on this here.
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been crowned the World Car of the Year by the World Car Awards. The organization took to the NY Auto Show stage to bestow the honor on this excellent EV, but that wasn’t the only accolade it brought home. The IONIQ 5 also won World Design of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year. It beat out other newcomers for the latter such as the Mercedes-EQS and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Design-wise, it is hard to argue that it is one of the most unique and well-executed designs to come out in recent years. You don’t have to be a fan of the retro/futuristic theme, but there’s no denying that Hyundai actually tried. More on this here.
The BMW X7 went on sale in 2018, so a refresh was in order for 2023. Adopting BMW’s new split-headlight design that will also appear on the next 7 Series, this update definitely has opinions…..split. Beyond the visual changes, the interior receives the new curved infotainment screen. X7 xDrive40i models with the turbo inline 6-cylinder receive a bump in power to 375 horsepower. The new M60i uses a 523 horsepower twin-turbo V8 with 48-volt hybrid assistance, while the updated Alpina XB7 will have up to 630 horsepower. More on this here.
