Jalopnik - Obsessed with the culture of cars

The Box Is Back: Honda Is Reviving The Element As A Hybrid In 2029

staff@jalopnik.com (Nico DeMattia) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:01:29 +0000

Honda's original Element was arguably ahead of its time. Could a new, hybrid version do any better?

The Smart Crossblade Isn't Good, But It Is Amazing

staff@jalopnik.com (Andy Kalmowitz) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:25:00 +0000

There's no good reason for the Smart Crossblade to exist whatsoever, and that's why I'm so glad it does.

Modern EV Batteries Last Way, Way Longer Than Those 'EV Skeptics' Want You To Think

staff@jalopnik.com (Collin Woodard) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Battery life has improved a lot in recent years, and warranties mean you can keep your EV for a long time without fear of paying for a replacement battery.

3 Of The Least Reliable Plug-In Hybrids Of 2026 Have Already Been Discontinued

staff@jalopnik.com (Josh West) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:45:00 +0000

Plug-in hybrids don't have the best reputation for reliability. In fact, three of Consumer Reports' least reliable PHEVs of 2026 have already been discontinued.

You Know Sedans Are Back When Even Maserati Is Working On A New One

staff@jalopnik.com (Chris Tsui) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:05:00 +0000

The Quattroporte and the Ghibli have been gone from Maserati's lineup for a few years, but there may be a new four-door Italian on the way.

2028 Mercedes-Benz VLE Is The Most Exciting New Luxury Car In Ages

staff@jalopnik.com (Daniel Golson) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:27:05 +0000

Don't call it a minivan - Mercedes says its new VLE is a "grand limousine," and it'll actually come to the U.S. alongside even fancier VLS and Maybach models.

Used Tesla Model X Is The Only Electric Three-Row Family Hauler You Can Buy Under $20,000, But Here's A Reality Check

staff@jalopnik.com (Collin Woodard) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:25:00 +0000

Three rows, zero emissions, and eye-catching doors. But is a cheap Model X such a great idea?

The World's Most Expensive Semi Truck Has Almost 4,000 HP And Can Reach 130 MPH

staff@jalopnik.com (Chloe Clougher) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:25:00 +0000

Built by Mike Harrah over the course of 7 years, this 44-foot, 32,000-pound behemoth is the world's most powerful and most expensive semi truck ever.

How Reliable Is The 2025 Volvo XC60? Here's What The Data Says

staff@jalopnik.com (Monday Goma) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:25:00 +0000

Volvo owes a lot of its popularity to its stellar reputation for safety, but the brand recently struggled with reliability. Here's how the 2025 XC60 stacks up.

Hybrid Honda Prelude Is Popular Enough In Japan To Already Get A New Limited Edition

staff@jalopnik.com (Chris Tsui) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:25:00 +0000

The new paint is called Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic, and it does bring to mind a bottle of red wine, as does the appropriately named Bordeaux interior trim.

You Can Find These 5 New Hybrid SUVs For Well Under $50,000

staff@jalopnik.com (Dave Goldberg) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0000

We found 5 hybrid SUVs with the most impressive tech and practicality features and above-average Consumer Reports reliability ratings for under $40,000 new.

If You Want A Convertible Corvette From These Years, Tough Luck

staff@jalopnik.com (Marko Mikulic) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:25:00 +0000

The convertible Corvette is quite a desirable car these days, but it wasn't always the case -- and some Corvettes were never even sold in drop-top form.

Why The Toyota 22R-E Cast-Iron Block Made The Pickup And 4Runner Unkillable

staff@jalopnik.com (Aakash Badree) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:05:00 +0000

Toyota's 22R-E engine was as tough and reliable as it was simple. In fact, it was the secret to the success of the virtually unkillable Toyota truck lineup.

The Renault 5 Turbo Was A Hot Hatch That Could Go Over 800 Miles On One Tank Of Gas

staff@jalopnik.com (Aakash Badree) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 01:25:00 +0000

Renault made the 5 Turbo to compete in intense rally events. But a certain addition to the car allowed to have an absurd range of around 800 miles.

Why You Might (Or Might Not) Want A Certified Pre-Owned Truck

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:25:00 +0000

The Certified Pre-Owned label carries quite a few benefits. It also carries some glaring downsides, which means it might not be best for everyone.

The Engineering That Made The Honda S2000's Manual Gearbox A Cult Object

staff@jalopnik.com (Chris Tsui) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Widely considered one of the car industry's most satisfying 6-speeds, shifting the Honda S2000's manual transmission feels like operating a bolt-action rifle.

Lawsuit Claims Ram ProMaster Only Uses 7 Gears When Customers Paid For 9

staff@jalopnik.com (Justin Hughes) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 21:05:00 +0000

The lawsuit alleges that these vans are so slow, they never get around to engaging eighth or ninth gear, making them effectively 7-speeds instead.

This Semi Truck's 10 MPG Might Sound Terrible, But Here's Why That's Incredibly Efficient

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Just 10 miles per gallon? That would be terrible mileage if you were comparing this semi with a sedan, or even with an SUV. But it's really quite impressive.

Which 2021 EVs Have Depreciated The Most In 5 Years?

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0000

Electric cars are notorious for their steep depreciation rates, but some are worse than others. Here's which 2021 EVs are now the biggest bargains.

Are New Semi Trucks Better Than Old Ones? Here's What Drivers And Fleet Owners Say

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:25:00 +0000

As new semis take on a uniform look, lots of tech, and improved mileage, opinions have varied on whether they're really an improvement on older trucks.