2025 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD

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At the end of the day, what really matters about a vehicle. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

As this vehicle is the last one I am going to write about for 2025, and as this is a performance-oriented hybrid (271-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four that’s combined with a six-speed transmission with an integrated electric motor and an 80-kW eAxle, all of which means there’s an available 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque and as there is what’s called the “DIRECT4” all-wheel drive system), I ought to get all rhapsodizic about the performance that can be realized when that aluminum-trimmed accelerator pedal is pressed.

And I ought to be even more chuffed by the fact that this performance-oriented midsize SUV returns a highly respectable 27 mpg (27 city/28 highway/27 combined).

But a thing that really impresses me about the RX 500h F SPORT Performance is the driver’s seat. Leather-trimmed. Heated and ventilated.

And the most comfortable seat I’ve sat in in any vehicle this year. Comfortable on the bottom. Slightly bolstered on the sides. Really the sort of thing that allows long drives without the usual attendant side-to-side squirming that helps relieve discomfort and/or numbness.

Another thing I like about it is that, yes, it is setup and the position is stored in memory, but that when the power button is deactivated the seat automatically goes back away from the steering wheel and lowers, thereby making egress—and subsequent ingress—easier.

2025 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD (Image: Lexus)

Of course I should be going on about how with the “Black Line Special Edition” package there are 21-inch black alloy wheels and what owners probably feel really good about seeing as they approach the vehicle is that the brake calipers are painted orange and the front ones are massive, telegraphing the message that this is the sporty version of the RX.

Or the tech including a 14-inch touchscreen interface, a head-up display, and Mark Levinson audio.

But here’s the thing. Although it drives smoothly like a Lexus and provides the performance that the aforementioned powertrain setup is expected to provide, although the interior is trimmed throughout with excellent materials that are carefully fitted and matched, at the end of the day of a driving experience, it is pretty much about the driver’s seat. (Yes, the vehicle seats five so there are four other places, but that’s not what interests me as the driver.)

Some may think that’s a silly thing to be so fixated on—what about the charging ports? what about the sunroof? what about . . .—especially when considering something with an all-in sticker of $75,790 (base MSRP of $64,800; $9,640 in options; $1,350 for delivery, processing and handling).

But I’ve been in vehicles this year that have all the goods, a sticker that shows it, and yet was something that I initially enjoyed, but before too awfully long, the fidgeting and twisting set in.

No one buys a vehicle at any price point that they’re not going to be putting some miles on, which means some hours behind the wheel. Without an excellent seat, everything else has, over time, diminished importance.

And this RX 500h F SPORT seat didn’t let me down.

And I might add that while driving it in a Detroit winter, the heated steering wheel was a nice touch.

Another Change in the Supplier Landscape

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It isn’t easy—or inexpensive—to be an automotive supplier

By Gary S. Vasilash

One of the things that doesn’t get a whole lot of attention but should is how there is a slow but certain transition of the automotive supply base.

On the one hand there are companies that seemed as though they were fixtures that shifted. Like Continental Automotive being spun out of Continental last April and becoming Aumovio.

Previously Continental spun off its Powertrain division. It became Vitesco. Vitesco was acquired in the fall of 2024 by Schaeffler and that name is now gone.

Today ZF announced it sold its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) business to Harman International.

In the case of Vitesco to Schaeffler, it is a fairly understandable shift, as Schaeffler has a Powertrain & Chassis Div., as well as others that are in that sphere (E-Mobility, Vehicle Lifetime Solutions (a fancy way of saying “aftermarket”), and Bearings and Industrial Solutions).

At first blush the ZF sale of its ADAS business to a company that may be more well known for its automotive audio brands—Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, etc.–Harman International.

But Harman, which was acquired by Samsung in 2017, has been more deeply involved in automotive tech than might be expected. It has been developing various systems that provide a wide array of driver information, taking advantage of its screens, software, and connectivity.

All of those are nicely complimented by the ZF ADAS acquisition.

But ZF?

This brings up something else that doesn’t get a whole lot of attention.

Given things ranging from the tariffs to the consumer demand for electric vehicles that didn’t grow as anticipated, automotive suppliers are under significant economic pressure.

In making the announcement, Mathias Miedreich, CEO of ZF, said, in part, “the transaction will help to significantly reduce ZF’s financial liabilities. The sale enables us to focus our resources on those core ZF technologies such as chassis, powertrain, commercial vehicles, and industrial applications in which we are global leaders.“

It wasn’t that long ago that ADAS was one of “those core ZF technologies.”

Realize that there will be more demand for ADAS going forward, not less.

But there is an on-going need to advance capabilities in that space, and that takes large, consistent investment.

Evidently the ZF board recognizes that for the good of the company at large those investments are not something that it can sustain. So the sale.

As for Harman, this is a great opportunity.

And let’s face it: with a corporate parent like Samsung, which has a market cap on the order of $499 billion, access to development funds is probably not going to be a significant issue.

2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Aire Edition

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If only there was a higher profile and consistent position for the company. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

I’ve long thought that Mazda would be a bigger factor in the overall auto market. Cox Automotive currently puts the OEM’s market share at 2.5% which, oddly enough ties it with BMW and puts it ahead of Mercedes (2.1%). Mazda, of course, isn’t in the higher end of the market, which explains why those two companies are where they are in the overall market.

But Mazda has an array of vehicles on offer, most of which are under $40,000, and several under $30,000, like the vehicle in question here, the CX-30, a subcompact crossover that puts it in a competitive space with vehicles like the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and several others.

The “several others” is something notable because this is a highly crowded space. Which leads to another thing about Mazda, which is its comparatively small dealer body. Based on a Google search of Mazda and Honda dealerships in Michigan, Mazda has 17 and Honda 29—and Ford and Chevy are in triple digits.

So when you don’t drive past dealer lots with vehicles, or if you don’t see Mazdas parked in driveways in your neighborhood, odds are things like the CX-30 aren’t going to be on your shopping list if you’re considering a new set of wheels.

And then there is the issue of just what a Mazda is. Once it was the sporty alternative to the likes of Honda, Chevy and Ford, primarily based on the Miata (a.k.a., MX-5) as well as the enthusiast reviews of other models that cited their superb ride and handling. None of that is gone except for the sporty positioning in the market.

On the homepage of the Mazda site there’s this:

WHERE INTENTION MEETS INNOVATION

FOR THOSE WHO DO MORE THAN MOVE

We craft vehicles with the power to transform every drive into a meaningful experience. When you’re behind the wheel, you’ll feel how our design, craftsmanship and technology come together to bring you closer to your passions and your journeys.

Which sounds good, but I have no idea what it means.

I mean, I went to the grocery store in it and must confess I didn’t find it to be a “meaningful experience.”

I guess the copywriter must be a frustrated poet or something. The message doesn’t say what the vehicle is. (And doesn’t everyone “Do More Than Move”?)

Mazda CX-30. Visual presence and good mechanicals make a solid package. (Image: Mazda)

No one at Mazda HQ asked, but were I positioning the CX-30 I would concentrate on things like this:

  • Standout exterior styling. Yes, there are all of those other subcompact crossovers out there, many of which are simply cookie-cutter shapes. There is style and reach in the sheet metal of the CX-30.
  • Segment-up interior materials. This is something that is increasingly important. Arguably this is something that Kia and Hyundai have drawn attention to and that not all OEMs are following. Mazda does a good job on paying attention to the various surfaces on the inside of the vehicle, not providing what seems to be a default in many cases (especially in this segment), seeming cubic yards of fake carbon fiber or piano black. There is artificial suede used to wrap sections of the instrument panel, but it looks luxe.
  • Excellent drivability. The CX-30 has a 186-hp four-cylinder engine that provides fuel economy of 24/31/27 mpg city/highway/combined. It is mated to a six-speed automatic, which may seem a couple gears short (the Kia Seltos, for example, offers eight), but often in this segment it is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), so Mazda is still offering a step-gear arrangement. It has a “manual” mode and a “sport” mode for those so inclined but I suspect that they are something used by the kids who borrow the fob from their parents. All CX-30 models come with all-wheel drive (“i-Activ AWD”) and “G-Vectoring Control Plus” and “Off-Road Traction Assist.” Just know that it drives well.

Perhaps this goes to the point of the company doing a solid job in shaping sheet metal and making the mechanical aspects of the vehicle work so well, but I find the sore spot its infotainment interface. But it does offer wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so once either is set up, there’s no need to look at the Mazda execution of that.

So now that you’re aware of the Mazda CX-30, perhaps you should give it a look if you’re in the market for a solid, stylish package.

2026 Genesis G90 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD

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This is so cool, it almost seems fictional. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

If you ever wondered what car Bruce Wayne would but, this is your answer.

According to his backstory, Wayne traveled to the “Orient,” including South Korea, where he trained in martial arts under a master named Kururgi. He also went to Japan, China, Thailand, and Nepal, not for the cuisine, but to pickup fighting skills. Still, you’ve got to believe he picked up some of the local culture, such as that which has given rise to this highly impressive sedan.

(Note: this would be the Clooney Wayne. Not Keaton or Kilmer, certainly. Bale is marginal. Affleck would like to. Pattinson—well, maybe the next movie will make that clear.)

The G90 is long, low, powerful.

Details make the difference. (Images: Hyundai)

And the Prestige Black trim package makes this sedan something that seems like it would be seen in a movie, not in real life.

Yet there it is.

Impressive.

The exterior is in Vik Black, and black is the color of the 21-inch alloy wheels. The grille is dark chrome, as are accents and trims on the doors, fascias and elsewhere.

Inside, again, it is dark. In this case, Obsidian Black. The quilted semi-aniline leather seating is dark, as is the leatherette-wrapped upper instrument panel. And the microfiber headliner and A-pillars.

There is black ash wood trim on the doors with a “G-Matrix” pattern in brass color, an intricate design that goes to the point that this is something out of the ordinary.

It should go without saying there are screens (e.g., 12.3-inch HD infotainment screens), an impressive sound system (Bang & Olufsen), and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But going back to something that is Batmanesque: there is fingerprint authentication, which allows the driver to start the G90 with a touch of a specific surface. (Yes, Alfred has stored the correct digital imprint so not just anyone can touch and go.)

And on the subject of going, the 3.5-liter V6 with an electric supercharger produces 409 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, so you are moving in style and with alacrity.

An absolute Bruce Wayne feature is the electronically controlled suspension with road preview.

A camera surveys the road ahead and if any potholes or the like are detected, it signals the suspension controller that electronically adjusts the damping force of each wheel. It is always smooth.

Because this is a large vehicle—207.7 inches long, 76 inches wide, 58.7 inches high, and with a 125.2-inch wheelbase—there is rear-wheel steering that assists in maneuverability.

And while I suspect that the glass is thicker and the insulation more abundant, there is active noise control that makes use of the Bang & Olufsen audio system: microphones in the cabin monitor the noise and then the system sends out counteracting sound waves in real time so the unwanted sounds are canceled.

People often tell me reasons for electric vehicles over those with internal combustion engines are power and quietness. The G90 has both of those and when you depress the throttle you get more of a feeling of performance (perhaps the via slight, nearly imperceptible vibrations caused by all of those moving parts in the powertrain) than is the case in an EV.

And it must be admitted there is another reason why this is something of a Bruce Wayne vehicle: the MSRP, including freight, for this model is $107,895.

2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE

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It’s got nice looks and the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid system. A competent combo. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

“What kind of car is that?” my brother-in-law asked as we arrived for Thanksgiving.

“A Toyota Corolla.”

“They sure have come a long way,” he responded, shaking his head with a bit of disbelief. “Corollas didn’t look like that before.”

Yes, that’s true. Previously, Corollas had a design that indifference could be an appropriate response to. Not bad. But not the sort of thing that would cause comment like that which took place in this instance.

Now the Corolla is sporty in its styling, which is remarkable for a vehicle that, in all manifestations, has an MSRP of under $30,000 (from the Hatchback SE at $24,180 to the Hybrid XLE at $28,940).

Some people may be surprised to learn that that’s a Toyota Corolla. The style is notable, as is the fact that this model is fitted with a hybrid system that makes stops at gas stations comparatively infrequent. (Image: Toyota)

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And that there is a Corolla Hybrid makes the proposition for getting a highly fuel efficient vehicle that is sporty all the more interesting.

How efficient?

Well, here is the lineup and the EPA estimated fuel economy numbers for each:

  • LE/XLE: 53 / 46 / 50 city/highway/combined mpg
  • LE AWD: 51 / 44 / 48
  • SE: 50 / 43 / 47
  • SE AWD: 47 / 41 / 44

The Corolla Hybrid is powered by Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. There is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine as the core element. With the attendant electrification the propulsion system produces 130 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque.

While the styling might make it seem as though the Corolla Hybrid is something that goes really, really fast and gets there really, really fast, the acceleration and overall performance is more conventional compact car.

But again, it allows you to quickly go past gas stations for a longer period of time than is the case of some even bigger vehicles from other OEMs who are still working out their hybrid strategies.

And the available all-wheel drive (there is a rear-mounted electric motor that kicks in when needed, not only when the sensors determine slippery conditions, but when starting from a stop and getting on the throttle) is certainly a good feature.

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The vehicle as driven has the “SE Premium Package,” which means there is a 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen (the standard size is 8 inches), six audio speakers, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a wireless charger.

While the steering wheel is wrapped with leather, the seats are “Sport Fabric-trimmed), a.k.a. cloth.

A helpful and useful standard feature is Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, with the first part of that being helpful when driving and deciding whether to move from one lane to another and the latter when, say, backing out of a parking space at the grocery store, when you’re likely to have two full-size pickup trucks on either side of you.

After all, the overall height of the Corolla Hybrid is 56.5 inches, so you’re comparatively low.

That’s one of the sacrifices you make for sporty styling.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy

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Some somewhat technical aspects of an immensely impressive three-row SUV. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is the first deployment of the Hyundai next-generation hybrid system. Which is important to know simply from the standpoint that it has been offering hybrids in the U.S. market since 2011. It hasn’t stopped. And as this indicates, it has continued to work on the technology.

The Palisade Hybrid features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  There are two electric motors, one that has the primary function of providing power to the wheels and the other, secondary, motor that supports starting and regenerative braking and power flow. All in, the result is system horsepower of 329 and 339 lb-ft of torque. The motors—know in the technical hybrid community as P1 (the starter motor, 17 hp) and P2 (the drive motor 72 hp) are integrated with the vehicle’s familiar—at least more familiar than Honda’s transmission-free two-motor hybrid system (there is a lock-up clutch deployed when needed) or the Toyota e-CVT—six-speed automatic transmission.

’26 Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy: looks great. Drive far (564 miles FWD; 528 miles AWD). (Image: Hyundai)

There are a couple things to keep in mind about what might seem to be an usual transmission choice.

One is that it provides a more natural driving “feel.” Odds are, even if you don’t think about it, you are used to discerning when a vehicle shifts gears when you accelerate (not so much when you decelerate). And it actually feels odd when you’re driving a vehicle with a CVT (now often with programmed steps to simulate a more natural, mechanical feel). (One reason why people driving an EV become surprised when they take it out for the first few times and look at their speedometer and see a high number is because there is linear acceleration: it just goes.)

Another is that they’re taking advantage of the mechanical advantage provide by the step-gear transmission. Know that the Palisade is a big vehicle. . .

  • 116.9-inch wheelbase
  • 199.2 inches long
  • 78 inches wide
  • 69.5 inches high

. . .that offers plenty of interior space. . .

  • 159.6 cubic feet of passenger volume
  • 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row

. . .and provides the ability to tow 4,000 pounds.

As this is sort of techy with that P1 and P2, it is also worth knowing (even if it isn’t wholly understood) that the 2026 Palisade makes extensive use of third-generation steel (average strength 69.2 kgf-mm2). What this means is the structure of the vehicle is remarkably solid, which is helpful when it comes to minimizing any squeaks and rattles from the structure (they take care of things like road noise with an extensive use of sound-absorbing material and thicker glass on the windshield, front doors and tailgate).

Also, by using hot-stamped components (most stamping for vehicles is done at room temperatures, but some of the steels used in the Palisade have to be heated up to make them more ductile so they can be stamped—otherwise they might break the dies), the cage structure adds safety, which is an important thing for a people-mover.

The Palisade comes in a gas-only version. That has a 287-hp V6 and an eight-speed automatic. In the front-drive setup it provides 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined and 18/24/20 mpg for the AWD version.

The Palisade Hybrid provides 31/32/31 mpg in the FWD configuration and 29/30/29 mpg in AWD.

A significant difference. And a key reason why the Palisade Hybrid is a notable vehicle for today.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross XSE

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Considering the Corolla. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

Although people who live in places like southeastern Michigan would probably answer the question “What is the best-selling automotive nameplate of all time?” with “Ford F-150” because there are so many of them evident on the roads and in the driveways (in fact, it almost seems as though the “most people” have one), that is not the right answer.

The right answer is “Toyota Corolla,” the compact car that can.

Even though the F-Series has been available since 1948 and the Corolla since 1966, the Corolla has about 20% more sales (~50 million v. ~40 million), even with the 18-year difference in availability.

That’s largely because whereas there is a huge concentration of F-150s (and yes, Chevy SIlverados and Ram 1500s) in places like southeastern Michigan, the Corolla is available on five continents. (There is yet to be a Toyota dealership in Antarctica.)

Even though many people maintain there is waning interest in cars—especially compact cars—because everyone wants trucks or crossovers, there is still immense interest in cars.

Consider: through Q3 2025 Toyota sold 179,983 Corollas. GM’s Buick Div., which offers only crossovers, had sales of 156,835.

But this is not to say that the folks at Toyota don’t recognize a couple of things, like the value of the Corolla badge and the interest in crossovers.

So it has on offer the Corolla Cross which, too, is doing well in the U.S. market. Through Q3 it outsold the F-150’s little brother, the Ranger: 73,341 to 48,278.

Now there’s another aspect to the Toyota approach to the market, which in its case is a global market. (Yes, the Corolla Cross is available around the world, too.)

Toyota has not only maintained its hybrid offerings, but it has expanded them throughout most of its lineup, including to things like the Corolla Cross. While there have been some people who were critical that the company wasn’t going “all-in” on electric vehicles in a way some of its competitors seemed to be, because Toyota does have more of a global view than some of its competitors, it recognizes that EV charging isn’t as everywhere convenient as gasoline, so hybrids are a sensible alternative.

2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE. Note the available Cavalry Blue body color and Jet Black roof. Also the hexagonal pattern of the upper grille is specific to the hybrid trim. (Image: Toyota)

And the U.S. market is certainly interested in the hybrid powertrain offerings. Of the Corollas Crosses sold through the first quarter 24,594 are hybrids, which is more than the Chevy Blazer EV, at 20,825 or the F-150 Lightning, 23,034 (not that anyone is likely to cross-shop a pickup with a compact crossover).

The Corolla Cross is categorized as a crossover. Presumably that has a lot to do with ground clearance. That is, a Corolla sedan has 5.3 inches of ground clearance and the Corolla Cross 8 inches, which is just 0.1 inch less than that of a RAV4, which is clearly a crossover.

But the Corolla Cross and the Corolla sedan are both built on the same platform, TNGA-C, whereas the RAV4 is based on the TNGA-K, which goes to the point that the Corolla Cross really drives, well, like a car, albeit with a higher seating position for better visibility.

The Corolla Cross Hybrid (it is also offered with no electrification of the 2.0-liter engine) provides a system horsepower of 196 net, which is reasonably peppy for the vehicle. What is more to the point of it vs. the standard is its superior fuel economy: 46/39/42 city/highway/combined miles per gallon for the hybrid and 31/33/32 mpg for the standard engine.

It is also worth noting the Hybrid—available in three trim levels—are all all-wheel drive, using Toyota’s 5th Generation Hybrid System. (The whole Toyota “continuous improvement” approach is something it has been applying to its hybrid systems, which can certainly provide consumers with a sense of confidence.)

The 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE has a base MSRP of $33,330 and with the $1,450 delivery, processing and handling fee (which gets you out the door), it is up to $34,780.

Exterior-wise, the XSE trim brings things like 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels, and black rocker panels, over-fenders and badging. There is a special grille design that has intimations of electrification.

On the inside there are a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.5-inch infotainment setup. There’s a heated steering wheel and heated front seats (good for those in southeastern Michigan this time of year).

There is Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Proactive Driving Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist)—again, going to the point of continuous improvement.

All in, it is a competent package that, because in large part of its global footprint, has the kind of build quality and amenities that are a consequence of this massive scale.

Finalists Announced for 2026 NACTOY Awards

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A strong slate. And some history, too. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

Earlier today at the LA Auto Show the finalists for the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) awards were announced.

They are:

  • Car of the Year finalists: Dodge Charger, Honda Prelude, Nissan Sentra
  • Truck of the Year finalists: Ford Maverick Lobo, Ram 1500 Hemi, Ram 2500
  • Utility Vehicle of the Year finalists: Hyundai Palisade, Lucid Gravity, Nissan Leaf

If nothing else, the list is varied.

A few things:

Since the awards have been presented in 1994, this is the first time Dodge has been on it for a car. It has repeatedly been on it for trucks. In fact, it took the first Truck trophy in ’94.

Last year the Honda Civic Hybrid took Car. The Prelude is a hybrid, much of it based on the Honda Civic Hybrid. The non-hybrid Civic was Car in 2022. The Honda Accord in 2018. Honda Ridgeline for Truck in 2017. Honda Civic in 2016. Honda Civic and Honda Ridgeline in 2006. Honda has plenty of practice.

The Sentra was a finalist in 2021. It didn’t win. The Hyundai Elantra did. Nissan has won in Car: the Altima in 2002.

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The Maverick was the winner of Truck in 2022.

The Ram 1500 won in 2019 and in 2013. And as mentioned above, the first NACTOY Truck in ’94.

The Ram Heavy Duty, which is what a 2500 is, was a finalist in 2020 along with the Ford Ranger and the Jeep Gladiator. The Gladiator won.

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This is the second appearance of the Hyundai Palisade; the first was in 2020. Hyundai has been a finalist many times—’25 for the Santa Fe; ’24 for the Ioniq 6 and Kona; ’21 for the Elantra (which won); ’22 for the Santa Cruz and the Ioniq 5; ’20 for the Sonata; ’19 for the Kona, which won; ’15 for the Genesis (which was still a Hyundai back then); ’12 for the Elantra (which won); ’11 for the Sonata; and ’09 for the Genesis (which won).

This is the second appearance of Lucid as a finalist. The Lucid Air was a finalist in 2022.

This is the second appearance of the Nissan Leaf as a finalist. It first appeared in 2011.

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Winners will be announced January 14, 2026, at the Detroit Auto Show.

Disclosure: I am a NACTOY juror

EV Intentions in the UK

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A survey of UK drivers finds that 18% of those ages 18 to 34 say they will buy an EV as their next vehicle.

Eleven percent of older drivers—those over 55—say they’ll go EV.

When hybrids are included in the question along with EVs, 42% of the 18-42 cohort say that’s what they’ll go for and 36% of the older group, too.

These findings are from the Kwik Fit annual survey on the subject. Kwik Fit is a leading vehicle service provider in the UK.

Observation

Given that according to the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the year-to-date (through October) market share of EVs in the UK is 25.4%.

Add in the market share of hybrids and plug-in hybrids and the market share goes up to 50.8%.

All of which indicates there isn’t exactly a burgeoning future demand for electrified vehicles in the UK given the results of the Kwik Fit survey (although that demand would be awfully appealing to US OEMs).

Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, said of the findings: “The overall proportion of drivers planning to switch to low emissions for their next car has remained the same since last year.  However, our study shows that younger drivers are much more open to moving to EVs – and new car brands – than many older drivers.”

(Which leads to a question of whether younger or older buyers are actually likely to buy a new vehicle, and my money is on the latter.)

The reference to “new car brands” in the quote goes to Chinese vehicles. According to Kwik Fix BYD had a year-over-year sales increase in September of 880%.

2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

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A solid offering in a tough category. But let’s not get carried away. . . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

According to the official Volkswagen site for consumers, the 2026 Jetta is “The compact sedan that redefines the standard.”

Well, let’s face it: that’s verbiage that came out of an advertising agency that is tasked with talking big about its clients products.

Arguably, in the compact car segment the definitional products are the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla.

Consider: in the first three quarters of 2025 there were 185,225 Civics sold in the U.S. and 179,983 Corollas. Yes, there are hatches among them, but still.

During the same period there were 43,610 Jettas sold.

It would be hard to redefine something with that.

Which is not to say that the Jetta is not a car worth consideration. It is a good-looking, capable compact that is competing in a tough segment (obviously).

In fact, there is something to be said for zigging while everyone else in the market is zagging.

If you go Jetta, you’re likely to be standing out wherever you drive.

VW Jetta: a competitor in a tough category. (Image: VW)

The 2026 Jetta is a seventh-generation vehicle, so there’s experience there, especially with the MQB architecture that the car is based on. All you really need to know about that is that it “feels” like a solid vehicle.

It is 186.5 inches long, 70.8 inches wide and 57.7 inches tall; the wheelbase is 105.7 inches. The Jetta offers 94.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and 14.1 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

It is powered by a 158-hp turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

That eight-speed, it must be noted, is a differentiator between the Jetta and the Civic and the Corolla, as those two vehicles have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Some people like the “feel” of a step-gear transmission more than a CVT, so that is a consideration that should be made.

It has EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings of 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, which puts it right in the ballpark with the Civic and the Corolla.

The SEL trim driven here has a number of features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and cooled front seats (heated in the rear outboard positions), leather seating surfaces, heated steering wheel, navigation, premium audio, and a sunroof.

One of the features it has that I certainly wish it didn’t is capacitive-touch “buttons.” This is the sort of thing you have on your smartphone: you simply touch a specific area to activate something rather than using a physical button, dial or switch. While this works well on your phone because odds are you are (assuming that you are a good driver, not a scoff-law) standing, sitting or maybe walking while you are doing something with your phone, not traveling at 70 mph as you may be in your Jetta while you are trying to adjust the temperature. (There are buttons and rockers on the steering wheel for a few functions.)

The base MSRP for the 2026 Jetta SEL is $30,450. There is a $1,275 destination charge.

A key consideration, of course, comes down to whether a German marque is more interesting than a Japanese—or Korean: we can’t forget the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia K4, both of which are gamers in the category.