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  • iPhone moment for Ferrari? Jony Ive designs the radical new all-electric Luce

    iPhone moment for Ferrari? Jony Ive designs the radical new all-electric Luce

    The famous Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari has officially entered the electric vehicle market. The company revealed its very first battery-powered production vehicle, the Ferrari Luce, at a launch event in Rome. The new model arrives as a five-door hatchback sedan that offers five seats – a layout that challenges traditional definitions of a Ferrari.

    To create the vehicle, Ferrari collaborated with LoveFrom, an independent design firm led by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson. This is the first time that Jony Ive, best known for designing iconic consumer electronics like the original Apple iPhone, has styled an automobile. The creative partnership introduces an entirely new look to the brand, blending a minimalist design language with complex packaging solutions required by modern EVs.

    iPhone moment for Ferrari? Jony Ive designs the radical new all-electric Luce

    The physical dimensions make the Ferrari Luce the largest vehicle the company has ever built. It measures 197.9 inches in length, 78.7 inches in width, and 60.8 inches in height. The wheelbase stretches 116.6 inches. Compared to the Ferrari Purosangue, the Luce is 2.09 inches longer and 1.77 inches lower. The exterior look separates the body into two clear parts: a dark, glassy upper section that sits inside a painted lower shell. Staggered wheels complete the stance, measuring 23 inches at the front and 24 inches at the rear.

    Aerodynamic efficiency guided the development process to ensure maximum driving range. Engineers completed two and a half times more digital fluid dynamics calculations than they did for the Purosangue. The body features an integrated front S-duct that guides incoming airflow and shortens the visual appearance of the front nose. Floating front and rear spoilers allow air to glide cleanly between the body layers, while vertical windshield wipers sit tight against the edges of the front glass. These changes give the model the lowest drag coefficient of any road car from Maranello, reducing drag by 25 percent compared to the Amalfi model.

    iPhone moment for Ferrari? Jony Ive designs the radical new all-electric Luce

    Inside the cabin, the styling team moved away from the digital trends that dominate many modern electric cars. Instead of replacing controls with giant touchscreens, the interior uses traditional physical touchpoints. Drivers interact with heavy, precision-machined aluminum dials, buttons, and switches to adjust basic cabin settings. The three-spoke steering wheel uses 100 percent recycled aluminum with an anodized finish. The instrument panel holds classic mechanical needles along with high-definition digital screens developed by Samsung.

    The absence of a mechanical transmission tunnel creates a flat floor, allowing Ferrari to offer its first true five-seat cabin. Passengers access the rear compartment through large, rear-hinged suicide doors. The layout offers plenty of legroom, but the sloping roofline restricts vertical space. Passengers who stand over 180 centimeters or taller will likely touch the ceiling if they lean back against the headrests. Behind the rear seats, the vehicle provides a 21.1 ft³ trunk, which is the largest luggage space ever featured on a Ferrari.

    iPhone moment for Ferrari? Jony Ive designs the radical new all-electric Luce

    The Luce is built on a custom 800V electric architecture. A 122 kWh battery pack integrates directly into the floorpan to lower the center of gravity by 3.74 inches compared to the Purosangue. Ferrari builds the 1,389 lb pack in-house using lithium-ion pouch cells developed with South Korean supplier SK On. The layout uses 15 modules, including a double-stack underneath the rear passenger seats. The electrical system supports direct-current fast charging up to 350 kW, which can add 70 kWh of energy in 20 minutes. A full charge provides an estimated range of 329 miles.

    Four independent electric motors drive the car, giving each individual wheel its own power source. Together, they produce a total output of 830 kW – that’s 1,036 horsepower and 739 lb-ft of torque. The system sends most power to the rear axle, where two large motors make 416 horsepower each and spin up to 25,500 revolutions per minute. The front axle uses two smaller motors that contribute 141 horsepower each and spin up to 30,000 revolutions per minute. The front units automatically disconnect when the vehicle runs in its energy-saving Range mode.

    iPhone moment for Ferrari? Jony Ive designs the radical new all-electric Luce

    The Luce accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, and reaches 124 mph in 6.8 seconds. The maximum top speed is 193 mph. To control the 4,982 lb curb weight, the vehicle uses a double-wishbone suspension setup paired with 48-volt Multimatic TrueActive electronic dampers that eliminate the need for traditional mechanical anti-roll bars by adjusting rapidly to changing road surfaces.

    Engineers introduced custom software controls to maintain high driver engagement. The steering column keeps its physical paddles, but instead of mimicking traditional gear changes, the left paddle adjusts regenerative braking across five stages – it can deliver up to 0.33g of stopping force when the driver lifts off the accelerator. The right paddle changes how the system distributes the electric power, giving the driver extra acceleration with each pull.

    iPhone moment for Ferrari? Jony Ive designs the radical new all-electric Luce

    To provide acoustic feedback, an accelerometer on the rear axle tracks the vibration of the electric motors and amplifies those real sounds into the cabin.

    The Ferrari Luce arrives with a high price tag to match its advanced technology. It will cost £469,000 in mainland Europe, with an estimated price of GBP 440,000 for the UK market. Continental deliveries will begin early next year, and right-hand-drive versions will reach the United Kingdom in spring 2027. Ferrari keeps a strict factory cap of roughly 14,000 vehicles per year across its entire lineup, meaning the new model will be highly exclusive.

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  • Pierce Brosnan Got an Aston Martin for Doing ‘Die Another Day,’ but All That’s Left Are Build Plaques

    Pierce Brosnan Got an Aston Martin for Doing ‘Die Another Day,’ but All That’s Left Are Build Plaques

    It’s hard to make a case for Die Another Day as a great James Bond movie, but it did do one important thing for the franchise: reunite 007 and Aston Martin. Bond actor Pierce Brosnan was so enamored with his character’s new ride that he ordered one for himself. But that Aston Martin Vanquish did not live to die another day.

    In an Instagram reel posted by HaphazardStuff, Brosnan explains that he asked if he could have a Vanquish during filming. A build slot was duly arranged. Brosnan said he went to the factory to see his car being assembled, and three months after filming of Die Another Day wrapped, it was delivered to him. On February 11, 2015, a fire broke out at Brosnan’s Malibu, California, house, destroying the car.

    Pierce Brosnan Aston Martin Vanquish plaques
    HaphazardStuff via Instag

    All that’s left are two plaques that were affixed to the kick plates reading “Hand built in England for Pierce Brosnan.” An ignominious end for a great machine.

    As featured in Die Another Day, the original Vanquish was the capstone of Aston’s 1990s resurgence under Ford ownership. It pumped up the design language introduced with the DB7, as well as the power from Aston’s 5.9-liter V12. Initial versions produced 460 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, which got the Vanquish from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and onto a top speed of 190 mph, according to Aston. The later Vanquish S (introduced in 2005) had 520 hp and 426 lb-ft. An underdeveloped paddle-shifted six-speed gearbox (essentially a manually with an electronically-actuated clutch) spoiled things a bit, but the Vanquish was still a truly desirable for a new generation.

    https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYZVDotjoGP

    And that was before it became a movie star. Die Another Day was Brosnan’s last Bond movie, and he’d driven a BMW in all of the others. The Vanquish not only felt right because it was an Aston, but because it was armed to the teeth with machine guns that popped out of the hood vents and rockets in the grille. It also had adaptive camouflage—Q famously called it “the Vanish”—and the remote-control feature previously seen in Tomorrow Never Dies. An appropriately ridiculous car chase with the baddie’s Jaguar XKR convertible on a glacier ensued. Too bad the rest of the movie wasn’t as good.

    That car chase was filmed with four-wheel drive cars made from Vanquish body shells and Ford Explorer V8 engines and drivetrains. But some genuine Vanquishes were used as “hero cars” for close-ups and promotions. One of those was put up for sale in 2024 with a $129,000 asking price. That’s still less than a new Vanquish, which carries on the V12 tradition and, unlike the original, is also available in convertible Volante form. Seems like the perfect ride for whoever the next Bond turns out to be.

    Got a tip? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com

    Stephen has always been passionate about cars, and managed to turn that passion into a career as a freelance automotive journalist. When he’s not handling weekend coverage for The Drive, you can find him looking for a new book to read.




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  • Terrano, Frontier Pro: ‘Badass’ PHEVs wanted

    Terrano, Frontier Pro: ‘Badass’ PHEVs wanted

    DESPITE being the first mainstream brand to bring a mass-market battery electric vehicle to the world in the form of the frog-eyed Leaf, Nissan – at least in Australia – is hesitant to put all of its eco-eggs into the BEV basket.

     

    Nissan Oceania MD Steve Milette is still fresh behind the desk, having recently transferred here from Nissan North America – which included five years as president of Nissan Canada – and takes the reins at a challenging time.

     

    With Nissan’s global struggle to return to profitability hanging overhead, Nissan Oceania also needs to navigate a pathway to get its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard ledger back in the black.

     

    In parallel, the fuel shock of March and April has also thrown a spanner in the works by dramatically crimping demand for diesel and petrol models across the board.

     

    With a portfolio of one slow-selling BEV (the Ariya medium SUV with just 104 sales in the first four months of 2026) and no plug-in hybrids, Nissan’s Australian operation is truly behind the eight-ball when it comes to offering combustion-independent options.

     

    But while some brands are hedging their bets when it comes to powertrain strategy, Mr Milette appears to be leaning in the direction of PHEVs.

     

    “I think it (PHEV) is a huge opportunity,” Mr Milette said at a recent media roundtable in Sydney.

     

    “This market, similar to the one I came from, has huge geography, people travel long distances, you’ve got the topography of the land, you’ve got off-road enthusiasts, and also the need for utility.

     

    “People pull stuff and they love to play, and so I certainly see the need for something that has that capability and plug-in hybrid seems to be what’s going to work best in the short-term and mid-term.”

     

    Top of the list of Nissan’s PHEV prospects for Australia are the Frontier Pro pickup, official confirmation of which is believed to be close, and the Terrano SUV, which was previewed as a concept at the Auto China 2026 show in April.

     

    Both are products of the Nissan-Dongfeng joint-venture, and both pair a petrol-electric powertrain with rugged off-roader underpinnings.

     

    “Terrano as an example, a fantastic vehicle. We saw it – it’s badass,” Mr Milette said.

     

    “The Terrano concept vehicle, to me that would be something we seriously need to look at, and there would be demand for that in this country.”

     

    “You would have (also) seen Frontier Pro or Navara Pro, whatever it’s going to be called in the future – these are all products that we’re looking at. There’s nothing confirmed yet, but we are looking at them because obviously they would resonate extremely well for our market.”

     

    PHEV utes are beginning to find favour in Australia. The BYD Shark 6 spearheaded the charge, followed by the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, with the JAC Hunter PHEV and Chery’s upcoming plug-in diesel-electric ute (provisionally named the KP31) just around the corner.

     

    With the diesel price shock decimating ute sales in April, the Frontier Pro could capitalise on a shift in buyer sentiment away from diesel.

     

    None of this means Nissan is turning its back on BEVs entirely, but the emphasis is likely to be more on PHEVs for the remainder of the 2020s.

     

    The next-generation Leaf – no longer a C-segment hatch and now a small SUV – has had its business case deemed unsustainable for Australia, and the retro-futuristic Nissan Micra, based on the Renault 5 and a commercial hit in Europe, is a non-starter due to its high acquisition cost.

     

    The NX8 SUV and N7 sedan – also products of the Nissan-Dongfeng JV – may come our way to help provide some BEV diversity in local Nissan showrooms, but an over-reliance on BEV product is something Mr Milette is wary of:

     

    “If I rely on my Canadian experience, when there were government subsidies, EVS went up. When government subsidies were removed, EV sales went down. There was a 1:1 correlation, but that being said, I think with legislation like NVES, as a company, we need to make sure we meet those standards,” Mr Milette explained.

     

    “Through portfolio management, BEV has to play a role, E-Power hybrid has to play a role – the future evolution of our product will have to make sure it respects what NVES requires.”

     

    Nissan needs all the help it can get with NVES right now. The brand accumulated 215,261 NVES liabilities in 2025, making it one of the least-compliant OEMs under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, outdone only by Mazda.

     

    The addition of the Frontier Pro and Terrano as PHEV options in the LCV and large SUV categories, two segments that provide a significant chunk of Nissan’s sales volume, would enable the company to scrub a significant amount of emissions from its carbon ledger.

     

     

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  • 2027 Nissan Frontier Gets a New Sport Edition Package, Other Minor Updates

    2027 Nissan Frontier Gets a New Sport Edition Package, Other Minor Updates

    Part of the beauty of buying a pickup like the Nissan Frontier is that you can pick and choose from a wide array of trim levels and features so you can option a truck to fit your specific needs and tastes. For the 2027 model year, Nissan is making that choice even broader thanks to the addition of a Sport Edition package for the SV-grade Frontier—another rugged option for the off-road inclined.

    The new 2027 Frontier Sport Edition is meant to bridge the gap between the budget-friendly SV grade and the rugged Pro-X. It brings yellow accent stitching to the upgraded cloth seats, “Sport” tailgate and bedside badging, and a black lower front fascia, mirrors, and grille. The existing 17-inch wheels are upgraded with 265/70R17 Hankook Dynapro all-terrain tires. Finally, front accent lighting, an aluminum skid plate, and LED fog lights complete the look.

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    Also joining the list of options for the 2027 Frontier is a new Alpine Metallic exterior paint color. The existing shades consist of Bluestone Pearl, Red Alert, Tactical Green Metallic, Afterburn Orange, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Glacier White, and Boulder Gray Pearl. We don’t know who named these, but that seems like a fun job.

    On the tech side, the Pro Convenience package’s wireless phone charger has been upgraded to provide faster charging. There’s now Qi2 standard, which means there’s a magnet to help keep your phone in the best charging position, as well as a fan to keep it cool. A moonroof will also be offered on Pro-grade trucks with the Convenience package.

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    Specs-wise, not much has changed between 2026 and 2027. The Frontier still comes with Nissan’s now familiar 3.8-liter V-6, good for a claimed 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Grades include the base S, SV, Pro-X, Pro-4X, and top-tier SL. Either the King Cab or Crew Cab body styles are offered, and 5- or 6-foot beds are available.

    We’ll hear more about pricing for the 2027 Nissan Frontier shortly before the trucks start hitting dealerships this summer.

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  • The Toyota Tundra With The Best MPG For 2026 Is…

    The Toyota Tundra With The Best MPG For 2026 Is…

    The Tundra is the biggest truck Toyota currently sells. With 10 trims on offer, it is also one of the most customizable for your use case. From the base SR and SR5 trims, the off-road focused TRD Pro trim, to the special 1794 Edition, it seems like there is a Tundra for everybody.

    Trucks and fuel efficiency were not always mentioned in the same sentence a few years ago. However, with hybrid engines, that story is slowly changing. So, which Tundra is the right fit for you, if fuel efficiency is at the top of your priority list? Here are all the trims of the truck ranked in terms of the Toyota Tundra’s mpg, from the lowest to the highest.

    All mpg ratings are sourced directly from the EPA and the cars have been ranked in terms of their combined mpg, using city and highway mpg as a tiebreaker where necessary. All data is correct at the time of writing. We list these from least to most efficient.

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE Limited/Platinum/1794

    17/22/19 MPG


    2025 Toyota Tundra Platinum
    2025 Toyota Tundra Platinum towing driving front 3/4
    Toyota

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE Limited/ Platinum/ 1794

    Engine

    3.4L Twin-turbo V6

    Horsepower

    389 hp

    MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

    17/22/19

    Range

    612 mi

    Base MSRP

    $57,860

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • 20-inch alloy wheels (All trims)
    • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (All trims)
    • Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade (Platinum trim)
    • Chrome-finished grille and exterior accents (1794 Edition)
    • Saddel Tan interior with American walnut wood-grain trim (1974 Edition)

    The Tundra has two engines on offer, the ICE-only V6 called the i-FORCE and the hybrid V6 called the i-FORCE MAX. There are no points for guessing which engine is more efficient. We start this list with the Limited, Platinum and 1974 edition trims of the basic ICE-only engine. A couple of factors are working against these trims in terms of fuel efficiency. Apart from the engine, they all run on the larger 20-inch wheels when compared to the base SR/SR5 trims. They are also heavier than the base trims, making the engine work harder. The four-wheel drive is great for off-road and slippery surfaces. However, it negatively impacts the Tundra’s miles per gallon as the engine has to send power to all wheels.

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE SR/SR5

    17/23/19 MPG


    toyota tundra sr side gray
    toyota tundra sr side gray studio shot
    Toyota

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE SR/SR5

    Engine

    3.4L Twin-turbo V6

    Horsepower

    389 hp (SR: 348 hp)

    MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

    17/23/19

    Range

    612 mi

    Base MSRP

    $44,260

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • 18-inch styled-steel wheels (SR Trim)
    • Aluminum-reinforced composite bed (SR Trim)
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (SR Trim)
    • 18-inch alloy wheels (SR5 Trim)
    • Selectable driving and TOW/HAUL modes (SR5 Trim)

    The cheaper base all-wheel-drive trims are next in terms of efficiency, only rating one mpg higher on highways than the aforementioned models. The biggest difference will be the smaller wheels, making the SR and SR5 trims lighter with less rolling resistance on the move. The base trims also do not have much of the tech and creature comforts of the higher trims, making them lighter in general. Four-wheel drive is still hampering the Toyota Tundra’s gas mileage, though. Hence, we see only incremental efficiency gains on the previous trims.

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE MAX Hybrid TRD Pro

    18/20/19 MPG


    2026 Toyota Tundra TRDPro Tundra WaveMaker
    2026 Toyota Tundra front quarteer
    Toyota

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE MAX Hybrid TRD Pro

    Engine

    3.4L Twin-turbo V6 Hybrid

    Horsepower

    437 hp

    MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

    18/20/19

    Range

    612 mi

    Base MSRP

    $72,565

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • 18-inch BBS forged wheels with all-terrain tires
    • Off-road suspension with FOX shocks
    • Multi-Terrain Select with crawl control
    • Electronic locking rear differential
    • Heritage Toyota grille with LED light bar

    The most off-road focused trim is next on the list. Despite having the hybrid engine, the TRD Pro prioritizes conquering trails and dirt paths before getting the most out of your tank. Although the rims are 18-inch, the all-terrain tires bring the efficiency score down in the city and on the highways. The raised off-road suspension makes the truck less aerodynamic, and the engine has to work harder to gain speed. With extras such as the light bar, FOX shocks and the electronic rear differential, the TRD Pro is also heavier than the trims mentioned earlier. If you want the most capable Tundra off the beaten path, the TRD Pro is for you. The fuel efficiency is still an improvement from the previous trims, but not the priority.

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×2 i-FORCE SR5/Limited/Platinum/1794

    218/23/20 MPG


    2022 Toyota Tundra SR5
    2022 Toyota Tundra SR5 rear 3/4 angle in gray while parked
    Toyota

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×2 i-FORCE SR5/Limited/Platinum/1794

    Engine

    3.4L Twin-turbo V6

    Horsepower

    389 hp

    MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

    18/23/20

    Range

    644 mi

    Base MSRP

    $46,510

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • 18-inch alloy wheels (SR5 trim)
    • 20-inch alloy wheels (All trims except SR5)
    • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (All trims)
    • Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade (Platinum trim)
    • Chrome-finished grille and exterior accents (1794 Edition)

    Following a similar trend to earlier, the rear-wheel-drive SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 trims are a little less efficient when compared to the basic Tundra. In this scenario, the non-hybrid engine only has to power two wheels, making the truck more economical on a fuel tank. The SR5 trim is less frugal in this case, even though it has the smaller rims, but the difference is quite negligible. If you use your truck in urban areas with a lack of snow or slippery conditions, rear-wheel drive should not affect you. However, for a truck, 4WD is almost essential for many people and their use cases, so make sure to keep that in mind before choosing a trim.

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×2 i-FORCE SR

    18/24/20 MPG


    Toyota Tundra SR
    2024 Toyota Tundra SR Double Cab
    Toyota

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×2 i-FORCE SR

    Engine

    3.4L Twin-turbo V6

    Horsepower

    348 hp

    MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

    18/24/20

    Range

    644 mi

    Base MSRP

    $41,260

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • 18-inch styled-steel wheels
    • Aluminum-reinforced composite bed
    • 8-inch multimedia touchscreen
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection

    The cheapest Tundra is next on the economy list. This also makes this the most fuel efficient non-hybrid Tundra that Toyota currently sells. The rear-wheel-drive setup works in its favor. As this is the base trim, it is also the lightest trim, as it does not have the options that add weight to the truck, such as the panoramic sunroof and larger wheels. Something to keep in mind is that the SR gets the least amount of power out of all the Tundras, at 348 hp. If you want the most affordable truck with decent gas mileage, the Tundra 2WD SR trim is a great truck that sips fuel to get you the most out of your tank.

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Limited/Platinum/1794/ Capstone

    19/22/20 MPG


    2022 Tundra Capstone Front 3/4 Angle White
    2022 Tundra Capstone Front 3/4 Angle
    Toyota

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×4 i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Limited/Platinum/1794/Capstone

    Engine

    3.4L Twinyurbo V6 Hybrid

    Horsepower

    437 hp

    MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

    19/22/20

    Range

    644 mi

    Base MSRP

    $61,560

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • 20-inch alloy wheels (All trims except Capstone)
    • 22-inch chrome and machined finish alloy wheels (Capstone trim)
    • Adaptive variable suspension (Capstone trim)
    • Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade (Platinum trim)
    • Chrome-finished grille and exterior accents (1794 Edition)

    Surprising nobody, the hybrid engine options claim the top spots as the best mpg Tundra trims currently on sale. Not only does the hybrid V6 see a gain in mpg in the city and highway scores, it also gives the Tundra an extra 48 horsepower when compared to trims other than the SR. The i-FORCE MAX engine uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor in a parallel hybrid system, with the electric motor being located behind the engine and transmission. Despite having the larger rims, especially in terms of the Capstone trim that has 22-inch wheels, the hybrid engine provides sufficient upgrades to economy. The hybrid engine option is not available on the SR and SR5 trims, and it starts from the Limited trim. The only aspect working against this trim is its four-wheel-drive system, which slightly hinders its economy.

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×2 i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Limited/Platinum/1794

    20/24/22 MPG


    toyota tundra 1794 edition front quarter black
    A studio-style shot of the Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition front quarter position.
    Toyota

    2026 Toyota Tundra 4×2 i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Limited/Platinum/1794

    Engine

    3.4L Twin-turbo V6 Hybrid

    Horsepower

    437 hp

    MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

    20/24/22

    Range

    708 mi

    Base MSRP

    $58,560

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • 20-inch alloy wheels (All trims)
    • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (All trims)
    • Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade (Platinum trim)
    • Chrome-finished grille and exterior accents (1794 Edition)
    • Saddel Tan interior with American walnut wood-grain trim (1974 Edition)

    The most efficient Toyota Tundra currently on sale is the rear-wheel-drive version of the hybrid Tundra. The trim makes little difference to the fuel efficiency here, as they all have the same fundamentals required for supreme economy in the city and on the highways. The engine is aided by the battery and only has to power the rear wheels. The wheels are neither the smallest nor the largest, balancing looks with efficiency. The lack of 4WD helps this Tundra achieve over 700 miles on a single tank of fuel, a feat no other Tundra can match. If you want the best Tundra for fuel efficiency and do not mind the lack of 4WD in your daily use, this trim is the most efficient full-size truck the Japanese manufacturer currently sells.

    FAQs

    How much mpg does a 5.7 Tundra get?

    The Toyota Tundra with the 5.7 V8 is not sold new anymore. In 2021, the 2WD Tundra got a city/highway/combined MPG rating of 13/17/15.

    What Tundra gets the best mpg?

    The Tundra with i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine and rear-wheel drive gets the best city/highway/combined mpg rating of 20/24/22.

    How much fuel does a Toyota Tundra use per 100 miles?

    The most efficient 2026 Toyota Tundra uses 4.5 gallons of fuel per 100 miles.

    What is the mpg of a 4×4 Toyota Tundra?

    The ICE-only 4X4 Tundra has the best city/highway/combined MPG rating of 17/23/19, whereas the hybrid 4×4 has a rating of 19/22/20.

    Sources: Toyota, EPA

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  • Genesis GV70 Advanced Reviews | Overview

    Genesis GV70 Advanced Reviews | Overview

    Overview

     

    Though still in the (slow) process of establishing a foothold Down Under, Hyundai’s premium brand Genesis has some tempting cars in its line-up including the GV70 2.5T Advanced tested that lists from $80,300 excluding on-road costs.

     

    The money puts it slap bang up against pretty keen petrol-powered AWD competition in the premium corner of the medium SUV segment including BMW’s X3 20 xDrive from $87,300, Land Rover Discovery Sport P250 Landmark from $78,454, Lexus NX 350 from $79,450, Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic from $84,100 and the Volvo XC60 2.0 Plus B5 from $74,990 (all excluding on-road costs).

     

    Looking at VFACTS data we find the five-seat Genesis GV70 has chalked up 360 sales so far this year as at the end of April, a fraction of the segment leaders that are up around the 1800-unit mark.

     

    Realistically, there is no reason why the Genesis shouldn’t be right there with them and we can’t put as finger on the reason apart from a lack of dealerships, ironically a situation also affecting other more successful players in the segment.

     

    Go figure…

     

    Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol good for 224kW/422Nm driving all four paws via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission using a claimed 10.3 litres per 100km of 95RON fuel.

     

    That roughly equates to a 600km range from the 66-litre petrol tank.

     

    Suspension is by strut front and multi (five) link rear while steering is by variable ratio rack and pinion.

     

    The base Advanced model driven misses out on very little in terms of luxury kit or anything else for that matter right down to leather upholstery, premium audio, heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable front memory seats… and a full suite of pesky ADAS to drive you insane.

     

    There’s even a UV-C steriliser in the glove box and an aroma therapy diffuser.

     

    A 2025 update saw the model gain a mild facelift and some genuine engineering improvements to the chassis, suspension, and developments to multiple drive modes and hands-free features.

     

    All-wheel drive is standard across the board with the longitudinal engine placement delivering benefits in terms of balance and drive feel. Though AWD, power is directed predominantly to the rear axle giving a more premium feel to how the model drives.

     

    Generous levels of kit include over-the-air update facility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Genesis Connected Services.

     

    Other goodies (range wide) are a 27.0-inch OLED touchscreen incorporating multi-media functions, tri-zone climate control selections, and the driver’s cluster and micro lens array headlights.

     

    Also included are crosswind stability, biometric (fingerprint) authentication, and a head-up display.

     

    The Advanced rolls on attractive 19-inch alloys shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.

     

    Driving Impressions

     

    It’s a good looker with a distinct Bentley-esque appearance to its flanks and the interior is absolutely stupendous to look at and sit in, definitely a step up comparatively speaking.

     

    Though “only” the base model, the Advance has as much luxury kit as a mere mortal could desire right down to soft leather upholstery and a swag of creature comforts.

     

    The near metre wide touch screen is somewhat over-the-top and Genesis couldn’t resist the temptation to cram it full of menus and controls but thankfully some hard buttons are retained for regularly used functions with a centre console dial for gear selection.

     

    Access is good and the cabin snug for five at a pinch, but the load space is compromised by trims and a relatively low roofline.

     

    As usual, getting underway required deactivating intrusive ADAS that distract and detract from the actual drive experience… and despite thinking we had turned them off, to our surprise some decided to reactivate of their own volition.

     

    It is possibly a “don’t buy” warning for us, after all, who is running the show, the driver or the car?

     

    Hauling over 2000kg of metal and plastic takes its toll on a car’s dynamics, fuel economy and overall performance but in the GV70 2.5T’s case, sufficient oomph from the turbo-petrol donk and reasonable dynamic calibration cover off most contingencies, as long as you don’t expect sports SUV responses.

     

    Thankfully Genesis equips the beefy GV70 with large 360mm front discs and suitably large four piston callipers, 345mm and single piston at the rear, all gripping the road via quality Michelin rubber.

     

    Fuel economy during our week with the car averaged 10.5L/100km or a smidge more than the official combined claim of 10.3 but for some reason it’s the more expensive 95 RON.

     

    Performance off the line is strong and it follows through to redline without buttoning off, the turbo spooling quickly with minimal if any lag evident… anywhere. Genesis says the test model will clock a 6.2 second 0-100km/h sprint and seat of the pants timing would suggest that’s close to the mark.

     

    Performance is no doubt aided by the slick eight-speed auto that seems intuitive in operation flicking up and down without hesitation and none of the hunting as often afflicts transmissions with this many or more cogs.

     

    The all-wheel drive system works imperceptibly with drive going mostly to the rear axle while the longitudinally mounted engine and rear wheel drive bias combine to give the test vehicle a pleasing RWD feel that is less frenetic than other systems. 

     

    Ride quality is good on bad roads being more on the comfort side of the ledger than sporty. It’s possibly the more sensible calibration for general family use in this country.

     

    Noise attenuation is also good with only some engine noise intruding at full throttle, but cruising is nearly silent across engine, tyre and wind noise metrics.

     

    We are in two minds about this car as on the one hand we like its appearance and stylish interior, owner benefits, its “differentness” and size but on the other hand it’s ruined by intrusive (ANCAP mandated) ADAS, uses too much fuel and has a question mark on resale value.

     

    It’s a maybe, maybe not proposition for us…

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  • Fighting China with China in the electric SUV knife-fight

    Fighting China with China in the electric SUV knife-fight

    Hyundai’s newest electric SUV arrives in Australia with an unusually blunt strategic message: If you can’t beat the Chinese EV makers, build one in China.

    The Elexio is the first Hyundai electric vehicle sold in Australia to be built in China, through Beijing Hyundai, the company’s joint venture with BAIC. It appears Hyundai is now “fighting China with China.”

    That makes the Elexio more interesting than it might look at first glance. This is not another quirky Ioniq-branded halo car, nor a smaller urban EV like the Inster. It is Hyundai’s attempt to land a practical, long-range, family-sized electric SUV right in the most competitive part of the Australian market: the high-$50,000 to low-$60,000 bracket.

    And that is both its opportunity and its problem. I had the Elexio as my daily drive for a week to see where it sits against the two Hyundai EVs I already own (Inster & Ioniq 5), and some of the other electric SUVs I’ve been driving lately.

    The Elexio range starts with the base model at $57,990 drive-away, while the better-equipped Elexio Elite comes in at $59,990 drive-away. Both use the same basic drivetrain: an 88.1kWh LFP battery, a single front motor producing 160kW and 310Nm, and front-wheel drive. Hyundai quotes 562km WLTP range for the base model and 546km WLTP for the Elite.

    The difference is largely down to wheels and equipment. The base model rides on 18-inch wheels, while the Elite gets 20-inch wheels, which look better but shave a small amount from the claimed range.

    For an extra $2,000, the Elite adds some genuinely useful comfort gear: heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, two wireless phone chargers instead of one, and a power tailgate. The base car makes do with a manual tailgate, which feels a little odd for something nudging $58,000 drive-away.

    Visually, the Elexio is a slightly odd Hyundai. There are still hints of the brand’s pixel-lighting design language, but it does not have the retro-futuristic confidence of the Ioniq 5 or the playful weirdness of the Inster. It is handsome enough, but not especially memorable. It’s a good-looking car in my opinion, but not one that necessarily stands out.

    Inside, things get more interesting, and more divisive.

    The dashboard is dominated by a very wide 27-inch screen that stretches across the centre and toward the passenger side. It almost feels like Hyundai moved the steering wheel to the right-hand side, but forgot to bring the screen with it.

    Otherwise the interior is modern, clean, with a minimalist feel which you often find in cars coming out of China, but it does not feel like a typical Hyundai. The menus, software layout and general user interface are very different from the familiar systems found in Hyundai’s other Australian models.

    Whether that is good or bad probably depends on how much you like the screen-heavy, button-light approach that has become common in Chinese EVs.

    Hyundai ELEXIO Interior
    Source: Hyundai Australia

    The issue is not that the screen is bad. It is that the driver only really gets half of it. There is no traditional instrument cluster in front of the steering wheel, so key information is handled by the head-up display and the left half of the main screen.

    Meanwhile, the passenger gets a lot of real estate. That might be handy on a road trip, but it does leave the driver interface feeling slightly compromised.

    The head-up display itself is mostly good. It sits lower down, with a black background that makes it crisp and easy to read. It shows useful information such as speed, range, navigation and media.

    But there are two catches: it can be hard to read with polarised sunglasses (which is also typical of many HUDs you find in vehicles), and it doesn’t show some basic information like indicator or lighting icons, which meant I found myself having to glance back to the centre screen more often than I’d have liked.

    The lack of physical buttons is another very un-Hyundai touch. Apart from the hazard light button, most functions are handled through the infotainment system.

    Climate control is screen-only, which may annoy anyone who thinks changing the temperature should be done at the touch of a physical, permanent button. For those that like to use voice commands, the Elexio does make up for the lack in physical buttons with some decent voice command options.

    Cabin quality, though, is hard to fault. The materials feel decent, the seats are comfortable, and there is a practical centre console with multiple cup holders, storage space and several USB-C ports. Oddly, there is no ambient lighting, which now feels like a strange omission in an EV market where cabins in even budget models often light up.

    The Elexio makes a stronger case in the back seat. It is bigger than the Kona Electric, giving it some extra distinction as an alternative to the existing Kona range.

    Rear legroom is good, there is more than enough space for child seats, and rear passengers get door cup holders, centre storage and extra USB-C ports. As a practical family EV, this is where the Elexio starts to make more sense.

    Hyundai ELEXIO Boot
    Source: Hyundai Australia

    Boot space is also useful. Hyundai quotes 506 litres with the rear seats up and about 1,540 litres with them folded. There is some underfloor storage, enough for cables and small items, but not a huge amount of extra depth. There is also no frunk unlike the Kona and Ioniq 5 & 9 models.

    Charging is solid. The port is on the front driver’s side, which is not ideal for every charging setup, especially kerbside chargers, but probably not a deal-breaker. DC fast charging peaks at a strong 150kW, with Hyundai quoting a 10 to 80 per cent charge time of 38 minutes. AC charging peaks at a respectable albeit unambitious 11kW.

    On the road, the Elexio is good rather than dazzling. The Elite’s 20-inch wheels make the ride a little firmer, and compared with softer Chinese electric SUVs like the Geely EX5, the Hyundai lets you feel more of the road. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Some drivers will prefer the firmer, more controlled feel, while others may prefer something softer and more cloud-like.

    The i-Pedal regenerative braking system was a bit of a surprise. Compared with the Inster for example, which has a strong one-pedal driving feel, the Elexio’s i-Pedal is significantly weaker.

    That may reflect the car’s Chinese-market development, where one-pedal driving appears to be less of a priority. For Hyundai owners used to stronger regen behaviour, it may feel like a step backwards.

    There are also some interface quirks. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but when Apple CarPlay is running, it blocks the blind-spot camera display, with a message saying blind spot is not available while using Apple CarPlay. That is annoying, especially because the blind-spot camera itself is one of Hyundai’s better safety features.

    Even the pedestrian warning sound is different. The Elexio’s AVAS, which is the low-speed EV warning sound, does not sound like other Hyundai vehicles. It has a different, unfamiliar tone, which again reinforces the sense that this car comes from a different branch of the Hyundai family tree.

    So where does that leave the Elexio? The short answer is that it is a good car. The harder question is whether good is enough.

    Two years ago, an electric family SUV with more than 500km of WLTP range, a big LFP battery, 150kW DC charging, useful interior space and a sub-$60,000 drive-away price would have looked like a standout offer. Today, that same car has to fight the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5, Zeekr 7X, Renault Scenic E-Tech, XPeng G6 and several others. The market has moved brutally fast.

    That is the Elexio’s central challenge. It does most things right. It is spacious, practical, comfortable, well equipped and sensibly priced. But it also has a screen layout that will divide buyers, software that feels less familiar than other Hyundais, weaker-than-expected i-Pedal behaviour, and a design that does not quite have the visual punch of Hyundai’s best EVs.

    It is not a bad car. Far from it. Fro some it could present as a very rational buy. But in 2026, rational may be not enough to guarantee attention.

    Sign up for The Driven’s free daily newsletter and get the latest EV news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox. 

    ELEXIO Specifications (Feb 2026)

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  • Felix Rosenqvist Wins the 2026 Indy 500

    Felix Rosenqvist Wins the 2026 Indy 500

    The checkered flag has waved over the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, and the Speedway has crowned Felix Rosenqvist her victor for 2026.

    The looming threat of rain lingered over the weekend, but the race started on time. Polesitter Alex Palou launched into an early lead in his No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, but second-placed Alexander Rossi (No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing) kept him honest for the first 14 laps. The 2016 Indy 500 winner swept around last year’s victor heading into Lap 2, only for Palou to snag the slipstream into Lap 3. What followed was a dog fight, with both men trading the lead almost every single lap.

    INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 24: Pato O'Ward, driver of the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevroletleads a pack of cars during the NTT IndyCar Series 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
    Dirk Fletcher via Getty

    The first caution of the day came out on Lap 18 thanks to a collision between Katherine Legge and Ryan Hunter-Reay. RHR lost the rear of his car and collided with the wall, kicking up smoke that Legge couldn’t avoid. She smacked into the inside wall to avoid hitting Hunter-Reay. Both drivers were extricated unharmed, and the pit window opened under caution — a window that all but four drivers took advantage of.

    The field went green again on Lap 27, but it didn’t last long because Ed Carpenter collided with the wall, the victim of a three-wide run into Turn 1 with nowhere near enough space. Romain Grosjean held the lead for the first time in his Indy 500 career.

    As the race closed in on the 200th mile, another Palou dogfight ensued, this time with his No. 9 teammate Scott Dixon as the two traded the penalty associated with leading the race. The back-and-forth continued until a lengthy caution hit on lap 91. Will Power’s No. 26 Andretti Global Honda suffered a mechanical fault, slowing on the back stretch before coming to rest on the pit exit. 

    In the meantime, Rossi pulled into the pits with a smoking engine, nearly suffering a repeat of his 2025 pit stop fire. Thankfully, the driver with the injured right foot climbed safely from the car, though his effort at another 500 victory came to an end.

    It took until lap 97 before the Nos. 26 and 20 were safely cleared from the track and racing surface; pit lane opened, with almost the entire field dipping in for a change of tires and/or a top-up of gasoline. Dixon won the race off pit road — and it was a good thing, too, because the race was red-flagged shortly after, on lap 106, as rain began to fall.

    Race control gave the command to re-fire engines after just a few minutes, and the race went green again with 91 laps to go. Front-row starter David Malukas in the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet launched into the lead, but once again, Palou made him work for it. Both men swapped the lead until race control threw another yellow for moisture, this time with Malukas at the head of the field.

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 22: Felix Rosenqvist, Felix Rosenqvist of the #60 SiriusXM / Texas A&M Honda goes into turn one during practice for the NTT IndyCar Series Miller Light Carb Day on May 22, 2026 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire)
    Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty

    The weather lifted again, and the field went green with 75 laps to go, but only for a moment. The No. 2 of Josef Newgarden shot almost directly into the outside Turn 1 wall at the restart after touching the curb and losing control.

    More stops transpired under yellow on lap 130 before the race went green heading into lap 133. It was a four-wide restart that brought Conor Daly into the lead, but Scott McLaughlin in the No. 3 Team Penske Chevy brought the fight to him, closely followed by Palou for a three-wide battle that lasted several laps. Daly dropped back on lap 140, putting Malukas in third to join the Palou v. McLaughlin fray. Malukas made the move for second on Lap 146, and he chased down Palou for the lead the following lap. But as has been the case all weekend, the battle was far from over, and the remaining Team Penske duo pulled into the pits; McLaughlin won that battle off pit road. Palou and Daly came in the following lap. The battle for the net lead continued with ample dicing.

    INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 24: #12: David Malukas, Team Penske Chevrolet, #2: Josef Newgarden, Team Penske Chevrolet, #3: Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Chevrolet on pit road during a red flag during the NTT INDYCAR Series of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)
    Michael L. Levitt via Getty

    Malukas cycled back to the lead with 33 laps remaining after the alternate strategy drivers cycled through the pits — and the battle with Palou continued in kind. McLaughlin, Pato O’Ward, and Felix Rosenqvist rounded out the top five. O’Ward and Rosenqvist both believed they could run to the end, while the other three believed they may need to pit in order to make it to the end.

    Malukas came in from the lead with 25 laps remaining, ceding the lead to Palou for just one lap before the reigning victor stopped for fuel. Then, it was O’Ward cycling at the front of the field, though he had less fuel to work with than Rosenqvist. Rosenqvist made the leap to the lead with 15 laps remaining, and he quickly began to gap the field thanks to his surplus of fuel compared to O’Ward.

    With eight to go, we saw a yellow flag for a major crash by rookie Caio Collett of A. J. Foyt Racing neutralized the field — and brought out a red flag as a result of significant debris. The top five at the time of the red was Rosenqvist, O’Ward, Marcus Armstrong, Malukas, and Romain Grosjean.

    Just over ten minutes later, race control gave the command to start engines, and the field went out to cycle the 2.5-mile track once again.

    The field went green with four laps remaining, Rosenqvist leading a four-wide push. Armstrong snagged the lead just ahead of Malukas — and a yellow flag came out yet again, thanks to Mick Schumacher’s car brushing the wall and a restart under review. The green flag flew with one frantic lap to go, Armstrong leading.

    Malukas made the pass on Armstrong, while Armstrong and Rosenqvist went side-by-side — but Rosenqvist made the pass on the front stretch for the win.

    That win is the second for his Meyer Shank Racing team, which last snagged victory with Helio Castroneves in 2021.

    Elizabeth Blackstock is a motorsport journalist, historian, author, podcaster, and contributor at The Drive. While she’s centered the bulk of her work around Formula 1, if it has wheels and races, she has loved and covered it.


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  • Mini’s Stylish Paul Smith Edition Arrives In America With A Pricey Catch

    Mini’s Stylish Paul Smith Edition Arrives In America With A Pricey Catch

    Mini’s Designer-Themed Cooper Arrives in America

    After debuting at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, Mini Paul Smith Edition is now officially available in the US, following Mini’s earlier confirmation. The American launch took place at the Paul Smith Melrose store in Los Angeles, which makes sense for a car that’s as much about fashion as it is about British motoring.

    This isn’t the first time Mini and Sir Paul Smith have teamed up – their partnership goes back almost three decades. Some might remember the limited-edition classic Mini from the late ‘90s, the bright anniversary concepts, or the pared-down Mini Strip from five years ago.

    For 2026, the Paul Smith Edition keeps things familiar, using Smith’s “classic with a twist” style on the current Cooper lineup instead of starting from scratch. So if you’ve been waiting for this stylish Mini to show up in America, now’s your chance. Just be ready for a price that might give you pause.

    Mini

    What Exactly Do You Get?

    You can get the Paul Smith Edition on the Mini Cooper 2-Door, 4-Door, or Convertible. The look is more about small details than flashy colors. There’s a choice of Statement Grey, Inspired White, or Midnight Black Metallic, with Nottingham Green accents on the mirrors, grille, wheel hubs, and optional roof graphics – a nod to Paul Smith’s hometown. It also comes with unique 18-inch Night Flash Spoke Black wheels.

    Inside, there are Nightshade Blue sport seats in Vescin, a knitted dashboard, Paul Smith’s signature stripe on the steering wheel, and special display themes for the round infotainment screen. There’s also a handwritten “Hello” projected onto the pavement when you open the door, a rabbit graphic on the floor mat, and “Every day is a new beginning” etched into the door sill.

    Mini

    And Then There’s The Pricing

    The Paul Smith Edition is only available on gas-powered Cooper models with the Iconic Trim package, so you’re already looking at a higher starting price before adding the special edition. In the US, the Paul Smith package itself costs another $1,400, but you need to add the $4,100 Iconic Trim first.

    So a base Cooper 2-Door jumps from $29,500 to $35,000, and a Cooper S Convertible comes in at $43,400 before destination and fees. For what’s mainly a styling and exclusivity package, that’s a big step up. But then, designer collaborations are almost never cheap. Pre-orders start June 3, and cars should reach dealers in early August.

    Mini


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  • Ordering a Car From the Factory: Everything You Need to Know

    Ordering a Car From the Factory: Everything You Need to Know

    Americans are accustomed to buying a car from dealer stock, but car shopping doesn’t work that way everywhere. In countries across Europe, for example, it’s much more common to order the exact car you want and then wait for it to be built and shipped. If you find yourself dreaming of a certain car with very specific features, and you’re willing to wait for it, you can order a car built to your exact specifications through the manufacturer’s ordering process.

    A few years ago, we’d have told you that ordering a car from the factory was possible but difficult, often costly, and involved a long wait. But that’s less true today, as factory ordering has become a more common and appealing option. During the past few years of post-pandemic supply chain recovery, dealerships found themselves short of many popular models due to production hurdles caused by a worldwide microchip shortage. With fewer models in stock, more buyers began ordering the cars they wanted through factory-order programs.

    A factory order can allow you to get precisely the car you want, in the color combination you desire, with the options you prefer. We’ll walk you through how the process works and how to decide whether it’s right for you.

    Why Order a Car From the Factory? 

    Most of us dream about buying precisely the car we want. But in reality, we want things now or need something to help us get around much sooner. A perfect car for you, down to the last detail, is likely not something your local dealership carries in stock. If you can endure the wait, ordering a car built to your specifications offers:

    • More control: You may not be able to mix and match every option, but custom-ordering your car can give you more control and more room for personal expression. However, be aware that many automakers build certain features only as part of option packages. So, for example, selecting the larger infotainment screen on a custom-built car may require you to purchase a premium stereo you don’t care about.
    • Access to packages that may not be popular where you live: If you are pickup truck shopping in the rural West, for instance, there’s a good chance your dealer has a truck with the maximum tow package on the lot because many buyers in that area ask for that package. If you’re truck shopping in a more urban area in the East, dealers are less likely to have that model in stock. If you need to pull a trailer, you might need to order a truck.
    • More time to regulate emotions around the purchase: Factory ordering reduces the emotional process of seeing a car on a lot and wanting it now. Custom orders take time and allow you to make a careful financial decision and really think through all the specifications. After all, this could be the second-largest purchase you make, behind your home.

    Pros and Cons of Ordering From the Factory

    Ordering a Car From the Factory: Everything You Need to KnowOrdering a Car From the Factory: Everything You Need to Know
    Graphic by Lauren Swift

    How to Order a Car From the Factory

    Only a small handful of manufacturers sell cars directly to buyers. Tesla does so with 100% of its products. Many electric vehicle (EV) startups, such as Rivian and Lucid Motors, follow the Tesla model. For these manufacturers, the entire ordering process takes place online. The company’s website can guide you through the process of ordering your car.

    With every other automaker, there’s a dealership involved in the process. The dealership may not be highly visible in the process, but it still plays a role. Some automakers allow you to complete nearly every step in the ordering process online, but a local dealership still handles the paperwork for your order and oversees delivery of the car to you.

    Some manufacturers have developed robust online ordering systems that allow buyers to complete the entire car purchase online. With a system like Toyota’s SmartPath (called Lexus Monogram for Toyota’s luxury brand), shoppers can follow the steps on the manufacturer’s website to place an order, then wait for a local dealer to contact them to arrange delivery.

    Otherwise, you’ll need to work with a dealership to complete your order and follow the steps below.

    Work with your preferred bank or credit union to prequalify for a loan. This will help you know where your credit score stands and could potentially give you negotiating power on the final price of the vehicle.

    Research local dealerships and choose one as you would if you were planning to buy a car from dealer stock.

    Use the Build and Price feature on the manufacturer’s website to design the vehicle with the features you want.

    Print the page with the final results. We’ll call this the “build sheet.”

    Call your chosen dealership and explain that you’re custom-ordering a car and would like to schedule an appointment.

    Bring your printed build sheet to the salesperson and request an “out-the-door price” for the vehicle.

    Just as you would with any other car purchase, you can negotiate the out-the-door price. You have the right to negotiate every aspect of the transaction aside from state tag and title fees, just as you would with any other car.

    Feel free to entertain the dealership’s offer for financing, but only accept it if it beats what you obtained from outside sources.

    When satisfied with the price, sign the buyer’s order and have the sales manager do the same. Your agreed-upon price isn’t locked in if you leave without a signed buyer’s order. Get a signed copy for yourself and leave a second signed copy with the dealership.

    The deposit amount varies by brand but is typically $1,000 or less. If you do not pay a deposit, you haven’t truly reserved the vehicle. The dealer has ordered one and plans to sell it to you later. Pay this now so that the car is reserved for you. Make sure the deposit is refundable if you change your mind.

    You must now wait for your vehicle to be built and delivered. The dealership should keep you informed on timing, but feel free to call or email for updates.

    Accept delivery of your new car and hit the road!

    Can You Negotiate the Price?

    Manufacturers that sell cars directly to buyers, like Tesla, do not negotiate car prices. When ordering a car from most manufacturers, though, you are still working through a dealership. You can negotiate a price just as you can when purchasing from dealer stock.

    Don’t forget that when you order the car, you will need a copy of the buyer’s order with your signature and the sales manager’s signature on it to set the price. Most dealerships won’t try to renegotiate the price on delivery of the car, but some less ethical dealers might. A signed agreement, complete with your deposit, will protect you from this.

    If you are trading in a car, the dealer will want to negotiate the value of your trade-in only when your new car arrives and you are ready to take possession. Negotiating trade-in value should always be a separate step from negotiating price.

    RELATED: Is Now the Time to Buy, Sell, or Trade-in a Used Car?

    How Much Should You Put Down? 

    If you are financing your new car purchase, treat the loan process the same, whether you order a custom-built car or buy one from dealer stock. Most financial advisors recommend making a down payment of at least 20% of the loan amount upfront, if possible.

    When you order, you will pay a reservation fee to reserve your car. This fee is separate from your down payment, usually $1,000 or less. It does count toward the principal of your loan balance. But its primary purpose is to reserve the car for you. If a dealer offers to let you out of the reservation fee, don’t accept. The reservation fee helps to lock in your price. If you don’t pay it, an unethical dealer may take the car as dealer stock and sell it to someone else for a higher price.

    How Long Does It Take for Delivery? 

    Unfortunately, there is no fixed period. Everyone waits when ordering a car from the factory. Wait time depends on many factors, including supply chain disruptions. These factors and others are constantly in flux. The dealership can give you some idea of what to expect, but be prepared to wait one to four months, and the delivery date could change. Some high-demand models have longer delivery windows. We’ve heard stories of wait times of up to nine months for select vehicles.

    MORE: Car Safety Features 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Are You Really Getting the Car Straight From the Factory? 

    When you order a custom-built car, the automaker builds that specific car just for you.

    Some manufacturers ship the car directly to you. This is common with Tesla and other electric car companies like Lucid and Rivian, which lack traditional dealerships. Corvette buyers wanting VIP treatment can arrange to receive their fresh-off-the-assembly-line Stingray at the National Corvette Museum for an extra fee. But most manufacturers ship the car to a dealership near you to handle the final delivery steps. They may ask you to pick it up at the dealership or arrange for a dealership employee to bring it directly to you.

    Dealerships should know better than to try to tack on additional charges at the last minute. But it is always possible that an unscrupulous dealer will try to sell you an upholstery coating, wind deflectors, or some other added-cost extra installed at the dealership. Resist the temptation.

    KBB LogoKBB Logo

    KBB Pro Tip: Alternatives to ordering from the factory

    The manufacturer and dealership coordinating your order may first try to steer you toward an existing car very similar to the one you want, whether from their stock or another dealership’s lot. Let them. Sometimes, dealers can trade vehicles with other dealers of the same brand. A dealership in Massachusetts may locate a car much like what you’re looking for in Texas and have it shipped to them to sell to you. That can speed up the process, so there’s no harm in letting dealerships try.

    What if You Change Your Mind? 

    Every manufacturer has policies for canceling a custom order, but it is always possible to cancel. In some states, it’s even possible to return a car shortly after taking possession.

    What may not be possible is getting your deposit back after build-status milestones. It depends on the agreement with the dealership and the circumstances of the order cancellation. Excessive build time could be a reason for refunding a deposit. However, a case of buyer’s remorse might not warrant a refund. Still, if your financial circumstances change, talk to the dealership quickly. You may have options.

    Some automakers and dealerships are more open to returning deposits, but the vehicle can influence the decision, as the dealer may have difficulty reselling a specific configuration. You should read the special-order paperwork carefully and ask questions before you sign.

    Bottom Line on Special-Order Cars

    Ordering a car from the factory lets you customize features and options to your liking, but it usually means a longer wait and may cost more than buying from dealer stock. The process involves working with a dealership or, in some cases, ordering directly from the manufacturer, with steps such as negotiating the price, paying a deposit, and waiting for delivery. While you get the exact car you want, you may have to compromise on some features due to package limitations, and alternatives like dealer trades can offer a quicker solution. Ultimately, factory ordering is best for buyers who value customization and are willing to wait.

    Visit our Affordability Hub to explore Kelley Bue Book articles designed to help you make smart, budget-friendly decisions.

    Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication. Sean Tucker contributed to this report.

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