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  • Extended Car Warranty Cost Comparison: The Best Bang-For-Buck Offers In 2026

    Extended Car Warranty Cost Comparison: The Best Bang-For-Buck Offers In 2026

    The purchase cost of a new vehicle like a 2026 Acura Integra isn’t going anywhere but up. In fact, as a result of record high new car prices, owners are keeping their cars for eight years, on average. Further, the average age of personally owned vehicles on the road today is 12.8 years, with trends indicating this average will continually move towards 13 years old by late 2026 or early 2027.

    The same can be said for the cost of regular maintenance and certainly major repairs, and with vehicles of that age comes more maintenance and repairs. That’s why it’s now more important than ever to consider purchasing an extended warranty for your car. But what can you expect as far as extended car warranty costs are concerned?

    The companies on this list were chosen by taking several factors into account, including, but not limited to, number of good reviews, overall customer satisfaction, price, and coverage options. It should be noted that costs and eligibility may vary depending on year, make, model, and mileage. We rank these from most to least expensive.

    10

    CARCHEX

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $110–$200


    Car repair with hood open
    Car repair with hood open
    Kate Ibragimova/Unsplash

    CARCHEX Overview

    Coverage Type

    Bumper-to-bumper/Powertrain

    Best For

    Newer cars, higher coverage

    Number Of Plans

    5

    Duration

    10 yrs/250,000 miles

    Deductible

    $0–$200 (plan dependent)

    Notes

    Premium broker with strong claims support

    Vehicle Eligibility

    20 yrs old or 250,000 miles

    A popular name in the aftermarket automotive warranty game is CARCHEX. Since 1999, CARCHEX has sold what it calls “Extended Vehicle Protection Plans.” There are five different plans with varying degrees of coverage: Extra Care, Powertrain, Powertrain Plus, Platinum, and Titanium coverage. Like most providers on this list, the costs are greatly affected by the vehicle’s year, make and model, so for true pricing, some homework must be done. CARCHEX is not actually the provider of the policy, but rather a broker for other warranty providers. This means that depending on your vehicle, different policy options are available through different administrators. CARCHEX then chooses the best policy to suit your needs from one of 20 different options spread across the five different tiers of coverage.

    So, when a repair is needed, CARCHEX is not the entity cutting the check – it would be one of the administering companies brokered by CARCHEX. This is not necessarily a bad system, as it allows CARCHEX to find a policy best suited to your needs at the lowest price. CARCHEX works with a very large network of ASE Certified repair facilities and also offers coverage for older and higher mileage vehicles as well. For a little extra peace of mind, CARCHEX has earned an A+ rating with the BBB and is endorsed by trusted online analysts like Kelly Blue Book, CarFax, and RepairPal.

    9

    Endurance

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $110–$190


    B1 Brake inspection
    Honda with wheel removed
    Parkway Honda/YouTube

    Endurance Overview

    Coverage Type

    Bumper-to-bumper/Powertrain

    Best For

    High mileage vehicles

    Number Of Plans

    6

    Duration

    8 yrs/200,000 miles

    Deductible

    $0–$200 (plan dependent)

    Notes

    Very flexible plans, month-to-month options

    Vehicle Eligibility

    Up to 20 yrs old w/ no mileage cap under 20 yrs

    Endurance earns top ratings from many reviewers for its great coverage offered with its wide range of flexible coverage plans, including a month-to-month option. With typical premiums ranging in price similar to that of CARCHEX, Endurance may not be the most affordable on the list. Nevertheless, Endurance has been around since 2006 and is one of the largest independent service contract providers in the aftermarket warranty business. There are three main plans that cover everything from more basic repairs up to air conditioning, and turbochargers (an important coverage considering the widespread use of turbochargers on late-model vehicles).

    Secure Plus, Supreme, and Superior offer great coverage at varying rates depending on year, make and model, of course. However, if you’re in need of an extended warranty for your EV, you may need to look elsewhere, as Endurance does not have a sound plan for EVs yet. Endurance does have some great benefits, including key fob replacement, financing for repairs that fall out of warranty coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and tire repair or full tire replacement (up to two full replacements per year).

    8

    CarShield

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $95–$180


    GM LQ4 V8 gasket
    GM LQ4 V8 gasket
    I Do Cars, YouTube

    CarShield Overview

    Coverage Type

    Powertrain and exclusionary

    Best For

    Used vehicles, broad coverage

    Number Of Plans

    6

    Duration

    3–8 years or up to the specified mileage

    Deductible

    $100

    Notes

    Popular, but deductibles can add up

    Vehicle Eligibility

    Up to 300,000 w/ no age limit

    CarShield extended warranty coverage offers six levels of coverage and has earned an A+ rating from the BBB. Still not the most affordable extended warranty coverage available, CarShield has some mixed reviews on numerous websites. It does offer unlimited annual mileage, perks if you’re the original owner of the car, and it even has plans for ATVs and motorcycles. CarShield works with ASE-certified repair facilities across the nation, so finding a garage to get you back on the road should pose no problem. It will cover a vehicle up to 300,000 miles and also offer 24/7 roadside assistance and towing depending on your plan.

    7

    American Auto Dream Protect

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $90–$160


    Broken Timing Belt
    Broken timing belt
    autodoc.co./YouTube

    American Auto Dream Protect

    Coverage Type

    Powertrain and some exclusions

    Best For

    Budget, with decent coverage

    Number Of Plans

    3

    Duration

    3–7 yrs

    Deductible

    $100

    Notes

    Noted for good multi-car discounts

    Vehicle Eligibility

    Determined during quote

    A little on the newer side, American Auto Dream Protect was founded in 2021 and has been earning itself a good reputation with drivers ever since. Noted for having helpful customer service and simple, streamlined claims processes, and fair pricing, American Auto Dream Protect has three plans for coverage. Silver, Gold and Platinum plans have your vehicle covered for basic and major repairs. With some coverage stipulations, they will cover vehicles that are 13 years and newer at under 200,000 miles. American Auto Dream Protect will cover farm vehicles and ride-share vehicles, with quick claim turnaround times for all. Plans are transferable and American Auto Dream Protect has 24/7 customer service.

    6

    Select Auto Protect

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $80–$150


    3 Engine 6
    The M139 engine is hand-built by a master technician. When it is completed, the builder adds his or her name to the engine with a special placard. 
    Mercedes-AMG

    Select Auto Protect

    Coverage Type

    Bumper-to-bumper/Powertrain, and exclusionary

    Best For

    Competitive pricing, smooth claims process, easy to sign up

    Number Of Plans

    3

    Duration

    3–8 yrs

    Deductible

    $0–$250

    Notes

    Named component coverage, vehicles old and new

    Vehicle Eligibility

    Determined during quote

    Select Auto Protect keeps things relatively simple, offering three main tiers of coverage. The Select Platinum is the highest coverage and the closest to “bumper-to-bumper” coverage. Next is Select Gold, which is the mid-tier coverage, followed by Select Silver, which is basic powertrain-focused coverage. All plans include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement (with limits depending on the plan), and trip interruption coverage. Although plans are seemingly offered for vehicles of various ages and mileage, the website does not list strict mileage limits. Like the rest of these warranty providers, fixed prices are not published on their website, costs are personalized based on your vehicle’s year, make, model and mileage.

    5

    Route 66 Extended Warranty

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $85–$150

    car dealership

    Route 66 Overview

    Coverage Type

    Powertrain and exclusionary

    Best For

    $0 deductible options

    Number Of Plans

    Unspecified

    Duration

    3–8 yrs

    Deductible

    $0–$250

    Notes

    Good for basic protection

    Vehicle Eligibility

    Determined during quote

    Interestingly, Route 66 extended warranty coverage cannot be purchased online, or by calling the company directly. These plans are only available through financial institutions, like banks or credit unions. Route 66 has no deductibles, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with their services and coverage. Plans are transferable and repairs can be made at any ASE-certified repair center. However, there are a number of models and entire brands that Route 66 will not cover, so some research will be needed when considering this provider.

    Many European vehicles and the Chevrolet Corvette specifically are not covered, for example. Route 66 has three simple plans: Easy Street, Main Street, and First Street. The lowest plan, Easy Street, covers most basic maintenance items and provides a small amount of coverage on most systems, while the higher up plans take care of the heavy lifting, covering internal engine and transmission related issues.

    4

    Omega Auto Care

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $75–$140


    ford-mobile-service-technician
    Ford dealership technicians
    Ford

    Omega Auto Care

    Coverage Type

    Powertrain focused

    Best For

    Affordable mid-tier plans

    Number Of Plans

    Total number unspecified

    Duration

    3–7 yrs

    Deductible

    $100-$250

    Notes

    Decent with fewer luxury features

    Vehicle Eligibility

    Determined during quote

    Omega Auto Care warranties are a great option for older vehicles, or vehicles with higher mileage. Omega will cover a car or truck that is up to 15 years old that has less than 250,000 miles on the odometer. There are three plans for powertrain coverage and Omega offers special “Used Stated” and Exclusionary Plans. So coverage for both older and newer vehicles, even with some pre-existing conditions, is no problem. The Powertrain plans cover most of the major components of the drivetrain, but opting for the Powertrain Plus and Enhanced Plans will cover most everything except steering and suspension repairs. This is where the Used Stated and Exclusionary Plans kick in with coverage. All Omega’s plans come with some 24/7 roadside assistance, rental vehicle coverage or reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage to some degree, all of which are plan dependent.

    3

    autopom!

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $70–$130


    Broken Car Window
    Broken Car Window
    Tony Webster via Wikimedia

    autopom! Overview

    Coverage Type

    Powertrain with some add-ons

    Best For

    High mileage and budget buyers

    Number Of Plans

    Unspecified

    Duration

    3–8 yrs

    Deductible

    $100–$250

    Notes

    Aggressive pricing

    Vehicle Eligibility

    Determined during quote

    Similar to CARCHEX, autopom! is a broker for extended warranty coverage, so it offers coverage from a few different providers with lots of coverage levels. Frequently praised for its stellar customer service, speed of service and responsiveness to claims, autopom! is still not the most affordable of the bunch. With at least one option for a provider in each state, autopom! has nationwide coverage and is partnered with 2,600 ASE Certified repair facilities for clients to choose from. Since autopom! is a broker, it is able to work with its partner companies to offer a range of options, ensuring the best options for most vehicles and scenarios. It offers Exclusionary coverage as well, which is said to be as close to a manufacturer’s warranty as you could get with an aftermarket provider.

    2

    Toco Warranty

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $66–$110


    Vehicle damage being assessed
    Reporter and repair technician assessing vehicle damage (Source: Inside Edition/YouTube)

    Toco Warranty

    Coverage Type

    Powertrain

    Best For

    Very low cost entry

    Number Of Plans

    4

    Duration

    3–7 yrs

    Deductible

    $100+

    Notes

    Newer company, basic and inexpensive

    Vehicle Eligibility

    10–12 yrs old / 140,000-185,000 miles

    Toco earns an A+ rating from the BBB and is praised by its customers for its straightforward approach to extended warranty coverage. Toco has been providing extended coverage to its customers since 2013. Toco’s plans are based off of your vehicle’s mileage and are categorized by colors; Orange: Up to 100,000 miles, Yellow: 100,000–150,000 miles, Blue: 150,000–200,000 miles, and Green: 200,000–250,000 miles. This makes it easy for customers to discern what plan is applicable to their vehicle and needs. Coverage plans within each plan differ, but all Toco plans cover major drivetrain components to some degree, with some roadside assistance and towing. Toco also offers a pay-as-you-go monthly subscription plan that can be easily canceled at any time.

    1

    Olive

    Average Monthly Cost Of Extended Car Warranty: $49–$100


    ford-dealership-technician
    Ford dealership technicians
    Ford

    Olive Overview

    Coverage Type

    Powertrain/Limited

    Best For

    Most cost-effective and affordable option

    Number Of Plans

    3

    Duration

    3 yrs

    Deductible

    $100, $250, $500

    Notes

    Best for tight budgets and newer cars

    Vehicle Eligibility

    10–12 yrs old/140,000–185,000 miles

    Launched in 2019, Olive has earned not only a great reputation for its outstanding customer service, but also an A+ rating from the BBB. It offers the lowest extended car warranty costs, and plans that are transferable if you replace your vehicle. Olive’s plans can also be canceled at any time without penalty. Olive will, however, only cover vehicles that are less than 10 years old and under 140,000 miles, making eligibility tricky for some car owners. Once a policy has been decided on, coverage starts immediately, as opposed to some plans that require a waiting period for coverage to kick in. Three plans are offered covering various repairs of minor and major automotive systems, with some policies even covering up to $100 of the towing bill. Finding a repair shop should be a walk in the park considering that Olive works closely with RepairPal.

    Sources: Consumer Affairs, Trust Pilot, BBB, RepairPal, KBB

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  • “Cheaper to run:” Global EV numbers surge above 20 million despite slowdown in biggest markets

    “Cheaper to run:” Global EV numbers surge above 20 million despite slowdown in biggest markets

    The soaring price of petrol is sending more Australian drivers to electric cars and the trend could change the worldwide automotive market.

    Global oil shortages are driving more motorists to buy electric vehicles, with predictions they could account for almost one in three cars sold worldwide within a year.

    Australian drivers could be among those behind the trend after a report found local motorists would save an additional $688 with an EV due to record petrol price increases.

    The International Energy Agency released the findings on Thursday in its annual report on the sector, which also found electric vehicles were on track to represent half of all vehicles sold in 2035.

    The forecast comes after Australians bought a record number of electric and hybrid vehicles in March and April following fuel shortages caused by conflict in the Middle East.

    The agency’s Global EV Outlook 2026 report, which combines sales data with analysis, found electric cars sales exceeded 20 million in 2025, representing a rise of 20 per cent.

    Europe recorded the strongest EV growth with sales up by 30 per cent, while Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand more than doubled the number of electric car sales.

    Their popularity remained steady in the US and slowed slightly in China, where they made up more than half of all vehicle sales, but International Energy Agency executive director Fatih Birol said the year represented a turning point.

    “Electric car sales set new records in close to 100 countries last year,” he said.

    “The growing popularity of EVs has marked a major shift for car makers and the energy system as a whole, and it is providing some relief now amid the largest oil supply shock in history.”

    Global fuel shortages were expected to draw consumer attention to the lower running costs of electric vehicles, the report said, and would help them reach 23 million sales in 2026, representing 28 per cent of all car sales.

    Australian motorists were hit particularly hard by rising fuel prices – up by 34 per cent in April compared with 2025 – which meant they could save an additional $US490 a year ($688) by swapping a petrol car for a battery-powered model.

    The figures showed low-emission cars were becoming an even better investment, Electric Vehicle Council policy head Aman Gaur said.

    “People around the world are making the sensible decision to step into EVs, which are cheaper to run and aren’t dependent on expensive, foreign fuels,” he said.

    But growth in electric cars could be affected by further fuel excise cuts, the report noted, and also by rising electricity prices.

    Australians bought more than 15,400 electric cars in April, according to figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and Electric Vehicle Council, representing 16.4 per cent of all new car sales.

    Source: AAP

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

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  • Two-Time NASCAR Cup Champion Kyle Busch Dies Suddenly at 41

    Two-Time NASCAR Cup Champion Kyle Busch Dies Suddenly at 41

    Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died suddenly on Thursday, NASCAR announced. Busch was hospitalized earlier in the day with an undisclosed “severe” illness, prompting representatives to announce that he would not be able to race in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600.

    “On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR said in a joint statement.

    “Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans,” the statement said.

    Fierce, passionate, and immensely skilled. That pretty much says it all about Busch, or Rowdy as he was known, who held the all-time win record for NASCAR’s national series with 234 checkered flags. It’s a massive loss for the sport, the racing community, and most of all, his wife Samantha Busch, his 11-year-old son Brexton, and his four-year-old daughter Lennix.

    “Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series, the statement said. “His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’”

    The nature of Busch’s illness is unknown. Two weeks ago during the race at Watkins Glen, he was heard on the radio requesting to see a physician’s assistant after the finish, saying “I’m gonna need a shot.” Last week, when The Athletic asked him if he was feeling better, Busch responded: “You can kind of hear it. I’m still not great. The cough was pretty substantial last week.”

    Richard Childress Racing originally said that Austin Hill would race in Busch’s place this weekend; given this development, it’s possible the team will retire from this weekend’s entry entirely.

    Got a news tip? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com!

    Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories.


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  • Nismo expands into Australia | GoAuto

    Nismo expands into Australia | GoAuto

    AUSTRALIA will be the first international destination for Nissan’s enthusiast-facing Nismo Performance Centres, with the first to open in Melbourne later in 2026, with expansion to other capital cities in the planner.

     

    Set up to handle the retail of Nismo’s extensive catalogue of performance parts as well as OEM parts from Nissan’s restoration parts programme for its classic sports car models, the Nismo Performance Centres will also be able to offer complete engine packages for Nissan’s legendary RB26, which powered the Skyline GT-R for its R32, R33 and R34 generations, as well as install parts for customers with Nismo-certified technicians handling the work.

     

    Does the Nismo Performance Centre rollout – which will eventually encompass the other major capitals of Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and, if demand proves strong, Adelaide and Auckland in New Zealand – speak to any grander ambitions around bringing more Nismo road cars to Nissan Oceania’s showrooms?

     

    Though options exist in the form of the just-revealed Nissan X-Trail Nismo, Patrol Nismo, and the all-electric Ariya Nismo, the Nismo Performance Centre (NPC) strategy centres around servicing the sizable car park of legacy Nissan sports car models – largely grey imports – and their owners.

     

    According to Nissan, it’s a pool of potential customers that’s around 35,500-strong, with over 16,500 of them owning Japanese-market Skylines of various generations and grades.

     

    “There is an extremely good opportunity in this market to have true Nismo expertise for our customers,” said Nissan Oceania’s aftersales director Michael Hill.

     

    “When we look at the data, particularly on R32 (Skyline) and R33 (Skyline) registrations, Australians imported between seven percent of the total R32 production run, up to nearly 36 percent of all R34 (Skylines) that were ever built.”

     

    Beyond Nissan’s iconic 90s-era Skylines, the NPCs will also cater to Zs, Silvias, and even more oddball Japanese Domestic Market imports like the Nissan Stagea wagon.

     

    Essentially, if Nismo has parts available for a car over in Japan, the Australian NPCs will be able to sell and install those parts to local customers, removing the language, currency and shipping barriers that keen enthusiasts have had to deal with in the past.

     

    The audience appears to be there, but will the Nissan Performance Centre concept be a big money-spinner?

     

    Nissan says the focus is more about building a stronger brand and strengthening its link with buyers that have been loyal. Though each NPC will be co-located with an existing Nissan dealership (the first will open at Ferntree Gully Nissan in the latter half of 2026), the company isn’t treating it as an opportunity to upsell Skyline owners into a shiny new X-trail.

     

    It is, however, a spearhead for Nissan’s greater ambition to establish a more global role for its Nissan Motorsports and Customisation (NMC) subsidiary, which encompasses Nismo.

     

    The NPC store concept has existed for some time in Japan, where a network of 32 NPCs can be found, but following its first international foray in Australia, NPCs will open in locations in the USA, the GCC, and the United Kingdom.

     

    In parallel with that, the range of road cars engineered and designed by NMC will double from five to ten, with more of them heading to international markets in the coming years.

     

    In the past, only a handful of Nismo-badged models have escaped Japan’s borders, namely the Z Nismo, GT-R Nismo, Juke Nismo, Ariya Nismo, and Patrol Nismo.

     

    Currently, only the Z Nismo is offered in Australia, with an imminent model update set to bring a manual transmission option and uprated brakes to sell alongside the existing auto-equipped Z Nismo.

     

    While no official decision has been made, the Y63 Patrol Nismo, which is already offered in the Middle East, is understood to be too road-biased for Australian tastes, and an unlikely starter for our market.

     

    “Nismo’s global expansion is about bringing the brand closer to customers in the right markets, with the right products, services and experiences,” said Yutaka Sanada, the global head of the Nismo brand and the president of NMC.

     

    Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO of Nissan also singled out Australia as being a key part of Nissan’s grander global ambition.

     

    “The expansion of the Nismo brand in markets such as Australia is an important step in bringing exciting experiences to customers who value performance and authenticity,” he said.

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  • What I Learned Over 13,000 Miles

    What I Learned Over 13,000 Miles

    Back in April, I said goodbye to The Drive‘s 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport long-term tester. More specifically, it was my 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, as I was the only one who drove it basically every single day for almost nine months. After 13,000 miles, it went back to the mothership to be auctioned off and find a new home.

    I’ve been doing this job for a little over a decade now, and that’s, by far, the longest I’ve driven a press car, and also the most miles I’ve put on one. I lived with the Passport—I had lots of good times in it, but also lots of not-so-nice ones. Like I always say, life happens in cars, and the Pumpkin King was no exception. It took me on countless grocery runs, school drop-offs, and pick-ups; it took my son to his high school graduation; and eventually, it moved him out to his dorm at Purdue University. It also moved me and my belongings to a new home, where I started a new chapter of my life last year. Oh, and there were a couple of road trips, too, like a cross-country dash to a Billie Eilish concert for my daughter’s birthday. The Passport did it all, and so I learned everything about it: its good side, its quirks, and most of all, its cheery can-do attitude.

    If you’re in the market for a Honda Passport, or maybe just a midsize, rugged SUV in general, here’s what you can expect.

    Jerry Perez

    Previous Installments

    Daily Duty

    The Passport TrailSport is a boxy, rugged crossover that’s quite capable off-road, but more on that later. Like all mainstream crossovers out there, its main mission is to shuttle you and your family to wherever you need to go—and do it safely, comfortably, and without any headaches. On those fronts, the Passport more than meets the criteria and passes these tests with flying colors. In fact, it earns bonus points for its unique design that sets it apart from its many rivals. Frankly, that’s no easy feat in such a crowded segment.

    What I enjoyed most about the Passport TrailSport was its versatility. It’s a super comfy daily driver, but its 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower offered enough grunt when necessary. If you read my previous blogs, you’ll know how I feel about its suspension (very soft and springy), so don’t expect a sporty ride. If what you’re looking for is comfort for you and the fam on city roads and highways alike, it has you covered.

    Likewise, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. I found the front and rear seats to be very comfortable, especially in the top-shelf TrailSport trim, as they were heated and ventilated up front, and heated in the rear. They offered plenty of cushion and support without feeling like a living-room recliner or, at the other end, way too sporty.

    For my full road test and driving notes, you can read my 5,000-mile review.

    Jerry Perez

    Pros

    Technology: Honda’s infotainment system with Google built in is pretty much my favorite to date. Sure, it’s the one I’ve experienced the longest, obviously, but it just makes sense. The Google interface is pretty much identical to what you’d find on your Chrome browser when navigating the internet, as well as Google Maps. You can log in with your Google credentials, so it remembers your recurring routes, destinations, and preferences, and it synchronizes notifications. It makes life easy. You can also have multiple users if you share the Passport with someone else. It’s very intuitive—so much so that I didn’t even use wireless Apple CarPlay all that much, mostly for Apple Music.

    Breadth of Capability: When you buy a Suburban, you get a great highway vehicle for road trips and a phenomenal towing rig. In the city, it’s huge and clumsy, and its fuel economy sucks. When you buy a Toyota 4Runner, you get a plastics-galore interior, a mediocre four-banger, and a stiff, truck-like ride quality that, while capable on the trail, can be downright miserable during everyday driving. The Passport’s best quality is its versatility. It can do everything well—except spirited driving—and with utmost confidence.

    Cons

    These detractors were basically the same from Day 1 of my long-term test. First up, overly sensitive cruise control when traveling even slightly downhill. If you set your speed at 70 and you come across a slight incline that will increase your speed, rather than let you freely gain another two to three miles per hour, the Passport will abruptly tap the brakes to keep you from gaining speed. This is extremely annoying and inefficient. Then there’s the lane-keeping assist calibration, or lack thereof. The Passport spends most of its time ping-ponging between lanes and really struggles to maintain a clear trajectory through the slightest of corners.

    With those big ones out of the way, there are also a couple of small details that really annoyed me throughout my test. One of them was that all auxiliary power shut off immediately after the engine was powered down. Ideally, I’d like the stereo to remain on for a minute or so, so I can finish the song I’m listening to without wasting gas. (Not, this wasn’t a setting.) Also, it’d be good for the blind-spot monitors to remain active in case they need to warn me of an incoming car or bicycle before I open the door. Lastly, I found the HVAC’s lowest fan speed to be too high for my liking. I could feel it blowing in my face just a bit more than I’d want it to.

    Honda Passport TrailSport off-road
    Ryan Perez

    Honorable Mention

    It has to be the Passport TrailSport’s off-road chops. The stuff I put this thing through—the trail, the obstacles—and just how nonchalantly it breezed through them, mostly unscathed, was really eye-opening. From my off-road review:

    Next thing I knew, I had the front left and rear right in the air, and the SUV was teeter-tottering over a rock formation. It felt unnerving from the inside, but the Passport never felt like it was being pushed beyond its limits. The brakes kept the tires intermittently clamped down, while I, little by little, made my way down to level ground. In fact, that was the takeaway of the day: despite being put through challenges no ordinary owner would ever do, it never lost its composure. It never lost that typical cool-as-a-cucumber Honda attitude.

    No one, and I really mean no one, will put their Passport, bought with their hard-earned cash, through the kind of stuff I did. Not because people aren’t adventurous, but because 99.9% of these will be daily drivers, and the folks who want a trail-rated machine will buy something else. Still, it’s great to know just how capable it is with literally zero modifications.

    Fuel Economy

    I’ll say it: The Passport’s fuel mileage is not ideal. But then again, I’m used to driving fuel-efficient compact cars. Also, there are good reasons for the EPA’s rating of 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. The V6 packs a solid punch and can healthily tow up to 5,000 pounds. Also, it has a 5.25:1 first gear and a 4.17:1 final drive, which helps it off-road, but not so much on the road.

    Most of my driving happened in the city, and yet, I typically averaged around 21 mpg, which is 1 mpg better than the combined estimate. However, I never really managed to hit the 23 mpg on the highway, even on extended drives.

    Jerry Perez

    Verdict

    There’s little to dislike about the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport. It’s not perfect, but it strikes an ideal balance between practicality, personality, comfort, and off-road skills. The latter, likely no one will explore, but they’re still there just in case. It was not cheap at all (my tester came in at $54,335, including a $1,450 destination charge), but you get a lot of crossover for the money. Plus, it’s a Honda, so its long-term value and reliability are a given.

    2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Specs

    Base Price (TrailSport Elite as tested) $46,200 ($54,355)
    Powertrain 3.5-liter V6 | 10-speed automatic | all-wheel drive
    Horsepower 285 @ 6,100 rpm
    Torque 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
    Seating Capacity 5
    Cargo Volume 44 cubic feet behind second row | 83.8 cubic feet behind first row
    Curb Weight 4,705 pounds
    Max Towing 5,000 pounds
    Off-Road Angles 23° approach | 16.7° breakover | 23.1° departure
    Ground Clearance 8.3 inches
    EPA Fuel Economy 18 mpg city | 23 highway | 20 combined
    Score 9/10

    Email the author at jerry@thedrive.com

    As deputy editor, Jerry draws on a decade of industry experience and a lifelong passion for motorsports to guide The Drive’s short- and long-term coverage.


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  • Tesla Says FSD Is Finally Live In China, But Leaves Drivers Guessing On Rollout

    Tesla Says FSD Is Finally Live In China, But Leaves Drivers Guessing On Rollout

    • Tesla confirmed in a post on X that its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver assistance system is now available in China.
    • It’s a major win for Tesla in the region, where local players have long offered strong hands-free ADAS.
    • However, Tesla left out the most important part: when the system will actually roll out to drivers.

    Tesla, which has shifted its attention from making electric cars to autonomy and robots, claims its hands-free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driving assistance feature is now available in China.

    Better known as FSD, the feature has long been available in the United States in one form or another throughout the years, and has now finally reached China, where regulatory red tape has delayed its introduction for several years.

     

    The company said in a social media post on X that the driver assistance feature, which still requires the driver to be fully attentive, is available in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, China, Australia, New Zealand, South  Korea, the Netherlands, and Lithuania.

    Recently, the Netherlands became the first European country to greenlight Tesla’s hands-free system, followed by Lithuania. The addition of China to that list, however, has raised a few eyebrows, including among Tesla drivers in China, with some commenters saying that the feature is not yet available in their cars.

    It’s also worth noting that some features that are included in what everybody knows as FSD (Supervised) have been previously available in China under various names, including “Intelligent Assisted Driving.” Tesla has not released any details on the final rollout in China, and the company still asks for a one-time buyout of around $9,400 for its FSD package in the region. In other markets, including the U.S., the company has switched to a subscription-only model.

    China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology did not respond to requests for comment, according to the Wall Street Journal.

    Tesla’s vision-only approach to autonomous driving clashes with the majority of Chinese carmakers, which typically use at least one Lidar sensor for redundancy. More companies are jumping on the vision-only approach, but they’re late to the party that Tesla started, giving the American automaker the upper hand.



    Getting FSD (Supervised) approved in China is a good sign, and could help boost sales in the world’s largest and most competitive car market. All this being said, everyone is waiting for a concrete rollout date and not just a mention in a social media post.

    In the past months, Tesla has ramped up real-world testing across several major cities in China, recruiting more technicians than usual, signaling that the company might finally release the feature to the public, as noted by CarNewsChina.

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  • Toyota Turbo V6 Recall Campaign Grows to Include More Than 250,000 Trucks

    Toyota Turbo V6 Recall Campaign Grows to Include More Than 250,000 Trucks

    Before Wednesday, Toyota had already recalled more than 225,000 vehicles with its 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6. The automaker claims machining debris may have been left inside the engines, potentially causing catastrophic failures like sudden loss of power and no-start conditions in certain Tundra pickups and Lexus SUVs. It’s been a massive headache, and tragically, the problem continues to grow as Toyota just added 44,000 more 2024 model-year Tundras to the list.

    Toyota published a press release that might cause deja vu for anyone who has kept up with the saga so far. In it, the manufacturer explained, “There is a possibility that certain machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced.” We’ve heard the same explanation twice before, and the problems occur when one or more of the engine’s bearings fail.

    What’s even more interesting is Toyota’s explanation as to how this happened again. “The engines involved in this new recall were produced using additional controls for removing manufacturing debris,” the release says. “We have found that, even after these additional controls, the remaining debris could be sufficient to cause damage to the #1 main bearing and lead to this issue.”

    For anyone worried that the problems might persist on other Tundras built later, Toyota says, “Engines produced after those included in this recall were manufactured with an improved #1 main bearing to help resist certain debris that might remain.” So the troublesome manufacturing debris could still exist in later engines, but they’re supposedly less susceptible to failing because of it.

    Also, hybrid models are still not included in the recall.

    Toyota Tundra towing Airstream trailer
    Toyota

    This recall is by far the smallest of the three so far. The first involved roughly 102,000 2022-2023 Tundras and Lexus LX models, while the second added another 127,000 vehicles. Even still, with this recall featuring just 44,000 pickups, it’s significant for 2024 Tundra owners who experienced problems but found their trucks were manufactured too late to be covered under the first two. Of course, most remain under warranty, though those repairs have historically involved replacing affected parts rather than the entire engine.

    Toyota said in its announcement that it has completed “more than 77,000” of the Tundra V6 recall repairs so far. Customers should visit their local dealer for the free repair when they’re notified that it’s available. If you’re affected by this latest recall, there’s a chance you’ll be waiting a while.

    Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com

    From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.


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  • 777-HP Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT Arrives as Ford F-150 Lobo’s Worst Nightmare

    777-HP Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT Arrives as Ford F-150 Lobo’s Worst Nightmare

    Street Trucks Are So Back

    It started with the Ford Maverick Lobo, which quietly reopened the door for the street truck segment after years of dormancy. Then Ford doubled down with the F-150 Lobo, giving fans a lowered, sportier full-size pickup powered by a 400-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 mill. Not too shabby. But if there’s one thing guaranteed in the American truck market, it’s that competition never stays quiet for long.

    Stellantis is officially entering the conversation with the 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, a new lineup of V8-powered “muscle trucks” designed to bring back the kind of performance pickups that disappeared after the mid-2000s. And unlike Ford’s more appearance-focused Lobo formula, Ram is determined to go much further.

    And yes, it’s a whole lineup of V8-powered Rumble Bee trucks (hence, the name), starting with a 395-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8, moving up to a 470-hp 6.4-liter 392 HEMI, and topping out with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 making 777 hp in the Rumble Bee SRT. Ram says the flagship can hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and run an 11.6-second quarter mile, which puts it in serious performance car territory.


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    More Than Just a Styling Package

    Previewed by last year’s visually loud SEMA Concepts, the Rumble Bee feels much more aggressive mechanically compared to the Ford F-150 Lobo. The latter mainly focuses on street-oriented styling and suspension tweaks, while Ram redesigned major chassis components specifically for performance driving.

    The truck features a unique Quad Cab short-bed layout with a 13-inch shorter wheelbase. Ram says the reduction improves rigidity and sharpens handling response. Wider tracks, Bilstein Performance Dampers, massive stabilizer bars, and available air suspension also help set it apart from a standard Ram 1500.

    The SRT model takes things even further with 325-section rear tires mounted on 22-by-12-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, launch control, adaptive dampers, and a dedicated rear-wheel-drive mode. Ram even engineered aerodynamic aids like a front splitter, rear spoiler, and underbody aero shielding to keep the truck stable at its claimed 170-mph top speed.

    Interestingly, Ram still wants the Rumble Bee to function like a truck. Depending on trim, towing capacity reaches 8,890 pounds while payload tops out at 1,160 pounds.


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    Loud Looks, Driver-Focused Cabin

    The Rumble Bee lineup clearly takes inspiration from old-school muscle trucks, especially the original Ram SRT10. Widebody fenders, aggressive fascias, functional hood vents, and oversized wheels give the truck a much meaner stance than a regular Ram 1500.

    The hotter 392 Track Pack and SRT variants get even more dramatic with deep front splitters, larger grille openings, unique spoilers, and optional graphics packages. Ram also revived the angry bee logo with different variations depending on trim level. The top-spec SRT gets black-and-orange accents that tie into the orange-painted Hellcat engine block.

    Inside, the muscle truck theme continues with flat-bottom steering wheels, paddle shifters, bucket seats, and performance pages built into the Uconnect system. Higher trims add suede, carbon fiber trim, upgraded audio systems, and larger portrait-style touchscreens.


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    original article

    Hotter Models Arriving Next Year

    The 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee will be built in Saltillo, Mexico. Production starts with the 5.7-liter HEMI model in late 2026, while the 392 and SRT variants arrive sometime in the first half of 2027. Ram hasn’t announced pricing yet, though the SRT will almost certainly sit deep into premium performance territory like the circa $100,000 Ram TRX SRT.

    What’s interesting is how quickly the street truck segment has escalated. Ford reopened the conversation with the Maverick Lobo and F-150 Lobo, but Ram just answered with a 777-hp supercharged pickup that feels closer to a modern-day SRT10 successor than a simple appearance package.

    If this is where the new muscle truck era is headed, the horsepower wars are probably just getting started.


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  • How to Charge an Electric Car for Free

    How to Charge an Electric Car for Free

    Quick Facts About Free Charging Stations

    • Use EV charging apps to locate free charging stations in real time to save money.
    • Early EV adopters may still have some of their initial free charging benefits remaining.
    • Free public charging stations are sometimes found at popular locations such as shopping centers, workplaces, and hotels, providing added convenience for EV drivers.

    Many electric vehicle owners charge at home, which is the most convenient way to replenish range, but almost everyone encounters a time when charging on the go is necessary. Public chargers are a great way to recover battery power away from home, but most aren’t free. While they’re still cheaper than refueling a gas vehicle, public chargers usually bill by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), with higher costs for faster charging speeds.

    The good news is that there are still free charging options out there. They’re usually a bit off the beaten path and aren’t always the fastest options available, but they can get the job done if you aren’t in the mood to pay for a quick charging session.

    Where Can I Charge My Electric Car for Free?

    How to Charge an Electric Car for FreeHow to Charge an Electric Car for Free

    Finding a free charging station in your area takes a little research. Many grocery stores, hotels, universities, and car dealers offer no-cost charging, but they aren’t widely advertised and might not show up in the location features built into many electric vehicles’ navigation systems.

    Smartphone apps are a great way to locate free charging stations. PlugShare, available for Apple and Android devices, is one of the more popular options. Its map-based search tool offers a filter for no-cost chargers in your area, and you can expand your search radius to find additional locations. 

    It’s also a good idea to download the apps for the charging networks you most frequently use for the times when there are no free chargers available where you need them. Many of the major national charging companies offer perks, such as points systems that give free charging minutes, and they’re useful for viewing the status of local chargers. 

    Some EV owners may have access to free charging time through promotional offers issued when they bought their cars. Electrify America’s network offers free charging to some owners of EVs from brands such as Audi, BMW, Genesis, and others. That said, the free charging sessions are usually limited, depending on the charger speed and vehicle. For example, owners of 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 models purchased before February 28, 2025, have access to 24 months of 30-minute fast-charging sessions or 60 minutes of Level 2 charging.

    What to Know About Free EV Chargers 



    Free Public EV Charging — What to Know

    Locations

    Free chargers tend to pop up at shopping centers, hotels, libraries, and municipal parking lots — places where the host benefits from keeping you on-site longer.

    Tools

    Apps like PlugShare let you filter specifically for free public chargers. Skim recent user check-ins to see whether a station is actually working before you drive there.

    Performance

    Most free units are Level 2 (208V/240V), adding roughly 15–30 miles of range per hour. Great for topping off while you shop or dine — not a substitute for fast highway charging.

    Watch Out

    The electricity may be free, but you might still pay for parking or get hit with idle fees if you leave your car plugged in after charging finishes.

    Be Courteous

    Only occupy a stall while you’re actively charging, and move your vehicle as soon as it’s done. Many sites enforce a 2–4 hour limit, and other EV drivers are often waiting.

    Trend

    As EV adoption climbs, more networks that started as free perks are switching to paid plans. Expect free public charging to become harder to find from year to year.

    Lines for free charging stations might also be an issue, or there may not be empty chargers when you arrive at a destination and need to plug in.

    If you’re going to drive in an unfamiliar area and know you’ll be near the maximum range of your EV, be sure to have a backup plan in case your intended free electric car charger is unavailable.

    Tips for Finding Free Chargers in Public

    The easiest places to find free charging stations are shopping malls, high-traffic grocery stores, libraries, and some fast-food chains. Some towns operate free charging networks as part of clean energy initiatives or to drive traffic to areas they want to promote. The best way to locate these chargers is to use apps like PlugShare, which makes it easy to filter for free chargers on a map.

    If you were one of the early EV adopters, your vehicle might have come with free charging perks, though the limited clock is running out on most of those offers by now. Those benefits are usually tied to a specific charging network, and they may require an app with an attached payment method. You can locate these chargers in the charging network app or your vehicle’s companion app.

    Finally, remember that free charging can be a huge benefit, but it’s generally not a good idea to wait until you’re in a desperate situation. Finding a free charger can take time, and they aren’t always in the most convenient locations. You’ll probably also find slower speeds that make it difficult to top up your battery in a reasonable amount of time.

    Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.

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