Chinese car giant BYD surprised many last year with details of a small hatchback model that was spotted testing in China and was destined to compete in Japan’s unique Kei car market. It was later unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show as the 2026 BYD Racco, which translates from Japanese to BYD “Sea Otter”.
Now, more details have come to light about the 20-kWh battery-pack-equipped Racco, which Best Car Channel Japan shared on YouTube and reshared by Sakura Yae on X.
In a new video of the almost 3.4 metre long city car from Japan, details around the sliding door, the rear folding and sliding seats as well as the car packing an umbrella in the rear were shared.
The rear doors of the car slide along the length of the car, making it easier for passengers to get in and out. That’s electrically operated as well, and is usually a feature seen in more premium peoplemovers/MPV.
In the rear, there is also adjustable seating, which allows for more cargo space in the boot or more legroom for passengers.
These seats can also be folded and stacked, allowing the Racco to be more flexible in the back for those moving or transporting items.
BYD has also made it easier for families to include an umbrella holder in the rear, with the umbrella coming in as standard. This is also something found in more premium models, priced much higher than what the Racco is expected to be priced at.
Image: BYD Japan
This model is designed specifically for the Japanese market, where competition in this popular segment is quite high. BYD is really amping up the focus on this smaller EV for the Japanese market to begin with, but derivatives of this could make it to other markets globally down the track.
On BYD Racco’s Japan website, the company shares what this model could bring to families wanting a cleaner electric commuting car: “Daily shopping, commuting, picking up and dropping off children, and even on holidays. Cleaner. Smarter. More environmentally friendly. The future isn’t just about big cars. A small EV revolution begins.”
The design aspects of the car are also shared: “Our goal was to “provide the best minicar in the EV category to everyone.” To achieve this, the first thing we did was to develop an EV-exclusive Super Tall x Sliding Door package.”
Image: BYD Japan
The ease of getting in and out is important for smaller Kei cars, so the sliding door will be a unique addition that may encourage buyers in that segment to test-drive the Racco.
Last month, at a car show in Tokyo, BYD revealed that the Racco will come equipped with two battery packs. The smaller 20 kWh pack delivers around 200 km of range, and the larger 30 kWh pack delivers around 300 km of range.
That’s plenty of range for most city drives, and the car is expected to have both AC and DC charging capabilities for top-ups.
Earlier reports hinted at DC charging speeds of up to 100 kW on these small battery packs, but that is likely to be confirmed when full specs are released in the coming months.
Given that many of the Kei car models in Japan are powered by an engine with up to 660 cc of capacity, an electric offering by BYD could really help put BYD on Japanese consumers’ shortlist in the years to come, as the brand looks at big expansion plans in what appears to be one of the toughest markets globally for foreign brands.
Detailed specifications and pricing will be announced in the coming months, marking BYD’s first major step toward models designed and engineered for specific global markets.
BYD Racco EV Static Review on Best Car Channel YouTube
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The United States Department of Justice has subpoenaed Apple and Google to provide information on at least 100,000 users who downloaded the EZ Lynk Auto Agent app. It’s only the latest measure the federal government has taken against EZ Lynk, as the DOJ sued the company in 2021 while claiming it refused to cooperate with an Environmental Protection Agency investigation. At the heart of the fight are accusations that EZ Lynk purposely assisted customers in modifying their vehicles to violate the Clean Air Act.
User privacy is the major concern with this move by the DOJ, as Forbes highlights. The outlet points to a joint letter from EZ Lynk and the DOJ to the court, in which the former disputes the subpoenas’ validity, while the latter states that its lawyers want to interview individuals about how they used EZ Lynk’s products. Consumer rights advocates question why the DOJ would need anyone’s identities, addresses, and purchase histories to do so.
“These requests for potentially hundreds of thousands of people’s PII go well beyond the needs of this case and create serious privacy concerns,” EZ Lynk’s lawyers wrote. “Investigating this claim does not require identifying each person who has used the product.”
However, the DOJ says that anyone who agreed to EZ Lynk’s terms and conditions “no longer [has] a cognizable privacy interest as to that information.”
The DOJ also subpoenaed Walmart and Amazon to provide names and addresses for people who bought the EZ Lynk Auto Agent hardware.
Notice the bottom text in the left-side photo. ezlynk.com
There’s no question that drivers use EZ Lynk’s technology to defeat the emissions systems on their vehicles. You can find evidence of it across the web, with diesel truck drivers using it to reflash their engine control unit after removing the diesel particulate filter or exhaust gas recirculation system. But not everyone who has purchased an EZ Lynk Auto Agent or downloaded the app uses it for that purpose. It’s advertised to shop technicians for vehicle diagnostics, as well as fleet managers who need to monitor drivers’ electronic logging devices. It’s effectively a do-it-all OBDII tool that people can deploy for many reasons, including illegal ones.
Some may find the government’s continued pursuit of EZ Lynk surprising, given the EPA’s softened stance on enforcement. As far back as 2023, the agency has said that emissions defeat devices are no longer a top priority. It later announced that it would no longer pursue criminal charges over OBDII tampering. We’ve even seen President Trump pardon a convicted diesel tuner who was jailed for removing emissions components from trucks.
Nevertheless, the fight between the DOJ and EZ Lynk continues.
Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com
AS PART of a seismic shift in its business direction, Ford Motor Company is expanding beyond vehicles and into large-scale energy infrastructure, launching a new battery storage business aimed at utilities, data centres, and industrial customers across the United States.
The newly formed Ford Energy business will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, leveraging the automaker’s manufacturing footprint and battery expertise to supply grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) from late 2027.
The move marks a significant diversification strategy for Ford, as it seeks to monetise underutilised electric vehicle battery manufacturing capacity while tapping into rapidly growing demand for energy storage.
Ford plans to invest approximately $US2 billion ($A2.8b) over the next two years to scale the business, with annual production capacity targeting at least 20GWh.
Rather than building passenger vehicles, Ford Energy’s flagship product will be a standardised 20-foot containerised battery storage system known as the Ford Energy DC Block.
Designed around 512Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic battery cells, the product will be offered in two variants – FE-250, a two-hour storage system, and FE-450, a four-hour storage system.
Ford says the systems are engineered for long-term durability, thermal stability, and simplified servicing, with a targeted operational lifespan of 20 years.
The company plans to manufacture battery cells, electrode components, modules and complete containerised systems in-house.
Production will be centred at Ford’s battery manufacturing site in Glendale, Kentucky, originally developed to support EV production.
Ford will repurpose the facility to serve the fast-growing BESS market, turning underused EV battery capacity into a new revenue stream.
The strategy aligns with US domestic manufacturing and tax incentive frameworks, including battery storage investment tax credits and domestic content requirements.
Ford says the rapid expansion of AI data centres, renewable energy generation, and grid resilience requirements has created strong demand for large-scale, financeable battery storage solutions.
The company believes its industrial manufacturing pedigree gives it an edge over newer market entrants.
Utilities and infrastructure developers increasingly require suppliers capable of long-term warranty support, scalable manufacturing, and bankable delivery commitments.
Ford Energy president Lisa Drake said the business is targeting that gap.
“The launch highlights how traditional automakers are increasingly looking beyond vehicle sales to monetise battery technology and manufacturing investments,” she said.
The move also gives Ford a hedge against fluctuating EV demand, allowing existing battery infrastructure to be redeployed into adjacent sectors.
The company has been under pressure to improve EV profitability, and the energy storage market offers a potentially attractive parallel growth path.
Ford expects first customer shipments in late 2027, with initial focus on US utilities, industrial operators, and hyperscale data centre customers.
It’s no surprise that achromatic colors like white, black, silver, and gray are among the most popular car colors worldwide. They’ve held their place at the top for years, and it’s safe to assume that they’ll stay there in the future. When it comes to car colors, it’s not just about personal preference or what makes you happiest.
Like many vehicle features, color plays a role in determining your car’s resale value. If you don’t care about resale value, you may want to consider how your car will look out in the wild. Because most cars are painted in achromatic colors, a colored car will stand out and attract attention. If you want your vehicle to turn heads, you may want to choose a bright color. There are many factors to consider when choosing car colors, and we’re here to help.
Most Popular Car Colors
While achromatic colors remain popular, BASF’s 2025 Global Color Report shows that we’re seeing an increase in chromatic colors. Black still holds the top spot with a 23% market share, while gray trails at 19%. White cars have slightly dipped in popularity, while silver has remained unchanged. Among chromatic colors, green has seen the greatest increase in the past year. Beige cars are also increasing, but not as quickly as green ones.
In the Americas, we see a similar story. While reds and blues have historically performed better than other chromatic colors in the Americas, 2025 shows an increase in natural tones. Shades of green and brown have increased popularity in the automotive color palette. This speaks to a shift toward nature-inspired colors that are more expressive, but still not too bright. On the other hand, gray cars have dropped by 4% and white cars by 1%.
Car Color
Americas Car Market % / Change From Last Year
White
28% / -1%
Black
20% / —
Gray
16% / -4%
Silver
13% / +2%
Blue
9% / —
Red
7% / —
Green
4% / +2%
Brown
1% / +1%
Violet
1% / —
Beige
1% / —
Car Colors and Resale Value
Like many vehicle features, color plays a role in determining your car’s resale value. Choosing a popular car color today could mean that your vehicle will still be popular with buyers in five years. But as color trends change, there is a chance the color you select today might not remain at the top of the charts.
If you’re looking to retain your car’s value, it’s best to play it safe and choose neutral colors like white, gray, silver, and black. If you find yourself leaning toward something more colorful, remember that bright blues, yellows, and oranges could put you at a disadvantage when selling or trading in your car.
Sometimes choosing the “wrong” color can depreciate your vehicle’s value. How much depreciation will your car see? That will depend on several factors and cultural trends.
Car Colors and Maintenance
Graphic by Regina Yu
Some car colors will get dirtier faster than others. Although your vehicle may look amazing in a specific color, it may be harder to maintain its appearance.
Black: Black looks fantastic on almost any car, but it’s a double-edged sword. Pollen, dirt, and dust will all stand out against a sleek black finish. While it might look sparkling after a car wash, it won’t stay that way for long.
Gray: This is the easiest color to keep clean. Dirt and dust hide nicely on these surfaces, making it easy to keep your car looking clean.
Silver: Like gray, silver hides dust and dirt longer. It can also help hide mud buildup near the rocker panels.
White: White is also in the easy-to-care-for group. However, this color shows mud and splashes more easily than gray and silver. White, however, does hide swirl marks that result from automatic car washes, and this car color tends to look newer for longer.
Green: Who knew that green is easy to keep so clean? But the color shows imperfections more readily than gray, silver, and white.
Orange: This bright color commands attention and stands out. However, it’s not as easy to keep clean.
Yellow: Yellow will help your vehicle stand out on highways and local roads, all while hiding dust and pollen. While it does a great job at this, it will, however, emphasize mud and dirt splashes when driving in the rain.
Red: This flashy car color hides mud better than other colors, but develops a dull look when dirty.
Blue: Blues tend to show water spots, scratches, and swirl marks easily.
Safest Car Colors
According to the Monash University Accident Research Center, certain car colors can increase the risk of a car crash. The university is located in Australia, and the data was collected using Australian crash data. While the data may not perfectly translate to American road conditions, it can still provide insight into road safety in general.
White sits at the top when it comes to car safety. In fact, you’re 10% less likely to get into a car crash during daylight hours compared to other car colors if your vehicle is white. Along with white, other high-visibility colors like yellow, orange, and gold also serve as safety features. Low-visibility colors, such as black, blue, gray, green, and silver, have higher crash rates than their brighter counterparts.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, black, silver, white, green, and gold cars are the most stolen. These colors tend to blend into the crowd more, making it harder for the thieves to be caught.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.
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The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE has a pretty compelling combination of practical proportions and user-friendliness. On a long ride across New England, where I braved everything from sunshine to snowstorms, I really grew to enjoy this modestly appointed machine.
There’s an inkling that’s been percolating in my brain lately: Top-trim models are no longer the best. The Tiguan brought this to mind after just reading our original review of a high-spec SEL model. Take a look at the cockpit of this SE model versus the high-feature SEL. I think this vehicle actually looks better with simple plastic than leather and wood textures.
The Tiguan SE is an honest car; aesthetically cohesive and capable. Not an exceptional vehicle in any particular direction, but a nice package at a reasonable price.
Andrew P. Collins
The Basics
VW got the name “Tiguan” from a public name-the-car contest (seriously) almost 20 years ago now. It’s a mashup of “tiger” and “iguana,” as substantiated by The New York Times and an ancient Consumer Guide review. I love the absurdity of that, though it’s where the whimsy ends.
The Tiguan is a quintessential modern-day people’s car: a small-ish SUV with room for four-plus-cargo (or two-plus-Home Depot run). Powertrain is, you guessed it, a two-liter turbo four with all-wheel drive. VW says you can get 30 mpg on the highway, which is about what I observed. This is essentially your Euro alternative to the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson.
Andrew P. Collins
The design, inside and out, is clean without falling into the lifeless chasm of minimalism—it’s quite German. It is not a car of flash or gimmicks. You do get a wide selection of ambient lighting modes, though.
Driving the Tiguan
After driving this all the way from my little ranch in New York’s Hudson Valley to Stowe, Vermont, and back again, I’m struggling to find things to complain about in terms of the Tiguan’s driving dynamics. Steering is fine, acceleration is fine, braking is fine, the traction control system guided me deftly over some nasty frozen roads. Fuel economy could be better. The car’s very easy to see out of and behaves as you expect it to—there’s not much more to ask from a family SUV like this.
Andrew P. Collins
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the car balances daily drivable softness with confidence-inspiring responsiveness. It trends towards taut and secure rather than plush and floaty; steering reacts quickly for a compact SUV like this. I like it. Acceleration is a little less urgent; the car’s not disconcertingly slow, but it takes a noticeable beat to take off when you want to scoot from a stop. The brake pedal travel is a little long, too. Not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, as you get used to it, it becomes easy to stop with limo-smoothness.
The seats are a bit firmer and more aggressively bolstered than those in other vehicles I’ve driven in this segment—whether that’s a pro or a con depends on your body type. I enjoyed it.
The shifter, a little twist-style stalk coming off the steering column, took some getting used to, but it does free up space in the center console. The area between driver and passenger has a good selection of storage options, and one multifunction knob that you can toggle between volume control and menu control. It works better than you might think, though, again, does require some personal calibration.
Highs and Lows
The design and on-road behavior are both really well optimized for what this car should be: mass-appeal, inoffensive, easy. It looks good, but certainly does not demand attention. It drives predictably and competently. Various interior lighting and display configuration modes provide a good little catalog of on-the-fly personalization options.
Take a swipe through the interior details here:
The biggest low for me, easily, is the oversized, caricature-like central display screen and awful slider control directly below it. A screen this size provides no practical value to the user; it just makes more negative space between buttons. The sooner consumers understand this and automakers accept it, the better.
But around-town gas mileage is really where the Tiguan kind of withers under close scrutiny. I’ll come back to that.
Features, Options, and Competition
The front-drive Tiguan S starts at about $31,000. This SE model I tested starts around $34,000 with front-wheel drive, and my all-wheel-drive (4Motion) test car rang up just over $37,000 with destination and one lone option: Monterey Blue paint for $455. Stepping up from the S model gets you nicer wheels, a power liftgate, a power driver’s seat, and interior ambient lighting. SE R-Line adds a panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, and 20-inch wheels (starts around $37,000 with front-wheel drive), and the top of the range is the SEL R-Line Turbo (from $43,000), which has a more powerful engine, nicer seats, a better stereo, and a bunch of interior climate features like rear heated seats.
Andrew P. Collins
I would not call our SE generously equipped, but the standard loadout does include 10 airbags, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, plenty of USB charging ports, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro (the gauge cluster with a lot of customizability), and VW’s “IQ.DRIVE” suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise, front collision mitigation, and other similar systems.
The Tiguan competes in essentially the hottest North American market car category outside pickup trucks: small daily-driver SUVs. As we mentioned, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V own a lot of the space here. The VW felt a tiny bit firmer, not just in the seat but also in ride and steering, than its rivals that I’ve driven.
Fuel Economy
FuelEconomy.gov
A Tiguan hybrid is inbound, but this version just runs a good ol’ four-cylinder turbo. It’s not as efficient as its rivals, even their non-hybrid variants. The delta is small in highway economy, but all of the Tiguan’s Asian rivals do a much better job of saving fuel in town, yielding better combined-driving mpg ratings.
In fact, I’d say city fuel economy is Tiguan’s biggest downside. You’re most likely buying one of these to shuttle your family, pets, and possessions around town—so going for a VW that gets 22 mpg city against a Honda that gets 27 mpg could be a bit of a head-scratcher. With a little napkin math—assuming 7,000 miles of annual city driving and gas at $4.50 a gallon—it would cost you about an extra $265 a year to use the VW for the same journeys. If three hundred bucks is going to make or break your year, you’re not in a position to buy a brand new car. That said, it’s nothing. And the number only swells the longer you own the vehicle.
Value and Verdict
Andrew P. Collins
Based purely on specs, the Tiguan does not present a particularly compelling case against its lower-ownership-cost rivals. However, it looks good and feels good, and when it comes to cars, that can count for a lot. Of course, you want the most bang for your buck, especially in this category of vehicles built around practicality and value. But the Tiguan’s cockpit is comfortable and welcoming. The vehicle looks tight from every exterior angle. The interior lighting modes are fun.
All this to say, if you told me you wanted this over the Japanese and Korean options based on vibes alone, I get it. Even though this car is not exceptionally expressive or extreme, it does aesthetically differentiate itself in a pleasing way. I enjoyed my time in the Tiguan.
Volkswagen provided The Drive with a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of writing this review.
After skipping the current model year, the ID. Buzz will join Volkswagen’s model year 2027 lineup.
It now gets a new dedicated trim for camping, with a bunch of cool features straight from the factory.
Volkswagen has finally added true one-pedal driving to the ID. Buzz
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz will rejoin the German automaker’s model year 2027 lineup in the U.S. with two new trims, updated software, and revised color and wheel options.
The electric minivan skipped MY2026 for the U.S. market, going from MY2025 to MY2027 due to low demand. Volkswagen Group of America CEO Kjell Gruner told InsideEVs at the New York Auto Show this year that the MY2025 had arrived late, so the MY2026 cars would have had a short run anyway.
Photo by: Volkswagen
Camping fans can now rejoice as Volkswagen is now bringing the Tourer 4Motion trim stateside. This model will get a bunch of features straight out of the factory, including a fold-out mattress and a platform, along with window blinds and ventilation panels.
There’s also an “Overnight Mode” which will use the high-voltage battery to run functions like climate and the battery even when the vehicle itself is switched off. It will also come with a folding table and chair set.
Photo by: Volkswagen
Another important addition is one-pedal driving, which will allow drivers to bring the vehicle to a complete stop using regenerative braking and without touching the brake pedal. MY2025 vehicles did not have true one-pedal driving, which was a big miss.
The ID. Buzz now also gets the automaker’s latest ID.S 6 software with improved user experience on the infotainment, including a revised navigation screen layout and a new vehicle settings page for easier access to functions. There’s also an updated App Store that will allow owners to download third-party apps like YouTube and Spotify.
43
Source: Kevin Williams/InsideEVs
There’s one more change that makes a lot of sense. The dual-tone paint is a huge part of the minivan’s personality, and now you can’t have the ID. Buzz otherwise. The ID. Buzz will now only come with dual-tone paint schemes, along with a new Candy White over Cherry Red paint option and available white wheels inspired by the Type 2 microbus.
Finally, the trim line has been revised to just four models: Pro S RWD, Pro S 4Motion (new), Tourer 4Motion (new), and Pro S Plus 4Motion.
Volkswagen hasn’t released pricing just yet, but the MY2025 ID. Buzz starts at $60,000 before destination charges. If the automaker brings the price within the low $50,000 range, it could go a long way in making the iconic vehicle more appealing.
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On Wednesday, we reported on a service bulletin that was allegedly sent to Toyota service departments with instructions on rationing motor oil stocks due to an impending shortage. On Thursday, a tipster sent us a copy of a similar bulletin drafted by Nissan in anticipation of a similar supply crunch—and an accompanying price hike for service departments.
A Nissan spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the bulletin to The Drive, noting that while the bulletin is real, it has not actually been distributed to Nissan’s dealer network.
“Nissan is closely monitoring current oil supply constraints in coordination with our supplier partners,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “We remain fully committed to supporting our dealers and maintaining a high level of service for our customers.”
The bulletin itself is a single page, but includes a draft of customer talking points. Notably, the “why” section points out that the supply shortage is affecting all automakers, not just Nissan.
“We are writing to provide an important update regarding the availability of engine oil products across the Nissan network in the U.S.,” the bulletin says.
“Due to ongoing global supply constraints impacting key raw materials and refining inputs due to the Middle East Conflict, we have been advised of reduced production capacity for most lubricant products. As a result, Nissan will be implementing the following adjustments, effective May 1, 2026.”
“– Allocation of Nissan Genuine Oil (including Mobil and Mobil 1 variants) will be constrained and managed at a 55% YoY level based on gallons purchased. “– Bulk and Packaged Genuine Nissan oil supply will be limited to 55% of prior year volumes on a year-over-year basis.” (All emphasis original.)
The bulletin also mentions a “supplier-driven price adjustment” of an unknown amount, but points out that dealers are not required to pay Nissan’s supplier-side rate for bulk oil; they can source it from wherever they like. However, any authorized service must be performed with a Nissan-approved (though not necessarily Nissan-sourced) lubricant.
Because the May 1st deadline has already come and gone without Nissan distributing the memo, it stands to reason that things haven’t gotten dire just yet. Still, even the potential for a 45% cut in supply compared to a year ago is eye-opening.
Nissan bulletin and FAQ as sent to us by an online tipster.
These days, many engines require a synthetic or at least partially synthetic (blended) motor oil. Given that the current geopolitical kerfuffle largely concerns old-fashioned, dinosaur-derived crude, it may seem odd at first glance that this shortage would impact motor oils. So, what’s the catch? In a word, base stock.
Yes, that’s two words, though occasionally you’ll see it as one. Whether you call it basestock or base stock, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. Here’s the short version, straight from a little mom-and-pop oil outfit called ExxonMobil:
“Base stocks are the key building blocks of lubricants and greases. A base stock is a single lubricant component produced by a single manufacturer,” the company says. “ExxonMobil produces and supplies them, and oil marketers or formulators mix them to make the finished products.”
In other words, if motor oil is a soup, the base stock is the broth. And as it turns out, “synthetic” base stock isn’t always synthesized. Depending on where you buy it, your “synthetic” oil may not actually be all that synthetic. It simply has to meet whatever criteria allow it to qualify where that formulation is being sold. Again, ExxonMobil explains:
“There is no generally accepted definition of a synthetic base stock, or synthetic base oil. In the U.S., the government considers “synthetic” to be a marketing term characterizing the formulated lubricant while in Germany, synthetic base stocks are defined by law to be polyalphaolefins or esters.”
“Many oil marketers consider lubricants formulated with significant concentrations of Group IV and/or Group III base stocks as synthetic. Most Group III base stocks are refined from crude oil streams.” (Emphasis added.)
The logical solution would be for motor oil producers to switch back to a synthetic base stock, but while that may help address the shortage, it might not save us any money. If old-fashioned dino oil was being cleaned up to use as a “synthetic” base already, chances are it was cheaper than anything man-made. That doesn’t bode well for summer road trip plans. If you’re due for a oil change, you may not want to wait.
Update 5/14/2026, 8:20pm ET: This story has been updated to include a revised statement from Nissan and clarify the nature of the bulletin itself.
Ever since the full-size Nissan Titan departed after the 2024 model year, the midsize Frontier has been Nissan’s only competitor in the pickup truck segment. Now, Nissan has handed the Frontier a few upgrades for the 2027 model year to keep pace with rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. The big news is the addition of the new Sport Edition package, a rugged upgrade that adds some Pro-4X-inspired gear to the mid-range SV trim. With this pack, the Frontier also gains some new trim and eye-popping colors to make it stand out from other models. Here’s everything that’s new for the tough Nissan.
Nissan Frontier Sport Edition
2027 Nissan Frontier Sport Edition
Nissan
View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article
Although not as capable as the Pro-X and Pro-4X models, the Frontier borrows some of the visual changes found on those models, including a black lower front fascia, grille, and mirrors. Sport lettering can also be found on the bedside and tailgate. The following extras are also added for Sport Edition models:
Black off-road-style 17-inch wheels
Hankook Dynapro all-terrain tires
Aluminum skid plate
LED fog lights and front accent lighting
Durable black upholstery with high-contrast yellow accent stitching
Like all other Frontiers, the Sport Edition uses a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The towing capacity stays at 7,150 pounds, which is solid but not as strong as the Chevy Colorado’s class-leading figure of 7,700 lbs. There’s no mention of the Bilstein shock absorbers found on the Pro-X and Pro-4X, though, so the Sport Edition is more of a middle ground between the SV and those models. It does come with Sand, Mud, and Rock driving modes, though.
2027 Nissan Frontier Sport Edition
Nissan
View the 5 images of this gallery on the
original article
“The Frontier Sport Edition delivers a more athletic appearance that answers our customers’ calls for a stylish, distinctive truck backed by capability that supports their active, outdoor lifestyles,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada.
Related: This Frontier V6 Survived 300 Hours at Redline—Now It’s Nissan’s 20 Millionth Engine
What Else Is New For The 2027 Frontier?
2027 Nissan Frontier Sport Edition
Nissan
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original article
The other changes for the 2027 Nissan Frontier are small but welcome. Alpine White Metallic is a newly available color for the pickup’s exterior, while the Pro Convenience package adds an upgraded Qi2-compatible wireless charger. This charger positions the phone correctly via magnets, has a cooling fan to keep your device’s temperature low, and charges faster and more consistently. Pro-X and Pro-4X variants add a new Moonroof Package with the Convenience Package, allowing for more flexibility when choosing standalone features.
That’s about it for the changes, with the truck still getting a standard eight-inch touchscreen and optional 12.3-inch unit. Advanced features like a 360-degree monitor, remote engine start, and a 10-speaker Fender premium sound system are all available.
Nissan will only announce pricing before the 2027 Frontier reaches showrooms later this summer. The current 2026 model starts at $32,150 for the base King Cab and goes up to $33,550 for the Crew Cab. The SV Crew Cab starts at $36,190, so with a small price increase and the Sport Edition’s extras, this particular 2027 model will likely start at around $38,000.
Related: I Drove The 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro4X Off-Road: Here’s How It Did
Final Thoughts
2027 Nissan Frontier Sport Edition
Nissan
Sales of the Nissan Frontier increased by 47.9% in the first quarter of 2026, so demand for the midsize pickup is strong right now. That explains why the 2027 model’s changes don’t rock the boat, with just enough that’s new to keep customers interested. The new Sport Edition will compete closely with the Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, another mid-range trim with some welcome extras, but without the serious off-road hardware of higher-spec models. Now that Nissan’s SUVs and pickups are back on track, it just needs to find a solution to substantially lower sedan sales.
Quick Facts About Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Download the apps for charging stations you’ll use locally and when you travel.
Smaller electric vehicle (EV) batteries can charge to capacity faster than larger batteries.
You might find free chargers, but paid charging stations are much more common.
One of the most significant differences between owning an electric vehicle and a gas vehicle is that EVs require charging. Charging speeds have improved over time, making it much more convenient to stop off for a quick charge, but the reality is that EVs still take longer to “refuel” than their gas-powered counterparts. We recommend a home charger for any EV owner, but public chargers give drivers the ability to “juice up” on the road.
If you’re wondering about the different types of chargers, how much it costs to use a public charger, or what’s involved with using them, we’ve got answers. Let’s get into what you need to know about charging an EV at home or on the go.
RELATED: How much does it cost to charge an EV?
Electric Car Charging Station Location Apps
While having a home charger makes EV ownership much less of a hassle, many people don’t have that option. Even for those who do, there will be times when they’ll need to charge away from home. The good news is that the number of public charging stations has grown over the last few years, though they are far more readily available in major metro areas and along the coasts.
The navigation systems in most new EVs can locate public chargers, either nearby or along a planned driving route, but one of the best ways to find an available charger is by using one of the popular apps on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It might seem more convenient to use the in-car solutions first, but apps generally offer real-time information on charger availability, speeds, and pricing.
Almost every charging company has its own app, but PlugShare is a good alternative. It relies on crowdsourced information to update charger availability and speeds, and it’s often more accurate than the individual apps at identifying chargers that are under maintenance or locations that are no longer open. PlugShare also works with in-vehicle services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier to access that data on the go.
The ChargePoint app is another good option, and it’s sometimes rated as being more user-friendly than competing interfaces.
That said, you might be required to have an account with some charging companies to access streamlined payments or the chargers themselves. You may also have more payment options or additional benefits through your EV manufacturer’s app.
Are EV Charging Stations Free?
Some public charging stations are free, especially at businesses, schools, and libraries, but the vast majority charge a fee. Most bill by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), but those rates vary widely from state to state. Click through the interactive tool below to view charging statistics for each state.
Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation.
Charger speed matters, but the size of the battery you’re trying to charge is a significant part of the equation. Battery technology also plays a role, as some newer models have preconditioning systems that help heat or cool the battery to the optimal temperature for the fastest, most efficient charging session. Environmental factors, such as ambient temperature, also affect charging speeds.
While some EVs can charge at 350kW or more, it’s important to note that charging the last 10% can take as long as the first 90%. It’s also good to remember that frequent, exclusive use of fast chargers can contribute to a faster decline in battery health, though advanced battery management software in many new models helps mitigate the worst of those effects.
MORE: Electric Car Range: Everything You Need to Know
Charging Station Reliability
Pulling into a filling station that’s unable to pump gas is an uncommon situation. Unfortunately, finding an EV charging station that’s out of order is not newsworthy. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, found significant reliability issues with fast chargers in the Greater Bay Area.
Charging networks claim uptime rates of 95% and higher. However, the study found that almost 23% of 657 DC fast chargers in the nation’s biggest EV market were nonfunctional. The chargers were out of order because of “unresponsive or unavailable touchscreens, payment system failures, charge initiation failures, network failures, or broken connectors.”
Unlike their gasoline counterparts, EV charging stations rarely have an attendant to monitor the equipment and keep it operational. As a result, the public charging infrastructure has plenty of room for improvement.
Tesla’s Supercharger network is generally regarded as one of the most reliable in the country, boasting 96-99% uptime rates. Many non-Tesla EVs can access the network with adapters, and new models have the plugs already built in.
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How to Use a Car Charging Station
Most public EV charging stations will require you to first sign up for an account. These networks will store your credit card on file and typically give you a card to wave in front of the charger to activate a charging session. Hint: Keep that card in your glove box or center console.
From there, charging couldn’t be easier — or cleaner.
Pop open the vehicle’s charging port
Grab the charger from its holster
Plug in, and walk away for a while.
Pro Tip: Find a charging station near a restaurant or coffee shop, in case you need to whittle away time. Read about taking an EV road trip and get tips.
A display at the charging station will show you how much electricity (and how much money) you’ve added to your electric car. And there will be a clearly marked phone number you can call if you have any questions or need assistance.
Most public charging stations deliver Level 2 power, adding 25 miles per hour to a Chevrolet Blazer EV, for example. Level 3 chargers, or DC fast chargers, provide much more power but cost more to use.
Tesla’s Supercharger network offers DC fast charging via North American Charging System (NACS) plugs. Superchargers have a reputation for reliability and often provide a better user experience than some leading third-party charging brands. Many of the newest non-Tesla EVs come from the factory with NACS plugs installed, giving them access to the Supercharger network. The downside is that they require an adapter to charge on other companies’ networks and most home chargers.
Home EV Charging
Charging Where You Park
Home and work are the most convenient places to top off — and a Level 2 setup at home is the gold standard. Here’s what it takes and what it costs.
240V Outlet Install
~$250
Average for a basic install. Older homes or longer wiring runs can add up.
Level 2 Charger
$400–$700
Plugs into your new 240V outlet. Longer-cable models are available.
1
Get 240V Power
Either a 240V outlet for a plug-in charger – the same type used by many electric clothes dryers – or set up a hardwired connection. Installation is easiest in a private garage or driveway near where the car parks.
2
Pick a Charger
Choose a Level 2 unit and order a longer cable if you need to reach a car parked outside the garage.
3
Plug In and Charge
The charger connects to your 240V outlet and to the car. Top off overnight while you sleep.
💡 Worth checking
Many new homes are pre-wired for EVs, and local incentives or discounted electricity rates may cut your costs further.
⚠ Apartment or street parking?
Cables across sidewalks usually aren’t allowed, and shared garages typically can’t be retrofitted — you’ll likely need a public charging plan instead.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.
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