Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur division has pulled back the curtain on something truly special: the 911 GT3 Artisan Edition. Limited to just 30 units and reserved exclusively for Japan, this isn’t just another bespoke 911 – it’s a rolling tribute to traditional craftsmanship that packs in some serious performance.
The design draws inspiration from Edo Kiriko, Japan’s intricate cut-glass art, and traditional indigo dyeing. The white body is layered with shard-like Club Blue graphics that fade across the rear. At the back, blue carbon-fibre aero discs etched with a glass-like pattern add a striking finish.
Step inside, and the craftsmanship deepens. Indigo-dyed seat inserts, blue-and-white trim, and dual-tone stitching elevate the cabin into something far beyond a typical GT3. Even the key fob mirrors the car’s artistic theme.
Every Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition comes equipped with the Manthey Kit as standard, which includes upgrades like adjustable coilovers, enhanced aero with a reinforced carbon wing, and a reworked underbody for serious downforce.
Powering it all is Porsche’s glorious 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six, delivering 502 hp and screaming to 9,000 rpm; helping the car sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 193 mph.
Honda had a standout April 2026, posting strong overall sales and setting a new benchmark for hybrids. With a balanced lineup and consistent performers across key segments, the brand is clearly getting the fundamentals right. Yet beneath those headline numbers lies a clear outlier: the Prelude, a car that looks the part but fails to deliver where it matters.
Strong Sales and Record Hybrid Demand
2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV
Honda
Honda’s April performance paints a confident picture. The company moved 125,571 units in the US, a 1.6% year-over-year increase, while hybrid models surged past 40,000 units, setting a new April record. While fully-electric vehicles were the driving force behind the company’s first-ever loss last year, hybrid models are becoming central to Honda’s success.
The CR-V led the charge with 42,677 units, remaining one of the best-selling SUVs in the industry. The Civic followed with 25,040 units, while the Accord added 16,071 units, both enjoying their strongest months in recent years. In short, Honda’s core formula of efficient, practical vehicles is working exactly as intended.
Even at Its Peak, the Prelude Still Falls Short
Honda Sales Report Extract April 2026
Honda
The Prelude tells a very different story. Honda sold just 357 units in April, technically its best month yet, and up 27.5% from March. But looking at the bigger picture, that heading quickly fades under scrutiny. The Prelude accounted for just 0.28% of Honda’s total April sales. Put into perspective, even the slow-selling Ridgeline reached 3,602 units, while the Passport managed 5,447 units. More telling still, the aging Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold it by a wide margin, posting 1,163 units in the same month. Year-to-date, the Prelude sits at 1,152 units – still less than the Miata’s April sales.
Honda’s Success Makes the Prelude’s Failure Clear
2026 Honda Prelude
Honda
Honda’s April results highlight a clear shift in buyer priorities. Hybrids are gaining ground quickly, helped by rising fuel costs, while SUVs and practical sedans continue to dominate volume. With that in mind, the Prelude’s struggles are easier to understand. It skips a manual gearbox, offers just 200 hp, and starts at $42,000, making it a tough sell in a value-conscious market. While the Prelude name carries nostalgia and the design draws attention, the overall package falls short. In a month where Honda had tremendous sales success, their “sporty” coupe stands out as the exception.
In 2017, Tesla helped popularize phone-as-key technology with the Tesla Model 3. Since then, other car companies have jumped on board, allowing drivers to use their smartphones to lock, unlock, and start their cars. Not having to carry several key fobs for multiple vehicles in the household is a significant convenience for some drivers. Today, dozens of car models offer digital keys as a standard or optional feature.
What Is a Digital Key?
A digital car key lets drivers access their vehicles, start their cars, and create and share a digital key with others using their smartphones. With the digital key stored in a mobile wallet or automaker app, the phone acts as a functional key, allowing you to unlock, start, and drive the vehicle without the key fob. Setup usually starts in the automaker’s app, the vehicle display, or a wallet setup link, and requirements vary by brand. After the initial setup, access may work by tapping the phone to a reader, holding it near the door handle, or using passive entry, depending on the system. Users manage this technology through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or the automaker’s app, depending on the car’s make and model.
While digital key technology is gaining traction along with other new features, it is still not offered as a standard feature on every vehicle. If it is available on a model or a specific trim level, you may have to pay a monthly or yearly fee to use it.
Digital Keys vs. Connected Car-Apps
Many automakers offer connected-car apps that let owners remotely lock or unlock doors, start the engine, check vehicle status, locate the car, or manage charging. However, those features are not the same as a true digital key. For this article, a “digital key” means a compatible phone or wearable can replace the physical key fob for entry and driving, allowing the driver to unlock, start, and drive the vehicle without the fob present.
Because digital key availability varies widely by model, model year, trim, region, phone platform, and subscription package, shoppers should verify the feature by looking for terms such as “Digital Key,” “Phone Key,” “Digital Key Plus,” “Smartphone Key,” or “Key Card/Phone-as-Key” in the owner’s manual or window sticker. Do not assume that a vehicle has a true digital key simply because the automaker offers a mobile app.
How Does a Digital Key Work?
Digital keys are straightforward to use. Once you’ve installed the app and paired your phone with the vehicle, hold your phone near the door, and your car will lock or unlock. Some cars don’t even require you to hold the phone directly against the vehicle. Instead, just being near the car will unlock it. With this passive “phone-in-pocket” feature, you don’t need to take your phone out of your pocket or bag.
Digital key smartphone technology is available for many recent phones from major manufacturers, but compatibility varies by phone, vehicle, market, operating system, and feature. It works across Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet, and Google Wallet, depending on the make and model of your car. If you have additional devices, such as an Apple Watch, you can also use them to unlock your vehicle when supported.
Some cars also let you start your vehicle remotely with the digital key, or pair digital-key access with app-based remote features such as remote lock/unlock or climate preconditioning. This can be convenient on a hot or cold day when you want to cool or heat the cabin before you enter. To help ensure security, carmakers use vehicle software, secure hardware, cryptographic credentials, and wallet or phone security features that help keep digital keys secure and tied to an identifiable device.
How to Set Up a Digital Key
The exact steps for setting up and using your digital key will vary by make and model, but here are the general steps:
Connect your phone to your car’s central infotainment system via the Bluetooth setup screen, if required.
Download the manufacturer’s smartphone app and create a profile with a username and password, or begin setup from the vehicle display, a setup link, or your phone’s wallet app.
Follow the prompts on your phone or dashboard to create or activate a new digital key. Typically, vehicles require one or more physical key fobs to be present when initializing a digital key.
In some cases, automakers deactivate the feature during vehicle production and shipping, and an over-the-air update or a visit to the dealership may be required to enable the digital key.
PRO TIP: We recommend using biometric locks in your phone’s wallet app to store the digital key, and reviewing “shared keys” regularly to revoke access for previous borrowers.
How to Use a Digital Key
Graphic by Regina Yu
After the initial setup, you can send a digital car key to a trusted user’s mobile device, allowing them Christo use the vehicle without having a physical key fob. To use the digital car key:
Unlock the vehicle by hovering or tapping the back of your phone near the driver’s door handle, as you might with a wireless mobile payment system at a checkout line. The digital key system for some cars will detect the authorized mobile device from farther away and unlock the doors as it approaches.
Enter the vehicle and place your phone in the designated location, such as the wireless charging pad, if required. Some systems don’t require specific phone placement and will detect the mobile device even if it’s in your pocket or bag.
Press the ignition button to start the engine.
Benefits of a Digital Key
We’ve all been there at least once: You get ready to leave the house but can’t find your keys. Or you discover your spouse’s car parked behind yours in the driveway. Times like these are when digital keys come into play. If your phone is with you and you’ve set up a digital key for the vehicle, you can use your mobile device to access and drive the vehicle without the key fob.
Simply being near your vehicle, with your smartphone on hand, may let you unlock and start the engine, depending on the vehicle’s digital key system. While you may overlook the digital key as a convenient feature, you’ll be glad to have it when you need it.
As a bonus, if multiple people use your car, digital key functionality typically lets you assign access to friends, family, babysitters, or whoever you want to have access to the vehicle.
MORE: Vehicle History Report: Everything You Need To Know
Are Digital Keys Secure?
According to the Car Connectivity Consortium, a group of carmakers and technology experts developing global standards and solutions for smartphone and in-vehicle connectivity, mobile devices create and store digital keys in secure places. The consortium says it has added security protections for digital keys, including support for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology.
The consortium says UWB technology can help vehicles verify the distance and position of an authorized device, improving protection against relay-style attacks. BMW is one carmaker using UWB technology for its “Digital Key Plus,” noting that it prevents relay attacks and the interception of digital information.
However, not every vehicle uses UWB technology. Some automakers use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) systems. Systems that combine NFC, BLE, and UWB can improve usability and security, especially by using UWB for precise distance checks that help mitigate relay attacks.
Some digital keys let you grant full access to another trusted driver or passenger. Sharing allows other people to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. To share a key, access the setup assistant from your mobile wallet or the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Hacking Digital Car Keys
Graphic by Regina Yu
As with most digital networks, hacking is a concern for many users. Digital keys are designed with multiple security protections, but risks still depend on the vehicle implementation, phone security, account security, and wireless technology used. Automakers have security measures in place for contactless key systems. Even if you lose your phone, a would-be thief must bypass its password or biometric verification to access the wallet containing the digital key. Also, some systems may require authentication before unlocking or starting the vehicle. Still, here are some ways to protect yourself:
Keep your smartphone secure: Use strong, unique passwords or biometric authentication to protect it. Fingerprint and facial recognition are trusted ways to unlock your phone. Update your software regularly to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Beware of phishing attempts: Be cautious of any suspicious emails, links, or requests for personal information. Always verify the authenticity of the source before sharing any sensitive information.
Be mindful of your surroundings: Smartphones remain common targets for physical theft. Such a snatch can give thieves access to your digital key. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your phone secure at all times.
Enhance your security: If possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your automaker account and related services to add an extra verification step before the digital key grants access. Similar features that provide another layer of protection can help keep your digital key secure.
Car Brands That Offer Digital Keys
The number of models with digital key functionality in the United States continues to grow. Availability is not universal across each brand’s lineup, and the feature may depend on model, trim, phone type, market, and subscription status. Here’s a list of vehicles that have a true digital key system.
A5 e-tron 2025
A5 2025
A6 e-tron 2025
Q5 2025
Q6 e-tron 2025
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2023
BMW 2 Series 2021
BMW 3 Series 2021
BMW 4 Series 2021
BMW 5 Series 2021
BMW 7 Series 2023
BMW 8 Series 2021
BMW X1 2023
BMW X5 2021
BMW X6 2021
BMW X7 2021
BMW XM 2023
BMW Z4 2021
BMW i3 2023
BMW i4 2022
BMW i5 2024
BMW i7 2023
BMW iX 2022
G70 2023
G90 2023
GV60 2023
GV70 2024
GV80 2025
Sportage 2026
Telluride 2023
Aftermarket Digital Keys
Various third-party systems are available to retrofit digital key functionality into older vehicles that lack it. However, compatibility, installation complexity, warranty implications, and security features vary widely, so research the system carefully before installing one.
Brands With Connected-Car Apps or Remote App Features
A connected-car app can control certain vehicle functions remotely, but a true digital key lets you leave the physical key fob at home and still drive the vehicle. Remote or connected-car app availability varies by model year, trim, region, phone platform, and subscription package. You’ll always want to confirm compatibility with the automaker or dealer, or check the owner’s manual for availability in specific models when buying from a private seller. Most mainstream manufacturers offer at least one model you can control via a mobile phone app.
Bottom Line on Digital Car Keys
Digital car keys let you use a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to lock, unlock, start, and drive your vehicle without a key fob present, bringing convenience and the ability to share access with others. Security can be enhanced through features like biometric authentication and advanced wireless technology, though adoption varies by brand and model. Ultimately, digital keys offer flexibility and ease of use, but whether to use them depends on your personal preference, vehicle compatibility, and comfort with using your phone as a key.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Chris Hardesty and Chris Teague contributed to the report.
Polestar began sending out a major software update to its vehicles, bringing Google Gemini into the cabin. It replaces the older Google Assistant with a much smarter artificial intelligence. Starting in the United States, drivers no longer have to talk to their cars like they are barking orders at a robot.
Until recently, using voice commands in a car was quite clunky. You had to memorize specific phrases. If you wanted to find a store, you had to say exactly the right words. If you stumbled over a sentence, the car would get confused. Polestar and Google are now ending that era. With the new Gemini system, drivers can use “free-flowing conversation.” This means you can talk to your car just like you would talk to another person sitting in the seat next to you.
The update arrives through an “over-the-air” or OTA update. Owners of eligible electric cars will see a message pop up on the large screen in the middle of their dashboard. They can choose to accept the new AI or keep the old system for a while. However, Polestar says that over time, Gemini will completely take over. Currently, the update is available for drivers in the US who use American English, but the company plans to add more languages and countries very soon.
Most of the brand’s lineup will get the update. This includes the popular Polestar 2, the large Polestar 3 SUV, and the sleek Polestar 4. Even the upcoming Polestar 5 grand tourer is part of the update. In fact, Polestar used the Polestar 5 to show off the technology at an event in Finland recently. The only model missing out is the Polestar 1. Because that car was a low-volume hybrid and not a mass-produced EV, it does not have the hardware needed for this specific update.
One of the best things about this change is how the car understands complicated thoughts. In the past, you might say, “Hey Google, find a supermarket.” Now, you can be much more specific. You can say, “Hey Google, let’s find a store on the way home, and tell my friend Joe I am coming.” The car understands that you have two different goals. It finds the best route and sends a text message at the same time. You do not have to start a new search if you forget a small detail. The AI remembers what you were talking about and can answer follow-up questions.
There is also a new tool called Gemini Live. You can start it by saying, “Hey Google, let’s talk.” This is a hands-free way to get help with daily life while you drive. If you are stuck in traffic and need a dinner recipe or ideas for a birthday present, you can brainstorm with the car. It listens and responds in a way that feels natural, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road instead of looking at their phones for help. The AI also helps break down language barriers. The system can now translate messages instantly. For example, a driver can speak a message in English and tell the car to translate it into Swedish before sending it.
The update is part of a long partnership between Polestar and Google that started in 2018. In 2020, the Polestar 2 became the very first car in the world to launch with Google’s car software built in. Other companies like Tesla try to build all their own software from scratch, but Polestar decided to work with Google, allowing them to get new features faster. One recent example is “Live Lane Guidance” for the Polestar 4. This feature uses the car’s cameras to help drivers stay in the correct lane on busy highways. It requires software version 4.2.9 or 4.2.10.
Hans Bleckert, a top manager at Polestar, says this is a huge shift in how people use their EVs. He believes that this is just the beginning of what AI can do for drivers. Michael Lohscheller, who leads the Polestar brand, is also pushing for these digital upgrades to make their electric cars feel more modern. By focusing on how humans actually speak, Polestar is making the car feel less like a tool and more like a helpful partner.
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With nine different gas-engined machines on my property, I spend a lot of time changing fluids and filters. I’m not really brand loyal about consumables, but NAPA Gold has been my go-to oil filter. They’re solid, readily available, and up until recently, made in the USA. This month, when I went to supply up for my Montero’s next oil change, I was bummed to see “made in China” on my NAPA Gold 1334 filter box. This sent me down a little rabbit hole that ultimately led me to a new product I’m more excited about anyway.
NAPA offshoring filter production is actually not new news. The auto parts retailer pivoted suppliers from WIX to Premium Guard back in 2023, and people have been discussing the change on forums for years. I’m guessing I’ve been buying old stock in the 1334 size my Montero uses for the last couple of changes—or maybe I just didn’t look closely at the package last time.
But it inspired me to reevaluate my filter preferences, and I was reminded of a brand called Baldwin that I’d been meaning to check out.
Baldwin is a mainstay filter brand (air, oil, etc) in ag and industrial applications and has been for many years. In fact, when I first got my Montero around 2018, a fellow owner recommended them to me. But I kind of forgot about it because you never see them on the shelf at a parts store. (And for no really logical reason, I like picking up my oil, filter, and drain-plug kits in person at a brick-and-mortar shop.)
Andrew P. Collins
The Baldwin filter that goes on my 1998 Mitsubishi Montero’s 3.5-liter V6, B7243, was not nearly as easy to find as the standard oil brands you often see ads for—they’re mostly stocked at industrial supply sites rather than auto parts retailers. Walmart can get you one, too. They are very inexpensive, and to my pleasure, still made in the USA.
When my Baldwin filter arrived, I noticed it was more “tall and skinny,” whereas the NAPA Gold unit looked “short and fat,” relatively speaking, of course. They felt about the same weight, but comparing specs revealed the differences of actual significance.
Baldwin B7243
NAPA Gold 1334
Height
3.44″ (87.3mm)
3.19″ (81mm)
OD
3.03″ (77mm)
3.25″ (83mm)
Thread
M20 × 1.5
M20 × 1.5
Bypass valve
20 PSID
8–11 PSID
Micron rating
18 nominal / 40 absolute
21 nominal
Media
“Microlite” (Baldwin proprietary)
Glass-enhanced cellulose
OEM cross-reference
Mitsubishi MD352626, MZ690116
Generic fit
Here are the three main takeaways from the information I could find about these filters.
1. The bypass valve gap is significant. 20 PSID vs. 8–11 PSID is not a rounding difference—it’s nearly double. The B7243 contains both an anti-drainback valve and a 20 PSID by-pass valve. A filter that bypasses at 8–11 psi will route unfiltered oil around the element at relatively modest differential pressures—for example, during a cold start in winter when oil is thick, or when the filter is moderately loaded. The Baldwin holds the line until 20 psi. For a hard-working V6 in a 4×4 that sees varied conditions, that’s a real advantage.
2. The Baldwin micron rating is finer. The B7243 is rated at 18 micron nominal, versus 21 micron nominal for the NAPA Gold. Baldwin also publishes an absolute rating of 40 microns, which is the more rigorous spec (nominal ratings allow a percentage of particles to pass; absolute means virtually none above that size get through). The NAPA doesn’t publish an absolute rating at all, which, I think, tells you something.
3. The Baldwin is an application-specific filter, not a generic one. The B7243 directly replaces Mitsubishi OEM part numbers MD352626 and MZ690116—those are the actual Mitsubishi factory filter numbers for your engine. The NAPA 1334 crosses to 559 different filters across cars, trucks, tractors, and industrial equipment. It fits the Montero, but it wasn’t engineered with it in mind. The B7243 was.
Andrew P. Collins
Am I going to notice any change in performance by running this Baldwin filter? On a day-to-day basis, surely, no. And for what it’s worth, the NAPA Gold unit, visually, looked fine. But my Mitsubishi has over 220,000 miles on it, and it gets used for off-road training. I want this bad boy to last as long as I can, and regardless, I try to buy American-made when prudent.
This Baldwin filter having great specs and domestic origin at a good price make it a no-brainer. Here’s hoping Baldwin doesn’t get bought and gutted by private equity any time soon (or ever). The brand doesn’t make filters for every passenger vehicle, but its coverage is pretty good for trucks and SUVs.
Many wrenchers have known about the quality of these red filters for years, but if you hadn’t, you’re welcome. You can use Baldwin’s filter finder to see what they make for your application.
Got a hot parts tip? Drop me a line at andrew.collins@thedrive.com.
SUPPLY chain disruptions stemming from the US-Iran conflict are beginning to create chokepoints across Japan’s automotive industry, reports Automotive News Europe.
Included in the disruptions are “the network of companies surrounding Toyota”, including key supplier Denso, which produces a range of powertrain, electrical and climate control components, sensors, alternators, and fuel supply parts for a wide range of Toyota vehicles.
“We are hearing from smaller suppliers that suddenly say they won’t be able to deliver parts in two weeks’ time, which makes things very hard to predict,” said Toyota Industries president Koichi Ito.
While Mr Ito did not identify those components that might suddenly become unavailable, parts manufacturers have issued cautious forecasts for the current financial year as they grapple with rising raw material costs; shortages of aluminium, resins, and other crucial elements; and ongoing logistical hurdles.
In an industry where tens of thousands of components are needed to build a single vehicle, the flow-on effect could become as significant as that of the COVID-19 microprocessor shortage.
Automotive News Europe reports that raw-material disruptions are likely to impact parts production facilities from as early as June, with the industry already expressing concerns over a shortage of paint thinners, a product which without a vehicle cannot be finished.
The supply of resins and other raw materials are likewise beginning to slow, with car-interior manufacturer Toyota Boshoku already noting critical naphtha shortages.
“Whether it’s door trims or the urethane inside seats, everything is derived from resins, which in turn comes from oil-based naphtha,” explained Toyota Boshoku president Masayoshi Shirayanagi.
Mr Shirayanagi said his company is seeking short-term assurances from each supplier individually as it works to secure its supply commitments to Toyota Motor Company.
While naphtha-related shortages are yet to impact Denso production lines, executive vice president Yasushi Matsui said the company was expecting a related ¥45 billion ($A3.9m) profit hit from the uncertainty of future supplies.
“To be honest, we can’t see several months ahead,” he said, noting that the company is working to shift to alternative materials such as organic solvents.
When Ford set the mark for its first attempt with the Mustang GTD at the Nürburgring, it set an impressive time of 6:52.072 and took a Pre-Production Class record (for a little bit). But after the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X beat the Blue Oval’s best by a few seconds, Ford determined it was time for an update. And what an update it is. The company won’t keep this performance locked away from potential owners, either.
To say it smashed its previous time is quite an understatement. In the hands of pro racing driver Dirk Müller, a tuned and updated Mustang GTD Competition went out and stopped the clock at 6:40.835 on the Green Hell. That time didn’t just beat the previous Mustang GTD record but also bettered the Corvette ZR1X by more than 8 seconds. It also placed the GTD Competition as the sixth-fastest time at the Nürburgring under the Pre-Production/Prototype Class leaderboard.
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The changes to the car aren’t simple. The new Ford Mustang GTD Competition’s 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 was retuned to make more than the standard GTD’s 815 horsepower, though the Blue Oval didn’t reveal the exact power figure. The aerodynamics are improved, too, as the rear wing is changed to reduce drag in DRS mode. Meanwhile, the GTD team added secondary front dive planes and rear carbon-fiber wheel-aero discs. Weight is lowered thanks to the use of a brand-new set of magnesium wheels, a new set of carbon-fiber seats, and a lighter suspension damper system. Tire grip is also increased with a new set of high-performance rubber (Ford didn’t specify the spec), all to make the GTD Competition faster than ever before.
Even better, this isn’t a one-off vehicle. Ford has already announced that the Mustang GTD Competition will be a part of the next set of Mustang GTDs going up for sale. Applications to own the ultimate Mustang are open once again and will be a part of the celebration of the 62nd birthday of the original pony car. Pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as Ford gives us those details.
The terms fuel economy and pickup truck were never mentioned together in the same sentence a few years ago, even with diesel-powered options like the Chevrolet Silverado or Ram 1500. Nowadays, people are looking for better mileage from their conventional gas guzzlers while retaining the same practicality. Companies have started using clever methods like hybrid power trains and unibody chassis to provide customers with the best truck mpg, while maintaining usability.
In 2026, buying an all-electric truck could be a daunting task and a potential risk. Although they provide great MPGe in the city and on the highway, the initial cost is also usually higher. They are also much heavier than their gasoline and diesel counterparts due to the batteries. If you are on the lookout for the trucks with the best gas mileage and do not want to dabble in the all-electric future of trucks, we have ranked the top 10 most fuel-efficient non-EV trucks currently on sale.
All mpg ratings are sourced directly from the EPA and the cars have been ranked in terms of their combined mpg, using city and highway mpg as a tiebreaker where necessary. All data is correct at the time of writing.
10
2026 Honda Ridgeline
Combined Rating: 21 mpg
2026 Honda Ridgeline AWD
Engine
3.5L V6
Horsepower
280 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Drivetrain
4WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
18/24/21
MSRP
$40,795
The Honda Ridgeline has been on sale since 2005. As a smaller truck than some of the other models mentioned in this list due to its unibody construction, the Ridgeline is one of the best trucks for on-road refinement on this list. Although it may not be extremely competent off-road, the cabin is well-built and the engine is smooth and refined, a welcome change for a truck. It is also perfectly capable as a workhorse though, with a payload capacity of 1,583 pounds. As it is a small truck, the Ridgeline does well on the highway in terms of fuel efficiency, at 24 mpg. It is also lighter than some of the trucks on this list, with a curb weight of 4,420 lbs, which definitely helps with saving fuel.
9
2026 Nissan Frontier
Combined Rating: 21 mpg
2026 Nissan Frontier
Engine
3.8L VQ V6
Horsepower
310 hp
Torque
281 lb-ft
Drivetrain
2WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
19/24/21
MSRP
$32,150
The 2026 Nissan Frontier is the company’s last truck on sale in the USA. However, that does not take away from the fact that it is still a competent midsize pickup truck. The Frontier beats the Ridgeline in almost all respects. It is more powerful, and is slightly more efficient overall in its base trim. The truck also has a towing capacity of 7,160 pounds, swaying a lot of potential buyers in its favor by breaking past that 7,000 pound mark. While the most fuel-efficient version of the Frontier is the two-wheel-drive model, the truck is also available with an all-wheel drivetrain. With a boxed ladder frame chassis, it is also capable on the road, while being aptly stiff and durable. Lastly, it is significantly cheaper than the Ridgeline, making this a better option for you if you plan on driving dirt roads and unpaved paths regularly.
8
2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid
Combined Rating: 22 mpg
2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid
Engine
3.4L Twin-turbo V6 Hybrid
Horsepower
437 hp
Torque
583 lb-ft
Drivetrain
2WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
20/24/22
MSRP
$58,560
The 2026 Toyota Tundra Hybrid follows the brand’s recipe of hybridization and bulletproof reliability. The Tundra is the biggest truck Toyota sells in the US, yet due to its hybrid internals, it is more fuel efficient than the lighter, smaller cars mentioned above on the list. With an EPA estimated range of 708 miles, it is very capable of being a relatively efficient truck on and off the road. The Tundra is also the most powerful truck on this list, just inching ahead of the F-150 hybrid. The main strengths of this truck are its towing capabilities, at over 11,000 lbs and a payload weight of over 1,500 lbs. If you want a supremely capable truck with above-average fuel efficiency for its size, you have a winner here.
7
2026 RAM 1500
Combined Rating: 22 mpg
2026 RAM 1500
Engine
3.6L V6
Horsepower
305 hp
Torque
269 lb-ft
Drivetrain
2WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
20/25/22
MSRP
$44,620
The 2026 RAM 1500 is a bit of a wildcard on this list. Especially because, in 2026, one of the main changes for this truck was the return of the HEMI V8 as an option. Unsurprisingly, that version of the truck is not the most fuel efficient. However, the 3.6-liter V6 has respectable efficiency. The RAM 1500 also has a formidable interior, with all the creature comforts you expect if you decide to go for a higher trim level. With efficiency of 35 mpg on the highway, it just beats the Toyota Tundra, while having similar towing capabilities, at 11,610 pounds.
6
2026 Ford Ranger
Combined Rating: 23 mpg
2026 Ford Ranger
Engine
2.3L Inline-four
Horsepower
270 hp
Torque
310 lb-ft
Drivetrain
2WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
21/25/23
MSRP
$33,350
The 2026 Ford Ranger has remained relatively unchanged over the last few years, but it still features quite high on our list. As a relatively midsize truck, it benefits from having better fuel efficiency than the aforementioned trucks, although you do sacrifice some performance to achieve said efficiency. The Ranger is the second least powerful truck on this list with just 270 hp. However, it still has a respectable towing capacity, at 7,500lbs. As a smaller brother to the F-150, the Ranger is a good pick if you want a smaller truck with decent fuel efficiency and do not crave extra horsepower daily.
5
2026 Ford F-150 Hybrid
Combined Rating: 23 mpg
2026 Ford F-150 Hybrid
Engine
3.5L V6 Hybrid
Horsepower
430 hp
Torque
570 lb-ft
Drivetrain
4WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
22/24/23
MSRP
$47,820
The 2026 Ford F-150 benefits from being hybrid in terms of both power and efficiency. With 430 hp, it is the second most powerful truck on this list, second to the Toyota Tundra. The F-150 is more efficient, though, with a combined EPA rating of 23 mpg. The Ford F-150 continues to be one of the best-selling trucks in the USA due to its extensive configurability. The most fuel-efficient model, however, is the V6 Hybrid 4WD version that provides similar performance to the Toyota Tundra, while being almost $11,000 cheaper. If you are looking for a powerhouse of performance while providing good efficiency in cities and highways, and do not mind the size of a full-size truck, look no further.
4
2026 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
Combined Rating: 23 mpg
2026 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
Engine
2.4L Turbo Inline-four Hybrid
Horsepower
326 hp
Torque
465 lb-ft
Drivetrain
4WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
23/24/23
MSRP
$47,035
It is time for the podium places of the most fuel-efficient non-electric trucks currently for sale. The fourth generation of the Toyota Tacoma ditches the previous fuel-thirsty older engines in exchange for efficient hybrid power trains. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize pickup truck, and now is one of the most efficient as well. The hybrid battery integrates with the engine well and helps the truck during stop-and-go traffic, places where trucks usually struggle. This engine option for the Tacoma also makes it the most powerful version of the truck ever built, and makes this Toyota the best truck fuel economy we have seen from the company. This version of the truck also features all-wheel drive as standard, another boon for potential truck buyers.
3
2026 GMC Sierra
Combined Rating: 25 mpg
2026 GMC Sierra
Engine
3.0L Inline-six
Horsepower
305 hp
Torque
495 lb-ft
Drivetrain
2WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
23/28/25
MSRP
$38,300
Tied for second place, is the 2026 GMC Sierra. While the Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado share most parts, they enter their fourth generation with a complete redesign. A recurring trend on this list is that the most efficient trucks that are non-hybrids are also two-wheel drive, to achieve the best gas mileage for trucks. The Sierra also has an EPA estimated range of 600 miles on a full tank. While the straight six-cylinder engine is not the most exciting alongside V6 and V8 options, certain sacrifices have to be made for the trucks with the best mpg that General Motors currently offers.
2
2026 Chevrolet Silverado
Combined Rating: 25 mpg
2026 Chevrolet Silverado
Engine
3.0L Inline-six
Horsepower
305 hp
Torque
495 lb-ft
Drivetrain
2WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
23/28/25
MSRP
$36,900
The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra share the same EPA rating. The Chevrolet features in second place on this list because it is usually cheaper than the GMC for the same trim that gives you the best range. With an MSRP around $1,400 lower than the GMC at the base trim, you get the same 600 mile EPA-estimated range on a full tank. Obviously, pricing varies depending on deals and offers. However, at that MSRP, the Silverado is a better deal for the same mileage. This also makes the Chevrolet Silverado the most fuel-efficient full-size truck on this list. If you are looking for a full-sized truck with the best mpg pickups can offer at the moment, the Silverado is a solid option.
1
2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid
Combined Rating: 39 mpg
2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid
Engine
2.5L Inline-four
Horsepower
162 hp
Torque
155 lb-ft
Drivetrain
2WD
mpg (city/highway/combined)
42/35/39
MSRP
$28,145
And the winner by some margin is….. the 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid! With a staggering EPA rating of 39 mpg, this is the most efficient non-electric truck currently on sale in America. With great range, come some minor sacrifices. The Maverick is the smallest truck here, and it is also the least powerful, with a 163 hp hybrid engine. However, as the Maverick is a small truck with the best mpg, that also makes it the cheapest hybrid truck you can currently buy. Amusingly, it is also the most powerful front-wheel drive car under $30,000 you can buy! The Maverick is perfect for urban situations and its hybrid system helps it achieve 42 mpg in the city, making it the best miles per gallon truck that is not fully electric.
That the highway is so dark is almost a blessing: less chance of seeing the steep edges and tumbling drops to a clashing, smashing shoreline. Redwoods loom overhead, the peaceful green light they filtered down before sunset now a smothering black ceiling.
California’s coastal Highway 1 is a gorgeous, scenic day trip, worthy of all its fame. At night, though, it’s just very dark.
When I finally find the hotel down a side road that was somehow even narrower and darker than the main route, the hotel clerk shakes her head sadly as she looks up my reservation. “Did you make this online?” she asks. “It’s for next week.”
I’d love to say that’s an unusual experience for me, but it’s pretty on-brand. Leaving late, ending up on the road for hours longer than I intended because I got distracted by a side road, or some elephant seals on the beach, and then ended up at the wrong hotel, or a hotel I didn’t manage to book a room at: it’s all part of my regular travel routine.
In any other car, a roadblock like this after hours of driving would be the point where I had a meltdown and a quick cry in the bathroom before dragging my aching tailbone back to the driver’s seat in search of somewhere, anywhere to stay. But in the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance, with its automatic high-beams, turn-tracking headlights, and massaging seats, it’s not nearly so horrible to get back behind the wheel. Luckily, I was able to find an open cabin a mile up the road, and the other reservation was refundable. Still, all of it was made much less stressful by the S-class’s quiet competence.
Now I’m not saying the S63 can solve every life problem. It’s got some quirks that might even add irritants to a driver’s day. The Mercedes touch-sensitive steering wheel controls with their itty-bitty haptic pads are annoyingly easy to activate by accident, which sends the screen displays on the 3-D instrument cluster into a scrolling flash like a slot machine in the Vegas airport. Those 3-D gauges are themselves more gimmick than glam, with multiple layout options and pulsating graphics that seem more appropriate to a Star Wars–themed ride than a stately hybrid sedan.
In general, Mercedes design currently seems to be pitting high tech against high end, with occasional friction at their overlap. The screen-heavy interior of the S-class highlights that you can, in fact, have too much information, and that parsing that information is not made easier by fingerprint smears and gaudy accent lighting. In defining luxury materials, an argument could be made that upper-class objects should be improved by human handling, the way wood, leather, and gold gain patina from fingertips, rather than smudges.
Greasy glass is not the AMG’s only weakness. The S63 also has an uncouth drinking problem. Its 188-hp electric motor plays a part in an (admittedly impressive) total torque output of 1055 pound-feet, in combination with its 603-hp twin-turbo V-8, but it doesn’t do much for fuel economy. I was down to low double digits on the range when I came into the dark forest, and in previous testing, the S63 returned a boozer’s 16 MPGe.
Other minor quibbles can be made about the big Benz’s pop-out door handles, which sometimes don’t, and its shallow pool of a trunk, which gives up considerable cargo room to house the hybrid battery.
And now that we’ve established that pobody’s nerfect, allow me to rave about how even with its flaws, the AMG S63 is absolutely perfect for smoothing out the bumps in a road trip, both in the pavement and the planning. The interior, despite earlier screen complaints, is both physically and emotionally soothing. The cathedral-stitched leather seats, the choice of trims ranging from classic burl wood to a more modern gloss-black shot with steel threads, the convenience of charging pads and places to keep beverages, sunglasses, and all the detritus that accumulates while on the road, combine in a cabin that never feels messy or confining.
The seats are plush and comfortable, with side bolsters that inflate in response to the cornering forces of the car, offering a little hug with each sharp turn. Many of my co-workers prefer this feature turned off, but I adore it. No more sliding across the seat or fighting the bolsters with my elbows in a tight racing setup. The Mercedes leans in to hold you, at least one supportive presence in your life.
Meanwhile, the 603-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine and its little buddy, the 188-hp motor on the rear axle, put 791 horsepower at the tip of your toes. Leave passing-zone stress to the motorhome traffic; you’re slingshotting by like Voyager 1 past Jupiter. When the roads are clear, the biggest challenge is not eating up that emptiness too quickly, because not only is it quick, it sticks and stops like you’d never expect from a four-door. We’ve previously measured a 0-to-60-mph time of 2.6 seconds and a 10.8-second quarter-mile run. The S63 also pulled 0.96 g on the skidpad. That’s pretty impressive for a four-seater that weighs in at 5877 pounds.
Elana Scherr|Car and Driver
With passing and cornering stresses eliminated, the miles fly by, even when they have a lot of zigs and zags. Curb your heavy foot with adaptive cruise control and an interesting podcast (I recommend Normal Gossip, hosted by Rachelle Hampton).
When the sun goes down, driving can quickly get exhausting, especially on mountain or coastal roads where there’s minimal lighting and lots of turns. Not only does the Mercedes active headlight system work well to follow the curves of the road, the automatic high-beams were a blessing on a two-lane with lots of oncoming traffic. It would have been a full-time job to flick between lighting settings, but the automatic system not only did it for me, it was quicker to see the oncoming lights than I would have been, making me a more polite and safer night driver. One less thing to worry about.
It’s fast, it’s comfortable, and it offers all kinds of nice temperature and tension-kneading features for your lower back while you drive, but the S63 also manages to be impressive without being off-putting. The valet at the Four Seasons noted it when I checked in for a fancy work trip, but so did the gas station attendant in Big Sur, who, when I apologized for confusion at the persnickety gas pump by saying I was always making a mess of things, answered, “You wouldn’t have that car if that were true.”
He also responded to my declaring his pump-then-pay system old-fashioned by saying, “Well, I’m old. And fashionable.” I made other friends with the AMG too. A tabby cat at the hotel chose my hood for a warm nap. A fellow traveler down Highway 1 suggested we lunch together after an impromptu game of leapfrog through Carmel, and a fellow Mercedes owner who was carefully cleaning bugs from his car at the truck stop made eye contact across the parking lot as I was eating chicken strips while leaning against mine. Actually, he might not have approved, but hey, he was too intimidated to say anything.
A $189,800 sedan might not be in everyone’s budget. It’s certainly not in mine, but of all the cars I’ve driven in this price range, the S63 is one of the few that felt close to worth the money. If, like me, you don’t always make the best decisions while traveling, at least you’ll know your choice of ride is solid.
➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.
Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn’t know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver’s license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story “A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2.” In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story “In Washington, D.C.’s Secret Carpool Cabal, It’s a Daily Slug Fest” was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club.
HONDA Australia has introduced its updated CR-V mid-sized SUV into the local market this week, the range broadened to offer more hybrid variants and a lower entry price, the refreshed line-up now priced from $44,900 driveaway.
Front- and all-wheel drive drivelines are available alongside five- and seven-seat passenger configurations, the updated CR-V range centred around a diversified e:HEV (petrol-electric hybrid) offering that sees more variants available with the dual electric motor / 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol powerplant.
Honda claims the e:HEV arrangement can offer over 1000km driving range on the combined cycle, the system meeting what it says is growing demand for a technology that requires no behavioural change from its customers.
e:HEV CR-V variants output 135kW/335Nm via a continuously variable transmission while petrol variants develop 140kW/240Nm courtesy of a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, again transmitting drive via a CVT and with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Honda lists combined cycle fuel consumption at 5.5 litres per 100km for the e:HEV and 7.1L/100km for the petrol. All-wheel drive configurations add 0.2L/100km in both instances.
Petrol power remains the most cost-effective entry into the CR-V range with the five-seat VTi-X grade available from $44,900 d/a. The cheapest hybrid option is the five-seat e:HEV X from $49,900 d/a.
One additional petrol-powered grade is available, with the seven-seat VTi-L7 priced from $54,900 d/a.
Otherwise, it’s a hybrid run to the top of the range with the five-seat e:HEV L from $53,900 d/a, the five-seat e:HEV LX AWD from $58,900 d/a, and the flagship five-seat e:HEV RS, now with all-wheel drive, from $64,400 d/a.
Elsewhere, changes to the 2026 Honda CR-V include the adoption of Google built-in and Honda Connect technologies, a 360-degree camera system, head-up display, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, LED cornering lights, LED ambient cabin lighting, and DAB+ digital radio reception – though most are reserved for higher grade variants.
The Honda CR-V wears a four-star ANCAP safety rating despite the inclusion of extensive active and passive safety technologies (dubbed Honda Sensing).
It is important to note that the lower ANCAP rating stems from a lower Safety Assist score (68 per cent) and lower Vulnerable Road User Protection score (76 per cent) and not its Adult Occupant Protection score (88 per cent) or Child Occupant Protection score (also 88 per cent).
As standard, the CR-V is equipped with 11 airbags, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking, auto high beam, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition to name but a few.
As well as offering a national driveaway price on its model range, Honda continues to back its vehicles with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, five years’ roadside assistance, and five years’ capped-price servicing (at $199 per service).
Scheduled maintenance increments are set at 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), 5000km lower than most segment entrants.
Driving Impressions
The updated CR-V range is almost impossible to distinguish from its predecessor. For most buyers, that’s neither here nor there, the increase in value and equipment a more compelling reason to buy Honda’s mid-sized SUV than made-over looks or flashy new alloys.
Still, a little more differentiation might have been nice…
What hasn’t changed – we say breathing a sigh of relief – is the experience the CR-V delivers inside the cab, and most importantly, from behind the ‘wheel.
The Honda CR-V remains an absolute pleasure to get in and drive.
The hybrid’s shift between petrol and electric drive is almost imperceptible, and at the same time very intelligent.
Not once did we find ourselves pushing the throttle to “wake the system up”, the e:HEV driveline almost pre-emptive of corners and changes in topography, choosing the right drive source and the right gear ratio for the job.
As well as being smooth, the driveline is also surprisingly peppy. Honda quotes 135kW/335Nm from its petrol-electric hybrid offering, a number that feels pessimistic, given the enthusiasm with which the e:HEV offerings accelerate.
The petrol range is less energetic, but still remarkably well-polished. There’s no flaring on upshifts or awkward CVT ‘clunk’ when coming to rest, the system simply delivering predictable and acceptable performance regardless of the driving environment.
That ability to feel at home whether dawdling around town or weaving down a country back road also applies to the CR-V’s ride/handling blend. The vehicle feels planted over a range of surfaces and remains controlled over upsets, recovering quickly when challenged.
Honda’s variable speed electrically assisted steering arrangement is well weighted, but arguably not as feelsome as it could be. Still, this is a family hauler, and the compromise is one that pays off in close confines, helping to make the CR-V an obliging partner in daily duties.
The cabin is well-laid out with sensible ergonomics and supportive seating. Oddment storage, device charging, cup-holders and so forth are well placed and sufficient in number, without being overdone.
Our only caveat to the “sensible” part of the CR-V’s cabin layout equation is the shift-by-wire selector that arguably takes up just as much room as a traditional lever, while at the same time being quite unintuitive to use.
We found the ratio of space between the front seat, back seat, and cargo area is close to ideal, though seven-seat variants are best thought of as a 5+2 solution suited to smaller children and/or temporary use.
While the CR-V lacks a spare wheel, it features just about everything else Australian family buyers expect. The driver assistance technologies are well-calibrated and simple to use, the switchgear and touchscreen menus are straightforward, and the instrument panel is both slick and concise, making it very easy to read while on-the-go.
Our launch drive was more challenging than the average day-in-the-life of a CR-V, meaning our fuel consumption returns might be higher than should be reasonably expected. Still, with numbers around the 6.3L/100km mark in the e:HEV and 8.1L/100km in the petrol, it is safe to say the quoted economy numbers are not too far from reality.
In our view, the Honda CR-V stands tall as a sensible, almost-premium offering in a very crowded segment. It offers most of what Aussie buyers expect, without resorting to novelty and needless tricks. The pricing is fair, the aftersales bundle straightforward, and the car itself an attractive and pleasurable one to live with.
Perhaps Honda didn’t need to make it look any newer after all.
