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Here’s How Much A 1-Year Old Kia EV6 Is Worth Today

Concerns concerning long-term electric vehicle (EV) possession have lately surfaced as quite a few research suggesting their fast depreciation have lately popped up. Due to considerations corresponding to long-term battery prices, the charging infrastructure, in addition to EV tech nonetheless being in its infancy, an EV 5 years from now will likely be considerably totally different from an EV in 2024.

Basically, you may consider EVs right now as what smartphones have been again in 2007 when the primary iPhone got here out. EV know-how is quickly evolving, in comparison with a automotive with an inner combustion engine (ICE), which is just about close to its peak. We still have to reach solid-state battery mass production–which is supposedly thought of the holy grail of battery evolution. At the identical time, not all EVs are created equal, and a few are extra fascinating than others. As a outcome, whereas EVs, typically, have decrease resale values than ICE vehicles, there are some EVs with first rate resale values and others that you simply’re higher off shopping for a barely used one.

Recently, we discovered that the EVs with the best resale values are ones made by Tesla, however what if you’d like an EV that is not from that model? Perhaps an EV from Kia is what you aspire to own–specifically, the award-winning EV6. Sharing the identical mechanical elements because the Hyundai Ioniq 5, how is an EV6 when it comes to resale worth after a 12 months of possession? Based on what number of awards and the way well-received the automotive is, it must be fascinating within the used automotive market, proper?

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10 Things You Should Know About The 2024 Kia EV6

The EV6’s mixture of energy, vary, versatility, and superior options make it a top-tier alternative.

In order to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Kia and different authoritative sources, together with iSeeCars and Ars Technica.

Don’t Buy An EV6 Brand New

Unfortunately, regardless of profitable so many awards and being well-received by the purchasers who purchased one, the resale values for the Kia EV6 aren’t that good. In reality, it could’t hold its value as well as any Tesla EV for that matter. As a outcome, that is a kind of few vehicles which can be higher to purchase barely used (one-year-old vehicles, as labeled by iSeeCars) versus going the brand-new route.

Prepare To Lose As Much As 33.3-percent In A Year

silver 2022 Kia EV6
Kia

According to this iSeeCars data of vehicle resale values after a year of ownership, the Kia EV6 loses as a lot as 33.3 p.c of its authentic worth. That’s greater than double the trade common of 12.8 p.c depreciation. Don’t go considering that the Ioniq 5 fares higher, both, as a result of it’s anticipated to lose 32.9 p.c of its authentic worth after a 12 months.

EVs, sadly, make up about half of the highest 10 vehicles that lose most of their worth after a 12 months of possession. It’s a mirrored image of what number of would-be house owners of a used automotive are cautious about long-term EV possession. We’ve talked about prior to now that the majority of those that purchased new EVs have been early adopters, however the purchaser demographic within the used automotive market is much less adventurous in exploring new know-how. These individuals put worth above all else and are much less desirous to have their life modified to adapt to the charging and infrastructure necessities of proudly owning an EV.

There’s An EV With A Far Worse Resale Value

If it is any comfort, there’s an EV whose resale worth is much worse than the Kia EV6’s. That’s the Mercedes-Benz EQS, which additionally occurs to have the absolute worst one-year depreciation among all new cars. Imagine dropping almost half the worth of your six-figure luxurious EV, making the EQS extra of a legal responsibility versus a automotive you’d aspire to personal.

The Nissan Leaf, whereas being one of the inexpensive EVs when model new, is healthier purchased as barely used. Well, with an antiquated ChaDeMo cost port and EV know-how from the mid-2010s, the Leaf is just about the iPhone 6 of the EV world in 2024.

Model

% Difference Used Over New

$ Difference Used Over New

Used Price

1

Mercedes-Benz EQS

-47.8%

-$65,143

$71,231

2

Nissan Lead

-45.7%

-$15,786

$18,756

3

Jaguar F-Pace

-35.4%

-$28,555

$52,010

4

Alfa Romeo Giulia

-33.4%

-$16,297

$32,467

5

Kia EV6

-33.3%

-$18,081

$36,243

6

Hyundai Ioniq 5

-32.9%

-$16,805

$34,303

7

Volkswagen ID.4

-32.9%

-$15,609

$31,870

8

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

-32.3%

-$17,495

$36,630

9

Nissan Murano

-32.0%

-$13,842

$29,458

10

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

-31.5%

-$45,781

$99,598

Overall Average

-12.8%

-$5,778

$39,328

(Data collected from iSeeCars)

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The Real Differences Between The Kia EV6 And Hyundai Ioniq 5

When it involves selecting between two of the perfect bought EVs, it is the small particulars that make all of the distinction

The Challenge For EV6 Owners

2023 Kia EV6 scenic shot
Kia

The Kia EV6’s resale worth is not excellent news for present house owners, however is sweet information for many who aspire to personal a used one. There are main elements contributing to EV6 resale values being not so good as Tesla’s, that are on high of long-term possession considerations and charging infrastructure hurdles. As extra analysis has been carried out to create this text, the tanking of EV costs typically might be attributed to 2 issues.

EV Sales Slowdown Means More Inventory

Tesla Gigafactory Texas
Tesla

At this level, you have most likely already heard concerning the EV gross sales slowdown that the United States is presently experiencing. While this would possibly not essentially imply fewer EV gross sales this 12 months, that tempo of development goes to be a lot slower in 2024 than in previous years. As a outcome, there is more inventory of both new and used EVs on dealership lots.

Value-seeking consumers within the used automotive market additionally do not wish to change their life-style, which is why the electrified car of alternative nowadays, whether or not new or used, is the hybrid electrical car. This is why hybrids have the best resale value among all cars nowadays, and Toyota is the biggest beneficiary of this hybrid car growth within the United States. There is one more reason why EV resale values are tanking, and that is due to the actions of 1 man whose selections have affected the complete EV trade within the United States.

Tesla’s Price War Isn’t Good For EV Resale Values

Tesla_Dealership
KKPCW

Since the beginning of 2023, Tesla has initiated a worth conflict of kinds within the EV trade. This is why we have seen vehicles like the Model 3 reach near price parity with an ICE automotive, and the Model X seeing its brand-new price drop by as a lot as $41,000 for the reason that begin of 2023 so as to be eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit offered by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Because of Elon Musk’s aggressive worth cuts, EV resale values have dropped in current months. These worth cuts have led would-be-used EV consumers into Tesla showrooms when these worth cuts have been freshly carried out. However, those that have purchased a Tesla after the worth cuts are set to expertise the least depreciation. Combine this with the EV gross sales slowdown of 2024, you have bought the right recipe for used EVs to quickly depreciate.

Related

Kia EV6 GT: Bringing Performance To Mainstream EVs

Fully dedicated to the event of its new EVs, Kia brings us this highly effective marvel, competitively priced and fiercely difficult different e-SUVs.

But, That Doesn’t Mean That The EV6 Isn’t Good

Blue Kia EV6
Kia 

Despite these elements affecting EV resale values, the EV6 is certainly not a nasty EV. It’s merely on account of exterior elements which can be past the management of the consumers and even Kia’s executives themselves which have led to the EV6 and different EVs dropping their values at a sooner charge. If you are shopping for a used EV6, you will be glad to know that you simply’re getting your self right into a extremely succesful and trendy EV that has a lot to supply, particularly at its present market worth.

A Stylish And Distinct Design

Kia EV6 Dashboard showing the carbon fiber trim
Kia

The Kia EV6 is offered from the base Wind trim, all the way in which to the potent GT model. Whatever trim you select, although, the EV6 has a rakish and fashionable exterior that blurs the traces between hatchback and crossover SUV (it’s labeled because the latter, although). The dynamic exterior design is complemented by an inside that appears simply as fashionable and is full of loads of helpful tech options. All fashions get two 12.3-inch screens, smartphone mirroring options, a luxurious inside, and premium facilities that vary from ambient LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable entrance seats with air flow, simply to call just a few.

More Than Just Transportation

Kia EV6 V2L
Kia

The Kia EV6 can be an electrical crossover SUV that gives both loads of vary or loads of efficiency. Unfortunately, not each, as a result of the EV6 GT, with its 577-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, is simply in a position to journey as much as 218 miles in line with the EPA. So whereas its 0-60 mph time of three.4 seconds is fast, its battery drains simply as shortly. For most vary, follow any of the Long Range rear-wheel drive (RWD) fashions that provide as much as 310 miles of EPA-estimated vary. Its 225-horsepower single-motor structure might take 7.2 seconds to hit 60 mph, however you will be touring additional between prices.

Finally, Kia touts its EV6’s 800-volt architecture (for the Long Range and GT fashions) that the Ioniq 5 additionally makes use of. Thanks to the bi-directional charging functionality of its E-GMP platform, the EV6 can act as an exterior energy supply to energy your home throughout an influence outage, and even present electrical power if you wish to go tenting. Additionally, that 800-volt structure permits for as much as 350 kW of DC fast charging, which implies that the 77.4 kWh battery might be charged from 10 to 80 p.c in lower than 20 minutes, assuming you could possibly discover a DC quick charger that is succesful to ship that quantity of juice.

A Laguna Seca Crash Completely Destroyed This Gunther Werks Porsche Prototype (Update)

Update: A press release from Gunther Werks relating to the accident has been added to the story.

A modified Porsche 911 from California resto-modder Gunther Werks crashed closely at Laguna Seca throughout testing final week. A consumer within the r/Porsche Subreddit posted a picture of the damaged car, a growth mule for the company’s new Turbo model, a 750-horsepower 993, on a flatbed. On Instagram, Gunther Werks confirmed the “incident” and that the driving force is “okay.”

Motor1 reached out to Gunther Werks for extra info, and the corporate offered this assertion:

Gunther Werks has continued to check the Turbo Mule growth prototype forward of manufacturing, which is slated to start supply later in 2024. Development testing at racetrack poses inherent threat, and sadly our growth prototype was concerned in an on-track incident at WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca throughout a two-day session on March nineteenth and twentieth, 2024.

While testing, our crew put the Turbo Mule via strenuous challenges as a part of this program. Fortunately everybody escaped with none damage, the driving force obtained clearance by the trackside security crew, and no different automobiles have been concerned. The driver was checked by an off-site medical skilled and cleared. Despite this being a avenue automotive for the restricted function of growth, the driving force was carrying full FIA racing gear, together with a hearth swimsuit, helmet, and a HANS system for the whole lot of testing.

In the curiosity of full transparency, we will verify that the automotive skilled a substantial quantity of injury. Specifically, the Turbo Mule’s roof was impacted as a consequence of a rollover. It is necessary to notice that the event prototype was not but fitted with Gunther Werks’ carbon fiber roof panel that buyer automobiles obtain; nor was it geared up with a roll cage, as we don’t match them to buyer commissions, with the emphasis on the automobiles being road-going and never race automobiles. A chassis stiffening bar was put in within the rear cabin, along with a harness bar with harnesses and an FIA-rated seat used throughout the check. The automotive was additionally fitted with a hearth suppression system.

At Gunther Werks, security is simply as paramount as efficiency. Rest assured that we’re actively retrieving all information, totally reviewing the findings with our crew, and understanding how and why the incident occurred to make sure the manufacturing model is protected as attainable and performs as anticipated.

Gunther Werks is a household and a very powerful factor to us is that our driver sustained no damage. We are happy with our crew and their dedication. We respect all of our followers and motoring fanatics for his or her continued help and understanding.

 

On Instagram, the corporate mentioned “Unfortunately, the second day of testing was cut short when the GW Mule went off-track and sustained incident damage. Goals were achieved, times were set, cars are repairable, and lessons are valuable.”

“We are grateful everyone is okay and look forward to getting back to HQ to apply everything we learned this week for the next track day soon.”

 

The Reddit consumer claims that it was Patrick Long, a longtime Porsche manufacturing unit driver and model ambassador, driving. We requested Gunther Werks to verify whether or not that is the case, however, Long did publish on an Instagram story that he’s having fun with “[a] much needed R+R break with the family. All is well.” Long is understood to do growth work with the corporate, driving one in all its automobiles at a Laguna Seca Corkscrew hillclimb occasion.

While the Gunther Werks Turbo makes use of a 993 physique shell, a lot of the panels are made out of carbon fiber. Road & Track story notes that the automotive prices round $1 million.

Photo: Gunther Werks

Why The Tesla Model X Doesn’t Top The Reliability Charts

Tesla‘s impression on the automotive trade is simple. The agency has revolutionized the electric vehicle (EV) sector, capturing the hearts of numerous followers who imagine in Elon Musk’s imaginative and prescient. While their speedy progress is spectacular, making over 1.8 million deliveries in 2023, their flagship Model X, launched in 2015, has confronted numerous challenges. The Model X promised to be the ultimate electric luxury SUV, boasting progressive options like falcon-wing doorways, superior driver-assistance methods (ADAS), and spectacular efficiency.

However, early adopters reported reliability points that left them annoyed and upset. These points, coupled with a shift in shopper preferences in direction of extra reasonably priced and sensible EVs, contributed to a decline in Model X gross sales. In 2022, Model S and X deliveries solely accounted for about four-percent of Tesla’s world complete, prompting price cuts for both variants in an attempt to attract buyers regardless of the identified points. Adding extra flame to the hearth, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk’s acknowledgment of the Model X as a “blunder,” raises issues about the way forward for Tesla’s choices. On the intense aspect, the 2024 Model X has seen numerous enhancements to sort out these points.

UPDATE: 2024/03/11 16:00 EST BY ANIEBIET INYANG NTUI

This article has been up to date to replicate the newest info concerning the reliability of the Tesla Model X. To give you essentially the most correct and present insights, this revision incorporates latest developments and ongoing discussions surrounding the Model X’s shortcomings.

In order to provide the most recent and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Tesla and different dependable sources corresponding to NHTSA, Consumer Reports, CarBuzz, and ScorchingCars.

Related

2024 Tesla Model X: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

The Tesla Model X enters 2024 with no substantial modifications. Here’s every little thing you’ll want to know before you purchase one.

Design Flaws In The Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X, as soon as hailed as a revolutionary electrical SUV, garnered vital consideration for its progressive design and options. However, beneath its smooth exterior lie some shortcomings which have brought about frustration for some house owners.

From Wow Factor To Woe Factor

 Red Tesla Model X
Kevin Burnell / Shutterstock

The signature falcon-wing doorways, whereas undeniably eye-catching and conversation-starting, have turn into a supply of serious bother for some Model X house owners. These complicated, upwards-swinging doorways are susceptible to malfunctions, ranging from inconsistent opening and closing to complete failure. This not solely disrupts the meant clean operation however may result in inconvenience and security issues. Additionally, sensor malfunctions designed to stop the doorways from hitting objects have resulted in accidents and dear repairs, additional including to the frustration.

The Windshield Conundrum

Model X
Tesla 

The Model X boasts a panoramic windshield, providing a formidable, unobstructed view for each driver and passengers. However, this expansive glass floor comes at a price. Many house owners have reported the windshield being susceptible to cracking, even from minor impacts like small stones. While Tesla maintains that these cracks do not pose a security threat, they are often costly to restore and hinder driver visibility, impacting each security and driving expertise.

A Bumpy Road

The suspension system, essential for a snug and secure experience, has additionally raised issues amongst some Model X house owners. Reports of unusual noises emanating from the system increase purple flags, indicating potential underlying points. Additionally, some owners have experienced premature wear and tear on the suspension, resulting in pricey repairs or replacements. This is especially regarding for a car positioned as a luxury SUV meant for lengthy journeys below numerous situations.

2024 Tesla Model X Exterior Dimensions

Length

199.1 Inches

Width

89.4 Inches

Height

68.5 Inches

Wheelbase

116.7 Inches

Front Track

67.3 Inches

Rear Track

67.3 Inches

Curb Weight

5,148 Pounds

(Specs sourced from Tesla)

Related

10 Things You Should Know About The Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X has lots to supply, from a zippy efficiency, and big cargo house, to a tech-loaded cabin.

Power And Range Hampered By Battery And Charging Woes

The Tesla Model X on the road
Tesla 

While Tesla has established itself as a leader in the EV market, the Model X has confronted its share of challenges. Despite boasting spectacular preliminary vary and efficiency figures, issues surrounding battery life, charging difficulties, and a stark distinction to the Model 3‘s capabilities have tarnished the Model X’s popularity.

Battery Deterioration and Reduced Range

Like all batteries, Tesla’s, despite their extended life, eventually degrade. This has translated right into a real-world concern for some Model X house owners, notably these with older fashions, who’ve reported a noticeable lower in vary and total efficiency over time. This could be notably irritating, because the marketed vary of the Model X, initially reaching as much as 371 miles, turns into more and more unattainable.

Charging System Frustrations

White Model X Charging
Tesla

Adding to the Model X’s woes, the charging system has been a persistent supply of frustration for a lot of house owners. The automotive often falls in need of the marketed vary because of the difficulty of the battery draining too shortly. This is additional compounded by reported difficulties in getting the automotive to cost constantly or preserve a cost.

Another vital disadvantage of the Model X, for the older fashions, is its lagging fast-charging capabilities in comparison with its extra reasonably priced sibling, the Model 3. This disparity has been notably perplexing to shoppers, contributing to the Model X’s weaker gross sales efficiency in comparison with different Tesla fashions. The incapacity to maintain tempo with the fast-charging developments of the Model 3 has undoubtedly discouraged potential consumers who prioritize fast and environment friendly charging experiences.

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Tesla Charging: The Complete Guide

Tesla arguably modified the course of EVs on the planet, and this is every little thing you’ll want to learn about its charging.

A Bumpy Ride For Model X Owners

An action shot of the Tesla Model X
Tesla

The Tesla Model X boasts a formidable array of options and expertise, however its air suspension system has been a persistent source of trouble for some house owners. This complicated system, answerable for adjusting the experience top and dealing with of the car, has been suffering from points together with:

  • Leaking Air Suspensions: Leaks happen in numerous elements of the system, resulting in a lack of air strain and a gradual decline in experience top. This can’t solely have an effect on the automotive’s dealing with but in addition increase issues about security and stability.
  • Loud Air Compressors: While the air compressor naturally cycles on and off to keep up strain, some Model X house owners have reported unusually loud operation. This could be a signal of damage and tear or potential compressor failure.
  • Inconsistent And Uneven Ride Height: The air suspension is designed to robotically regulate the experience top based mostly on numerous components. However, some house owners have skilled conditions the place the automotive sits erratically, affecting its stance and probably impacting dealing with.

Related

Tesla Recalls 7,600 Model S And Model X Vehicles Due To Faulty Airbags

And nope, this truly has nothing to do with the wide-scale Takata airbag recall

Model X
Tesla

The determination to buy a automotive hinges on numerous components, however security undoubtedly reigns supreme. The Tesla Model X, nonetheless, has solid a shadow over its picture with a regarding historical past of safety-related recollects, elevating severe questions on its reliability and adherence to security requirements.

A Concerning Track Record

The 2022 Model X alone paints a regarding image, having been recalled over 15 times for safety issues. These points embody a variety of essential functionalities, together with:

Beyond The Model X

Tesla SEMI
Tesla

These points lengthen past the Model X. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) prompted Tesla to recall almost 362,000 autos, in February 2023, attributable to issues with the Autopilot software. The NHTSA cited the system’s capability to “exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner,” highlighting a possible threat of crashes arising from the software program’s performance.

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Tesla Recalls Over 2 Million Cars Over A Potential Safety Issue, And Here’s Why

Tesla recollects hundreds of thousands of autos attributable to undersized fonts used for crucial warning lights on the instrument panel, posing a possible security threat.

Addressing Early Model Concerns

Tesla Model X in action
Tesla

Though the Model X was a trailblazer within the electric SUV market, earlier fashions encountered reliability challenges, evident in a number of recollects and studies of construct high quality and software program points. It’s essential to differentiate these issues from the 2024 Model X, which has only faced one recall to date and incorporates enhancements addressing previous points.

Tesla Model X 2024 Updates

The 2024 Model X addresses a few of the issues raised about earlier fashions.

  • Improved Build Quality: While issues persist in some critiques, Tesla claims to have made strides in enhancing the general construct high quality.
  • Steering Wheel Option: The controversial yoke steering wheel is now not the one choice. Buyers can now select a conventional flat-bottomed steering wheel.
  • Redesigned Glass Roof: The new glass roof permits for extra pure mild, enhancing the inside expertise.

The 2024 Model X Is An Epitome Performance And Efficiency

Model X
Tesla

The 2024 Tesla Model X boasts impressive performance, aiming to rival even trendy sports activities automobiles. Offered in two configurations, the bottom Model X and the high-performance Plaid, each ship distinctive acceleration and dealing with.

  • Thrilling Acceleration: The commonplace Model X packs a punch with 670 horsepower and rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 3.8 seconds. Real-world checks have even proven even quicker occasions, with older fashions reaching a 3.3-second dash.
  • Plaid Power: Upgrading to the Model X Plaid unleashes even more power, with a tri-motor setup producing 1,020 horsepower. This interprets to a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time.
  • Exceptional Handling: Both fashions profit from a drag coefficient of 0.24. This interprets to raised dealing with and effectivity. Additionally, the Plaid boasts torque vectoring for sharper cornering and upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping energy.
  • Adaptive Comfort: Tesla equips both models with adaptive air suspension, offering a snug experience whereas sustaining spectacular dealing with capabilities.
  • Efficiency Considerations: While not essentially the most frugal choice in Tesla’s lineup, the Model X presents respectable effectivity. The base mannequin leads the pack with a 102 MPGe EPA-estimated mixed vitality consumption. The Plaid’s effectivity varies relying on wheel measurement, starting from 91 to 98 MPGe.
  • Towing and Payload: The Model X proves its versatility with a 5,000-pound towing capability and a 654-pound payload capability, making it a succesful selection for hauling cargo or trailers.

2024 Tesla Model X Performance Specs

Model X

Model X Plaid

Powertrain

Dual AC everlasting synchronous motor

Triple AC everlasting synchronous motor

Horsepower

670 horsepower

1,020 horsepower

Torque

557 pound-feet of torque

752 pound-feet of torque

Transmission

Single-Speed Automatic

Single-Speed Automatic

Battery

99.3 kWh Net

98 kWh Net

Range

335 Miles

326 Miles

Fuel Economy

102 MPGe

91-98 MPGe

0-60 MPH

3.8 Seconds

2.5 Seconds

Top Speed

149 MPH

149 MPH

(Specs sourced from Tesla & the EPA)

White Model X Charging
Tesla
  • Range and Charging: The base Model X delivers an impressive 335-mile EPA-estimated range, whereas the Plaid presents a barely decrease 326-mile vary. Charging occasions range relying on the charging methodology, with Level 1 charging taking 135 hours and Level 2 charging taking 18 hours for a full cost. Tesla’s Supercharger community presents the quickest charging choice, replenishing the battery from 10- to 80-percent in simply half-hour.

2024 Tesla Model X Charging Specs

Range

326-335 miles

Level 1 AC 110V Charging time (0-100%)

135 Hours

Level 2 AC 220V Charging time (0-100%)

18 Hours

Level 3 DC 440V Charging time (10-80%)

30 Minutes

(Specs sourced from Tesla)

Overall, the 2024 Tesla Model X combines exhilarating efficiency with spectacular effectivity and practicality, making it a compelling choice for these searching for an opulent and highly effective electrical SUV.

What We Know About The 2025 Toyota Stout Pickup Truck

Toyota has made no official announcement concerning the design or specs of the upcoming Stout pickup truck, however the automaker introduced the EPU, an electrical compact pickup, at this 12 months’s Japan Mobility Show. The EPU was about 199 inches lengthy, over a foot shorter than the Tacoma, and about the identical dimension because the Maverick. This would make the Stout a superb choice for metropolis and suburban consumers who park their vehicles on the road or in garages. A 2020 report from Autoguide claimed that Toyota deliberate to have its total fleet of automobiles transformed to hybrid or electrical drivetrains by 2025 and the Stout will not be anticipated to hit showrooms till at the very least subsequent 12 months. 

According to Cooper Ericksen, VP of product planning and technique for Toyota North America, the Stout could possibly be primarily based on the identical platform that underpins the RAV4 and Corolla. “If there’s a customer that needs a rugged, smaller body-on-frame vehicle, we can consider that,” he informed  Motor Trend,  “but if it’s more for urban use and less extreme off-road, then it would make more sense to use the TNGA unibody platform.”

$1B Lawsuit Against Hyundai And Kia Isn’t Going Away

Hyundai and Kia are facing a lawsuit from insurance companies due to the theft of their vehicles, potentially leading to a $1 billion liability. This week, a judge rejected arguments to dismiss the suit.

Kia and Hyundai’s legal problems arose when thefts of their vehicles spiked in 2021. This occurred because the automakers did not install immobilizers on millions of cars, and videos on social media spread information on how to steal specific models that lacked immobilizers. 

The judge agreed with the plaintiff’s argument that it was “reasonably foreseeable” to Hyundai and Kia that people would steal vehicles without the theft-prevention device, as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114 mandates a starting system to prevent engine or motor activation without the key.

Hyundai and Kia countered that insurance companies had accepted liability for the thefts by insuring the vehicles. However, US District Judge James Selna rejected this, noting that the case asserts claims of violations of state consumer protection laws, breaches of warranties, and fraud through omission and concealment.

In 2021, Kia and Hyundai thefts surged by 2,644 percent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Affected Kia vehicles date back to 2011, while compromised Hyundais start with the 2015 model year. The automakers released a software update earlier this year to enhance their cars’ security against theft.

Earlier this year, the two companies reached a $200 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed by vehicle owners. It is anticipated that up to $145 million will be allocated to cover around nine million drivers and compensate them for their out-of-pocket losses.

BMW M2 Owner Criticizes New Generation Car’s Design

The new BMW M2 has received a lot of praise for its impressive speed and performance capabilities. However, not everyone is a fan of its design, and one owner of the previous generation M2 has a lot to say about the latest performance coupe.

Paul Mihai, a passionate car enthusiast from Sweden and a previous-generation M2 owner, shares his thoughts on the M2 (G87) in a 12-minute YouTube video. He starts by discussing the most controversial aspect of the car – its design. Mihai believes that the car resembles something that BMW bought from Walmart and added parts from a car tuning shelf. While he acknowledges the reasoning behind the design choices, he is particularly perplexed by the car’s large wheel gaps.

Video Shows Bear Breaking into Honda CR-V for a Snack

Bears are known for their curiosity when it comes to food, which is why there are bear-proof trash cans and storage containers available. In this video, a bear managed to break into the back of a Honda CR-V to satisfy its hunger.

The incident took place at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, where the CR-V was parked. The house had an outdoor-facing security camera that captured the scene.

The bear didn’t face any difficulty in accessing the Honda as the rear door appeared to be unlocked. However, instead of immediately climbing in, the creature took its time to look around and playfully scratched its paws.

Eventually, the bear managed to climb into the vehicle. The video ends after the bear enters the Honda. According to the YouTube description, the animal consumed some food inside the car and stayed there for approximately five minutes. Fortunately, there was no damage to the vehicle, but the bear left behind empty wrappers.

The website Bearwise.org specializes in providing advice on dealing with black bears, which is the species shown in the video. These bears have curved claws that are about 2.0 inches long, making it easy for them to open door handles. The website suggests locking your vehicle and not leaving the windows slightly open, as bears can grip the windows and break the glass.

Bearwise.org also recommends not leaving any items with a strong odor in your vehicle, such as scented air fresheners, lip balm, or hand lotion, as these smells can attract bears.

According to the National Park Service, there are approximately 900,000 black bears in North America. They are found in various regions, including Maine, Northern Georgia, the Appalachian Mountains, the Northern Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, parts of the West Coast, and Alaska. Their weight can range from about 100 pounds during the leanest times of the year up to over 300 pounds when they bulk up for the winter.

New Kia K3 Compact Sedan Revealed, Could Preview Forte Successor

Update: A Kia spokesperson responded to our inquiry about the K3, saying “Kia US has made no official announcement regarding K3 and has no further comment at this time.”

Kia’s small car lineup in the US has been limited to the Forte and Rio models since they were introduced in the mid-2000s. However, Kia has now unveiled a new small sedan called the K3 for the Mexico market. With Kia renaming and refreshing its US lineup, there is speculation that the K3 could potentially replace both the Forte and Rio models.

In terms of size, the K3 sits between the subcompact Rio and the compact Forte. It measures 178.9 inches in length, making it larger than the Rio (172.6 inches) but slightly smaller than the Forte (182.7 inches). The K3 also offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Rio sedan’s 13.4 cubic feet and the Forte’s 15.3 cubic feet.

If the new Kia K3 looks familiar, it’s because it shares several design elements with the larger K5 sedan. The headlights framed by Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille and the full-width taillight bar on the rear are reminiscent of the K5. Additionally, the K3 has a “fastback-style” silhouette similar to the K5 and the EV6 electric vehicle.

The interior of the K3 aligns with the rest of Kia’s lineup. It features a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster screen and a 10.3-inch touchscreen that are integrated under a single piece of glass extending from the driver’s side to the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard.

Powering the K3 are two engine options: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 2.0-liter option. The smaller engine produces 122 horsepower, while the larger 2.0-liter engine, exclusive to the GT-Line trim, delivers 150 horsepower. The 1.6-liter engine is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 2.0-liter engine is paired with a six-speed manual exclusively.

The K3 was initially unveiled in Mexico, where it will be manufactured. However, it remains unclear whether the small sedan will be officially introduced as a replacement for the Forte in the US. Given that Kia has rebranded the Forte as the K3 in markets outside of the US and has recently renamed the Optima as the K5, it wouldn’t be surprising if the K3 eventually makes its way to the US under the same name. More information is expected to be released by Kia in the coming months.

Microsoft Launches Xbox Repair Parts for Purchase

Microsoft is introducing a new initiative that allows customers to purchase Xbox repair parts directly from the company. While there has been no official statement from Microsoft, it appears to be in a beta or testing phase to assess user behavior. If successful, this program could pave the way for more device repair options in the future.

There are several reasons behind Microsoft’s decision to offer self-repair assistance. The Xbox has a dedicated modding community, and this service would greatly benefit them. Additionally, by providing exclusive and high-quality repair offerings, Microsoft can manage excess stock effectively.

The primary reason, however, is Microsoft’s commitment to transparency and supporting self-service repairs, as outlined in their 2021 agreement with shareholder advocacy group As You Sow. This agreement aims to empower consumers who prefer self-repair options rather than relying on original manufacturers. Over the years, Microsoft has made strides in enabling self-service repairs, starting with products like Surface laptops. Including Xbox products in this initiative marks a significant advancement. Let’s hope it becomes a permanent offering.

FTC Halts Case Against Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Merger

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has temporarily suspended its case against the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. The main concern raised by regulators was that Microsoft could gain an unfair advantage in the market by limiting Activision games to its Xbox platform, on both consoles and in cloud gaming.

In response to these concerns, Microsoft took steps to alleviate them. The company signed a 10-year deal with Nintendo to offer “Call of Duty” on the Switch and future platforms. This move was aimed at addressing worries about Microsoft’s dominance in cloud gaming. Microsoft also reached a similar agreement with Nvidia to ensure the franchise remains available on its own cloud-based game streaming platform, which competes with Xbox’s streaming service.

While Sony initially hesitated to accept the “Call of Duty” deal, the company eventually agreed to it in July 2023. Sony, being a major opponent of the merger, had concerns about the future of its PlayStation platform. The U.S. antitrust regulators focused more on the console and PC gaming market, while the U.K.’s competition watchdog also placed strong emphasis on the cloud gaming landscape.

However, given the relatively small share of cloud gaming in comparison to the overall impact of the merger, Microsoft is well-positioned to convince the competition watchdogs on both statistical and practical grounds. Microsoft has yet to comment on the FTC’s decision to withdraw its in-house trial, but it seems that the massive merger in the gaming industry is on track to be completed by the end of this year.