In a sea of SUVs…the humble, old-school station wagon is actually…cool?
Sure, you can go out right now and get the latest, greatest and trendiest car on the block…and it probably won’t be a station wagon. At least, not if you take a cross-section of every American traffic jam these days, where the roads are absolutely crammed with SUVs and massive pickup trucks. That hasn’t been a sudden phenomenon, either — even back in the 1970s, wagons weren’t exactly the shockwave in front of the cutting edge of “cool”…just the opposite, actually.
Nevertheless, as they become nearly extinct in your daily commute, car folks in particular are looking at cars like this Volvo V60 Cross Country (and all its forebears over the decades) as something different, mysterious, and yes, actually and unironically cool. In fact, modern crossovers, including those from iconic wagon brands like Volvo, owe a lot to the “humdrum” station wagon, and in this video Tommy goes through some history to show just what they represent in that larger context.
If you are the type to actually seek out a wagon as the sort of anti-crossover, protest purchase, you’re sadly left with few options left on the market. Oh, a few automakers are just holding on. There are some, dare we say, exotic wagons like the Audi RS6 Avant or the Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid. The Volvo V60 is still clinging on in Cross Country form, and there are a few other options across the spectrum as well.
For the few players who are left, wagon’s utility coupled with major performance gains (even for the “mainstream” models) versus the early 1970s do make them a seriously cool buy against your everyday crossover. Let us know what you think, though, and if you are aiming for something a little different to the masses…you may want to consider pulling the trigger before it’s too late.
The next Audi Q3 will arrive in the U.S. in early 2026.
Automakers continue to crank out a host of new 2026 models, and Audi is bringing its new compact Q3 into the fray. When it arrives in the first quarter of 2026, the third-generation model will immediately duke it out against other luxury options like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, though Audi is making this version more expensive in the process: About $3,900 more expensive, in fact.
Why? Well you could argue a few reasons (one being cars just get more expensive year-over-year no matter what), but there is more standard equipment coming to the Q3 this time around. That’s largely because there is only one trim selection, so you’re left with more of a take-it-or-leave-it sort of approach here.
For $44,995, the 2026 Audi Q3 S-Line Quattro takes a fully loaded tack. You get navigation, wireless smartphone charging, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionality, power-folding mirrors, and Audi’s latest dual-screen “Digital Stage” infotainment setup. If you’re looking for a fresher looking SUV, the third-gen Q3 also gets dramatically updated interior and exterior styling to resemble its larger Q5 sibling.
Under the hood, the 2026 Audi Q3 “range”, if you can call it that, is rocking an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. You get more power this time around, with the output rising to 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (+27 hp and +22 lb-ft, respectively). All-wheel drive comes standard this time as well, so this package offers a secure and noticeably faster upgrade to the old Q3.
The standard S-Line package for U.S. models adds in a sportier radiator grille, silver intake frames and underbody protection, a matte black rear diffuser and different bumpers for a sportier overall look. 18-inch wheels come standard, though you can choose 19- or 20-inch units with wider-profile all-season tires as standalone options. Nine exterior color options are available, with Sage Green (shown here) joining the list as a new option for 2026.
After eight years, the current BMW Z4 is rolling off into the history books.
While we’ve spent quite a bit of time talking about BMW’s partnership with Toyota on the MkV Supra, the BMW Z4 has largely flown under the radar for most of this generation. In fact, the G29-generation Z4 has been in production since 2018, with examples coming from the same Magna Steyr plant in Austria that built the Supra. Now, as the Supra also bows out, BMW’s roadster will wrap up the 2026 model year with this Final Edition model.
And the automaker’s configuration for this Z4’s last hurrah points pretty much squarely at enthusiasts and collectors. The Frozen Black paint pairs up with the Shadowline package, blacking out most of the exterior elements like the mirror caps and grille to create a sinister-looking convertible. You also get black leather with red stitching and Alcantara on the seats, instrument panel, center console and door panels.
The 2026 BMW Z4 Final Edition is based on the M40i model, packing 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While most of the configuration is set in stone for you, one choice you do have is the 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual (the option you should pick). Otherwise, you get a fully loaded setup with the Premium Package, Driving Assistance Package and Harman Kardon sound system baked into the build.
BMW says this “very limited” Z4 will go into production between February and April of next year. Each car will sport a price of $78,675 regardless of which transmission you choose. The company did not elaborate any further exactly how many they’ll build, but it sounds like the aim here is to create a collector’s item for those wanting the last (and best?) of the current Z4s. So if you have the means, it may be worth picking one up while you can.
A hybrid Mercedes-Benz CLA is coming too, but this announcement concerns the EV.
Even as automakers pump the brakes on a headlong rush into fully electric lineups, Mercedes is still bringing a new line of electric models into the fold next year. That includes the new GLC SUV as well as the compact CLA sedan, with the automaker announcing formal pricing on the latter Tuesday. When it arrives in the first quarter of 2026, the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA will set you back at least $48,500, including a $1,250 destination fee.
That…isn’t as high as I expected, actually. There are two versions of the CLA EV at launch: the CLA250+ with a single, rear-mounted motor or the all-wheel drive CLA350 4Matic with a dual-motor setup. The CLA350 will naturally set you back a bit more ($51,050 to start), though in either case Mercedes’ latest EV will set you back marginally more than an equivalent Tesla Model 3 Premium.
The base CLA250+ packs a 268-horsepower motor with 247 lb-ft of torque, promising a 0-60 time of about 6.6 seconds. Not a neck-snapper by any stretch, but the up side is a driving range up to 374 miles, according to Mercedes’ estimates. If you opt for the quicker CLA350, you’ll instead get 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, in addition to a quicker 4.8-second 0-60 time. In either case, both cars use an identical 800-volt electrical architecture and 85-kWh (usable capacity) battery pack, though the 350’s range drops to just 312 miles. Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 130 mph.
Because the CLA is on a beefier 800-volt system, Mercedes claims 320-kW DC fast-charging capability, enabling 10-80% charging times around 22 minutes.
Trim options and features
Electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA models come with a fair bit of standard equipment, including the automaker’s latest MBUX infotainment system, heated front seats, a fixed panoramic glass roof and LED headlights.
If you do want more equipment, the CLA follows in typical Mercedes fashion with mid-range Exclusive and high-end Pinnacle trim options. The $2,250 Exclusive trim brings in 64-color ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, keyless-go and wireless smartphone charging. Weirdly, the flush-fitting power door handles and rear seat armrest/cupholders don’t come standard, so you will have to get at least the Exclusive if you really want either of those features.
As for the $5,850 Pinnacle, you’ll get a head-up display, full hands-free access to the car, a power-closing trunk, illuminated door sills and the MBUX ‘Superscreen’, comprising a 10.25-inch digital cluster, 14-inch center display and another 14-inch display for the front passenger.
A few other standalone options like the $880 Burmester surround sound system and $450 Winter Package (adding a heated steering wheel and heated wiper blades) will drive the Pinnacle’s all-in price up to around $57,500.
Each of these family haulers cost a substantial amount of money, but have a different flavor to the others. So which one is best for you?
When we have a range of vehicles to schedule out from automakers’ press fleets, the stars occasionally align so that we’ll get two or more vehicles that directly compete, at least in a few areas. That’s more or less what we have here, as the Dodge Durango, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia all landed at our HQ within a week-long time span for us to compare. In the video below, Roman takes a look at each of these three big-old family haulers to see which is the better spend for your $80,000-plus: a pure muscle machine, more of a “sporty” flavor or the straight-up luxury model?
Here’s the thing: As you see them here, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Nissan Armada Nismo and Toyota Sequoia Capstone will each set you back somewhere around $80K to $84K, give or take a couple thousand in either direction. There are less expensive versions of all three, of course, but if you wanted to get the most raw power, sporty looks or luxurious features (short of shopping the higher-end luxury brands), you could feasibly cross-shop these three.
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat can thrill (or terrify) up to seven passengers, but it’s showing its age
Now, most keen drivers are going to go to the most obviously badass option here: the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. This isn’t just any Hellcat, either, as Dodge brought the “Jailbreak” option to its signature SUV this year. It doesn’t get you any more power, as the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 still kicks out a volcanic 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. What it does do, though, is open up as many as 6 million possible configurations (or so the automaker claims) in terms of exterior color, fender badges, wheels, seats, stripes and more to create a one-of-one setup, or at least close to it.
On paper, the Jailbreak option doesn’t seem like a bad deal at $995. It’s only when you dive into those unlocked options, each of which you’ll have to pay for separately like the $1,495 stripes or $2,995 Demonic Red seats, that the price tag may get a little scary.
Keep in mind, the current-generation Dodge Durango has been around since the 2011 model year, and will stay in production until 2029. This SUV is nearly two decades old, and while it has aged remarkably well (and the SRT Hellcat is always going to be a badass option), its platform and design do put it behind the pack in terms of actual practicality. You’ll also still have to pay a couple more thousand should you actually want a third row of seats ($995) or the trailer tow group ($1,195).
As tested, our Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak comes out to approximately $86,000.
One number does dwarf the other two, naturally: the 0-60 time. At just 3.5 seconds, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is quicker than just about any other mainstream car out there, and puts a wide range of sports cars into an embarrassing position. Couple that with the sensation of all that grunt by way of the Launch Control and configurable drive modes, and you can’t help but laugh maniacally every time you leave everyone else in the dust at the lights.
The 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo is a big deal — literally
Ever since Nissan announced it, we’ve been struggling to wrap our heads around the Nissan Armada Nismo. Not necessarily the technical details, since it’s effectively a sportier looking version with a bit more power. No, the real head scratcher is why give this 6,102-pound SUV a sportier treatment in the same vein as the Z Nismo. You know, an actual sports car.
The new Nissan Armada is, by most metrics, a major improvement over the old one, which (like the Durango) was also showing its age. Now, you get a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood of your family hauler, more assertive styling, a greater amount of tech and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Armada also brings an integrated trailer brake controller to the mix, making its 8,500-pound towing capacity more usable.
Apart from the assorted splitters, spoilers, skirts and Stealth Gray paint, the Nismo’s twin-turbo V6 kicks out 35 more horsepower than other trims, bringing the output up to 460 horsepower, while the SUV’s 516 lb-ft of torque remains the same. Mind you, that bump doesn’t make too much of a difference in terms of out-and-out speed, as the Armada still takes a (relatively) leisurely 6-and-a-bit seconds to get from 0-60.
Across the board, the 2026 Nissan Armada also offers the largest cargo volume of these three. While the Durango offers up to 85.1 cubic feet with all second (and/or third)-row seats folded and the Sequoia offers 86.9 cu. ft., the Armada’s volume expands to 97.1 cu. ft. It also offers up 56.3 cu. ft. with just the third row down, also beating the other two.
All-in, this Armada Nismo will set you back $83,735, so it’s also the least expensive of the three SUVs we’re testing today.
The Toyota Sequoia is all-hybrid, but doesn’t otherwise stray far from convention.
In terms of its overall stature, this new Toyota Sequoia Capstone tracks pretty close to the Nissan Armada. Unlike Nissan, though, Toyota is leaning more heavily into its hybrid powertrains with each new generation, and this three-row, truck-based SUV is no exception. To that end, all Sequoia models get a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain shared with the Toyota Tundra (and Lexus LX 700h). Here, you get 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque thanks to the engine and electric motors, with power making its way to the ground through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
While the Sequoia lineup kicks off just over $60,000, this top-end Capstone model offers the most luxurious upgrade path — with a price tag to match. Buying this trim will set you back at least $84,435, but opting for even more equipment like the self-leveling rear air suspension or towing mirrors will drive that price even higher. As tested, our Sequoia came out to $89,535.
It’s been a little while since we’ve taken a look at Scout Motors – so what is going on?
The Los Angeles Auto Show is officially open to the public this week, and one of the brands you’re able to check out is Scout Motors. In fact, the VW Group subsidiary brought along its Terra pickup and Traveler SUV, two variants of a flagship vehicle the company aims to launch in 2027 to bring the Scout brand back into the zeitgeist.
Now, if you aren’t terribly familiar with the Scout brand, that may be because it hasn’t been part of the culture since 1980, when the last SUV — built by what was then International Harvester (now semi-truck manufacturer International Motors, LLC) — rolled off the assembly line. Volkswagen Group acquired the Scout trademark back in 2021, and has been working to revitalize the nameplate, including $2 billion-plus plant in Blythewood, South Carolina. Just last week, Scout Motors also settled on Charlotte, North Carolina as the site of its corporate headquarters, investing $206 million into that development over the next five years.
In the video below, Tommy takes a closer look at the latest versions of Scout’s vehicles on the show floor, while interviewing brand and strategy head Ryan Decker.
So, what’s changed since the last time we looked at these models a few months back? Primarily, the company seems to be refining the details, since both Terra and Traveler still look broadly the same as they have since last year’s big reveal. Paint colors are being added to the palette, as are a host of accessories Scout plans to launch alongside both models (again, ideally in mid-to-late 2027, depending on which one you’re looking at).
Another major development is the fully electric model. At the moment, Scout Motors seems to have read the tea leaves and is delaying the fully electric model. Instead, the intense focus is on the ‘Harvester’ model, which uses a gasoline engine to extend the overall range. With more than 130,000 claimed reservations, the vast majority leaned toward the EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) for the added flexibility that gas motor offers. It’s a trend we’re more commonly seeing as automakers dramatically rethink their aggressive EV launch plans. And while VW Group has poured billions of dollars into Scout Motors as a venture, it needs to recoup that money, so it is reportedly prioritizing the Harvester models at launch.
At this point, there’s plenty we still don’t know about the upcoming Scout Terra and Traveler. Price is one major sticking point, and that’s going to remain a moving target as Scout Motors finalizes its production plans and, crucially, hones its retail pipeline to customers.
Some Sonata models may suffer a leak and potential fire due to a deformed fuel tank.
Hyundai recently recalled 85,043 Sonata sedans between the 2020 and 2023 model years for the fuel tank potentially expanding, coming into contact with the hot exhaust system and melting. According to what the automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affected cars “may become pressurized with compressed air due to a worn purge control system check valve”. If that happens, the tank can then deform and lead to fuel leakage over time. In the worst case scanario, that leakage near an ignition source could trigger a fire.
The automaker says owners should experience a few warning signs of an issue, either with a faulty valve or damaged fuel tank. Symptoms may include a popping noise from the rear, a malfunction indicator light, the vehicle just not starting at all or, most obviously, the odor of gasoline in the cabin.
All affected Sonatas have the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and were sold in the U.S. or Canada. Hyundai first became aware of the issue in September of this year, when it followed up on post-remedy recurrences of vehicles repaired under a previous emissions-related recall.
To-date, Hyundai told the NHTSA it’s aware of seven fuel tank leak reports between March 21, 2023 and September 11, 2025. There are no crashes, injuries or fatalities tied to this recall at time of writing, however.
What’s the fix?
The suspect check valve was discontinued at the end of model year 2023, so Hyundai claims this issue does not impact newer Sonatas, nor does the recall involve any other Hyundai model. Newer Sonata vehicles use a check valve with a new design, and that is the same part Hyundai dealers will fit to Sonatas impacted under this recall campaign.
While information on this recall is now public through the NHTSA, Hyundai will formally inform dealers and notify owners on January 16, 2026. Owners can search whether their car is part of the recall right now, though, either through the NHTSA website (recall number 25V-796) or Hyundai’s own recall website (recall number 286).
Nissan needs to keep going, but they also need to stop?
I am supposed to explain my “love” for Mitsubishi.
This week’s first question comes from a Nissan fan who has a few issues where the automaker’s design direction is headed.
Q: RE:Nathan! Nissan needs to cease and desist from over-styling their SUVs!
Do you remember when you did that Pathfinder video with your gold one, the R51? I loved it and I was grateful that Nissan began to bring the Pathfinder back to a more off road feel. Then I saw the 2026 model and I became very upset. They made it look like a Rogue. It is all squinted and weak. I can’t believe that when they desperately need to sell more models, Nissan makes their vehicles look worse and worse! I want them to succeeded and they keep letting me down.
It’s been 10 years since I bought my Frontier and it is still running strong. I even brought it all the out to California for the Overland Expo. You commented on it which I am grateful for. But even my brother’s Titan still runs strong and looks good. Nissan has lost their way and I am so worried that they will ruin the new X-Terra when it comes out.
I want them to do better, and I want them to STOP!
— Luca N
A: Yes, I am not sure where they are going with their new design ethos.
I’m not exactly sure where Nissan is heading. The front end styling seems to work with vehicles like the new Leaf. It’s slick and aero-friendly. I am a bit confused by the images of the new Pathfinder, but that may change in person. Yes, it does look a lot like the Rogue.
The R51 Pathfinder is a body-on-frame Nissan SUV produced from 2004 to 2012, built on the F-Alpha platform. It came with a choice of engines, including a 4.0L V6 – which was in mine. The Pathfinder once represented a serious, body-on-frame small truck-based SUV that competed on a high level. In time, it evolved into (what many consider to be) a front-wheel drive station wagon with a CVT and soft styling. A few years back, they remade the Pathfinder, bringing it closer to its roots, and it was a bit more aggressive in terms of styling. Recently, they released photos of its newest Pathfinder, and it has moved paste the beefier look, and have adopted a nose that fits their current design language.
Here’s what’s going on, and why the design language feels both familiar and a little confusing:
1. The “Aero-First” Front-End Direction
Nissan’s newer EVs, like the Leaf and the Ariya, are clearly leaning into a smoother, more sealed-off, aerodynamic nose. That look works on EVs because:
They don’t need a traditional grille.
The slippery shape helps boost range.
The minimalistic front end fits the EV vibe.
So on something like the new Leaf, it fits naturally.
The one on the left is the new styling, the one on the right is the previous model.
2. The Pathfinder’s New Look… and Why It Feels “Rogue-ish”
The Pathfinder adopting this cleaner, more curved front-end design is what throws people off. Traditionally, Pathfinder leaned boxy, rugged, squared-off, especially after the last redesign. The new one in photos:
Has softer edges
Shares a lot of lighting and grille cues with the Rogue
That creates a visual overlap in the lineup—suddenly the Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder look like they came from the same stencil.
In person, proportions usually fix some of that confusion, so you might indeed see it differently when you stand next to one. Photos flatten out the nose and make the vehicles look more similar than they are.
3. Nissan’s Current Design Strategy (as it appears from the outside)
It looks like they’re trying to:
Unify the brand look (like Hyundai did with the pixel theme, or BMW with… whatever those grilles are)
Transition more models toward EV-like aero styling even if they’re not EVs
Simplify surfaces because clean design ages better
Reduce aggressive shaping, which seems to be falling out of favor
The result? Some models look sleek and modern… and others start to blend together.
4. Where the Confusion Comes From
Nissan used to have very distinct visual personalities across models:
Frontier looked different from Pathfinder
Pathfinder looked different from Rogue
Altima looked different from Maxima
Now the faces, lighting signatures, and surfacing are getting closer together. Good for brand identity… But not great for enthusiasts who like each model to stand apart.
— N
The last question comes from Facebook (@NathanAdlenJournalist), and it’s coming from a fan who is looking at two pricey electric pickup trucks.
I heard from a few in your industry that you are a diehard Mitsubishi fanboy. Why?!
— JB788
A: It’s a bit of an exaggeration.
Or, I guess you could say it’s a bit of a misunderstanding. It is true that I do have a little bit of a Mitsubishi Montero fetish, but that’s strictly based on that particular SUV. You see I’ve owned one of each model, date all the way back from the mid 80s all the way to a third generation Mitsubishi Montero.
Side note: I did own a Mitsubishi Outlander too. It was T-boned in a nasty accident with my wife behind the wheel, and my kids in back. It was destroyed, but they emerged unhurt. That’s a hell of a product endorsement in my book.
Rather than convince you that they are outstanding off-road machines, and just a lot of fun to drive – I would rather point out that they have a remarkably successful race in history for the Dakar rally. Additionally, I’m not the only one who thinks that the Mitsubishi Montero is something special. You would be surprised to find many Automotive journalist own one. Or have owned one and lament selling them.
Will, I own another one in the future? There is a good chance that I will, or something similar. I really do like the old off-roaders from the 80s and 90s that were offered from Japan. Some of them are remarkably flexible, fairly efficient and a lot of fun to modify. We’ll see what happens in the future, but I can assure you that the rumors of my undying love for the auto maker are slightly exaggerated.
The world is all about SUVs and trucks anymore, but their relative rarity, utility and even performance is what makes the modern wagon...actually cool?
The world is all about SUVs and trucks anymore, but their relative rarity, utility and even performance is what makes the modern wagon...actually cool?
