Weekend Warriors Are Prepping for a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan
They're not soldiers, but civil defense volunteers learning how to neutralize an enemy in close-quarter combat. Participants move swiftly from room to room in the makeshift training center, occasionally exchanging fire with plastic pellets as they advance.
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BYD Just Blinked -- China's EV Throne Now Up for Grabs
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Car and Driver
an hour ago
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2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid's sharp creases stand out in the three-row mid-size SUV segment. Though its styling may hint at genuine off-road-conquering ability, its core strength is transporting up to seven passengers in comfort and delivering improved fuel economy compared with its nonhybrid sibling. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder works in cahoots with an electric motor for a combined 231 horsepower, all funneled through a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, but adding all-wheel drive is just a box check away. Acceleration is merely sufficient—the nonhybrid model is quicker—and its handling is ordinary, but the Santa Fe Hybrid's price premium is reasonable for the increased efficiency. Expert Tip: We've acknowledged that the Santa Fe Hybrid won't blow you away with power, but shoppers who desire a bit more punch in their mid-size hybrid SUV are encouraged to check out the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. It posted a 5.6-second 0 to 60 mph time in C/D testing. What's New for 2026? A new SE base model joins the lineup. The Limited trim sees the addition of standard second-row captain's chairs (a bench seat is still optional) and dual wireless chargers. The SEL gets third-row USB ports, and the top Calligraphy trim adds a Pecan Brown Nappa leather interior. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $37,645 and goes up to $49,945 depending on the trim and options. SE $37,645 SEL $39,935 Limited $46,945 Calligraphy $49,945 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k While the higher trims offer many nice features and there's a new SE base trim, we maintain that the SEL represents the best value of the bunch. It adds a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, wireless device charging, third-row air vents, and more for a reasonable upcharge. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an $1800 option across the board. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 231-hp combined Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 231-hp combined Transmission: 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic Drivetrain: Front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive All Santa Fe Hybrids are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder which is assisted by an electric motor for a combined 231 horsepower. That's a little more powerful than the 226-hp setup that was offered in the previous-generation model. In the real world, acceleration is sufficient for the type of casual driving most buyers of three-row crossovers will do, but the Santa Fe occasionally feels sluggish when merging or passing on the highway. The Santa Fe Hybrid's road manners are subdued, but the ride is comfortable, and engine noise is well-isolated from the cabin unless you're really hustling. All models come with a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 7.8 seconds In Comparison: Though the base 245-hp Grand Highlander Hybrid is a closer competitor to the Santa Fe Hybrid, the Toyota's available 362-hp Hybrid Max model knocked off the 60-mph run in just 5.6 seconds in C/D testing. The nonhybrid Santa Fe is also quicker than the hybrid, getting to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. View Exterior Photos Hyundai Towing and Payload Capacity The Santa Fe Hybrid is rated to tow 2000 pounds. If we were dead set on the Santa Fe, but occasional towing was in the gameplan, we'd go for the nonhybrid Santa Fe XRT, as it's rated for up to 4500 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: N/A N/A EPA City Ratings: 35-36 mpg 35-36 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 34-35 mpg While the EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid yet, the 2025 model with front-wheel drive earned ratings of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. We don't expect any changes for the 2026 model year. We haven't had the opportunity to take a Santa Fe Hybrid on our 75-mph real-world highway fuel economy test, but we will update this section as soon as we do. For more information about the Santa Fe Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: Seating is ample and comfortable. Side bolsters are more than sufficient for a family SUV, and the seats are bisected by a large center console with storage and space for wireless charging for devices if so equipped. The base SE gets cloth seating, the SEL and XRT have faux leather, the Limited has leather, and the Calligraphy has Nappa leather. Second Row: A bench seat is standard on the base SE, and captain's chairs are standard on the SEL or higher, though you can spec a bench on the SEL if desired. Second-row space is accommodating for adults. Third Row: The third row is serviceable but lacks the ease and convenience of the first two rows. Access is decent with the easy forward-folding captain's chairs, but legroom is tight compared with some larger three-row SUV competitors. Cargo Capacity: Cargo volume is sufficient, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 41 cubes behind the second row, and 80 cubes with both folded. The Grand Highlander Hybrid has slightly more space, however. View Interior Photos Hyundai Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 6-speaker stereo (standard), 12-speaker Bose stereo (optional) All trims get a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, two 12-volt outlets (one front and one rear cargo), and XRT and above trims get a 110-volt outlet. While the base SE gets four USB ports (two each in the first and second rows,) the SEL and up get an additional pair for the third row for a total of six. Wireless charging is standard on the SEL, and the XRT trim and above get two wireless charging spots. Calligraphy models also have a standard head-up display. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features All Santa Fe models come standard with a host of driver-assistance features, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is optional. For more information about the Santa Fe's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard Safety Features: Automated emergency braking with pedestrian alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring Automated emergency braking with pedestrian alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring Optional Safety Features: Blind spot collision-avoidance assist, park distance warning, adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Among mid-size SUVs, the Santa Fe Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorent,o offer the longest standard warranty terms. The Hyundai holds an advantage over the Kia in this area, though, thanks to its generous complimentary scheduled maintenance program. Limited Warranty: Five years or 50,000 miles Five years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: Ten years or 100,000 miles Ten years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: Three years or 36,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD Vehicle Type: front-engine and front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $50,215/$50,425 POWERTRAIN turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 178 hp, 195 lb-ft + AC motor, 60 hp, 195 lb-ft (combined output: 231 hp, 271 lb-ft; 1.0-kWh [C/D est] lithium-ion battery pack) Transmission: 6-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in disc Tires: Pirelli Scorpion MS 255/45R-20 105V M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 110.8 in Length: 190.2 in Width: 74.8 in Height: 69.7 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 61/55/33 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 80/41/15 ft3 Curb Weight: 4516 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.0 sec @ 89 mph 100 mph: 21.3 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.1 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.6 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 119 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 26 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 34/35/34 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Car and Driver
an hour ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Lexus LX Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Lexus manages to pack two personalities into its large LX SUV, a luxury conveyance and a true off-roader. Compared to the nonhybrid, the LX700h hybrid reviewed here has an additional 48 horsepower and the ability to sling a bit of mud using electrons alone. The hybrid also has a fuel-economy advantage over the LX600, but it's a slim one. Not much changes in terms of dynamics, with all LX models offering a smooth ride and handling that's more tuned for long highway jaunts than twisty roads. Those who want to go full-on overlander with their LX should choose the Overtrail trim, which comes with a trio of locking differentials, skid plates to protect what's underneath, and all-terrain rubber. Opt instead for the Ultra Luxury, and you get two rows of opulent seating, skipping the cramped third row. Expert Tip: You'll save about $8000 by opting for the slightly less powerful, nonhybrid LX600. What's New for 2026? We're not expecting any big changes to the hybrid LX for its second model year. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Lexus LX Hybrid is expected to start around $116,000 and go up to $142,000 depending on the trim and options. Overtrail $116,000 (est) F Sport $119,000 (est) Luxury $121,000 (est) Ultra Luxury $142,000 (est) 0 $50k $100k $150k $200k $250k Unless you're planning to use the LX700h as an overlanding vehicle, we'd recommend skipping the rugged Overtrail. Instead, the mid-range Luxury trim should suit most people's needs. It adds niceties such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, a Mark Levinson stereo system, and handsome 22-inch wheels, among other features. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 and one electric motor, 457 hp combined twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 and one electric motor, 457 hp combined Transmission: 10-speed automatic 10-speed automatic Drivetrain: four-wheel-drive The LX700h is powered by the same twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 as the nonhybrid LX600, but it's buttressed by an electric motor that pumps in an additional 48 horsepower, for a total of 457 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system are both standard. The electric motor can drive the LX700h at low speeds without kicking on the V-6, which can be helpful in low-range off-roading where precise throttle control is required. Speaking of off-road driving, the LX700h comes with plenty of gear for such adventures, including a locking center differential, an adjustable air-spring suspension system, and a Crawl Control feature. The Overtrail trim is the most capable, though, and features locking front, rear, and center differentials. A set of 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires is also standard on the Overtrail, and Lexus has endowed that trim with a front skid plate and a 2400-watt AC inverter, which off-grid campers will find useful, as it turns the LX into a power source when overlanding far from home. When we drove the LX700h, we found it to be refined and powerful, with quicker acceleration than the nonhybrid and seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Test: 5.5 seconds In Comparison: The LX700h is about a half-second quicker to 60 mph than the nonhybrid LX600. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Towing and Payload Capacity Like the LX600, the hybrid LX700h can tow a trailer weighing up to 8000 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 20 mpg 20 mpg EPA City Rating: 19 mpg 19 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 22 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel-economy information for the 2026 LX Hybrid yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. For more information about the LX Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The LX's front seats are supremely comfortable and come with standard massage. There's a good amount of room up front, too. Second Row: In row two, most LX700h trims come with a three-across bench, while the Ultra Luxury swaps in a pair of reclining chairs and does away with the third row. Though regal in their appointments, the Ultra Luxury's seats reduce legroom, making the space feel a bit tight. Third Row: The available third-row seat offers good room for the upper half of adult torsos but is cramped for legs and feet due to the location of the rear axle and hybrid battery underneath. Buyers opting for the Overtrail can choose to delete the third row in favor of additional cargo space. Cargo Capacity: With all seats folded, the LX700h offers a max of about 62 cubic feet of cargo room. Three-row models reserve a scant 7 cubes behind the rear-most row, while the two-row version comes in at 31 cubic feet when the seats are in use. View Interior Photos Lexus Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen 12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio System: 10-speaker stereo (standard), 25-speaker Mark Levinson stereo (optional) The LX's dashboard comes with three standard displays: an 8.0-inch screen for the gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, and a separate 7.0-inch screen for climate and vehicle controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a head-up display. Wireless charging is offered, and audiophiles can upgrade the stereo to a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system—it's included on the Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims but otherwise optional. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features A suite of driver-assistance features is standard on the LX and includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, although the LX lacks a hands-free highway driving assist system like the Cadillac Escalade's Super Cruise. Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian-and-bicyclist detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature For information about the LX Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The LX comes with the same warranty package as all other new Lexus models, including a year's worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: six years or 70,000 miles six years or 70,000 miles Hybrid Component Warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: one year or 10,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2025 Lexus LX700h Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, 4-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $115,350/$141,350 Options: Ultra Luxury package (four-seat configuration with massaging, power-adjustable rear seats and rear-seat entertainment system), $26,000 POWERTRAIN twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.4-liter V-6, 409 hp, 479 lb-ft + AC motor, 48 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined output: 457 hp, 583 lb-ft; 1.0-kWh [C/D est] nickel-metal hydride battery pack Transmission: 10-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc Tires: Dunlop Grandtrek H/T31 265/50R-22 112V M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 112.2 in Length: 200.6 in Width: 78.4 in Height: 74.6 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/45 ft3 Cargo Volume: 31 ft3 Curb Weight: 6283 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 99 mph 100 mph: 14.5 sec 130 mph: 29.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.0 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 137 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 182 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.74 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 17 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 20 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 350 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 20/19/22 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
