Latest news with #automakers
Auto Blog
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Kia Defies Convention with Lower-Priced Seltos
Kia Bucking the Trend as Prices Climb Elsewhere Automakers usually mark the arrival of a new model year with a predictable price hike. Whether it's due to updated features, rising production costs, or now, even geopolitics, such as new tariffs on imported materials or components, most new cars cost more each year. A 1% to 3% increase is often considered standard fare. That's why the 2026 Kia Seltos stands out: instead of climbing across the board, it now offers a new, cheaper way into the lineup. A new entry-level Seltos LX FWD has been introduced, carrying a starting MSRP of $23,690, or $1,000 less than last year's base model. And while the rest of the trims do see slight bumps, they're modest $200 increases that fall well below the typical range. 0:03 / 0:09 What is the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1? Watch More 2025 pricing 2026 pricing Difference Seltos LX FWD – $23,690 – Seltos LX AWD $24,690 $24,890 $200 Seltos S FWD $25,190 $25,390 $200 Seltos S AWD $26,690 $26,890 $200 Seltos EX FWD $26,190 $26,390 $200 Seltos EX AWD $28,390 $28,590 $200 Seltos X-Line AWD $29,390 – – Seltos SX AWD $31,190 $31,390 – Of note, the X-Line AWD trim has been removed for the 2026 model year. Plus, the prices mentioned here don't include the untouched $1,395 destination charge. The price shift comes down to a key change in drivetrain strategy. Last year, all-wheel drive was standard in the base model. But this year, if you're in the market for a Seltos and you don't need an all-paw SUV and all the laundry list checked, then you have a cheaper choice. Source: Kia What You Get with the 2026 Seltos In terms of powertrains, the Seltos lineup carries over largely unchanged. The base engine remains a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, making 147 horsepower, paired to a CVT. Those who want more punch can look to the SX AWD, which continues to feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Kia continues to cram the Seltos with technology and interior features, especially at the higher trims. All Seltos models get standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while S, EX, and SX trims are equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system. Dual 10.25-inch panoramic displays are available on EX and SX, along with a wireless charging pad. The top-spec SX model also gets a premium Bose audio system with mood lighting, smart power liftgate, and optional Digital Key access. Safety is comprehensive across the lineup. Even the base trims include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims add blind-spot warning, cross-traffic alert, Highway Driving Assist, and adaptive cruise control. Source: Kia Headed to Dealers Soon Beyond the introduction of a new base offering and a fresh set of gloss black 17-inch wheels included in the EX Sunroof Package, there are no major design or engineering changes. That said, the introduction of FWD variants could also bring slight fuel economy gains, though no official EPA ratings have been released yet. Kia hasn't confirmed any hybrid option either, despite speculation. The 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to arrive at dealerships soon, offering buyers a rare win in a market where prices rarely move in the right direction. Source: Kia About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Astonishing new data reveals rapidly changing attitude toward Tesla vehicles — here's what you need to know
A once-dominant Tesla has endured a rocky sales year in 2025, and new data out of Europe hints at a sustained slump, per Reuters. For years, Tesla functionally represented the entire EV market worldwide — while it never reached "generic trademark" status like Kleenex or Xerox, its name was nearly interchangeable with "electric vehicle." As the embattled automaker struggled to regain its foothold and EV competitors surged, the brand scrambled to reignite interest in Tesla's fleet. Based on new data, that hasn't gotten the brand back into the good graces of European drivers. Tesla May sales plummeted a staggering 27.9% in Europe, compared to the company's sales the previous year. That statistic alone is troubling for the brand's fortunes — more so considering that "fully-electric vehicle sales in the region jumped 27.2%" in the same period. Overall, Tesla sales in Europe have declined steadily over the past five months. Reuters attributed the sustained sales slump to CEO Elon Musk's controversial actions and statements, as well as robust competition and more affordable offerings from innovative Chinese EV makers. Per CNBC, Chinese automaker BYD "registered nearly as many vehicles as Tesla in May after outselling Musk's company for the first time in April." Consequently, Tesla's stock has fallen 18% to date in 2025. There's no question that sales figures are a pain point for Tesla right now, as the brand continues to try and entice new customers with novel incentives — and surprisingly, China is one EV market where the brand has been met with less resistance. Although Tesla's woes have had an unfortunate impact on drivers looking to sell their cars, the market for used Teslas could be more favorable for those looking to make their next car an EV. Electric vehicles remain a huge money saver in terms of gas, and coupled with solar panels, an EV can bring energy costs down significantly. Installing home solar drastically reduces the cost to own and operate an EV. Solar energy is clean, abundant, and extremely affordable, reducing reliance on the grid and pricier public charging stations. EnergySage provides potential solar customers with competitive quotes from vetted local installers, and can save consumers up to $10,000 on new installations. New solar installations are an investment, and there are options for those who want to save on clean energy without a sizeable upfront outlay. Palmetto's LightReach solar leasing program requires no money down, enabling solar customers to take advantage of the technology with fewer barriers and to lock in lower energy costs. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Astonishing new data reveals rapidly changing attitude toward Tesla vehicles — here's what you need to know
A once-dominant Tesla has endured a rocky sales year in 2025, and new data out of Europe hints at a sustained slump, per Reuters. For years, Tesla functionally represented the entire EV market worldwide — while it never reached "generic trademark" status like Kleenex or Xerox, its name was nearly interchangeable with "electric vehicle." As the embattled automaker struggled to regain its foothold and EV competitors surged, the brand scrambled to reignite interest in Tesla's fleet. Based on new data, that hasn't gotten the brand back into the good graces of European drivers. Tesla May sales plummeted a staggering 27.9% in Europe, compared to the company's sales the previous year. That statistic alone is troubling for the brand's fortunes — more so considering that "fully-electric vehicle sales in the region jumped 27.2%" in the same period. Overall, Tesla sales in Europe have declined steadily over the past five months. Reuters attributed the sustained sales slump to CEO Elon Musk's controversial actions and statements, as well as robust competition and more affordable offerings from innovative Chinese EV makers. Per CNBC, Chinese automaker BYD "registered nearly as many vehicles as Tesla in May after outselling Musk's company for the first time in April." Consequently, Tesla's stock has fallen 18% to date in 2025. There's no question that sales figures are a pain point for Tesla right now, as the brand continues to try and entice new customers with novel incentives — and surprisingly, China is one EV market where the brand has been met with less resistance. Although Tesla's woes have had an unfortunate impact on drivers looking to sell their cars, the market for used Teslas could be more favorable for those looking to make their next car an EV. Electric vehicles remain a huge money saver in terms of gas, and coupled with solar panels, an EV can bring energy costs down significantly. Installing home solar drastically reduces the cost to own and operate an EV. Solar energy is clean, abundant, and extremely affordable, reducing reliance on the grid and pricier public charging stations. EnergySage provides potential solar customers with competitive quotes from vetted local installers, and can save consumers up to $10,000 on new installations. New solar installations are an investment, and there are options for those who want to save on clean energy without a sizeable upfront outlay. Palmetto's LightReach solar leasing program requires no money down, enabling solar customers to take advantage of the technology with fewer barriers and to lock in lower energy costs. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
June Auto Sales to Decline With RBC Eyeing Worse Summer Without Trade Deals
Auto sales in the US are expected to post sequential and annual declines in June, while the absence
The Drive
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Cars Are Caught in an Endless Cycle of Bigger Screens Nobody Really Likes
The latest car news, reviews, and features. J.D. Power released the results of its 2025 Initial Quality Study on Thursday, and—surprise, surprise—the number one reported problem area industry-wide is infotainment. While the systems themselves are becoming more visually impressive and they're better-integrated into the overall design of most vehicles than early attempts, customers complain more about these systems than they do anything else in their brand-new cars. In short, customers love the way these big screens look, but virtually all of them are a pain to operate. So why the heck does every new car introduction come with a bigger, more feature-bloated touchscreen? Well, it's complicated. But as usual, it all comes down to money. The 'why' makes more sense if you consider the broader industry push to re-brand the traditional ( spits ) infotainment system as an all-in-one control center. Functions that were once tied to physical controls on the dash and center console have been steadily migrating into this space. Headlight toggles, home garage door controls, and even glove box releases are now making their way into vehicular touchscreen interfaces, in many instances joining basic audio and climate controls that were moved there years ago. Automakers sell it as a way to free up space on the dash and center console. For what? So far, the answer has mostly been 'more screens.' One might call that a lateral move. With all the extra room, you'd think they'd be able to keep up with America's fancy cup obsession. And given the positive feedback automakers have received for the more-minimalist interior designs that often result, the effort hasn't entirely been for naught. Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen Plus, centralized touchscreen control systems save automakers money, especially when implemented in cars with a broad selection of available doodads. While software development isn't free, it's far more forgiving than designing, prototyping, testing, sourcing and maintaining a supply of physical control components. An infotainment module may cost more than a switch, but you'd be surprised how quickly that math changes when one switch becomes five—or fifty. But in designing for this internal convenience, automakers are taking a gamble that their buyers will learn to live with the resulting compromises. What's often left unsaid is the fact that we're increasingly running the risk that a failed infotainment system could effectively 'brick' a car completely. And eliminating those physical controls doesn't eliminate the need for them, forcing automakers to add new infotainment menus, tiles, and pages—and in some cases, entirely new screens—that its customers must then navigate. This clutter annoys critics and customers alike. 'Owners find these things to be overly complicated and too distracting to use while driving,' said J.D. Power's Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking. 'By retaining dedicated physical controls for some of these interactions, automakers can alleviate pain points and simplify the overall customer experience.' Tesla's rear seat interface But even as some automakers pledge to bring buttons back, there's no reason to expect they will come at the expense of established display real estate. Even if customers are frustrated by the experience offered by their large displays, they still enjoy looking at them, and as those screens get bigger and bigger and take over space that was once reserved for other features, those features will have to go somewhere. Right? With each generation, more features are incorporated into the screen. To avoid excessive menus, the screens get bigger to accommodate those new functions. It's an endless cycle fueled equally by feature bloat and the desire to cut potentially redundant physical components—which equate to finding ways to charge more money for less car. And then there's the unspoken financial opportunity presented by a more robust digital infrastructure. Unless you've been living under a rock your entire life, you know by now that a screen is always at risk of becoming a new avenue by which somebody can sell you something. New features? Maintenance plans? Subscription services? Those are all tough to sell through a button. Just ask GM. So as you read the next car reveal, and you peruse the interior section to see what inconveniences await its new buyers, remember that a bigger screen does three things: it sells new cars to wide-eyed customers, saves the automaker a ton of money on components, and it offers the tantalizing possibility of future revenue streams. Nope, these screens aren't going anywhere . Do you also like to yell at clouds? Commiserate with the author at byron@
