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During an event to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Lexus gave us a brief glimpse of the technologies and strategies it has in the pipeline, including its plans for hybrids. Below, we’ve boiled it down to the must-know tidbits.

• A Level II autonomous driving system, called Automated Highway Teammate, is coming in 2020. The system is designed to work “from [highway] entrance to exit” and is likely to include an automated lane-change and/or passing feature. Such a system has already undergone extensive testing on thoroughly mapped Japanese expressways.
• All Lexus models will offer some sort of electrified powertrain, meaning they will have EV, hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, or fuel cell options, with powertrain choices tailored to individual markets.

• Lexus is working on advances in vehicle connectivity—for example, having cars communicate with a centralized data center for real-time traffic information.
• Lexus will continue to develop its hybrid technology, and [...]

It’s never been easier to switch to an electric car. No, I don’t want to hear your excuses about range, performance, or charging infrastructure. Odds are good that today—right now—for a significant portion of Americans (especially those who own gas-powered hatchbacks), an electric car has never made more sense. The 2019 Kia Niro EV I recently drove proves that. Here’s why:

Unlike a lot of hybrids, which can feel slow, lifeless, and lethargic, electric cars like the Niro EV are shockingly (no pun intended) fun to drive. The Niro EV is powered by an electric motor good for 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. When you nail the throttle—as I often did—it hunkers down on its rear haunches and launches forward near instantly. Unlike a hybrid backed by a CVT, the power in an electric car like the Niro is always readily available. The Niro handles well, [...]

It’s well known that the 2020 Kia Telluride and 2020 Hyundai Palisade are closely related. Sharing underpinnings and powertrain, the two Korean family haulers give their respective brands an entry into the highly competitive three-row crossover segment. But apart from looks, what differentiates these SUV siblings? For starters, their trim level and package strategies. The Palisade offers three trims (SE, SEL, and Limited), while the Telluride comes in four trim levels (LX, S, EX, and SX)—and feature content can differ widely between the two models. Read on to find out how.

When you opt for the range-topping Limited trim on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, you immediately get the self-leveling suspension as standard. On the 2020 Kia Telluride, getting that feature requires you to opt for the [...]

Here’s a literal trainwreck for truck and off-roader fans: A train carrying a load of brand-new Jeeps, Chevys, and GMCs derailed near Caliente, Nevada, on July 10. The rural town is about 30 miles west of the Utah border. Fortunately, no one was hurt on the Union Pacific train, but dozens of factory-fresh vehicles were destroyed. Lincoln County Sheriff Kerry Lee told local reporters it was the most spectacular mess he’s ever seen. The majority of the damaged vehicles were new Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators; a number of Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras were also involved.

Photographs taken by the sheriff’s department reveal the carnage and show Jeeps and GM trucks spilling out of crushed train cars like broken Matchbox toys. In one, Wrangler Rubicons are stacked on top of each other next to an overturned Firecracker Red Gladiator, while another image shows a white Silverado disgorged onto [...]

Editor’s Note: First published in February 19, 2016, this story rounded up all the coupes with surprisingly usable rear seats. We’ve since refreshed this piece with new information, a couple new vehicles, and updated info on vehicles that have been redesigned. Discontinued models have since been removed.

Coupes get a bad reputation for having rear seats that feel like afterthoughts. Sure, they have seat belts and adults can squeeze themselves in, but the back seats on most coupes are pretty much best suited for children or your bags. However, there are stylish coupes that can fit two adults in the back without discomfort. Here are 10 examples that range from affordable to extravagant.

Rear seat headroom/shoulder room/legroom: 35.6 inches/51.7 inches/32.0 inches

The least [...]