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Usually when you face a choice between a conventional gas or plug-in hybrid SUV or car, the PHEV struggles to save enough fuel to offset the cost of the battery, motor, and all that extra copper. For some drivers, the BMW X3 xDrive30e might just pencil out. But will it kill your soul while doing so?

Changing the “i” at the end of that model designation to an “e” costs $4,600. For that, you get a 107-hp/77-lb-ft electric motor sandwiched between your engine and transmission, which boosts the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine’s output to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft. (In the xDrive30i it makes 248 hp and 258 lb-ft.) You also get a hefty 12-kWh battery pack capable of propelling the X3 on battery power alone for an EPA-rated 17 miles. When driving in that mode, the EPA rates it at an impressive [...]

The all-new 2021 Toyota Venza has a lot of balls to juggle. It’s the first Toyota SUV to be powered exclusively by a hybrid system, its design has to push the brand in a new direction without being offensive, and it’s being billed as the most luxurious SUV in Toyota’s lineup. So, how well is the Venza handling all of its newfound responsibilities?

While its styling may not be for some, the new Venza isn’t what you’d call ugly. It’s also undeniably different from what Toyota is doing with the rest of its lineup lately, and it’s a sign of things to come for the marque. Looks are subjective, but we think the Venza does enough to stand out from the crowd without resorting to being outlandish or offensive. That’s the design ball up in the air, no problem.

As for motivation, the 2021 Venza utilizes what Toyota calls Hybrid System II, featuring a 2.5-liter [...]

In an era where luxury midsize sedans are hitting the guillotine, Mercedes-Benz and Genesis are doubling down on the segment. Both automakers are bringing the best of their portfolios to make their midsize sedans—the E-Class and G80, respectively—more special.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, known for its peaceful ride, elegant design, and comfortable cabin, has been a staple in the segment, and Mercedes has used its legacy to keep improving and raising the bar every time it has a chance. The new Genesis G80, on the other hand, is the rookie of the group. It arrives with confidence to enter a competitive segment that’s dominated by Germans, but the South Koreans have a master plan and brought the best engineers and designers from around the globe to build a proper luxury brand.

Elegant midsize sedans, however, are hard to develop. They must deliver precise handling, offer a quiet and refined ride, and possess the aura of a [...]

We all know Nissan’s Frontier pickup is poised for its first full redesign in 16 years. The current version of the mid-size truck underwent an unusual final-year upgrade, keeping its ancient body and interior but gaining an all-new engine—the same engine, in fact, that will power the new 2021 Nissan Frontier when it arrives. But enough about that old rig. What about that new one? Well, after Nissan released a teaser of the ’21 Frontier recently, someone spotted one naked and totally out there.

Leaked photos that appeared on FormaCar.com show a truck that looks a lot like the one Nissan itself teased, and even wears “Frontier” lettering stamped into its grille surround and tailgate. In the photos, two versions of the Frontier can be seen. The white one looks more traditionally outfitted, with a chrome grille surround, running boards, and a silver-finish roof rack. A second Frontier, [...]

The Bronco Nation dredged up some interesting info on Ford Bronco hardtop availability—and if you’re a reservation holder for a First Edition or Wildtrak model, you’ll want to pay careful attention. These models were promised with black-painted hardtops, but those have been delayed. For now, all Broncos will come with molded-in-color (MIC) hardtops in a “carbonized grey” color—essentially the usual color of unpainted, dark plastic exterior trim.

The “Shadow Black” painted modular hardtop is still coming, but it’ll be delayed until late in the initial 2021 model year. And if you still want one, you can opt to wait for it without otherwise forfeiting your “place in line,” so to speak. If you’d like to move forward and take delivery of a MIC top, the MSRP will be reduced by the price of the painted top upgrade—a full $1,895.

Other painted hardtop options won’t appear until even later. [...]