http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:10:05 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/07/inexpensive-new-cars-are-becoming-tougher-and-tougher-to-find/stories/20260906044 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/07/inexpensive-new-cars-are-becoming-tougher-and-tougher-to-find/stories/20260906044#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2026 10:12:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/07/inexpensive-new-cars-are-becoming-tougher-and-tougher-to-find/stories/20260906044 Car salesman Bob Kain recalls the first time he saw a luxury car with a $25,000 sticker price at his family dealership. It was 1989, and the car was a Ford Crown Victoria. A customer looks at vehicles for sale at an AutoNation Toyota dealership in Hayward, Calif. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/05/behind-the-wheel-plug-in-hybrid-suvs-toyota-rav4-vs-hyundai-tucson/stories/20260905006 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/05/behind-the-wheel-plug-in-hybrid-suvs-toyota-rav4-vs-hyundai-tucson/stories/20260905006#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/05/behind-the-wheel-plug-in-hybrid-suvs-toyota-rav4-vs-hyundai-tucson/stories/20260905006 If you’re looking to reduce your gas bills but buying an electric vehicle just isn’t for you, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid might be a smart solution. The plug-in hybrid 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The plug-in hybrid 2026 Royota Rav4. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/04/us-diesel-prices-hit-a-record-high-of-5-85-on-average-as-the-iran-war-disrupts-the-flow-of-fuel/stories/20260904073 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/04/us-diesel-prices-hit-a-record-high-of-5-85-on-average-as-the-iran-war-disrupts-the-flow-of-fuel/stories/20260904073#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:37:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/09/04/us-diesel-prices-hit-a-record-high-of-5-85-on-average-as-the-iran-war-disrupts-the-flow-of-fuel/stories/20260904073 CHICAGO — Diesel hit a new record price in the U.S. on Friday, soaring to an average of $5.85 a gallon for the first time ever as the six-month war with Iran disrupts the world’s flow of fuel. A nozzle pumps diesel into the fuel tank of bus in Orange, Calif., April 7. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/31/japanese-automakers-nissan-and-honda-agree-to-work-together-on-software-for-cars/stories/20260831069 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/31/japanese-automakers-nissan-and-honda-agree-to-work-together-on-software-for-cars/stories/20260831069#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:34:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/31/japanese-automakers-nissan-and-honda-agree-to-work-together-on-software-for-cars/stories/20260831069 TOKYO — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda entered a deal to jointly develop computer parts and software for vehicles set to enter the market in fiscal 2029, both sides said Monday. The Honda and Nissan dealerships are shown in Carmel, Ind., Aug. 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/29/behind-the-wheel-sport-coupe-tests-pits-honda-prelude-vs-toyota-gr86/stories/20260829008 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/29/behind-the-wheel-sport-coupe-tests-pits-honda-prelude-vs-toyota-gr86/stories/20260829008#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:17:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/29/behind-the-wheel-sport-coupe-tests-pits-honda-prelude-vs-toyota-gr86/stories/20260829008 Fun-to-drive coupes have been on the wane in the past few decades, which makes it worth paying attention when a new one shows up. The 2026 Honda Prelude is showcased at the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles on Nov. 20. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/22/behind-the-wheel-save-money-and-gas-with-a-used-hybrid-vehicle/stories/20260822010 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/22/behind-the-wheel-save-money-and-gas-with-a-used-hybrid-vehicle/stories/20260822010#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/22/behind-the-wheel-save-money-and-gas-with-a-used-hybrid-vehicle/stories/20260822010 Buying a used car can be a smart money move. The Toyota Prius' redesign in 2023 brought headturning looks and improved performance to accompany its longstanding fuel efficiency. The 2023 Honda Accord is a roomy midsize sedan that, with its redesign, offers a hybrid powertrain with appealing efficiency and satisfying acceleration. The 2023 Honda CR-V is a small SUV that offers roomy seating, a smooth ride, and plenty of cargo space, plus an available hybrid powertrain. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row midsize SUV that can seat eight passengers and deliver fuel economy of up to 36 mpg combined. The 2023 Lexus RX is a luxury small SUV that's sought after by shoppers. It offers two hybrid powertrains, one that's more fuel-efficient and the other that's more performance-oriented. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/15/behind-the-wheel-the-cars-that-won-t-be-around-next-year/stories/20260815011 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/15/behind-the-wheel-the-cars-that-won-t-be-around-next-year/stories/20260815011#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:09:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/15/behind-the-wheel-the-cars-that-won-t-be-around-next-year/stories/20260815011 A small number of vehicles are discontinued every year. The Ford Escape is in its last year of production. The small SUV offers comfortable seating, a smooth ride quality, and easy-to-use controls as well as hybrid and plug-in powertrain options. The Volkswagen ID.4 is a small all-electric SUV that you may be able to get for about $10,000 off the sticker price. The Jaguar F-Pace is a luxury SUV that you may be able to score a deal on as Jaguar transitions to a fully electric lineup. The Toyota GR Supra sports car is going out of production. It boasts a 382-horsepower engine, an engaging driving experience and an available manual transmission. The base mode of the Tesla Model S has all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated range of 410 miles. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/10/ford-s-extremely-expensive-bet-on-a-very-cheap-truck-fathom/stories/20260810020 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/10/ford-s-extremely-expensive-bet-on-a-very-cheap-truck-fathom/stories/20260810020#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:25:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/10/ford-s-extremely-expensive-bet-on-a-very-cheap-truck-fathom/stories/20260810020 Ford is the undisputed global leader in pickup trucks. The F-Series is the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. — of any kind — since 1981. Its latest pickup, the Ford Fathom, will cost a downright cheap $28,350, which should set it up to be a massive seller. Ford F-150 pickup trucks for sale in Encinitas, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2025. An employee polishes the 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid pickup truck during the Los Angeles Auto Show, in Los Angeles, on Nov. 21, 2024. Ford has spent billions beyond the usual costs developing the Fathom, a smaller electric pickup truck that goes on sale in 2027. The unveiling of the F-150 Lightning outside of Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. on May 19, 2021. Ford F-150 Lightning trucks under production at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/08/behind-the-wheel-the-best-suvs-for-towing-in-2026/stories/20260808018 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/08/behind-the-wheel-the-best-suvs-for-towing-in-2026/stories/20260808018#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/08/behind-the-wheel-the-best-suvs-for-towing-in-2026/stories/20260808018 Choosing the best new SUV for your needs can be difficult, especially if you plan on using it for towing. Small SUV: Properly equipped, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Midsize three-row SUV 2026: Properly equipped, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Full-size SUV 2026: Properly equipped, the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 pounds. Luxury SUV 2026: Properly equipped, the 2026 Lincoln Navigator can tow up to 8,700 pounds. Electric SUV 2026: Properly equipped, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ can tow up to 8,000 pounds. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/01/behind-the-wheel-the-5-best-midsize-three-row-suvs/stories/20260801012 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/01/behind-the-wheel-the-5-best-midsize-three-row-suvs/stories/20260801012#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:13:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/01/behind-the-wheel-the-5-best-midsize-three-row-suvs/stories/20260801012 Size, space and utility have made the three-row SUV a mainstay of American family life. But with more than dozen mainstream models on the market, choosing one can feel daunting. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has been redesigned and features new styling and a roomy interior fitted with premium features and materials. The redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride's spacious cabin, smooth ride, and generous list of standard tech features make it an easy SUV to drive every day. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is an excellent choice for those who want to maximize passenger comfort and space without upgrading to a full-size SUV. The 2027 Ford Explorer stands out for its quick acceleration and engaging driving experience. It also offers a special Tremor version that is better equipped to handle dirt roads and light-duty off-road trails. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas works well as a roomy family hauler with plenty of space for people and their cargo. It also comes with many standard features. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/01/millennials-are-trying-to-make-minivans-cool-again/stories/20260801004 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/01/millennials-are-trying-to-make-minivans-cool-again/stories/20260801004#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:12:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/08/01/millennials-are-trying-to-make-minivans-cool-again/stories/20260801004 NEW YORK — They see them rolling, but maybe they won’t be hating. A 2026 Honda Odyssey at a Honda dealership on April 15 in Highlands Ranch, Colo. The 2026 Toyota Sienna at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/27/us-ev-sales-are-down-but-not-out-here-s-why-automakers-won-t-pull-the-plug/stories/20260726033 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/27/us-ev-sales-are-down-but-not-out-here-s-why-automakers-won-t-pull-the-plug/stories/20260726033#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/27/us-ev-sales-are-down-but-not-out-here-s-why-automakers-won-t-pull-the-plug/stories/20260726033 A quick glance at U.S. electric vehicle sales might give the impression EVs are a niche product, unable to shake Americans’ love affair with gas-powered trucks and SUVs. An electric vehicle charges in Monrovia, Calif. Chinese-made vehicles including BYD cars (L) wait to be transshipped for export at a port in Suzhou, in China's eastern Jiangsu province on April 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/26/backup-power-automakers-vehicles-electric-ford-kia-general-motors/stories/20260726044 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/26/backup-power-automakers-vehicles-electric-ford-kia-general-motors/stories/20260726044#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/26/backup-power-automakers-vehicles-electric-ford-kia-general-motors/stories/20260726044 DETROIT — Winter Storm Uri, the multiday freeze that slammed Texas in February, 2021 and pummeled the state’s power grid, has been on Kenneth Kovar’s mind ever since. Though the resident of New Braunfels, northeast of San Antonio, didn’t lose power at the time, he wasn’t able to run his septic tank — it is independent from local systems. He had to fill his toilets with water from his backyard pool. Unsold 2026 F-150 pickup trucks sit in a long line outside a Ford agency April 12 in Centennial, Colo. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/25/behind-the-wheel-electric-luxury-sedans-lexus-es-vs-mercedes-cla/stories/20260725013 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/25/behind-the-wheel-electric-luxury-sedans-lexus-es-vs-mercedes-cla/stories/20260725013#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:15:59 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/25/behind-the-wheel-electric-luxury-sedans-lexus-es-vs-mercedes-cla/stories/20260725013 The Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz CLA are two luxury sedans you might be familiar with. The ES is Lexus’ comfort-oriented midsize sedan, while the CLA is a relatively affordable entry point to getting a new Mercedes. The 2026 Lexus ES 350e will impress you with its spacious and comfortable interior that's packed with standout technology features. The 2027 Mercedes CLA 250+ is the least expensive car Edmunds has tested that has more than 400 miles of real-world range. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/19/after-a-year-of-tariffs-automakers-still-resistant-to-moving-production-to-u-s/stories/20260719029 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/19/after-a-year-of-tariffs-automakers-still-resistant-to-moving-production-to-u-s/stories/20260719029#comments Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:35:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/19/after-a-year-of-tariffs-automakers-still-resistant-to-moving-production-to-u-s/stories/20260719029 Toyota announced two weeks ago it would do something other automakers have been reluctant to do — shift some production from Mexico to the United States. An aerial view of newly imported cars parked at the automobile terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. Despite paying billions in tariffs, automakers have continued to import vehicles rather than shut foreign production and build new U.S. factories. A semi-truck carrying new Toyota Tacomas at the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, Calif. A worker assembles electronic car keys at a manufacturing plant in Mexico. The small, handheld remote controls are assembled in Mexico, but they cross borders in North America several times before being finished, like countless other auto parts and products. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/18/behind-the-wheel-this-is-how-to-stretch-your-new-car-buying-dollars-in-2026/stories/20260718007 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/18/behind-the-wheel-this-is-how-to-stretch-your-new-car-buying-dollars-in-2026/stories/20260718007#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/18/behind-the-wheel-this-is-how-to-stretch-your-new-car-buying-dollars-in-2026/stories/20260718007 With new-vehicle prices hovering near record highs and monthly payments consuming a growing share of household budgets, many shoppers are looking for ways to make every car-buying dollar go further. And with ample options for where, when and how to buy, it’s not hard to do. A shopper passes by an unsold 2026 Cooper S John Cooper Works 1965 Victory Edition hardtop on display in the showroom of a Mini dealership June 26 in Highlands Ranch, Colo. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/11/behind-the-wheel-the-best-used-sedans-for-under-15-000/stories/20260711012 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/11/behind-the-wheel-the-best-used-sedans-for-under-15-000/stories/20260711012#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2026 10:45:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/11/behind-the-wheel-the-best-used-sedans-for-under-15-000/stories/20260711012 According to Edmunds data, the average transaction price of a 3-year-old used vehicle is more than $30,000. This is a big discount compared with buying new, but it’s still potentially out of reach financially for a lot of people. Fortunately, spending about half that can still get you a car with a compelling combination of comfort, reliability, fuel economy, and modern technology. The Honda Civic is a longtime popular choice for a small sedan that offers peppy acceleration and solid fuel economy as well as solid construction. Aim to find a 2016 Civic, pictured, the year it received a redesign and a new optional turbocharged engine. The Kia Forte is a stylish and quiet small sedan that offers an extensive list of available features. The 2019-2021 model years should work with a $15,000 budget cap. The Mazda 3 is a small sedan with a sense of style to match its fun-to-drive demeanor. Buyers should look for a third-generation model produced from 2014 through 2018. The Toyota Corolla is a sensible, comfortable choice for a small sedan that offers an appealing list of advanced driver assist features. You should be able to find a 2015 to 2017 Corolla for under $15,000. The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan that offers more space for passengers and their cargo than the other sedans on this list. The 2019 Malibu, pictured, is worth a look for its revised styling and updated infotainment tech. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/04/behind-the-wheel-30-000-ev-comparison-chevrolet-bolt-vs-nissan-leaf/stories/20260704018 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/04/behind-the-wheel-30-000-ev-comparison-chevrolet-bolt-vs-nissan-leaf/stories/20260704018#comments Sat, 04 Jul 2026 12:37:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/04/behind-the-wheel-30-000-ev-comparison-chevrolet-bolt-vs-nissan-leaf/stories/20260704018 Many new electric vehicles are prohibitively expensive for car shoppers. But there are a few relatively low-cost options that provide plenty of usable range and utility. The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is an affordable EV that is back on the market with more range, quicker charging, and improved technology features. The 2026 Nissan Leaf, a small EV, has been redesigned with flashier styling and a max EPA-estimated range of more than 300 miles. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/06/30/ford-recalling-more-than-741-00-vehicles-because-of-park-system-issue/stories/20260630093 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/06/30/ford-recalling-more-than-741-00-vehicles-because-of-park-system-issue/stories/20260630093#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:15:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/06/30/ford-recalling-more-than-741-00-vehicles-because-of-park-system-issue/stories/20260630093 DETROIT — Ford is recalling more than 741,000 vehicles in the United States because a transmission issue might damage the park system, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury. The company logo is shown on the grille of an unsold 2026 F-series pickup truck on the lot of a Ford dealership Nov. 2, 2025, in Littleton, Colo. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/06/27/taylor-automotive-transfers-ownership-employees/stories/20260624005 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/06/27/taylor-automotive-transfers-ownership-employees/stories/20260624005#comments Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:07:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/06/27/taylor-automotive-transfers-ownership-employees/stories/20260624005 Employee ownership at Taylor Automotive Group isn’t just a line in a news release — it’s how people are talking to each other.  Since last week’s announcement, staff have been walking the halls saying, “Good morning, owner… have a great evening, owner, In front of a new Hyundai, Steve Taylor, Jr., left, and CEO Peter Demczuk, right, stand with employees at Taylor Hyundai of Toledo on June 23 in Perrysburg. Taylor Automotive has transitioned to a 100 percent employee-owned company through a new Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Steve Taylor, Jr., works at Taylor Hyundai of Toledo on June 23 in Perrysburg. Steve Taylor, Jr., works at Taylor Hyundai of Toledo on June 23 in Perrysburg. In front of a new Hyundai, Steve Taylor, Jr., left, and CEO Peter Demczuk, right, stand with employees at Taylor Hyundai of Toledo on June 23 in Perrysburg. Taylor Automotive has transitioned to a 100 percent employee-owned company through a new Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Peter Demczuk, CEO, left, and Steve Taylor, Jr., work at Taylor Hyundai of Toledo on June 23 in Perrysburg. Sales associates William Mays, left, and Chad Hamlin work at Taylor Hyundai of Toledo on June 23 in Perrysburg.