DAKAR 2026

Monster Energy Honda HRC Team ready for the start tomorrow

After passing the technical checks, the Monster Energy Honda HRC team is counting down to the start of the Dakar Rally. The clock for the most demanding event of the 2026 World Rally Raid Championship starts running this Saturday (January 3rd), in the prologue in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

The team arrived in the country last week to adapt to the time zone and local conditions, as well as to carry out the final tests on the Honda CRF450 RALLY motorcycles. Riders Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Adrien Van Beveren and Tosha Schareina made the final adjustments to the equipment, focusing on the first stages. They also completed the administrative checks and the team's motorcycles passed the technical inspection without problems this Friday (January 2nd), at the starting camp in Yanbu, located on the shores of the Red Sea.

Another highlight for Monster Energy Honda HRC was the launch of the exclusive team to compete in the Rally 2 category in the World Championship. Newcomers to the Dakar Rally, riders Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell are also confirmed, racing Honda CRF450 RALLY motorcycles.

With almost eight thousand kilometers of challenges over the next two weeks, about five thousand of them timed sections, the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally is about to begin in Yanbu. The race will start with a 41 km transfer stage, preceding the 22 km prologue. Despite the short distance, Saturday promises to be intense and demands a good performance from the riders. This is because the prologue helps determine the starting order for the first stage, and can directly influence the initial dynamics of the race.

Ruben Faria (General Manager of the Monster Energy Honda HRC team) – “We are in Yanbu, the weather is good and the Honda CRF450 RALLY bikes have passed all the technical checks. The riders are very excited for the 22 km prologue, which looks like a ‘mini’ stage with many checkpoints. Our bikes have been prepared and we are ready for the most important race of the year, the Dakar Rally”.

The favorites for the 2026 Dakar title in cars and motorcycles...The 2026 edition of the Dakar is approaching, with the first official movement this Saturday (03) with the Prologue, which defines the starting order of the first special stage, on Sunday (04). Again, Saudi Arabia will be the stage for an arduous and intense dispute lasting almost 15 days.

In the cars, Ford and Dacia arrive in Saudi Arabia determined to apply the lessons they learned in their debut last year, with the aim of ending Toyota's dominance in the world's most prestigious rally. The Japanese brand unveiled a completely new car to maintain its leading position.

The rally itself features several changes, with the route and format altered by the organizer, ASO, to add a new challenge. After the ceremonial start and the Prologue on January 3, competitors will face nearly 8,000 km over two weeks, crossing some of the most unforgiving terrain in the Middle East.

Several other drivers on the entry list are capable of surprising in 2026. Toyota driver Seth Quintero, for example, will be a much more potent force in his third participation in the Ultimate category.

Two-time motorcycle champion Toby Price is also taking on a more prominent role, whose impressive Dakar debut in the car category with Overdrive last year earned him a promotion to the Toyota factory team.

Young Ford driver Mitch Guthrie complemented Ekstrom well in 2025 and appears to be well-positioned to challenge for individual stage wins this year. His teammate, Nani Roma, winner of the Dakar on both two and four wheels, should also not be ruled out.

Besides Toyota, Ford, and Dacia, two smaller manufacturers could regularly mingle among the top 10 finishers this year: Century and Mini. At Century, Matthieu Serradori and Brian Baragwanath have a history of overcoming team challenges, while Mini also boasts proven talents like Guillaume de Mevius and Lionel Baud.

Finally, Peterhansel, "Mr. Dakar," will also line up at the start in Yanbu on January 3rd, after missing the event in 2025, competing for Land Rover's Defender brand in the Stock class.

The motorcycle ranking in the Dakar has been dominated by KTM since the beginning of this century. The Austrian manufacturer recorded 18 consecutive victories between 2001 and 2019 and won again in 2023 and 2025. In the meantime, KTM only failed to win the rally four times: in 2020, 2021, and 2024, Honda took the victory, while KTM's sister brand, GasGas, managed to win the 2022 edition.

With current champion Daniel Sanders in its ranks, KTM appears to be the clear favorite to win the 2026 Dakar as well. The American, who became the 17th different winner among motorcycles last year, also secured the World Rally-Raid Championship title after his Dakar victory.

In the KTM factory team, Sanders will face at least the opposition of the experienced Luciano Benavides and the young Édgar Canet. The latter triumphed in the 2025 Rally2 class of the Dakar, also winning the W2RC title in that class and subsequently being promoted to the Austrian manufacturer's factory rally team.

Four other brands will try to prevent KTM from achieving its 21st Dakar victory, with Honda being the main focus. The Japanese manufacturer has assembled a strong factory team in the RallyGP class (the main motorcycle class), with two-time winner Ricky Brabec as the standard-bearer.

The American finished fifth last year, still behind teammates Tosha Schareina and Adrien van Beveren. Honda's fourth factory rider, Skyler Howes, also finished in the top six last year. This gives the Tokyo-based brand another strong contingent for the 2026 Dakar Rally.

Hero, in turn, has also assembled a very good team for the Dakar. The India-based manufacturer is led by Ross Branch, who still finished in a fine second place in the 2024 standings. Ignacio Cornejo, seventh in the final standings last January, is also back in the race for the brand.

Sherco has also had a delegation in the RallyGP in recent years and it will be no different in 2026. Bradley Cox and Lorenzo Santolino should try to achieve success for the French manufacturer.

Finally, there is also a newcomer to the RallyGP in the 2026 Dakar Rally. The Chinese brand Hoto will make its first attempt at an overall victory in the rally after debuting in the Rally2 class last year. Mason Klein, active last year for the also Chinese Kove, has been recruited as Hoto's main name. He will be joined by Martin Michek in the factory team.

Mundoquatrorodas

AUTONEWS

Chevy Corvette E-Ray vs Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance

The Chevy Corvette E-Ray and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance are seriously quick machines — and they only add credence to the idea that hybrid sports cars are here to stay. That said, they approach hybrid performance in two very distinct ways. The Chevy Corvette E-Ray keeps the Stingray's 500-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 but adds a small battery pack and an electric motor at the front axle for better traction off the line. As a result, total system output jumps to 655 horsepower combined.

The Mercedes takes the regular AMG GT's twin-turbo V8 and adds a plug-in hybrid system that boosts output to 805 hp and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque. But the added hybrid system means it weighs over 800 pounds more than the Chevy. Is there enough grunt to overcome the added weight? Watch the race below to find out!

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is superior in power and torque, but the Corvette E-Ray offers impressive agility and a much more accessible price, making it a high-performance alternative with excellent value for money.

Power and Torque: The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance has a clear advantage in terms of power and, especially, total torque, thanks to its advanced Formula 1-derived plug-in hybrid system.

Weight: The Corvette E-Ray is considerably lighter, which contributes to its agility and overall performance, even though it has less total power than the AMG.

Purpose and Price: The Corvette E-Ray is a pure sports car, focused on track and road performance, with a much more competitive price. The Mercedes-AMG is a luxury coupe (or 4-door sedan, depending on the version), which offers a more refined interior, advanced technology, and the versatility of a plug-in hybrid for everyday use, but at a much higher cost.

Performance on the track: In drag races (0-100m, quarter mile), the superior torque of the Mercedes-AMG generally puts it slightly ahead, although the E-Ray is extremely fast and competitive.

In short, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is a luxury car with extreme power, while the Corvette E-Ray is a more accessible and agile performance machine, challenging more expensive supercars.

 

RENAULT

Is the Clio RS Williams back?

The Williams was the most memorable version of the small Clio, launched in 1993 and powered by a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine with 150 hp and a chassis refined by Renault Sport, which featured a wider front axle. Now, after more than 30 years, the idea of ​​reviving the concept of the daring little sports car, the RS Williams, has emerged, designed based on the latest generation of the French model, which arrived on the market at the end of 2025.

The proposal starts by surprising and even captivating with its design, showing a Clio with a more aggressive front, generous body extensions to accommodate the wider axles, front and rear, while the rear is graced with a huge wing and an exuberant "extractor". Although many potential customers would like to immediately order this new Renault sports car, the reality is that this Clio RS Williams is not the work of the French manufacturer, but of a respectable artist who released the images through Instagram and whose name is David Baylis Design.

It's worth remembering: the 1990s Renault Clio Williams is still considered one of the most legendary compact cars of its time. Originally designed for rallying, the Williams quickly became a coveted icon thanks to high demand – also because Renault significantly exceeded its initial production plans. With its precise steering, 150 hp inline four-cylinder engine, and striking design, it shaped an entire generation of sports hatchback enthusiasts. Consequently, well-preserved examples are rare on the used car market.

To this day, the Clio Williams is considered a landmark for the brand and the origin of all subsequent sports versions – up to the Clio RS with its final 220 hp. The fact that a designer has now merged this DNA with a modern Clio demonstrates a deep love for the brand and automotive culture.

In the presented project, the current Clio design meets the iconic heritage of the Williams. Baylis gave a modern interpretation to the typical metallic blue paint and gold wheels.

Furthermore, there are sporty details such as larger air intakes, darkened headlights, striking side skirts, and a prominent rear diffuser with a roof spoiler. Together, these elements give the compact car a significantly more aggressive attitude.

The project is accompanied by a detailed, fictional specification: a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 300 hp, a six-speed manual transmission, and a weight of around 1410 kilograms – it seems someone thought of their vision down to the last detail.

Although Renault is currently focused entirely on efficiency, hybrid technology, and everyday usability, the Williams redesign revives the Clio's sporty past. The fact that it's just a rendering doesn't diminish its appeal.

The unknown designer not only created his sports car, but also imagined the mechanics, which are based on a 2.0-liter engine, this time supercharged to reach 300 hp. And it's not difficult to guess the origin of this unit, since, despite being advertised as 2.0 liters, its performance corresponds to that provided by the 1.8-liter supercharged engine with which Renault equipped the Mégane RS Trophy-R, which allowed it to reach 262 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and to have been, for a long time, the fastest front-wheel-drive sports car at the Nürburgring.

A Clio RS Williams like this would make perfect sense in the French manufacturer's lineup, allowing it to rival models like the Toyota Yaris GR, with 280 hp and all-wheel drive. Renault may not be very receptive to launching a gasoline-powered version of its most popular model, without electrification and emitting almost 200g of CO2/km, but manufacturing a limited series of a few thousand units wouldn't affect the manufacturer's average emissions, which by 2026 could already count on the R5, R4, and Twingo electric models to reduce its carbon footprint. 

Remember that the production of the Clio Williams in 1993 was only 3,800 units, but its popularity pushed it over 17,000. It's not impossible that Renault will move forward with a sporty version of the Clio, which would boost the model's image and help attract customers to the more affordable versions. And, if that happens, don't forget David Baylis…

Autonews

AUTONEWS

Ten new cars to buy in Europe in 2026, so it doesn't hurt the wallet

More than 100 new automotive models are expected for 2026, but here you will find 10 of the most affordable. And you will notice that six of them still depend on the "old" combustion engine, which has seen its life extended in Europe after 2035, after years of announcing its end.

It is true that we will hardly see new models arriving that are only combustion-powered in the coming years. In a lighter or heavier form, all will be electrified, especially since there are still emissions targets to be met.

What matters to you, the potential buyer, is that you can still choose from several technologies that best suit your needs or budget: mild hybrid, hybrid (without needing to plug in), plug-in hybrid and, of course, 100% electric.

In this list of 10 new models, you will find completely new or updated models, but which maintain the focus on achieving the best cost-benefit ratio in the most affordable segments of the market.

Dacia Sandero...Opening this selection of new and affordable cars for 2026 is the renewed and inevitable Dacia Sandero. It was the best-selling car in Europe in 2024 — a feat it will repeat in 2025 — and has been one of the best-selling in its segment in Portugal.

Dacia has revised the Sandero's look, improved its technological offering, and equipped it with new engines. 

The best part is that the Sandero maintains the same argument as always: a competitive price. With its market arrival scheduled for the first months of 2026, the Romanian compact has prices starting from 14,200 euros.

Dacia C-NEO...At the other end of the Dacia line, we will see an absolute novelty arrive in 2026 which, for now, is known by the internal designation C-Neo.

It will share the status of top-of-the-line model of the Romanian brand with the Bigster, but no longer an SUV. Dacia will bet on a typology that has fallen out of favor: vans.

With its unveiling scheduled for the second half of 2026, the objective couldn't be clearer: to defeat some of the heavyweights of the European market, such as the Peugeot 308 SW, the SEAT Leon Sportstourer and the Skoda Octavia Break, which is currently the best-selling station wagon in Europe.

Prices are not yet defined, but don't be surprised if they are in line with those of the Bigster, available from 24,556 euros.

FIAT 500 Hybrid...Coming from southern Europe, the new FIAT 500 Hybrid ends up becoming a symbol of the challenges of adopting electrification. The third generation of the city car was designed to be exclusively 100% electric, but after a strong start, sales have collapsed in recent years. FIAT was forced to take a step back and put a combustion engine back in the 500.

The biggest impact will be felt in the wallet: the new 500 Hybrid is about seven thousand euros cheaper than the 100% electric version, available from 20,850 euros. It arrives on the market during the first quarter of 2026, but we drove it. 

Kia EV2...Kia continues its strong bet on electric vehicles and one of the new models that promises to be a talking point in 2026 will be the EV2, which will be its most affordable electric vehicle. The EV3 has been a success and therefore expectations are high for the South Korean B-SUV.

Previewed by the Concept EV2, the production model is scheduled to be revealed on January 9th at the Brussels Motor Show, with the first deliveries expected during the first quarter of 2026.

It will share the E-GMP platform with the EV3, and according to the brand, 99% of what we saw in the concept will be in the production EV2.

Otherwise, nothing is known about its specifications. Kia has managed to keep its engines (power), batteries, and range under wraps. As for prices, they will be lower than those of the EV3, with the most affordable versions estimated to be below 30,000 euros.

Nissan Micra...The Nissan Micra, a historic name in the Japanese brand, has a new generation arriving in 2026. For the first time, it will be electric and only electric.

It shares almost everything with the Renault 5: platform, batteries, electric motors. It is based on the same AmpR Small platform, equipped with the same 90 kW (122 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp) motors, and uses the same 40 kWh and 52 kWh batteries, for ranges that vary between 310 km and 419 km (WLTP), respectively.

It is from an aesthetic point of view, obviously, that it most distinguishes itself from its French "cousin". In this area, the new Micra adopts a unique front and rear design, including a light signature that refers to the third generation (K12) of the model. Inside, however, these differences are practically entirely erased. Arriving on the market in 2026, the new electric Nissan Micra is already available for order starting at €27,750.

Renault Clio...The sixth and newest generation of the Renault Clio has been making headlines. To sum it up in one word, the new French hatchback is unrecognizable. The bolder design has little to do with its predecessors, the technological content has been enhanced, and it debuts new engines, including a new generation hybrid.

With prices starting at €21,990, the Clio arrives with the goal of once again becoming the benchmark in the hatchback segment and, who knows, dethroning the Dacia Sandero as the best-selling car in Europe. Which, incidentally, "is from the house" — in other words, from the Renault Group.

With the delivery of the first units scheduled for the beginning of 2026, the new Renault Clio will be available with three mechanical options — TCe 115, E-Tech Full Hybrid 160 and Eco-G 120 EDC.

Renault Twingo...Still in France, one of Renault's most important launches for 2026 will be the new Twingo. The fourth generation returns to its design roots, but now, 33 years later, it has a new responsibility to bring 100% electric vehicles to the masses, along with the other models that Renault has brought back from the past — the R5 and the R4.

Its arrival is scheduled for the end of the first half of 2026 with a promise: prices will start below 20,000 euros.

Its arguments are not limited to price, highlighting the space, versatility and practicality it offers, despite being 13 cm shorter than its "brother" R5, with which it shares the platform.

Under the bodywork it will use an electric motor with 60 kW (82 hp) and 175 Nm of torque, powered by a battery with only 27.5 kWh, for a range of up to 263 km in combined cycle (WLTP).

SEAT Ibiza...We were expecting the revamped SEAT Ibiza to arrive in 2025, but the Spanish brand surprised us and it will only arrive in 2026. It is the second significant update of the model — it was launched in 2017 and renewed in 2021 — receiving some aesthetic revisions, new upholstery and enhanced technological content.

The biggest novelty reserved for the revamped Ibiza — and also for the Arona, which was also updated — will be found under the hood, but it will only arrive in 2027. It will be at that time that 48V mild-hybrid engines will debut.

Until then, both will continue to use the engines we already know — 1.0 MPI, 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI — with prices starting at €19,339 and €22,398 for the Ibiza and Arona, respectively.

Toyota Aygo X...Still in the city car segment, Toyota is once again gaining relevance with an absolute premiere: the revamped Aygo X, the first full-hybrid city car on the market.

In addition to updating its look, the Japanese brand has replaced the previous 72 hp one-liter gasoline engine with the same hybrid engine as the Yaris, which combines a 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor, for a total power of 116 hp — 44 hp more than before.

With its market launch scheduled for the beginning of the year, the Toyota Aygo X 2026 does not yet have finalized prices, but it will run into Portuguese taxation: despite promising lower fuel consumption and emissions than the previous 1.0-liter model, the 50% larger engine displacement increases the ISV (Vehicle Tax) by around 2,300 euros.

Aygo X prices in Europe vary depending on the country and trim level. In Portugal, prices for petrol versions start at around €18,240.00 and reach approximately €23,945.60 for the most equipped versions (such as the "Envy" or "Limited Edition"). The GR Sport version, with specific adjustments to the suspension and steering, is also available.

by Autonews 

 

TUNNING

Jeep Renegade with rocket of 500 HP

The most powerful Jeep Renegade was the 4xe plug-in hybrid with 240 HP. That's the official factory model, but one American took this small Jeep SUV in a different direction. He managed to squeeze a V8 Hemi engine with more than 500 HP into the engine compartment. The project is the work of Instagram user lunchie_b.

Instead of the standard four-cylinder engine, the vehicle is now powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. This engine is also used in models such as the Challenger, Charger and Ram 1500.

5.7-Liter V8 Engine in the Smallest Jeep...The biggest surprise, of course, is under the hood. Instead of the standard four-cylinder engine, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 now powers the vehicle. This engine is also used in models like the Challenger, the Charger, and the Ram 1500.

The manufacturer hasn't released specific performance figures. However, the standard Hemi engine already produces nearly 400 hp. With various performance modifications, a power output exceeding 500 hp seems realistic.

These performance figures required additional optimizations. The owner installed the differential and six-piston Brembo brake calipers from a Charger Hellcat. This gave the Renegade rear-wheel drive, resulting in performance and braking comparable to sports cars. At the same time, the conversion required significant structural modifications and extensive custom fabrication.

Visually, the vehicle is as impressive as its technology. The Renegade received a rather bold widebody kit, with significantly widened fenders and new bumpers. We dare say the car has an extremely firm stance on the road. Its appearance is more reminiscent of an extreme concept car than an urban crossover. The tuner also went all out with the wheels and tires. The gold wheels look very wide and concave. They are fitted with 275/40 R20 tires at the front and 305/35 R20 at the rear.

Additional parts created using 3D printing...Many of the additional parts were created using 3D printing. This allowed the builder to precisely manufacture special components for this project. These components range from load supports to finely crafted details that are not commercially available.

The owner installed a differential and six-piston Brembo brake calipers from a Charger Hellcat, and this Renegade also has all-wheel drive. The modification required massive structural modifications and extensive custom manufacturing. Visually, the Renegade received widened fenders and new bumpers. The car is equipped with 275/40 R20 tires at the front and 305/35 R20 at the rear.

Many of the additional parts were 3D printed, which allowed the designer to create special components specifically for this project. The interior is equally radical. The standard seats have been replaced with Sparco bucket seats. Additional gauges on the A-pillar monitor engine vitals. The wiring, controls, and even the automatic transmission lever are taken from the Dodge Charger.

Autonews

TUNNING

Mansory Audi RS6 Avant P1100 Performance

Another Mansory Audi RS6 Avant, here in black, with an aero body package (front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear roof spoiler...), a carbon fiber hood, a sports exhaust system, 22-inch wheels with turquoise accents and a new brake system with turquoise calipers

Mansory is probably best known for its exterior styling. The bold and brash looks can often rub people the wrong way (including us on multiple occasions). Appearance parts aren't the only things Mansory makes, though. It also provides performance upgrades for a variety of vehicles, and the shop has created some machines with mad power. Among them is the Audi RS6, for which Mansory offers three different levels of performance upgrades already, and it's about to release another.

The top performance package Mansory lists for the RS6 on its main website is a Stage 3 kit, which brings the German wagon's impressive 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque to a wild 986 horses and 922 pound-feet. As shown on its Facebook page, though, Mansory one-upped itself. It doesn't have a specific package name, nor does it have details on the components included, but it has the numbers. While the torque is unchanged from the Stage 3 package, horsepower has climbed about another 100 to 1,085. That comes to 1,100 PS, which is proclaimed on the fender vents.

We presume that this new RS6 uses all the bits of the Stage 3 kit with perhaps some other small additions or software tweaks. That kit, in addition to a custom tuned ECU, features upgraded turbochargers, exhaust downpipes without catalytic converters, air-to-water intercoolers, and freer-flowing intake manifolds and piping. That package also removes the speed limiter, and Mansory claims a top speed of 202 mph. We wouldn't be surprised if this new version will go just a bit faster.

For better or worse, Mansory still spent plenty of time on the exterior and interior of this RS6. There's no shortage of carbon fiber to be found. It makes up the hood, front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, fender vents, rear wing, and many, many little trim pieces. They're also made of "forged" carbon fiber, and while the shapes might not be to everyone's taste, the quality of the parts is evident. Speaking of the shape, every piece is sharply angled, and Mansory even created crisp-cornered exhaust tips to match. It sits on 22-inch forged wheels, with almost glowing turquoise brake calipers.

And what awaits inside is…turquoise. Almost entirely. Mansory didn’t just add accent stitching or seat inserts—it went all in. Nearly every surface is wrapped in bright blue-green leather, broken only by carbon trim, glass, and the occasional strip of white hide. It’s the kind of interior that makes you wonder whether subtlety was ever considered, then immediately dismissed. Illuminated door logos and a “starry sky” headliner complete the experience, because of course they do.

Those calipers and some other highlights such as the front canards, accentuate the almost solid turquoise interior. We're not exaggerating, either. Except for carbon fiber trim pieces, screens, and most of the vents, every surface in this RS6 is wrapped in bright turquoise leather. There are a few strips of white leather and piping in between, but everything else is a bright blue-green. If that wasn't enough, Mansory even added illuminated logos in the doors, and a starlight headliner.

This RS6 appears to be a regular RS6 based on the design of the front bumper and fenders. On Mansory's website, however, the company doesn't just list that wagon, but also the RS6 GT. The company doesn't list any actual parts or packages for it, but it certainly seems to imply that it intends to offer modifications for the special edition.

As a reminder, the RS6 GT was an extremely limited-run version of Audi's super wagon with just 660 units globally. Fewer than 100 came to the US. It was also the first version of the RS6 to get the now standard 621-horsepower powertrain. Audi gave it unique fenders with big vents and a more aggressive front bumper. It sounds like just the kind of car Mansory would want to modify, if not die-hard Audi fans. If Mansory does do something with one, we'll be sure to let you know.

by Autonews

AUTONEWS

Review: These are the best plug-in hybrids for under $55,000

If an electric car stirs your interest but the lifestyle changes sound daunting, consider a plug-in hybrid. A plug-in hybrid is simply a rechargeable hybrid, with a larger battery than a standard hybrid that enables a short range of fully electric driving. A regular hybrid recharges by capturing energy during braking, and usually only engages battery power at low speeds or cruising. A plug-in hybrid recharges from an electrical outlet, often from a 240-volt (or "Level 2") connection found in garages or public chargers, and can typically travel between 30 and 50 miles on electricity before a gas engine takes over.

Plug-in hybrids are ideal for drivers with short commutes or local routes that can be covered with electric range but who still need a gas engine for longer trips. Plug-ins come with compromises, though. They're often heavier, pricier, and less fuel-efficient than standard hybrids after the battery runs out, and some sacrifice cargo space to accommodate the larger battery packs. Still interested? Below are five of our top plug-in picks. Pricing includes destination fees.

2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid...The Prius Plug-in Hybrid continues Toyota's legacy of unbeatable fuel economy. Its EPA-rated 45-mile electric range beats competitors, although our testing yielded a more modest 34 electric miles. In hybrid mode, with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on conditions, it returns up to 52 mpg combined. Befitting its sleek look, the Prius Plug-in is also reasonably quick, reaching 60 mph in about 7 seconds, a second faster than the regular Prius. Recharging takes four hours, and while the battery reduces cargo space to 20.3 cubic feet—3.5 cubic feet shy of the regular Prius—the hatchback design ensures easy loading. 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid starting price: $34,970

2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid...For about the same price as the Prius, the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid gives you some unexpectedly advanced tech features. There's a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, and the adaptive cruise control automatically slows for turns by using the navigation system. Its 33-mile EPA electric range estimate trails the Toyota's, but Edmunds' testing shows that in the real world the Niro goes 31.8 miles, close to the Prius. When it is operating as a hybrid, its EPA-estimated 48 mpg is also easily achievable. Topping it off is Kia's industry-leading 10-year warranty...2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid starting price: $35,935

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid...The Tucson tops our list of plug-in SUVs by balancing comfort and value. While its 32-mile electric range trails several rivals, the Tucson's spacious interior, reclining rear seats, slick in-car tech, and driver assistance features give it an edge over competitors like the Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander. In our testing, the Tucson Plug-in covered just 29 electric miles but surpassed its EPA estimate with 37 mpg combined in hybrid mode. On a Level 2 connection, it recharges in two hours, and at around $42,000, the Tucson is one of the most affordable ways to get into a plug-in SUV...2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid starting price: $41,675

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid...If you need three rows, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid offers 30 miles of electric range and averaged up to 41 mpg combined in our testing. Recently updated with sharper styling echoing Kia's electric models, the Sorento also features a 12-inch touchscreen and USB-C ports in all three rows to keep everyone's devices topped up. Notably, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid sacrifices no cargo space compared to the non-hybrid model, retaining full utility for passengers and storage. Just note that towing capacity is limited to around 1,600 pounds, compared to the standard Sorento's 4,500-pound rating. Recharging takes about 3.5 hours...2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid starting price: $49,735

2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe...The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an answer to a question that no one asked, but it brings plug-in technology to the trail. It combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor for a stout 375 horsepower, and a 17-kWh battery for 22 miles of electric range (19 miles in our testing) and the oddly appealing prospect of silent off-roading. While the 4xe's 20 mpg combined rating is only average, it matches the non-hybrid V6's efficiency and makes more power. The 4xe recharges in about two hours but sacrifices about 4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the regular Wrangler...2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe starting price: $52,690

Edmunds says...High prices limit the appeal of plug-in hybrids, but for many buyers, they hit the sweet spot between the efficiency of an EV and the versatility of a gas engine.

© 2025 The Associated Press