The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is fun. That’s not a typical feature of small crossover SUVs, and even less so for most hybrids. Yet, bouncing down a hilly country road in the shadow of Mount Adams in Washington state, kicking up dust clouds among the majestic pines, and then throwing the new Subaru into corners with the traction control light flashing like a warning against fun, I smiled. Then I did it again. Over and over.

The Technical Basics

Derived from the Impreza sedan, Subaru’s smallest SUV has inspired rally car fantasies before, when the Sport model was launched in 2021 with a more powerful 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four. This larger Boxer engine was retained for the third-generation Crosstrek launched for the 2024 model year, the year Subaru also discontinued the limited-volume plug-in hybrid. Now, Subaru modifies this 180-horsepower 2.5-liter with changes ranging from the cylinder block and intakes to control modules and wiring harnesses to optimize its operation with a two-motor series-parallel hybrid system. It produces more power, up to 194 horsepower, and more fun.

It’s responsive and quicker, thanks in part to the extra torque at startup from the drive motor which produces up to 199 lb-ft of torque. This happens more quickly with the S button on the steering wheel, similar to other Subaru models with its SI-Drive system. This larger 88 kW motor has a planetary gear set between it and the small starter motor, all housed within the continuously variable transmission casing.

Driving the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

A light press on the accelerator allows the Crosstrek to operate in electric-only mode. The accelerator display at the top of the 11.6-inch touchscreen indicated that between 12 and 15% accelerator angle triggered the engine. Pressing further or on an incline, the 2.5-liter kicks in. I floored it on the clear roads around Mount Adams, where rush hour consists of a heavy truck passing a tractor, and held the energy needle in the 12.3-inch digital cluster until about 110 km/h. No simulated gear shifts, no hesitations, just linear power. It got loud, as expected, but by easing off the accelerator and coasting, only the wind noise remained.

The paddles on the steering wheel simulate six gears, and apart from trying them during uphill passes, where Subaru claims there’s 10% more passing power compared to the gas-powered Crosstrek, I forgot about them. All the mechanical magic of the hybrid system is imperceptible from the driver’s seat, to the point that uninformed drivers might be surprised to learn it’s a hybrid. That’s intentional.

Like the Forester Hybrid compared to the Forester, the Crosstrek Hybrid looks much like the gas-powered Crosstrek, but is better in almost every way and in almost every metric. Except for cargo volume, the 1.1 kWh battery reduces the space in the hatchback by 1.3 cubic feet.

It’s Not a Toyota Hybrid

Yes, Subaru’s partnership with Toyota spawned these hybrid parts, but Subaru designed it to fit the brand’s venerable Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Toyota Corolla Cross and the larger RAV4 do not use a direct mechanical connection to the rear axle, instead using a third motor to drive it. This can lead to a more digital approach and a less predictable, less familiar feel than Subaru’s physical connection between all four wheels. Power goes through the same electronically controlled center differential to the rear axle as in the standard Crosstrek, and using the X-Mode functions delivers more torque at low speeds to move through tough terrain.

The thick steering wheel was pleasant to hold, even if the overall steering feel leaned towards lightness. A bit more heft and resistance would further fuel my rally fantasies.

Fuel Consumption

This mechanical connection to all four wheels comes at an efficiency cost. Subaru anticipates an EPA estimate of 36 mpg in all conditions. My driving placed it around 33 mpg. The gas-powered Crosstrek gets 29 mpg combined. I would take the Hybrid over any other Crosstrek. The 2025 Corolla Cross AWD has an EPA fuel consumption estimate of 42 mpg. The front-wheel-drive-only Kia Niro gets up to 53 mpg combined. These might be better choices for owners who never dream of venturing off paved paths. I prefer the dreamer’s attitude.

Quick Verdict

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid in base Sport trim starts at $35,415, including a $1,420 destination fee. That’s $3,370 more than the 2026 Crosstrek Sport, but about $5,000 more than the 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD.

Better equipped than its rivals, the Crosstrek Hybrid includes standard heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, all driver-assistance systems, and a digital cluster that feels like a technological leap for Subaru. It has three display settings, video game-like graphics, and a simple toggle to see vehicle information. If only the 11.6-inch touchscreen made a similar leap. Pressing the X-Mode button brings up a front-view camera; however, it would be much better if the view occupied most of that space instead of just the top half.

The Crosstrek Hybrid is a better Crosstrek, and among other small crossovers, it encourages you to dream big.

Elvis Presley’s former jet is driving on the roads of Arkansas. Growing up in the Ozarks, I thought I lived in the middle of nowhere. Now that I’m older, I realize I live at the center of everything, geographically speaking. Truly amazing things happen in my area, and if you need proof, look at these photos of Elvis Presley’s former jet rolling in traffic just 30 minutes from my home.

A Legendary Plane on the Road

Yes, it’s indeed an abandoned jet that belonged to the King of Rock and Roll. And yes, it’s really driving on the road instead of flying. When YouTuber Jimmy Webb bought it at auction last year, there was no chance it would ever fly again. But I never imagined seeing it at the corner of 14th Street and Moberly in Bentonville, Arkansas.

A Chance Discovery

My friend Ian Caple was waiting for his order at the drive-thru when he saw Elvis’s jet pass by. He shared it in the Arkansas Car Spotters Facebook group, normally filled with supercars and custom vehicles. This post might just win “Post of the Year.”

A Surreal Sight

“We were sitting at Sonic waiting for our food when I looked up and saw a plane rolling down the road,” Caple recounts. “It was hilarious to see it parked next to a Mercedes.”

“He really had to watch the height to get under traffic lights and bridges. I had a good laugh when I passed by and saw Elvis on the back with the inscription ‘All shook up’.”

The Jet’s Improbable Journey

A commenter noted that the jet was heading home after visiting the Guilt By Association Truck Show in Joplin, Missouri. I wonder if they planned to be on 14th Street at lunchtime, when all the Walmart headquarters employees go out for their coffee.

The Story Behind the Aircraft

The retired aircraft is a Lockheed JetStar that Presley bought in 1976. He kept it for only a few months before selling it to a Saudi sheikh. It changed hands several times before being parked in Roswell, New Mexico, where it rusted for 40 years until Webb bought it at auction in 2022. He has significantly modified it since, mounting it on an RV chassis and having 300 hours of bodywork done.

An Ingenious Transformation

The visibility is as bad as you might imagine. However, Webb installed a 360° camera system to be able to maneuver on public roads. It’s incredible what you can register for the road, which is less surprising when you learn that he lives in Florida.

Cadillac F1 confirms Simon Pagenaud, Indy 500 and IndyCar champion, as simulation driver. “It takes a village,” the saying goes. Building a new racing team, and especially a new Formula 1 team, requires finding the right talents and assigning them to the right roles, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Aware of this, the Cadillac F1 team is entrusting one of the most talented signings on the current market with the heavy responsibility of developing its future F1 single-seater: Simon Pagenaud.

The Indianapolis 500 winner, IndyCar series champion, and experienced endurance driver brings a wealth of experience to this role, where he is responsible for shaping the initial performance phases of the F1 car. In fact, he has already been working on it for a year, long before the team made headlines or confirmed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as their race drivers.

Pagenaud, unfortunately involved in a serious accident at Mid-Ohio during the 2023 IndyCar season, had to step away from full-time competition after being diagnosed with a severe concussion. The popular French driver began a long recovery process. It is extremely encouraging to see him back behind a wheel, even if it’s on a digital track for now.

“Optimizing the technical side of a car and managing relationships with the people at the factory has always been my passion since I started racing,” said Pagenaud. “I love talking with engineers, developing the simulator, and making it as realistic as possible. This work gives me a sense of purpose and allows me to contribute my expertise, something I’ve missed since my accident.”

“My role and goal are to make the simulator as close to reality as possible and to lay the foundations for the car,” he added. “I want to help Cadillac project as accurately as possible towards reality.”

As has been the case for decades, and especially during the current hybrid era of F1, simulator work is vital for racing teams. This is how engineers and drivers explore new setups and components without going through the long and costly process of developing real parts and track testing. Sometimes, it’s not even an option, given the strict budget caps and minimal testing allowances. Ironically, in 2022, when I visited Honda’s multi-million dollar simulator used for IndyCar and IMSA, it was Pagenaud who explained the process of developing a virtual race car to me.

Pagenaud’s deep expertise in team dynamics, development, setups, and, of course, pushing a car to its limits, will undoubtedly benefit Cadillac, which has its work cut out before its first F1 race in just five months.

Dodge is abandoning its flagship Charger Banshee EV model according to a new report. This electric vehicle was supposed to be the flagship of the Dodge Charger electric lineup, the one that was meant to sweep away all criticism from muscle car traditionalists thanks to immense power supported by an 800-volt charging architecture. But this ambition seems to belong to the past, as a recent report indicates that the Charger Daytona SRT Banshee will ultimately not see the light of day.

Stellantis has reportedly outright canceled this model, as the automaker reevaluates its investments in electric vehicles to return to Hemi V8 combustion engines.

This information comes from MoparInsiders, citing “internal rumors from supplier channels.” Stellantis has not explicitly denied this claim and responded to the publication with the following statement:

“Stellantis continues to reevaluate its product strategy to align it with consumer demand. Our plan ensures that we offer customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options that best meet their needs. With the good news announced in July that Stellantis is reviving its iconic SRT performance division, it follows that we are also reviewing the plan for future SRT vehicles.”

Reading between the lines suggests that the company is presenting the disappearance of the Banshee as part of a “revised plan” for future SRT models without explicitly admitting it. Yet, the Banshee was supposed to be the flagship model of the Charger, and Dodge had not been discreet about it until now.

The alleged cancellation of the Banshee would align with Stellantis’s decision in the spring to remove the more affordable of the two electric Charger models, the Daytona R/T, leaving only the $74,000 Scat Pack producing 670 horsepower.

Meanwhile, vehicles equipped with the Hurricane I6 Sixpack engine are expected to arrive at dealerships before the end of the year. And then, it would only be a matter of time before a V8 finds its place under the hood. It’s not as if there isn’t room for it.

North Carolina has enacted House Bill 926, including a provision to “protect the right to race.” The idea is simple: you can’t move near a racetrack and then complain about the noise in an attempt to shut it down.

Nuisance Immunity for Racetracks

Section 10 of the state legislature’s House Bill 926 deals with “nuisance immunity for racing facilities and racetracks.” After defining what a racetrack is and specifying that this rule applies “within a three-mile radius around the perimeter of the property or group of contiguous properties where a racing facility is located,” it states the following:

“A racing facility shall not be subject to any action brought by an adjacent property owner under any cause of nuisance or taking if the racing facility developer has obtained all required permits for the construction of the racing facility and has established a vested right in the development of the property or group of contiguous properties where the racing facility is located before the adjacent property owner purchases the real property or constructs any building within the racing facility area.”

SEMA issued a press release this morning, crediting Representative Allen Chesser for “guiding” this provision and Governor Josh Stein for signing it.

A Driving Economy for North Carolina

It makes sense that North Carolina is pro-racing. NASCAR has a massive presence there, with major headquarters and R&D workshops. The state is also home to numerous racetracks. Besides major motorsports venues like Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina has about 40 active racetracks that host public events and 28 short tracks where racing takes place “almost every week,” according to the North Carolina Motorsports Association.

The National Speedway Directory shows how the state’s racetracks are geographically distributed, pretty much everywhere. SEMA indicates that North Carolina’s economic output related to motorsports amounts to $3.82 billion annually, creating “nearly 20,000 jobs, paying over $1.35 billion in wages, and contributing more than $477 million in taxes.”

Personal Perspective on Proximity to Racetracks

I myself live just over three miles from a dirt track (in another state). So, under North Carolina law, I could still complain, but I wouldn’t. You can hear the engines from my house when the wind is favorable on a Friday night, but they only run for a few hours a week during a relatively short season.

I understand that people don’t want to hear racing noises from their homes. But with only about forty racetracks spread across North Carolina’s 53,819 square miles, I think those people should be able to find homes out of earshot of a racing venue.

Do you manage or work at a small racetrack? Is similar legislation being prepared in your state?

Hello everyone! We’re testing a new format this quarter. If you like it or have suggestions, let us know at tips@thedrive.com.

Welcome to our Q3 2025 sales wrap-up! We’ll share the hits and misses from every major automaker’s sales reports as they roll in over the coming days. Keep an eye on this page for key facts and figures, plus anything that deserves a deeper dive.

Without further ado…

What to Watch

• Electric vehicles! This was the last quarter for federal EV credits in the U.S. We expect volatile sales numbers, with customers rushing to take advantage while they were (relatively) affordable, both from domestic automakers trying to beat the deadline and importers hoping to attract these bargain hunters.

Impressive Numbers from Korea

• Both Hyundai and Kia posted record Q3 results. Remember, neither produces an electric vehicle in the U.S., so any purchase incentives came directly from their own funds. We suspect they actively worked to capture market share from domestic brands trying to clear inventory before the credits expired, which explains the 90% increase in Ioniq 5 sales compared to last year. According to Hyundai, the majority of these sales occurred in September.

Monitoring Discontinued Models: Ford Edge

• Ford really cleared out its remaining Edge stock earlier this year. The company recorded over 3,000 sales of the mid-size two-row crossover in 2025, but none of them happened in Q3.

• Mustang sales saw a slight uptick in Q3 but remain down over 10% for the year.

Honda Holds Steady

• Honda + Acura sales are up 4% this year, but unlike Hyundai and Kia, they didn’t come out of September with significant momentum. Honda’s September sales were virtually flat compared to last year; Acura saw a slight decline.

• The Integra continues to struggle, with just under 15,000 units sold in 2025. In comparison, Acura’s recently discontinued ZDX contributed about 12,000 units to the brand’s volume this year.

• The Prologue leveraged the EV credit to surpass 36,000 sales by the end of September (up nearly 160% year-to-date); it remains to be seen how it will perform without this financial support.

Toyota Parks Comfortably

• If Honda missed an opportunity, Toyota clearly seized it. Between the Toyota and Lexus brands, its U.S. sales surged over 14% in September. Lexus saw its overall volume increase by more than 19% despite a tough month for the GX; its decline was more than offset by sales of the TX, which benefited from favorable pricing.

• The BZ didn’t even reach 100 units in September, plummeting 95% year-over-year.

• Grand Highlander. Enough said.

GM Moves Its EVs

• No electric vehicle from GM escaped a sharp sales increase in Q3. From the Hummer EV to more modest models, all battery-powered vehicles performed better than a year ago, and GM even found buyers for an additional 10,000 units of the new Cadillac Escalade IQ, Optiq, and Vistiq (combined). Let’s see how that holds up in Q4 without federal assistance.

• A nod to the Cadillac CT4 for its 1.7% sales increase in Q3.

• But who’s suddenly buying all these Enclaves?

Tai Lopez, the famous YouTuber behind the viral “Here in My Garage,” is now in turmoil. The SEC accuses him of orchestrating a Ponzi scheme.

The “Here in My Garage” Phenomenon

For those who weren’t on YouTube a decade ago, it might seem crazy, but this bespectacled man, his Lamborghini, and his library were absolutely unavoidable around 2015. The “here in my garage” pre-roll ad appeared on what seemed like every YouTube video at the time and was referenced and parodied everywhere. He resurfaced in the news this week, and the news isn’t good.

Tai Lopez’s YouTube Activity

Tai Lopez, the guy in the video proclaiming to be prouder of his books than his Gallardo, is a financial advice YouTuber. His channel still has a substantial following but relatively few views on recent posts. He’s definitely still active, having posted a new video just a week ago.

The SEC’s Accusations

Last Friday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged Tai Lopez and Alexander Mehr, co-founders of Retail Ecommerce Ventures LLC, along with its operating director Maya Burkenroad, with conducting a series of fraudulent securities offerings, misappropriating investor funds, and making Ponzi-like payments to investors.

As reported, through their holding company, Mehr and Lopez acquired struggling businesses to turn them into online-only brands. Dress Barn and Linens ‘n Things were among their acquisitions. At least, that was the publicly promoted version of the operation.

The Details of the Fraud

The official SEC complaint filed in a Florida court reveals that Lopez and his associates raised about $112 million from hundreds of investors through fraudulent offerings, transferred money between investors to make them believe they were receiving dividends, and misappropriated approximately $16.1 million of investor funds for the personal use of Lopez and Mehr.

Lopez and Mehr are now charged with violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The courts will then decide their future.

GM and Ford have found an ingenious trick to extend the electric vehicle tax credits that were set to end in October. The automakers used their financing companies to make down payments on vehicles in stock, thereby locking in these savings for future lessees.

Today’s Automotive News

In progress test: The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige, a large sedan with exceptional comfort that is undergoing an in-depth review.

The financial maneuver by GM and Ford allows the electric vehicle tax benefits to be maintained despite the regulatory deadline. A smart business strategy to support demand.

Impact on the Automotive Market

The announced end of tax credits boosted sales for Hyundai and Kia, with a 14% increase for Hyundai and 11% for Kia. Hyundai’s electric vehicles saw a spectacular growth of 153%.

Tesla unveils a new Model Y Performance with improved range and a 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

Performance and Technical Recalls

The Lucid Air Sapphire sets a new acceleration record with a 0 to 100 km/h in 1.881 seconds, becoming the fastest car ever tested.

BMW recalls 145,000 vehicles in the United States due to fire risk related to an overheating starter, affecting 340i, X5, and X7 models.

Automotive Industry Developments

Automotive supplier ZF cuts 7,600 jobs in its electric transmission department, reflecting declining European demand.

Hertz launches fully online vehicle purchasing, with a rigorous 115-point inspection and a limited warranty of 12 months or 20,000 km.

I tested Audi’s new single stalk. When Audi unveiled its new 2026 Q3, the reactions were generally positive. This model is modern, elegant, and offers good value for money. But one particular feature sparked a wave of dissatisfaction: its new single steering stalk.

Change is difficult and, most of the time, poorly received. I understand. Comments were flying: “Wow, that looks awful,” “That seems horrible,” and “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.” Many claimed it would be dangerous to use, while others complained about over-engineering. Although the latter criticism isn’t entirely unfounded, no one really asked: “Is it really different from what we already have?” The answer is no.

Listen, even though I don’t like relearning a concept I’ve mastered for years, especially without a good reason, I have to keep an open mind. Otherwise, I couldn’t offer you an honest and impartial opinion about a car or its components. I was also puzzled by this new stalk and the point of reinventing it. So, when I was offered to attend the global presentation of Audi’s Q3, I immediately looked forward to experiencing this little controversial piece in person.

How It Works

On the right side of the stalk is the Q3’s gear selector. That’s it. You only use this side to shift into drive or reverse, much like at Mercedes-Benz. A fairly simple concept, to be honest.

On the left side of the stalk, you have some lighting controls like high beams and turn signals, as well as the front and rear wiper controls. I know what you’re thinking: the left side of the stalk looks really complicated, but I assure you, that’s all there is.

To use the gear selector side, simply click the stalk up or down to engage reverse or drive, and perform a half-click up to select neutral. It’s essentially the same concept as in many other cars, including the Porsche 911 GTS I’m currently driving; only the shape and location of the selector are different. When you’re ready to park and leave the car, press the button at the end of the stalk to engage park, and that’s it!

Now, let’s move on to the lighting and wiper side. Need to activate your high beams? Pull the stalk, as you would in most cars. Want to keep them on longer? Push the stalk away from you, and the high beams will stay on until you pull it back. And the turn signals? Easy, click up for the right turn signal and down for the left. So far, so good.

The only element that requires a bit more attention – attention that most buyers need to devote to learning their new car anyway – is the wiper part of the stalk. Now, all you really have to do is memorize the buttons, but despite their appearance, most people’s muscle memory will still apply here. To activate a single wipe of the front wiper, press the button located at the end of the stalk. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, hold that same button down for a few seconds. There’s a separate button for the rear wiper, located right next to it, which uses the same controls for the same actions.

That leaves us with one additional function, which is the small clickable wheel that activates the automatic wiper function and allows you to choose the frequency at which the wipers activate in automatic mode. That’s all!

Experiencing the Future of the Stalk in the Real World

If you read my review of the 2026 Audi Q3, you know it took place in Scotland. And as is often the case in Scotland, it rained – it rained a lot. Although this was annoying for some reasons, it was great for others, like experiencing The Stalk.

Right after adjusting my seat position and mirrors, my left hand sought out the left side of the stalk and set the clickable wheel to Auto. Then, I set it to a medium speed, as I didn’t want it to be annoying and wipe too fast, but I also wanted a clear view of the unfamiliar roads I was about to drive on. I did the same for the rear wiper, although in this case, I only had to click the button once for it to wipe at a steady pace.

And I hate to tell you, but that’s really all there is to it. I had to adjust the speed of the automatic setting occasionally, especially when driving behind traffic, but that was it. As for the gear selector side, there was really nothing new to learn there.

What’s the Problem?

The most significant change Audi is introducing here is simply the design of the stalk. We’ve gotten used to traditional separate stalks in most cars, from Honda Civics to Rolls-Royces; they’re all pretty much the same. Of course, some don’t have a gear selector sticking out from the steering column, but aside from that variation, they all look the same and do the same things.

Audi’s one-piece solution is really elegant, and I must say it fits exceptionally well with the Q3’s tech-oriented interior. It adds to the overall atmosphere of sobriety and simplicity. I imagine that once someone gets used to seeing the stalk on their steering wheel for a while, they would probably think the traditional two-stalk setup is strange and ugly.

So yes, change isn’t fun, and most of the time, it’s overrated. But in this case, aside from switching from two stalks to one, nothing really changes.

Pushrod Length on GM 3.1 and 3.4 Engines – This is where length really matters. The intake and exhaust pushrods have crucial length differences on these engines.

Why Pushrod Length is So Important

Unfortunately, it still frequently happens that mechanics confuse intake and exhaust pushrods. This confusion inevitably leads to serious consequences: bent pushrods and damaged valves.

Specifics of GM 3.1 Exhaust Pushrods

The exhaust pushrods on GM 3.1 engines require particular attention. Their specific dimension is essential for the proper functioning of the valve train system.

Consequences of Mixing Pushrods

When pushrods are reversed or mixed, the damage can be significant. The internal mechanics of the engine then undergo abnormal stresses that lead to costly repairs.