Exciting News: An Electric Three-Row Lexus SUV on the Horizon
Recent trademark filings suggest that a new electric three-row SUV from Lexus is in the works. Toyota has submitted applications to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIO) for a model designated as the Lexus TZ, including variants like the TZ450e and TZ550e. While specific details are sparse, these filings hint at an innovative addition to Lexus’s electric lineup.
What We Know About the Upcoming Lexus TZ
The trademarked TZ name aligns with Lexus’s naming convention, where “Z” signifies zero-emission vehicles. This follows their pattern seen in the RZ 450e, their first all-electric SUV. The new TZ is expected to share design elements with the RZ 450e, such as the aerodynamic “Spindle Body” replacing the traditional spindle grille, and will likely be built on Toyota’s new EV-specific platform set to debut in 2026.
Anticipations for the TZ and Market Trends
With the rise in consumer preference for larger vehicles, including electric SUVs, Toyota’s introduction of this model aligns with current market trends. This new electric SUV is set to be Toyota’s first US-assembled EV, produced at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant from 2025, with batteries sourced from a new factory in North Carolina. As competitors like Rivian, Tesla, and Mercedes prepare their own electric three-row SUVs, Lexus’s entry into this segment could offer timely competition in the evolving electric vehicle market.
WHAT IT IS: Kia has a multistage strategy for capturing a large slice of the EV market across several tiers, and the Kia EV5 SUV is the next step in the automaker’s master plan. The company revealed the EV5 concept in March with the promise of being the brand’s next “true” electrified SUV. It will be less sporty than the performance flagship EV6 and not as massive as the upcoming EV9 three-row SUV.
WHY IT MATTERS: The real battle for SUV market share happens in the midsize category—three-row SUVs are great for cargo and extra passengers, but most families opt for two-row models. This means the EV5 is critical in Kia’s battle against the likes of Tesla’s Model Y, Chevrolet’s Blazer EV, Volkswagen’s ID4, and other contenders.
PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: Like the EV6 and EV9, the EV5 will be built on the E-GMP platform Kia shares with Hyundai. Thanks to its modular design, the platform will be adapted for the EV5’s intended footprint. We expect the EV5 to use the same 76.1-kW battery that will come standard in the EV9, and it should make its debut with a single motor that will produce roughly 215 hp.
Three people were injured when an SUV crashed into a home in Alburtis Wednesday afternoon.
Mayor Kathleen Palmer said a woman was driving an SUV north on Franklin Street onto Main Street when her vehicle crashed into the home at 128 S. Main St. about 3:30 p.m.
The driver, along with a woman and child in the home, were injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. No one else was in the vehicle at the time.
“They will all be OK,” Palmer said Thursday morning.
The Red Cross has been contacted to assist those displaced in the crash.
The mayor said neighbors “sprang into action,” the instant the vehicle struck the home. They checked to see if they needed to get people out, and to see if there were any gas leaks.
“They ran in there to get people out,” Palmer said.
Fire crews arrived shortly after.
“Our fire department was on scene so quickly, it was amazing,” the mayor said.
Main Street between Front Street and West Second Street will remain closed while police continue to investigate and borough officials assess the home’s stability.
Palmer said engineers will be meeting Thursday morning to asses if the building needs to be demolished or not.
A vehicle crashed into a house Wednesday, July 19, 2023, coming to a stop in the living room at 128 S. Main St. in Alburtis. One person was in the house, but was rescued quickly.
Three suspect were arrested after a stolen car crashed into another vehicle in Grand Rapids Thursday morning, though deputies were still looking for two more.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office said deputies got a report of a stolen car around 6:30 a.m. Thursday. Someone had left the keys in a black Ford SUV on Village Spring Drive SE north of Ada Drive in Ada Township and it was stolen.
Around 7:15 p.m., a deputy saw that SUV on Lake Eastbrook Boulevard near the Shops at CenterPoint. Dashboard camera released by the sheriff’s office shows the driver took off and turned north onto the East Beltline. The deputy gave chase. The Ford ran one red light and then, while running another at Burton Street SE, it collided with a westbound car. The car rolled over into the median.
“Oh, bad crash,” the deputy who was chasing the SUV reported of his radio. “Start medical. Rollover.”
The five people inside the SUV took off, the dashcam video shows.
Deputies hurried to help the people in the car. The sheriff’s department said the driver, a 25-year-old from Grand Rapids, was treated at the hospital and was expected to be released quickly.
Deputies called in dogs to track the suspects down. The search prompted Calvin University to temporarily lock down campus Thursday morning. The lockdown had been lifted as of 2 p.m.
One of the suspects was caught by a passing civilian and then turned over to police. Two others were later found by police; one had a loaded handgun, deputies said. The three people arrested were ages 14, 15 and 18.
Deputies did not release descriptions of the two remaining suspects.
The sheriff’s department said it has investigated 187 stolen car reports so far this year. That figure was 178 during the same period last year.
“We continue our attempt to curb these thefts and bring resolution to the many victims of these crimes,” the sheriff’s department wrote in a release. “Please help us out by keeping your cars locked and keys inside your home.”
Search Intensifies for Suspects Following Stolen SUV Incident
Kent County deputies are actively searching for two suspects who fled the scene after a stolen SUV was involved in a serious accident. According to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the crash that occurred early Thursday morning at the intersection of East Beltline and Burton. The stolen vehicle, reported missing from Ada Township around 6:30 a.m., was eventually found near Centerpoint about an hour later.
Details of the Crash and Subsequent Pursuit
The stolen SUV was initially spotted outside Planet Fitness before it sped off, eventually running a stoplight at Burton Street and colliding with another vehicle. The crash caused the second vehicle to overturn, injuring a 25-year-old man from Grand Rapids, who was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The collision also resulted in a broken utility pole, and dashcam footage of the incident has been released by the sheriff’s office.
Progress in the Investigation and Ongoing Search
After the crash, five suspects fled the scene, with one being captured by a civilian and handed over to authorities. Police managed to apprehend two more suspects, but two individuals remain at large. Among those arrested, three are teens—a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old, and an 18-year-old, with one suspect hospitalized. Deputies are continuing their efforts to locate the remaining fugitives. The KCSO has acknowledged the support from Michigan State Police and local departments in the investigation.
Rising Concerns Over Stolen Vehicles
This incident is part of a larger trend, with the KCSO noting an increase in stolen vehicle reports this year compared to the same period last year. So far, 187 stolen vehicle cases have been investigated in 2024, up from 178 cases at this time last year.
Kansas City Fire crews are on the search for an SUV in the Missouri River Thursday morning.
At 6 a.m. a passerby called in what they say was a gray-colored SUV slowly submerging into the river off Choteau Bridge, southbound.
Emergency crews have a drone up searching for signs of anything matching that description in the water. There is no word if anyone was in the vehicle but of course, crews are looking.
In addition to drones, authorities have a command set up at the Front Street ramp with search boats going into the water.
KCTV5 has multiple crews en route to the scene and will update on air and online as information becomes available.
The Kansas City Fire Department received a call at approximately 6 a.m. Thursday morning stating that an eyewitness saw a small grey SUV sinking in the Missouri River near the Choteau Bridge.
KCFD dispatched the rescue division with boats and drones.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the eyewitness who was waiting to be picked up by a tug boat for work. This individual said the SUV went under the water closer to the River Front Boat Ramp approximately 50 yards off the bank. The witness said that the vehicle did not have anyone in it.
At that point, KCFD suspended the river operation. KCFD transferred command to the Kansas City Police Department.
The Missouri Highway Patrol will send in a dive team today for further inspection.
Comparing the 2023 Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot Elite AWD
The 2023 Kia Telluride continues to impress with its blend of style and performance, priced at $54,120 as tested, including additional options like the gray paint and terra-cotta interior. Despite some criticisms, such as its less agile handling and reduced fuel efficiency compared to smaller rivals, it offers a luxurious feel and solid performance. The Telluride’s new X-Line and X-Pro trims enhance its rugged appeal, featuring updated looks, increased towing capacity, and a refreshed interior.
Driving Experience and Comfort
On the road, the Telluride excels in highway driving, offering a smooth ride over long distances, with its 3.8-liter V-6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and accelerating to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds. While it may feel less nimble on sharp curves, it handles country roads with ease and provides a comfortable, spacious interior for long journeys. The Telluride’s handling, coupled with its premium Harman Kardon audio system, makes for an enjoyable driving experience, though its cargo space and middle row seating are somewhat limited compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot.
Practicality and Features
The Telluride’s cargo space is competitive but falls short compared to the Pilot, offering 21 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, its towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds is a notable advantage. For those prioritizing a rich driving experience and advanced audio, the Telluride stands out, while the Honda Pilot may offer more in terms of passenger space and overall comfort.
What are the thirteen best SUV car brands you can buy today? A new report from U.S. News has Subaru near the bottom of the list. Check the ranking here.
How do the 2024 Subaru Outback, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and 2023 Subaru Forester rank with other car brands’ SUVs? A new report from U.S. News ranks the thirteen best SUV car brands you can buy today. Subaru was once regarded as one of the top all-wheel-drive brands in America, but U.S. News says not so anymore.
Subaru still holds the top spot with outdoor enthusiasts, but SUVs are now the vehicle of choice for families. It’s a competitive segment. Which manufacturers are the best with SUVs?
U.S. News ranked the top SUV brands according to the average score of each marque’s SUV roster. It’s all part of our annual Best Car Brands awards, highlighting the manufacturers that make the highest-quality vehicles across the various segments.
They say, “We determine quality using the same factors that drive our rankings, including safety scores and features, predicted reliability ratings, fuel economy ratings, and driving impressions of professional automotive journalists.”
The twelve best SUV brands, according to U.S. News
GMC: Overall Average Score 7.70/10
Jeep: Overall Average Score 7.70/10
Chevrolet: Overall Average Score 7.71/10
Subaru: Overall Average Score 7.74/10
Buick: Overall Average Score 7.77/10
Mini: Overall Average Score 7.80/10
Volkswagen: Overall Average Score 7.93/10
Dodge: Overall Average Score 8.0/10
Ford: Overall Average Score 8.0/10
Kia: Overall Average Score 8.26/10
Honda: Overall Average Score 8.30/10
Runner Up: Mazda: Overall Average Score 8.43/10
Winner: Hyundai: Overall Average Score 8.44/10
U.S. News has Subaru ranked tenth among the thirteen best SUV brands you can buy today. Subaru does score above Chevrolet, Jeep, and GMC.
What does U.S. News say about Subaru?
“Subaru’s top-rated crossover SUV is the compact Subaru Forester (8.2/10). Like all Subaru SUVs, it comes standard with all-wheel drive and a so-called “boxer” engine in which the cylinders are horizontally configured. Here it’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower. This model’s Wilderness trim can handle modest off-roading with 9.2 inches of clearance, all-terrain tires, and a skid plate.”
“The SUV line 2023 also includes the midsize three-row Subaru Ascent (7.9/10) and the subcompact Subaru Crosstrek (7.7/10). Lastly, there’s the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (7.7/10) and the all-electric Subaru Solterra (6.9).”
Is U.S. News out of touch with the brand?
Subaru’s top-rated crossover SUV is not the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV; it is now the 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV. The Outback is the top-selling all-wheel-drive SUV for Subaru of America. It’s now the most popular model with customers and new car shoppers.
Related Stories:
It’s Not Just The U.S., Subaru Outback Is A Hot Global Model
Affordability – The Average New Car Price Is Now $45,291, Subaru $35,888
Subaru Outback Ranks Among 10 Lowest Driver Deaths – Check Out The Highest
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is the hottest model in the all-wheel drive lineup. The rugged Outback Wilderness is a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts and those who live in rural areas.
What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru brand?
Who makes the best SUVs you can buy today? A recent ranking from Consumer Reports now has Subaru as the best mainstream (non-luxury) lineup of vehicles for 2023.
Related Story: Who Makes the Best Cars? Subaru Is Now The Top Mainstream Brand Winner
In the Consumer Reports annual report card, Subaru is number one of thirty-two car brands to claim the best mainstream brand title in 2023. Subaru scores ahead of its main rivals Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundais, and even luxury brand Lexus.
U.S. News has Subaru ranked tenth among the thirteen best SUV brands you can buy today. Subaru scores above three other car brands; Chevrolet, Jeep, and GMC.
You Might Also Like: Consumer Reports Gives 2 Reasons Why Subaru Solterra Is Not The Best EV
Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You’ll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Beyond the vast and cultured landscapes, dotted with tarmac, lies a world of untamed beauty waiting to be explored. For those seeking to embrace the wild and revel in nature’s virgin glory, there’s nothing quite like overnighting in a remote place.
However, a dearth of facilities leaves this pristine beauty to behold until you have a capable, entirely self-sufficient camping solution. Case in point, the Red Gecko TDX which is an immensely skilled teardrop trailer, designed to counter all perils to take you far and beyond the treaded pastures.
Designer: Red Gecko
If you’re ready for an adventure behind the curated line, pack your bags and hop onto your SUV: small or big doesn’t really matter. Tow after a Red Gecko TDX, and ride far and beyond to return – after days – fulfilled with nature’s bounty, leaving behind only imprints of tire treads in time.
The TDX is by virtue an optimized teardrop trailer designed especially for small SUVs. It allows adventurers to embark on off-road escapades with unmatched freedom and ease, owing to its compact size, sturdy build, and capable mechanics.
Measuring under 13 feet in length and weighing less than 1,000 pounds, rugged trailer can take on the elements and traverse rough terrains without a fuss. This is essentially made possible with the old-school trustworthiness of the strength and durability of birch plywood construction. Thanks to its robust steel chassis, Burquip rubber torsion axle, this trailer with 430 kg dry weight is a perfect companion for small vehicles enroute off the beaten path.
It’s not just the tough exterior that makes the Red Gecko TDX standout; it’s also the thoughtful interiors that make camping feel like home in this guy. The warm wood walls exude a rustic charm, while the bed surrounded with shelves provides convenient storage for all your gear and supplies. You can increase the trailer’s sleeping capacity for an additional couple with a roof-mounted tent.
To whip up a quick meal, the Red Gecko teardrop trailer has a functional tailgate kitchen. Complete with a full-width worktop and under-counter drawers, this functional galley ensures you have everything you need to satisfy your culinary cravings on the go. Since it’s a capable off-road home on wheels, the Red Gecko TDX comes fitted with a 100-Ah battery, roll-out awning, and USB charging ports, all for under $11,000.
