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2027 Lexus LS Gets Another Update, But Not in America

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Lexus keeps the LS alive in Japan for 2027 with suspension, comfort, and styling updates, while the flagship sedan has already been discontinued in the U.S.

The 2027 Lexus LS is still alive in Japan, even though Lexus has already ended the flagship sedan’s run in the United States and several other markets. The latest model receives a series of chassis and comfort improvements rather than a major redesign. Lexus has reinforced the center tunnel, front structure, and rear structure, while new damping elements are designed to reduce high-frequency vibrations.

The suspension and electric power steering have also been retuned. Lexus says the changes provide more natural steering and more linear responses. The goal is to reduce body roll and pitch while making the full-size sedan feel flatter and more stable through corners. The 2027 LS also gains a panoramic roof option across the lineup, a mesh wind deflector, revised rear badging, and additional interior trim and upholstery choices.

The 2027 Lexus LS remains available in Japan with a series of chassis, comfort, and styling updates.

The LS Is Now Japan-Only

For Japan, the 2027 LS is offered exclusively as the LS 500h. It uses a hybrid 3.5-liter V6 and is available with either two- or four-wheel drive. Customers can choose from F Sport, Version L, and Executive grades, with prices ranging from 14.14 million to 18.05 million yen.

The situation is very different in the U.S. Lexus turned the 2026 LS into a farewell model, offering only the LS 500 Heritage Edition. Production was limited to 250 units, and Lexus described it as a final-year tribute to the sedan that helped establish the brand in 1989.

The Lexus LS 500 Heritage Edition marked the end of the flagship sedan’s U.S. run.

Lexus Is Moving Beyond the Traditional LS

The LS is not the only aging Lexus sedan still around. The IS remains available in the U.S., including a new special edition for 2027, despite being more than a decade old. Lexus has not confirmed a direct replacement for the IS, either.

Meanwhile, the brand appears to be exploring a very different future for the LS name. Lexus has shown concepts including a large minivan and a coupe-like SUV as part of Toyota’s broader push to let the luxury brand move in new directions. The newer ES is therefore expected to take on a greater role as Lexus’s traditional sedan offering.

Lexus is exploring new body styles for the LS name as the ES increasingly takes over the brand’s traditional sedan role.

For the 2027 Lexus LS, Japan remains the exception as the flagship sedan continues to evolve. In the U.S., however, the LS has already reached the end of its long-running chapter. The latest updates show Lexus is not quite ready to retire the name everywhere, even as the luxury brand moves toward a very different future.

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2026 Toyota GR Supra MkV Final Edition in Detail 

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Dark gray 2026 Toyota GR Supra MkV Final Edition front three-quarter view with red mirror caps

Eight Carsfera test-drive photos show the matte finish, red accents, chassis details and six-speed manual of this $73,300 Supra.

The 2026 Toyota GR Supra MkV Final Edition in Carsfera’s test drive pairs dark matte paint with red mirror caps and a six-speed manual gearbox. This gallery takes a closer look at that car through eight photographs. Start with its low nose and side profile. Then examine the black wheels, red brake calipers and rear spoiler before moving inside to the gear lever. Toyota gives the U.S. model a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. Carsfera reported a total suggested retail price of $73,300 for the tested car. The photos help separate visible styling choices from the mechanical changes that define the Final Edition. For the full account of the week behind the wheel, follow the review link below.

Read the full Carsfera GR Supra MkV Final Edition test drive for the driving impressions.


What the Manual’s Fuel Figures Mean

Carsfera reports a 21-mpg combined rating for the manual test car. At that rate, a 300-mile trip would use about 14.3 gallons. Using the 26-mpg highway rating instead gives about 11.5 gallons for the same distance. The gap is roughly 2.7 gallons before rounding the individual figures. This is a simple planning comparison based on the published ratings, not fuel use measured during the test. Traffic, speed and road conditions will change the result. When estimating a trip budget, choose the rating that best matches your route. Then multiply the gallons by the fuel price you expect to pay.

Before You Choose Your Final Edition

Use the gallery to make a short inspection list. First, check the front lip, wheels and paint in person. Next, adjust the seat and test your reach to the clutch and gear lever. Bring the bags you normally carry and try them in the cargo area. Finally, match the car’s equipment to its window sticker. Keep the quoted vehicle price, dealer fees and taxes on separate lines so you can compare the full cost.

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2027 Honda HR-V: Which Trims Stay Under $30,000?

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The 2027 Honda HR-V starts below $30,000, but taxes and fees can quickly push your final price over budget.

Honda HR-V Sport 2026. Foto: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. / Honda Newsroom.

The LX and front-wheel-drive Sport stay below $30,000 before taxes, but destination charges leave very different amounts of room in your budget.

The 2027 Honda HR-V starts at $26,600 in the United States, but the more useful shopping figure is $28,150 including Honda’s currently listed $1,550 destination charge. At that price, the front-wheel-drive LX leaves $1,850 beneath a $30,000 ceiling. The front-wheel-drive Sport leaves just $50.

That small gap matters when comparing affordable SUVs. A vehicle advertised below $30,000 can exceed that amount before the buyer adds a single accessory. This guide separates the starting MSRP, delivery-inclusive price and the final amount a dealer would ask you to pay.

2027 Honda HR-V prices, including destination

Honda offers the U.S. HR-V in LX, Sport and EX-L trims, each with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The following totals combine the published trim MSRPs with the $1,550 destination charge shown on Honda’s current U.S. consumer page.

2027 HR-V configurationBase MSRPWith destinationBelow $30,000?
LX FWD$26,600$28,150Yes: $1,850 remaining
LX AWD$28,100$29,650Yes: $350 remaining
Sport FWD$28,400$29,950Yes: $50 remaining
Sport AWD$29,900$31,450No
EX-L FWD$30,450$32,000No
EX-L AWD$31,950$33,500No

2026 Honda HR-V Sport. Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. / Honda Newsroom.

LX or Sport: where does the extra money go?

Honda’s current equipment overview lists a 9-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility on the LX. Sport adds features including heated front seats, remote engine start and 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels. EX-L moves further upmarket with leather-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.

For a buyer deciding between the two lower trims, the important price step is $1,800 from LX FWD to Sport FWD. Choose the features you would actually use before treating that step as essential. A buyer who wants all-wheel drive can instead select LX AWD for $300 less than Sport FWD at the listed starting prices.

The Sport badge does not bring a stronger engine. Honda’s U.S. specifications list the same 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission across the lineup. This makes the LX-versus-Sport decision primarily about equipment and appearance, rather than an engine upgrade.

A 2026 HR-V cabin. Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. / Honda Newsroom.

Does AWD change the fuel-economy calculation?

The 2027 HR-V’s published EPA ratings are 26 mpg city, 32 highway and 28 combined with front-wheel drive. AWD versions are rated at 25 city, 30 highway and 27 combined. Actual results depend on driving and conditions.

AWD adds $1,500 to the MSRP of each trim. It also leaves the LX AWD only $350 below the headline budget before taxes or fees. If AWD is on your must-have list, compare that configuration directly with other AWD vehicles rather than using a rival’s least-expensive front-wheel-drive price.

Honda lists 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. Those figures provide a starting point, but bring your stroller, luggage or other regularly carried items to the dealer. A suitable price and drivetrain do not settle whether the vehicle fits your routine.

Where does it sit against the Toyota Corolla Cross?

Toyota’s October 2 U.S. announcement places the 2027 Corolla Cross L FWD at $25,535 before delivery, compared with $26,600 for the HR-V LX FWD. That is a $1,065 difference in base MSRP. It is not the final difference between dealer quotes, because delivery charges, equipment and other costs must also be included.

Toyota lists 169 horsepower for its gasoline Corolla Cross and offers both FWD and AWD. Its hybrid lineup begins at $31,415 before delivery, already beyond this article’s budget at MSRP. For the model’s lineup context, read Carsfera’s 2027 Toyota Corolla Cross coverage.

For shoppers comparing these two models near $30,000, the practical shortlist starts with the gasoline versions and exact equipment needs. Request equivalent quotes, sit in both vehicles and compare the space you will use. The figures here support a price comparison; they do not establish a ride-quality or reliability winner.

the 2026 HR-V touchscreen. Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. / Honda Newsroom.

Carsfera’s budget test: work backward from $30,000

A hard $30,000 out-the-door limit calls for a different shopping target from a $30,000 sticker-price limit. Start with the amount you can spend in total, then leave room for the taxes and fees that apply to your purchase.

Our illustrative calculation: assume a 6% tax on the negotiated vehicle price including destination, plus $300 in other charges added afterward. These are hypothetical inputs, not a statement of any state’s tax rules. Dividing ($30,000 minus $300) by 1.06 gives a vehicle-and-destination ceiling of approximately $28,018.87. Round down to a whole-dollar shopping target of $28,018 or lower to stay within the budget.

Under those assumptions, the LX FWD at its listed starting price would total $30,139. The Sport FWD would total $32,047. To meet that whole-dollar target, the LX would need at least $132 off, while the Sport would need at least $1,932 off, with no additional equipment or charges. These are calculated negotiating targets, not advertised discounts or predictions that a dealer will accept them.

Request an itemized out-the-door quote for an identified vehicle before discussing the monthly payment. Keep trade-in value, down payment and financing terms separate so they do not conceal the vehicle’s actual price. For a strict budget, the LX FWD gives you the most room; the Sport’s $50 cushion is a reason to check the final quote carefully.

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Hybrid vs. Plug-In Hybrid: Which Saves U.S. Drivers More?

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Access to charging, electricity rates, and daily mileage will determine whether a plug-in hybrid vehicle can offer greater savings than a conventional hybrid.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ is one U.S.-market example of a plug-in hybrid SUV. Photo: © Carsfera.com / Carsfera Media.

A charging spot, your daily mileage and your electricity rate can matter more than the badge. Here is how to compare the two before buying.

A plug-in hybrid can reduce gasoline use on your commute, but that does not automatically make it cheaper to own than a conventional hybrid. For U.S. shoppers, the useful comparison starts with three questions: Where will you charge, how many miles will you drive between charges, and how much extra will the vehicle cost?

If reliable charging is unavailable, start your search with a conventional hybrid. If you can plug in regularly, a plug-in hybrid deserves a closer look. The calculation below shows why the electricity rate can change the answer even when the vehicles and mileage stay the same.

What is the difference between a hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid?

A conventional hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery. It is refueled at a gas station but is not plugged into a charger. The battery is recharged by the engine itself and through a regenerative braking system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s guide on hybrid vehicles, regenerative braking recovers some of the energy that would otherwise be lost when the vehicle slows down.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle adds the capability to be charged via an external electricity source and typically features a larger-capacity battery. This type of vehicle can travel a significant distance using only electric power, while still retaining a gasoline engine. Depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, the gasoline engine may engage during hard acceleration or when the climate control system requires more power. Therefore, the stated electric range does not guarantee that the gasoline engine will remain off throughout every trip.

The TX 550h+ illustrates the PHEV formula: a gasoline engine works alongside electric propulsion. Photo: © Carsfera.com / Carsfera Media.

Check your parking spot before the electric range

Map out a normal week, including school runs, errands and weekend driving. Then identify where charging would actually happen. A charger near your office is useful only if you can access it when needed, stay long enough and accept its price.

Home charging can use 120-volt Level 1 or 240-volt Level 2 equipment, depending on the vehicle and installation. The DOE’s consumer guidance recommends checking compatibility and considering daily driving needs. Before budgeting for an installation, confirm the vehicle’s requirements and obtain a quote for your property.

The U.S.-market 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provides a concrete example. Lexus lists a manufacturer-estimated 33-mile electric range and approximately three hours for a full charge using its maximum 240-volt charging current under ideal conditions. Those figures come from Lexus’s U.S. specifications; they are not charging times for every PHEV.

A 25-mile daily route fits inside that published range on paper. A 70-mile day does not. That distinction helps frame a purchase, but actual electric miles still depend on conditions and vehicle operation. For the cabin and driving experience of this specific SUV, see Carsfera’s 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ review.

Use the vehicle’s range information alongside your actual daily route when planning charging. Photo: © Carsfera.com / Carsfera Media.

Compare cost per mile, not MPG versus MPGe

The EPA’s labeling guide for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) distinguishes between MPGe and MPG (miles per gallon) when operating in gasoline mode. A high MPGe figure does not represent the number of miles a vehicle can travel on a gallon of gasoline once its usable electric range has been exhausted.

Let’s assume an annual driving distance of 12,000 miles, a gasoline price of $4 per gallon, a conventional hybrid vehicle with a fuel economy of 40 MPG, and a PHEV with a fuel economy of 35 MPG when running on gasoline. Let’s also assume that the PHEV travels 8,000 miles in electric mode (consuming 35 kWh per 100 miles) and the remaining 4,000 miles using gasoline.

Annual energy costHybridPHEV at $0.16/kWhPHEV at $0.40/kWh
Gasoline$1,200$457$457
Electricity$0$448$1,120
Total$1,200$905$1,577
PHEV difference versus hybridBaseline$295 less$377 more


Through this calculation, a hybrid vehicle consumes 300 gallons per year. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) consumes approximately 114.3 gallons, in addition to 2,800 kWh. A simple change in the electricity rate can flip the outcome regarding energy costs. Under these specific parameters, annual energy costs become equal at a price of approximately 26.5 cents per kWh, excluding any additional charging-related fees.

Now, let’s consider the purchase price. If a PHEV and its charging system entail an additional cost of $3,000, then (assuming a lower electricity rate) it would take about 10 years to recover that difference through energy savings alone.

Evaluate the vehicle as a whole before paying a premium.

Request written price quotes for the specific vehicles you intend to purchase. Ensure that the equipment, seating configuration, and powertrain are as similar as possible; otherwise, part of the price difference might be due to luxury features rather than the plug-in capability. Furthermore, be sure to include any installation costs for the charging system in your analysis of the PHEV.

Also check the gasoline-mode rating for longer trips. The miles you drive after the initial electric range still contribute to the annual bill. A household with frequent long journeys should model those journeys separately from a short weekday commute.

Passenger and cargo requirements belong in the comparison alongside energy costs. Photo: © Carsfera.com / Carsfera Media.

Set your maximum price premium

Before visiting a dealership, work out how much extra you can justify paying for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Start with the energy savings you expect during your ownership.

For example, with a lower electricity rate, a PHEV could save about $295 a year. That adds up to $1,475 over five years. If the vehicle’s extra purchase price and charging setup total $3,000, energy savings would leave $1,525 unrecovered.

This calculation assumes that mileage, efficiency, and energy prices stay the same. It also excludes financing, resale value, and other ownership costs. Based on energy savings alone, the maximum premium would be $1,475 over five years. You may choose to pay more for certain features or electric-only driving, but those savings would not cover the difference.

To build a realistic estimate, track your driving for seven days. Record your daily mileage, where you park, and when you could charge. Then use that information to estimate your annual electric-only mileage. Allow for vacations and longer trips, too.

Next, multiply your estimated annual energy savings by the number of years you plan to keep the vehicle. Compare the total with the PHEV’s extra purchase price, including charging installation costs.

A conventional hybrid may be more practical if you cannot charge regularly. Consider a PHEV if charging fits your routine and its price matches your calculations. If you expect no energy savings, those savings cannot justify paying a premium. Use that figure to guide your negotiations.

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