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So, how much truck does $20k get you? That’s a question we were preparing to answer when the Maverick rolled up in front of our home. The boxy pickup, with rectangular grille, looked unassuming, reminiscent of the F-150, from back in the 90s, but don’t let this deceive you. 

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As we soon discovered with the review unit, the Maverick comes packed with loads of clever and useful features, with a versatile interior that we’re excited to surprise you with in this review. 

Keeping Things Honest 

The Maverick isn’t as visually impressive as Hyundai’s Santa Cruz, but it keeps things honest. The unibody architecture and its minimalistic approach make it perfect for light-duty use and ideal for drivers who have never owned a pickup. 

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Many first-time truckers will appreciate the Flexed, which can handle up to 1500 pounds. In addition, the Maverick comes with a low ride height, which, when coupled with the short sidewalls, makes it easier to grab stuff off the truck. 

You can also lock the tailgate midway, allowing you to slide 4×8 sheets of material over the wheel wells. In addition, there are tie-down points and D-rings that make cargo easier and faster to secure. The sidewalls also have threaded holes that allow you to easily mount accessories, with various storage nooks and pockets stamped into the Sheet metal. 

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Similar to more expensive and larger Ford trucks, you can even get one with a 110-volt power outlet built into the bed. 

Innovative Cabin 

The Maverick offers an innovative cabin. The door panels can accommodate your standard 1-liter bottle, a feature that everyone needs but few trucks unfortunately have. Similarly, swing over on the back, and there are plenty of cubbies, and you can also lift the rear cushion to take advantage of the extra storage bins underneath it. 

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While the cabin feels nice and comfortable, it is a no-frills affair. Surprisingly despite the lack of embellishments, the vehicle feels rich and pleasant. 

Maverick won’t make its owners run up the bill for a good user experience, offering options for both built-in and brought-in technology. Its standard 8-inch center touch screen features Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® compatibility so customers can have the experience they’re used to with their phones. Maverick has standard FordPassâ„¢ Connect with embedded modem and Wi-Fi for up to 10 devicesÆ—Æ—Æ—, while standard FordPassâ„¢ makes it easy to find the truck, check fuel level, lock and unlock the doors, and start or turn off the vehicle – all from your phone.

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The interior design is stylish and spacious, with thoughtful features and the versatility for city driving or escaping the urban life. Surprisingly roomy, there’s excellent leg and headroom, shoulder and hip width, and a comfortable seating position for both rows.

Apart from the armrests, almost everything inside the Maverick is made from plastic. However, the use of high-quality plastic with interesting textures feels anything but cheap. 

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Personally, we’d recommend you pay a little more for the XL, mainly because it comes with slightly nicer two-tone fabric. Though the standard front bucket seats feel nice and supportive, which means you can drive all day without breaking your back. 

Driving Experience 

Driving the Maverick feels great. The Maverick is a compact truck with a unibody design and the first pickup in America with a standard full-hybrid powertrain – providing better projected city fuel economy than a Honda Civic. Its 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid powertrain delivers 191 horsepower when combined with the electric motor, and 155 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels. It features an in-house-designed and manufactured electric traction motor, which is light and powerful. Along with its targeted EPA-estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg city and 500 miles of range on a single tank of gas, it offers standard payload of 1,500 pounds and the volume to carry a standard ATV, plus it has the capability to tow 2,000 pounds – enough for a pair of personal watercraft or a good-sized pop-up camper trailer.

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Those who want more capability can upgrade to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost® gas engine delivering 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Equipped with the optional 4K Tow Package, conventional towing doubles to 4,000 pounds – enough for an average 21-foot boat.

“One thing that’s non-negotiable is that Maverick is Built Ford Tough,” said Chris Mazur, a third-generation Ford employee who led development of the all-new pickup as chief engineer. “Our engineers were unrelenting, putting it through a battery of vicious on-road, off-road, environmental and simulated customer use testing until we were satisfied. Ford trucks are Ford trucks – through and through.”

A man working on his laptop and writing in a notebook at a desk.

Final Word 

The Maverick is one of the best, if not the best, trucks you can buy within the $20k price range. While its no-frills approach may not be for everyone, it is certainly for most people! 

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Subaru’s New Uncharted GT Could Be The Brand’s Most Interesting Small EV Yet

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Subaru’s electric lineup in the United States is starting to take a much more serious shape, and the new Uncharted GT may be the clearest sign of that yet. Positioned as a smaller and sportier electric crossover than the Solterra, the Uncharted arrives with a more compact footprint, bold fastback styling and enough performance to immediately become one of the quickest mainstream Subarus on sale. That alone makes it a significant addition for the brand, but the bigger story is what it represents: Subaru is finally trying to make one of its EVs feel genuinely exciting, not just practical.

That is why the Uncharted GT matters right now. This is not just another electric crossover entering an already crowded segment. It is Subaru attempting to build a more youthful, more dynamic EV for the American market — one that still leans on the brand’s rugged image, but packages it in a shape and performance envelope that feels much more modern.

The new Subaru Uncharted GT gives the brand a smaller, quicker and more aggressive electric crossover for the U.S. market.

Subaru Is Finally Adding A Smaller EV With Real Performance Credentials

The Uncharted slots below the Solterra in Subaru’s electric lineup, but it is not being pitched as a stripped-down entry model. Instead, Subaru is using it to target buyers who want a compact EV with stronger performance and a more expressive design than the average small crossover.

The headline numbers explain why the GT version is the one that immediately grabs attention. While the base Uncharted Premium uses a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup, the upper trims move to a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration with up to 338 horsepower, giving the crossover performance that puts it in a very different conversation from the typical affordable EV. Subaru says the Uncharted can deliver more than 300 miles of range in certain versions, while still offering the brand’s familiar all-weather confidence in AWD form.

For Subaru, that combination matters. It means the Uncharted is not just a compliance-style EV or a softer urban runabout. It is a compact electric crossover that tries to bring together range, speed and Subaru-style versatility in a much more compelling way than some of the brand’s earlier electrification efforts.

The GT Version Is The One That Changes The Conversation

The GT is where the Uncharted becomes more than just another small EV.

Subaru is clearly positioning this trim as the halo version of the lineup, pairing the stronger dual-motor powertrain with a more upscale feature set and a sharper visual attitude. That matters because the GT gives Subaru something it has not really had in the EV space so far: a model that can be sold on emotion as much as practicality.

With up to 338 horsepower in dual-motor form, the Uncharted GT is shaping up to be one of Subaru’s quickest mainstream EVs.

And that emotional angle is important. The EV market in the U.S. is now full of competent crossovers, but not all of them feel memorable. Subaru seems to understand that if the Uncharted is going to stand out, it has to offer more than decent range and a reasonable price. It has to look different, feel quicker and bring a stronger personality to the table.

A Smaller Subaru EV That Still Wants To Feel Like A Subaru

The challenge for the Uncharted is obvious: it has to expand Subaru’s EV lineup without losing too much of the identity buyers expect from the brand.

That is why Subaru is leaning so heavily into the crossover’s all-weather and adventure-ready positioning, even if the Uncharted is clearly more road-focused than something like a Wilderness-badged SUV. Available all-wheel drive, X-MODE, added ground clearance and a more upright crossover stance all help reinforce that familiar Subaru promise of confidence in poor weather and on rougher surfaces. At the same time, the fastback roofline and more compact proportions give the Uncharted a very different personality from the brand’s boxier family vehicles.

In other words, Subaru is trying to thread a difficult needle here. It wants the Uncharted to feel fresh enough to pull in EV shoppers who might never have considered the brand before, while still making sure loyal Subaru buyers recognize enough of the formula to take it seriously.

The Uncharted Could Be A Much Bigger Deal Than It Looks At First

What makes the Uncharted especially interesting is that it may end up doing more for Subaru’s EV strategy than the Solterra ever could.

The Solterra helped Subaru get into the electric game, but the Uncharted feels closer to the kind of product that could actually expand the brand’s reach. It is smaller, more urban-friendly, more visually distinctive and potentially more accessible to buyers who want an EV that does not feel oversized or overly anonymous. The GT, in particular, gives the lineup a version with enough punch to inject some excitement into the conversation.

The Uncharted’s cabin brings a more modern EV-focused layout to Subaru’s lineup while keeping the crossover practical enough for everyday use.

That is why this launch matters beyond a single trim. Subaru is not just adding another crossover. It is trying to build a better bridge between its traditional SUV audience and a newer group of EV buyers who want style, speed and daily usability in one compact package.

Subaru May Have Found Its Most Promising EV Formula Yet

The Uncharted GT still has to prove itself in a fiercely competitive market, but on paper it already looks like one of Subaru’s most interesting electric products in years.

It gives the brand a smaller EV with real range, legitimate power, available all-wheel drive and a more distinctive shape than the usual electric crossover formula. More importantly, it gives Subaru a product that feels like it was designed to generate actual enthusiasm rather than simply fill a gap in the lineup.

The Uncharted GT could end up becoming one of the most important EVs Subaru has launched in the U.S. market.

If Subaru gets the pricing, positioning and marketing right, the Uncharted GT could become a much bigger story than a simple new trim level. It could be the model that finally gives the brand an EV with enough character to matter beyond its existing customer base.

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Lamborghini prepares multiple launches for 2026 as electrification plans continue

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Following a record-breaking year for revenue and deliveries, Lamborghini is set to introduce new models in 2026 while continuing work on its first fully electric vehicle.

Lamborghini is heading into 2026 with strong momentum after posting the best financial results in its history. The Italian automaker generated €3.2 billion in revenue and delivered a record 10,747 vehicles in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the most successful luxury performance brands in the world.

With demand remaining strong across key markets such as the United States, Lamborghini is now preparing a series of new product launches that will further expand its lineup and strengthen its global presence.

Lamborghini recorded its best year ever in 2025, delivering more than 10,700 vehicles worldwide.

New Lamborghini models are coming this year

The company has confirmed that several new products will debut during 2026, including unveilings at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and Monterey Car Week in California during August.

While Lamborghini has not disclosed exactly which vehicles will be revealed, the new additions are expected to be derivatives of existing models rather than entirely new nameplates.

One of the strongest possibilities is a new version of the Revuelto. Since the V12 flagship entered production nearly three years ago, many enthusiasts have been waiting for a roadster variant to join the lineup.

At the same time, Lamborghini could introduce a more performance-focused version of the Urus SE, further expanding the appeal of its best-selling SUV.

New Lamborghini models are expected to debut at Goodwood and Monterey Car Week during 2026.

The future remains electrified

Although Lamborghini has postponed some of its original electric vehicle plans, the company insists that a fully electric model remains part of its long-term strategy.

The Lanzador EV project has evolved into a future plug-in hybrid model, while the next-generation Urus is now expected to arrive later in the decade with a hybrid powertrain instead of a fully electric setup.

In the meantime, Lamborghini continues to focus on hybrid technology across its lineup. The Revuelto, Temerario and Urus SE already represent the brand’s transition toward electrification without sacrificing the performance characteristics that define Lamborghini vehicles.

Executives have also confirmed that a fourth hybrid model is in development, highlighting the company’s commitment to balancing sustainability with high-performance engineering.

Lamborghini remains committed to launching its first fully electric vehicle later this decade.

Strong demand in the United States

The United States continues to be one of Lamborghini’s most important markets and will play a major role in the success of the company’s upcoming launches.

Events such as Monterey Car Week provide the perfect stage for Lamborghini to showcase new products to one of the world’s largest concentrations of luxury and exotic car buyers.

As the brand enters another year of growth, 2026 is shaping up to be one of Lamborghini’s busiest product years in recent memory, with new variants, expanded hybrid technology and the promise of an electric future still on the horizon.

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2026 Subaru Outback Touring

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Some vehicles are designed to impress during a test drive. Others earn their reputation after years of ownership.The Subaru Outback has long belonged in the second category.

For decades, it has attracted buyers who value reliability, practicality, and all-weather confidence over flashy styling or trendy marketing. While many manufacturers continue to blur the line between SUVs and crossovers, the Outback has quietly stayed true to its original mission: providing a versatile vehicle that can handle everyday life just as easily as weekend adventures.

After taking a closer look at the 2026 Subaru Outback Touring, it’s easy to understand why so many owners remain loyal to the nameplate year after year.

A Design That Prioritizes Function

The Outback has never been a vehicle that relies on dramatic styling to grab attention, and that’s part of its appeal.

Rather than chasing automotive fashion trends, Subaru has focused on creating a vehicle that looks purposeful. The wagon-inspired profile continues to offer practical advantages, including easier cargo loading and a lower center of gravity than many traditional SUVs.

Finished in Sapphire Blue Pearl, the Touring trim adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining the rugged character buyers expect from an Outback. It looks equally at home in a suburban driveway, a mountain town parking lot, or at a campsite miles from pavement.

There’s an honesty to the design that many competitors lack.

It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not.

Confidence Comes Standard

One of the biggest reasons people shop for an Outback is confidence in all types of weather and road conditions.

That confidence starts with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which remains standard equipment across the lineup.

Unlike some competitors that reserve all-wheel drive for higher trims or optional packages, Subaru includes it as part of the Outback’s core identity. Whether facing heavy rain, snowy highways, gravel roads, or muddy trails, the vehicle feels prepared for conditions that might make other crossovers hesitate.

Power comes from Subaru’s well-established 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine paired with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. While the powertrain isn’t designed to deliver sports-car acceleration, it provides smooth and predictable performance that suits the Outback’s mission.

What matters most is the confidence it inspires during everyday driving.

The Outback feels stable, composed, and reassuring, qualities that become increasingly important during long-distance travel or difficult weather conditions.

Another advantage is ground clearance.

With 8.7 inches between the vehicle and the ground, the Outback offers more off-pavement capability than many compact and midsize SUVs. For drivers who regularly encounter dirt roads, trailheads, snow-covered routes, or rough campsites, that extra clearance can make a meaningful difference.

One of the Most Comfortable Interiors in Its Class

The Touring trim represents the most refined version of the Outback, and the cabin reflects that.

Subaru has focused on comfort rather than unnecessary extravagance, creating an interior that feels welcoming and practical while still delivering a premium experience.

Nappa leather upholstery immediately elevates the cabin, while heated and ventilated front seats help maintain comfort throughout changing seasons. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel further enhance the experience for passengers.

What stands out most, however, is the overall seat comfort.

Long-distance travelers know that supportive seating matters more than flashy design details, and the Outback excels in this area. The seats provide excellent support for extended drives, making the vehicle particularly appealing to road-trip enthusiasts and families who spend significant time behind the wheel.

It’s the kind of comfort you appreciate more after four hours on the highway than during five minutes in a dealership showroom.

Technology That Enhances Daily Driving

Modern buyers expect advanced technology, and the Touring trim delivers a comprehensive package.

The centerpiece of the cabin is Subaru’s large 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Together, they create a modern and easy-to-use driving environment.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, eliminating the need for cables during daily commutes. Wireless charging adds additional convenience, while the Harman Kardon premium audio system provides excellent sound quality for music, podcasts, and long road trips.

The technology feels integrated into the driving experience rather than overwhelming it.

That’s an increasingly rare quality in today’s market.

Safety Remains a Core Strength

Safety has always been one of Subaru’s strongest selling points, and the 2026 Outback Touring continues that tradition.

The latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes a wide range of active safety and driver-assistance systems designed to reduce stress and improve awareness on the road.

Features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Driver Monitoring Technology all work together to create a comprehensive safety package.

For families, commuters, and long-distance travelers, these systems provide an additional layer of confidence without feeling intrusive.

It’s one of the most complete collections of standard safety technology available in the segment.

Fuel Economy That Makes Sense

Practicality remains one of the Outback’s defining characteristics, and fuel efficiency is part of that equation.

EPA estimates rate the 2026 Outback Touring at 25 mpg in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.

Those numbers are particularly impressive considering the vehicle’s standard all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance.

For buyers who regularly commute during the week but also enjoy road trips and outdoor adventures, the Outback strikes an effective balance between capability and efficiency.

Ownership costs remain reasonable, which is one reason the Outback continues to appeal to long-term owners.

Is the Touring Trim Worth It?

With an MSRP of $46,845 including destination charges, the Touring trim sits near the top of the Outback lineup.

That price places it in direct competition with many well-equipped crossovers and entry-level luxury SUVs.

The difference is that the Outback delivers its value in a unique way.

Rather than focusing on prestige or performance, Subaru invests in comfort, safety, capability, and practicality. Buyers receive virtually every premium feature available in the Outback range while retaining the versatility that has made the model successful for decades.

For drivers who plan to keep their vehicle for years and use it regularly for travel, family transportation, and outdoor recreation, the Touring trim makes a compelling case.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Subaru Outback Touring isn’t trying to be the fastest vehicle in its class.

It’s not trying to be the flashiest, either.

Instead, it focuses on doing countless everyday tasks exceptionally well.

It offers the comfort needed for long road trips, the capability required for changing weather and rough roads, the safety technology families want, and the practicality that active lifestyles demand.

In a market filled with vehicles that often prioritize style over substance, the Outback continues to succeed because it understands what many buyers actually need.

That’s why it remains one of the most trusted and respected vehicles in its category.

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