The wave of electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily cresting, promising more sustainable transportation. While many are quickly hopping on this eco-friendly bandwagon, some of us tread a bit more cautiously…

Understanding EV Battery Life: A Cautious Approach

The wave of electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily cresting, promising more sustainable transportation. While many are quickly hopping on this eco-friendly bandwagon, some of us tread a bit more cautiously with emerging technologies. The battery, often dubbed the heart of an EV, is a focal point of curiosity and sometimes concern. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of EV batteries to ensure we’re genuinely harnessing their potential.

EV Battery on a Car frame

One term frequently mentioned in EV circles is Depth of Discharge (DOD). DOD measures how much of a battery’s stored energy has been used. For example, if your battery’s capacity is 100 kWh and you’ve used 50 kWh, then the DOD is 50%. While this might sound technical, understanding DOD is straightforward. Using the battery frequently but not depleting it too much (i.e., maintaining a low DOD) extends its lifespan. With this knowledge in hand, it’s also good to note that storing your vehicle’s battery at a low charge state, around 30%, can be advantageous during the sun-drenched days of summer. This combats the degrading effects of high temperatures on Li-ion cells.

Diving deeper into battery types, your EV’s specific kind of lithium battery can influence its care routine. Batteries using single crystal positive electrode materials with moderate Nickel (Ni) content are resilient. With these, microcracking in the positive electrode isn’t a concern, and they’re well-suited for vehicle-to-grid applications. Conversely, for those EVs equipped with Ni-rich batteries, boasting more than 70% Ni in Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), it’s a good practice to charge them only up to 75% of their total capacity daily. This safeguards against significant volume changes that can degrade battery life over the years. Additionally, it curtails issues like microcracking and the unwanted release of oxygen from the positive electrode material. If you are going on a long trip or require the total capacity every day, charging 100% is acceptable.

No doubt, driving an EV requires more planning than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. EV charging facilities are not as common as gas stations. But most Canadians drive well under 100 kilometres per day. Even in the dead of winter, most EVs available for sale in Canada will support most commuters.

Here are some handy links that will help you locate charging stations:

https://www.tesla.com/findus

https://www.plugshare.com/

https://abetterrouteplanner.com/

In conclusion, the EV landscape is both thrilling and intricate. For those still navigating its nuances, it’s heartening to know that we can confidently care for our EVs by understanding elements like the Depth of Discharge and the makeup of our batteries. The lifetime of these batteries, combined with low expenses and less frequent repairs, gives us hope that this can make life easier and more sustainable. And for residents of cooler climates, a silver lining: cold temperatures can indeed prolong your battery’s life. As we embark on this electric journey, it’s with a blend of excitement and informed prudence.

Driving an EV will result in a significant reduction in your annual carbon emissions and your transportation budget.

Watch for an article discussing the future uses of EV batteries that are no longer used in vehicles. Spoiler alert: They are not going to a landfill.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has arrived, ready to captivate Canadian drivers with its ruggedly athletic design, advanced technology, and exceptional capabilities. I’m excited to share valuable insights…

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Showcase

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has arrived, ready to captivate Canadian drivers with its ruggedly athletic design, advanced technology, and exceptional capabilities. I’m excited to share valuable insights about this remarkable vehicle. This article delves into the key specifications, innovative features, and unique experiences the 2024 Crosstrek offers in the Canadian marketplace.

Rugged Design for Adventurous Souls:

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek embraces its adventurous spirit with a more ruggedly athletic exterior design. Its robust silhouette, bold front grille, and LED steering-responsive headlights (SRH) with High-Beam Assist (HBA) command attention on the road. Whether navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails, the Crosstrek’s stylish design reflects its capability and versatility.

Unmatched Capability for Every Terrain:

Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is at the heart of the 2024 Crosstrek’s exceptional performance. It ensures optimal traction, stability, and control in various weather and road conditions, allowing you to confidently tackle Canadian landscapes. The standard X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control enhances capability further, enabling controlled descents on steep terrains. With SI-DRIVE®, you can personalize your driving experience, whether you seek efficiency or a spirited ride.

Advanced Technology for Connected Journeys:

Step inside the 2024 Crosstrek, and you’ll find a cabin designed for comfort and connectivity. The dual 7-inch touch-screens infotainment system takes center stage, featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ functionality. Seamlessly integrate your smartphone to access navigation, music, and favorite apps. With the available SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and Travel Link® subscription, you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment and real-time information to enhance your driving experience.

Safety Features that Inspire Confidence:

Subaru’s commitment to safety shines in the 2024 Crosstrek, equipped with advanced technologies to protect you and your loved ones. The EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, featuring a wide-angle mono-camera and Lane Centring Assist, acts as a vigilant co-pilot, assisting in recognizing and avoiding potential hazards. Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Lane Keep Assist are just a few of the features that contribute to a safer driving experience, fostering peace of mind on every journey.

Conclusion:

As you embark on your automotive journey, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek stands ready to exceed your expectations. Its rugged design, unmatched capability, advanced technology, and unwavering commitment to safety make it a standout option in the Canadian marketplace. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a city dweller seeking versatility, or a parent looking to provide your adult child with a reliable vehicle, the Crosstrek delivers in every aspect. Visit your local Subaru dealership to experience the 2024 Crosstrek firsthand and discover the freedom and confidence it offers on the road.

Access the Crosstrek MSRP & Invoice Price here

Learn about factory Incentives, Lease Rates and Finance Rates here

Looking for detailed info about the Vehicle Specifications? Get them here

Find out about all of the new features here 

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, based in Chichester, West Sussex, has become the U.K.’s must-go annual event for everything automotive. This year’s weekend extravaganza, held from June 23-26, provided…

Porsche shows off new 963 LMDh-spec race car at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Porsche gives us another reason to tune into Le Mans and Daytona next year.
The new Porsche 963 LMDh-spec race car looks incredible, but alas it won’t be available for the street.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, based in Chichester, West Sussex, has become the U.K.’s must-go annual event for everything automotive. This year’s weekend extravaganza, held from June 23-26, provided the perfect opportunity for Porsche to release its sensational new LMDh class race car as well.

The new LMDh class, which was co-created by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) in the U.S., Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in France, and the Paris-based motorsports regulating and sanctioning body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), will hit the track next year as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (U.S.) and the FIA World Endurance Championship (Europe), with Porsche’s new 963 joining LMDh competitors from Acura, Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, and Lamborghini.

963 project an international affair thanks to American and Canadian ties

Hows this for long, lean and low.
The long, low and lean 963 shows how much aerodynamics matter in the LMDh sports car class.

The new 963 will be fielded by Mooresville, N.C.’s Penske Motorsport, one of the best-known names in motorsport. Porsche and Penske previously partnered up from 2005 to 2008, driving the Stuttgart-brand’s RS Spyder in bright yellow DHL colours as part of the LMP2 sports car class. This time, however, the 963 will wear Porsche Motorsport’s traditional red, white, and black livery.

The new 963’s chassis comes from Multimatic in Markham, Ontario, Canada, while the power unit destined to hit top speeds on Le Mans’ Mulsanne Straight or around turn 12 and past the finish line of the Daytona International Speedway will be 100-percent pure Porsche, making the new 963 an international project.

That hybrid power unit is an in-house-produced electrified V8, boasting a lineage that goes back to Porsche’s 918 Spyder hybrid supercar, which itself is based on the aforementioned RS Spyder. The 918 saw the internal combustion (ICE) portion of its power unit grow from 3.4 litres (in the RS) to 4.6 litres, which is exactly the same displacement as found in the new 963, although the updated V8 ups the performance ante with twin turbos instead of the street car’s natural aspiration. The end result is 670 horsepower, which makes it slightly less potent than the maximum allowed output in the new LMDh class.

Strong lineup of Porsche works drivers to target victories and championship

Check out this rear shot of the new Porsche 963 LMDh-spec race car.
The rear end of the new Porsche 963 LMDh-spec race car is all about minimizing drag while maximizing downforce.

Development driver Frédéric Makowiecki has already driven the 963 some 8,000 test kilometres (4,900 miles), and now Penske Motorsport utilize a team of eight Porsche works drivers for sim and track testing, which will include Dane Cameron, Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen, Kévin Estre, Mathieu Jaminet, André Lotterer, Felipe Nasr, and Laurens Vanthoor. After testing is complete, Team Penske will see how it holds up in a non-competitive outing at the 8 Hours of Bahrain in November, thanks to the FIA allowing 2023 entries to run non-ranked races at 2022 events.

The Bahrain race will no doubt be critical for real world testing purposes and important for team building too, but Team Penske will need to wait until January 21 to 23 at the 24 Hours of Daytona for the 963’s first opportunity to achieve points, at which time Porsche has also promised to offer 963 customer cars.

To clarify, the customers in question are independent racing teams capable of competing in the same FIA-sanctioned events, not Porsche enthusiasts hoping for a modified 963 road car.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

Alfa Romeo will bring the all-new Tonale subcompact luxury crossover SUV to market later this year, providing a much more affordable entry-level gateway for the premium Italian brand. The Tonale looks…

New 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale promises to spice up subcompact luxury SUV market

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) showing its high-speed stuff on the test track.
Available early next year, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, shown here in European-spec Veloce trim, will add some serious performance spice to the Canadian market.

Alfa Romeo will bring the all-new Tonale subcompact luxury crossover SUV to market later this year, providing a much more affordable entry-level gateway for the premium Italian brand.

The Tonale looks like a modernized version of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, albeit shrunken down to fit its more economical subcompact luxury crossover role. It builds on the Stelvio’s sleek lines with sharper cut LED headlamp clusters, a similarly shaped version of Alfa’s trademark deep “V” grille at centre, an aggressive yet clean lower front fascia, plenty of muscular bulges across the hood and fenders, protruding side skirts, and bright tri-element LED taillights at back, with a de rigueur centre light strip stretching across the middle.

Traditional Alfa Romeo styling helps tie glorious past to practical present

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) looks good at highway speeds.
The new Tonale should appeal to those looking for higher-end luxury and performance in the lower-end subcompact luxury SUV segment.

It gets a tidy little rooftop spoiler up above and blackened diffuser-style lower rear bumper too, not to mention a sexy set of classic circular cut-out Alfa Romeo rims shod in low-profile performance rubber to each side, these likely designed for a top-line trim, thus few onlookers will be turned off by its overall styling.

No doubt, if the Tonale is anything like the Stelvio, the smaller SUV’s interior will be made from top-notch materials, with its infotainment system a high-grade bit of kit too, whereas the dash and front seats certainly look well-designed, so it appears to be a recipe for success, right? Not so fast, amico.

Alfa promises the subcompact luxury crossover category’s best performance

The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) parked indoors.
The Tonale’s rear design is sharp, attractive and modern, while its wheels are classic Alfa Romeo.

Before delving into a business case for a new model like the Tonale, its performance might cause some to quite literally stir in their seats. Two power units were introduced at the SUV’s debut, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as part of the Tonale Q4 AWD, which puts a best-in-class 256 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque down to pavement through a state-of-the-art nine-speed automatic transmission actuated by optional fixed aluminum shift paddles (fixed paddles are optimal for performance driving), plus it features fuel-saving engine stop-start technology that helps meet super-ultra-low-emissions 30 (SULEV 30) standards.

Secondly, the Tonale PHEV Q4 AWD incorporates a much smaller 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission with a plug-in hybrid drive system featuring a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 90-kW e-motor, resulting in another best-in-class horsepower rating of 272, not to mention a pure-electric range of more than 48 kilometres.

The Tonale will provide the subcompact class’ best handling bar none

Check out the LED taillights on the new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec).
The new Tonale’s wide stance goes a long way to aiding its best-in-class handling, although its what’s underneath that shines.

Alfa Romeo optimizes the driving experience for both power units with their D.N.A. drive mode system that provides the options of “Dynamic” (or “Dual power” with the PHEV), “Natural,” and “Advanced Efficiency” selections. Unlike most in this class, DNA is a fully integrated driving application that optimizes both “manoeuvring and performance,” said Stellantis, Alfa Romeo’s parent company, in a press release, or in other words, the Tonale’s drive mode system won’t only enhance engine performance, but also adjust the suspension for best-in-class handling.

To assist with the latter, Alfa offers an available “Dual Stage Valve” active suspension system with electronically controlled damping, with the comfort setting providing a softer, more compliant ride, and the sportier mode stiffening the ride for “ultimate cornering ability and better body control under spirited driving conditions.” Such upgraded Tonale models even offer an ESC Off drive mode for treading a bit farther down the unbeaten path.

Steering and braking should be sports car-like

Stunning new "Trefoil" grille and LED headlamp clusters on the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec).
The new Tonale’s “Trefoil” grille will pull at the heartstrings of the brand’s longtime fans, while its new LED headlamp clusters give a hint to the SUV’s high-tech capabilities.

No matter the Sprint or Veloce trim level chosen (two will be offered at launch), all Tonales benefit from “sports car-like impeccable dynamic behaviour, proven by the best weight distribution and the most direct steering in its segment (13.6:1 ratio),” while base models ride on a fully independent MacPherson strut suspension system featuring Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) shock absorbers. Additionally, stopping performance is optimized by a Brembo-made segment-exclusive Integrated Brake System (IBS), which boasts fixed calipers clamping down on four-piston self-ventilated discs up front and full rotors at the rear.

Stopping power and emergency handling will be automatically assisted by Level 2 autonomous driving capability too, but don’t worry, Alfa Romeo promises the Tonale’s comprehensive advanced safety and convenience features won’t negatively interfere with the Tonale’s driving experience. Key features include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), Lane Centering (LC) and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Path Detection, and a high-resolution, 360-degree parking camera featuring dynamic gridlines.

Business case for the new Alfa Romeo Tonale

Check out the new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) alloy wheels.
Alfistis the world over will drool over the new Tonale’s classic alloy wheels.

The Tonale’s impressive performance will no doubt give it an edge over competitors when consumers weigh its pros and cons, as will its long list of safety, convenience, and luxury features, plus the SUV’s obvious good looks, but it will first need to get on Canadians’ radar, which will need an innovative and/or costly marketing campaign if the Italian brand doesn’t want to experience the same lacklustre results as other lesser-known manufacturers have weathered in this entry-level segment.

Despite most analysts’ initial take that this subcompact luxury crossover SUV segment would become the new gateway for premium automakers to pull in upwardly mobile buyers from the ranks of mainstream volume brands, such hasn’t always been the case. Not including the upcoming Tonale, there are current only 12 models in contention, while a 13th, Infiniti’s QX30, gave up on the segment in 2019 after just three model years of production.

In comparison to the larger compact luxury SUV segment, where there’s well over 20 rivals when factoring in varying body styles, not to mention the mid-size luxury SUV category that includes even more challengers, luxury brands are mostly staying away from the subcompact SUV class. This could potentially help the Tonale get noticed, albeit by a much smaller buying base.

Subcompact luxury SUV sales are lower than those in the larger compact segment

The new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) model's LED taillights look sharp.
The new Tonale’s LED taillights are particularly attractive due to their understated elegance and de rigueur centre light strip.

When factoring in potential sales numbers, it kind of makes sense why luxury manufacturers have opted out of this segment, or at least it does when looking at the yearly results early adopters have experienced. Last year, the subcompact luxury SUV sales leader was Buick (positioned as an entry-level luxury brand) with 8,861 deliveries of its Encore and slightly larger Encore GX, followed by Audi with 7,667 Q3 sales. It should be noted, the German brand had the most single-model sales (and is considered a true luxury brand), so therefore can be considered the number one seller in this category, depending on the way you slice it up. The Q3 also had its best sales tally ever, plus it was up 28.9 percent from 2020.

Before looking at the rest of the subcompact luxury SUV segment’s sales, consider that Audi’s Q5 sold 9,968 units across Canada in 2021, and that wasn’t a particularly good calendar year compared to 2018 when the compact luxury SUV found 11,952 buyers. Both numbers made it tops in its class, with the next-best-selling Acura RDX finding 7,976 takers last year, BMW pulling in 7,506 buyers for its X3 (and another 1,564 for its X4 resulting in 9,070 units overall), Lexus with 7,283 for its NX, Mercedes with 6,887 for its GLC, Volvo’s XC60 at 3,397, Infiniti’s QX50 at 2,158, Jaguar’s F-Pace at 1,428, Land Rover’s Range Rover Velar at 1,255, Land Rover’s Discover Sport at 707, etcetera. Keep these numbers in mind when seeing these brands’ subcompact sales numbers below, with only Buick’s Envision doing worse than its two Encore models, at 4,292 units.

Car enthusiasts everywhere respect and appreciate the legendary Alfa Romeo badge.
Does the new Tonale have what it takes to stand out amongst competitive subcompact luxury SUVS from more well-known brands?

The “domestic” American (and Chinese) brand’s smaller Encore sold just 1,902 units in 2021 for eighth place in the subcompact class, which was a drop of 71.4 percent after 6,650 units sold last year, not to mention a shocking 82.1 percent fewer unit-sales than achieved at its 2018 height of 10,637 deliveries, despite a redesign last year. The Encore GX has clearly taken over the tri-shield brand limelight, with 6,959 deliveries last year, for 37.9 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth. Altogether, the two models gave Buick a total of 8,861 deliveries in this category last year, more than doubling the sales results of its compact luxury SUV offering.

Volvo and Lexus are growing their subcompact luxury SUV market share

Check out the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) model's fabulous cockpit.
The 2023 Tonale Veloce (European-spec) interior looks plenty luxurious, with a serious nod toward performance.

Third-place Volvo grew its XC40 sales by 46.2 percent to 3,296 units last year, while the fourth-place Lexus UX found almost as many buyers at 3,284 unit-sales, increasing its numbers by 30.3 percent, and showing there’s still opportunity in this segment, despite long-time competitors like BMW’s fifth-place X1 growing YoY sales of 2,602 units by 9.1 percent, but actually seeing this tally tumble by 57.5 percent since its 2017 high.

Mercedes-Benz could be considered third-most successful in this category, due to 5,190 GLA and GLB deliveries last year, which is a YoY gain of 46.8 percent, although model-to-model the two-years-young GLB-Class came in sixth with 2,773 unit-sales thanks to 56.2 percent growth, and the long-running GLA-Class seventh with 2,417 deliveries and 37.4 percent increase in YoY sales, although that number represents a 45.1-percent downgrade from its high of 4,400 units in 2016.

Most luxury brands are struggling in the less profitable subcompact SUV class

Close up of the primary instrument cluster in the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec).
The new Tonale Veloce (European-spec) sports plenty of digital interfaces.

While calendar year 2021 was one of the slowest years for the ninth-place Mini Countryman, with just 1,541 units down Canadian roads, sales only fell by 5.9 percent, while overall it’s been a pretty steady seller, only ever reaching a maximum of 2,479 deliveries in 2018, but no doubt the BMW-owned subsidiary would love to increase this number by the 37.8-percent it’s fallen from since then.

Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque didn’t fare as well as the Countryman last year, placing 10th in the segment due to 1,177 deliveries that resulted in a 16.5-percent downturn from last year’s sales, and a 32.1-percent drop since its 1,734-unit high in 2017, but it sold better than BMW’s 11th-place X2 that only found 903 buyers through all of 2021. Still, that number grew after a particularly bad 2020, but this said its sales have fallen 51.3 percent since its first-year high of 1,856 units. The X2 contributes to BMW’s fourth-place brand results of 3,505 units (plus 10.4 percent YoY), however, not to mention BMW Group sales (including Mini) of 5,046 units (down 37.5 percent YoY), which easily surpassed Mercedes’ total in 2020.

Infiniti’s QX30 and Jaguar’s E-Pace should cause Alfa and its Tonale to pause

Check out the seats inside the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec).
The seats inside the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) looks very supportive.

If Infiniti abandoning the QX30 wasn’t enough to scare Alfa Romeo out of this segment (let alone Mini tossing the short-lived Paceman to the curb back in 2014), Jaguar’s abysmal E-Pace results should give cause for pause. The beleaguered British brand sold just 98 units last year, after a mere 265 in 2020, representing a serious downward slide from an already unworkable position, and that’s after an initial first-year high of just 572 unit-sales, the latter number showing a shocking 82.8-percent drop in popularity since arriving on the scene in 2018. It’s a good looking, well-made, fun-to-drive little SUV too, but, like Alfa Romeo, Jaguar’s Canadian branding isn’t as strong as it used to be.

So how does the Tonale fit into the grand scheme of subcompact luxury SUVs? One can easily argue that Infiniti was in a better place when the QX30 was introduced in 2016, than Alfa Romeo is now, from a market-strength and overall sales-volume position, and for all purposes it still is, yet the automaker could only push out 997 QX30s at the model’s height in 2017, that number quickly falling off to 357 units in 2018, and 93 in 2019. Some might argue that the QX30 was merely a Mercedes-Benz GLA rebadging exercise, but to be fair, Infiniti was involved in the project right from the start, much like how Toyota took five intensive years to co-develop the Supra with BMW (it shares its underpinnings with the Z4), and the arguably good-looking QX30 didn’t immediately resemble its kissin’ cousin from Mercedes.

Details like this embroidered Alfa logo on the new Tonale Veloce (European-spec), help to set the new model out in the subcompact luxury SUV segment.

Certainly, the Tonale is more Alfa Romeo-centric than the quickly forgotten Infiniti, or at least Stellantis-centric, being that it shares the FCA SCCS Small Wide 4×4 LWB (long-wheelbase) platform architecture with Jeep’s Compass and Commander/Meridian (the Tonale is made in Naples, Italy, at Alfa’s most advanced plant, with the latter two respectively produced in Brazil and India for various global markets), these being lengthened versions of the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X’ underpinnings. Still, Jeep and Fiat aren’t direct competitors in the premium sector, so the situation is akin to Alfa Romeo competitor Audi using the Volkswagen Group MQB A2 platform for the Q3, which it also shares with VW’s Tiguan (and Tayron, plus the European SEAT Tarraco and Škoda Kodiaq), or BMW sharing the X1’s UKL2 platform with Mini’s Countryman, etc.

A quick overview of how Alfa Romeo fits into Stellantis’ brand strategy

The new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) has style on its side.
Will the new Tonale have what it takes to win where others in the segment have failed or are currently struggling? Time will tell.

Stellantis, the new name for FCA Automobiles and Groupe PSA since joining forces in January of 2021, has a number of low-selling, marginal brands. Despite rich histories, Italy’s storied Lancia marque has been relegated to purveying one subcompact hatchback in European markets, Chrysler only has two versions of the same minivan plus the 300 full-size sedan that still bears the 2021 model year designation in Canada (which means it’s not selling well), Dodge has just three models north of the 49th, and Alfa Romeo, the subject of this news story, will soon have three models thanks to the advent of this new Tonale subcompact crossover SUV, which is slated to arrive here in early 2023.

What do you think of the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec)?
Will you step up for the new Tonale? This is the critical question.

We’ve got to give the automaker’s CEO Carlos Tavares, and the rest of his executive team, big points for courage, being that they promised each brand the chance to pull itself up and out of the automotive profitability doldrums, but Lancia’s CEO Luca Napolitano, Chrysler’s CEO Christine Feuell, Dodge’s CEO Timothy Kuniskis, and Alfa Romeo’s CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato certainly have their work cut out for them. It’s not like DS Automobiles’ CEO Béatrice Foucher will have a cakewalk either, but at least it has four models in the premium sector, while Maserati’s Davide Grasso has the largest lineup of new models the near-exotic brand has ever had to work with, including the sharp looking new Grecale subcompact SUV based on the same underpinnings as Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio (plus Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee). Jeep aside, none of Stellantis’ brands have strength in the majority of global markets, which brings us back to Alfa Romeo and its new Tonale.

Wooing customers will be the Tonale’s greatest challenge

Do you like the way the new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (European-spec) looks?
Alfisti across Canada will be pulling for the new Tonale, while those wanting what Alfa Romeo claims to be the best performance in the subcompact luxury SUV class will likely pay the price for entry.

No one questions whether the Tonale will be a moderate hit in Italy, where Alfa Romeo still has legions of faithful, adoring fans, while it should also do reasonably well on the rest of the European continent, providing the EU can hold the economies of its various member states together (or doesn’t alternatively tear them apart, depending on your political point of view), but here in North America, and specifically in the relatively small market of Canada, the brand is relegated near the bottom of the luxury heap when it comes to consumer awareness. Hence the need for creative marketing that catches the collective imagination of a narrowly-focused performance-luxury subcompact SUV market, because loads of cash for blanket marketing won’t be available.

In the end, Alfa Romeo believes it can win in a market segment that plenty of others have failed at, are currently failing in, or simply (and possibly wisely) have not chosen to partake in. There’s a slim possibility they can do well with the Tonale, even growing the brand, and any gasoline/ion-blooded auto enthusiast will want them to do just that, but can a tiny contingent of Canadian quadrifoglio zealots be enough to make an entry-level model like the Tonale successful, especially considering many of such buyers already own a Giulia or Stelvio? Only time will tell.

Until the new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale arrives early next year, be sure to check our complete photo gallery above, plus the long list of videos that follow:

Alfa Romeo Tonale | Launch Webconference | “La Metamorfosi “Begins (23:05):

New Alfa Romeo Tonale | Reveal | Alejandro Mesonero Romanos (3:58):

New Alfa Romeo Tonale | Design | Alessandro Maccolini (7:31):

New Alfa Romeo Tonale | Technology | Silvia Cravero (6:06):

New Alfa Romeo Tonale | Propulsion Systems | Maria Grazia Lisbona (9:14):

New Alfa Romeo Tonale | Driving Dynamics | Domenico Bagnasco (5:34):

New Alfa Romeo Tonale | Product | Daniel Tiago Guzzafame (5:05):

New Alfa Romeo Tonale | Manufacturing Quality | Marisa Giannini (4:00):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Alfa Romeo

Only slightly ahead of the U.S.’ annual of 4th July 4th celebrations (not to mention our Canada Day on July 1), Porsche unveiled its new 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition. Of course, the new…

New 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition coming to Canada

The new 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition looks stunning parked ahead of a city skyline.
The new 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition keeps its red, white and blue details subtle, making it fit ideally into the Canadian market.

Only slightly ahead of the U.S.’ annual of 4th July 4th celebrations (not to mention our Canada Day on July 1), Porsche unveiled its new 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition. Of course, the new limited model also celebrates the red, white and blue market, with exclusive paint, badges, and interior detailing.

Being that we’re talking Porsche, the current naming convention would be Guards Red with Pure White for the special 911’s exterior accents, which include a thick set of rocker stripes boasting classic “America” script on the front portion of each door panel, as well as white nameplate lettering on the rear deck lid, while white-painted RS Spyder Design alloy wheels feature red pin-striping on the edges of their rims. The exterior paint is Azure Blue, incidentally, completing the look.

America Edition has become a Porsche sports car tradition

The 1952 Porsche 356 America Roadster is a highly collectible classic Porsche.
This highly collectible 1952 Porsche 356 America Roadster was the inspiration behind the new 2023 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition.

Just in case you were thinking the America Edition is something new, the market targeted tradition goes back 70 years. Porsche initially designed a special 356 America Roadster to interest American sports car buyers in 1952, and then did something similar with the 911 (964) Cabriolet back in 1992 as the 964 America Roadster. Once again, the now classic America Edition gets applied to a 2023 911, and while no red and white edition will be available to Canadians north of the 49th, we do have the opportunity to purchase this red, white and blue variant.

“The brand celebrates its heritage with this exclusive 911 model that brings us back to roots of the legendary 356 America Roadster from 70 years ago,” said Marc Ouayoun, president and CEO Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. “We are delighted to be able to also extend the offer to our Canadian clientele, even if in very limited numbers.”

The “very limited numbers” Ouayoun mentioned total 130 units overall, divided into 115 examples sold into the U.S., and just 15 made available in Canada.

Special America Edition based on super-quick 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

Stunning new 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition looks menacing from the rear.
The new 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition features thick white side stripes and gorgeous white alloy wheels.

The new America Edition, which was unveiled at the 2022 Porsche Parade in Poconos, PA, is based on the brilliantly fast 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, which means its twin-turbo 3.0-litre horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine makes a robust 473 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. All of that grunt goes down to the rear wheels via Porsche’s seven-speed manual gearbox, while helper springs were added to the rear axle before the standard upgrade to Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport lowered the ride height by 10 mm (0.4 in), enhancing handling further.

The standard menu grows to include the Sport Chrono Package as well, plus a sport exhaust system, while rear axle steering and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are offered as options, the latter increasing stopping performance over the regular cast iron brakes, which are comprised of 408/380 mm front/rear rotors with six- and four-piston black-painted aluminium calipers respectively.

Unique interior highlights make America Edition stand out

Red steering wheel centre stripe and red/grey stitching on 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition instrument panel.
Unique America Edition features include a red centre stripe on the steering wheel, plus much more.

Once you step over exclusive “1952 – 1992 – 2022 – 70 Years America Roadster” scuff plates, your eyes will likely notice a bright red vertical stripe at the top centre of the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. Additional interior upgrades include baseball-style Guards Red and light Pebble Grey two-tone cross-stitched thread running across the dash top and door uppers, as well as two-tone French-stitched detailing to each side of the shifter, which fasten the boot into place. The latter also garnishes each side of the centre armrest, plus there’s a custom leather key fob holster for sliding the upgraded Azure Blue key into.

A special set of ribbed sport seats also gets the red and white treatment, albeit with twinned rows of alternating colours. Porsche follows the stylish theme over to the rear jump seat cushions, while back up front, bold red “911” block letters are embroidered into the front headrests. As if that weren’t enough, red stitching binds the leather of the steering wheel rim together around the inside, plus the seatbelts and webbed seatback releases are also done out in bring red. Notably, some of these the above features come as part of an optional extended interior package, but I wouldn’t lose any sleep about which features are standard or optional, because we can’t imagine Porsche Canada would import any 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America units being shipped without this option package.

North American driving passion is why America Edition exists

The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition's sharp looking sport seats.
The America Edition’s unique seat detailing includes red embroidered GTS script on the headrests, plus alternating red and grey stitching on the ribbed seat inserts.

“Passion for driving a Porsche runs deep in the United States,” stated Kjell Gruner, Porsche Cars North America President and CEO. “In particular, there is something special about hitting the road in an open top 911 with a manual transmission that fits perfectly here. This is also the perfect time to add another ‘America’ model to our story as we look back on 70 years since the 356 America Roadster and 30 years since the 964 America Roadster.”

Canadians wanting a new 2023 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition might find that the “very limited” order book is filled already, despite the special model’s $206,190 base price (214,750 with the extended interior package), although it never hurts to contact your local Porsche retailer to make sure. Who knows? Maybe someone cancelled their order due to a sudden shortage of Bitcoin.

If not, check out all the 2022 Porsche 911 models currently available at the CarCostCanada 2022 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page, where members are saving an average of $2,333 on a new 911! CarCostCanada provides many other member benefits too, so find out more about their service and be sure to download their free app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Lastly, make sure to check out the full gallery of 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet America Edition images (with close-ups) by clicking the top photo!

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Porsche

Toyota’s Highlander will be saying sayonara to its V6 for 2023, and hello to the same 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder currently found in Lexus’ NX 350 and other performance-oriented compacts…

Toyota swaps out V6 for torque-rich new turbo-four in 2023 Highlander

2023 Toyota Highlander is mostly carryover, except for what's under the hood.
The updated 2023 Toyota Highlander will receive a new turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 265-hp and 309 lb-ft of torque.

Toyota’s Highlander will be saying sayonara to its V6 for 2023, and hello to the same 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder currently found in Lexus’ NX 350 and other performance-oriented compacts from the Japanese luxury brand. Lexus announced the same engine swap for its larger mid-size 2023 RX 350 as well, so it’s quite possible we’re witnessing the dying days of Toyota’s venerable 3.5-litre “GR” V6.

In Lexus tune, the 2.4-litre puts out 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, which is 20 hp less and 50 lb-ft stronger than the outgoing RX’ V6, a fair trade-off that should satisfy the majority of customers when fuel economy savings are factored in. The new Highlander version loses 10 horsepower from the Lexus, understandably, but just eight lb-ft of torque, for maximum thrust and twist numbers of 265 and 309 respectively.

Likewise, the new 2023 Highlander is down on horsepower when compared to the 2022 model’s V6, albeit the former is a significant 30-hp less. Fortunately, torque is up by 17 percent and 46 lb-ft, so therefore, with the right gearing it should perform similarly to the 900 cc larger lump. In a press release, Toyota is saying the new engine’s increased torque actually makes for “better everyday responsiveness,” “especially when taking advantage of the Highlander’s 7- or 8-person seating and generous cargo capacity,” while the updated model’s tailpipe emissions are also cleaner, with more than a 50-percent reduction in NOx and NMOG, plus less CO2.

Fuel economy should cause most 2023 Highlander buyers to smile

The 2023 Toyota Highlander looks good from the side.
Most 2022 and 2023 Highlander trims will look identical from all sides, but fuel economy improves.

Aside from Highlander owners who love the outgoing model’s 295 horsepower and are willing to pay more despite today’s unprecedented fuel prices, most consumers will be happy to hear about an estimated rating of 9.8 L/100km combined city/highway. This compares well against the current V6-powered model’s 10.3 L/100km rating, while also using standard auto idle stop/start to minimize fuel use and reduce emissions when at standstill.

The new engine is once again joined up to Toyota’s eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, a combination that provides ample efficiency and smooth daily operation with performance-focused gear changes when pushed hard, plus excellent traction in the majority of road conditions, plus most light-duty off-road situations.

Towing capacity remains a Highlander strong point

The Highlander Hybrid is good for a claimed fuel economy rating of 6.7 L/100km city/highway.
The Highlander Hybrid is the way to go for ultimate three-row fuel economy.

All the extra torque doesn’t translate into more towing capacity, but the 2023 Highlander will still haul up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of trailer, making it ideal for a small boat or camper. It features standard Trailer Sway Control (TSC) too, which utilizes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to minimize side-to-side trailer movement.

Of course, the Highlander’s best pump gains will be from its carryover hybrid powertrain, which continues forward with the current 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and dual electric motor-generator set-up. Toyota hasn’t mentioned any 2023 fuel economy estimates for the Highlander Hybrid, but it will likely be similar if not identical to the 2022 model’s rating of 6.7 L/100km combined city/highway, while its trailering capacity is reduced to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg).

Of note, Lexus will be introducing the new RX 450h+ later this year, the plus referring to a new plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s well-proven electrified drivetrain, so it only makes sense that a version of this powertrain will eventually find its way over to the Highlander, making it capable of going up against the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid and Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, amongst others.

Dual 12.3-inch displays come standard in 2023 Limited and Platinum trims

Highlander Limited and Platinum trims will now come standard with a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen.
An updated 12.3-inch main display will now be standard in the 2023 Highlander’s Limited and Platinum trims.

While the Highlander’s engine is getting smaller, the standard infotainment touchscreen in upper-crust Limited and Platinum trims will grow by more than four inches for 2023. These models adopt the previously optional, and Platinum-exclusive 12.3-inch display, which is a move up from the regular 8.0-inch colour touchscreen that remains the only centre display available in LE and XLE trims.

Toyota also promises quicker response times to infotainment system inputs and a more intuitive interface layout, with more features as well, such as an intelligent voice assistant, a number of cloud-based functions and services, over-the-air software updates, plus the ability to pair two different smartphones via Bluetooth simultaneously, while content reportedly utilizes the entire 12.3-inch screen, unlike the outgoing version.

Wireless smartphone integration makes better use of improved wireless charging

The 2023 Highlander now gets optional wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus the available wireless Qi-compatible wireless charging tray has been moved.
New wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay means that available wireless charging is more useful, while the tray has been moved to a handy shelf on the instrument panel.

Additionally, the updated infotainment system allows for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which means the available Qi-compatible wireless charging tray (currently standard on XSE and above) can now be used together with full smartphone integration. Toyota also made the intelligent decision to move that wireless charging pad from the lower centre console to a device shelf that’s long been a clever addition to the Highlander’s instrument panel.

Refocusing ahead of the driver, Toyota will be doing away with the 2022 base Highlander LE’s remedial 4.2-inch multi-information display when the 2023 model arrives, and replacing it with the 7.0-inch display currently available in XLE and XSE trims. Even better, Limited and Platinum trims will now get a fully digital 12.3-inch driver display as standard equipment, with four visual themes no less, including Casual, Smart, Tough and Sporty.

Additional upgrades round out the 2023 improvements

The Highlander remains capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs.
The new 2.4-litre turbo-four provides ample torque for towing up to 5,000 lbs.

Other upgrades include a standard foot-actuated hands-free power liftgate for XLE models and above, while the sportiest XSE trim now boasts black-painted 20-inch alloy rims inside 235/55R20 all-season rubber, these bolted to the same sport-tuned suspension system from the 2022 model, which still features high-rate springs and a stiffer rear stabilizer bar plus low-friction dampers working together with a specially-tuned electric power steering system.

Once again, the sporty XSE receives an exclusive front fascia design, incorporating a unique grille, an air splitter down below, and modified headlamp clusters, while a special set of rocker panels add more flair to the Highlander’s sweptback look. Blackened mirror caps, window moldings and roof rails add to the XSE’s performance-first appearance, while the rear design is capped off with dual exhaust tips.

XSE trim also adds a sportier theme inside, where black SofTex seat surfaces with cloth inserts combine with carbon-fibre-look inlays and cool ambient lighting. Additionally, Toyota makes an even more performance-oriented two-tone red and black leather-trimmed cabin available at no additional cost, featuring a red-stitched instrument panel bolster.

Hybrid Bronze Edition makes a return with exclusive Cement paint

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition receives classy bronze trim and wheels, plus more updates inside.
The 2023 version of this 2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition shouldn’t be much different.

Moving up through the 2023 Highlander line, Limited and Platinum models will receive power-folding side mirrors for 2023, and lastly new Cypress green exterior paint will be available, as will Harvest Beige and Glazed Caramel interior colour themes that now feature Black as the accent colour, instead of Noble Brown.

Last year’s XLE Hybrid Bronze Edition makes a return to the electrified Highlander for 2023, along with exclusive Cement, and Wind Chill Pearl exterior colours. The Bronze Edition gets special bronze-coloured accents from front to back, as well as bronze-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Bronze Edition features “mid-century modern-inspired” SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric inserts and bronze-coloured stitching that Toyota says are “like something from a concept car,” which is “amplified by the Captain’s Chair’s layout.” Illuminated bronze door sills and special floor and cargo mats embroidered with a unique bronze-stitched logo enhance the “designer look.”

Bronze Edition upgrades include rain-sensing wipers, two 120V/1,500-watt power outlets, a hands-free power liftgate, and the list goes on.

New updates should keep the Highlander number one in its mid-size SUV class

2023 Toyota Highlander Limited and Platinum models to receive a 12.3-inch configurable driver's display.
Limited and Platinum Highlanders will receive a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard equipment in 2023.

Toyota Canada will release 2023 Toyota Highlander and 2023 Highlander Hybrid pricing closer to the model’s availability this fall, at which point the order books will be open. Due to its many improvements, it should remain as Canada’s most popular mid-size SUV.

It’s held the position of best-selling three-row mid-size SUV for six year running as well, which is an impressive feat considering just how competitive its market segment is. Last year Toyota sold 19,885 Highlanders in Canada, resulting in its best year by a long shot, improving on its second-best sales year of 2020 by almost 21 percent.

The next-best selling Ford Explorer didn’t achieve anywhere near the same year-over-year (YoY) growth with sales of just 16,388 units in 2021, while Volkswagen’s Atlas came third with 13,491 deliveries last year, although this number also included the German automaker’s new five-seat Atlas Cross Sport model, which would be the equivalent of combining Highlander and Venza sales into one, that number being 26,134 units for an even more impressive total.

Competition is heated in the mid-size three-row SUV category

The 2022 Ford Expedition Stealth Edition with an optional Performance Package.
The Ford Expedition remains second-most popular in the mid-size three-row SUV segment.

To be fair to Ford, its Explorer and Edge twosome combine for yet more mid-size SUV deliveries at 28,218 units, so the blue oval isn’t exactly hurting, and that tally doesn’t even include new Bronco sales that totaled 10,204 units last year, compared to 8,293 deliveries for Toyota’s increasingly popular 4Runner, which incidentally saw a YoY bump of six percent after its best-ever calendar year.

Additional three-row SUV segment competitors included the Kia Sorento (with 10,275 deliveries in 2021), the Honda Pilot (with 7,398), Hyundai Palisade (6,739), Dodge Durango (5,764), Chevrolet Traverse (4,704), Mazda CX-9 (4,530), Kia Telluride (4,270), GMC Acadia (3,485), Subaru Ascent (3,359), Nissan Pathfinder (3,243), and the all-new Jeep Grand Wagoneer (which was introduced toward the end of the year and therefore only achieved 300 deliveries in 2021).

Three-row SUV alternatives keep getting added to the mix

The 2023 Grand Wagoneer L Series III parked in front of a beautiful farmhouse.
Jeep just introduced a longer “L” version of their new Grand Wagoneer (shown), Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee for 2023.

On that note, the Grand Wagoneer and its less luxurious Wagoneer sibling are much larger utilities based on the full-size Ram 1500 pickup truck, so maybe shouldn’t be included on this list. Either way, it will be interesting to see how these big three-row prospects fare, not to mention the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, plus the new extended Wagoneer L/Grand Wagoneer L models, just introduced for 2023 a couple of months ago.

The just-noted Jeeps more directly go up against Toyota’s Sequoia and Chevy’s Tahoe/Suburban, et al, but Toyota is reportedly preparing a larger Grand Highlander to slot in between the current model and just-noted Sequoia, which should more directly take on Hyundai and Kia’s respective Palisade and Telluride models. Stay tuned for an update on this new model when Toyota reveals its plans.

Lastly, it should be noted that Dodge’s Canadian division sold off its final allotment of 2020 Journey crossovers last year too, that total being 90 units. We can expect something new from Dodge in the mid-size crossover categories soon, not to mention all of the Stellantis brands not yet mentioned, all of which will take their bites out of the total market. Certainly, Toyota’s Highlander should continue to do well, but staying number is no easy feat and hardly happens by chance.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Toyota

Amid the best month of Outback sales Subaru Canada has ever had, resulting in 3,455 units down the road in April for a 21.4-percent gain over the same month last year, the refreshed 2023 model was revealed…

Subaru reveals refreshed 2023 Outback including new Onyx trim

A 2023 Subaru Outback going up a hill on the trail.
Other than more rugged looking fender flairs and new wheels, changes to the Outback’s rear are less noticeable than those up front, but its new bumper is visually cleaner.

Amid the best month of Outback sales Subaru Canada has ever had, resulting in 3,455 units down the road in April for a 21.4-percent gain over the same month last year, the refreshed 2023 model was revealed at the New York International Auto Show.

This mid-cycle update integrates the brand’s new WRX-inspired grille design, showing a wider, happier grin-like shape that should put a smile on the faces of brand loyalists, plus even more radical (although not as aggressive) front fascia updates than outgoing Wilderness trim, which include massive matte black end pieces that square off the frontal design as they wrap upwards to underscore a complex set of new multi-angle LED headlamp clusters. Additionally, new fog lights are integrated within a tougher looking lower fascia below.

The edgier new fender flares look as if they’re pulled right off of 2022’s Wilderness model, which ironically sees no visual updates for the new model year, while the rocker panel cladding appears unchanged. The meaty roof rack and sizeable rooftop spoiler look the same too, but the new Outback’s matte black rear bumper shows a less aggressive design, incorporating smaller horizontally positioned reflectors to each side in place of the outgoing model’s vertical set that featured larger, angular bezels. A variety of new wheels round out the updates.

New Onyx trim follows the popular blacked-out trend

The black-painted wheels from new Onyx trim.
Black-painted alloy wheels come as part of a new Onyx trim line (also shown above), which includes more blackened elements as well.

A new Onyx Edition, previously only available in the U.S., will be positioned just below Wilderness trim for 2023. As the name implies, exterior elements that might otherwise be bright metal are finished in black, including the 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, while Subaru has even gone so far as to apply black badging, and an exclusive grey two-tone cabin. The seats are covered in a soft-touch, all-weather water-resistant material to enhance comfort and durability, while other features added over Touring trim include alloy foot pedals, heatable rear outboard seats, and dual-function X-MODE.

Unlike the American-spec version, which solely utilizes the optional XT powertrain, which is a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer-four that’s good for 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the Canadian iteration gets built upon naturally-aspirated Touring trim, which includes a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine making a more modest 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

All 2023 Outback models, which remain five-seat crossovers in all trims (Subaru buyers that need more seating will want to look to the larger Ascent), come standard with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) touting eight-speed manual mode, complete with steering wheel paddles. Subaru Canada estimates 9.0 L/100km in the city, 7.1 on the highway and 8.2 combined for the base engine, or 10.1, 7.9 and 9.1 respectively for the XT turbo, while the Wilderness is separately rated at 10.9 L/100km city, 8.9 highway and 10.0 combined.

Subaru adds new standard and optional features across the Outback line

2023 Subaru Outback cockpit showing the updated infotainment system.
The Outback gets plenty of technology updates for 2023, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad in Touring trim.

All 2023 Outback trim levels, including Convenience, Touring, Onyx, Limited, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Premier XT, receive plenty of interior updates including new four-way adjustable power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, plus a rear USB-C port, while all the standard features from the previous base model continue forward, including heated side mirrors with welcome lighting, LED interior dome lights, a full-circumference heatable steering wheel rim, heated front seats, automatic climate control (dual-zone in second-rung Touring trim), a power-adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear USB-A ports, and one-touch folding rear seatbacks.

Of course, Subaru’s symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive is standard too, as is active torque vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. Of note, regular Outback models get 220 mm (8.6 in) of ground clearance, while Wilderness trim adds another 10 mm (0.4 in) to 230 mm (9.0 in). Notably, this is more ground clearance than many so-called SUVs, yet Subaru keeps the Outback’s overall ride height closer to terra firma in order to provide easier access via a lower step-in height.

EyeSight safety and convenience tech has been improved for 2023

A 2023 Subaru Outback driving through heavy rain.
Safety is still ultimate important in the new 2023 Outback, causing Subaru to add many new features.

Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver assist technology is standard too, although the system has been improved for smoother operation under more variable conditions. This is managed by providing cameras with a wider field of view, while the control software has also been updated, and an electric brake booster added. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Assist is also included, while Touring trim and above receive Reverse Automatic Braking and Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection {SRVD) with Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Safety in mind, the 2023 Outback will continue forward with eight standard airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, while all of the above, as well as the Outback’s 2017 update to the Subaru Global Platform, which helped to increase torsional and front-suspension rigidity by 70 percent, front lateral flexural and rear subframe stiffness by 100 percent, and overall crash protection via more than 40-percent more energy absorption in front/side crashes than the prior model, the new model should once again qualify for a another five-star rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as an additional Top Safety Pick+ placement from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

New Outback extras join long list of carryover options

The new LCD Smart Rearview Mirror in the 2023 Subaru Outback Premier XT.
A full LCD Smart Rearview Mirror is new for top-tier Premier XT trim.

Additional new items for Touring trim include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as part of this model’s carryover upgrade to the larger 11.6-inch high-resolution Starlink infotainment touchscreen (increased from 7.0 inches in the base model), while a front USB-C port and a wireless phone charger is now also included in this trim (which is made more useful thanks to the wireless smartphone integration).

What’s more, an additional bit of Touring (and above) tech dubbed what3words (W3W) could be quite popular once users adapt to it. It’s an innovative location system that allows for easy navigation to just above anywhere in the world via a short three-word prompt. As Subaru explains it, “W3W has divided the world into a grid of 3-metre squares and given each square a unique combination of three words — a what3words address. Customers can navigate to and share trailheads, scenic overlooks and other hard-to-find places with precise accuracy using just three words.” Cool, eh?

Carryover items in this Touring model continue to include proximity-sensing access with pushbutton ignition, a windshield wiper de-icer, an auto-dimming centre mirror with a Homelink universal remote and compass, Subaru Starlink connected services, and a moonroof. Additionally, on Touring trims and above, which come standard with aforementioned SRVD and more, EyeSight includes new Automatic Emergency Steering that works in conjunction with Pre-Collision Braking to help in collision mitigation at speeds below 80 km/h.

Subaru gives customers plenty of good reasons to move up into higher trims

The rear seating area in every Outback is as least as spacious and comfortable as in other five-passenger mid-size crossover SUVs.
The Outback continues to be very roomy in all five seating positions, while access is easier than most SUVs thanks to a lower overall ride height.

Having already gone over Onyx features, next-in-line Limited, plus upper-level Limited XT and Premier XT trims gain a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System that utilizes a dedicated infrared camera and facial recognition tech to identify signs of driver fatigue, such as tired eyes, or distraction before providing audible and visual warnings to alert the driver and passengers that it might be time to rest.

Moving up, the Outback’s most off-road capable Wilderness trim, along with its top-tier Premier XT model, now have the option of a Front View Monitor, which shows a 180-degree forward video image of the driver’s blind spot ahead of the front bumper on the 11.6-inch infotainment display, increasing safety in all types of conditions, whether parking or off-road.

The 2023 Subaru Outback out on the trail.
The new 2023 Subaru Outback, shown here in Onyx trim, will arrive in Canada later this year.

Lastly, the range-topping Premier XT gets a new Wide-Angle Mono Camera that works in tandem with the Outback’s main dual-camera EyeSight system to further expand its overall field of vision. It now has the ability to more quickly recognize pedestrians and bicycles when entering an intersection at low speed. Once a potential collision is detected, EyeSight alerts the driver, and if required applies the brakes automatically. A full LCD Smart Rearview Mirror is also new for Premier XT trim, complete with auto-dimming capability, a compass, and a Homelink universal remote.

So far Subaru Canada hasn’t announced pricing for the refreshed 2023 Outback, but these should be available on their website fairly soon, with deliveries starting later in the year. Until then, the 2022 Outback starts at $31,195 plus destination, while Touring trim can be had for $35,395, Limited for $39,595, Premier for $41,395, Wilderness for $41,995, Limited XT for $42,395, and Premier XT for $44,195. New 2023 Outback prices should remain fairly close to those for the outgoing model.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Subaru

After three years in the Canadian auto market, the Hyundai Palisade will get a refresh for 2023, featuring a whole host of notable updates worthy of attention. First off, changes to frontal styling include…

Hyundai updates three-row Palisade SUV flagship for 2023

The new 2023 Hyundai Palisade parked outdoors.
Hyundai has refreshed its Palisade for 2023, with a much tougher, more traditional SUV-like character.

After three years in the Canadian auto market, the Hyundai Palisade will get a refresh for 2023, featuring a whole host of notable updates worthy of attention.

First off, changes to frontal styling include a much chunkier chrome grille outline incorporating larger, rectangular chromed insert pieces that Hyundai refers to as “rugged parametric shield elements,” resulting in a bolder overall appearance that should appeal to more masculine tastes. Additionally, an updated lower front fascia mirrors the bolder grille opening above, with air vents in between that the Korean automaker’s namesake brand claims to optimize the front cooling area, as does an unseen extended internal air guide, plus aerodynamic underside panels below the SUV. At the very base of the fascia is a redesigned lower front skid plate featuring new strake detailing that adds ruggedness to the SUV’s visual presence.

Additionally, redesigned LED headlight clusters attach to reworked vertically-connected LED composite daytime running lights to each side, making the Palisade’s entire frontal view appear wider yet more upright than before, not to mention more traditionally SUV-like.

Refreshed styling aids aerodynamics front to back

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade parked outdoors.
Revisions to the rear show a subtly updated rear spoiler, and a new rear bumper garnish now integrating the rear reflectors and backup lamps.

We’re not quite sure what Hyundai was referring to when claiming the Palisade’s “fast A-pillar angle” as something new, being that the basic hard-points of this SUV haven’t changed at all (perhaps they were highlighting carryover design elements, although it was unclear in the press release), but extremely sharp eagle eyes might detect the new auto-dimming side mirrors from the rear three-quarter view. Most are more likely to initially pick up on the fresh set of “dark-finish, rugged-themed” 20-inch alloy wheels, however, plus Hyundai also points out new rear wheel aero deflectors to minimize drag.

Aero upgrades in mind, a new rear spoiler side garnish aids airflow as well, and while the Palisade’s LED taillights appear identical to those on the outgoing model, Hyundai has cleaned up the rear bumper cap with a broad, narrow strip across its centre portion incorporating light reflectors and reverse lamps; this in place of the rectangular lenses previously found at each side. This removes the L-shaped chrome garnish that currently wrap around the outside of said lenses, before stretching forward to the back edge of the rear fender flare. Again, the new look is cleaner, as is the metallic brush plate-style bumper garnish that now features a straighter line across its top section, plus squared off creases down below.

Improvements made to one of the most refined cabins in the mid-size SUV segment

New 2023 Hyundai Palisade gets an interior refresh as well.
The 2023 Palisade’s updated cabin features a new steering wheel, new gauge cluster, new HVAC vents, new audio control panel, and more.

A new four-spoke steering wheel greets the driver upon entry, while a redesigned instrument panel features updated air vents across an entirely new horizontally-themed centre section, which starts at the ignition switch just below the main touchscreen display, and finishes off to the right of the front passenger before butting up against new door panels.

The fully digital driver’s display has been updated too, not that the outgoing design required revision, as it’s arguably class-leading thanks to integrated monitors that automatically respond to turn signal input by providing clear rearward views down each side of the SUV before changing lanes, plus a segment-exclusive (other than the Kia Telluride that also gets a refresh for 2023) monitor that lets inattentive drivers know if the car in front has accelerated away after waiting at a stoplight.

New digital rearview mirror enhances confidence and safety

Driver's display in the 2023 Hyundai Palisade.
Hyundai updated the digital gauge cluster, but at first glance it looks much the same as the outgoing one, which is no bad thing.

The main infotainment touchscreen appears unchanged, although Hyundai speaks of new 12-inch navigation with 720p resolution, while the audio panel below is more obviously modified with simpler matte black buttons and black on metallic dials, instead of the full aluminum-look design previously used.

Up at eye-level, a new digital rearview mirror (a Hyundai first) is also available, making it possible for the driver to see completely past multiple rows of passengers. Conveniently, a conversation mirror lets the driver visually communicate with rear passengers while that digital rearview mirror is in use, a best-of-both-worlds scenario.

Additional tech upgrades include new USB-C ports replacing outdated USB-A ports (you’d better upgrade your USB cords), which allow quicker charging (up to 3 amps), as well as a new 15-watt wireless charging pad that provides faster smartphone charging than the old five-watt pad. Lastly, Hyundai as enhanced the Palisade’s dynamic voice recognition.

More comfortable seats get extra heat and cooling

Top line leather upholstery inside the 2023 Hyundai Palisade.
An available new “Ergo-motion” driver’s seat is said to be more comfortable over long distances.

That driver will enjoy a new “Ergo-motion” seat, as it’s reportedly more comfortable over long hauls, plus new first-class airline-style winged headrests for the second-row outboard positions. All rows get new upholstery too, while a second-row armrest angle adjuster comes as part of the new eight-passenger configuration; eight being the highest occupant capacity of any Hyundai vehicle ever sold in North America.

All passengers will enjoy new ambient lighting themes, while those in the second-row outboard positions get optional heated and ventilated cushions. Those in the very back of upper trims not only benefit from one-touch second-row seats for easier access, but also power-reclining and new heatable third-row seats, while those in the aft cabin of the Calligraphy model might also appreciate the quieter acoustic-laminated rear door glass.

Second-row seats get available cooling.
Rear seat occupants benefit from plenty of upgrades.

The rear liftgate powers open, of course, while the same powered mechanism that lets the rearmost passengers recline their backrests also allows unoccupied rear seatbacks to be folded down and back up again electrically.

Notable advanced driver assistance and convenience systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, while the new 2023 Palisade will also features Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert and new standard rear side-impact airbags.

Powerful performance remains a Palisade strong suit

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade's third row receives optional heated cushions.
The Palisade’s third row seats can be had with new heated cushions, while second-row occupants can get cooled seats.

The Palisade’s powertrain might be its strongest and weakest link simultaneously. Strong is its 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, this resulting from a big, capable 3.8-litre V6, but most competitors, including the updated 2023 version of the entire mid-size SUV segment’s best-selling Toyota Highlander, utilize turbocharged four-cylinder power to achieve similar or better performance with significant fuel economy gains.

The new 2023 Highlander will receive a slightly detuned version of the same 2.4-litre turbo-four as found in the upcoming 2023 Lexus RX 350, making 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque as a Toyota, which while down 26 horsepower on the Palisade, and even more than in its own 295-hp predecessor, it puts out considerably more torque, a figure that matters most when hauling heavy loads. What’s more, the Highlander has long offered a hybrid model that will continue forward into 2023, while there’s a good chance a plug-in variant will be added, due to the Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV having already being announced. So far, we’ve only heard talk about the impressive new Santa Fe Hybrid PHEV’s plug-in drivetrain being applied to the larger Palisade, but it will likely make the grade sooner than later.

The Palisade's generous cargo space carries over into the 2023 model.
The Palisade has never been short on cargo space.

As it is, the 2022 Palisade, which utilizes the same engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system found in the new 2023 version, achieves a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 11.1 L/100km, compared to 10.3 L/100km for the regular 2022 Highlander with its 3.5-litre V6, eight-speed auto and AWD. The 2022 Highlander Hybrid is good for a claimed city/highway rating of 6.7 L/100km, incidentally, while the upcoming 2023 Lexus RX 350 with its new 2.4-litre turbo-four boasts a rating of 9.8 L/100km combined, expected to slightly less when tuned for the future Highlander. Similar scenarios play out with some other segment rivals, meaning Hyundai will want to improve fuel economy in the Palisade to make it more competitive.

Palisade grows Hyundai’s place in the seven-passenger mid-size SUV segment

The Palisade's powerful V6 has no problem getting up to highway speeds.
The Palisade has always provided strong performance from its 3.8-litre V6.

On the positive, since arriving in June of 2019, the Palisade has played a significant role in Hyundai’s lineup, not to mention Canada’s entire three-row mid-size crossover SUV market segment. Taking over from the elongated Santa Fe XL that bowed out during the same year, the Palisade was a significant step forward in style, refinement and interior roominess, resulting in a sharp uptick in sales volume.

During its most popular calendar year of 2014, the Santa Fe XL sold just 2,332 units, whereas the Palisade hit the road running with 3,845 deliveries in its first half-year, plus Hyundai sold 7,279 Palisades during 2020’s rather tumultuous health crisis response-influenced sales cycle, and 6,739 examples were delivered last year; the slight downturn likely caused by the chip shortage.

Palisade has secured solid mid-pack popularity on the sales charts

The bold new 2023 Hyundai Palisade treks its way across the California desert.
While not truly a 4×4, the Palisade is capable in light-duty off-road situations.

Either way, the mid-size SUV segment’s (including the Toyota 4Runner) sixth-place (as of 2021) Palisade has passed right on by previous heavy-hitters like the Nissan Pathfinder (13th), Dodge Durango (7th), Chevrolet Traverse (8th), and GMC Acadia (11th), while Mazda’s CX-9 has been making progress (albeit nevertheless finds itself behind the current Palisade in 9th), Subaru’s Ascent continues to languish (12th), and corporate cousin Kia’s internally competitive Telluride has steadily been rising up through the back-marker ranks (10th).

So as not to leave them out of the equation, Jeep’s three-row Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer were introduced late last year with a nominal take-rate, but these two new offerings, along with the new three-row Grand Cherokee L, should shake things up a bit further in the seven- to eight-occupant class moving forward.

All in all, updates made to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade appear to be what’s needed from a design perspective, while all the new features will no doubt be welcomed. Those who love big powerful V6 engines will also be happy nothing has changed behind that bold new grille, but such consumers are getting harder to find as fuel prices rise, so the jury remains out on the Palisade’s future success, at least until it adopts some of its thriftier powertrains from the Santa Fe.

The Redesigned PALISADE | Hyundai (1:02):

2022 NY Auto Show | PALISADE Reveal | Hyundai (16:33):

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Hyundai