Hybrids – AutomotiveMarques.com – Your Source on Cars – from Buying to Maintenance and Repairs

2022 Toyota Avalon Drops AWD And TRD, Starts From $36,375 For Its Final Year

The fifth-generation Avalon might have been introduced in 2018, but Toyota has confirmed that 2022 will mark the end of its production. Today, the automaker announced pricing for the 2022 MY alongside a few changes in the lineup.

The 2022 Toyota Avalon starts from $36,375 (excluding the $1,025 fee), making it $250 more expensive than last year’s model.

The full-size sedan is not available in AWD variants anymore, while the sporty TRD trim was also dropped from the range. The good news for prospective buyers is the addition of new safety features as standard, including the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package (dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, etc), and the addition of a rear-seat reminder system.

Just like last year, the Avalon is available with gas and hybrid powertrains. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 301 hp (224 kW / 305 PS) and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm) of torque, mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox that sends power to the front axle. The hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors producing a combined 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and comes with a fuel economy rating of 44 mpg combined.

The 2022 lineup includes six trim levels, including the XSE Nightshade Edition that is visually differentiated from the glossy black accents, the 19-inch wheels, and the rear diffuser. Inside, variants are differentiated with the base XLE featuring SofTex upholstery and “engineered wood” trim, the Limited coming with perforated leather and genuine wood sourced from Yamaha, and the Touring with perforated SofTex / Ultrasuede and aluminum trim.

In terms of equipment, the Limited and Touring come standard with a premium 14-speaker JBL Audio system, a 10-inch Head-up display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / Amazon Alexa), a wireless charging pad, and a moonroof (also standard on the Nightshade, optional in XLE, XLE hybrid). The Touring is the sportiest of the bunch equipped with the electronically controlled Adaptive Variable Suspension system, and an extra driving mode (eco, normal, sport, sport+, custom)

2022 Toyota Avalon Pricing

Avalon XLE 3.5-liter V6 8-speed Auto: $36,375
Avalon XLE Hybrid 2.5-liter ECVT: $37,350
Avalon Limited 3.5-liter V6 8-speed Auto: $42,675
Avalon Limited Hybrid 2.5-liter ECVT: $43,650
Avalon XSE Hybrid Nightshade 2.5-liter ECVT: $40,700
Avalon Touring 3.5-liter V6 8-speed Auto: $43,075

*MSRP prices excluding delivery processing and handling fee of $1,025

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

For GREAT deals on a new or used INFINITI check out INFINITI of Ontario TODAY!

Jeep Wrangler 4xe Recalled Due To Bizarre Odometer Failure

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is being recalled due to an issue with the odometer.

The automaker has revealed that some Wrangler 4xe models are equipped with digital instrument cluster software that may prevent the odometer from displaying after it hits 13,342 miles or 21,437 km.

The issue took place between September 8, 2020 and September 13, 2021, when vehicles on the production line received a suspect software service update. Jeep fixed the issue with a new gauge cluster software version that was implemented into vehicle production but a total of 2,903 Wranglers are now involved in the recall and all of them are thought to have the issue.

A recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that if the odometer value is not displayed, owners may miss critical vehicle maintenance periods, increasing the likelihood of components failing due to a lack of maintenance, heightening the risk of a crash.

To fix the issue, the automaker will update the software on vehicles with less than 13,342 miles (21,473 km) on the clock while those vehicles that have already passed this figure will be fitted with new gauge clusters. It has also been confirmed that any owner that has had the gauge cluster replaced due to the issue will be reimbursed.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles U.S. will begin notifying owners on or around January 28, 2022.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Polaris check out Weeks Polaris TODAY!

Polestar 1 Gains New Special Gold Edition As Production End Is Near

As we get ready to wave goodbye to Polestar’s first model, the plug-in hybrid GT made another appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show, this time in a new special edition.

The new Polestar 1 Gold Edition is going to be limited to up to 25 examples, featuring a special matte gold paintwork, matching brake calipers, and black wheels. In addition, the interior features color-matched gold stitching for a more special feel.

The new limited edition of the Polestar 1 is introduced just a few months before the carmaker ends its production cycle, which is expected to happen later this year.

“It’s hard to believe that our beautiful halo car comes to the end of its production life later this year,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “We pushed boundaries with this car, not only in terms of engineering but also in its design and execution. Polestar 1 set the tone for our brand and its genes are evident in Polestar 2 – as they will be in our future cars to come.”

The Polestar 1 has one of the most complex plug-in hybrid powertrains in the market, featuring a pair of electric motors, a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine, and a 34 kWh battery pack. The combined output is rated at an impressive 609 HP and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque, while the pure EV range is still the longest of any hybrid model in the market, at 77 miles (124 km) on the WLTP cycle.

The electric motors are mounted in the rear, one for each wheel, offering real torque vectoring while the six-piston brakes are from Akebono, and the suspension features high-end adjustable Öhlins dampers.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Arrives In The UK With Subtle Updates For More Refinement

Honda is introducing the new 2021 CR-V Hybrid to the UK market, which has been updated aesthetically to better fit with the company’s latest electrified model range and has been retuned in other areas.

The 2021 CR-V will be available in the UK only as a hybrid starting from December, which is when the first examples of the Japanese SUV will begin showing up at dealerships around the country with prices starting from £30,180.

The updated 2021 CR-V Hybrid features new blue-ringed H badges and Honda’s latest ‘e:HEV’ lettering to signify the electrified powertrain under the bonnet. Other updates include the new 18-inch wheels across the range, standard privacy glass from the SE models upwards, and wireless smartphone charging for the range-topping EX.

Under the skin, the only revisions are about some tweaks to the suspension, which has been retuned for “more linear handling responses” and to provide improved ride compliance. Furthermore, the variable-ratio electric steering has been refined to offer better low-speed maneuverability.

The hybrid powertrain remains unchanged, featuring a 2.0-liter i-VTEC petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle combined with two electric motors for a total of 181 HP (184 PS). Honda’s innovative fixed-gear transmission claims to offer higher levels of refinement compared to CVTs, as well as better efficiency.

The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint comes in 8.8 seconds for the FWD version (AWD: 9.2 seconds), while top speed is set at 112 mph (180 km/h). CO2 emissions are rated from 151 g/km for the FWD models and 161 g/km for the all-wheel-drive ones.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…