This Week in the Auto Industry (Nov. 10-14)

Jeep Announces 2026 Compass Pricing

The 2026 Jeep Compass is largely a carryover, but Jeep announced it is dropping the 2025 base Sport trim. The new entry-level Latitude now starts at $32,985, up from last year's $28,895 and the outgoing Latitude's $30,760. Jeep says each trim now includes up to $2,350 more in standard equipment, though. 

Nissan Announces 2026 Sentra Pricing and Pathfinder Tech Updates

The 2026 Nissan Sentra base price comes in at $23,645, $85 below the outgoing model. A new top-of-the-line SL trim arrives at $29,235. 

Meanwhile, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder gets a host of tech upgrades, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant integration, and a much-improved interface. Safety tech now includes a new surround-view camera system with a 180-degree front view and an intelligent pass-through hood, which shows what's directly beneath the vehicle. 

2027 Kia Telluride Design Debut

Kia teased the 2027 Telluride's longer stance and updated lighting this week ahead of its LA Auto Show debut. Telemetry's Sam Abuelsamid shared his first impressions on GreenCars. 

Volkswagen Adds Supercharger Access and Smartwatch Integration

Starting November 18, ID.4 and ID.Buzz owners can access Superchargers with an adapter ($200 with a $100 rebate for MY25 owners). Additionally, Volkswagen expanded its myVW app capabilities to smartwatches, which allows functions like Lock/Unlock, Honk & Flash, Vehicle Status, Remote Charging, and Climate Start/Stop to be used with a compatible smartwatch. 

Jeep Drops Wrangler Moab 392 Special Edition

The 2026 Moab 392 is the first of 12 new monthly special editions celebrating Jeep's 85th anniversary and 60 years of the Easter Jeep Safari. Starting at $81,990, the Moab 392 is roughly $20,000 less than the 2025 Rubicon 392. Jeep will reduce some standard content to make the 6.4-liter V8 more affordable for buyers. 

Toyota Tacoma Pricing Update

Tacoma trims will rise $300 to $1,500, depending on configuration, for the 2026 model year, with entry-level SR models climbing to $32,145. Mechanical updates are light, so 2025 models are worth considering. 

McLaren to Produce Performance SUV

According to a report from Automotive News, the rumored McLaren SUV appears closer to production, with a four-door layout, sloping trunk, spoiler, diffuser, 24-inch wheels, and an electrified turbo V8. This would be McLaren's first SUV. 

Ford to Announce Sports Car

Ford's newly rebranded Racing division teased a new production sports car coming early next year. Details are scarce, but it promises track-inspired performance and horsepower-heavy engineering. A possible GT return? 

Mercedes GLB EV Gets Massive Screens

The Mercedes-Benz GLB EV is debuting in less than a month. Mercedes offered a first look at its interior this week, which features massive screens spanning the entire cabin. 

The news this week shows just how unpredictable the next year in the automotive industry will be. Prices are shifting in response to tariffs and market uncertainty, and automakers are reacting in different ways, dropping base trims, adjusting standard content to keep costs manageable, or selectively increasing features to justify higher prices. At the same time, many brands are rethinking strategies, whether it's reintroducing a sports car like Ford or entering new vehicle segments like McLaren. Between pricing in flux, new tech, and changing product lineups, 2026 promises to be a weird but interesting year for car buyers and industry followers alike.