This Week in the Auto Industry (Nov. 17-21)

Nissan Introduces Its First Plug-In Hybrid in the U.S.

Nissan introduced the new 2026 Rogue Plug-In Hybrid this week, marking the brand's first PHEV for American buyers. It's designed to "meet the needs of modern families," and offers 38 miles of electric-only driving range for short trips and an estimated 420 miles of total range with its full hybrid powertrain. The Rogue PHEV will be on display at the LA Auto Show from November 21st to 30th. 

Audi to Build SUV at Scout Facility

Audi has been feeling the effect of tariffs lately, as it imports all of its U.S.-bound vehicles. It plans to tackle this problem by building a new luxury SUV, targeting Land Rover Defender shoppers, in the U.S. The model will be a range-extender hybrid designed specifically for the U.S. market. Instead of building a new plant, Audi will use the Scout Motors facility in South Carolina.

2026 Honda Pilot Adds More Tech and Style

Honda gave the Pilot a refresh for 2026, adding a bigger touchscreen, a more premium cabin, and updated styling with new colors. The automaker also sharpened steering feel, reduced cabin noise, and improved safety features. The updated Pilot will arrive at dealerships next month. 

Honda Prelude Pricing Released

Honda announced pricing for the 2026 Prelude this week, and some industry analysts were surprised: it opens north of $43,000. That makes it pricier than a Ford Mustang, BMW 230i Coupe, and the top-of-the-line Civic trims, giving this comeback model some tough competition. 

Jeep Shows Off Its New Off-Road EV

Jeep revealed its all-new, all-electric off-roader, and Telemetry's Sam Abuelsamid outlined what's to come on GreenCars. 

Hybrid-Only RAV4 Starts at $33K

Toyota released pricing for its now hybrid-only RAV4 this week. The $33,000 starting price is $2,100 higher than last year's base model, but that one wasn't a hybrid. Compared to last year's hybrid base price, the new entry point is actually $1,000 less. Upper trims like the XSE and Limited see increases of roughly $2,500, though. 

Genesis Unveils Production GV60 Magma

Last year, Genesis launched its performance-focused sub-brand, Magma, and this week, the automaker officially pulled the wraps off the production GV60 Magma at Circuit Paul Ricard in France. The high-performance EV rides on the same platform as the Ioniq 5 N and delivers up to 641 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque in Boost mode. 

Kia Telluride Goes Hybrid

When Sam did the 2027 Kia Telluride first look for GreenCars, he said the new three-row would be going hybrid. And this week, Kia announced the Telluride ditches its 3.8-liter V6 in favor of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. Kia hasn't released EPA figures yet, but it's expected to target 35 mpg combined and have roughly 600 miles of overall range. 

Hyundai Shows Off New CRATER Concept

Hyundai revealed its CRATER concept at the LA Auto Show this week: a compact, off-road-focused SUV meant to embody the brand's XRT design. It was developed at Hyundai's technical center in California, and it draws on inspiration from harsh environments and echoes the protective, rugged look seen on XRT models like the IONIQ 5 XRT, Santa Cruz XRT, and Palisade XRT Pro. 

Hyundai Adds IONIQ 6 N to Its Performance Lineup

Hyundai announced the next member of its N performance family: the Ioniq 6 N. Read Sam's take on it at GreenCars.