Cars

2025 Chevrolet Traverse: Unbeatable Lease Deal for September

This September, Chevrolet introduces an enticing lease deal for its 2025 Traverse FWD LT model, solidifying the vehicle's position as a premier choice within the competitive three-row SUV market. Building on its 2024 redesign, which enhanced its rugged aesthetics, interior volume, and overall comfort, the Traverse effectively marries practicality with contemporary design. It serves as an ideal solution for families seeking generous cabin space without the bulk of a full-size SUV, slotting perfectly between Chevy's smaller Equinox and Blazer, and below the Tahoe and Suburban.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse FWD LT is powered by a robust 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is seamlessly integrated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive comes standard, an all-wheel-drive option is available for those desiring enhanced traction. The FWD model achieves commendable fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and a combined 23 mpg, making it an efficient option in its class. For the 2025 model year, the Traverse maintains the bold styling and cutting-edge technology introduced in its 2024 overhaul, alongside a comprehensive array of safety features, all contributing to its significant market value, especially with this month's attractive lease incentive.

The September lease offer for the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse FWD LT is set at $469 per month for a 24-month term, requiring an initial payment of $6,569 at signing. Notably, no security deposit is mandated, though taxes, title, license, and dealer fees are not included in this figure. Lessees are responsible for vehicle maintenance, any wear beyond normal use, and non-warranty repairs. A disposition fee, potentially up to $395, may be incurred at the conclusion of the lease period. The annual mileage allowance is 10,000 miles, totaling 20,000 miles over the lease term. To take advantage of this offer, customers must finalize delivery by September 30, 2025.

The Traverse LT trim strikes an excellent balance between cost-effectiveness and comfort, making it a compelling option for families who prioritize essential amenities without upgrading to premium trims. Standard exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, roof rails, and a convenient power liftgate. Inside, the cabin boasts premium cloth seating for up to eight occupants, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Technological highlights feature a large 17.7-inch diagonal HD touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and a six-speaker audio system.

Safety remains a paramount concern for the Traverse LT FWD, which is equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, a Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Further enhancing driver confidence are features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. The interior space is notably generous, offering 44.29 inches of front legroom, 41.46 inches in the second row, and 32.13 inches in the third row. With all seats folded flat, the Traverse provides an impressive 97.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse continues to stand out as a highly adaptable three-row SUV, distinguished by its expansive interior, state-of-the-art technology, and robust safety provisions. This September's lease special makes it an especially attractive proposition for families seeking a harmonious blend of affordability and utility, avoiding the need for a larger, full-size SUV. Prospective lessees are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review all lease terms, verify vehicle availability with their local authorized Chevrolet dealership, and factor in all applicable taxes and registration fees before committing. With its refreshed design, feature-rich cabin, and competitive leasing terms, the Traverse LT FWD represents an outstanding value proposition this month.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2026 Hyundai Kona: A Detailed Comparison

When selecting a subcompact crossover, factors like affordability and fuel efficiency often take precedence over raw power or expansive size. These vehicles cater to individuals and families seeking economical transportation solutions. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2026 Hyundai Kona emerge as strong contenders in this segment, both starting at comparable price points. While both offer compelling packages, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. This comparison highlights five major areas where these two popular models diverge, assisting potential buyers in making an informed decision tailored to their preferences.

Ultimately, the choice between the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2026 Hyundai Kona hinges on individual priorities. The Kona presents a more contemporary design, enhanced driving dynamics, and a superior warranty, making it a slightly more appealing option for those who value modernity and robust coverage. In contrast, the Corolla Cross leverages Toyota's reputation for reliability, offers a more accessible entry price, and its hybrid variant provides an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Each vehicle carves out its niche, appealing to different aspects of the compact SUV market.

Performance and Powertrain Diversity

Both the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2026 Hyundai Kona come equipped with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Corolla Cross edges out the Kona in terms of raw power, delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Despite the power difference, both base models are expected to offer similar acceleration, taking over nine seconds to reach 60 mph. For those desiring a more spirited driving experience, each brand offers alternative powertrain options. Toyota provides a 196-hp hybrid variant for the Corolla Cross, which not only boosts performance but also achieves an impressive combined fuel efficiency of 42 mpg. Hyundai, on the other hand, offers a 190-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the Kona, and uniquely, a fully electric version. The Kona Electric starts under $33,000, with a base model offering 133 hp and a 200-mile range, while a more capable SEL trim provides 201 hp and a 261-mile range at a higher price point.

A significant difference lies in the available transmissions. All Corolla Cross models, whether gasoline or hybrid, utilize a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While smooth during gentle driving, the CVT can lead to increased engine noise under harder acceleration, a scenario drivers may frequently encounter, especially in the non-hybrid versions. In contrast, standard Kona models also feature a CVT, which Hyundai refers to as the Intelligent Variable Transmission. However, the turbocharged Kona offers a more engaging driving experience with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This conventional automatic, combined with the turbocharged engine's power, provides a more satisfying and dynamic feel behind the wheel than any Corolla Cross variant. Therefore, buyers prioritizing a more traditional and responsive transmission, particularly with an upgraded engine, might find the Kona's offerings more aligned with their preferences.

Interior Dimensions, Features, and Warranty Advantages

Despite the Toyota Corolla Cross being slightly longer, the Hyundai Kona surprisingly offers more practical interior space, particularly in its cargo area and rear seating. The Corolla Cross provides 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which reduces to 21.5 cubic feet in the hybrid model. With the rear seats folded down, the front-wheel-drive gasoline version of the Corolla Cross offers 46.9 cubic feet. The Kona, however, boasts 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row and a more substantial 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it the more spacious option for transporting larger items. Rear-seat legroom is also a key differentiator, with the Kona providing a generous 38.2 inches compared to the Corolla Cross's tighter 32 inches. Additionally, the Hyundai's interior width is greater, making its rear bench more accommodating for three occupants, although neither vehicle is ideally suited for this arrangement.

When examining the top-tier trims, the Kona Limited distinguishes itself with a richer array of features compared to the Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE. Both offer upgraded materials, such as leatherette upholstery, but the Kona Limited includes ventilated front seats, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a surround-view monitor, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE features a smaller 10.5-inch touchscreen and lacks ventilated seats and a surround-view camera, with an upgraded nine-speaker JBL sound system available only as an extra cost option. Both top trims share common amenities like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Furthermore, Hyundai clearly leads in warranty coverage. While both offer a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, Hyundai provides a class-leading ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, significantly surpassing Toyota's. Hyundai also offers a more generous complimentary maintenance program, lasting three years or 36,000 miles, compared to Toyota's two years or 25,000 miles, making the Kona a more compelling choice for long-term ownership peace of mind.

See More

Lucid's Ambitious Mid-Size EV Plans Face Financial Hurdles and Market Shifts

Lucid Motors, an electric vehicle startup, is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy, aiming to introduce a trio of more accessible mid-size EV models by late 2026. This initiative comes at a critical juncture for the company, which has encountered obstacles in its current production and experienced a slower-than-anticipated market entry for its Gravity SUV. The company's new CEO, Marc Winterhoff, has openly acknowledged the necessity of securing substantial additional investment to bring these future models to fruition, as Lucid navigates financial constraints and a dynamic global EV landscape. The success of these new offerings, which are projected to enter the market at a price point under $50,000, is heavily dependent on the company's ability to attract the required funding and optimize its operational efficiencies.

The journey for Lucid Motors has been marked by both innovation and challenges. Despite its advanced technology and the luxury positioning of its initial Air sedan, the company has struggled with production bottlenecks and sales figures that have not met expectations. The recent introduction of the Gravity SUV was intended to boost market presence and revenue, but its launch has been hampered by unforeseen difficulties. In parallel, the broader EV market is undergoing a period of transformation, characterized by increasing competition from both established players and emerging entrants, notably from the Chinese market. Furthermore, shifts in governmental policies, such as the phasing out of federal EV tax credits, add another layer of complexity to Lucid's financial planning and market penetration strategies. The company's ability to adapt to these external pressures while simultaneously executing its internal development plans will be crucial for its long-term viability.

The Ambitions of Lucid: Expanding into the Mid-Size EV Segment

Lucid Motors, a prominent player in the electric vehicle industry, is set to significantly broaden its product offering by introducing three new mid-size EV models, with the first slated for release in late 2026. This strategic move aims to tap into a more accessible market segment, contrasting with its current luxury-oriented vehicles. The company's CEO, Marc Winterhoff, has revealed that these upcoming models will be built upon a versatile, common platform, allowing for diverse body styles. This expansion is critical for Lucid, especially given the lukewarm reception and production challenges faced by its Gravity SUV, which saw limited registrations in its initial sales period. While Winterhoff refutes certain negative reports about Gravity's performance, he acknowledges the slow start but maintains that demand outstrips current production capacity, indicating a ramp-up is underway. The success of these mid-size vehicles is paramount for Lucid's future growth and market positioning.

The introduction of multiple mid-size EVs signifies a pivotal shift in Lucid's market strategy, moving beyond its high-end Air sedan and the newly launched Gravity SUV to address a broader consumer base. These new models are expected to offer a more competitive price point, with estimates suggesting a starting price below $50,000, directly aiming to compete with popular models like the Tesla Model Y. Winterhoff indicated that the first of these mid-size vehicles is likely to adopt an SUV-like form factor, echoing the market trend towards utility vehicles. However, the exact configurations of the subsequent models remain undisclosed. This aggressive expansion into the mid-size category reflects Lucid's confidence in the long-term potential of the EV market, despite current slowdowns and increased competition. The company's ability to successfully execute this multi-model launch will determine its capacity to capture a significant share of the evolving electric vehicle landscape.

Navigating Financial Headwinds and Market Dynamics

Lucid Motors' ambitious plans for its new mid-size EV lineup are shadowed by significant financial challenges, as the company requires substantial new capital to fund these developments. Despite previous funding rounds, including a $1.75 billion investment last year largely backed by Saudi Arabia and an additional $1.1 billion in April, the company's cash reserves are dwindling faster than anticipated. CEO Marc Winterhoff has stated that while current funds will sustain operations through the first half of next year, more capital will be essential to ensure the mid-size vehicles reach production. This financial pressure is compounded by the slow rollout of the Gravity SUV, production bottlenecks, and external market factors such as the impending phase-out of federal EV tax credits and a general slowdown in EV sales growth. To mitigate the impact of expiring tax incentives, Lucid has initiated its own customer incentive program, further straining its cash flow.

The ongoing financial struggles of Lucid Motors underscore the capital-intensive nature of launching and scaling an electric vehicle manufacturer. The company has repeatedly sought new investment to maintain operations and fund future projects, indicating a persistent cash burn. With the CEO confirming the need for further funds beyond mid-2025, attention turns to major investors, particularly the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which holds a majority stake in Lucid. The company is strengthening its ties with the region by establishing an assembly plant in Saudi Arabia, which could be a strategic move to secure future investments. Beyond financial concerns, Lucid faces a dynamic and increasingly competitive EV market. New entrants, particularly from China, are intensifying the rivalry, while a broader slowdown in EV sales, influenced by shifting consumer sentiment and policy changes, presents additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, Lucid remains steadfast in its belief in the future of electric vehicles, viewing current market headwinds as a temporary phase. The company's ability to effectively manage its finances, secure necessary capital, and adapt to evolving market conditions will be crucial for the successful realization of its expanded product portfolio.

See More