Electric Cars

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia is a robust three-row SUV designed for hauling both passengers and cargo. While its large size and capability suggest ample storage, questions have arisen regarding the practicality of its cargo area. To truly assess its usability, a unique real-world test was conducted: fitting an entire photo booth, disassembled into multiple components, into the Sequoia's rear.

This unconventional test highlighted both the advantages and limitations of the Sequoia's cargo design. Despite a substantial 86.9 cubic feet of advertised space, the elevated rear floor, caused by the hybrid battery placement, and the second-row captain's chairs that don't fold completely flat, presented challenges. These design elements create an uneven loading surface, requiring creative and intentional packing strategies to accommodate various items. However, the wide and square rear opening did offer some flexibility, allowing for careful arrangement of the photo booth's diverse parts, including long aluminum stands, backdrop pieces, and hard cases, demonstrating that with strategic planning, the Sequoia can indeed handle diverse cargo.

Ultimately, the 2026 Toyota Sequoia proves to be a versatile vehicle for those who approach cargo loading with foresight. While it may not offer the perfectly flat load floor of some competitors like the Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe, its strengths lie in its towing prowess, refined ride, and passenger comfort. For families transporting sports equipment, individuals managing weekend events, or those with light-duty side hustles, the Sequoia's cargo space, though unconventional, can be effectively utilized with thoughtful packing. It's a reminder that true utility often transcends mere specifications, rewarding those who adapt to its unique characteristics.

Maserati, the iconic luxury automobile manufacturer, is currently navigating a challenging period marked by a substantial decline in its global sales performance. Recent figures reveal a drastic 58% reduction in sales over the past two years, with only 11,127 vehicles delivered in 2025. This steep downturn represents a significant departure from its peak in 2017, when the brand achieved approximately 49,000 unit sales. The contributing factors to this slump are multifaceted, encompassing diminished consumer interest in certain models like the Grecale, the impact of US tariffs, and a notable decrease in demand for high-end Western automotive products within the Chinese market. Furthermore, the discontinuation of several key models, including the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans, and the Levante crossover, has undoubtedly played a role in the brand's reduced volume.

In an effort to revitalize its standing, Maserati is taking strategic steps to address these issues. The brand has already adjusted its engine offerings, replacing less popular four-cylinder options with a detuned version of its more powerful 3.0-liter V6 Nettuno engine, and has notably canceled the electric MC20 project. Looking ahead, Maserati plans a closer collaboration with Alfa Romeo to streamline vehicle development and merge operational aspects, aiming for enhanced efficiency and economies of scale. While discussions around reintroducing manual gearboxes suggest an appeal to purists, the core of Maserati's recovery strategy hinges on developing a compelling range of new SUVs and sedans to re-energize sales and rebuild brand desirability. A next-generation Levante is anticipated by 2027, followed by a new Quattroporte around 2028, which is also expected to implicitly replace the smaller Ghibli.

However, industry leaders emphasize that product alone may not be the sole solution. According to former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, Maserati's struggles stem not from product quality, but from deficiencies in marketing and brand positioning. He highlighted the need for a clearer brand identity, moving beyond mere sports cars to encompass the 'gran turismo' lifestyle, 'dolce vita,' and advanced technology, alongside a more effective outreach strategy to potential customers. The brand's historical significance underscores the importance of its continuity, and despite ongoing evaluations of all 14 brands within the Stellantis portfolio, there's a strong sentiment that Maserati must endure. A renewed focus on combustion engines and competitive pricing, especially in light of increasing competition from Chinese luxury automakers, coupled with strategic investments, will be crucial for Maserati to reclaim its rightful place in the premium automotive landscape.