Electric Cars

For consumers seeking an economically priced pickup truck, the new Slate truck starts at an accessible $25,950, with its SUV counterpart priced at $29,950. To maintain these competitive prices, Slate foregoes traditional paint applications, instead offering a variety of colorful vinyl wraps, aptly naming the vehicle the "Blank Slate." This innovative approach led to an exciting alliance with Crayola, the world-renowned crayon manufacturer.

The collaboration with Crayola introduces five signature colors for Slate's trucks and SUVs, now available for pre-order. These hues, directly inspired by Crayola's iconic crayon palette, include Cerulean (blue), Dandelion (yellow), Fern (green), Jersey Tomato (orange), and Razmatazz (pink). Beyond these vibrant full-body wraps, owners can opt for Crayola-themed decals, such as a serpentine stripe for mirrors and a color logo positioned below the door on the rocker panel. A custom key fob cap, matching the chosen exterior color, further enhances the personalization options.

While the specialized Crayola wraps are priced at $1,549.99, a premium compared to the standard $499.99 wraps and the $669.99 iridescent options, they still offer a significantly more affordable customization solution than Porsche's "Paint to Sample" program. Slate also provides bespoke color wraps for $1,599.99, demonstrating a commitment to diverse customer preferences. This strategic partnership with Crayola is a testament to Slate's innovative spirit, with future collaborations with other brands and creators anticipated to keep customers engaged and excited about their vehicle choices. This approach could redefine vehicle customization, offering a fun and cost-effective alternative to traditional automotive painting, and mirroring the popularity of customized vehicles like the Cybertruck.

This innovative strategy from Slate, embracing vibrant wraps as a primary customization method, allows individuals to express their creativity and personality through their vehicles. By partnering with a brand as universally recognized and cherished as Crayola, Slate is not just selling trucks; it's offering a canvas for self-expression, making vehicle ownership a more personal and enjoyable experience. This forward-thinking approach inspires us to seek out and celebrate opportunities for individuality and joy in everyday objects, demonstrating that utility and self-expression can beautifully coexist.

For the 2027 model year, Subaru's popular Crosstrek series will maintain its pricing, making it an attractive option for consumers. Despite some adjustments to its trim offerings, the core value proposition of this subcompact SUV remains intact. Notably, the gas-only Sport variant will no longer be available, but the more efficient hybrid models are set to continue, receiving some enhanced features.

The Crosstrek, a significant contributor to Subaru's sales figures, second only to the Forester, will start at $28,470 for its base model. The off-road-capable Wilderness trim will be priced from $35,270, and the premium Limited Hybrid model will begin at $37,470. These consistent price points reflect Subaru's strategy to offer competitive value in the evolving SUV market.

While the gas-powered Crosstrek Sport, previously priced at $32,075, is being phased out, enthusiasts can still opt for the hybrid powertrain. This more potent 197-horsepower hybrid variant, starting at $35,470, offers an array of upgrades over the former Sport trim. For an additional $3,395, buyers will benefit from interior enhancements such as cloth seats with distinctive yellow accent stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a shift knob, and elegant faux carbon-fiber interior trim. Furthermore, the hybrid Sport includes a fully digital gauge cluster, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a retractable cargo cover, and a wireless charging pad, providing a more refined and technologically advanced driving experience.

Beyond the powertrain adjustments, minor aesthetic and comfort enhancements are being introduced across the 2027 Crosstrek range. The Limited Hybrid trim will now feature a power sunroof as standard, adding to its appeal. In terms of exterior colors, Subaru is expanding its palette with the introduction of Sapphire Blue Pearl, exclusively for hybrid models. Additionally, Ignition Red will replace Pure Red and Lithium Red Pearl (for hybrids), and Tidepool Teal Pearl will supersede Alpine Green across all models. These updates aim to refresh the Crosstrek's appearance and offer more choices to discerning buyers. The updated 2027 Subaru Crosstrek is anticipated to arrive at dealerships in the autumn.

The 2027 Subaru Crosstrek lineup sees strategic changes that enhance its hybrid offerings and maintain pricing stability. While the traditional gas-powered Sport trim is discontinued, the hybrid variants receive notable upgrades, including a standard power sunroof on the Limited Hybrid and refreshed paint options. These adjustments underscore Subaru's commitment to delivering value and adapting to market preferences, ensuring the Crosstrek remains a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.