Electric Cars

Dodge is poised to redefine its market presence with the upcoming GLH, a vehicle designed to blend the practicality of a small crossover with the exhilarating performance of a "muscle hatch." This new model aims to fill the void left by the Hornet SUV, offering consumers a more engaging and cost-effective driving option. Positioned for a 2028 launch, with sales anticipated to commence in late 2027, the GLH is expected to be priced attractively, making performance accessible to a broader audience. Its strategic introduction reflects Dodge's commitment to delivering dynamic vehicles without compromising on affordability.

The GLH represents a significant move for Dodge, as the brand seeks to bolster its lineup beyond the current Durango and Charger models. The vehicle was initially showcased as a full-scale model at Stellantis Investor Day in May 2026, where it was dubbed a "muscle hatch." Tim Kuniskis, a key figure in Dodge's strategy, has indicated that the GLH embodies the original vision for the Hornet, emphasizing driving enjoyment at a competitive price point. The name GLH, an acronym for "Goes Like Hell," carries historical weight, harking back to a high-performance variant of the Omni from the 1980s, modified by racing legend Carroll Shelby. This nod to the past underscores Dodge's intention to infuse the new GLH with a similar spirit of audacious performance.

The GLH will be constructed on the versatile STLA One platform, a foundation also shared with the forthcoming Chrysler Airflow SUV. This platform is engineered to support a diverse range of powertrains, including traditional internal combustion engines, hybrid configurations, and full electric systems. For the GLH, a gasoline-powered setup is confirmed, with Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa hinting at a powerful engine delivering approximately 300 horsepower. Industry observers expect the GLH to feature the "Hurricane 4" engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four currently found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This engine, utilizing advanced prechamber ignition technology, produces 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the Jeep, suggesting the lighter GLH will offer even more impressive acceleration. While base models might offer front-wheel drive, higher-performance versions, including a potential SRT trim, are likely to feature all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. The flexibility of the STLA One platform also leaves room for future hybrid integrations, though an all-electric variant seems less probable in the immediate future.

In the competitive landscape, the GLH is carving out a unique niche. Its blend of compact SUV cabin space and a lower, sportier stance distinguishes it from typical offerings. While it may compete with other crossovers on price, its performance-centric character places it in a category with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport. Depending on its final specifications and handling dynamics, the GLH could even challenge sportier hatchbacks such as the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R. The key for Dodge will be to strike a delicate balance: maintaining the GLH's affordability and exhilarating performance while also ensuring its practicality for daily use. Addressing potential concerns about rear passenger space and cargo capacity, issues that impacted its predecessor, will be crucial for its success in a crowded market segment.

The GLH is poised to hit the market with an appealing price, with initial estimates suggesting a starting point below $39,000, and potentially as low as $32,000 for entry-level models. The higher-performance SRT trim is expected to fall within the $40,000 range. With the STLA One platform scheduled for deployment in 2027, enthusiasts can anticipate the GLH's arrival for the 2028 model year, with sales commencing in late 2027. This vehicle aims to deliver a compelling combination of spirited driving and value, marking a significant new chapter for Dodge in the performance-oriented compact segment.

Hyundai and its premium brand, Genesis, are poised to introduce innovative extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) to the market, addressing a critical concern for many potential EV owners: range anxiety. These new models, starting with the Santa Fe EREV and a yet-to-be-named Genesis EREV, promise impressive driving distances with significantly smaller battery capacities compared to traditional battery-electric vehicles.

Hyundai and Genesis Pioneer Next-Generation EREVs

Hyundai's recent CEO Investor Day revealed exciting plans for its future vehicle lineup, including a surprising foray into the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) segment. These vehicles are designed to offer the benefits of electric driving with the added security of a gasoline engine, effectively eliminating range concerns. The first model to hit the United States market will be the Hyundai Santa Fe EREV, expected to arrive in the first half of 2027. This innovative SUV will be manufactured at Hyundai's Alabama facility, with production commencing in early 2026. Hyundai has indicated that the Santa Fe EREV will achieve a remarkable driving range of over 600 miles (approximately 965 kilometers), a substantial improvement over conventionally powered counterparts.

The core of this technology lies in a newly developed, in-house battery system that requires less than half the capacity of a pure electric vehicle's battery. This design significantly reduces the weight penalty often associated with larger battery packs in EVs, making EREVs a compelling option, particularly for larger vehicles like SUVs. The inclusion of a gasoline engine acts as a reliable backup, providing peace of mind for drivers in areas with limited charging infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Santa Fe EREV will feature a dual-motor setup, likely providing all-wheel drive capabilities. While the specific combustion engine details remain undisclosed, it is anticipated to function primarily as a generator, supplying power to the electric motors and charging the battery rather than mechanically driving the wheels. This configuration is expected to deliver an "EV-like driving experience and acceleration." Given that the fifth-generation Santa Fe was launched around three years ago, the EREV variant might coincide with a mid-cycle refresh.

Hyundai's commitment to EREV technology extends beyond the Santa Fe. The company plans to roll out extended-range electric vehicles across various market segments. In China, for instance, an EREV version of the recently launched Ioniq V, along with a compact crossover featuring a similar powertrain, is slated for introduction next year.

Genesis, Hyundai's luxury division, is also embracing the EREV trend, building on the recent launch of its first hybrid, the GV80 Hybrid. A teaser image suggests that Genesis's inaugural EREV will be based on the GV80 platform. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2026, featuring an "all-new high-performance battery" that promises an even greater range than the Santa Fe EREV, exceeding 640 miles (over 1,030 kilometers) on a single tank of fuel and a full battery charge. This ambitious target underscores the potential that both Hyundai and Genesis see in this innovative powertrain solution.

The strategic move by Hyundai and Genesis into the EREV market signals a pragmatic approach to the electric vehicle transition. By offering extended range and flexible fueling options, these manufacturers aim to bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and pure EVs, appealing to a broader customer base who may still harbor reservations about fully electric models. This hybrid approach could prove to be a crucial step in accelerating the adoption of electrified powertrains globally.