Electric Cars

Hyundai has introduced its eighth-generation Elantra Hybrid, also marketed as the Avante in South Korea, marking a significant advancement in fuel efficiency. This new iteration promises a remarkable 10 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model, even while offering increased dimensions and a more robust powertrain. The announcement positions the latest Elantra Hybrid as a leading contender in the competitive hybrid vehicle segment.

The recently unveiled Elantra Hybrid showcases an entirely refreshed aesthetic and a more spacious body. Notably, it incorporates a more potent hybrid engine. Despite these enhancements that typically correlate with higher fuel consumption, the vehicle delivers an impressive 49.87 miles per gallon (equivalent to 21.2 kilometers per liter) for the 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid variant equipped with 17-inch wheels. This represents a substantial leap from the previous generation's 45.16 mpg (19.2 km/l) on similar wheel configurations. Moreover, the new model surpasses its predecessor's efficiency even when fitted with 16-inch rims, achieving approximately 49.63 mpg in domestic tests.

For the North American market, the implications of these figures are particularly relevant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently rates the seventh-generation Elantra Hybrid with 16-inch wheels at 54 miles per gallon combined, and the 2026 models with 17-inch wheels at 50 mpg. The new Elantra Hybrid, despite its increased power output of 155 horsepower (a 16-horsepower boost over the current model) and greater weight, maintains comparable or even better efficiency ratings. This suggests that the forthcoming U.S.-bound model could offer a compelling balance of performance and fuel economy.

While Hyundai has yet to officially debut the new Elantra for the North American market, the details revealed from the Avante's launch in June provide clear indications of what to expect. Minor adjustments under the hood are anticipated for the U.S. version, but the core improvements in efficiency and power are expected to remain. The enhanced fuel economy of nearly 50 miles per gallon is particularly timely, given the escalating demand for hybrid vehicles among consumers seeking more economical and environmentally friendly transportation options.

The eighth-generation Hyundai Elantra Hybrid sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in its class. With its stylish redesign, enlarged interior, and a more powerful yet economical hybrid engine, it represents a significant upgrade. The ability to achieve impressive fuel economy despite increases in size and power positions the new Elantra Hybrid as an attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers and those seeking long-term savings on fuel costs.

A recent evaluation of Car and Driver's long-term 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor, heavily modified with extensive overlanding equipment, reveals significant changes in its performance characteristics. The addition of nearly 450 pounds of gear negatively affected acceleration and highway fuel efficiency, as anticipated. Nevertheless, the extra mass led to an unexpected improvement in braking performance, primarily due to a more balanced weight distribution.

Detailed Report: Ford Ranger Raptor's Overland Transformation and Performance Analysis

In the evolving world of automotive trends, overlanding has gained substantial popularity, transforming vehicles into rugged, self-sufficient mobile camps. Jonathan Ramsey, a contributor to Car and Driver, recently embarked on an extensive 8000-mile journey across challenging Canadian terrains in a long-term 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor. For this demanding adventure, the vehicle was equipped with a robust bed rack laden with gear pods, a water dispenser, and three extra fuel tanks, alongside a rooftop tent. Upon its return, Car and Driver conducted rigorous tests to quantify the impact of the added 446 pounds on the truck's performance.

Originally, the unladen Ranger Raptor weighed 5358 pounds. With the overlanding setup, its curb weight increased to 5804 pounds. This additional weight had a noticeable effect on acceleration. The outfitted truck took 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and 6.5 seconds to accelerate from 5 to 60 mph, compared to 5.2 and 5.8 seconds, respectively, when unladen. For quarter-mile enthusiasts, the loaded Ranger Raptor completed the run in 14.6 seconds at 93 mph, a decrease from its unburdened 13.9 seconds at 98 mph.

Intriguingly, the additional weight, primarily concentrated over the rear axle, significantly improved the truck’s weight distribution. The rear-mounted accessories shifted the weight bias to 49.7 percent in the rear and 50.3 percent in the front, a near-perfect balance compared to the unladen truck's 44.8 percent rear and 55.2 percent front distribution. This improved balance, coupled with the standard 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires, resulted in a shorter 70 mph braking distance of 211 feet, outperforming the lighter version by 12 feet.

However, the benefits of improved braking were offset by reduced fuel economy. The rooftop tent's design, with its less aerodynamic shape, substantially increased drag, particularly at sustained highway speeds. A previous, similarly configured Ranger Raptor achieved 18 mpg on Car and Driver's 75 mph fuel-economy route, whereas the long-termer with all its gear managed only 16 mpg. Despite the trade-offs in acceleration and fuel efficiency, the truck garnered numerous positive comments from onlookers who admired its rugged and capable appearance, resembling a military-grade vehicle ready for any expedition.

This testing highlights the practical implications of modifying vehicles for overlanding. While such customizations offer enhanced utility and a distinctive aesthetic, they inevitably impact core performance metrics. For enthusiasts, the balance between capability, appearance, and everyday driving dynamics remains a crucial consideration. As Car and Driver prepares to remove the heavy add-ons and install a more aerodynamic tonneau cover, this detailed analysis underscores the compromises inherent in transforming a capable pickup into a fully equipped adventure rig, shedding light on why its fuel economy experienced a downturn.