Electric Cars

Ford's Maverick compact pickup continues to dominate its market segment, with the upcoming 2026 models set to become even more budget-friendly. The base XL EcoBoost with front-wheel drive will now be offered at an attractive starting price of $27,145, representing a $900 reduction compared to the 2025 model's price after factoring in destination fees. This strategic pricing move, which extends to higher trims like the Lariat and Tremor, defies the broader industry trend of consistent annual price increases, positioning the Maverick as a highly competitive option. However, with many 2025 models still available on dealer lots, often with substantial discounts that surpass the 2026 price adjustments, prospective buyers are presented with an interesting dilemma. They must carefully evaluate whether the marginal price decrease of a new 2026 model outweighs the potentially larger savings on a discounted 2025 vehicle, especially given the 2025's recent significant updates.

A closer look at the current market reveals that 2025 Ford Maverick units are being offered with notable price reductions. For instance, the Lariat trim, which typically begins above $36,000, can be found for as low as $33,243, indicating average savings of approximately $5,000. Enthusiasts of the sportier Maverick Lobo High trim can enjoy even greater markdowns, with some units seeing price cuts of $6,000 to $7,000 from their original cost, bringing them down to around $35,945. For those who appreciate the Lobo's distinctive design but prefer a more accessible price point, the Lobo Standard is available for just under $30,000, benefiting from discounts ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 off the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).

Moving to the more economical end of the spectrum, the XLT trim emerges as a balanced choice, combining value with functionality. Its prices typically commence at $27,073, and it currently qualifies for discounts between $4,000 and $5,000. The entry-level XL model offers the most significant savings for budget-conscious buyers, with prices dropping to an enticing $25,135, which is roughly $2,000 less than the starting price of the new 2026 XL EcoBoost. In contrast, the Tremor trim has seen minimal price adjustments, with most listings remaining close to its MSRP, despite a modest $350 price drop for the upcoming model year. This suggests that buyers prioritizing advanced features and higher specifications might find better deals on the outgoing 2025 Lariat or Lobo trims. Conversely, those primarily focused on achieving the lowest possible entry price should meticulously compare the new 2026 base model against the discounted 2025 options.

Beyond the pricing adjustments, the 2026 Maverick largely retains the successful formula from its refreshed predecessor. The powertrain options remain consistent: a robust 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 277 lb-ft of torque, and a highly efficient hybrid system offering a combined 191 horsepower with an impressive EPA-rated 42 mpg in the city for the front-wheel-drive variant. The truck's towing capacity also stays at a respectable 4,000 pounds when equipped appropriately. Ford has introduced two fresh paint colors, Orange Fury and Marsh Gray, adding new aesthetic choices for buyers. Additionally, some optional features have been reconfigured. The power-sliding rear window, previously standard on higher trims, is now an optional extra, a change that contributes to the lower starting prices and expands its availability to XLT and Lobo models. Furthermore, a spare tire is now offered as a standalone option across a wider range of configurations, providing greater flexibility for customization.

In summary, the 2026 Ford Maverick is poised to continue its market leadership with competitive pricing and minor enhancements. While the new models offer a slightly lower entry point and expanded option availability, the current market presents a compelling opportunity for consumers to secure significant savings on 2025 Mavericks, particularly for higher-end trims. The decision between a brand-new 2026 model and a discounted 2025 version will largely depend on individual priorities regarding price, features, and the immediate availability of specific configurations.

Shaquille O'Neal, a figure known for his grand gestures both on and off the basketball court, has undertaken a deeply personal project to honor his former teammate and friend, Kobe Bryant. He collaborated with Effortless Motors in Riverside, California, to bring Bryant's 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser, the vehicle Kobe drove in his final year of high school, back to its original glory. This meticulous restoration, completed as a tribute to Kobe's enduring legacy, was later presented to his mother, Pam Bryant, symbolizing a heartfelt remembrance of the bond they shared.

This particular endeavor by O'Neal stands out amidst his usual flair for custom automotive projects. While Shaq is renowned for modifying vehicles to suit his considerable stature, with examples like stretching a Corvette Z06 by 20 inches and famously widening a Ferrari, this restoration focused entirely on authenticity. The Land Cruiser was revived to its precise 1996 factory condition, emphasizing period correctness over personal customization. This approach highlights a more reflective side of O'Neal, as he chose to preserve a tangible piece of Kobe's early life, creating a moving memorial on wheels that speaks volumes about their connection.

A Tribute to Friendship: Kobe's Land Cruiser Restoration

Shaquille O'Neal's recent collaboration with Effortless Motors aimed to meticulously restore Kobe Bryant's 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. This project brought back to life the SUV Bryant drove during his high school years, returning it to its original factory specifications. The careful restoration included a repaint in the period-correct Dark Emerald Pearl, a detail fondly remembered by the Bryant family. This thoughtful gesture by O'Neal serves as a profound tribute to his late friend, preserving a significant piece of Kobe's personal history.

The restoration of the Land Cruiser was not merely a mechanical undertaking; it was a sentimental journey. Kobe's vehicle had aged, displaying rust, worn leather, and a faded wrap, but O'Neal commissioned Effortless Motors to reverse these effects, insisting on a return to its original condition rather than any modernization. Every detail, from the trim to the interior plastics, was painstakingly revived to ensure authenticity. The vehicle was unveiled as a tribute timed with Kobe's birthday and presented to his mother, Pam Bryant, reinforcing the deep respect and bond between the two basketball legends and honoring Bryant's lasting impact.

Shaquille O'Neal's Unique Automotive Legacy

While Shaquille O'Neal is celebrated for his larger-than-life personality and impressive basketball career, his automotive endeavors are equally notable. Known for his extravagant vehicle modifications to accommodate his formidable height, such as extending a Corvette Z06 and customizing a Ferrari, O'Neal's approach to Kobe's Land Cruiser was distinctly different. Instead of personalizing it, he prioritized historical accuracy, ensuring the SUV remained exactly as Kobe would have driven it in 1996.

This particular project deviates from O'Neal's typical car modifications, which often involve extensive custom work to fit his 7-foot-1 frame. The decision to restore Kobe's Land Cruiser with unwavering adherence to its original state underscores a deeper, more reverent purpose. It highlights O'Neal's respect for Bryant's early life and legacy, demonstrating a thoughtful commitment to preserving a relic of their shared past. The restored Land Cruiser now serves as a tangible symbol of remembrance, honoring a friendship that transcended the basketball court and offering a unique perspective on O'Neal's diverse automotive interests.