Electric Cars

Toyota's enduring three-row mid-size SUV, the Highlander, is a fixture in the automotive market, celebrating over two decades of successful production. This consistent popularity is attributed to its ample cargo capacity, competitive pricing, and appealing design. For the month of September, Toyota is sweetening the deal on the Highlander with an enticing lease offer. Qualified customers in select regions can lease a Highlander for as little as $449 per month. This 36-month lease requires an initial payment of $4,448 at signing and includes an annual mileage allowance of 12,000 miles. For those who drive less, opting for 10,000 miles per year could lead to further savings. Additionally, the lease package includes ToyotaCare, covering scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles. It's important to note that this estimated monthly payment does not cover taxes, fees, or other supplementary charges.

For individuals who prefer to avoid a substantial upfront payment, zero-down lease options are also available. By distributing the initial $4,448 down payment across the 36-month lease term, the estimated monthly payment would adjust to approximately $573. This calculation provides an insight into what a zero-down lease might entail, though it is not an official offer but rather an approximation. Prospective lessees are encouraged to visit Toyota's official website and input their zip code to access the most precise and localized deals and incentives for the Toyota Highlander, as advertised lease rates often exclude taxes, fees, and other regional charges.

The Toyota Highlander maintains its strong standing within the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment, a testament to its intrinsic value and practicality. Its standard engine, delivering a robust 265 horsepower to the front wheels, with available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, offers reliable performance. Compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-90, the Highlander boasts superior rear-seat accommodations, ensuring greater comfort on extended journeys. While the interior materials may not be class-leading, they are robust and designed to withstand years of daily usage. Furthermore, the Highlander excels in practicality, offering a generous 84.3 cubic feet of total cargo space, surpassing rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, underscoring its versatile appeal. Despite some rivals excelling in specific areas, the Highlander's strong fundamentals and well-rounded performance make it a consistently reliable choice.

The current September lease offer for the Toyota Highlander remains consistent with last month's terms, and Toyota is not widely advertising lease deals for the base 2025 models in many markets. It might be prudent for interested buyers to consider waiting another month to see what new offers the fourth quarter brings, as better incentives may become available. Ultimately, the Highlander represents a dependable and practical option for families and individuals seeking a capable and comfortable three-row SUV.

In an unexpected legislative move, the U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a bill compelling all new automobiles, including electric vehicles, to incorporate AM radio receivers. This initiative arises amid a decline in AM radio listenership, particularly among younger demographics, and technical hurdles posed by EV powertrains, which can interfere with AM signals. Despite these challenges, lawmakers emphasize AM radio's critical role in emergency communication. The Senate must also pass a similar bill for this proposal to become law, igniting a discussion on balancing technological evolution, consumer demand, and public safety mandates.

Legislative Push for AM Radio in Modern Vehicles

On Thursday, September 20, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill mandating the inclusion of AM radio in all new vehicles. This decision, reported by Axios, is part of a broader, sustained effort by legislators to preserve AM radio, a move that appears particularly noteworthy given the current political climate. The urgency behind this bill has sparked discussions, especially considering the general aversion to regulatory measures typically associated with the Republican-controlled Congress.

Automakers have increasingly opted to exclude AM radio from electric vehicles due to electromagnetic interference generated by EV powertrains, which degrades reception quality. However, as Stephanie Brinley, Associate Director at S&P AutoIntelligence, explained to The Drive, regulatory bodies depend on AM frequencies for disseminating crucial emergency alerts. Furthermore, AM broadcasts offer a free, accessible communication channel for drivers. Brinley noted that this issue extends beyond mere consumer interest, suggesting a deeper governmental rationale.

While it is improbable that the absence of AM radio would deter a buyer from purchasing an EV, Brinley clarified that this overlooks the primary reason U.S. lawmakers are keen on maintaining the frequency's availability, even in electrified models. The legislative push also coincides with ongoing debates around other significant automotive regulations, such as those impacting EV deployment, raising questions about congressional priorities.

Though Congress initiated the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act in 2015 to explore alternative emergency communication systems, a universally agreed-upon notification framework has yet to be established. While a considerable portion of the population now relies on smartphones and digital platforms for information, not everyone has access to or uses these technologies, underscoring the perceived need for traditional broadcast methods.

The demographic trend further complicates the matter. Electric vehicle adoption is more prevalent among younger, tech-savvy individuals who are more likely to utilize digital alternatives for receiving information, including emergency alerts. This demographic shift means that the average EV owner might not recognize the immediate benefit of retaining AM radio. While the regulatory perspective aims for broad public safety, the focus on AM radio appears somewhat anachronistic in an era of rapid technological advancement, prompting debate on whether current legislative efforts truly align with contemporary needs and consumer behavior.

Navigating the Airwaves: A Question of Legacy and Necessity

The congressional push to preserve AM radio in new vehicles, particularly EVs, highlights a fascinating tension between tradition, public safety, and technological progress. On one hand, the concern for emergency broadcasts is valid; not everyone has constant access to digital information, and AM radio has historically served as a reliable fallback during crises. It's a testament to the enduring power of a simple, accessible technology. On the other hand, forcing a legacy technology into modern vehicles, especially when newer, more efficient communication methods exist, feels somewhat akin to mandating rotary phones in every new smart home. It prompts us to consider whether our regulatory frameworks are nimble enough to adapt to technological shifts without sacrificing essential public services. Perhaps the true lesson here isn't about AM radio itself, but about the need for robust, universally accessible emergency communication systems that leverage current technology, rather than clinging to past solutions that are increasingly becoming obsolete. The debate challenges us to innovate solutions that are both forward-looking and inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind in an emergency, regardless of their vehicle choice or digital literacy.