Tesla Wants You to Stop Filming Its Cars Mowing Down Child-Sized Mannequins

toyota corolla-hybrid Full OverviewWith gas prices taking a bigger bite than ever out of everyone's wallets, suddenly an ultra-efficient car like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is having a moment. Yearning for an SUV or anything "cooler?" Just think about all you could do with the cash you save at the pump. We figured the time is ripe for our first check-in with the fuel-sipping sedan since its debut, even before the revised 2023 version arrives later this year with a new touchscreen, upgraded safety features, a new hybrid battery, and optional all-wheel drive.Why It's ImportantThe 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a rolling shrine to affordability in a time of grotesque price inflation. How does 52 mpg and a $25,075 price tag sound? In 2022, that's practically talking dirty to any weary car shopper who's facing $5/gallon gas and average new-car transaction prices pushing $50,000.To recap, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is cheaper than a Prius and the more stylish Hyundai Elantra hybrid, though not quite as efficient. It trades the regular the Corolla's 1.8-liter gasoline engine for a hybridized version assisted by dual electric motors. This 121-hp, 105-lb-ft powertrain (including its continuously variable automatic transmission) is pulled directly out of and nails the same 52-mpg combined rating as the base Prius. You might notice the hubcapped lightweight aluminum wheels and hybrid badges, though the smaller 11.4-gallon fuel tank (regular Corollas get 13.4-gallon tanks) and 600-volt lithium-ion battery stuffed under the rear seat are well hidden.Pros: What We LikeWe mentioned the 52 mpg, right? During the course of 200 miles of tooling around Dallas for a week, we easily achieved that figure, which theoretically delivers nearly 600 miles of range per fill-up. We drove the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid normally, too, squirting in and out of traffic like we needed to get someplace; oh, and there was a heatwave, so we blasted the A/C to combat average daytime temps hovering past 100 degrees. In other words, we didn't "hypermile" the Corolla Hybrid by treating its gas pedal like an eggshell, coasting more than a mile to a stop, or sweating without A/C. Nor does the Toyota make pained noises when you demand everyday acceleration from it. Credit the hybrid's seemingly substantial ability to drive around under electric power alone. Even at higher speeds, the engine will wink off and you can even (gently) accelerate on electrons alone. There's an electric-drive mode, too, though it only delivers about a mile of EV-only travel at a time, and at slower speeds.The powertrain is smooth and mostly quiet, with the engine note picking up only when you mat the throttle. While objectively slow—our most recent test data says it needs more than 10 seconds to reach 60 mph—the Toyota feels adequately powered. Select the "PWR" mode, and engine revs stay higher, and it almost feels punchy up to about 40 mph. Avoid the Eco mode, as it dulls most inputs and reminds you of just how leisurely this sedan's performance really is.This is no penalty box, either. With its relatively small-diameter wheels (15-inchers!) and soft suspension tuning, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid rolls quietly and smoothly over even the worst city streets. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic single-zone climate control, a mostly digital gauge cluster, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist are standard. An optional package adds blind-spot monitoring for $500, and a Premium package throws some leather on the steering-wheel rim, replaces the cloth seat upholstery with eco-friendly faux leather, and adds front-seat heaters. The trunk is big and has a nicely shaped opening, and even offers a pass-through to the cabin.Cons: What We Don't LikeThree years into its lifespan, the Toyota Corolla is neither as nicely appointed nor well-packaged as the Honda Civic. Interior materials are just OK, the rear seat is tighter, and storage throughout the interior is lacking. The center console has only a single cubby buried under the dash that can't fit a regular-sized iPhone, and the armrest cubby is tiny. Rear passengers do without air vents, USB ports, or door pockets that can hold anything of note. There is at least a fold-down center rear armrest with two cupholders.Other complaints include the fuzzy graphics on the touchscreen—soon to be addressed with the sharp new Toyota Multimedia Audio system on the 2023 model—and the doughy handling. Between the soft suspension and hard, fuel-economy-biased tires, the Corolla rolls more than is typical for a compact sedan and can require corrections at the wheel when it meets bumps while turning or sailing up an off-ramp. Also, yes, if you're the sort of driver that shoots for gaps in traffic or regularly drag races others from stoplights, the Hybrid is not quick, something also being addressed on the newer model next year.The Bottom LineThe 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the right car for the times, and it's better-looking than a Prius. But wait for the 2023 model if you want some of its flaws ironed out.Looks good! More details?2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid BASE PRICE $25,075 LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINE 1.8L/121-hp/105-lb-ft Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4, plus 71-hp/105-lb-ft electric motor; 121 hp/105 lb-ft comb TRANSMISSION CVT CURB WEIGHT 2,900 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 106.3 in L x W x H 182.3 x 70.1 x 56.5 in 0-60 MPH 10.3 sec (MT est) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 53/52/53 mpg EPA RANGE, COMB 600 miles ON SALE Now Show All

WHAT IT IS: Honda plans to launch two electric sports cars in the medium term. The first is dubbed a "specialty model," and based on the teaser image Honda shared, it looks like it will have the proportions of a smaller, more affordable sports car. The return of the S2000 doesn't sound like a crazy idea, especially when everyone is resurrecting old model names. This will be the company's first electric sports car, but not its only one. The second model will serve as a halo, and based on its proportions, it looks like an Acura NSX with a wilder form. Honda hasn't said if both cars will carry the Honda brand name, but given the NSX falls under Acura for the North American market, it won't surprise us to see such a strategy continue.WHY IT MATTERS: As everyone goes electric, Honda has been one of the most conservative automakers to make the change. This move puts Honda on the radar, as the Japanese company aims to sell more than 500,000 electric vehicles in North America later this year. With the Acura NSX leaving production after the 2022 model year, this electric halo car could mark its return. And who won't be excited by an S2000-inspired electric car?PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: It's too early to know the details, but these two cars will be based on Honda's own electric vehicle platform, dubbed e:Architecture. Yes, Honda is working with General Motors to launch two SUVs—the Prologue and an unnamed Acura crossover—but the two sports models will be developed completely by Honda. We estimate each car will have at least 300 miles of range and a scintillating driving experience.ESTIMATED PRICE: The "specialty model" should start at less than $50,000, but the halo model will most likely cost more than $150,000.EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE: 2026 for the small model and 2027 for the halo car.

The all-new Volkswagen ID Buzz electric van will finally debut March 9, alongside the VW ID Buzz cargo van. While you wait on that full information, VW has released new interior images detailing a lot of the ID Buzz's cute little easter eggs, some surprising tools, and even smiley-faced screw caps as part of the final finish.VW ID Buzz + CargoThe new VW ID Buzz van will be introduced first for overseas markets as a five-seater and a cargo variant, both built on the automaker's new MEB electric vehicle architecture found in various configurations under VW's other new EVs like the ID3 and ID4. We expect the passenger version will make its way here later, after several delays held up the project. VW says the space-saving qualities of the EV platform allow for up to 39.5 cubic feet of cargo storage in the five-seater, and up to 137.7 cubic feet in the cargo version with "a partition behind the first row of seats" equipped. The new van lineup is set to help VW achieve its goal of 50 percent EV sales mix in North America by 2030.Custom ID Buzz Paint VW says the new ID Buzz van will launch with seven paint colors, but of course the automaker is going retro with four additional two-tone paint schemes also available that harken back to the iconic T1 camper. All four of the two-tone paint jobs include the color white paired with another hue.VW ID Buzz InteriorInterior options color-matched with each exterior paint choice will be available, including the seat cushions, dash panel and door trim. The cabin is also animal-free, instead opting for polyurethane leatherettes with "a similar feel" as leather. VW also introduces recycled materials in the seat covers, floor coverings and headliner.Various tools are cleverly tucked away in the van cabin, VW says, including a bottle opener and a handy ice scraper, though their utility may be hampered by your inability to find them, since the release says they are "only discovered at second glance."Both the new Volkswagen ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo will debut at 10 a.m. Pacific time on March 9.