Honda CR-V Hybrid Now Over 50% of Sales — America's Best-Selling SUV Goes Mostly Hybrid
Honda CR-V Hybrid sales now exceed 50% of total CR-V volume as America's best-selling compact crossover for 28 years surpassed 400,000 units in 2025 (an all-time record). The CR-V Hybrid delivers 204 hp (vs 190 hp gas version) and 40 mpg city/34 highway while starting at $37,080, just $6,160 more than the base gas model.
Used EV Prices Crash 30-50% in 2026 — Electric Vehicles Finally Affordable for Average Buyers
Used EV prices have crashed 30-50% across the U.S. and Europe in 2026, with the average used EV price hitting $36,440 in November 2025 (down 2.4% YoY) and projected to fall another 5-10% by late 2026. The collapse stems from federal tax credits expiring in September 2025, buyers rushing to purchase before subsidies ended, and hundreds of thousands of lease returns flooding the market.
Car Insurance Rates Rise Just 1% in 2026 — First Time in Years Prices Aren't Skyrocketing
Car insurance rates will rise just 1% nationally in 2026 after increases of 17.13% in 2024 and 7.56% in 2025, bringing the national average to $208/month ($2,496/year) for full coverage. More than half of states will see rates decrease, led by Iowa (-6.19%), Minnesota (-5.29%), and Arkansas (-4.70%), while New Jersey (+10.46%), Nevada (+6.42%), and California (+6.13%) face the largest increases.
Nissan Recalls 642,000 Rogue SUVs After Bearing Defect Can Cause Sudden Loss of Drive Power
Nissan recalled 642,000 Rogue SUVs in February 2026 for a severe bearing defect that can cause sudden loss of drive power while driving, making it one of the largest safety recalls of the year and putting Nissan on the 2026 most-recalled brands list.
Ford Maverick Hybrid Wins 2026 Truck of the Year — Sells More Than Ranger Despite $28K Price Tag
The Ford Maverick won 2026 North American Truck of the Year after selling 33,861 units in Q1 2026, with hybrids accounting for 50.4% of sales (17,050 units) and making it America's best-selling hybrid truck. Starting at $28,145 for the FWD hybrid model, the Maverick delivers 42 mpg city — dramatically better than competitors like the Hyundai Santa Cruz ($29,750, 4,544 Q1 sales) and Honda Ridgeline ($40,795).
Car Buyers Owe Record $7,214 More Than Their Trade-Ins Are Worth — Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Underwater
American car buyers reached record negative equity levels in Q4 2025, owing an average $7,214 more than their trade-in vehicles were worth, with 29.3% of all trade-ins underwater. A record 27% of underwater trade-ins carried at least $10,000 in negative equity, while buyers rolling debt into new loans paid an average $916/month — $144 above the industry average — and financed $11,453 more than typical buyers.