2024 Kia EV9, 2023 Lexus RZ headline this week’s new car news
March Madness has arrived with the debut of a new three-row electric crossover SUV and drive time in the first electric crossover from Lexus. The 2024 model year cars keep trickling into dealerships, and a couple large safety recalls of newer cars also crossed our desk this week. The IIHS punctuated the week in safety with a new crash test that showed most SUVs don’t protect rear passengers as well as front passengers in a crash.
Here’s what moved us.
2024 Kia EV9: Swiveling seats put a spin on 3-row electric SUV
Second-row seats that pivot around to face the rears are going to make it from concept to production in this electric SUV.
The Lexus RZ 450e shares technology with the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX as well as battery and propulsion systems from the bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. It earns a TCC Rating of 8.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The redesigned small crossover with standard all-wheel drive but no hybrid option gets more refined and remains a safety-loaded value, but the base engine is slow. It earns a TCC Rating of 5.4 out of 10.
IIHS: Most family SUVs fail to protect rear passengers in a crash
Updates to the front-overlap crash test performed by the IIHS found that most mid-size and three-row crossover SUVs failed to protect rear passengers.
Though far from exciting, the Legacy mid-size sedan is a solid, well-equipped choice with the security of all-weather traction. It’s a 6.7 out of 10.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA, GLB refreshed with mild-hybrid tech
The entry-level luxury crossovers return with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and updated infotainment interfaces.
What’s New for 2023: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz now has five electric vehicles, while mild-hybrid plug-in-hybrid technology aid the internal combustion offerings.
Test drive: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder tackles winter with the family
The three-row SUV proves it still tackles winter weather with ease.
Honda recalls CR-V, Odyssey, Acura RDX for seat belt issue
A problem that can prevent the front seat belts from latching is spurring Honda and Acura to recall 450,000 vehicles.
2021-2023 Kia K5 mid-size sedans recalled for faulty airbags
Faulty side airbags in the 2021-2023 Kia K5 may not deploy due to improper installation.