Tag Archives: electric cars

Memorial Day is coming up quickly. While you’re hopping between barbecues and pool parties, be sure to hit up your local dealer. Car dealer that is! We’ve rounded up all of the best Memorial Day car sales of 2023 from top automakers across all of the most popular makes and models.

What Memorial Day car sales can I expect in 2023?

Historically, Memorial Day has been one of the best times of the year to buy a new car. That said, the new-car market for the past couple of years has been a little dire due in no small part to the global microchip shortage, supply chain issues, and the enduring effects of the pandemic. We saw a whole bunch of horrific markups that expectedly set off consumers.

This year, we can expect to see things pan out a little bit differently given the improved economic climate. Most manufacturers have shifted into reverse a bit. In a lot of ways, car dealerships are on their last few breaths. Now we have car subscription models beginning to surface along with companies like Volvo promising to start selling directly to consumers. Tesla has already laid the foundation for cutting out the middleman.

Toyota and Lexus

Who doesn’t love a good deal on a reliable, long-lasting Toyota? While you won’t find discounts on the slick new 2023 Prius, you can drive on the beach this summer with the Highlander FWD at 3.49% for 60 months. Toyota is also offering 3.99% for 48 months on the Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, and Tacoma. For those looking for something a bit more on the luxury side, Lexus has the ES at $519 per month ($589 for the hybrid) for 39 months with $3,999 due at signing.

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Ford and Lincoln

The beloved American manufacturer has a ton of Memorial Day car sales but by far the strongest is the Ford Edge at 0% for 72 months plus you’ll get $3,000 in bonus cash. Along with that, the Mustang is going for 0% for 60 months, the Bronco Sport, Expedition, Explorer, and F-150 at 0.9% for 60 months (with $1,000 in bonus cash for the F-150), as well as the Escape for 1.9% at 60 months. On the luxury side, you can make like Matthew McConaughey and take home a Lincoln with 5.9% financing or as low as $468/month for a 2023 Corsair lease.

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Kia

One of the more popular choices for Memorial Day sales, Kia is coming in hot with the EV6 at 2.75% for 60 months, the Niro EV for 2.9% for 72 months, the Forte and Soul at 2.9% for 48 months, and the Sorento at 3.25% for 48 months.

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Honda and Acura

The CR-V has durability, storage, and the versatility to take whatever life throws at you. And right now, Honda is offering 3.9% for 48 months for the CR-V along with the CR-V Hybrid, HR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, and Civic. Other deals include 2.9% for 48 months on the Accord, Accord Hybrid, Passport and 0.9% for 36 months on the Ridgeline. Step it up to an Acura from Honda’s luxury division, and you can finance a 2023 Integra at 4.9% for up to 60 months.

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BMW

Quite a bit of lease deals here, it’s easier to list them.

• 2 Series: $479/month for 36 months ($4,619 due at signing)
• 3 Series: $549/ month for 36 months ($4,999 due at signing)
• 4 Series: $589/month for 36 months ($4,769 due at signing)
• 5 Series: $629/ month for 36 months ($6,409 due at signing)
• X1: $549/month for 36 months ($4,849 due at signing)
• X3: $579/month for 36 months ($5,929 due at signing)
• X4: $729/month for 36 months ($5,209 due at signing)
• X5: $909/month for 36 months ($5,959 due at signing)
• i4: $489/month for 36 months ($4,239 due at signing)
• iX: $989/month for 36 months ($5,919 due at signing)

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Volkswagen

While we’ll probably never see the Golf-like Volkswagen ID.2 come stateside, the ID.4 is a well-rounded German SUV that won’t set you back a kidney. Like other carmakers who had their EV tax credits taken away as a financing incentive, VW is giving customers $7,500 back when they lease an ID.4. Military service members get a $500 bonus on top of that. By far, the most interesting Memorial Day car sale from Volkswagen, however, is a tantalizing 1.9% APR for 36 months on the Tiguan.

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I amost bought a VW Tiguan last year, and if I hadn’t already put money down on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, I’d be tempted to pull the trigger. – Gabe

Audi

For a limited time, Audi is offering a $7,500 leasing bonus for EVs. This includes 2022 and 2023 e-tron models, the 2024 Q8 e-tron, and Q8 e-tron Sportsback. Plus, 0.99% for up to 60 months on the 2022 Audi e-tron GT or RS e-tron GT.

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Jeep

Memorial Day Jeep sales are a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand. Take control of the road in the Grand Cherokee, going for 2.9% for 36 months this coming weekend. Jeep is also offering $2,000 in bonus cash for the Compass (at 0% for 36 months) and the Renegade (at 1.9% for 36 months).

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Hyundai

Hyundai has its Nexo Fuel Cell for 0% for 72 months plus a whopping $25,000 off. And apparently they’ll still offer you the deal regardless of whether you pronounce it “Hyundai” or “Hyundai” (it’s “Hyundai”). Other Memorial Day weekend deals include 0.9% for 48 months on the Tucson, 1.9% for 48 months on the Elantra, Santa Fe, and Sonata. On the luxury end, the Genesis G70 can be leased for $470 per month for36 months and the G80 at $619 for 36 months.

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Nissan

I can’t hear of the word Nissan without thinking of that classic Vine, Liam Neeson’s knees on his niece on E’s on a Nissan. But if you hear the word Nissan and think, “I’d like to drive one of those,” good news. This weekend, the Titan is going for 0% for 60 months, the Murano and Rogue are at 0% for 36 months, and the Altima and Pathfinder are at 2.99% for 36 months.

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Subaru

Drive off into the woods in a brand new Subaru thanks to some great Memorial Day savings. The WRX is going for 2.9% with the Ascent, BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and more all going for 3.9%.

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Mazda

I’ve driven a Mazda CX-5 and I’ve got no plans on changing that. You can lease one yourself for $299 a month for 36 months ($2,999 at signing) as well as the Mazda 3 for $348 a months for 36 months ($2,999 at signing) or the CX-9 for $390 a months for 24 months ($3,999 at signing).

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Dodge

Some great lease deals from the folks at Dodge. The Charger is going for $461 per month for 36 months with $4,249 due at signing, the Challenger for $410 per month for 36 months with $4,249 due at signing, the Durango for $448 per month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing, and the Hornet for $449 per month for 36 months with $4,249 due at signing.

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Mercedes-Benz

Got another big list for ya. Here’s what Mercedes-Benz has to offer for this coming Memorial Day weekend.

• GLA: $649/month for 36 months ($4,923 due at signing)
• GLB: $679/month for 36 months ($5,033 due at signing)
• GLC: $639/ month for 36 months ($4,553 due at signing)
• GLE: $859/ month for 36 months ($5,583 due at signing)
• C-Class: $579/month for 36 months ($4,573 due at signing)
• E-Class: $789/month for 36 months ($5,863 due at signing)
• CLA: $669/month for 36 months ($5,193 due at signing)
• EQB: $689/month for 24 months ($5,753 due at signing)
• EQE: $689/month for 24 months ($6,673 due at signing)
• EQS: $1,049/month for 24 months ($9,283 due at signing)
• EQS SUV: $1,049/month for 24 months ($9,283 due at signing)

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Volvo

In addition to its evergreen military incentives for those in the service, Volvo is promoting its top-selling SUVs, such as the XC40 and XC90 across trim levels at 5.99% APR for up to 72 months. Certain sedan and wagon models in the Swedish carmaker’s lineup are also eligible for the same offer. EVs, on the other hand, qualify for a $7,500. Presumably, this means Volvo will pass the savings along from the federal EV tax credit, for which most leases still qualify.

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Chevy trucks and SUVs

General Motors is another one with generous military discounts, so check in with your nearest dealership if you’re an active military service member. The same likely goes for everyone else since the Memorial Day sales vary depending on your location.

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Cadillac

If you’re shopping around for a new Cadillac, existing lessees of a 2018 model or newer might be able to claim $2,250 toward their purchase of a 2023 XT4 for a limited time. Not only that, but you could lock down a $379/month payment for your Cadillac XT4 over 36 months. Meanwhile, those who finance an XT4 can do so at 2.9% APR for 36 months in addition to receiving a $500 purchase allowance.

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Buick

SUVs wearing GM’s Buick nameplate can be financed for 2.49% APR and no monthly payments for 90 days across the board. What’s more, Encore GX and Envision models come with a $750 signing bonus. At this rate, don’t be surprised to see more Buicks on the road after this.

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Volkswagen is rapidly expanding its electrification efforts globally, including in the United States, with the VW ID.4. The automaker recently unveiled the new ID.7, and we anticipate unleash of the ID. Buzz van very soon. It’s shown us its vision of a small electric hatchback in the ID.2all concept car, a surprisingly Golf-looking hatchback that will sell for under €25,000, or a little over $26,000. Unfortunately, that car is unlikely to reach the US, as Americans are terrible at buying anything but enormous SUVs and trucks. However, even without a domestic launch, the car promises affordable thrills and offers clean styling.

The gas-powered VW Golf was discontinued in the US in 2021. Now all that remains are the Golf GTI and Golf R Mk8 models, two sportier takes on the standard Golf you wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find at your local car meet – I know we’ve seen our fair share at NYCars & Coffee. No doubt because of its popularity with the enthusiast market, according to Motor1.com, the GTI had outsold the standard Golf three-to-one in 2018 before getting the axe. So while we might not see the ID.2all stateside, we’ll likely get the souped-up performance variants, if the ID.2 really is the Golf’s successor.

VW ID.2all price, specs, and trim levels

We don’t know the exact pricing yet, but we expect VW to stick to that sub-€25,000 pricing model outlined with the concept car launch. There will likely be higher-priced variants offering more range and better performance. However, the base model’s 280 miles of range presents an excellent value for the price. Higher trims or battery configurations could add a few thousand to the MSRP, but there’s nothing wrong with the baseline estimate.

Volkswagen does a stellar job at including solid features and upgrades with each trim level without gouging for dollars in packages or standalone options packages. Buyers will have a choice of trim level and likely a couple of battery and powertrain options. With the ID.4, VW initially offered a standard-range model with rear-wheel drive and a Pro model with a larger battery pack and available all-wheel drive. Now, there are several trims that build on those basic configurations.

In terms of features, expect Volkswagen’s distinctive upscale interior finishes with a large screen and digital gauge cluster. Unlike some automakers, VW hasn’t completely ditched its physical HVAC controls.

The ID.2all’s size means it’ll have a tiny back seat. Though if it’s on the Golf’s level, the rear bench will be surprisingly spacious for the car. Advanced safety features are almost guaranteed, though the configuration and availability of the tech may differ depending on the country. 

Volkswagen electrified: ID.2all vs. ID.4 and ID.7

Volkswagen recently announced the ID.7 for the American market, which will join the ID. Buzz electric van and ID.4 crossover. The automaker is unlikely to release the ID.2all here because small hatchbacks don’t sell anywhere near as well as larger SUVs and trucks, and all of the American market EVs are larger than the diminutive hatchback. They’re all made by the same company, so shared DNA is inevitable. 

VW ID.2all interior and tech

Like the ID.4, the ID.2all may get LED lights and standard IQ.DRIVE safety equipment. Its price means it will likely do without some features, including wireless charging and heated seats. Higher trims may add larger wheels, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a sunroof. Volkswagen has a focus on sustainable materials, so the car’s interior may lean into that philosophy with the upholstery and trim made from recycled materials.

The ID.7 is a large sedan, so the differences between it and the ID.2all will be evident out of the gate. The ID.7’s interior is more upscale than we expect from the ID.2all and has much more space. At the same time, the ID.7 has a unique hatch-trunk that technically makes it a hatchback, but the space underneath it is far more generous than what we’ll see in the ID.2all.

Volkswagen news

With the imminent release of the long-awaited ID.Buzz, Volkswagen is at a critical juncture. The automaker’s earlier EVs have sold reasonably well. Here in the States, however, the ID.4 faces a concerning recall because some drivers have reported the doors opening at random times. Globally, Volkswagen has been criticized for moving too slowly on EVs and maintaining a manufacturing presence in China, where there are big questions about forced labor and human rights.

The company has also shown how complex in-house technology management can be. Its CARIAD division has chewed through leaders like a football team at a pizza buffet. These difficulties have caused delays in models from other VW Group brands, including Porsche. The software will do exciting things for VW once it’s finished, including providing the backbone for its autonomous driving program.

The Ford F-150 Lightning, known colloquially as the Ford Lightning, takes a traditional approach to electrification in that it’s not trying to be an interstellar spaceship on wheels. This truck looks and performs like a truck. I’ll be damned. The F-150 Lightning offers strong towing and payload numbers, a spacious and upscale interior, and a long electric range.

Though it has been on sale for a couple of model years, Ford still struggles to keep pace with demand, and the wait for a new truck extends to a year for some configurations. Still, if you do find a Lightning for sale, the pickup offers actual truck capability without the need for gas, and that’s a compelling proposition for many buyers. 

Ford Lightning price and specs

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning: check local availability at CarGurus

Ford has raised prices on the Lightning a few times since its inception, moving it from the sub-$40,000 starting price to almost $60,000 at the bottom end.

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro

• Price: $59,974
• Range: 240 miles (standard), 320 miles (extended)
• Horsepower: 462 hp (standard), 580 hp (extended)
• Torque: 775 lb-ft
• Curb weight: 6,015 lbs (standard), 6,361 lbs (extended)
• 0-60 time: 4.1 seconds (standard), 3.8s (extended)

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT

• Price: $63,474
• Range: 240 miles (standard), 320 miles (extended)
• Horsepower: 462 hp (standard), 580 hp (extended)
• Torque: 775 lb-ft
• Curb weight: 6,015 lbs (standard), 6,361 lbs (extended)
• 0-60 time: 4.1 seconds (standard), 3.8s (extended)

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat

• Price: $75,974
• Range: 240 miles (standard), 320 miles (extended)
• Horsepower: 462 hp (standard), 580 hp (extended)
• Torque: 775 lb-ft
• Curb weight: 6,015 lbs (standard), 6,361 lbs (extended)
• 0-60 time: 4.1 seconds (standard), 3.8s (extended)

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum

• Price: $98,074
• Range: 320 miles
• Horsepower: 580 hp
• Torque: 775 lb-ft
• Curb weight: 6,893 lbs
• 0-60 time: 4 seconds

Ford options most Lightning trims with either a standard- or the pricier extended-range battery. Not only does the extended-range battery give you an extra 80 miles of juice, but it also adds nearly 120 horses, bringing the Lightning’s official 0-60 time from 4.1 seconds to under 4.

Naturally, the Platinum comes standard with the extended-range battery. The tradeoff is more than 800 lbs of added weight. And sure, that can add a fraction of a second to your 0-60 time, but who’s complaining about a 4-second pickup truck? Remember the Ram SRT-10? That thing had a Viper engine and just barely managed under 5. Besides, trucks are all about how much you can haul before you stall, which the Ford Lightning has in spades. With 775 lb-ft of torque gracing the lineup, it’s rated for a towing capacity up to 10,000 pounds – although, if we’re being real, you probably shouldn’t go over 2,000.

Buyers can add towing packages, upgraded wheels, power side steps, and a myriad of interior upgrades. That said, the F-150 Lightning is expensive and has only gotten pricier as time has gone on. Part of that is due to inflation, but it’s the opposite of the actions Ford took with its other mass-market EV, the Mustang Mach-E.

The F-150 Lightning currently competes against the Rivian R1T seemingly for the titles of Most Expensive and Hardest to Find. In the near future, the Ram 1500 Revolution, Chevrolet 1500 EV, and GMC Sierra EV will land, giving the Lightning a whole host of electric rivals. The Ram is more traditionally styled like the Ford, but the two GM EVs are futuristic in appearance. Pricing for all is expected to be close to the Ford’s MSRP, so we’re in for an expensive electric future in which we’ve subbed burning gas for burning cash.

Ford F-150 Lightning interior and tech

Just like its gas-powered brethren, Ford offers several upgrades and customization options for the F-150 Lightning. While the top Platinum trim brings all the goodies, including leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, lower trims can be outfitted with much of the high-end kit through packages and standalone options.

As with most modern vehicles, but especially the electric ones, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning follows the polarizing trend that is replacing physical HVAC controls with an oversized tablet. The 15.5-inch touchscreen display in the F-150 Lightning’s center console runs the automaker’s own Sync 4A software for all your truck specific needs. Thankfully, for everything else, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (not to be confused with Android Automotive) still remain.

Unlike GM, whose electric Silverado and Hummer trucks have taken to Android Automotive, Ford is sticking to the proprietary stuff, for better or worse. On one hand, because Sync 4A is built by Ford for Ford drivers, its interface is tailor-made to fit the F-150 Lightning. In the main control panel, for instance, the first selection you’ll see highlighted is the onboard scales feature – as long as you have the tow technology package. This lets you check the weight of your payload to make sure you didn’t overdo it on the supplies for your latest home improvement project.

Like the onboard scales utility, some of the more exciting tech is exclusive to certain packages or options. The 360-degree exterior zone lighting, ambient interior lighting, leather seats, and moonroof are all add-ons, as are the upgraded B&O speakers. Even the trailer brake controller is locked to the tow technology package. But no matter how it’s configured, the Ford Lightning comes standard with a host of different drive modes, tons of hidden storage as well as a frunk, built-in navigation, and a stow-away shifter that converts your center console into an in-car workstation.

Ford electrified trucks: F-150 Lightning vs F-150 PowerBoost hybrid

The Ford F-150 Lightning offers similar configurations and options to the standard F-150, including the PowerBoost hybrid truck. They both provide in-bed generators and traditional truck capabilities, but the similarities do not extend to their powertrains. The hybrid powertrain delivers 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, giving it stout towing and hauling capabilities – but it still uses gas. 

The Lightning offers up to 320 miles of range on a charge and can use DC fast charging to charge from 15 to 80 percent in around 40 minutes for the extended-range battery. The challenge with an electric truck is that doing any “truck stuff” reduces the range. Towing and hauling put more strain on the electric drivetrain and can zap range. Additionally, cold weather can drain the batteries faster, as using the heat and other accessories takes more power. 

Pricing is another significant difference between the two trucks. The Lightning easily crests the $100,000 mark in its top configuration with options, while adding the hybrid powertrain to the standard F-150 drives the price upward by about $3,300. Of course, the hybrid requires gas purchases, and despite its improved fuel economy, it can be more expensive to operate. Charging costs money, but it can be cheaper than refueling. Some configurations of the Lightning are eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, but some are too expensive to quality. 

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning: check local availability at CarGurus

Ford Motor Company news

Ford is deep into its electrification strategy and has made progress on its Blue Oval City EV and battery production facility in Tennessee. In addition to the F-150 Lightning, the automaker sells the Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit EVs in the United States. Ford has partnered with Volkswagen and others to produce and sell unique EVs in other countries, but there’s no indication that those models will make it to North America.

Ford has struggled with quality in recent years and has faced multiple recalls from all corners of its vehicle catalog. Consumers tend to rate EVs poorly for quality and satisfaction, so it’s not just a Ford problem, but the company has spent a ton of time and money fixing quality issues that could have been resolved on the factory floor. CEO Jim Farley has acknowledged the problem and promised a plan to fix the quality issues, but Ford has work to do.

There’s no slowing progress, and in the automotive world, that means going electric. Some automakers have jumped in with both feet and billions of dollars, while others have been slower to hop on the train. Toyota and, by extension, Subaru, have been slow to develop and release new EVs. However, we got our first taste from both automakers this year with the new Toyota bZ4X and Solterra, respectively. The 2023 Subaru Solterra shares a platform, drivetrain, and much of its engineering with the Toyota bZ4X but has enough Subaru DNA to make it unique. 

The Solterra is all-new for 2023 and we’re still waiting to hear more about next year’s model. That said, we can speculate that the automaker may offer a more rugged Wilderness trim of the 2024 Subaru Solterra. We also expect the company to add an extended-range model to the line as well. 

2023 Subaru Solterra price, specs, and range

2023 Subaru Solterra: check local availability at CarGurus

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is available in three trims. Each trim comes standard with all-wheel drive and a dual-motor powertrain making 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque.  

2023 Subaru Solterra Premium

• $44,995

• 228 miles of range

2023 Subaru Solterra Limited

• $48,495

• 222 miles of range

2023 Subaru Solterra Touring

• $51,995

• 222 miles of range

The Solterra is an interesting first EV from Subaru, as it’s more expensive and has less range than the Toyota it’s based on. That said, the Toyota bZ4X is front-wheel drive by default, while the Subaru gets standard all-wheel drive, which likely accounts for the price difference. While the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a few thousand dollars cheaper, it requires added-cost upgrades and trims to get all-wheel drive.

Another hangup for Subaru is that the Solterra isn’t eligible for federal tax credits under the current rules. The requirements changed with the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act. Under the new legislation, only electric vehicles that have undergone final assembly in North America are eligible for federal tax credits. The Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X are both built in Japan, disqualifying them from the program.

Despite that, the Solterra fits nicely within Subaru’s catalog and can actually do off-road-y things. It’s more expensive than most of its lineup, but it’s not outrageously more costly than higher trims of the Subaru Ascent SUV. It’s also not entirely out of line with its rivals’ pricing and offers decent value for the money. However, the Subaru could use more range. Its charging speed is also limited to 100 kW, slower than the newest EVs from Korea, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Subaru Soltera vs Toyota bZ4X: sibling rivals

The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X are nearly identical in many ways but differ in a few key areas. Subaru equips the Solterra with standard all-wheel drive, whereas Toyota gives the bZ4X front-wheel drive to start. Buyers can add AWD to the Toyota, but it comes at the cost of range. That said, the Solterra and bZ4X return identical numbers with all-wheel drive considered. Neither vehicle is particularly exciting to drive or quick, and both take longer than many other new EVs to charge. 

Going forward, we know Toyota has other EVs in the works, including new SUV models. Subaru hasn’t been as forthcoming with its electrification plans, but much of its EV development is likely tied to Toyota. This means we’ll see something from the automaker soon. A company official has stated the need for several EV models by 2025, which is a good sign for Subaru EV hopefuls.

Subaru Solterra interior: not Solterrible

The Subaru Solterra interior, for example, is almost the same as in the Toyota bZ4X, as they both offer the same headroom, legroom, and passenger space. Their interior designs are also strikingly similar, and both offer great tech. Toyota equips a standard 12.3-inch display, while Subaru buyers get a standard 7-inch display with the option to upgrade to a larger unit. Safety equipment, cargo space, and exterior dimensions are also closely aligned.

Subaru news: Into the wilderness

Though we’re here talking about Subaru’s electric ambitions, the automaker’s standard vehicle lineup is one of the most targeted, focused product lines in the industry. Subaru listens to its customers and delivers models and features that they want, which is why the company is expanding its Wilderness line to the Crosstrek for 2024. By adding light but legitimate off-road capabilities, Subaru gives its customers a rugged vehicle that remains usable every day. 

Subaru has been characteristically quiet in 2023. However, the company did take the opportunity to tout its vehicles’ safety credentials earlier this year. Five 2023 Subaru models earned Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), meeting the organization’s new, stricter standards for side-crash safety. Individual models have been long-running award winners, such as the Forester, which has more Top Safety Picks than any other small SUV, and the Legacy, which earned the award for its 18th consecutive year.

Despite initial skepticism about its styling, the Subaru WRX is also seeing success. In a world where it’s nearly impossible to buy a new Toyota GR Corolla or Honda Civic Type R at MSRP, Subaru has made the WRX accessible and affordable. While the non-STI model may not be as “hot” as the Type R or GR Corolla, it’s an extremely fun car that can actually be found in the wild, making it a significant win for Subaru.

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