News Roundup: Mustang Mach-E Rally, New Traverse, Mercedes has a 671 hp Four, More

New Sante Fe looks nothing like the old one

Hyundai revealed the latest generation of the Santa Fe three-row crossover and the model is getting a serious style upgrade. The blocky new look with H-shape LED lights front and rear looks like it will absolutely stand out in the crowded crossover market. The new Santa Fe will be larger than the model it replaces for more interior space. On the inside, expect it to be more conventional, though. Sharing a 12.3-inch cluster and integrated centre screen design with models like the latest Tucson. The cabin will add some sustainable materials, including a headliner and seat backs made from recycled plastics. While we don't have powertrain details yet, expect Hyundai to reveal those sometime in August.

Mach-E Rally



Ford showed off a rally-ready version of the Mustang Mach-E last week. The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a version of the electric crossover designed for going fast on rougher roads. Ford was short on details, other than to confirm it would be going on sale here, but this is what we know: The Mach-E Rally will have a taller suspension, beefier wheels, and tires suited to going fast on gravel. The Mach-E Rally will be based on the quicker GT model and it will get some styling changes including a rear wing and fog lights mounted inside the flat grille.

Mazda CX-50 pricing



Mazda has priced the 2024 CX-50. The rough-road-oriented crossover will start from $39,300, about $1,000 more than last year. There are some small changes, recalibrated steering and new dampers, part of the brand's continual improvement drive. The base CX-50 GS-L gets a 187 hp 2.5L four and has standard all-wheel drive. Mazda will also continue to offer the 227 hp 2.5T on the CX-50 GT Turbo ($46,750) and Turbo Meridian Edition. That engine upgrade comes with a 3,500 lb towing capacity.

Muscly new Mercedes-Benz GLC



Mercedes-Benz is showing off the new Mercedes-AMG GLC SUVs, with both the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance getting 2.0L turbo-fours. The 2024 GLC 43's version of the engine makes 416 hp plus a small boost from the belt-driven starter-generator. The 2025 GLC 63 S tweaks that 2.0 up to an astonishing 469 hp. On top of that, an AMG electric motor developed using F1 tech adds 201 hp for a total of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. Both get adaptive damping and the GLC 63 S has active roll control. Active rear steering is standard, and both get big brake upgrades. That's four-pot calipers for 43 and six-pots for the 63. The interiors will feature AMG sports seats and AMG trim and instrument cluster displays as well as a flat-bottom performance wheel. Both go on sale next year.

All-new Chevy Traverse



Chevrolet debuted the 2024 Traverse. The new big three-row gets styling that is meant to make it look more SUV rugged than crossover friendly. The Traverse will also ditch its 3.6L V6 for a 2.5L turbo-four making 315 hp and 317 lb-ft. A new cabin includes an 11-inch digital dash and a 17.7-inch infotainment screen and while overall space drops a few litres to 2,763, it should still be best-in-class for cargo. GM's Super Cruise hands-off driving assistant will be added to the options list and the list of standard driver assists has grown significantly. Also new for 2024 is a Z71 off-road model that features a new twin-clutch AWD system, a high-clearance front fascia, all-terrain tires, and a one-inch lift kit. The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is expected at dealers early next year.

Kia EV9 reservations opening soon



Kia will start taking reservations for the EV9 three-row EV on the last day of July. The EV is set to hit dealers later this year (with pricing to follow), but we do have some more information about the model. The EV9, slightly longer than Telluride, will offer a 99.8 kWh battery. It will have a single-motor configuration targeting 480 km of range or a 379 hp dual-motor with no range estimate given.

Toyota bringing Mirai FCEV to YEG



Toyota is partnering with Edmonton International Airport to bring 100 Mirai fuel-cell vehicles to the city's roads. Some of the vehicles will be used on-site to replace existing airport vehicles, but others will be used by airport partners including rental fleets and taxi companies. "YEG's fleet of Toyota Mirai FCEVs will help accelerate the use of hydrogen in Alberta and having on-site hydrogen fueling infrastructure will make them a true hub, spurring the growth of Alberta's hydrogen economy," said Toyota Canada VP Stephen Beatty.