We’re still waiting for Apple CarPlay compatibility for Tesla EVs, but it’s been pushed back thanks to a slight hitch with iOS 26, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. In the latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Tesla’s plans to adopt CarPlay have been delayed due to app compatibility issues as well as low adoption rates for iOS 26.
It’s been a long wait for Tesla drivers who want CarPlay compatibility, especially since initial rumors indicated a late 2025 rollout and Bloomberg reported that Tesla was testing CarPlay in its vehicles in November. However, Gurman’s latest newsletter revealed that there were some compatibility issues between Apple Maps and Tesla’s in-house navigation software, which also supports the self-driving features.
To address this, Apple released an iOS 26 update that would better synchronize the two navigation apps, especially when a driver would use Tesla’s autonomous driving options. Still, Tesla is reportedly concerned enough about the low adoption rates of iOS 26 to delay delivering CarPlay to its vehicles. Gurman also noted that iOS 26 adoption rates were lower than usual, but are already going up, citing Apple’s latest numbers that 74 percent of all iPhones released in the last four years are running iOS 26.
There’s still no official date for when CarPlay arrives in Teslas, but including the beloved in-car feature could be a way to boost sales for the company. According to the January registration estimates in the US, Tesla saw sales slip for the fourth month in a row.
Right off the bat, I am feeling Jeep’s dedication to explore the hybrid and all-electric sectors. Since documenting my enjoyment of the 2025 2025 Wrangler Willys ‘41 4xe, the Wagoneer S Limited 4xe was next up, blending the brand’s rugged nature with the luxury, comfort, technology, and plug in capability to name a few standouts. Ultimately, I truly enjoyed this SUV from bumper to bumper.
The 2025 Jeep® Wagoneer S Limited pairs capability, class, and comfort with available best-in-class usable screen space of more than 45 inches, over 170 standard safety and security features and brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system. It features a distinguishable black roof and mirror caps, low-profile exterior badging, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, and a standard dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
The Wagoneer S greets the eyes with a framework that is modern, yet muscular. The striking Fathom Blue Pearl-Coat exterior paint is metallic, has a base of dark blue, with hints of purple that alters spending on how the light hits it. The exterior is complemented with 20-inch painted diamond-cut aluminum wheels, signature illuminated Jeep grille lighting, titanium exterior accents, and dark daylight opening moldings from the optional—and recommended—Dark Appearance Package to elevate the look. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof further enhances the exterior appeal while blessing the cabin with natural light and stargazing at night. A necessary enhancement to any car’s nod to the future, the Wagoneer’s lightwork flexes in numerous ways, including bi-function led premium reflector headlamps, door-handle approach lamps, and led fog lamps. Yes, this automobile is a looker.
The 2025 Jeep® Wagoneer S Limited trim interior features a maximum usable screen space of more than 45 inches (best-in-class among EVs), more than 170 standard safety and security features, plus a new Arctic Grey interior color.
Stepping inside this five-seater, the 4xe makes both tech and comfort a priority. The cabin features ambient LED interior lighting, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel paired with a tilt-and-telescoping steering column to customize the driver’s positioning. The centerpiece is Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system with an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen, paired by a secondary comfort control screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity; a wireless charging pad; 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot; and nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer collectively keep the cabin plush.
The 2025 Jeep® Wagoneer S Limited pairs capability, class, and comfort with available best-in-class usable screen space of more than 45 inches, over 170 standard safety and security features and brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system. It features a distinguishable black roof and mirror caps, low-profile exterior badging, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, and a standard dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
Performance? No problem. This Wagoneer is powered by a 400-volt, 100-kW battery pack, delivering smooth, hushed acceleration topping off at 500 horsepower and 514 pound-feet of torque. With an EPA-estimated 93 MPGe combined, this version delivers a respectable driving range of up to 294 miles. With the ability to charge at three different levels, Level 3 charges up to 80 percent in about an impressive 23 minutes. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain drive mode selector, all-speed traction control, and active driver assistance systems make sure the driver can take on virtually any terrain, which Jeep is proudly renowned for. On the practical side, welcomed touches like front trunk storage, remote climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate make everything from grocery runs to long excursions a lot more effortless.
Priced at a base of about $65K, with a total as tested of $67,790, the Wagoneer S Limited 4xe is the ideal balance of upscale amenities, innovation, and sustainability, backed by a mind-easing 8-year/100,000-mile battery and electric powertrain warranty. If you’re looking for a well-appointed, all-electric SUV that’s ready to take on whatever road comes its way, this is a solid consideration. For even more power, I am looking forward to reviewing the Launch Edition of the Wagoneer, flexing 600 horsepower to justify its name. Until then, the S Limited will do just fine.
Tesla may finally be capitulating to the calls of iPhone users wanting what practically every other major automaker offers them, Apple CarPlay. is reporting that the EV giant is working to add Apple’s car infotainment integration to its vehicles, according to the outlet’s sources. The feature has reportedly begun internal testing and could be ready for release in the coming months. Of course, development and testing of the feature is not a guarantee that it sees the light of day.
An about-face of this magnitude would be truly surprising given Tesla’s years of steadfast commitment to its own infotainment solution, which doesn’t require connecting a smartphone. In the past, there has been a somewhat frosty relationship between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the iPhone maker. Musk once said that he offered to when the Model 3 program almost bankrupted the company, but said Tim Cook refused to take the meeting. Apple had also previously key Tesla employees for its failed project.
Tesla will reportedly be including CarPlay in a separate window within its existing software interface, ensuring it won’t be fully replacing the existing Tesla system. Bloomberg also reported that Tesla would be using the standard version of CarPlay, as opposed to the newer that integrates with the vehicle’s instrument cluster.
This would be an interesting time to jump on the bandwagon as Apple CarPlay may be just past its peak. GM recently announced it would be phasing out support for both CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of a system , which seems to go directly against the of the platform. Ford’s CEO recently in Apple’s latest beefed up version of the tool. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment on the report, and at the time of publication Elon Musk has not commented either.
Getting a good glimpse of what Chevrolet has to offer for 2026, the Trax proves that a subcompact crossover might be cheap to buy, but it doesn’t have to look like it. Although economically sound starting at $25K, the Trax proves the automaker didn’t pull back on the reigns regarding style, technology, and perfectly balancing practicality with innovation.
Visually, my reviewed Trax welcomed the eyes with a recommended White Sands exterior strategically contrasting the jet black seats accented in red for a racing-inspired feel. Rolling on 19-inch black-painted machined wheels; flaunting LED headlamps and running lights; and a rear spoiler to flex a sporty presence, prospective buyers will immediately feel they are getting a big bang for their buck. Adding the optional power sunroof package including a wireless charging pad steps its game up even more.
The ECOTEC 1.2L turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission may not win NASCAR competitions peaking at 137 horsepower, but it does provide enough pep and efficiency averaging 30 miles per gallon combined. The StabiliTrak stability control system with traction control also improves the driving experience and boosts confidence in taking on various road conditions.
Chevrolet clearly showed love regarding comfort and connectivity inside the cabin. The 11-inch advanced color touchscreen provides the driver with a user-friendly command center in the cockpit, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The remote start; keyless open and start; and a respectable six-speaker audio system are also generous appointments coming standard. Long distance excursions are easier considerations thanks to the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, while passengers get pampered with the Evotex seating surfaces and heated front seats—a luxury rarely found in this price range.
Minds get more relaxed with Chevy’s Safety Assist suite includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and front pedestrian braking. The optional Driver Confidence Package my car featured included rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and adaptive cruise control; these embellishments are more than ideal for new drivers, first-time car owners, and starting families.
With its three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage, and first maintenance visit included, Chevrolet is doing everything they can to assure their new Trax gets driven off sales lots nationwide.
Ultimately, the 2026 Trax will not be seen as a budget crossover, but instead one hell of a deal thanks to its style, workmanship, numerous appointments coming standard, and tremendous value. This new vehicle is a winner.
Fuel Economy: 28 city/32 highway/30 combined
Price: The 2026 Chevrolet Trax 2RS starts at $25,300 and $26,990 as reviewed with Sunroof and Driver Confidence Packages.
The midsize crossover market is crowded, but the three-row 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC still finds a way to shine and stand out. This automaker does a masterful job of combining captive design, interior comfort, and practical versatility while maintaining a fair price starting at around $39K and $45K fully equipped with multiple options to make the most frugal smile.
Refined for 2025, my Outlander was dressed in a stealthy Moonstone Gray Metallic with a contrasting black roof to deliver an upscale presence upon sight. The 20-inch, two-tone alloy wheels; silver roof rails; spoiler; and futuristic LED lighting from nose to tail—including headlights, fog lights, and distinctive combination tail lamps—further raise its curb appeal.
Preproduction model shown. Available Spring 2025.
Under the hood, a 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine provides adequate pep with direct injection paired to an eight-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a smoother ride. Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, and multiple drive mode selector—Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Eco, and Mud—boosts the confidence to handle whatever road conditions Mother Nature presents the drive. I also appreciated the paddle shifters, and the shift-by-wire technology provided an escape from the normalcy of traditional gear shifters. The respectable 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway) provides some wallet relief with lesser trips to the gas station as well.
Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi
Inside, the SEL’s cabin feels more premium than its price suggests including all the extra packages. Semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with brick brown accents, ventilated front seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel provide generous comfort for especially long-distance excursions. More pilot perks include a 12-way power seat with memory linked to the key fob, an updated 12.3-inch full digital driver display, 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, digital rearview mirror, and a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate sound system to elevate the driving experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; navigation; and multiple USB-C ports keep every passenger powered up. Three-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, rear door sunshades, and even LED foot lighting collectively make the cabin even more pampering for up to seven people.
Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi
Safety is evidently a priority for Mitsubishi as well. Numerous features ease the mind including MI-PILOT Assist featuring Navi-link; adaptive cruise control with stop & go; lane keep and lane departure prevention; forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection; blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert; and rear automatic emergency braking. Multiple airbags—including front center and driver/passenger knee airbags—plus electronic stability control, hill start assist, and trailer stability assist make adventures especially to mountainous environs a welcomed option.
Ownership benefits sweeten the deal, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, five years of unlimited-mile roadside assistance, and two years of complimentary maintenance. I’m not mad at that reassurance.
Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC delivers with its 2025 upgrades in numerous departments, including design and technology. So whether it’s bobbing and weaving through the city or feeling adventurous for a long excursion, this SUV steps up to the plate.
Fuel Economy: 24 city/30 highway/26 combined
Price: Starts at $38,795 (MSRP); reviewed in the SEL trim and including $3,050 Premium Package; $1,400 Launch Package, and destination is $45,930.
