2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Refresh Updates Styling, Infotainment

2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross refresh updates styling, infotainment

As expected from spy shots, the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has received a styling refresh, and it changes the somewhat controversial rear end. It also brings some tweaks to the infotainment, and for markets outside the U.S. a plug-in hybrid.

The big exterior changes are at the back. The Aztek-style split rear window is gone for a conventional single one. The taillights no longer bridge across the middle of the hatch. They do still extend up the rear pillars. The shape of the hatch looks a little different, too, and it helps reduce the stubby look of the Eclipse Cross's tail.

2021 Honda Ridgeline Styling Reportedly Heading To Honda Crossovers

2021 Honda Ridgeline styling reportedly heading to Honda crossovers

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline just received a significant refresh that brought squared-off truck-like styling to Honda's only pickup. Whether or not it's more attractive is in the eye of the beholder, but it certainly looks tougher. According to Motor Trend, that tough look will spread to other models.

The news outlet spoke with Honda's marketing vice president Jay Joseph, who said future Honda crossovers would have a more rugged design. We reached out to Honda, and a representative confirmed that Ridgeline design cues will make their way to Honda's other light-truck models (i.e. crossovers). Though the representative couldn't share timing of redesigns or specificity of which models will be included. So without specifics, here are some of our theories on how the redesigning could pan out.

2021 Toyota Camry Gets Styling And Tech Updates Across The Lineup

2021 Toyota Camry gets styling and tech updates across the lineup

The 2021 Toyota Camry gains both visual and technology improvements in the new model year. It's not a full-fledged mid-cycle update, but the changes are welcome nonetheless.

Toyota added an XSE grade to the Hybrid trim to start. This brings the sportier suspension tuning and aggressive appearance package to the greenest of models. It's pictured in gray here, and if not for the blue Toyota logo and Hybrid badge, we'd never assume this model was the eco-focused one. It looks just like the XSE grade for the standard Camry, which gets an even bolder honeycomb style grille this year. If boring, hybrid-car looks were keeping you from going Camry Hybrid, Toyota appears to have a solution for that now.

Nissan Z Proto Revealed | Photos, Features, Styling, Details

Nissan Z Proto revealed | Photos, features, styling, details

The Nissan Z Proto is finally here, and it looks like it offers just about everything enthusiasts have been hoping for. It blends styling highlights from the Z's long history into one, clean, modern package. And under the stylish skin is a twin-turbo engine at the front, drive wheels at the back, and a manual transmission in the middle.

All around the exterior you'll see styling cues that echo a variety of Z cars, but the one that seems to have had the most influence is the original 240Z. Up front, the headlights and surrounding body work feature a low, semi-circle shape that suggests the scalloped headlight openings on that classic. There are chrome highlights across the middle of the grille like the 240Z's bumper. Then there's the rear pillar treatment with circular Z badges, and the angled "Fairlady Z" badge on the deck that appeared on the original car. There are other Zs represented, too. The bulge in the hood has been a longstanding Z trait. The rear taillights are directly inspired by the '90s 300ZX. The rectangular grille and vertical character lines on the front fascia are reminiscent of the 350Z. And the taut lines and muscular rear fenders are very much like the current 370Z. Speaking of the current Z, the Proto is only a couple tenths of an inch off the Z in width and height, but it's five inches longer.

2021 Toyota Venza Gets Styling Parts From Trd In Japan

2021 Toyota Venza gets styling parts from TRD in Japan

About a month ago, the 2021 Toyota Venza was revealed, reviving an old nameplate for the U.S. by rebadging the Japanese-market Toyota Harrier. It's a clean, handsome if somewhat inoffensive design. But if you're wanting a small to midsize crossover with more punch, the Japanese branch of TRD is launching a set of body parts to make the Harrier/Venza look more exciting.

The company just revealed its body kit and wheels, and they're branded GR for Gazoo Racing, just like what you'll find on the Supra and GR Yaris. The kit adds a deep, angular front lip spoiler, side skirts and large rear diffuser. The hatchback gets a little spoiler at the base of the window, and the outboard grilles get black panels to make them look larger. Unique 20-inch wheels and a red and black GR stripe down the side complete the package. None of these parts change the driving characteristics except maybe the lateral dampers offered, which TRD says helps eliminate vibrations, though we're a little skeptical.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Adds Sport Trim, 2.5l Engine, Refreshed Styling

2021 Subaru Crosstrek adds Sport trim, 2.5L engine, refreshed styling

For the 2021 model year, the Subaru Crosstrek is getting some mechanical and aesthetic updates, along with a new Sport trim (pictured above).

The biggest difference you'll find for 2021 is the addition of a new engine to the lineup. While the base and Premium trims will continue to use the 152-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder carried over from 2020, the Sport and Limited trims will employ a new-to-Crosstrek 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine. Borrowed from the Forester, and also found in the Outback, this naturally aspirated 2.5-liter provides 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. That power is put to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The base and Premium trims, with the holdover motor, still come with either a six-speed manual or optional CVT.