New Toyota Tacoma Will Be Land Cruiser Tough, 1,200-HP Rivian Off-Roader Coming, VW ID.4 Drops Below $30K: Cold Start

US production of the VW ID.4 electric crossover is officially underway at the brand's Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, and for the 2023 model year, VW is adding a cheaper variant with a smaller 62-kWh battery. Pricing has now been announced for the 2023 lineup, starting at $37,495 for the newcomer. Factor in the available $7,500 federal tax credit the ID.4 qualifies for, and it now comes in at under $30k, making it one of the most affordable EVs in America. Retaining the 201-hp single-motor powertrain, the reduction in battery capacity sees the ID.4 Standard travel 202 miles on a charge.

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In an exclusive interview withCarBuzztalking all things trucks and SUVs, Toyota's Mike Sweers gave us a little insight into the next-gen Tacoma pickup truck. First, we know it's going to inherit the TNGA platform that underpins the global Land Cruiser, as well as the all-new Tundra and Sequoia. Because of this, it will be just as tough and reliable and inherit technology from the Land Cruiser it previously never had access to. Toyota understands the importance of the Tacoma to its customers and wants to do right by them.

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Rivian might be struggling with a few rollout problems as it tries to ramp up production of the R1T and R1S, but that doesn't mean development has stagnated on new models. Reports surfaced yesterday of a new 1,200-hp off-roader based on the R1 platform that would be a rally-derived EV for the ages. Essentially a shortened, lifted R1S SUV, the R1X will receive a new generation of carbon-sleeved electric motors, one in each wheel, giving it unparalleled off-road prowess. When it arrives, it's expected to carry a six-figure price tag and bragging rights no one can match.

Click here to get the lowdown on the R1X

The Lexus brand's first EV in America - the RZ - hasn't started its rollout to customers just yet. But that isn't stopping Lexus from developing a new, more affordable variant. In trademark filings uncovered byCarBuzz, we learned of a new RZ300e derivative that will fit in below the current RZ450e flagship. Powertrain details are still a mystery, but we expect the single- and dual-motor powertrains from the mechanically related Toyota bZ4X to feature. With trademarks only filed in Europe - for now - it remains to be seen whether this more affordable variant will make it stateside.

Find out about the more affordable RZ here