10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Toyota 4Runner Persists as Chevy Malibu, Ford F-150 EV Expire
Each year, Cars.com purchases at least one new vehicle to add to its fleet of long-term test cars, driving it for a year to get a genuine feel for the real-world ownership experience an average buyer might have. And if the average buyer’s first nine months or so with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner hybrid is, indeed, anything like ours, said buyer should expect underwhelming fuel economy and little-to-no drama during routine inspections at the dealership (save for maybe a leaky moonroof here, a mysteriously broken air dam there, along the way). That’s according to our most popular news article of the past week — an ownership status update after putting 10,000 miles on the odometer.
Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Year: Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V Make Space as Hyundai Palisade Gains
After posting a 21 mpg average gas-mileage reading in our first 5,000 miles of driving, we dipped to 20.5 mpg on our way to the 10,000-mile mark. That setback puts us 2.5 mpg shy of achieving the 4Runner hybrid’s EPA-estimated 23 mpg average, which doesn’t bode well for our chances of us enjoying the mid-size SUV’s entire estimated 437-mile total driving range (should we ever need to avail ourselves of that generous capacity). As for that routine service visit, the appointment was dependably easy to book by app, and the tire rotation, oil and oil filter change, fluid top-off and multipoint inspection were free under the standard warranty.
For full details on our 10,000-mile check-in with our 2025 Toyota 4Runner hybrid, follow the link below to the No. 1 news story on this week’s countdown of most read articles.
Moving on to sadder news, we regret to inform you that the list of cars discontinued for the 2026 model year continues to grow — to 16 from the previously reported 10. Once more, cue “In the Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan for this expanded in memoriam segment, as automotive heaven gains six more angels. Wearing wooden pajamas as of this year will be a pair of sedans, the Chevrolet Malibu and Subaru Legacy — may their souls find peace. Meanwhile, sending love and light to two all-electric vehicles also crossing the River Styx in ’26: the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck and Volkswagen ID. Buzz minivan (though the latter will, it turns out, be temporary). And, finally, sleep well Nissan Kicks Play subcompact SUV and Volvo V60 Cross Country luxury wagon, which both find themselves on the wrong side of the grass.
For our full obituary on each of these expired car models, follow the link below to the No. 2 news story of the week.
Beyond that, we’ve got headlines on the Mercedes-Benz GLC With EQ Technology, Lexus LS 500h, Volvo XC40, Ford Bronco and much more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. We’ve Driven 10,000 Miles in Our Long-Term 2025 Toyota 4Runner. How Efficient Is the Hybrid?
2. These Cars Have Been Discontinued for 2026
3. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now
4. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC With EQ Technology: Hitting a Stride
5. Jaguar Still Has Deals on Leftover 2024 Models
6. Is the 2025 Lexus LS 500h a Good Car? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
7. How Much Is the 2026 Volvo XC40?
8. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
9. How Much Is the 2026 Ford Bronco?
10. How Do I Get a Free Vehicle History Report?
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