New refrigerant, R-1234yf, is much more expensive than R-134a, and the handling equipment for R-1234yf is often costlier, so the recharge price rises.
Consumers don’t want to pay for it. Automakers are still pushing hard.
“I’ve never had so many people come up to one of my cars to check it out as this one,” says Danielle Hornby. It’s fast, roomy and makes her feel safe.
2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition: Hakone is Japan’s Nürburgring, where cars are tested. Pretty six-speed manual two-seater delivers the joy of driving.
2025 Defender OCTA performance SUV gets new 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine; extra-durable tires with Kevlar in the sidewalls; plus magic seats.
2025 Audi RS 6 Avant GT will stop people in their tracks. As it’s priced like a Lambo, it should. It also boasts lots of room and all-wheel drive.
2026 Honda Passport is no bare bones trail-runner, but an SUV built for luxury. It gets updated all-wheel drive, but there’s no electrification.
What better way to put the 2025 Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid to the fuel savings test than to explore B.C.’s expansive Rainforest-to-Rockies route?
Mazda’s MX-5 is the biggest-selling roadster of all time. Gear changes are smooth and precise, giving the driver a truly engaging driving experience.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is blindingly fast — 1,224 horsepower — and good for everyday use, although the ergonomics could do with a refresh.