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A Price Cut for Lucid Air Makes the Tesla Model S a More Potent EV Rival

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Lucid, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has once again made changes to the pricing of its popular Air electric sedan, making it even more attractive to potential buyers. Notably, two of its trims have now been brought under the $100,000 mark, signaling the company’s commitment to increasing accessibility and competitiveness in the electric car market.

The entry-level Air Pure model has received a price reduction, now starting at $82,400, down from its previous sticker price of $83,975 and an initial ask of $87,400. Meanwhile, the mid-tier Air Touring trim gets the most significant price cut, starting at $95,000 or with a tempting $1,149 monthly payment plan spanning across three years, down from its original price of $107,400.

The flagship variant, the Grand Touring, is now offered at $125,600, which is noticeably lower than its previous price of around $138,000 in the US. Lucid has prominently displayed the updated pricing as a banner update on its official website, highlighting its efforts to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

This isn’t the first time Lucid has offered financial incentives to boost sales. Back in February 2023, the company introduced a direct credit benefit of $7,500 on select Air Touring and Air Grand Touring configurations, reaffirming its commitment to rewarding customers for choosing electric vehicles.

The latest round of price cuts puts Lucid in direct competition with Tesla and Ford, both of which have also reduced the prices of their EV offerings. However, Lucid’s primary objective with these price adjustments is not solely to qualify for the federal EV tax credit, as even their most affordable Air trim remains above the qualifying threshold.

Comparing the Lucid Air with the Tesla Model S and Model X, the price points are becoming more aligned. The Air Pure model’s starting price of $82,400 now competes directly with the Tesla Model S, which starts at $88,490, and the Model X, which starts at $98,490. It’s worth noting that Lucid is particularly targeting the high-end performance segment dominated by Tesla’s Model S Plaid.

Beyond competitive pricing, the Lucid Air boasts impressive performance and specifications. The Air Pure model can travel up to 410 miles on a single charge, delivering 480 hp of peak power and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. In comparison, the base Tesla Model S offers a range of 405 miles and can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

Moving up to the Air Touring versions, they compete directly with the more upscale Tesla Model S Plaid. The base Air Touring trim offers an EPA-rated range of 425 miles, and the Grand Touring version takes it even further, reaching an impressive 516 miles. The acceleration time for the Grand Touring is reduced to just 3.0 seconds. On the other hand, the Tesla Model S Plaid boasts an acceleration time of an astonishing 1.99 seconds, although its range is reduced to 396 miles.

Apart from performance, the Lucid Air also distinguishes itself with a wide range of styling options across all configurations, setting it apart from the Tesla Model S and its competitors in the aesthetics department.

In the electric sedan class, the Lucid Air competes not only with Tesla but also with other heavyweight contenders like the Audi E-Tron GT, the Porsche Taycan, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS. With its mix of competitive pricing, impressive performance, and appealing design options, the Lucid Air is poised to make a strong impact in the electric vehicle market.

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The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remains one of America’s most popular full-size trucks, competing head-to-head with the heavy hitters: the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. As Chevy’s best-selling vehicle, the Silverado offers a wide mix of engines, three cab configurations, multiple bed lengths, and a long list of customizable features. There’s even an all-electric Silverado for buyers looking to ditch gasoline entirely.

But perhaps the most exciting part of the Silverado range is its wide variety of off-road-focused trims; from basic work-ready models to premium, adventure-ready machines, Chevrolet has created options for nearly every budget and terrain.

Where the ZR2 Sits in the Lineup

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At the top of the off-road hierarchy is the Silverado ZR2-the brand’s most trail-capable gas-powered variant. While not quite as extreme as the Ford F-150 Raptor or Ram RHO, the ZR2 nonetheless delivers serious off-road performance courtesy of hardware specifically engineered for rocky, muddy, and uneven conditions.

Pricing for the 2026 ZR2 begins at $74,690 including the $2,595 destination fee. For that premium price, buyers get:

A 2-inch factory lift

Multimatic DSSV dampers featuring exceptional off-road control

High-clearance bumpers

Aluminum skid plates

33-inch mud-terrain tires

Exterior design that is muscular and clearly sets it apart from lower trims

The ZR2 is a powerhouse—but it’s also a major investment.

Why the Trail Boss Models Stand Out for Budget-Conscious Off-Roaders

Lower in the lineup sit a pair of trims that promise formidable capability at a friendlier price: the LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss.

These trims don’t have the extreme engineering of the ZR2, but in the real world of off-roading-mud trails, forest roads, campsites, and mild rock sections-they do far better than many buyers expect.

Price Breakdown

2026 Silverado ZR2: $74,690

2026 LT Trail Boss: $62,195

2026 Custom Trail Boss: $55,395

The Custom Trail Boss is nearly $20,000 cheaper than the ZR2 and $7,000 below the LT Trail Boss. For drivers who enjoy personalizing their trucks with aftermarket upgrades, the Trail Boss trims leave a lot of room in the budget.

What You Get With the Custom Trail Boss

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For being on the more budget-friendly end of off-road trims, the Custom Trail Boss is relatively well-equipped:

Standard Equipment Includes:

2-inch suspension lift with the Z71 off-road package

Underbody skid plates (oil pan, transfer case, differential)

Red tow hooks for recovery situations

Hill Descent Control

18-inch black wheels with Goodyear mud-terrain tires

Four-wheel drive standard

A 7-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Engine & Performance

Standard power for both the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss is Chevy’s TurboMax 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which churns out:

305 horsepower

430 lb-ft of torque

8-speed automatic transmission

This engine has great low-end torque, perfect for off-road crawls and rough terrain.

Where It Falls Short

The Custom Trail Boss foregoes many comfort and tech features, such as:

Heated seats

Wireless smartphone charging

360-degree camera system

Larger 13.4-inch touchscreen

These can be found on the LT Trail Boss, for those buyers willing to invest a little more.

Methodology: Why the Trail Boss Trims Make More Sense for Most Drivers

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But after considerable hands-on testing and experience with the lineup on off-road terrain, most drivers clearly don’t need a full ZR2 package. The ZR2 shines in extreme situations of deep ruts, high-speed desert runs, or technical rock crawling, but full-size truck owners generally want:

The capable 4×4

Enough ground clearance for uneven trails

Strong towing capacity

A price that doesn’t sink their budget

And that is where the Trail Boss trims shine.

How Trail Boss Stacks Up Against Competitors

Across the market,

The Ford Raptor is better suited to more desert-style off-roading.

The Ram RHO prioritizes high-speed terrain and aggressive performance.

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But for everyday adventurers-those pulling a camper, driving muddy access roads, or exploring forest trails-the Silverado LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss offer power, capability, and value.

Bottom Line The ZR2 is a great machine for hardcore off-road enthusiasts, but the price keeps it out of reach for most buyers. The LT and Custom Trail Boss trims strike the perfect balance between trail capability, comfort, and affordability. For most drivers looking for adventure without overspending, the Trail Boss models represent the best blend of rugged performance and real-world usability.

The Mazda CX-5 has been one of Mazda’s most influential models since its debut in 2012. Now entering its third generation with the 2026 model year, this compact SUV remains at the heart of the brand’s global success. Over 4.5 million units have been sold worldwide, of which 1.6 million were purchased in the United States, thus easily making it one of Mazda’s most successful nameplates.

But for many shoppers, especially in the used market, one major question remains: How well does the Mazda CX-5 hold its value over time?

Depreciation Breakdown: How Much Value Does a Mazda CX-5 Lose?

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The resale value largely depends on the level of depreciation-the natural decline in a vehicle’s worth as time and mileage pile up. While CarEdge data indicates that the CX-5 holds its value relatively well for its class, it still depreciates more quickly than many of its top competitors.

Two-Year-Old Mazda CX-5

Average Depreciation: $12,963

Value Retained: 66.57%

Estimated Resale Value: $25,815

Mileage Assumption: 27,000 miles total (13,500 per year)

Five-Year-Old Mazda CX-5

Average Depreciation: $16,217

Value Retained: 58.18%

Estimated Resale Value: $22,561

Mileage Assumption: 67,500 miles total

These numbers suggest that while the CX-5 retains decent value, it nevertheless surrenders a significant portion of its value within the first five-year period, which is typically where most vehicles lose their value the fastest.

What Influences Depreciation Beyond Age and Mileage?

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While time and mileage are the primary drivers of depreciation, several other factors play a major role in how much a used CX-5 is worth:

  1. History of maintenance

The better choice will always be a well-maintained CX-5.

Consistent oil changes

Scheduled services according to Mazda’s recommendations

Proper care for brakes, tires, and fluids

Complete service records can help your vehicle sell more quickly and bring a better sale price.

  1. Type of Driving

A car that does a lot of highway driving is often easier on the vehicle than constant stop-and-go city driving. A CX-5 that has spent its entire life doing long road trips might show less wear than one used to commute daily.

  1. History of Accidents

Clean CarFax or AutoCheck reports greatly increase resale value.

  1. Trim Level and Features

Higher trims, such as the Grand Touring or Signature, especially those with premium packages, will generally retain value better than their base-model brethren.

How the CX-5 Stacks Up Against Its Rivals

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive, with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester always ranking near the very top in resale value. Here’s how the CX-5 compares:

After 2 Years

Toyota RAV4: 83.52% retained

Honda CR-V: 78.77%

Subaru Forester: 77.20%

Mazda CX-5: 66.57%

After 5 Years

Toyota RAV4: 69.42% retained

Honda CR-V: 67.01%

Subaru Forester: 65.98%

Mazda CX-5: 58.18%

These figures indicate that the CX-5 depreciates more quickly than its most popular rivals. For buyers, this is actually a good thing – used CX-5 models usually sell for less than similarly-equipped RAV4s or CR-Vs.

For sellers, though, the lower resale value means they may not recover as much of their investment when it’s time to move on.

The Bottom Line: Who Benefits Most?

Buyers: Buyers benefit by paying lower used prices because of higher depreciation.

Sellers: See resale returns lower than that of CR-V and RAV4 owners.

Simply stated, high depreciation works in the buyer’s favor, while strong resale value benefits the seller. Knowing which side you’re on helps you make the smartest financial decision.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Mazda CX-5

Mazda is getting ready to introduce the highly anticipated third-generation CX-5 for the 2026 model year. Early reports indicate that

Refined design inspired by the CX-60 and CX-70

Updated safety and entertainment technology

More efficient powertrains

Improved handling and comfort These upgrades might be worth considering for shoppers who are torn between buying used or waiting for the latest model.

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