Nicole Wakelin

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Imagine pulling into a fuel station, filling up your car in minutes, and driving away with zero tailpipe emissions. That’s the promise of hydrogen fuel cell technology, and Toyota is betting big on its future. At a recent Toyota event in Plano, Texas, I sat down with Scott Friedman, Senior Program Manager for Advanced Product Planning at Toyota’s Zero Mission Mobility, and Craig Cauthen, Manager of Emerging Technologies at Toyota Racing.

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Let me start with a confession. I wanted to love the Toyota bZ4X, but its instrument cluster drove me nuts. I ranted about it in a piece for CarBuzz, calling out how the steering wheel blocked the gauges. No matter how I adjusted my seat or the wheel, that high-mounted, awkwardly recessed digital display was never fully visible. It wasn’t just me. Colleagues of all shapes and sizes griped about the same issue over coffee and test drives.

1 week ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Toyota didn’t initially go all-in with fully electric vehicles and was widely criticized for the decision. Today, other companies are pulling back on their full electric push. Suddenly, Toyota’s plan makes a lot more sense. At a recent multi-day event on all things Toyota at its headquarters in Plano, Texas, I spoke with Michael Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing at Toyota Motor North America, about how the Toyota plan is finally coming together.

2 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

There’s big news for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 as it makes the transition to an all-hybrid lineup. It’s not available with a gas-only powertrain, nor is there an EV. Your only choice is either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and Toyota is convinced it’s a big win for its customers. I spoke with Cooper Ericksen, Senior Vice President of Product for Toyota North America, who shared why Toyota believes this move is the right one. “People are great with hybrids.

2 weeks ago | cartalk.com | Nicole Wakelin

My Day with the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9: Savannah’s Electric CharmThe Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an all-new electric SUV that I recently spent the day driving through the enchanting streets of Savannah, Georgia. This three-row EV is Hyundai’s flagship, combining space for the family with modern tech and an upscale interior. Driving it is a bit like piloting a luxury lounge on wheels, and Savannah’s charm was the perfect stage. At home in New England, a smile from a stranger is a rare treat.