Oct 21, 2026 · 13 min
Toyota’s RAV4 shortage opens the door for Honda
Why It’s So Hard to Buy One of the Country’s Top-Selling Cars Right Now
Toyota’s supply constraints expose how dependence on a crucial private technology provider can shape both markets and wartime operations.
- 1Toyota’s hybrid-only RAV4 redesign has outpaced production, sending shoppers toward Honda’s CR-V and weakening Toyota’s U.S. ambitions.
- 2SpaceX and Tesla gains lifted technology stocks as investors responded to stronger SpaceX revenue and a possible corporate combination.
- 3Starlink speed restrictions limited Ukrainian interceptor drones and prompted bipartisan calls to investigate Elon Musk’s role.
Don't miss
The report explains how Starlink’s speed cap prevents Ukrainian interceptor drones from flying faster than 100 miles per hour while preserving video connections.
The brief
Toyota’s redesigned, hybrid-only RAV4 remains one of the country’s most sought-after vehicles, but production constraints mean dealers cannot meet demand.
WSJ Autos reporter Chris Oates explains how the shortage is pushing shoppers toward Honda’s CR-V while complicating Toyota’s effort to overtake General Motors in the U.S.
Markets rose as SpaceX beat revenue forecasts and suggested a possible merger with Tesla, lifting both companies and helping technology stocks lead the major indexes.
Starlink’s speed restriction keeps Ukrainian military drones from flying faster than 100 miles per hour while maintaining video links, especially hampering interceptor missions.
Ukraine’s dependence on Starlink has fueled anger over Elon Musk’s intervention and bipartisan calls for an investigation into a private individual’s influence over the conflict.
Weekly email
State of the Pod, every Monday
The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.