Looking forward to another year on the road

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Another year in the books.

Another blizzard of crossover sport-utility vehicles.  Another round of all-electric autos and new hybrid offerings.  Another 365 days of tariffs and economy questions.

And another year of thoughtful readers and their communications with yours truly.

Grateful, I am.

What to expect in 2026? Much of that is easy to answer.

New electric vehicles and even more sophisticated hybrids are certainly in the pipeline.  And the technology therein continues to be mind-blowing.

Some of that technology -- personally speaking -- I can do without.  I cannot force myself to surrender control of a vehicle on the move.  Yes, I understand the technical sophistication involved in hands-free driving, but old habits are firmly entrenched in my case.

Other technology is most welcome.  On-board sensors almost certainly saved me from at least two crashes in 2025.  After each save, a prayer of thanks went out to the engineers who saved my bacon.

What will happen with auto sales in 2026?  Really good question.

The ups and downs of tariffs make consumer confidence a moving target.  Americans do not seem reluctant to spend money and extend credit, so there's that.  And motorists are keeping their vehicles for more than a decade as a matter of routine.  There must be pent-up demand for new hardware, right?

The coming year is a midterm election year.  Expect a lot of promises and endless sound bites regarding the economy.  What effect that will have on vehicle sales is pure speculation, in my view.

Whatever the case, I plan to review a steady stream of new autos, and I happily anticipate continued feedback from readers who have been sticking with me, in some cases, for a quarter century.

It has been a good ride.  I hope to continue it for years to come.

For now, here's wishing all a safe, happy and prosperous 2026.  Looking forward to seeing you up the road.

Toyota Crown amenities, performance fit for a king

This review first appeared in the November 2025 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Sacramento, California -- The Toyota Crown sedan might be the automaker's least-known model, but a week in the vehicle showed me what a shame that is.

Nicely equipped, smooth on the roll and a prime example of Toyota's all-world fit and finish, the Crown is a near-Lexus with a reasonable price -- $49,900 on the tested 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade (a designation that translates to special Batmobile-like perks).

While neighbors kept asking: "Isn't that new?" ... I brushed up on my history of the Crown. It's extensive.

The Crown actually dates back to 1955, when it rolled under the Toyopet Crown label.  That makes it one of the longest-running passenger car model names on the planet.

Who knew, right?

And  really, that's the point.  More motorists do need to know about the Crown, as it fits nicely above Toyota's entry-level models but affordably below the upper-tier Toyota/Lexus autos.

Bumper to bumper, it's easy on the eyes ... likable luxury at first glance.  With the Nightshade touches, it's particularly striking.

Power on the tester was provided by a 2.4-liter hybrid engine/system rated at 236 net horsepower.  The package is responsive and downright silky, even with the accelerator pressed near the floor.

Handling is excellent. I had to resist the temptation to drive the tester one-handed, so effortless was the suspension set-up (MacPherson strut on the front, multi-link on the rear).

Fuel mileage with that power plant is 42 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

For those who want more oomph, it can be had.

The Hybrid MAX version of the Crown is rated at 340 net horsepower and 400 foot-pounds of torque, featuring front/rear electric motors and the standard 2.4-liter engine.

Safety and convenience features are plentiful, including pre-collision alert, front/rear parking assist, cornering assist, backup camera with gridlines, front/rear heated seats and a wireless mobile phone charger.

Passengers praised roominess and comfort; I liked the luxurious feel of the cabin.

Overall, the Crown shapes up as the luxury liner that won't crush your wallet. Seems like more motorists should pass the word.

Iconic Ioniq showcases Hyundai's electric mastery

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Hyundai's mastery of the electronic vehicle was on full display during my week in the 2026 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy.

Three rows of luxury and power in a sport-utility vehicle priced at $77,040.  I can't adequately describe the performance characteristics ... Smoothly blasting through a cloud, the vehicle eating up distance with silent, powerful strokes.  Maybe that comes close.

I suppose it's no surprise that Hyundai keeps churning out these remarkable Ioniqs.  After all, the automaker is on record saying it wants to produce more than 20 electric vehicles by 2030.

For now, there's plenty to enjoy.

The electric package on the tester had a fuel mileage-equivalent rating of 91 miles per gallon in the city and 79 mpg on the highway.  It does take some time to recharge this midsize with a standard charger, but once fully powered up, it's worth the wait.

The response from the tester was so instantaneous that I found myself repeatedly darting from a standstill to 50 miles per hour or higher, just to savor the effortless, buttery feel of acceleration.  I was startled by the length of separation I was getting from other cars, including high-horsepower vehicles.

And sure, I could go on and on about the numerous, state-of-the-art comfort, convenience, safety and driving-enhancement features, but there are plenty of basic charms as well.

For starters, there's plenty of room for cargo and passengers.  Volunteer passengers raved about the legroom.  Comfortable seating surfaces also prompted positive reviews.  Some passengers said they didn't want to leave.  I don't think they were joking.

A fine-tuned suspension was a pleasure to experience.  The vehicle softened seemingly every imperfection on the roads.

As we continue to rocket toward an electric vehicle universe, this Ioniq 9 represents a small group of EVs that are carrying the ball, giving motorists a glimpse of what is possible ... and what works well.

Hybrid Forester sport-ute scores with its versatility

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I recently had some seat time in a Subaru Forester Wilderness sport-utility vehicle, and if Subaru was determined to instill an outdoorsy feel in a venerable model, mission accomplished.

So, a separate week in a 2025 Subaru Forester Sport Hybrid probably felt like a plate of leftovers, right?

Not even close.

I'm not sure I've ever experienced two genetically linked models that were so distinctly different in ambience, feel and ... well ... just about everything.

While I am sure that the Forester Sport Hybrid would do just fine on an off-road excursion, it had all the personality of the do-everything vehicle.

Motor Trend magazine summed up the 2025 Forester redesign in one sentence: "The Forester needs to look like it can confidently conquer dirt, mud and asphalt, and it has that down pat."

I couldn't agree more.

Sure, I'd take it to the country club -- yeah, like I'm part of that crowd in my dreams -- after a jaunt in the woods.  Naturally, I'd wash it first.  But the point is that the vehicle has everyman/woman road manners.  A pleasure to drive and a highly functional machine in diverse environments.

And then there's the hybrid bonus -- a powertrain matching a 2.5-liter boxer-4 engine with two electric motor generators.  That will get you 35 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

But wait, there's more.  Some critics felt that the standard Forester power plant lacked sufficient oomph.  But the hybrid system kicks up the power rating to a combined output of 194 horsepower.  In the tester, that was more than enough to handle all driving encounters.

And from there, it's the usual goodies from the Forester formulators: world-class all-wheel drive, a roomy interior, 8.7 inches of ground clearance and top-tier driver-assist technology.

Freeway cruise? A roll in the mud? Family road trip?  The Forester handles all with ease.

And with the tester's price of $39,415, you're getting a feature-loaded SUV that might find you paying $45,000 to $50,000 at other lots not named Subaru.

Kia produces another winner with the Sportage SUV

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- You can get lost in the blizzard of compact crossover sport-utility vehicles available at dealerships across the United States.

If you get lost, it's good to know that you'll find contentment if you find yourself behind the wheel of the recently tested 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD.

For the new model year, Kia is offering the latest version of the reliable Sportage with three powertrain choices, two of them hybrid.  For my purposes, I had the internal combustion engine version -- a 2.5-liter in-line 4 rated at 187 horsepower.

The power plant proved smooth and surprisingly gutsy.  I was a nimble warrior in dicey urban traffic, and the engine showed admirable muscle on equally dicey freeways.  It easily darted me in and out of open spaces ... and powered me out of harm's way multiple times when asked.

As a freeway cruiser, it was top-notch. Mileage was pretty fair as well, at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Per usual with Kia, the $42,055 tester was absolutely stuffed with amenities -- enough to keep one's nose buried in the owner's manual for a solid week.

I particularly liked the advance-warning technologies (the kind you might find on Cadillac or Lincoln models at a higher price), the easy-to-master 12.3-inch panoramic display screen and the smart power liftgate.

Also per usual with Kia, top-of-the-line warranties are part of the deal.

Oh, it looked nice as well.  Smooth and tastefully sculpted and wearing handsome "Wolf Gray" paint.

I have become spoiled by Kia's ability to churn out quality motor vehicles, and the automaker has been rightfully awarded for its conversion from a maker of cheap autos to a producer of some of the best autos on the market.

Overall, this Sportage is another quality offering from Kia.

Forester Wilderness reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, December 2025, edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news and marketplace."

The "Hot Laps" reviews, along with my "Oil Drips" observations on anything with wheels, appear monthly in the publication.

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

This Land Rover Range Rover SUV is long on luxury

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- In the land of luxury, you want to be careful.

Having tested hundreds upon hundreds of vehicles over the years, there's a tendency to just let it rip when you get a new auto to sample.

But Land Rover gives one pause ... especially taking delivery of the latest Land Rover Range Rover SE 7 LWB (as in "long wheelbase").  After all, you don't want to be making dents in a vehicle that STARTS at $120,700, right?

Precisely.  So, I can say after a week of taking extreme care in the tested Range Rover, it's worth every penny.  Yes, it is, seriously.

The seven-seater radiates luxury.  The white interior surfaces on the tester were perfectly placed and stitched.  And incredibly comfortable.

Surrounded by prime wood and metal materials -- polished to perfection -- I felt like the casual tourist walking into a five-star suite in Manhattan. I'm thinking: "Do I really belong here? I mean my name is not Rockefeller."

I could go through the long, long list of state-of-the-art comfort/convenience/safety features, but rest assured, this particular luxury liner is loaded with only the best, only the most sophisticated, only the most opulent features.  A demanding luxury lover is not going to be disappointed.

The most basic features are exceptional as well.

The 3-liter, in-line 6 engine is rated at 400 horsepower, and it responds instantly with muscular, yet amazingly quiet power.  An iron fist in a velvet glove.

I packed the tester with an exceptional amount of cargo and found it capable of carrying full-size truck levels of stuff.

The long wheelbase takes some time to master, especially in tight parking spots, but the advantages gained in the cargo area make it totally worth it.

Overall, it's a luxury lover's dream.  For those who can afford the fare, enjoy it with care.

Updates on Genesis GV70 sport-ute win over motorists

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- You know you are doing something right when former critics of your motor vehicle are now heaping praise upon it.

That was my experience with the tested 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD midsize crossover sport-utility vehicle.  I received multiple online and face-to-face communications from former GV70 haters who now loved the vehicle.

Key reason: A very thoughtful redesign, inside and out.

On the front end, the new GV70 sports a "G-Matrix Crest Grille," which for our purposes means a large, exquisitely sculpted front end -- imposing but not monster-crazy like you see on other luxury sport-utes.

Double-level headlights, a wide-shouldered stance and extended air-intake grilles complete a sporty, aggressive look that combines muscularity and elegance.  A tough look to pull off, but Genesis does it.

A luxurious and highly functional interior look is loaded with useful tech. That includes sophisticated infotainment, adjustable ambient lighting and multiple safety/security systems designed to keep the distracted driver focused on safety.

Power is significant with a 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 (375 horsepower).  I found myself weaving effortlessly through downtown gridlock and dicey freeways.  For that purpose, steering was instantly responsive.  Balance was pretty much perfect, with no body sway.

This being a Genesis model, the bottom line of $72,225 is not only justified, but a bargain given the liberal doses of state-of-the-art perks.  To this day, I'm still amazed at all that Genesis gives the luxury buyer for a fair price.

Translation: You might expect to pay $10,000 or more for the same things at other dealerships.

Overall, an impressive reworking inside and out -- without downgrading the refinement one expects in a GV70.

BMW raises the bar in electronic transportation

This review first appeared in the October 2025 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Sacramento, California -- Leave it to BMW to expand the horizons of electronic vehicles.

My recent week in the new-for-2026 BMW iX xDrive45 was a revelation ... a learning experience of what an EV can be.

Luxurious, beautifully styled and high performing with dual electric motors, it's the midsize luxury crossover sport-utility vehicle in full.

Per usual BMW calls it a Sports Activity Vehicle, but it's really so much more than that.

The redesign for 2026 includes eye-catching headlights and can't-miss daytime running lights and turn indicators. My ride was particularly fetching riding on 22-inch wheels.

Fit and finish were world-class.

Oomph was dished up smoothly to the tune of 402 horsepower, but even with my right foot nearly to the floor, I never had the feeling that the power plant was straining.

It took some time for me to get adjusted to the relative electronic silence as the tester cut through traffic with effortless ease.

Passengers commented on the quiet, and the lack of bumps.  The BMW seemed to swallow every imperfection in the road.

Interior space, by the way, was surprisingly roomy for this segment.

The starting price on the iX xDrive45 starts at a surprisingly moderate $75,150, but my tester was dressed up with extras to put the bottom line at $92,775.

It was worth it.

The highlights of several packages included an illuminated kidney grille, an interior camera, driving/parking assists and BMW's very own M Sport touches.

One of the concerns of electric vehicle doubters is range.  That's not a problem with this xDrive45, with a range of more than 300 miles.

For the record, the fuel equivalent mileage ratings are 85 miles per gallon in city driving and 82 mpg on the highway.

The list of standard features (most adding to the luxurious feel) is exceptionally long.  That includes a panoramic eclipsing roof, forward collision mitigation and soft-close automatic doors.

In sum, BMW can legitimately boast that it has constructed the "ultimate driving machine" in the electronic sport-utility vehicle field.

Toyota Crown sedan reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade sedan can be seen in the latest, November 2025, edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news and marketplace."

The "Hot Laps" reviews, along with my "Oil Drips" observations on anything with wheels, appear monthly in the publication.

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Hyundai's Santa Cruz compact pickup is a head-turner

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- You can draw a crowd with a fleet of Corvettes.  You can lure them to your driveway with the biggest, baddest monster truck of your dreams.

But there's something about a saucy-looking little pickup with an eye-popping paint job.

Behold my recent week with a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD, a four-door compact pickup that made me the center of attention.

I'm sure the ultra-bright "Canyon Red" exterior paint -- perfectly setting off the all-black interior -- had something to do with it, but kudos to Hyundai for the sporty sculpting put in place for the 2025 model year.

It just looks sporty, as pickup trucks go.  Pretty sporty on the fly as well, courtesy of a 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine.

I wasn't so much driving the Santa Cruz as jetting it around.  I was particularly impressed with the agile moves the pickup made in a rush-hour jaunt with a time deadline.  The Santa Cruz gracefully negotiated the mob and made it on time.

The back bed featured a sliding cover that was easy to use.  And useful too, when I transported cargo during a rainstorm.  All items in the bed came out bone-dry at my destination.

I was amazed at the number of curious questioners who came running when I parked the Santa Cruz in downtown Sacramento and at various stops along Interstate 80.  One lady jumped out of her full-size pickup and came flying across a strip mall parking lot to ask me what I was driving ... and where could she get one.

I should note that the tester was nicely equipped for $42,425.  It had a suite of max five-star federal government crash test safety ratings.  Fuel mileage came in at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Obviously, this is not a truss-toting, rock-crushing brute of a pickup.  But it is a fun-to-drive looker that can do any number of humble cargo-carrying chores.  And look good doing it.

Toyota Tacoma pickup is just-right all the way around

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I've always liked Toyota's Tacoma pickup -- practical size, nicely equipped, peppy powertrains.

What's not to like?

When Tacoma underwent major upgrades for 2024, I found even more reasons to be pleased with the pickup.

A recent week in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro 4X4 Double Cab with a hybrid powertrain only enhanced my good feelings.

The hybrid system -- anchored by a 2.4-liter turbo-4 -- is a responsive chore-doer, with the fuel mileage bonus coming in at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

No, it's not a monster-size vehicle, but that's just the point.  Take your 80-grand to the big truck lot for that.  The bottom line on the tester was a somewhat hefty $67,125, but it was so loaded with features that I did not blink at the price.

That included optional equipment sure to please pickup devotees: a towing technology package with wireless camera system, a rear differential skid plate and a spray-on bed liner with mini tie-downs. Standard equipment included a moonroof, a stabilizer disconnect mechanism and a 10-speaker JBL audio system.

Another civilized pickup. My Kentucky farmer grandfather would not believe it.

As pickup technology and equipment continue to expand at a nuclear-fission pace, I can hardly believe it myself.

Alas, the best part is enjoying the ride. The current-generation Tacoma checks all the boxes in that department.

Variety, quality are staples of the Mazda CX lineup

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Mazda has this sport-utility vehicle thing covered.

Besides its other SUV models, the CX compact crossover SUV lineup includes EIGHT trim levels, offering variety for the bargain hunter all the way up to the luxury enthusiast.

My recent tester was the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium with all-wheel drive, priced at a nice mid-level $40,755.

For that price, one gets a lot.

My ride included standard 19-inch black alloy wheels (very handsome), all-season tires, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated power mirrors with embedded turn lamps, a power moonroof, heated/ventilated front seats, lane-keep assist and much more.

So much more that 50-grand would have been a fair sticker price.

Bonus: A suite of max five-star federal government crash test safety ratings, including five stars on the overall score.

On the fly, the 2.6-liter turbo engine (227 horsepower) is a responsive, enthusiastic performer. I was surprised how easily it took on steep hill climbs.

Cruising characteristics were smooth and quiet. Fuel mileage came in at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Mazda seems to have upped the SUV competition ante to levels that boosted the fortunes of Kia and Hyundai ... that is, put a lot of perks in the vehicles for a price that undercuts the competition.

Hard to argue with that formula, especially when it translates to an advantage for the consumer.

Overall, this CX-5 fits the formula, with a suite of customer-pleasing features that won't break the bank.

Given the blizzard of crossover SUVs on the market, that gives the CX-5 a step ahead in this ultra-competitive vehicle segment.

Long-time favorite vehicle still pleases, turns heads

This review first appeared in the September 2025 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Sacramento, California -- All these years, it has followed me around.

At the 1964 Indianapolis 500.

At the 1964 World's Fair in New York.

My mother's first car, a notable fact given that she grew up in poverty and did not get her first driver's license until she was 40 years old.

The car in which I learned to drive.

It's a Ford Mustang, of course ... and yeah, the name still has a romantic ring to it, right?

My recent week in a Mustang Premium coupe certainly proved the point.  In traffic, fellow motorists gave me a thumbs-up.  Parked in various lots around town, my beauty wearing "Carbonized Gray Metallic" paint drew admiring crowds.

I'm not sure that the creators of the Mustang envisioned all that would come when the model was introduced in the early days of Lyndon Johnson's presidency.

Naturally, a lot has happened since then to bring the Mustang into the modern age.

Most pleasant for me was the 2.3-liter turbocharged power plant rated at 315 horsepower.  There's a satisfying rumble when starting the car, and my tester felt strong and smooth when opened up on the highway. It felt more comfortable at 70 miles per hour than it did at 35 mph.

The tested Mustang -- stickered at $51,935 -- included a fair number of high-end components.  That list included Brembo brakes, a 13.2-inch center stack screen, specialized ambient lighting and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For all of its muscle, fuel mileage was pretty fair at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Back in the day, it was common for owners of specific sports cars to wave at each other on the highway.  You get a little bit of that feeling in the Mustang ... Call it the price (or reward) for being an icon.

There are so many sports cars on the market now -- and so much horsepower -- that it's easy to get lost in the blizzard of nicely shaped machines.

But the Mustang takes things a step further, with a strong sense of history behind the wheel, back to a time when American automakers were competing furiously ... and not quite hearing or seeing the wave of high-mileage, foreign-made cars on the horizon.

Philosophy and nostalgia aside, the current Mustang remains a pleasure to drive.

The fact that it's part of automotive history -- and still a head-turner among all ages -- is just a bonus.

BMW sport-ute reviewed in the latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, October 2025, edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news and marketplace."

The "Hot Laps" reviews, along with my "Oil Drips" observations on anything with wheels, appear monthly in the publication.

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Venerable Lexus RX sport-ute rolls onward in style

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Lexus touts the RX as the world's first luxury crossover sport-utility vehicle, rolled out in America ion 1998  ... So, what do you get today for your $60,000?

Based on my week in the 2025 Lexus RX 350h AWD, the answer is: a whole bunch.

Where to start?  Well, yes, that lowercase "h" tells you that this is a hybrid machine. Given the cost of hybrid technology, $60,230 on the tester's bottom line (along with everything else on the vehicle) was pretty reasonable.

The power plant itself is a responsive one rated at 246 horsepower.  My ride actually felt stronger than that number, and a serenely quiet cabin even at full song spoke of typically excellent Lexus engineering.

The hybrid bonus is a healthy 37 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Inside, one expects to dwell in the lap of luxury, and that's precisely what you get. I particularly liked the power moonroof (part of the F Sport package), elegant ambient lighting and butter-smooth seating surfaces.

Want more?  You get it with max five-star federal government crash test ratings, including five on the overall score.

Fit and finish?  Pretty much perfect.

The exterior look is classic SUV, with classy sculpting on the grille and back liftgate (powered, with kick sensor on the tested model).

Overall, a solid effort from an old reliable.

Considering that you can drop 75- or 80-grand for luxury sport-utes at various dealerships these days, I'd consider the five-seat RX a bargain offering in the high-end crossover SUV market.

Ioniq XRT EV SUV makes the grade in numerous ways

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I admit it: I was spellbound during my recent week testing the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N AWD sport-utility vehicle.

With dual electric motors and 601 horsepower at my command, how could I not be transfixed?

A week in the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD XRT brought me to my senses, a chance to savor the luxury, engineering and -- wait for it -- off-roading capabilities of the vehicle.  There are reasons that auto reviewers consider the Ioniqs the best of the electric SUV lot, and they could be found in abundance in the tested XRT.

Don't get me wrong ... The XRT is not underpowered.  It too has dual electric motors punching out a healthy 320 horsepower and 446 foot-pounds of torque.  Those numbers produce a nearly silent, silky ride that can turn into a heart-racing thrill if one's right foot is so inclined.

My ride, wearing a sticker of $57,085, was dressed up with plenty of luxury (perhaps not fully appreciated by me in my time in the Ioniq 5 N).  Plenty of high-tech driving-assist features as well.

With a premium Bose audio system blasting away, any trip on the freeway is a pleasure in the XRT, and if you are a careful driver, you might wring a 300-mile range out of the vehicle.

I was surprised at Hyundai's aggressive efforts to tout the XRT's off-road prowess ... "ideal for venturing off the beaten path," as they put it.

And it's not just a claim.  The vehicle is well-equipped for off-pavement adventures.  XRT-exclusive equipment includes suspension lift, 18-inch all-terrain tires, black side sills, all-weather floor mats, camouflage cladding and much more.

I'm sure there are some who wonder why anyone would take their $60,000 SUV into the wilderness, where scratches and dents might await.  But motorists owning luxurious EV sport-utes should be free to have fun in the mud too, right?

All in all, this XRT is a versatile electric machine that appeals to a diverse crowd of motorists.

Sticker shock: How much do you want for that car?

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- People who know such things tell me that a sure sign of aging is when your conversations are dominated by your current health ... and constant complaining about the ever-rising price of seemingly everything.

I've been fighting these trends with old codger fury, but some things are hard to avoid.

Like the average price of a new car in the United States hovering right around $50,000. And if you're willing to settle for a used car, the average fare is $25,000 and change.

I've dated myself already, but I distinctly remember that you could get a 1965 Mustang (still craved today) wearing a sticker of less than $2,500.

Yeah, sure, I know .... those times are long gone, along with Mister Ed and The Beverly Hillbillies on the tube.

But I must admit, I don't know how today's wage earners (even decent wage earners) can afford to buy a car ... given the high price of everything else in their American lives.  OK, financing over 72 months might get you there, but that's assuming that you're eating chicken noodle soup six days a week.

I guess I am skewing the game by applying my 1960s-1980s memories/values in the modern age, where you can walk into a dealership and find a blizzard of pickups and sport-utility vehicles priced at $60,000, $70,000 and up.

And sure, the averages are dragged up by super cars.

Pulitzer Prize-winning auto reviewer Dan Neil recently evaluated the 2025 Cadillac Celestiq, a mind-blowing piece of style, performance and engineering.  Price as tested: $395,790.  Yeah, that number will swell your batting average.

So, as we swim through a period of ever-more-exotic exotics, tariffs and electronic vehicles, I expect we will see the average price of a new auto balloon somewhere near the cost of a two-bedroom bungalow on the waterfront in Santa Barbara.

The very thought makes my nerves tingle.  Think I'll grab a $20 latte and sit for a bit.

Another CX-50 ... just as pleasant as previous Mazdas

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Me and the Mazda CX-50 have a thing going on.  We keep running into each other.

And while the compact crossover sport-utility vehicle can be had many ways -- and I've tested almost all of them -- I was fortunate enough this time around to sample the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus version.

Call it the CX-50 with just about everything.

Up front, I admit that the CX-50 is one of my favorite SUVs for comfort, affordability and getting a lot for a fair price.  I've driven CX-50s all around the state of California and always found them checking a lot of positive boxes.

With the Premium Plus, everything from past experience was sort of amplified.  Not that I was complaining.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 227 horsepower is a definite highlight. It propels the compact SUV with press-to-the-seat authority.  I particularly enjoyed jetting it down a freeway on-ramp, easily slotting it into place and actually backing off from 70 miles power.

Premium Plus?  Maybe Power Plus is more accurate.

Inside, compact does not equate to cramped. And the vehicle can carry a surprising amount of cargo, as I've discovered in previous trips to the California Wine Country.

It looks good on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and automatic power-folding side view mirrors.

It's not stripped.  Inside, ventilated power front seats are a comfort. A full boat of safety technology is likewise a comfort. 

All this for a bottom line of $44,720.

Will we be running into each other up the road in the near future?  Hope so.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N AWD: hot rod SUV of your dreams

This review first appeared in the August 2025 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Sacramento, California -- So, you have been reluctant to get an electric vehicle for multiple reasons ... including the painful prospect of missing out on the fun of blowing off various, classic sports cars.

Fear not, the tested 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N AWD exists to scratch your itch.

Consider dual electric motors rated at a road-ripping 601 horsepower. Wow, this thing scoots along with alarming intensity.

But wait, there's more.

That little red button placed at 3 o'clock on the steering wheel is called the N Grin Boost feature.  Think of it as what the IndyCar Series drivers call the "push to pass" button.

Push it and you get an additional 40 more horses for 10 seconds.  I should point out that the owner's manual informs one that great care should be exercised when pushing the button.

Wise advice, that. Because pushing the button delivers a press-you-into-the-seat wallop.  I'd advise using it on a wide open stretch of road, with both hands firmly on the steering wheel.

It's that serious a rush.  I felt like I was riding a streak of lightning. Yes, I was hooked.  It's one of the highest highs I've experienced behind the wheel in some time.

And it's essentially guilt-free, given the electric vehicle equivalent ratings of 84 miles per gallon in the city and 72 mpg on the highway.

While all of this is terrific, be advised that the Ioniq 5 is a full-on luxury liner.  My tester was priced at $67,685 and loaded up with plenty of perks to justify that number.

While I was blazing around Mustangs, Corvettes and other iconic sports cars, I also was enjoying heated/ventilated seats, highway driving assist, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium Bose audio system, metal pedals and ambient lighting.

The hands-free power liftgate and wireless phone charger also came in handy.

My tester looked particularly aggressive with an all-black interior and an exterior paint job of "Abyss Black."

But for me, it all comes back to performance.

Not only have Hyundai engineers filled up the horsepower tank, they have incorporated useful sports/performance car technologies to maximize driving enjoyment and precision.

Tech features include drift control, torque distribution, launch control and sway control.

Simply put, I can't remember when I've had so much fun driving a sport-utility vehicle.  And an electric one to boot.

Mustang reviewed in latest edition of Cruisin' News

My review of the Ford Mustang Premium coupe can be seen in the latest, September 2025, edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news and marketplace."

The "Hot Laps" reviews, along with my "Oil Drips" observations on anything with wheels, appear monthly in the publication.

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Dr. Boost or how I learned to love turbochargers

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I'm in between test vehicles right now, which likely prompted a debate (argument) I had with several car-loving friends last week.

Well, it's not like we had anything else to do.

Anyway, my confession is: I love turbochargers.  There, I said it.

It has been a long-running love affair, dating back to some of the snake-like turbos of the 1980s

So sue me....I love that blast you get when the turbo kicks in, when I'm pressed into the driver's seat by invisible hands.  The rush of blazing past common stragglers.  The whine coming from under the hood.

Crazy?  My car-loving acquaintances think so.

They point to turbos causing a flood of problems: heat issues, the dreaded turbo lag and even driver laziness that can lead to losing control of the car.

Please, spare me.  Keep your hands on the steering wheel boys.

Of course, similar debates have blown up in the auto racing world.

I remember Mario Andretti struggling with turbo heat issues in his 1969 Indianapolis 500-winning Brawner Hawk racer.  The team tried putting a suitcase-sized cooler on the back of the car before the race, but Indy officials shot down that plan.

Andretti somehow nursed the car through 500 miles but wondered whether the famous Borg-Warner trophy would stick to the red-hot back of the car during the Victory Lane celebration.

Formula One dabbled in turbos during the "Turbo Era" running from 1977 to 1988. During that time, horsepower in its sleek racers soared from about 500 to more than 1,000.  Horses reportedly hovered near 1,500 in qualifying trim.  Alas, F1 legislated the super turbos out of existence by the end of the 1980s.

Ah, the memories.  Well, time to get back to reviewing cars.

Hope the next one has a turbo.