BMW takes 'ultimate driving machine' thing seriously

This review first appeared in the June 2026 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 -- BMW regularly touts its "ultimate driving machine" tagline ... and when a BMW M5 Touring hybrid wagon priced at $145,775 shows up in your driveway, you tend to take it seriously.

It's only human to ask: What do I get for my 145-grand? ... After absorbing the emotional impact of the sticker price, of course.

The answer is: You get a lot.  Really, a big bunch.

Let's start with that twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 hybrid power plant.  It's rated at 717 horsepower, and believe me, it delivers a punch when you punch it.

The jolt is so powerful that you want to have two firm hands on the steering wheel as you will be blazing past that poke formerly 200 yards up the road in the time it takes to swallow once hard.

This is more than sport wagon speed.  It's competitive racing power at your fingertips.  Super amazing.  Lots of fun. But handle with care.

And then you go down the perks list that includes exotic materials, state-of-the-art safety/enhancement technology, the black roof (panoramic), the interior camera, the four-zone climate control, the sport-tuned suspension and ... I could go on all night.

BMW apparently made the decision to put all of its best in a single vehicle, and for those who want such fine things, the finance department is right down the hall.

And yet, there are other things about the wagon that appeal on a more basic level.

For example, fuel mileage in gas-only mode is 13 miles per gallon. But in electric-gas mode, that number swells to an equivalent of 54 mpg.

The exterior paint job is another example of simple excellence. A brilliant "Smyrna Green" coating found me answering questions in parking lots, and several times, motorists drove right up to my shoe tops and wanted to know what color that was on my test ride.

I confess that I enjoyed it all: the attention, the detail, the technology, the performance and, well, the opulence.

Sure, this M5 Touring is a vehicle aimed at those with incomes floating somewhere in the high clouds. And while it might be well beyond my means, as a motor vehicle devotee, I appreciate what BMW has produced in this driving machine.

Lucid sedan is reviewed in the latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Lucid Air Touring sedan can be seen in the latest, July 2026, 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.

Hybrid Crosstrek sport-ute highlights all that is Subaru

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 -- The vehicle you are getting is a Subaru.

Well, over the years and leading up to right now, that means something.

Among the things with meaning: Exceptional engineering, outstanding safety and a boxer engine (where the cylinders are horizontally laid out on either side of a centered crankshaft).

Cool, right?  I certainly think so.

I enjoyed my recent week in the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Hybrid, a sleekly styled five-passenger sport-utility vehicle priced at $35,415.  That's a fair price for a nicely equipped model produced by an automaker with a reputation for high quality.

The 2026 version has some trophies to make the point.  In February, it was named the Most Dependable Small SUV in America in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. That same month, it made the Consumer Reports 2026 Annual 10 Top Picks list for the third consecutive year.

Fine, so how does it drive?  Pretty well in my time with it.

The tester was equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder hybrid/boxer power plant rated at 194 horsepower. Response and acceleration were brisk, on and off paved surfaces.  Cruising speed is a quiet breeze, and the tester was an agile performer in urban gridlock.

The Crosstrek is fully equipped for off-road excursions, including Subaru's touted hill descent control, nearly nine inches of ground clearance and, naturally, all-wheel drive. And there are plentiful features for the times, including a power moonroof and a wireless phone charger.

The hybrid payoff is 36 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving.

Overall, this Crosstrek makes a driver feel safe, secure and entirely satisfied. Or in other words, a typical Subaru.

Toyota's Cross SUV hits the target for value shoppers

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 have needs.  We all do, especially when it comes to putting down substantial cash for a new motor vehicle.

You're looking for a target.  Let's say you're a relatively young human being looking to buy a small sport-utility vehicle that doesn't cost $50,000 (or more), and you want the gas-saving convenience of a hybrid power plant. You crave style and reliability.

As targets go, you've pretty much hit the bull's eye with the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.  My tester was the comparatively fancy XSE model, with a bottom line on the sticker of $37,339.

For that money, one gets a liberally loaded compact crossover SUV with a Toyota pedigree.  Not a bad way to go these days.

On the tester, I was struck by the interior comfort.  Sure, freeway rides were silky smooth, but so were aggressive jaunts in suburban gridlock and downtown traffic.

A tight turning radius came to my rescue numerous times.  I felt comfortable behind the wheel within minutes of hopping into the cockpit for the first time.

A 2-liter, four-cylinder hybrid power plant is rated at a combined net 196 horsepower, and I found it to be a capable engine in all conditions.  Cabin noise, even at full song, is minimal.

The big payoff comes in fuel mileage: 46 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.  A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster enables the driver to handle everything with ease, and the neighbors liked the sleek profile and 18-inch alloy wheels ... their praises offered unprompted.

Keeping in mind that alternative versions of the Corolla Cross come at a more-affordable price, Toyota touts the advantages to be had by "entry SUV customers."  Pretty hard to argue with that.

This Corolla radiates style and value, with a hybrid bonus to take to the bank.

Subcompact Hyundai Venue SUV is packed to please

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 -- The automaker that brought you the Palisade sport-utility vehicle doesn't mind thinking small.

That's why we have the 2026 Hyundai Venue, a subcompact packed with a lot.  My tester was the SEL trim level, with the extra bonus of a two-tone roof.

Upon receiving the vehicle, my eyes drifted toward the sticker's bottom line, where I saw the number $24,440. Now there's a price I can live with these days.

And while we're talking subcompact here, there was plenty to like in my ride. Particularly plentiful were the safety technology features.  Among the perks were collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision warning and driver attention warning.

Combined with Hyundai's usual top-flight warranties, I felt about as secure as I could be in the little sport-ute.

Power comes from a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with dual-port fuel injection (121 horsepower).  My Venue scooted admirably with those numbers and climbed hills with just a touch of noise increase reaching the interior cabin. Volunteer passengers liked the ride, noting that highway imperfections were not reaching their backsides.

Fuel mileage is good at 29 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Other standard surprises for the advertised price included a wireless phone charger, heated side mirrors and heated front seats.

And it looks sharp rolling on those 17-inch alloy wheels.

I could picture a satisfied buyer (for that price, yeah!) enjoying many a commute and numerous road trips in this Venue. Thinking small has its advantages.

Mazda3 has all the makings of an ideal motor vehicle

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 -- Practical, affordable, reliable.

You can sell a lot of cars with those traits. Take the Mazda3 sedan, for example.

My tester was the 2026 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition AWD version, with a bottom line of $32,520.  That's an easy-on-the-eyes number in a world of numerous vehicles priced at $40,000 and up.

And for that price, a lot was included.

I particularly liked the power sliding glass moonroof, the 8.8-inch color center display and the grippy four-wheel disc brakes.

This being a Carbon Edition, the look is striking. The tester sedan was dressed up with Polymetal Gray Metallic premium paint, Jet Black Mica exterior touches and a red leather interior.  Art of the car, and nicely expressed.

The safety/security package on the tester included a generous number of features, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and radar cruise control.

The 2.5-liter engine, rated at 186 horsepower, is completely competent -- good off the line and responsive in traffic. Fuel mileage is pretty fair at 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. A full boat of max five-star federal government crash test ratings is a bonus.

So while this might come off as a laundry list of talking points, it all goes back to the beginning -- a practical, affordable, reliable sedan in an era of challenging household budgets and high prices.

That's pretty much transportation gold for value shoppers, first-time new-car buyers and maybe even households looking for a solid second car.

This Mazda3 meets all those needs.

 

Toyota's bright-blue Sequoia SUV makes some waves

This review first appeared in the May 2026 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 -- Toyota calls it Wave Maker.

It's the exterior paint color on the tested 2026 Toyota Sequoia 4WD TRD Pro Hybrid, a three-row sport-utility vehicle that demands attention.

And it does indeed make waves.

The color has been described as a vibrant blue-teal, but that doesn't really cut it.  Super blue works. Teal on steroids is closer to the truth.

Take it anywhere and heads snap around, eyes fixed on the vivid beauty. It's safe to say that you'll never have trouble finding it in a crowded parking lot, even if it's parked a quarter mile away.

Bottom line: I liked it.  And yeah, I liked the attention it drew.

But color is just the beginning.

The tester was a beast ... a bicep bulging, big-shouldered marvel with massive tires capable of taming seemingly any off-road terrain.

And it had the guts to back it up.

Power is provided by a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 rated at 437 horsepower and a monster 583 foot-pounds of torque.  It rumbles upon start-up, and on the go it gobbles up space like a ravenous Pac-Man.

I can't imagine anything in the off-road world slowing it down.  A mountain, maybe.

For special terrain challenges, there's technology to help out. In addition to multi-terrain settings, the Crawl Control feature functions as a low-speed, off-road cruise control -- maintaining speed while the driver concentrates on steering.

Descent control is also part of the standard package.

The inside of the tester was appropriately macho, with rugged, black floor mats featuring raised, hard-rubber patterns -- sort of a mini-Grand Canyon of floor protection.

But for all its get-outta-my-way machismo, the tester was likewise equipped with civilized perks -- massaging seats and a sophisticated multimedia system among them.

Power folding rear seats are a plus, creating a sizable cargo-carrying space or comfort for three.

Fuel mileage comes in a 19 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

And the bottom line on the tester was a hefty $88,196. Pricey, but given the package, a fair number.

All in all, this is an off-road vehicle of your dreams with a paint job that draws a crowd.

A wave maker to be sure.

Luxurious BMW wagon reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the BMW M5 Touring hybrid wagon can be seen in the latest, June 2026, 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.

Rosenqvist's brave move is one for the history books

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

The Indianapolis 500 was run for the 110th time on May 24. Mark Glover was attending his 61st 500, and here's his take on a memorable race:

My pre-race blog post mentioned the myriad variables that can crown or crush a competitor in the Indianapolis 500. Well, there were a ton of variables in Sunday's race. A couple of them pushed pre-race favorite Alex Palou to the sidelines. Others set the table for a Swedish champion who drove a winning lap for the ages.

Palou seemed to be biding his time for three-quarters of the race, playing tag with various competitors at the front.  Alas, with less than 100 miles to go, he found himself needing an extra pit stop (caution periods helped skew his strategy), while other competitors were locked in for the finish.

Enter Sweden's Felix Rosenqvist, American David Malukas and New Zealand's Marcus Armstrong.  Everything was shaping up for a dramatic finish, with these three in the starring roles.  But this being Indy, circumstances ramped up the drama to the boiling point.

When the last of the caution flags flew, the three major players learned that the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 would be decided on a final, one-lap shootout. The massive throng of spectators gasped, and rightly so.  When the green flag signaled lap 200, Malukas found himself in front, with Armstrong and Rosenqvist locked in a battle for second.

But it was more than that. As the trio rocketed into Turn One, Malukas was at the point, but incredibly, Armstrong and Rosenqvist were locked in a prolonged side-by-side battle, with Rosenqvist hugging the outside lane, a soft pickleball lob from the wall. As I watched the cars blaze onto the backstretch, I thought: Malukas has it in the bag.

Two cars fighting over second place instead of making a single-line draft charge to catch Malukas sealed it for the American in my mind. And I also feared for Rosenqvist. Driving flat-out on the often-slippery outside lane was flirting with disaster. I thought: I hope Felix doesn't hurt himself in a violent crash.

But then, coming around the fourth and final turn, Rosenqvist was somehow still there, and coming down the stretch to the checkered flag, he again darts to the outside and draws even with Malukas.  I was blown away.  Malukas wisely blocked the inside line, the preferred passing line coming to the finish.  No way Rosenqvist is going to make this stick, I thought.

Until he did. The Swede bolts to victory by perhaps the length of an elementary school ruler ... or 0.0233 of a second if you are keeping score.

How brave was that last, foot-to-the-floor run in the outside lane on the last lap?  At the victory banquet on Monday, fellow drivers couldn't stop talking about it.  These are drivers who routinely drive in gridlocked traffic at 220 miles per hour.  They have seen it all, and yet, Rosenqvist's incredibly risky, skillful move left them open-mouthed.

From my perspective, Rosenqvist's final charge was the most astonishing, consequential single lap driven in the storied history of the 500-mile race.

It earned him a check of more than $4 million, plus other prizes.  But for me, it ranked as a memory that I will carry with me for the rest of my days.

It's Palou versus the rest of the field in Sunday's 500

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

The Indianapolis 500 will be run for the 110th time on May 24, and Mark Glover will be attending his 61st 500. Here's his take on the race to come:

Just so we're on the same page: Picking a winner of the Indianapolis 500 before it happens is pure folly.

You can have the fastest car by far, and the best team to boot, and still fall short of winning the world-famous race.  It has happened before. I've seen it. Numerous times.

There are about a thousand variables that can ruin a favorite's day ... cut tires, botched pit stops, a collision with a careless driver, a rain delay, any one of a hundred mechanical failures, an ill-timed caution period ...

I could go on all night.

Knowing all that, I believe that 29-year-old Alex Palou of Spain will win the 500 for the second year in a row. The four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion is, in my mind, as solid a favorite as there has ever been. But what about all those nasty variables?

The variables exist, but Palou has so much repel them.

He has been dominating the series in his youth, looking like an unbeatable veteran amid all the talent the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has to offer. In last year's 500, Palou seemed to be toying with the field, drafting along when he needed it, running away when it was go time.

And then there's the Chip Ganassi Racing team for which he drives. Ganassi has excelled at Indy at the highest level for someone not named Roger Penske, and he has brought Palou along with admirable excellence.  This team knows its business.

Sunday's qualifying session was a prime example.  In the first round of qualifying, Palou barely made the "Fast 12," with the 11th-fastest time.  Mere hours later, Palou was sitting on the pole with a sparkling four-lap average speed of 232.248 miles per hour. That's a remarkable leap in such a short time, a tribute to the team's talent top to bottom.

If not Palou, who else might be drinking the winner's milk on Sunday?

(Writer's note: When this piece was being written on May 18, I noted that Nevada City's own Alexander Rossi and Mexico's Pato O'Ward were my secondary picks to win the race. A couple hours later, both were involved in a violent crash in Turn 2 during pre-race practice. And while both intend to race on Sunday, I believe their chances of winning have been reduced. Consequently, for my money, it's Palou versus the rest of the field. And so, as I was saying ... )

And then there's the rest of the field, loaded with skilled pilots and past 500 winners.  Could one of them win it?  See above, i.e. "variables."

This electric SUV is just what you'd expect from Lexus

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 -- Great expectations.

That's what you have when a Lexus sport-utility vehicle is handed over to you.  And fortunately, the tested 2026 Lexus RZ 550e AWD checks all the appropriate boxes ... a player in the world of electric power transportation. And with Lexus' F Sport enhancements, all the better.

Priced at $62,034, my tester was a high-performing, velvet-glove cruiser powered by dual electric motors with a horsepower rating of 402. On the highway at cruising speed, the ride was silky smooth.

But when asked to dart around a careless poke, the RZ 550e responded instantly, and with fist-to-the-chin acceleration.  The advertised zero-to-60 mph time is 4.1 seconds.

A pleasure and a comfort, all in one.

The payoff for the buyer is a miles-per-gallon equivalent of 102 in the city and 88 on the highway. And as a bonus, the RZ 550e is compatible with thousands of charging ports nationwide.

I was struck by the all-season travel potential (and enjoyment) of the midsize crossover SUV.

With good cargo capacity, I could envision many happy hours cruising to national parks and places of interest during summer months.  Plenty of amenities on board to keep adults and kids happy.

The tester also was equipped for winter travel, with features that included a windshield wiper de-icer and headlamp washers.

This being a Lexus, luxury expectations are met with an extensive list of features. 

I liked the panoramic glass roof and perfectly stitched leather trim. Security is enhanced by a full suite of max five-star federal government crash test ratings, including five on the overall score.

All in all, the RZ 550e was an excellent balance of performance, solid tech and luxury ... just what I expected.

Seriously, American muscle never felt quite like this

This review first appeared in the April 2026 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 -- I remember thinking: Wow, what a beautiful Dodge Charger.

Classic American muscle car lines, with a spoiler in the back and a wing cut into the front. Serious wheels (20 inchers).

The paint job is dazzling ... a super-vivid shade of blue. The paint color has a name: Bludicrous. Love it.

I jump into the cockpit, snap on the seat belt, hit the start button and am greeted with ...

S-i-l-e-n-c-e.

I have to admit, I felt a serious stab of pain in my heart ... remembering the rumble of Hemi-equipped Chargers of years past.

Some American muscle car devotees consider an electric Charger the embodiment of blasphemy.

As for me, I get it.  I see where history is heading, and it was only a matter of time before V-8s gave way to kilowatts.

And besides, the tested 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Track Package had plenty to like.

The look was certainly at the top of the list. The tester appeared race-ready, like it could fly. Traffic tended to bolt out of the way when they saw me coming in my four-door blue beauty.

The rumble might be gone, but power is not lacking.

The tester weighed in at a heart-pounding 670 horses. The advertised zero-to-60 time is 3.3 seconds.

No lie there.  The tester pressed me into the driver's seat with the best of them. It blazed by stragglers in silent majesty.

Fun? You bet.

The interior cabin is one of the most convenient, thoughtfully laid out of any muscle machine I can remember.  Everything is within easy reach, and there's plenty of high-tech stuff to keep one safe and alert.

By the way, the rear of the Charger can be configured into a substantial cargo-carrying area ... not something most folks think about in this segment.

The big bonus, of course, is fuel cost savings.  The fuel mileage equivalent rating is 77 miles per gallon in the city and 68 mpg on the highway.

The price of the loaded tester was a hefty $70,375.

Naturally, some folks are irreversibly convinced that a Charger is not a Charger unless it has a window-rattling internal-combustion engine under the hood.

But I have to confess that my week in the vehicle convinced me that this Charger with the electric heart is a muscle car by definition -- big, bad and fast on the draw, just like the old days.

Do I miss the rumble? Sure.

But did I enjoy the ride? Yes indeed.

Flashy Toyota Sequoia reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Toyota Sequoia 4WD TRD Pro Hybrid sport-utility vehicle ("Wave Maker") can be seen in the latest, May 2026, 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.

Art of the car featured at 75th Sacramento Autorama

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 -- Rembrandts of the road? Da Vincis of the driveway? Absolutely.

The art of the car will be on full, brilliant display this weekend as the 75th Sacramento Autorama kicks off its three-day run on Friday.

Some of the nation's top custom artists will show off their handiwork and celebrate the area's rich history of car customization on the Cal Expo grounds at 1600 Exposition Blvd.

Presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts, this year's Autorama will feature more than 500 hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks, and motorcycles from across the country competing to win numerous awards. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

“The Sacramento Autorama has been a cornerstone of car culture for 75 years, and this year’s celebration is a tribute to the builders, fans and community that made it what it is today,” said John Buck, owner/producer of the show. “From historic customs to cutting-edge builds, this show continues to showcase the very best of the automotive world.”

At the conclusion of the weekend, numerous awards will be handed out. That includes the coveted Custom d'Elegance award presented by ARP (Automotive Racing Products).  It will be awarded to "the best chopped, channeled or sectioned vehicle from 1935-64 that embodies the true spirit of a classic custom." The award includes a $5,000 prize and a custom trophy.

Major "Big B" awards honor world-famous customizers from the Sacramento area, including Joe "Candy Apple Red" Bailon, Dick Bertolucci and Sam Barris.  Another long-standing, prestigious award is the Harold Bagdasarian Memorial World's Most Beautiful Custom trophy.

The World’s Most Beautiful Lowrider award, recognizing the show’s most outstanding lowrider entry, includes a $5,000 prize from ARP.

Hundreds more vehicles are expected to participate in the 19th Annual Sacramento Autorama Drive-In, featuring more than 400 autos.

The Butch Gardner Club House will again be part of this year's show, with numerous car clubs showing off their prize wheels. The Club House is organized in memory of Butch Gardner, a long-time member of the storied Thunderbolts auto club in Sacramento and a dedicated Autorama volunteer and participant. Thunderbolts club members played a key role in organizing the first Sacramento Autorama in 1950.

Daily general admission tickets for ages 13 and older are $30 each. Tickets for ages 6 to 12 are $10; children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://rodshows.com/sacramento-autorama or at the event. Discount tickets are available at participating local O'Reilly Auto Parts stores. Parking on the Cal Expo grounds is $10.

More information can be obtained at www.rodshows.com or by calling 877-763-7469.

Hyundai's Tucson sport-ute earns spot on the hot list

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 -- Over the years, various folks have asked me for a recommendation on a new compact crossover sport-utility vehicle. I typically give questioners three choices to test drive.

Typically, a Hyundai Tucson makes the list.

The tested 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD sport-ute is decidedly list-worthy, just starting with the 77 miles per gallon equivalent rating.  (Gas only nets you a still-impressive 35 mpg.)

But it's more than energy cost savings.  Much more.

The Tucson has an instantly recognizable SUV look, but closer inspection finds clever angle cuts in profile, and a sweetly sculpted grille that's not over the top.

While the tester had plug-in charms, it was peppy enough with the 1.6-liter turbo-4 rated at 178 horsepower; frankly, it felt more powerful than that number.  A quiet cabin at freeway speeds is a bonus.

So many features on the tested model: lane-keeping assist, forward attention warning, forward collision avoidance, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, surround-view monitor, ambient interior lighting, head-up display, Bose premium audio and on and on ...

Sixty-thousand bucks, right?  Try $50,140 on the sticker's bottom line.

No surprise there. Hyundai has prospered by offering more for less, and this Tucson makes the point with emphasis.

Simply put, the current-generation Tucson remains a contender in this very crowded vehicle segment ... worthy of being on an SUV shopper's short list.

CX-90 PHEV is an able player in Mazda's 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 -- In case you did not hear me the first time, this Mazda lineup of CX sport-utility vehicles is pretty special.

You can get anything you want off this menu.

This week's tester -- a 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus -- specializes in three rows of comfortable seating, surrounded by head-of-the-class technology and luxury.  All for $60,625 on the bottom line.

And it scoots along pretty well to boot, courtesy of 323 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque.

Maybe the biggest tribute I can come up with: If you took the Mazda badging off the vehicle, I'm not sure I could tell it apart from top-drawer equivalents produced by Mercedes-Benz or Lexus.

There's a lot to like besides the silky freeway ride and admirable turning radius.

It looks fetching upon those 21-inch alloy aluminum wheels. Inside, the black nappa leather was raved by volunteer passengers.

Favorite features on my list included paddle shifters, the easy-to-use 12.3-inch color center display, the hands-free power rear liftgate and the primo 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Seven full-size adults fit comfortably in the cabin, and with seats folded, the CX-90 is a brawny cargo carrier.

Strongly touted by Mazda is the 56 miles per gallon equivalent for electric/gas travel in combined city/highway driving.  Gas-only is pretty good as well at an average 26 mpg in city/highway use.

Another bonus: A max five-star overall vehicle score in federal government crash tests.

This top-end model on Mazda's CX list upholds the reputation of the that group, offering value, environmental advantages and a full boat of sound technology. 

Kia Sportage sport-ute stands out with matte finish

This review first appeared in the March 2026 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 -- Ever buy a motor vehicle just for the paint job?

Having never hit the lottery big time, I can assure you that I've never done such a thing.

But if I had the means, I might be tempted to put cash on the barrel head for the recently tested (deep breath now) 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD sport-utility vehicle.

OK, it's a perfectly charming version of the popular compact crossover SUV that many buyers rave about for days on end.

But what stole the show with this ride was the "Shadow Matte Gray" exterior color.

No reflection. Intimidating appearance. Secret agent cool.

Neighbors, friends, family and perfect strangers couldn't get enough of it, begging me for details and history.

I think they half expected me to hit a button on the key fob, triggering a Transformers-like conversion into a lethal, giant robot.

Yeah, I wish.

But frankly, most everything about the vehicle appealed to me.  Some quick research found agreement from other auto reviewers, who labeled the vehicle "thoughtful," "functional" and "comfortable."

I have to hand it to Kia ... The automaker keeps coming up with vehicles that please the masses.  The matte color scheme only added an air of exotic stylishness to an already solid machine.

My tester being the PHEV version, it boasted a gaudy electricity/gasoline rating equivalent of 83 miles per gallon.  Gasoline-only nets you a still-impressive 36 mpg.

The guts of this power source is a 1.6-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain.  Very impressive piece of engineering, that.

And fun to drive.  Remarkable road manners for this segment.

Loaded to boot.  Perks included remote smart parking assist, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, Harman/Kardon premium sound, a surround-view monitor, power folding exterior mirrors and ventilated front seats.

The feature-stuffed package was an absolute bargain for the sticker price of $49,730.

Throw in terrain modes, strong crash test scores and Kia's usual top-tier warranties, and the prospective buyer has to be tempted.

The Sportage exists in a hugely competitive segment, but it has so many advantages -- including head-turning value in its standard and HEV models -- that discriminating shoppers should have it on their test-drive lists.

Fair enough. As for me, driving enjoyment in a vehicle with Stealth bomber skin made for a memorable week.

Electric muscle car reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Track Package can be seen in the latest, April 2026, 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.

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Toyota's sporty Prius shines on the inside as well

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 -- The transformation of the Toyota Prius from boxy runabout to head-turning sports car wowed me so much that I frankly overlooked the advancements inside the car during an initial test.

So I spent more time concentrating on the interior perks during a recent week in the 2026 Toyota Prius Nightshade Plug-In Hybrid.

I was only partly successful.  I mean those smooth lines and sporty sculpting do so much to turn your attention away ...

Where was I?  Oh yeah, inside the machine.

My tester weighed in at $41,304 on the sticker, an entirely fair price given the plug-in hybrid technology and all the perks.  And the perks were plentiful.

I liked the 7-inch digital gauge cluster, the instantly responsive cross-traffic alert, the front/rear parking assist and the carbon fiber detail on the dashboard.  This being a Nightshade model, black badges, black trim and 19-inch alloy wheels with a black finish contributed an edgy look to the package -- edgy in a good way.

Options included a glass roof feature.

What more could a save-the-planet devotee with a love of sports cars want?

How about a 114 miles per gallon equivalent in combined city/highway driving, a rating based on combined electricity and gasoline usage?  The number is still impressive with gasoline only: 48 miles per gallon.

And yes, you can get your sporty on with combined net horsepower of 220. My tester scooted sharply off the line and was a responsive, agile dancer in dicey freeway traffic.

For a motor vehicle that was a long-ago pioneer in hybrid technology, this current Prius plug-in still ranks as state of the art in the segment. With good looks and plentiful customer-pleasing features thrown in.

Loaded and electric, Kia's EV9 sport-ute stands tall

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 -- Kia's reputation for building quality motor vehicles is enhanced with the 2026 EV9 GT-Line AWD, my tester during a recent week.

In case anyone misses the point, Kia adds words to the sticker: EV9 Long Range AWD GT-Line. Yes, I get it.  Electric power. Long range. Sporty touches.

The electric bonus is substantial for this three-row model: a 92 miles per gallon equivalent in city driving and 72 mpg on the highway.

My tester was loaded with popular comfort, convenience, safety and driving-enhancement features, all of which pushed the bottom line on this top-of-the-line model to $76,670. And yes, that's a fair price for all that's in there.

Bargain hunters be advised that a 2026 EV9 Light SR trim level of the vehicle can be had for a starting price of $54,900.

Either way, you are going to get a smooth-sailing, feature-loaded sport-ute for a fraction of what other automakers might charge for the same, luxury/feature-laden SUV.

While the freeway manners of the EV9 were excellent as usual, I was surprised at the inner-city agility of the vehicle.  Several times, I quickly darted out of harm's way in urban gridlock. Typically, a three-row SUV does not react so quickly in tight quarters.  Pleasantly surprised?  Yes, I was.

As per usual with Kia, the warranties are generous.

Volunteer passengers gushed happily about the comfort and roominess, even in the back-end seats.

Oh, it looks good as well.  A long roofline and a nicely sculpted, understated grille, combined with the GT-Line touches, make for a head-turning package.

All things considered: A Kia triumph in a vehicle segment of sizable, all-electric transportation.

BMW sport-ute upholds 'ultimate driving machine' label

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 drive and drive. You can study and test.  You study interior and exterior motor vehicle features until your eyes glaze over.  And just when you think you have it all figured out...

They deliver a BMW Alpina XB7 sport-utility vehicle to your drive way.  Sticker price: $159,145.  Three rows of everything you can imagine riding on 23-inch wheels.

Some vehicles have this and some of that and ... you won't need to worry about that if you drop some serious coin on this vehicle.  It has so much that BMW's "ultimate driving machine" slogan seems like a humble statement.

Lap of luxury?  How about soft-close automatic doors? Gotta have those crystal headlights and illuminated kidney grille. Not just cupholders but heated and cooling cupholders.  I could go on about extras, but rest assured that the list is quite long.

And that's on top of seemingly every state-of-the-art driving-enhancement, security and safety device known to the globe. Connectivity technology is particularly impressive in this Alpina XB7.

So, how does it drive?  Here's a clue: the power plant is a 4.4-liter bi-turbo V-8 rated at 631 horsepower.  That's more than some purpose-built professional racing machines.

Off the line, power comes on in a relatively quiet manner, but physical forces mash you deep into your seat.  With revs up, it's a dominant freeway force, capable of blazing through tight spots with startling ease.  Indeed, every other vehicle seems frozen in place when the Alpina is at full song.

Muscular performance does impact fuel mileage, which comes in at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Needless to say, this Alpina is in a lofty vehicle segment, one occupied by Mercedes-Benz sport-utes and Cadillac Escalades to name just two.  I can only imagine the satisfying high of browsing six-figure machines for purchase.

For those who know that high, this Alpina XB7 deserves a look.