Explorer Tremor reaches out to outdoor enthusiasts

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 -- It's one of the original sport-utility vehicles, bowing in 1990 when SUVs were just catching the attention of American motorists.

It has been around so long that it has endured both criticism and high praise from a diverse group of consumers.

It is billed by its maker as "America's all-time best-selling SUV."

It's the Ford Explorer, and for the 2026 model year, Ford introduced a special version, and my test ride: the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor 4WD.

In simple terms, it's a big, off-road-oriented version of Ford's classic sport-ute.  My loaded version was priced at $64,705.

I could write a book about all it had.  Suffice it to say that it is an upscale mix of rugged outdoor transportation and contemporary luxury and technology.

Yes, it is big-shouldered, and the fuel rating is 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, and yes, it scored a max five stars in federal government crash tests.

But it's so much more.

For starters, it was remarkably muscular for such a big guy, thanks to a 3-liter, turbo V-6 engine rated at 400 horsepower.  With that amount of oomph, you can tow virtually all of your outdoor adventure toys into the woods.

What a mix of outdoor perks and luxury features to be had here!: power liftgate, skid plates, leather-wrapped steering wheel (with heat), moonroof, power folding rear seats, off-road-tuned suspension, ambient lighting, 14-speaker primo audio, 18-inch all-terrain tires, 5G modem, underbody protection and ample ground clearance.

For all that the standard Explorer offers for the typical motorist, this Tremor is a substantial cut above, no matter where you plan on driving it.

I'm guessing it will prompt more than a few freeway commuters to sample the charms of the unpaved wilderness trails.

Three for the road: SUVs loaded with quality, perks

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 experienced some sport-utility vehicle overload as the summer wound down.

But in the interest of letting you know about three good ones -- as opposed to parking them for late autumn -- here's the scoop:

2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness (pictured) -- It has been around for a long time, winning hearts and minds ... especially among outdoor enthusiasts.

Think of the tested Wilderness as the ultimate outdoor vehicle for a new generation of Outbacks. Subaru's website shows it sloshing through mud and climbing over rocks, and given what I experienced, I can tell you that this SUV will win those battles every time.

My ride was priced just a touch beyond $50,000, and it was equipped with a long list of features to conquer the wild lands. Even the roof rails are raised and reinforced.

Fuel mileage is pretty fair at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

I know I've recommended various sport-utes for off-roading purposes, but if this Wilderness is not at the top of your test-drive list for off-pavement excursions, it should be.

2026 Subaru Uncharted GT -- Another Subaru, but a completely different vibe.  For starters, it's an electric vehicle.  And I should add: it moves with muscular authority from a standing start, courtesy of an electric power train rated at 338 horsepower.

The sporty performance is matched with a sleek, aerodynamic profile.  Absolutely an eye-catcher.

Some electrics have found me staring at the battery charge percentage and worrying away the day.  Not so in this five-passenger Uncharted.  Pure driving pleasure, with excellent road manners.

Oh yes, you can take this EV off-road.  And you will be worry-free with 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

My ride was priced at $46,215 and loaded with standard features.  Had I been forced to guess the price before reading the sticker, I would have estimated a bottom line of $55,000 to $60,000, so yes, a bargain to be had here.

2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus -- Mazda just keep churning out these quality sport-utes, and this compact crossover SUV is worth a look.

The starting price is a most reasonable $38,990, and even my loaded version was an easy-on-the-eyes $41,080.

For that you get a peppy 187 horsepower engine, leather trimmed seats, a marvelous 15.6-inch color center display and heated seats throughout ... and a full suite of driving-enhancement/safety features.

Fuel mileage is good at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the open road.

I know for a fact that some buyers are paying much more to obtain lesser vehicles in this segment ... when they should have made the Mazda lot their first stop.

Everything is just right with this Toyota Tacoma pickup

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 -- For my purposes, it's the Goldilocks pickup truck.

Not too big.  Not too complicated.  Not too expensive. Just right all the way down the line.

My tester was the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X2 Double Cab.  The extravagantly loaded midsize truck was priced at 50,544 ... significant coin to be sure, but a feel-good number in an era of $60,000-to-start pickups.

I understand that pickup purchases are based on need.  No construction pro worth his tools wants to be laughed off the job site showing up in a comparatively miniature model.

But for my suburban needs, the Tacoma works.

I like its agile footwork.  I don't feel like I'm about to cause a multi-car crash in a tight parking lot when I'm at the wheel of a Tacoma.

The bed is just right for trips to the garden center, and should I need a washing machine, that big box will fit just fine in the back end of the Tacoma.

Driving manners are excellent.  No rattles, roars or hard bumps enter the cabin.  Instead, the tester's 2.4-liter turbocharged engine dishes up impressive power and torque in smooth doses.  The tested Tacoma was surprisingly strong off the line, dusting off sedan stragglers with ease.

Fuel mileage was fair at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Would I take it off-road?  Absolutely.  Park it at the country club?  No problem.  The sleek lines and sculpted grille look at home wherever the Tacoma roams.

My ride was opulently dressed up, but a basic Tacoma double cab can be had for a just a few bucks more than 40,000 on the nose -- a bargain in this segment.

And given its history of reliability, the Tacoma is built for the long haul. Years of just-right service.  What a concept!

BMW sedan is the ultimate in luxury, perks, technology

This review first appeared in the August 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 -- How much do you expect from a car? What makes you sit up and pay attention?

How about a BMW 760i xDrive sedan stickered at $174,725?

I have been reviewing motor vehicles for decades and climbed into hundreds of cockpits. But this one intimidated me from the start.

And no, not because of the price ... although the words HANDLE WITH CARE accompanied me from the moment I saw it.

What intimidated me was that the car was packed with so much ... and stood ready to take on more.  In a full week with the vehicle, I'm not sure I really scratched the surface.

Sure, the windshield wipers worked and the variable driving modes were spot-on.

But beyond that were dozens upon dozens of features to try out.  I eventually got to a lot of them, but only for a short time.  Those that I did get to and liked included voice head-up display, nearly head-to-toe massaging seats and a cool parking assist.

And there were other perks that were interesting, but I'm not sure I needed some of them, even at my advanced age.  That would include automatic soft-close doors.

Did I get a chance to program various functions into the vehicle?  How about software updates/upgrades? Nope.  Ran out of time.

Bottom line: This BMW is so packed with technology, electronic marvels and luxurious perks that one is inclined to ask if special permission is needed to drive it.

Oh, as for driving, it's amazing.  How to describe it?

Picture yourself in a rolling bank vault that doubles as a  presidential suite in a five-star hotel.  Yeah, solid and secure to the max, with super-spoiling luxury.

You want power?  Plenty of that too.

The 4.4-liter, TwinPower Turbo V-8 is rated at 536 horsepower.  Torque tops at 553 foot-pounds at a mere 1,800 revolutions per minute.

It's a different kind of power, however.

The vehicle is so solid and noise-reducing that hard accelerations feel like an easy jog in the park. You do get a realization of the power when you are quietly blowing past cars that seem glued to the pavement.

While it takes some juice to get this big-shouldered sedan moving, the fuel mileage rating is not terrible: 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

It's a superb highway cruiser.  Frankly, if it was mine to keep, I'd probably avoid taking it into tight city parking garages, lest a careless motorist would scratch the exquisite paint job.

So, there you have it: the ultimate luxury machine for the financially fortunate pleasure seeker.

A bit beyond my means.  But I enjoyed my week on Fantasy Island.

Hyundai has another EV triumph in its Ioniq 9 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 -- Hyundai has been bombing the U.S. market with one quality sport-utility vehicle after another ... after another ... after another.

Now comes a luxury-loaded, three-row, electric beauty that also features muscular performance.

Hyundai calls it the Ionic 9 ... or specifically in my case, the 2026 Hyundai Ionic 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy.

Hyundai's Ionic line was already getting praise in some corners as the best electrics on the market.  This Number 9 version only strengthens that argument.

Where to begin?  It looks good.  Solid and broad-shouldered, with nice cuts in profile.  The look is all SUV, with a big helping of class.

Maximum five-star federal government safety ratings are prominent on the sticker, with a bottom line of $77,335 on my ride.

The miles per gallon equivalent is a gaudy 91 mpg in the city and 79 mpg on the highway, enough to tempt even the most dedicated internal-combustion engine devotee.

Oh-so-loaded was my tester.  Safety technology alone is massive, including four collision-avoidance systems.  By my reckoning, you couldn't dent this thing if you tried.

Super-generous Hyundai warranties?  Naturally.

Dual electric motors provide a satisfying rush on hard accelerations.  Surrounding vehicles seem to freeze in time when the accelerator is pressed hard.  Freeway cruising is a quiet, silky pleasure.  Good range on a full charge ... up to 335 miles.

Overall, it's the contemporary EV in full.  For those still on the fence about EVs, this Ioniq 9 makes the case for a bright future of electric motoring.

Special Genesis sedan reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Genesis G90 3.5T E-SC MHEV Prestige Black AWD sedan can be seen in the latest, September 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.

Lots to like in the latest generation of Toyota's RAV4

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 -- It's one of my favorites ... and definitely a favorite of millions of American motorists who have purchased it over six model generations.

It's the Toyota RAV4, or America's compact crossover SUV if you will.

Chief among the changes introduced for the 2026 model year is this: the RAV4 lineup is all hybrid.

My tester was the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD priced at $46,883.  Loaded with features -- so many that I had to make a list to make sure I did not overlook trying one out -- it was a standard equipment bonanza.

Other reviewers noted the same, especially impressed with numerous safety technologies.

JBL audio/multimedia was particularly impressive and two wireless chargers took me by surprise in this segment.

At the heart of the machine was a peppy hybrid powertrain anchored by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a gas-electric combined net horsepower rating of 236, up from previous models.  The hybrid payoff comes in gas mileage: 43 miles per gallon in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway for the tested RAV4.

The new generation offers multiple trim levels, and all of them are sportier-looking than RAV4s of days gone by.

Everything new and shiny pleased the heart, but frankly, the most enjoyable part of my week was the driving experience. 

As in past models, the roll was smooth and quiet.  A comfortable feel through the steering wheel all but begged one-handed driving.  A tight turning radius and instantly responsive manners in dicey traffic were greatly appreciated ... Toyota engineering remains top tier. Ditto fit and finish.

Overall, Toyota has wisely preserved and improved its SUV gem.  I have to believe it will remain a top pick among American motorists for years to come.

Normally reliable Hyundai Santa Fe doesn't disappoint

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 sung the praises of the Hyundai Santa Fe before.  No reason to change things this time around.

My recent tester was the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD. And it included the usual laundry list of Hyundai positives.

Where to start? How about a practical midsize crossover sport-utility vehicle that handles like an agile sedan?

There's that and a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine getting a healthy 35 miles per gallon in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway.

Priced at $52,340, my ride was stuffed with safety, comfort and convenience features ... the amount and kind you pay $60,000 and up for in other makes/models.

Generous warranties of course.

In short, Hyundai's Santa Fe hits the target for all the primary desires of many American auto buyers ... in the hugely popular SUV segment no less.  If you were drawing up the American prototype for this very moment (including fuel savings) you probably could not do much better than this particular Hyundai.

Personally, I enjoyed its comfort and easy steering.  Volunteer passengers liked the interior, with several calling it "luxurious" -- not something you typically hear in a midsize SUV market.

Digital features are easy to reach, master and use.

Turning radius is tight, and just right for even the tightest parking lots.

Extra goodies -- like a heated steering wheel -- are a helpful surprise.

And did I want to hand it over at the end of my testing week? ... Absolutely not.

That probably says more than anything about this sport-ute.

Savoring the old-school charms of a luxury sedan

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 -- After a steady diet of electric vehicles, hybrids and crossover sport-utility vehicles, one sometimes longs for a four-door sedan with a nice mix of luxury and performance.

Enter that into a search engine and you are likely to come up with a link and photo of a Lexus IS 350 .... a 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport sedan in my case.

A week of fun.  No electric battery charge percentage. No cup holder overload. Just luxurious comfort and a 3.5-liter V-6 (311 horsepower) with a Muscle Beach attitude. Old-school rear wheel drive to boot.

What's not to like?

My tester wore a reasonable sticker price for this segment -- $49,703 -- and it was packed with a pleasing number of comfort and convenience features. A panoramic view monitor and the power moonroof were particular favorites.

Intuitive parking assist was part of the deal, but to be honest, I've become a stubborn "don't surrender control of the car in any way" guy of late.  Haven't started shooing kids away from my lawn yet, but there it is.

Besides, there are more important things to consider with this IS 350 ... like it looks fantastic, for example.  Beautiful sculpting in profile.  Looks pretty much racetrack-ready just parked there.  The neighbor kids, who kindly stay off my lawn, agree.  Cool-looking car, pops.

Lexus reworked the IS 350 inside and out for the 2026 model year.  Can't say that I disagreed with any of the changes.  Thoughtful bumper to bumper. And the F Sport touches only add to the sporty feel.

Ultimate sporty feel comes from mashing the accelerator.  One gets press-me-to-the-seat power and a satisfying, but not excessive rumble from under the hood. Fuel mileage comes in at 19/27.

Keep in mind that this model has been around since 1999. It says something that Lexus has continually refined it ... and not messed it up. Kudos to them for that.

Overall, a car that pleases all the senses, including luxury, for a fair price.

I believe that I have seen the future of motor vehicles

This review first appeared in the July 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 believe that I have just sampled the future of automotive transportation.

It's called a 2026 Lucid Air Touring sedan, and for someone who obtained his first driver's license when Richard Nixon was president, it took some adjustments on my part.

After all, there are certain things you expect after decades of driving.

You expect to turn off the engine, via an ignition switch (or more recently, a button). With the Lucid Air, you just walk away from the vehicle.  Hard to do, as you keep looking around to see who is watching.

And you expect the key fob to have specific buttons related to specific functions.  Not so with the Lucid Air sedan.  The fob just sort of acts as an all-powerful command center, sending out invisible signals to the machine.

And the car just starts up when you climb in; hit the brake pedal, snap the gearshift located on the steering column, and off you go.

Actually, it doesn't take too long to get the hang of all this.  And once you do, you can get acquainted with this all-electric vehicle -- priced at $107,050 in my case. (Starting price: on the basic model is $79,900.)

First off, it looks fantastic.  Space age vibe to be sure.  Sleek and modern and smooth to the max.  It looks capable of flying.

And in one respect, it does.

The horsepower rating is a healthy 620, good enough to make the zero-to-60 mph trip in 3.4 seconds.

Response is instant and exciting.  On the fly, the vehicle is a smooth operator, even when it is dispatching pokes with ease. Handling is excellent, and the turn radius is a bonus on a sedan with remarkable agility.

The payoff is a range of up to 431 miles, with miles per gallon equivalent ratings of 126 mpg in the city and 121 mpg on the highway.

Inside, the vehicle presents a high-tech marvel.  Seemingly everything is controlled with electricity, including the glove compartment.  Images float across a 34-inch glass cockpit display screen, enabling you to park precisely and have plenty of advance warning of possible danger.

The glass canopy roof  made me feel like I was sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet, but the heat of Sacramento does penetrate that environment fairly quickly.  A boost of the AC helps cool things down.

The Lucid Air gets multiple five-star ratings in federal government crash tests, including a max five stars on the overall score.

I've said before that remarkable things are in the pipeline for cars of the future.  And California is at the heart of it in Lucid's case. Lucid Group USA Inc., is headquartered in the Silicon Valley community of Newark.

The automaker has its critics, including some high-profile ones who don't like its cost structure. OK, fine.

But in the Lucid Air, the company has given us a vision of the future of motor vehicles. And on many levels, the future looks bright.

Luxury-laden BMW reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the BMW 760i xDrive sedan can be seen in the latest, Aubust 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 powertrain adds to Mazda's 'Premium' sport-ute

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 -- For years, I've logged substantial seat time in Mazda's pleasant CX-50 compact crossover sport-utility vehicle.  Numerous times, it has been the turbo version in my hands.

A recent week in the hybrid version -- a 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus to be specific -- was a revelation. It was CX-50 charm in a fuel-saving package.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter hybrid engine rated at 219 combined net horsepower, more than enough oomph for the required jobs and checking in at 39 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Driving range is pegged at 551 miles.

While it's not quite the turbo blast, it's more than sufficient.  And it feels good motoring past those thirsty gas pumps.

Power plant aside, the usual high marks can be found in safety (multiple max five-star ratings in federal government crash tests), styling (especially dressed in the tester's "Soul Red Crystal Metallic" paint) and perks (leather trimmed seats, a wireless phone charger, traffic sign recognition, power panoramic moonroof and hill launch assist are among the many standard features in the Premium model).

Even with a nice option package on my CX-50, the bottom line came to a reasonable $43,265.

The tester qualifies as a fun highway cruiser and every day commuter, but I should note that Mazda has gone to great lengths to offer CX-50s to appeal to a wide range of tastes. That includes the outdoors-forward Meridian Edition. That new-for-2026 trim level includes 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, special badging and black roof rails.

Overall, this built-in-Alabama five-seater is a versatile offering that won't crush your wallet.

Solterra has electric convenience in Subaru package

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 -- A compact sport-utility vehicle that's a Subaru and all-electric to boot.

For a certain segment of motorists, that's an ideal combination.

I give you the 2026 Subaru Solterra EV.  My week was in the Premium edition of the SUV.  No price was listed in the accompanying documents, but Subaru loudly touts the base of $38,495 in its marketing materials.

My week in the "Midnight Tide Mica"-colored machine was a celebration of what makes Subaru popular with its devotees ... minus the boxer-style engine of course.  Power on the Solterra comes from front and rear electric motors, generating the equivalent of 233 horsepower.

Those e-motors more than did the job, propelling the tester with satisfying oomph off the line and darting through the local urban and rural roadways with effortless ease.

Yes, this is an EV but it includes a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, for which Subaru is famous.

Volunteer passengers liked the performance characteristics and the relatively roomy space for five in the cabin. They also liked the modernistic lighting on the front and rear ends of the vehicle.

Subaru advertises electric range of 288 miles, and buyers can choose from various plug-in charging cords for convenience.

For those who wish to take the Solterra off the paved surfaces, there's a healthy 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Subaru insists that the Solterra is utterly comfortable off-road, and the vehicle includes a mode-selection feature to match specific surfaces and conditions.

The tester also included some high-end touches that I did not expect. That included dual wireless smartphone chargers, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen and a suite of "EyeSight" driver-assist technologies.

Subaru tech in a sporty-looking electric vehicle ... Pretty nice pairing.

Kia's golden hatchback does the automaker proud

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 -- Some motorists see "hatchback" and frown.

Not me.  The tested 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo made me smile. How could I not smile at the sporty wagon dressed up in "Sparkling Yellow" paint?

Actually, Sparkling Yellow doesn't really cover it in my book.  "Gloriously Golden" is closer to reality. Kia calls the layout a "floating roof design," and yeah, I see it.

Color aside, this new-for-2026 offering from Kia is a racy looker from grille to hatch edge. And I've never been one to discard the charms of a vehicle with a wide-opening back cover.

Roomy interior space? Of course.

Priced at a reasonable $32,870, my ride had the usual suite of max five-star federal government crash test ratings.  Generous Kia warranties...also a check.

And stuffed to the brim with standard features, including a power sunroof with sunshade, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system and a handy highway driving-assist system.

Driving it was a pleasure.  The 1.6-liter turbo-4 rated at 190 horsepower is a decidedly aggressive power plant, capable of pressing me into the seat off the line and a most agile dancer on the highway. The sport-tuned suspension highlighted the best traits of the engine.

Kia touts the vehicle as one that appeals to "active drivers." If that means drivers who like to test the limits of a car's capabilities, I completely understand.

Overall, this hatchback offers an appealing mix of sporty fun and affordable common sense. A nice combination for the times.

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.