Toyota's C-HR combines value, perks, electric power

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 -- Affordability is the issue of the day ... Just check out the political ads on TV.

Naturally, motor vehicles are part of the mix, in an era where American motorists are keeping their autos for a dozen years or more.

So, let's say you're looking for a practical-size, affordable sport-utility vehicle that's not going to end up crushing your wallet at the gas pumps every week or so.

A nice fit would be this week's tested model: the the 2026 Toyota C-HR XSE AWD.

It's a subcompact with an easy-on-the-eyes price. Mine showed  $42,979 on the bottom line, a welcome relief amid the blizzard of $50,000, $60,000 and up sport-utes on the market.

Did I mention that my tester was electric?  For those still pondering the future of electrics, get a load of these numbers: 122 miles per gallon equivalent in the city and 102 mpg-e on the highway.

Tempting, yes?

While my C-HR was a relative bargain, it was not stripped.  It was generously appointed with perks that included traffic jam/lane-change assist, panoramic view monitor, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a power liftgate.

But the biggest surprise for me?  The power.

It might have helped if I'd read the sticker first, but the first time I really nailed the accelerator, I was mashed deep into the cockpit seat.

That's what a 338 horsepower rating on a small vehicle will do for you.

Not that I was upset.  I had a great time dusting off freeway stragglers and suburban pokes.

Charging was easy and efficient.

All in all, a fun week of motoring in a little vehicle that offers a lot to a wide range of motorists.

Kia's Telluride SUV appeals to rich and rugged tastes

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 -- Back in 2019, Kia created a sensation with the introduction of the Telluride sport-utility vehicle.

The former maker of cheap transportation rolled out a sizable, three-row, rugged sport-ute capable of competing with any of the big boys on the market.

Reviewers responded positively, and with a second generation introduction in 2026, more praise came Kia's way.

After a week in the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD model, I can tell you that things continue to be serene in the Telluride camp. It's rugged and cultured ... at home on a muddy trail or at a classy country club valet drive-through.

I particularly liked the saucy power plant, a 2.5-liter turbo rated at 274 horsepower and 311 foot-pounds of torque. It felt stronger than those numbers in my hands, particularly on sharp hill climbs in the Sierra Nevada.

News flash: The Telluride can be equipped with a 2.5-liter turbo hybrid with a fuel mileage rating of 35 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving. The numbers on my non-hybrid tester were 17/22.

I'd characterize the interior as the picture of western luxury, with LED ambient lighting and wood interior accents.  Volunteer passengers commented on seat comfort and a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.

My ride was dressed up with a head-up display, all-terrain tires and numerous driving-enhancement/safety perks.  I was guessing a $70,000 package, but this being a Kia product, the bottom line was a decidedly reasonable $59,580.

All in all, this generation of Telluride is further evidence of Kia's remarkable transition from a producer of bargain-basement autos to its current status as a global player.

Bronco carries on with outdoorsy Outer Banks model

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 week, another Ford icon.

This time around, it's the Ford Bronco, dating back six generations and arriving on the scene when Lyndon Johnson was president.

My tester was a special edition: a 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks 4X4 model. And while this compact  had special touches and a fair amount of luxury for nearly $70,000, the Bronco in general holds a special place in my heart.

What would that be?

Well, it's a sport-utility vehicle that doesn't look like all the other SUVs.  Yeah, I like that, given that half the motoring public likely cannot name a specific SUV model when a dozen of them are lined up in a parking lot.

And the look has remained rugged.  Like that too.  Nothing like a vehicle that can drive up a mountain and split a few logs along the way.

Part of that is due to the current power structure, which was part of the tested vehicle.  It was loaded with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 rated at 330 horsepower and 415 foot-pounds of torque.

That power plant moved my ride around with eye-popping muscle, and I didn't mind the satisfying growl from the engine compartment.

For all that brute strength, today's Bronco is civilized and downright luxurious.  Roomy too.

My Bronco sported LED signature lighting, a 60th anniversary package, a Sasquatch package (think off-road muscle and meaty tires), a sound-deadening headliner, a tool kit for door/top removal and a 12-inch center/control display.

That's about as diverse a features package as I've ever experienced.

All that and distinct looks, a storied history and a boatload of off-road driving enhancements. No wonder the Bronco has lasted so long and has been loved so much by Ford enthusiasts.

Trailseeker SUV reviewed in the latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, October 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.

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!