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!

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.