The UX 250h is a little Lexus SUV with a lot to like

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

Sacramento, California -- You can get lost in the alphanumeric jungle of motor vehicle models, but here's one to remember: the Lexus 2024 UX 250h sport-utility vehicle.

This hybrid-only model is a luxury-laden subcompact SUV, and even the tested Premium model goes for an entirely reasonable $41,645.  So, you don't need to tote 50-grand to the dealership.

The bonus: Exceptional fuel mileage -- there's a 2-liter, four-cylinder engine anchoring the hybrid system -- rated at 43 miles per gallon in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

Second bonus: It's a Lexus, which means you get the usual perfect fit and finish, top-flight engineering and extraordinary reliability.

That translates to customer satisfaction in any language.

Hybrid in this case does not mean anemic.  I was jetting the UX 250h around with something resembling reckless abandon, and seriously, the vehicle seemed pleased with my efforts. 

The hybrid package is rated at 181 horsepower, and yes, there's something about tooling a small sport-ute up and down the roadways that gets my right foot going. I sometimes felt like I was wheeling a purpose-built sprint car from days gone by. Interestingly, test-driving colleagues have described the same thing to me after some time in the UX 250h.

A surprising amount of cargo fits in the back end with seats adjusted accordingly.  The cargo compartment willingly swallowed many bags of groceries in my time with the vehicle.

By the way, a kick sensor to open the back door is available on all models.

I also liked the sporty lines of the tester.

What struck me the most is that the vehicle likely will appeal to a wide audience of motorists -- suburban homeowners, female professionals and daily driver male commuters.

So, while the model's letters and numbers need to be remembered from the beginning, the 2024 Lexus UX 250h promises plenty of good memories for years to come.

Amid crowded small SUV field Tucson deserves a look

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 heard it all before from family, friends and even total strangers: "Hi, I'm looking for a practical-size sport-utility vehicle that gets good gas mileage, is loaded with standard features and won't cost me a fortune."

To which I've typically replied: "Have you looked at the Hyundai Tucson?"

Over the years, several folks have turned my suggestion into a purchase (No thanks necessary, Hyundai. I'm good). And have been very happy with said purchase.

After a recent week in the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line AWD, I found no reason to change my reasoning.  In fact, the current Tucson is better than ever.

Yes, it's just right in the size department, especially for those of you who aren't inclined to load a double-wide refrigerator into the back of their vehicle.  Compact, yet roomy enough for back-seat comfort.

Good gas mileage?  Well, this being a hybrid package, the tester came in at a healthy 37 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.  Most folks I know would jump at that.

As for standard features, my ride had an exceptionally long list, including items you don't normally expect to see on a compact sport-ute.  Those included alloy sport pedals, smart cruise control and a Bose premium audio system.

So, we're probably looking at 50-grand for this ride, right?  Try an entirely reasonable $37,950 on the sticker's bottom line ... a virtual steal in today's crossover SUV market.

And there's more, most notably a 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine that anchors a hybrid system and rated at 180 horsepower.  I found the tester to be a muscular off the line, and at no time did I feel that I was driving a too-small vehicle in California's always-dicey freeway traffic.

The N Line designation means you get styling and performance upgrades giving you even more behind-the-wheel confidence.

Overall, it's a small SUV with a lot going for it.  And priced just right.

Extensively reworked Kona hits all the right notes

This review first appeared in the February 2024 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 --Maybe it was because I'd driven a string of large, pricey sport-utility vehicles of late. Maybe I just needed to unwind a little bit.

Whatever the reason, I took to the tested 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD like a duck to a pond.  And delighted in it.

I didn't so much drive it as whip it around the roads of Northern California.

It didn't hurt that Hyundai reworked its subcompact SUV from bumper to bumper for the new model year.  And there's a lot to like on that front.

Topping that list on the tester was an enthusiastic 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine rated at 190 horsepower.  Even better, peak torque kicks in at a mere 1,700 rpm.  Paired with a firm suspension, the power package jets the Kona around with nimble authority.

Yet I never felt on the edge of control, even on aggressive starts off the line.  Fun to drive?  You bet.

And fairly fuel-efficient in the bargain: 24 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The new exterior look only added to the sporty feel.  The Kona's sleek roofline makes it stand apart from other SUVs that certainly offer convenience but lack the Kona's saucy sportiness.

As for those 19-inch alloy wheels that look like mounted throwing knives ... need I say more?

From the cockpit, the tester was stuffed with features, certainly more than I'd expect from a vehicle wearing a sticker of 34,695.

Besides the lengthy list of state-of-the-art safety technology, the Kona had a 12.3-inch, multi-functional, panoramic display screen; heated side mirrors; a power sunroof; a heated steering wheel; heated/ventilated front seats and a hands-free smart liftgate.

Did I mention that the new Kona is bigger -- inside and out -- than its predecessor.  Well, it is.  And while it's a subcompact, the Kona has 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down.

One thing that might take some getting used to is the shifting mechanism, sort of an attached switch mounted on the right side of the steering column.  Longtime drivers might equate it to a permanent car key that stays in the vehicle.  Just saying.

All in all, Hyundai is presenting a loaded vehicle for folks looking for a practical-size sport-ute at a fair price.  Given current prices consumers are paying from grocery stores to car dealerships, there's an appeal there.

Hyundai's ability to anticipate what buyers want -- and where automotive trends are heading -- explains its emergence as a major player on the global automotive stage.  No longer a seller of cheap cars, Hyundai is delivering in all segments.  Among subcompact SUVs, the Kona has moved to the head of the class.

Comfort and luxury are plentiful in an old favorite

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

Sacramento, California -- I've always had a soft spot in my heart for luxury-laden Infiniti sport-utility vehicles.  They were some of the first vehicles I reviewed when I was evaluating autos as a newspaper columnist.

Other folks have more practical reasons for liking Infiniti's SUVs: You get a lot of luxury for less money than you'd pay for another brand.

The recently tested 2024 Infiniti QX60 Autograph AWD was a case in point.  It was wearing a sticker of $69,240, but it was dressed up to the tune of about $80,000 to $85,000 by my reckoning.

The monster-size list of standard features included a power panoramic moonroof, second row heated captain's chairs, a kickin' Bose 17-speaker audio system, intelligent cruise control and much, much more. Options on my ride included a $795 lighting package (with "welcome" tones and an illuminated cargo area).

Rarely have three rows of seating felt so comfortable on the fly. Soft, yet just firm enough and with plenty of legroom, passengers were treated a velvet-smooth ride, even at 70 miles per hour.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 295 horsepower is a willing power plant, but even at near-full song, very little noise reaches the interior cabin.  For a three-row vehicle, the tester was remarkably agile with a tight turning radius.

Fuel mileage is so-so at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Crash test ratings are superior, including a max five-star overall rating in federal government tests.

With classy exterior styling, the tester looked at home in country club parking lots, and it drew admiring stares parked at the local grocery store.

I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. And the memories.

Powerful BMW SUV reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, April 2024, 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.

Kia Telluride SUV's rave reviews are entirely deserved

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 has won multiple awards, including Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year in 2020. The current model has snared the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top rating. Countless auto reviewers have sung its praises.

And the Kia Telluride is deserving of everything it has received.

That was apparent in my recent week in the 2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD tester. A lot of ornate words have been used to describe the Telluride, but here's my simple take: Kia has produced a three-row, midsize SUV that is a nearly perfect blend of urban daily driver and rugged off-road warrior.  It just feels substantial on the move.

And it moves quite well with a 3.8-liter V-6 doing the chores.  Rated at nearly 300 horsepower, the power plant is robust and responsive. Passengers in my tester remarked that they liked being pressed deep into their seats on hard accelerations.

Not the usual deal with an SUV, they said.  True enough.

My X-Line tester looked trail-ready parked at the curb, especially wrapped in "Wolf Gray" paint.  The 20-inch alloy wheels are meant to roll over rocks and run through rivers. And yet my ride was a silky smooth cruiser on the local freeways.

For all of its ruggedness, the Telluride is a dressed up and classy inside.  Nappa leather seating surfaces are comfortable, a 12.3-inch panoramic screen display is easy to read and use, and a heated steering wheel is a welcome plus on cold mornings.  Given the loaded tester, it was very reasonably priced at $54,540.

I think the Telluride's popularity can be explained in the diverse groups of motorists who like it.  The off-road crowd loves it. The daily urban commuters feel the same.  And it even gets nods from those that might not necessarily come to mind.  For example: U.S. News & World Report named the Kia Telluride the best three-row midsize SUV in its “Best Cars for Families” award program for the fifth year in a row.

Family fun and off-the-paved-road enjoyment.  Take your pick.  Telluride has a lot to offer.

Woodsy Crosstrek further boosts Subaru's reputation

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 has been my experience that Subaru buyers are among the most fiercely loyal in the automotive world.

Extensive investigation on my part has revealed that this loyalty comes from the simple fact that Subaru gives its loyalists exactly what they want.  And over a couple of generations that has included a peppy boxer-style engine and masterful all-wheel drive.

The tested 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness -- introduced last year as an all-new compact SUV offering -- simply improves on all that.  It's perhaps the most complete, customer-pleasing Subaru ever built. Consider it the Subaru in full.

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine on the tester was rated at 182 horsepower, and frankly, the car's lusty accelerations and darts in and out freeway traffic made it feel more powerful than that number.  The car's handling characteristics were quick and nimble to the max.  A pleasure to drive.

Naturally, with the Wilderness name, this Crosstrek was designed to take off road.  The hefty 9.3-inch ground clearance all but shouted that as well. Other wild country equipment included 17-inch Yokohama all-terrain tires, an all-weather package/body cladding, a retractable cargo cover, extra-study front/rear bumpers and much more.

I particularly liked the anodized copper finish accents placed outside and inside the vehicle. Ditto the LED fog lights with a hexagon pattern.

If you are a city dweller with a burning need to get lost in the Wilderness on your weekends, this might be your dream vehicle. For that matter, a suburban/rural resident might find this Crosstrek to be the perfect commuter/workhorse/daily driver.

The bonus: The bottom line investment on the loaded tester was only $35,560 ... an easy-on-the-eyes number in this time of $50,000 crossovers. Fuel mileage is pretty fair as well: 25 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway on the tested model.

Did I mention Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, standard on all 2024 Crosstreks? That includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure/sway warning, lead vehicle start alert, blind-spot detection (with lane change assist) and rear cross-traffic alert.

With all this, little wonder that Subaru loyalists are determined ride for the brand.

Versatile electric Ford pickup has high-volt bonus

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 last time I reviewed the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck, it was helping me survive a nearly week-long power outage.

It charged my mobile phone, kept me up to date with the news via radio and transported me to buy food that would not go bad in the useless freezer.  It was an oasis in a desert devoid of electric power. A reliable companion.

This time around, in my week in a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning 4X4 SuperCrew, I found more time to appreciate the other features I was too stressed to examine the first time.  Simply said, it's a remarkable machine.

And while some pickup purists have been struggling with the idea of an electric truck, I can assure you that the Lightning can do anything that an internal-combustion driven truck can do ... and more, given its electric equipment.

It's rugged and powerful, and yes, it can provide power to your home in a pinch.

Of course, there's always the fuel mileage equivalent of 73 miles per gallon in the city and 60 mpg on the highway. Zero fuel bills feel good, no matter how you feel about electric vehicles.

I must point out that my tester was loaded, pushing the sticker price to a whopping $97,674.  Was I complaining?  Not for a second. I thoroughly enjoyed the extras and the long list of standard features that made up my Lightning.

This is one of the most versatile EVs ever built, in my view.  The very fact that Ford made the effort to produce an electric, full-size truck during a time of uncertainty over public acceptance of such vehicles is, in my mind, a feather in Ford's cap.

So, Mr./Mrs. Die-Hard Pickup Driver, have you test-driven one yet?  If not, you should.  You don't know what you're missing.

Two SUVs tell the tale of Honda's market popularity

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 this tale of two Hondas, there are only winners.

In the recently tested 2023 Honda Pilot AWD TrailSport and 2024 Honda Passport AWD Black Edition (pictured), there is much shared DNA.  And it all adds up to tell you why Honda is producing such popular midsize crossover sport-utility vehicles.

Both testers had long lists of standard features, excellent fit and finish, superb handling and the kind of interior cabin quality one expects from Honda.

In the Pilot SUV TrailSport, priced at $50,500, standard features included a panoramic roof, a power liftgate, road-departure mitigation and a heated windshield.

The Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 285 horsepower.  This was more than enough to jet me around urban gridlock and freeway pokes.

The same is true in the 2024 Passport, also packing a 3.5-liter V-6 with plenty of pop.  By the way, the Black Edition label entitles you to an assortment of cool interior/exterior styling touches.

My Passport tester again tipped the scales near the 50-grand mark, stickering at $49,365.

Both vehicles give up a little bit of fuel with six cylinders: 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for the tested TrailSport, 19/24 for the Passport.

So, for the buyer looking for the ideal midsize crossover SUV, sanely priced, fully equipped and likely to run forever, these two Hondas certainly measure up.  But of course, I've left out the one obvious trait of both vehicles: Honda has built and marketed them as rugged outdoor/off-road performers.  And yes, they are precisely that.

Little wonder that Honda promotional materials picture these Hondas cutting through the mud and muscling across fast-moving water.  Fellow auto reviewers, who obviously are braver than I in taking test vehicles into the backcountry, have praised the off-road suspensions.

In today's market, with $60,000 to $80,000 vehicles as common as M&Ms, it's hard to imagine that you could purchase this much versatility and fun for $50,000.  Yet you can. I should know.  I've just driven two of them, both wearing Honda badges.

Mazda CX-90 SUV reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, March 2024, 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.

Woodsy, loaded Sienna stands out in minivan market

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 -- There are some auto reviewers who won't go near a minivan.  Too 1980s and uncool, they say.

Not me.  Give me a spacious people carrier with multiple entertainment systems and a smooth cruising pace for the open road, and I'm hooked.

And just in time to deliver all of this in spades was the recently tested 2023 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD, Woodland Edition.  The Woodland label delivers decidedly rugged, outdoor styling touches sure to please those who consider camping an experience to be something other than a motel.

First impression beyond the woodsy look: plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the ride, and the drive. If you're taking a long road trip, few vehicles provide this much space to relax and avoid muscle cramps.  A 500-mile travel day will pass much easier for passengers in this Sienna.

And there's lots to do.  My tester had the usual dozen JBL speakers and lineup of ports.  In addition, a $1,415 option included a 1080p HD rear seat entertainment center with an 11.6-inch display, HDMI input, remote and two wireless headphones.

Oh, where was this entertainment gem when my kids were small?

Beyond entertainment, the Sienna was stuffed with numerous safety/convenience features, including lane tracing assist, a pre-collision system and radar cruise control. On top of this: a maximum five-star overall rating in federal crash tests.

The highway manners of the tested Sienna were excellent.  River cruise comfort and just enough pop when needed from the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with Toyota Hybrid System II assist. The package produces 245 horsepower.

Perhaps more significant, fuel mileage is an exceptional 35 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Sound tempting?  I should say so.  Suburban chore doer or summer vacation dream vehicle. The Sienna checks both boxes.

Six figures gets you the Land Rover of your dreams

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 -- Can pure motoring happiness be found for $128,475?

I'm here to tell you that, yes, you can be made quite happy with a 2023 Land Rover Range Rover PHEV SE SWB wearing that sticker price.

Just the opulent luxury alone makes it a pleasure.

And while it might be beyond the household budgets of many, if you get the chance to simply sit in one -- or test drive it -- prepare to be made happy.

SWB designates the smaller, standard wheelbase version of the vehicle, and my tester did indeed have the plug-in electric helper. Rest assured that power is not a problem with the workhorse 3-liter turbo-6 handling the heavy chores. Rated at 434 horsepower, the power plant is a marvelous machine, propelling the solid SUV around with magnificent authority.

With electricity and gasoline working in tandem, the tester checks in at 51 miles per gallon in combined city/highway mileage.  The needle drops to 21 mpg on gasoline alone.

This is one of the rare cases where brute power was trumped by everything else on the vehicle.  For starters, the super-clean look built into the 2023 Land Rover is striking.  Everything is so precise and expertly fitted that the tester reminded me of a radar-defying aircraft.  Impressive.

For me, luxury stood out the most.  That six-figure price might make one swallow hard at first, but given all the features of the vehicle, it's totally justified.

Where to start?  There's the panoramic roof with power sunblind, deployable door handles, power tailgate, Windsor leather seating surfaces, the infotainment system with the 13.1-inch screen, three-zone climate control and on and on.  If you've ever been gifted a night at a five-star hotel's luxury suite, just put four wheels on it and you have the Land Rover I tested.

Very British. Very elegant. Very luxurious. Very pleasant.

Kia's subcompact Seltos SUV delivers in big ways

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

Sacramento, California -- How to explain Kia's success in recent years?

Sure, the automaker tends to stuff its vehicles with standard features and price them well below similarly equipped autos.  Yes, the warranties are great.  Reliability has improved dramatically.

And then there's this: Kia delivers vehicles that the driving public wants (or should want).

A perfect example of this is the recently tested 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD subcompact sport-utility vehicle.

There is an enormous crowd of small SUVs to choose from, and yes, they tend to blur together at some point.  But for 2024, Kia revised the front and rear fascia for a more dynamic, sporty look. The Seltos stands out in a crowd.

Inside, the eyes are drawn to the 10.25-inch panoramic display screen for navigation and other purposes.  There is no squinting to make out the features of the large, helpful display.

Small does not translate to sluggish, thanks to the 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine rated at 195 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. This power plant is the heart and soul of the SX version of the vehicle, and nearly 50 horses more than the standard engine offering for other trim levels.

I had enormous amounts of fun whipping the Seltos around, but given its ability to quickly get out of harm's way, I don't think I angered any of my fellow motorists. Fuel mileage on the tester was pretty fair: 25 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

I was frankly stunned at the features packed into the tested subcompact, much more than one would expect for a vehicle priced at $33,085 on the bottom line.  More-than-expected goodies included an SX Moonroof Package, a wireless charger and heated front seats.

Thinking small and exceptionally functional?  Kia has a vehicle that might just be a perfect fit.

Lexus RC 350 stands out with luxury, sportiness

This review first appeared in the December 2023 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 -- Here's the sentence fragment you hear a lot when stepping out of the 2023 Lexus RC 350 F Sport AWD: "Say, isn't that a ... "

The last word never seems to find its way to daylight, because the speaker typically realizes that the car is not a Corvette ... or a Mustang ... or a McLaren ...

It that uniqueness that makes the RC 350 fun to drive, and I imagine, fun to own.  You don't notice that many of them on the road.  And being unique has its advantages.

First off, the sleek RC 350 just shouts sports car just sitting there.  The long hood line, muscular power grille and aerodynamic sweep of the roof turn heads.  The F Sport trim touches only add to the aggressive look.

Triple-beam LED headlights lend a saucy Star Wars touch.

Do you feel proud just knowing that people are looking at your eye-catching ride?  Of course.  That's part of the fun.

And then there's performance.  The tester was powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 311 horsepower. The power plant pushes torque at the low end and horsepower at the high end.  The result is robust sprints off the line and speedy moves on the freeways, with the bonus of a satisfying rumble from under the hood.

I found fellow motorists not only gawking at the car but -- amazingly in California -- kindly stepping aside and letting me pass. Again, looks mean everything, and motorists seemed to take it for granted that I could dust them off if I chose to do so.

Adding to all this driving pleasure was a stellar package of comfort, convenience and safety features.

Among my favorites: The lane departure alert with steering assist was helpful without being annoying.  And I liked the intelligent high beams with road sign recognition, a premium Lexus sound system and the F Sport suspension tuning. Added bonus: the super-luxurious feel of the cabin.

Please note: This RC 350 is billed as a four-seater, but two adults in the rear likely will feel pressed to the edges in those tight quarters.

Fuel mileage is fair at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Uniqueness and luxury come with a price: the $61,430 on the sticker puts this vehicle solidly in a segment of elite sporty machines.

But well worth the price if you are so fortunate.

Hyundai's Kona SUV reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, February 2024, 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.

Land Rover's Defender is a royal ride fit for a king

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 had been some time since I felt like royalty.  And I certainly did feel that way after a week in the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 SE sport-utility vehicle.

Sure, Land Rover is the choice of the British royals, and the Defender lineage dates back to the early days of Queen Elizabeth II.  History aside, I appreciated the small touches that make up the Defender.

There are the convenient slots and storage areas built into the back gate.  And yes, the thing feels like an armored tank on the move.  Yet there is little obnoxious noise that reaches the interior cabin. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen is easily mastered. There's three-zone climate control, of course.

Power comes from a 3-liter, six-cylinder engine rated at 395 horsepower and 406 foot-pounds of torque.

I don't remember past Land Rovers exhibiting that much muscle, but my ride was decidedly enthusiastic off the line and in freeway traffic.  For all of its big-shouldered bulk, the Defender at speed actually felt nimble and quick.  At no time did I feel like I was extending the vehicle's capabilities. In fact, if anything, I never let her loose at full song.

Simply put, this is a rugged sport-ute that you can muscle through busy freeway traffic and dicey downtown streets with full confidence.  Solid, strong.  Feels substantial but drives light.

Fuel mileage is so-so at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

One other thing about this Defender.  It apparently came off as unique to fellow motorists.  With virtually every stop I made, an individual or crowd gathered to ask questions about the vehicle.

I was only too glad to talk up its charms.  To boil it down, it's fit for a king.

Where have I been? Taking a decidedly lengthy detour

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 -- Those who follow me closely know that I have been out of the lineup for the past couple of weeks or so.

There's a reason for that.  Here it is:

On Dec. 22, I came home from a 3.5-mile jog and was feeling fine as I changed out of my sweats in my garage.  Suddenly, I experienced an overwhelming wave of vertigo ... something that has occasionally happened to me over more than 20 years.

Only this time, I woke up on the concrete floor of my garage with a golf ball-size knot on the left side of my forehead.  My son, Charles, transported me to the emergency room at nearby Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael.  Tests followed.  Conclusion: Nasty fall, probable concussion but, otherwise, no lasting damage. I went home that night.

On Jan. 7, I was overcome with intense pain and pressure in my head and was again rushed to the hospital.  Conclusion this time around: a brain bleed.  In technical terms, a stroke.  What followed was two weeks in the hospital, with more than half that time in intensive care.

After countless tests, readings and meds, I was finally cleared to go home on Monday, Jan. 22. The primary concern has been stabilizing my blood pressure, although the long-standing causes of my medical situation are likely more complex than just that.  Happily, I have no physical or mental handicaps as a result of all this.  For this, I'm most grateful.  And needless to say, the healing powers of being home have already made a difference as I baby step my way back to something like normal.

Some of you sent messages of encouragement my way during this ordeal.  For those, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.  Just knowing that people care is a big deal.

And so, the immediate plan is to rebuild my strength -- I lost 20 pounds between Jan. 7 and Jan. 23 -- and get back out on the road again, although my initial car testing likely will be closer to home in the first quarter of the year.

Otherwise, thanks to all who read my words.  It's good to be on the comeback trail....MHG

Set to indulge yourself? Ultra Luxury Toyota is for you

This review first appeared in the November 2023 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

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Sacramento, California -- Sometimes, you want to indulge yourself ... You've earned it, right?

Few vehicles fill this need better than the tested 2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury sport-utility vehicle. When you have a full-size, three-row Lexus SUV that has "Ultra Luxury" in the model name, well, you know you're in for some all-star pampering ... and state-of-the-art technology.

Let's start with the radar-based pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Intelligent cruise control is there, of course. Plus intelligent high beams. And you have a panoramic view monitor to go with your multi-terrain monitor.

Nearly a dozen multimedia/connectivity systems can entertain a platoon and keep you connected to up-to-the-minute data as you cruise along.

Driver and passengers are treated to exquisite leather-stitched seating with embossed headrests.  The second-row seats are captain's chair recliners with massage function.  There's four-zone climate control and a handy cool box in the center console to keep your beverages chilled on your journey.  Thematic ambient lighting is part of the deal, as is a Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Yes, it's staggering.  And I've only scratched the surface.  Any buyer will need to devote serious time to the owner's manual to make sure he/she masters the myriad functions of the vehicle.

How does it drive?  Rock-solid smooth and surprisingly peppy off the line, thanks to a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 rated at 409 horsepower.  Accelerations are quick; no need to wait for the revs to load up to feel the SUV's muscle.

I will say that the LX 600 Ultra Luxury looks very much like a shoulder-square SUV, although it rides high on 22-inch forged alloy wheels.

There's a price to pay for the power curve: fuel mileage is only 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

So, what's the bottom line on this rolling wonder?  On my tester, the sticker was $130,995. Yes, we're talking about a certain income bracket here.

But if you have the coin, this LX has the goods to make you happy, and then some.  So, set about indulging.