Seriously, American muscle never felt quite like this

This review first appeared in the April 2026 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Sacramento, California -- I remember thinking: Wow, what a beautiful Dodge Charger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fun? You bet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do I miss the rumble? Sure.

But did I enjoy the ride? Yes indeed.

Flashy Toyota Sequoia reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Toyota Sequoia 4WD TRD Pro Hybrid sport-utility vehicle ("Wave Maker") can be seen in the latest, May 2026, edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news and marketplace."

The "Hot Laps" reviews, along with my "Oil Drips" observations on anything with wheels, appear monthly in the publication.

To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Art of the car featured at 75th Sacramento Autorama

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

Sacramento, California -- Rembrandts of the road? Da Vincis of the driveway? Absolutely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Typically, a Hyundai Tucson makes the list.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CX-90 PHEV is an able player in Mazda's CX lineup

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

Sacramento, California -- In case you did not hear me the first time, this Mazda lineup of CX sport-utility vehicles is pretty special.

You can get anything you want off this menu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kia Sportage sport-ute stands out with matte finish

This review first appeared in the March 2026 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

 To subscribe to the Cruisin' News, visit www.cruisinnews.com, call (916) 933-0949 or send an email request to subscribe@cruisinnews.com.  Mailed requests for information should be sent to Cruisin' News, P.O. Box G, Virginia City, NV 89440.

Sacramento, California -- Ever buy a motor vehicle just for the paint job?

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

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

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

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

No reflection. Intimidating appearance. Secret agent cool.

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

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

Yeah, I wish.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Electric muscle car reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Track Package can be seen in the latest, April 2026, edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news and marketplace."

The "Hot Laps" reviews, along with my "Oil Drips" observations on anything with wheels, appear monthly in the publication.

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.

Toyota's sporty Prius shines on the inside as well

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

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

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

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

Where was I?  Oh yeah, inside the machine.

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

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

Options included a glass roof feature.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As per usual with Kia, the warranties are generous.

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

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

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

BMW sport-ute upholds 'ultimate driving machine' label

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chevy Blazer EV sport-ute fills the wish list with 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 -- One of the common complaints I hear among folks reluctant to drive or buy an electric vehicle is ... EVs don't have everything I want in a motor vehicle.

For those folks, I offer up the recently tested 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS AWD midsize crossover sport-utility vehicle.

First off, you get the Blazer name, a well-established label that virtually everyone in America knows.  No guessing involved.

So, you want performance?

How about dual motors dishing up 615 horsepower, enough to send you from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds.  It took me some time to adjust to the regenerative braking rhythm of the tester, but once there, I was blasting off the line and dispatching freeway stragglers with remarkable ease.

Volunteer passengers were enthusiastic about the acceleration rush.  I advise handling it carefully.  You can be touching 80 mph before you realize it.

The payoff: A miles per gallon equivalent rating of 92 in the city and 77 mpg on the highway. Chevy touts a driving range of 302, given careful driving.

So, you want good looks?

The Blazer is not your typical SUV block. It profiles low with an extended roofline, cutting through the wind smoothly. My ride was a crowd-pleasing eye-catcher with one of my all-time favorite paint job names: Habanero Orange.

So, you want popular, top-tier features?  My tester had a ton of them.

Extra-special perks on the tester included Brembo brake calipers, a 17.7-inch diagonal color LCD display, a head-up display, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a primo Bose audio system, heated rear seats and a smart power liftgate.

All that added up to $64,485 on the sticker.

That price is just about right in this most competitive vehicle segment, in which this Blazer competes very well.

Lexus LX 700h sport-utility vehicle is big in every way

This review first appeared in the February 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 -- There's something about taking delivery of a motor vehicle wearing a sticker with a bottom line of $141,350.

You want to shoo away kids on bicycles, lest they swerve and put a small dent in the body. Or maybe I should sit up all night in the driveway to warn away any pests that might likewise deface this jewel.  Should I drive it more than 30 miles per hour? I mean it's a dangerous world out there.

OK, all of that is (somewhat) ridiculous, because the tested Lexus LX 700h sport-utility vehicle is a big-shouldered auto that is assembled to be enjoyed.

Would you push away a $500 bottle of wine?  Of course not.  You'd savor it.

I did so with the tested SUV.

The first thing that struck me was the monster-size grille on the front. Could have passed for a locomotive.

If I saw it coming at me in the rearview mirror, I would definitely be inclined to bolt out of the way.  And maybe that's the point.

This LX was a powerful beast with a 3.4-liter V-6 hybrid engine that moved the machine forward with muscular authority.  To put things in perspective, the hybrid power plant fuel mileage rating was 19 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

So, everything is big on this SUV, right?

Sure, and in a good way.

The list of state-of-the-art safety, comfort, convenience, luxury and driving-enhancement features was exceptionally lengthy.  So much to enjoy and master. Lexus isn't kidding when it uses "ultra luxury" in the same sentence with this vehicle.

Personally, I was impressed with the triple-beam LED headlamps, the multi-terrain monitor, the 8,000-pound towing capacity, the adaptive variable suspension, intuitive parking assist, 22-inch forged alloy wheels and primo Mark Levinson audio system.

That's a very short list from the blizzard of goodies.  Suffice it to say that you're getting your $141,350 worth, and then some.

While I'm aware of the level of professionalism Lexus engineers put into their vehicles, I was still amazed at the fluid grace of the tester on the roll.

Passengers likewise praised it.  At the wheel, the agility of the sport-ute was startling.  If asked, it cuts with the quickness and controlled smoothness of a champion alpine skier.  Impressive? Very.

If I laid out my own cash for this vehicle, I confess that I would be very reluctant to take it off-road.  Scratch the paint? Horrors!

And yet Lexus has installed multiple, top-tier off-roading features into the LX 700h.

Overall, the tester competes quite well with the ultra-luxury competition out there. It was my fantasy vehicle for a week; for those with the means to make it theirs for years, I salute you.

 

Sportage PHEV SUV reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige AWD sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, March 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.

Ram 1500 upholds pickup template: more is better

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 -- Faster, higher, stronger.

The Olympic motto, right?

Sure, but you could just as easily apply it to the world of full-size pickup trucks.  The producers of these American beauties keep adding, improving and strengthening their creations.

What is out there now is light years removed from the old school pickups of yesteryear ... the kind I remember on my maternal grandpa's farm.

Oh, and one other thing: Figure on bringing at least $50,000 to the table if you want one.

Amid this, I had a recent week in the 2026 Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab 4X2 pickup (which also goes by the label of 2026 Ram Tradesman Crew Cab 4X2).  This is a prototypical pickup for our times.

My ride was loaded and priced at $51,030 ... and worth every penny.

Packed bumper to bumper with the latest comfort, convenience, driving-enhancement and safety technology, I spent a substantial amount of time researching the owner's manual.  Once I was convinced that I could do everything humanly possible from the cockpit seat, it was time to take it out for a drive.

What a treat!  Amazingly smooth on the highway.  Sixty miles per hour feels like 40.  Yeah, it's that silky.

The twin-turbo, six-cylinder engine was instantly responsive and decidedly muscular.  I was particularly impressed with response even with the revs up.  For those craving more, the 1500 can be had with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

And while I enjoyed the state-of-the-art technology, I was equally happy with the truck's old-school towing potential and cargo-carrying capacity ... Still among the main reasons for getting a pickup, best as I can determine.

Fuel mileage was fair for this segment, at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the open road.

Does this 1500 compete on equal footing with the Ford, Chevy, Toyota and other pickups out there?

Absolutely.

Mazda's CX-70 SUV could be just what you're seeking

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 could be the definition of what most auto buyers are looking for these days: A peppy, midsize sport-utility vehicle stuffed with numerous customer-pleasing perks and priced around $50,000.

It was my tester for a pleasant week, wearing the label of 2026 Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus.

Mazda's CX lineup is loaded and formidable, and buyers looking for something in the middle range won't be disappointed with the CX-70.

The look is sleek and sporty, which matches the performance characteristics of the vehicle.  Power is provided by a 3.3-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 280 horsepower.

The power plant feels much stronger than that 280 number, especially off the line from a standing start.  And yet, as a freeway cruiser, the CX-70 smooths out for a serene, quiet ride that volunteer passengers absolutely loved.

The interior is modern, stylish and useful. From safety to luxury, the features added  up to a steal, given the reasonable $51,795 sticker price.

Particular favorites included Nappa leather, hill descent control, 21-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front and second row seats, a hands-free power liftgate and rear cross-traffic alert. Really, this is a $60,000 vehicle with a starting price of $49,570.

Fuel mileage was pretty fair for this segment, at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.  A max five-star federal government overall crash test score was another plus.

Taken in full, this CX-70 likely appeals to a wide demographic of motorists, particularly prospective buyers seeking value amid a blizzard of practical-size crossover sport utes.

Feature-loaded Toyota Highlander SUV is in Grand form

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 believe I've said it before: The Toyota Grand Highlander is so grand that it's pretty much a Lexus.

That's not a bad thing. Quite the contrary.

The tested 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max was a luxurious, powerful machine stickered at $60,770.  Lexus territory all the way.

My ride looked sharp on 20-inch alloy wheels. The usual big grille was set nicely on an aggressive front end.

And again edging into Lexus-level luxury, it had extra-nice features throughout.  I enjoyed the panoramic view monitor, full-time electric all-wheel drive, the panoramic moonroof and much more.  Passengers loved the second-row heated seats on a particularly chilly day.

The best part? Exceptional performance for a three-row SUV.

Power comes from a hybrid 2.4-liter turbocharged system ... Hybrid in this case does not translate to anemic.

The power plant, rated at 362 horses, was a warrior off the line and an agile heavyweight in dicey traffic.  It was easy to dart out of harm's way, and I found the Grand Highlander especially nimble in downtown traffic.

Simply said: A very pleasant, smooth machine.  Fun to drive in every way.

The hybrid contribution equates to fuel mileage ratings of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Please note: The Grand Highlander can be had in several versions. And for those who need something more than the smaller Toyota RAV4, the Grand Highlander represents a tempting option for prospective buyers.

Hyundai's Palisade sets bar high among three-row SUVs

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 -- Taking everything into account -- styling, luxury, performance and price in that mix -- I have regarded the Hyundai Palisade as the gold standard among three-row sport-utility vehicles.

Happily, Hyundai has upped the ante with thoughtful upgrades for the 2026 model year.

Can a three-row sport-ute be stylish?  The Palisade (my tester was the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy AWD) radiated elegance, particularly on the finely sculpted front end.  There's virtually universal agreement among auto reviewers that the interior is elegant, comfortable and as functional as anything in the segment.

Volunteer passengers praised the third-row roominess -- a plus in an era when third rows are sometimes considered an afterthought.

From the driving cockpit, I was surrounded by helpful features ... all within easy reach and a snap to master.

Everything from the head-up display to the heated steering wheel provided useful convenience and comfort, and much of what you need can be done via the 12.3-inch digital display screen.

The ride was buttery smooth, and I had no discomfort that sometimes comes with driving a sizable SUV. Even in tight parking lots, steering was one-hand easy.

The 3.5-liter V-6 is advertised at 287 horsepower, which some auto-reviewing colleagues found a bit lacking.  Personally, I found the power plant capable in all situations, even hill climbs.  Fuel mileage was posted at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

FYI, the Palisade can be had in hybrid form.

I think the thing that most draws me to the Palisade it its versatility.  Many sport-utes I've tested check boxes here and there, but don't quite emerge with a perfect score.  Not so with the Palisade.  It checks every box.

And for $60,000 to $75,000, right?  Not even close; the sticker on the tester was an exceedingly reasonable $57,800.

This reworked-for-2026 Palisade has drawn a lot of praise from diverse sources.  All of those kudos are well-deserved.

Hybrid Lexus SUV reviewed in latest Cruisin' News

My review of the 2025 Lexus LX 700h sport-utility vehicle can be seen in the latest, February 2026, edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news and marketplace."

The "Hot Laps" reviews, along with my "Oil Drips" observations on anything with wheels, appear monthly in the publication.

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Hybrid Lexus NX sport-ute features luxury for less

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 -- Here's an automotive checklist for our times: Luxurious, stylish, responsive, powerful, safety-loaded and plug-in hybrid efficient.

I had all that in the recently tested 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD, priced at $67,134.  While that might strain some budgets, I would have guessed my tester's value at $90,000 to $100,000 before looking at the sticker's bottom line.

It was that loaded.  And for those with the means to seek out an SUV in that ballpark, this NX should be at or near the top of your wish list.  Simply said, one gets a lot for a comparative bargain in this luxury SUV segment.

It's a sleek piece of work, but the heart and soul of the NX 450+ is the 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid electric engine rated at 304 horsepower.  Zero to 60 miles per hour is touted -- a pretty good number in this class.

I found the power plant quite enthusiastic, and guilt-free in combined gas-electricity mode with a miles-per-gallon equivalent of 84 mpg.  Gasoline-only gets you 34 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Lexus also claims up to 37 miles in electric-only mode.

I was happily rolling along the busy interstates in the tester ... rock-solid on the turns, quiet on the roll and muscular when I asked for it. Front and rear torque with the AWD system was silky smooth.

Volunteer passengers commented on the comfortable, roomy seating areas.  And they liked the fact that quiet conversations could be heard even at freeway speeds.

Helpful standard perks on the tester included a head-up display, a power moonroof and a power rear door with kick sensor.

All in all, this NX is a good find for the discriminating luxury SUV shopper.