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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