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.

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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.