Specifications: Ingot blue metallic paint with black leather seating for 5 – four heated seats with rear bench, weighs 3,864 lbs., 185.8” long, 110.8” wheelbase and cargo capacity is 31 cubic ft., 20” x 8” matte black and polished finish aluminum multi spoke wheels and 245/45R20 Gooyear Eagle radials, Premium Plus trim, 10.25” infotainment screen, head up display, rear vision and surround vision camera, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, rear window shades, tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, navigation, Bose FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 12 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 227 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder turbo engine, 300 lb. ft. of torque, six speed automatic with paddle shifters and all wheel drive, zero to 60 in 6.1 seconds and 115 mph top speed, $45,010.00 list price, built in Madison, Alabama, 29 MPG highway rating, 25 mpg combined rating, 23 mpg city rating, 15.9 gallon gas tank with range of 461 

My Impressions –

The 2026 Mazda CX-50, first introduced in 2023, continues to build on Mazda’s momentum in the compact SUV segment. While the CX-5 was long the brand’s best-seller and once ubiquitous when Greeley, Colorado still had a Mazda dealership, the CX-50 now appears to be the company’s most popular model. Measuring roughly five inches longer than the CX-5, it has a more planted stance and competes head-on with Subaru’s Forester. In comparison, the CX-50 feels more refined and elegant than much of its competition, with a design that balances rugged capability and upscale styling.

On the road, the Turbo model delivers strong performance, bringing the CX-50 up to highway speeds quickly and confidently – zero to 60 in 7 seconds. The ride quality on the 45-aspect Goodyear Eagle tires was smooth and composed, striking a good balance between comfort and responsiveness. Mazda’s attention to driving dynamics is evident, giving the CX-50 a more engaging feel than many rivals in this class, without sacrificing everyday usability.

At a price of $45,010, the CX-50 offers a compelling mix of value and features. Built in Madison, Alabama, it comes with a thoughtful selection of options, including a panoramic moonroof and leather seating. The Ingot Blue paint stood out as distinctive, complemented nicely by the stylish alloy wheels and charcoal colored cladding. Overall, this is a well-executed crossover that feels polished and purposeful—and it earns a clear thumbs up.

                                                                                            

 

The Grand Highlander was driven to Pirate Radio in Greeley for a review:

Ruby Flare Pearl red metallic paint with black leather seating for 7 – four heated buckets, weighs 4,735 lbs., 201.4” long, 116.1” wheelbase and cargo capacity is 21 cubic ft. – towing capacity is 5,000 lbs.,  20” x 8” matte black and polished finish aluminum multi spoke wheels and 255/55R20 Yokohama radials, Platinum trim, 12.3” infotainment screen, head up display, rear vision and surround vision camera, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, rear window shades, tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, navigation, JBL FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 11 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 362 horsepower 2.4 liter four cylinder turbo engine, 400 lb. ft. of torque, six speed automatic with all wheel drive, zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds and 115 mph top speed, $61,245.00 list price, built in Princeton, Indiana, 26 MPG highway rating, 27 mpg combined rating, 26 mpg city rating, 17.1 gallon gas tank with range of 445                                                                                                  

 

Heavy Metal gray metallic paint with black leather seating for 5 – heated front buckets, weighs 3,250 lbs., 173.6” long, 103.9” wheelbase and cargo capacity is 18 cubic ft., 18” x 8” matte black and polished finish aluminum multi spoke wheels, red brakes and 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot sport radials, Premium Plus trim, 12.3” infotainment screen, head up display, rear vision camera, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel, navigation, JBL FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 8 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 300 horsepower 1.6 liter three cylinder turbo engine, 295 lb. ft. of torque, six speed manual with all wheel drive, zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds and 143 mph top speed, $48,323.00 list price, built in Toyota, Aichi, Japan, 28 MPG highway rating, 24 mpg combined rating, 21 mpg city rating, 10.6 gallon gas tank with range of 297                                                                                              

 

 

 Aero gray metallic paint with tan leather seating for 2 – heated front buckets, weighs 2,454 lbs., 154.1” long, 90.9” wheelbase and trunk capacity is 4.6 cubic ft., 17” x 8” matte black and polished finish aluminum multi spoke wheels and 205/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza all season radials, Grand Touring trim, 8.8” infotainment screen, rear vision camera, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel, cloth convertible top, navigation, Bose FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 9 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 181 horsepower 2.0 liter four cylinder turbo engine, 151 lb. ft. of torque, six speed manual with rear wheel drive, zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds and 106 mph top speed, $36,565.00 list price, built in Hiroshima, 34 MPG highway rating, 29 mpg combined rating, 26 mpg city rating, 11.9 gallon gas tank with range of 405                                                                                          

 

George “Elvis” gray assisted in reviewing the 4Runner on KELS 104.7 “Pirate” FM radio:

My impressions:  The 2025 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Limited impresses right from the start with its commanding body-on-frame build and generous seven-passenger capacity. It delivers the rugged presence SUV enthusiasts love while offering ample space for family, friends, and gear. Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.4 liter powerplant provides plenty of punch, making highway merges and steep climbs effortless, while the ride remains smooth and composed whether you’re cruising city streets or tackling rougher terrain.

Finished in a striking blue that drew compliments everywhere it went, the 4Runner Limited also benefits from a host of smart upgrades for 2025, further refining both comfort, beauty, and capability. The blend of style, power, and practicality makes it a standout in its class, and for those who want a capable SUV with an upscale touch, the 2025 Limited is a confident choice.

SPECS: 

Heritage blue paint with black leather seats – 7 passenger – heated/a.c. buckets in the front,Four door SUV that weighs 5,111 lbs., has 112.2” wheelbase, is 194.9“ long, and cargo area holds 84 cubic ft., 20” polished two-toned alloy wheels with 265/55R20 Dunlops, black leather interior trim, console mounted transmission shifter, flatbed phone charger, 14” multimedia display, Sirius satellite JBL 14 speaker studio stereo, outside power and heated mirrors, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, radar cruise control, Apple Car Play/Android Auto setup, rear vision and surround vision camera, navigation and moon roof, 2.4 liter turbo four with 278 horsepower, 317 lb. ft. of torque, eight speed automatic transmission with four wheel drive – zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds – 113 mph top speed, fuel economy is 24 on the highway, 20 in town and 21 mpg overall rating.  Fuel tank holds 23.5 gallons and the 4Runner can go 552 miles on a full tank, list price is $62,740.00 – built in Tahara, Aichi, Japan