The RAV-4 was presented at Pirate Radio 104.7FM for review:

IMPRESSIONS:

Toyota’s RAV4 is one of America’s best-selling vehicles, and it’s certainly worthy of those lofty sales figures. After spending time behind the wheel, I kept wondering if anything would annoy me, but nothing ever developed. The RAV4 is comfortable, easy to drive, and well thought out, with a combination of practicality and everyday usability that makes it easy to appreciate. It doesn’t need to do anything particularly flashy to make its case; instead, it succeeds by doing so many things well. It’s the kind of vehicle that quickly feels familiar and makes daily driving a pleasant, uncomplicated experience.

The Storm Cloud paint color is very attractive, giving the RAV4 a distinctive look, and I don’t think it would become tiresome over time. Fuel economy was another highlight, averaging an impressive 45.1 miles per gallon while in my possession. That kind of efficiency makes the RAV4 especially appealing for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. Overall, it’s easy to understand why the RAV4 continues to be such a popular choice. It delivers a well-balanced package with few, if any, obvious shortcomings, and my time with it left me with little to complain about.

SPECS:

Storm Cloud (blue) metallic paint with black/beige Softex seating for 5 – heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, weighs 4,030 lbs., 122.8” wheelbase, 185” long and cargo capacity is 37.8 cubic ft. (x 2 with all seats folded down), 18” black and silver finished aluminum multi spoke wheels and 225/55R18 Goodyear radials, Limited package trim, 12.9” infotainment screen, rear and surround vision camera, radar cruise control, rear window shades, dual flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, power tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, panoramic glass roof, navigation, power folding side mirrors, Bose FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 12 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 236 horsepower 4-cylinder 2.5 liter hybrid engine, 269 lb. ft. of torque, CVT automatic with all wheel drive, zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds and 105 mph top speed, $46,883.00 list price, built in Toyota, Aichi, Japan 41 mpg combined rating, 43 mpg city rating, 37 mpg highway 14.5 gallon gas tank with range of 537

The biggest Mazda was taken to Pirate Radio 104.7FM in Greeley for a review.  Here are some thoughts regarding the latest version of the $60,030.00 Mazda CX-90, first on air and secondly in print:

The big Mazda CX-90, Mazda’s largest SUV, is a beautiful vehicle that is easy on the eyes. The tasteful, old-fashioned chrome-plated trim gives it an elegant touch, while the aluminum wheels add to its upscale appearance. There’s plenty of acceleration, thanks to its 323 horsepower output, which is greater than that of many hybrids, and the driving range is terrific. In fact, it seemed as if the CX-90 was making gasoline—the fuel gauge hardly seemed to move.

Inside, the CX-90 has plenty of thoughtful touches that are indicative of a true luxury vehicle. Third-row seating A/C vents, auto-folding outside mirrors, blonde wood interior trim appointments, power tilt-and-telescope steering (with no lever to operate), and paddle shifters are just some of the features that make the experience feel special. Overall, the 2026 CX-90 combines beautiful styling, a wonderful paint job, strong performance, impressive range, and genuine luxury touches in a package that is both practical and pleasurable to drive.

SPECS

 Deep crystal (blue) metallic paint with white leather seating for 7 – heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats – tows 3,500 lbs., weighs 5,267 lbs., 122.8” wheelbase, 202” long and cargo capacity is 16 cubic ft., 21” x 8” black and silver finished aluminum multi spoke wheels and 275/45R21 Falken Wildpeak radials, Premium Plus package trim, 12.3” infotainment screen, rear vision and surround view camera, radar cruise control, rear window shades, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, power tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, panoramic glass roof, navigation, power folding side mirrors, Bose FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 12 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 323 horsepower 4-cylinder hybrid engine, 369 lb. ft. of torque, 8 speed automatic with all wheel drive, zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds and 115 mph top speed, $60,030.00 list price, built in Hofu, Japan, 26 mpg combined rating, 56 mpg-e electric+gas rating, 18.5 gallon gas tank with range of 600 plus                                                                                                  

The Tundra was presented at Pirate Radio 104.7FM in Greeley during a hot spell for a review:

Wave Maker (blue) paint with black Nulux seating for 5 – heated and ventilated front seats, tows 11,000 lbs. weighs 6,062 lbs., 233.5” long and cargo bed os 5.5’ long, 18” x 8” black finished BBS aluminum multi spoke wheels and 265/65R18 Falken Wildpeak radials, TRD Pro package trim, 14” infotainment screen, rear vision and surround view camera, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, panoramic glass roof, sliding back glass, navigation, JBL FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 12 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 437 horsepower 3.5 liter turbo V-6 hybrid engine, 583 lb. ft. of torque, ten speed automatic with four wheel drive, TRD cat-back exhaust system, zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds and 115 mph top speed, $78,847.00 list price, built in San Antonio, 20 MPG highway rating, 19 mpg combined rating, 18 mpg city rating, 32.2 gallon gas tank with range of 600 plus                                                                                                  

 

The Lexus Hybrid was driven to Pirate Radio 104.7FM for a review with the help of station manager George “Elvis” Gray:

The Lexus NX 350h F Sport AWD proved to be an impressive all-around performer, combining luxury, efficiency, and driving confidence in a package that’s easy to live with every day. Fuel economy was outstanding, averaging 40.7 mpg over the course of the test week, making it one of the most economical vehicles in its class. The standout “Infrared” paint was another highlight, delivering a depth and brilliance that turned heads everywhere it went. In my view, it’s the finest factory red finish on the market today.

On the road, the NX excelled with a ride and handling balance that inspired confidence, while its responsive steering, tight turning radius, and precise guidance made it a pleasure to drive in every situation. Its compact dimensions also provide exceptional visibility, easy maneuverability, and stress-free parking, all of which enhance the ownership experience. It’s no surprise the Lexus NX remains the best-selling compact luxury SUV, as it blends premium comfort, everyday practicality, and remarkable efficiency into one exceptionally well-rounded package.

The Toyota was driven to Pirate Radio for a review with the help of DJ/Station Manager George “Elvis” Gray:

Cavalry blue paint with black and blue SofTex seating for 5 – heated front seats, weighs 3,236 lbs., 175.6” long, 103.9” wheelbase and cargo capacity is 17 cubic ft., 44 with back seat folded down, 18” matte black finish aluminum multi spoke wheels and 195/50R18 Michelin Primacy all season  radials, XSE trim, 10.5” infotainment screen, rear vision camera, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, moon roof, navigation, JBL FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 9 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 196 horsepower 2 liter four cylinder hybrid engine, 210 lb. ft. of torque, CVT transmission with all wheel drive, zero to 60 in 7.3 seconds and 112 mph top speed., $37,449.00 list price, built in Huntsville, Alabama, 42 mpg combined fuel economy rating, 46 mpg city rating, 39 mpg highway rating, 13.2 gallon gas tank with range of 515   

IMPRESSIONS  

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE is a thoughtfully designed little overachiever. Its paint color turned heads everywhere I went and sparked more than a few compliments. Light on its feet and easy to guide on the road, it has a compact turning radius that makes city driving feel effortless.

The hybrid powertrain really delivers, with excellent fuel economy and smooth, comfortable acceleration. Visibility is especially good, and its road manners and overall sense of safety feel confidently above average. It’s the kind of car that feels efficient without ever feeling dull.

                                                                               

 

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.