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.

                                                                                            

 

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                                                                                                  

 

The Prius was driven to Pirate Radio for a review with the help of George “Elvis” Gray, the station manager and DJ:https://stuwright.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/stu-march-31-2026.mp3

 Mustard yellow paint with black SofTex seating for 5 – heated front seats, weighs 3,536 lbs., 181.1” long, 108.3” wheelbase and cargo capacity is 20 cubic ft. – has fixed glass moon roof,                                                                                          

19” x 8” matte black finish aluminum multi spoke wheels and 195/50R19 Michelin Primacy all season  radials, Nightshade edition trim, 12.3” infotainment screen, head up display integrated in top of dashboard, rear vision camera, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, tilt/telescope steering column, leather wrapped heated steering wheel, navigation, Toyota FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 6 speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 220 horsepower 2 liter four cylinder engine, 295 lb. ft. of torque, CVT transmission with front wheel drive, zero to 60 in 6.3seconds and 112 mph top speed, $41,304.00 list price, built in Toyota, Aichi, Japan, 48 mpg combined fuel economy rating, 50 mpg city rating, 10.6 gallon gas tank with range of 530 – EV range is 39 miles      

                                                                              

 

 

 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