2026 Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus AWD SUV

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.

                                                                                            

 

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max AWD

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                                                                                                  

 

2025 Toyota GR Corolla “Premium Plus” AWD Hatchback

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                                                                                              

 

 

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata “Grand Touring”

 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                                                                                          

 

2025 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Limited

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 

2025 Volkswagen Taos AWD Compact SUV

The Taos was reviewed at Pirate Radio 104.7 FM in Greeley:

Cornflower blue paint with gray CloudTex and cloth trimmed seats – 5 passenger – heated buckets in the front, four door compact SUV that weighs 3,201 lbs., has 105.9” wheelbase, is 175.9“ long, and cargo area holds 28 cubic ft. (66 with flat seats), 18” polished two-toned alloy wheels with 215/50R18 Kumhos, deluxe gray CloudTex interior trim, console mounted transmission shifter, flatbed phone charger, 8” multimedia display, Sirius satellite VW 6 speaker studio stereo, outside power and heated mirrors, CloudTex wrapped heated steering wheel, radar cruise control, Apple Car Play/Android Auto setup, rear vision camera, navigation, manually operated tailgate, 1.5 liter turbo four with 174 horsepower, 184 lb. ft. of torque, eight speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive – zero to 60 in 7 seconds – 113 mph top speed, fuel economy is 33 on the highway, 25 in town and 28 mpg overall rating.  M.S.R.P. is $31,475.00, fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons and the Taos can go 479 miles on a full tank

 

2025 Lexus LX-700h AWD Hybrid SUV

The hybrid Lexus was driven around Phoenix and reviewed later at the studios of Pirate Radio 104.7FM in Greeley

Atomic silver metallic paint with Sunflare golden leather trimmed seats – 4 passenger – heated and a/c buckets throughout, four door luxury SUV that weighs 6,283 lbs., has 112.2” wheelbase, is 200.6“ long, and cargo area holds 31 cubic ft., 22” polished alloy wheels with 265/50R22 Dunlop Grandtreks, deluxe tan leather interior trim, console mounted transmission shifter, flatbed phone charger, 12.3” multimedia display, Sirius satellite Mar Levinson 12 speaker studio stereo, outside power and heated folding mirrors, heads up display and leather wrapped heated steering wheel with wood trim, right rear bucket includes an electric ottoman, radar cruise control, Apple Car Play/Android Auto setup, rear vision and panoramic camera, navigation, sliding glass moon roof, power tailgate with hands free operation, 3.4 liter turbo V-6 with 457 horsepower, 583 lb. ft. of torque, ten speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive and paddle shifters – zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds – 137 mph top speed, fuel economy is 22 on the highway, 19 in town and 20 mpg overall rating.  Fuel tank holds 18 gallons and the LX-700h can go 360 miles on a full tank, list price is $141,350.00.00 – built in Toyota, Aichi, Japan 

2025 Honda Pilot AWD “Black Edition”

The Pilot was reviewed at Pirate Radio studios:

The 2025 Honda Pilot AWD Black Edition is a bold and refined SUV that delivers both style and substance. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and V-6 engine provide smooth, confident performance, and the integrated drive modes make adapting to road conditions effortless. Inside, the leather-trimmed cabin offers a premium look and feel, complemented by a center mounted 9-inch color touchscreen with built-in Honda navigation that keeps everything at your fingertips. The bold black bar across the tailgate, highlighted by the striking “PILOT” lettering, gives the rear a distinct, aggressive look that stands out on the road.

This Black Edition is all about thoughtful details and practical luxury. Love the power fold outside mirrors – they’re black, too! They blend seamlessly with the SUV’s sleek, dark exterior. The cabin is filled with smart interior appointments, including a unique center-row console that can be stowed neatly under the floor in the rear, keeping the four-bucket configuration clutter-free. And of course, you can’t beat that V-6 rumble—it gives the drive a satisfying, muscular feel. Altogether, the 2025 Pilot AWD Black Edition is a standout for owners who want utility with an edge.

PILOT SPECS

Radiant red metallic paint with black and light red leather trimmed seats – 8 passenger – heated front and rear buckets – air conditioned front buckets, four door midsize crossover SUV that weighs 4,660 lbs., has 113.8” wheelbase, is 199.9“ long, and cargo area holds 26 cubic ft. – 86 with two rows of seating folded down, 20” dark gray alloy wheels with 255/50R20 Bridgstone Turanzas, deluxe black and light red leather interior trim, console mounted electronic transmission shifter, flatbed phone charger, 9” multimedia display, Sirius satellite Bose 12 speaker studio stereo, outside power and heated folding mirrors, heads up display and leather wrapped heated steering wheel, radar cruise control, Apple Car Play/Android Auto setup, rear vision and panoramic camera, navigation, sliding glass panoramic moon roof, power tailgate with hands free operation, 3.5 liter V-6 with 285 horsepower, 262 lb. ft. of torque, ten speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive and paddle shifters – zero to 60 in 7.3 seconds – 112 mph top speed, fuel economy is 25 on the highway, 19 in town and 21 mpg overall rating.  Fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons and the Pilot can go 463 miles on a full tank, list price is $56,130.00.00 – built in Lincoln, Alabama 

2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE AWD Sedan


The Camry review was broadcast on Pirate Radio 104.7 FM in Greeley, CO:

Heavy Metal gray metallic paint with red leather trimmed seats – 5 passenger – heated and cooled front buckets, four door sedan that weighs 3,692 lbs. has 111.2” wheelbase, is 193.5“ long, and trunk holds 15.1 cubic feet, 19” gray and black finished alloy wheels with 225/40R19 Bridgestone Turanza Sport radial tires, deluxe red leather trim, console mounted lever-type transmission shifter, flatbed phone charger, 12.3” multimedia display, Sirius satellite 9 speaker JBL studio stereo, aluminum sport pedals and leather wrapped and heated steering wheel, radar cruise control, Apple Car Play/Android Auto setup, surround vision camera, navigation, power tilting and sliding panoramic glass moon roof, 2.5 liter four with 232 horsepower, CVT automatic transmission with all wheel drive and paddle shifters – (torque is 247) – zero to 60 in 6.9 seconds – 115 mph top speed, fuel economy is 43 on the highway, 44 in town and 44 mpg overall rating.  Fuel tank holds 13 gallons and the Camry can go 559 miles on a full tank, list price is $43,720.00 and Camry is built in Georgetown, KY

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD “Sport Touring”


The Honda review was broadcast on Pirate Radio FM104.7 in Greeley:

Platinum gray metallic paint with gray leather seating for 5 – heated front seats, power driver and passenger seat, and 36 cubic ft. of cargo space – double that with back seat folded flat, weighs 3,914 lbs., has a 106.3” wheelbase, is 184.8” long, 19” x 8” black finished aluminum multi spoke wheels and 235/55R19 Continental CrossContact all season radials, 9” infotainment screen, rear vision camera setup, radar cruise control, flatbed phone charger, pushbutton/remote electric starter, tilt/telescope steering column, power moonroof, leather wrapped  heated steering wheel, navigation, Bose premium FM/AM-Satellite stereo with 12 speakers, heated exterior automatic folding mirrors, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, 204 horsepower 2 liter four cylinder hybrid engine, 247 lb. ft. of torque, CVT automatic with all wheel drive, zero to 60 in 7.9 seconds and 106 mph top speed, $42,605.00 list price, built in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, 34 MPG highway rating, 37 mpg combined rating, 40 mpg city rating, 14 gallon gas tank with range of 476