Touchscreens are getting bigger, buttons are disappearing, and electrification is rewriting what “good value” even means in a new car. We put all of that to the test by driving a lineup that spans luxury, mainstream EV, full-size towing muscle, and sporty sedan practicality, then calling out what impressed us and what would drive us crazy after a month of ownership.
We start with the 2026 Lexus RX 450H Plus, a plug-in hybrid SUV with standout styling, a high-end cabin, and the kind of premium audio that makes you take the long way home. Then we get real about the PHEV catch: if you do not plug it in, you may be paying for capability you never use. From there we jump to the 2026 Chevy Equinox EV RS, a sharp-looking electric SUV that keeps the controls surprisingly approachable, delivers smooth ride quality, and raises the big EV question: is today’s range enough, or are we all still waiting for the “bigger battery” version?
We also climb into the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor 4x4, an aircraft-carrier-sized SUV with serious torque and towing capacity, and we talk about why a hybrid could be the perfect fix for its fuel economy. After that, the 2026 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus reminds us how much fun a compact sedan can be, even as we wish for a refresh and simpler infotainment. Finally, the all-new 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV surprises us with great proportions and real punch, while its range sparks an honest debate about what “urban EV” should deliver.
If you care about real-world MPG, EV range, towing ratings, pricing, and the small design decisions that make a car easy or annoying to live with, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a car shopper, and leave a review with the one feature you refuse to buy without.
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