2026 Toyota Sequoia TRD PRO: The Brand’s Fullsize Three-Row Hybrid SUV

 

Highlight: A 6-cylinder hybrid powertrain fuels all of the Sequoias.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $88,486 (Base SR5 MSRP): $67,120

Seating Capacity: 7

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a multi-terrain select and crawl control system monitor; 4WD demand; and a pre-collision system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 18-inch BBS forge aluminum wheels; 10-speed automatic transmission; red push button ignition starter system; a three zone automatic climate control system; driver select mode for towing/hauling; transfer case and electric locking rear differential; TRD off-road suspension with FOX shocks; auto leveling headlights; Toyota grille with LED Light bar; TRD aluminum skid plates; heated/ventilated front seats; leather like seating power folding sliding third-row seats; heated leather steering wheel; adjustable cargo shelf; and power liftgate with flip-up glass

2026 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus AWD: The Brand’s Only Sedan

Highlight: It's available as a compact car or hatchback.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $39,145 (Base Mazda3): $25,885

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2026 Acura Integra A-Spec Tech Hatchback with a Manual Transmission

 

Highlight: The Integra shares a platform with the Honda Civic.  

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $40,495 (Base – FWD): $34,695

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a forward collision braking system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system a road departure mitigation system; a blind spot information with rear cross traffic monitor; parking sensors (front and rear); tire repair kit; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: The Brand’s Sporty Four Door Sedan

 

Highlight: The IS is no longer available with a 4 or 8-cylinder engine. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $55,333 (Base MSRP): $41,830

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bag; pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; lane departure alert; an automatic high beam system; an electronic blind spot monitor; a left-turn detection braking system; a 36-degree camera; and tire pressure sensors

2026 Hyundai Tuscon XRT AWD: The Brand’s Quasi- Off Road Compact Crossover

 

Highlight:  The Tuscon is Hyundai's best-selling vehicle.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $37,065 (Base SE Trim MSRP): $31,350

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a surround view monitor with forward ground view; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a ti;XRTre pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill start assist system; Bluelink; dash camera; a temporary spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (XRT): 18-inch wheels; 8-speed automatic transmission; AWD;  black front and rear lower fascia; XRT-exclusive exterior cladding; exclusive body side cladding; roof side rails; rear tow hitch; push button ignition starter; handsfree power liftgate; dual automatic temperature control; leather-like seating; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated front seats; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated exterior mirrors; rear spoiler; trailer pre-wiring; dual level cargo floor; and leather wrapped steering wheel

Options: carpeted floor mats; and pearl white exterior paint

Other Trim Levels:

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder /187-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 33-city/25-hwy (test model)

Towing: 2,750 lbs (test model)

What’s New: Its essentially a carryover model for the 2026 model year. However, a new terrain mode has been added.

Why:

Offers a new terrain mode

Available in a front wheel drive or an AWD configuration

Like the segment leader the RAV4, a hybrid and a plug-in model are available

A high-level of standard safety driving aids

Stylish athletic design

Heated front seats

One of the top new car warranties in the segment

car-like ride

But:

No sunroof on test model

Needs more horsepower

No wireless charging on test model

Test model too pricey

 

Verdict: The compact Tuscon is Hyundai's bestselling model. Like the segment competitor, the Toyota RAV4, the Tuscon is in every category. The Tuscon offers a gasoline, a hybrid and a plug-in model. 

At a starting price of $31,350, the current generation Tuscon is available in a variety of trims in either a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

We spent time behind the wheel of the brand's Tuscon XRT. Its Hyundai's version of an off-road vehicle, offering the appearance package with some of its black out features as well as a new terrain mode. 

Being that a newly designed Terrain is on the horizon in 2027, Hyundai didn't make any significant changes this model year. We also must note the Tuscon received a midcycle update in 2025.

Overall, the vehicle is a great alternative for the newly designed hard-to-get Toyota RAV4 due to supply constraints. Also, the compact crossover offers one of the top new car warranties in the segment. 

Competition: Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue 

2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Premium Plus AWD: The Brand’s Flagship Three-Row Crossover+-

 

Highlight: The CX-70 is the two-row version of the brand’s flagship CX-90 crossover.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $60,030 (Base CX-90 Preferred):$52,340

Seating Capacity: 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; traction control system; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a brake hold feature; a hill start assist system; a temporary spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system

2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus: The Brand’s AWD Compact Crossover Experience A Growth Spurt

 

Highlight: The CX-5 is only available in an AWD configuration.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $41,080 (Base Mazda3): $ 31,485

Seating Capacity: 4 or 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; front and rear parking sensors; a rear cross traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Max: The Brand’s Three-Row AWD Turbo Hybrid

 

Highlight: The Hybrid Max powertrain produces a net 362-horsepower.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $60,770 (Base LE MSRP): $46,705

Seating Capacity: 6 to 7

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pre-collision system

2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro AWD: The Fullsize Three-Row Crossover Designed for Off-Road Adventure

Highlight: The Hyundai Palisade XRT, which is not available with a hybrid powertrain, offers 8-inches of ground clearance.  

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $51,610 (Base SE Trim MSRP): $40,535

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a surround view monitor with forward ground view; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill start assist system; Bluelink; dash camera; a temporary spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system

2026 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD 4x4: The Segment’s Best-Selling Midsize Truck

Highlight: Some Tacomas are available with the I-Force Max hybrid powertrain.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $56,609 (Base SR MSRP): $35,700

Seating Capacity: 4 or 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; electronically controlled locking rear differential; multi-terrain select system; a tire pressure monitoring system; crawl control with downhill ascent control; and a pre-collision system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 4WD; an 8-speed automatic transmission;17-inch alloy wheels; off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks; smart key system, cloth seats with driver’s lumbar support; a leather trimmed steering wheel; an 8-inch infotainment screen; and a 5-foot bed

New Car Preview: Lexus Offers First Peek At Its Three-Row Electric Vehicle

 

What: Lexus is offering the TZ, the brand's first three-row electric vehicle.

Upcoming May - June Free Prostate Cancer Screening Sites Throughout Metro Atlanta Neighborhoods (Please Share)

 

While September is officially Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, in some circles, June has become the unofficial month for men to honor their health, especially with Father's Day landing squarely during this timeframe. 

In advance of Father's Day, it's a great opportunity for men to get a mid-year checkup. 

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 HTRAC AWD XRT: The Brand’s Off-Road Electric Hatchback-Like Crossover

Highlight: This is Hyundai’s answer to creating an off-road electric vehicle.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $48,615

Seating Capacity: 5 (depending upon seating configuration)

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; hillstart assist control; blindspot collision avoid assist parking distance warning features; rear camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; high beam assist; lane keep assist; a 360-degree surround view monitor

2026 Volvo XC40 Ultra B5 AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level Mild Hybrid Crossover

 

Highlight: A standard front wheel drive version is now available.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $57,040 (Base): $41,295 (Core Non AWD)

Seating Capacity: 4 or 5