Category: SUV

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Quick Take: 2027 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2027 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro, a longer, taller and more macho second-gen version of the company’s solid SUV – this version set up for more off-road play, plus 7-seat comfort.

It’s 199.2 inches in length atop a 116.9-inch wheelbase (2.3 and 2.7 inches longer respectively). The blunt grill gets rows of flat black squares capped with vertical LED lights and amber DRL slashes. A blunt black bumper gets gold tow hooks under a broad hood ‘tween angular, faceted front fenders. In back, a hint of Range Rover with tall, slim LED taillights.

The interior is roomy – a wide curved dash display incorporating two, 12.3-inch screens, showing speed, rpm, even off-road pitch and roll. Back doors open wide to access twin captain’s chairs – you can slide fore and aft for more rear seat room. The third-row bench seat of this 7-seater, with good head room, but tight leg room. Plenty of cargo space here too, especially as the back rows fold flat,

There’s a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder producing 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It’s hooked to an 8-speed automatic transmission, capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs. It can hit 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. It’s got a comfortable ride, just taut enough. And it tackled bumpy sand in a pine wood, lots of branches, roots and depressions around, and traction was fine.

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So read lots more about this – 2027 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro Adds Star Wars Fun  – plus more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take: 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Lincoln Nautilus AWD Black Label – a third-generation midsize luxury crossover done in pearl white metallic paint on 22-inch Goodyear Eagle GT rubber wrapped around 10-spoke bladed wheels. LED headlights, taillights and accents, along with some serious gloss black dressed up our Lincoln like a white tuxedo-clad Fred Astaire. Sculpted flanks and a low, black roof add more presence..

The interior starts with a dramatic wraparound screen with drivers information, navigation, audio info, even a media screen on the far right that only the passenger can see. Then perched on a buff wood trim with pinpoint steel dots is an 11.1-inch-wide infotainment screen for Home Screen (map and audio), or car functions, info screens, etc.

There’s a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio that sounded great. The front seats are comfy, while wide back doors open to more leather and suede in a roomy 3-person bench seat with great head and leg room, and a long moonroof overhead. And under the rear power hatch, a large carpeted cargo area.

Power comes solely from a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. It’s quick – 60 mph in a decent 7.2 seconds. The ride is plush and very comfortable, handling secure with all wheel drive.

So read lots more about this – 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label: Worthy Of Luxury Label – plus more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan.And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take Review: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo Limited

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo Limited – the new generation, built in Toluca, and based on Stellantis’ STLV Large platform – and it’s a hybrid.

It starts with the trademarked 7-slot grill, with squared-off fender flares, black lower door sill accents and squared-off-rear hatchback. The design, echoing other larger Jeeps, echoes them – handsome and up to date, but a hint of classic.

The interior has a comfortable, perforated white leatherette seat facing a thick stitched leather-rimmed squircle (squared circle) steering wheel. There’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment touchscreen with real volume knob and a good Alpine sound system. There’s big cup holders, and lots of room under the center armrest.

There’s decent room in the driver’s seat, although a touch more leg room would be cool. Back seat leg room is really nice, as is head room. The seatbacks do a 60/40 split and fold flat to expand a seriously big (33.6 cubic feet) cargo area, expanding it to 68.3 cubic feet.

And under the hood, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder – the gas engine has 177-hp, paired with dual electric motors for a combined total output of 210 hp and 230 pound-feet of torque. There’s a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and standard all-wheel drive. This Jeep’s front – and rear axle – are hooked in to the gas engine. It can handle some off-road driving, with a “Low Gear” setting. It’s quick – in Sport, the Cherokee hits 60 in 8.2 seconds as the engine and electric motors work well together. And there’s an estimated 500-plus mile range from the hybrid powerplant.

So read lots more about this – 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo Limited Gets Electrified – plus more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan.And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take: 2026 Range Rover SE LW

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Range Rover SE LW – long wheelbase, that is.

Almost the top-tier luxury member of the venerable Land Rover clan, this long-wheelbase version of the fifth-generation Range Rover Sport ranges out to 207 inches. Yet its alloy-skinned roots date back to that first Land Rover of the late ‘40’s, and the first Rangie in 1970. It’s slick .29 coefficient of drag has slim black grill, a clamshell aluminum bonnet, sleek flanks and black roof, all planted on 24-inch Pirelli radials on 10-spoke alloy wheels

The interior has what one friend calls “plush” leather seats, stitched low-gloss black leather, and smoked gray wood. There’s a gauge display can showcase classic gauges, or a map with speed readout, and more. There’s no physical buttons – they are in the high-mounted 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display that handles wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation, off-road info, surround-view (and other) cameras, climate controls and more.

Long rear doors access two plus captain’s chairs and a decently livable third row, all done in leather. And the power rear hatch is a clamshell – long upper section, and a smaller lower one that forms a handy seat under the shaded upper.

There’s a 3-liter turbo inline six with 395 hp, a selectable four-wheel-drive system, and 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a Sport shift option. You have electronic air suspension with up to 11.6 inches in its highest for offroad terrain. It’s quick enough – hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds with sharper shifts. There’s multiple off-road modes for Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl and Configurable – it met a gravelly trail with aplomb; quiet and sure-footed.

So read lots more about this – ’26 Range Rover SE LWB 7-Seater Offers Off-Road Luxury  – plus more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan.And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take: 2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport – a 211.9-inch-long, 7-seat luxury SUV with black shield-shaped grille, the central Cadillac badge glowing at night, and tacks of vertical multi-element LED headlights. It rides on 24-inch Bridgestone Alenza rubber on 15-spoke alloy wheels, with a formally square roofline with black side trim and slim roof rack – an impressive looking SUV.

The interior has a wide-screen dashboard – 55 inches, starting with a configurable high-rez gauge cluster visible through a power-adjustable steering wheel that’s got haptic touch buttons to handle that screen – even Night Vision. That flows into a center touchscreen section, then there’s a 20-inch front-passenger touchscreen that allows streaming and internet browsing.

There’s three rows of plush white semi-aniline leather seats inside power operated doors – brush a finger on the touchscreen at the head of the center console, and they hands-free open and shut. Seating includes comfy captain’s chairs with center armrests occupy the second row of this luxury jet on wheels, facing dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. There’s a decent-size third-row bench seat with room for two, maybe three adults in a pinch, and lots of cargo space – posh cooled/massaging first and second row seats, and 42-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system too.

And under the hood, a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420-hp and a healthy 460 lb-ft of torque, funneled to all or rear wheels only via a 10-speed automatic – 60 in a quick 5.5 seconds. It can handle 1,580 pounds of people and cargo, and tow 8,100 pounds of stuff. And it’s well behaved in daily driving, handling corners quite well for its size and height

So read lots more about this – 2026 Escalade Platinum Sport: High Tech Interior, V‑8 Punch  – plus more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan.And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, with more attitude, 80 more horsepower, and a bit more off-roadability..

The 2026 Outback has been moved into a more SUV-like shape by designers, boxier, chunkier shape, is a far more serious set of body cladding front, center and rear. The black grill gets “SUBARU” writ large as its center bar; big, round fog lights get Wilderness-specific copper rings for some serious standout look. It rides on all-terrain 17-inch Bridgestone Dueller rubber. And there’s a real skid plate behind the front bumper to help with off-road travels.

Inside, StarTex (waterproof faux leather) seats feel supple, with heat up front s feet rest on swirl-patterned black rubber mats. The driver gets a configurable digital display that can show 160-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tach, or map with speed display. The the EyeSight safety system monitors where the driver’s eyes are. Rear seats have decent room, fold fairly flat to access a larger (32.6- to 34.6-cu.ft) cargo area.

The Outback Wilderness gets 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER with 260-hp – 60 mph in in 6.6 seconds. And with X-Mode – Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud and a shorter final-drive ratio – a dirt road in a downpour gave us solid traction and traction in the mud was fine, and the ride over holes and lumps was controlled.

So read lots more about this – 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Adds More Horsepower

– and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan.And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take Review: 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT, a mid-cycle refreshed EV with more power, extended range and a NACS-capable charging port.

Sharing some bits with the Toyota bZ4X, the Solterra got a gloss-black mini-grill with a backlit Subaru multi-star logo flanked by stacked LED DRLs over new, inset headlights with the refresh. It’s got a cleaner look with prominent geometric flares. It’s a sleek yet angular crossover with high beltlines and a visually low roof to add sleekness.

Inside, gray and black StarTex pleather seats are crossover height for an easy slide in – and the mid-cycle refresh adds a new 14-inch Subaru Multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The squircle steering wheel has small paddles in back that adjust regenerative braking only. The redesigned 7-inch gauge display gets a higher placement with configurable display. And there’s good room for two up front, and decent head, leg and foot room in back, although they sit a bit low – decent storage space under the power rear hatch.

So read lots more about this – Subaru Solterra Gets Substantial Overhaul For 2026 – and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take: 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige – the minivan that looks like an SUV – a bit.

This is the facelifted, fourth-generation of Kia’s minivan, a classic one-box shape with a more aggressive nose and squared-off roof. The grill and stacked LED headlights look macho, while the side design has some smoked alloy accents, black lower body accent and a much lower look accented by Panthera Metal paint.

Inside, a surprise to all those soccer dads after the power doors glide open – leather second row seats that recline, with leg rests and TV monitors, plus power adjustment. Up front, a wide – almost 25 inch – infotainment screen in front of the driver, and audio/main menu panel for the co-pilot. There’s a solid Bose sound system, plus back seat video monitor and Passenger Talk to check on the kids in back. The third row even has adult room.

As for power, a turbocharged 1.6 liter four with 241.7-hp and 270.5 lb.-ft. of torque combined, 74.4 hp of that from a 270-volt lithium-Ion battery and 54kW motor electric motor – 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, and it averaged 27 mpg.

So read lots more about this, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid: Mix Of Minivan & Limousine. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take Review: 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum – the grandest ‘Sclade of all.

This is the top-tier, all-wheel-drive long-wheelbase version, riding on blacked-out 24-inch aluminum wheels with new glossy dark trim. There’s razor-thin LED DRLs over vertical multi-element LED headlights, and LED light blade taillights – in between, glowing pearlescent paint.

Inside, after the power doors glide open, brown and cream white interior with padded semi-aniline leather, a sweeping 55-inch panoramic screen bookended by 42 AKG speakers, warm woodgrain and three rows fit for adults. There’s a night-vision infrared camera  and a 4.2-liter V-8 with 420-hp and rear-, or all-wheel-drive.

So read lots more about this, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2026 Escalade ESV Platinum Sport Review. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.

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Quick Take Reviews: 2025 Kia Telluride X-Pro

EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in the first-generation of a Kia SUV named after a Colorado mining town.

The Telluride X-Pro is a stylish box endowed with three rows of leather-clad seats – heating and cooling for the front and second rows. And adults can live in the way-back, with room for stuff behind them.

Up front, there’s a 291-hp V-6 driving all four wheels of our test model, good for more than 5,000 of towing. And with a slight (.4-inch) increase in ground clearance, plus all-wheel-drive, locking center differential, knobby 18-inch tires and hill-descent control, it can do some off-roading with the family – so it’s not for the birds.

So read lot’s more about this, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2025 Kia Telluride: Comfortable, Capable Family Hauler. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.