2025 GMC YUKON

DENALI ULTIMATE TRIM TAKES LUXURY STATUS UP A LEVEL FOR GMC YUKON

After getting several mid-cycle updates for 2025, the 2026 GMC Yukon enters the new year with no major changes to its core attributes.

It is available in five trims starting in the mid-$60,000 range for entry level Elevation models and running into six figures for the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate edition that serves as the basis for this review.

GMC upgraded the Denali to Denali Ultimate in 2023 models. The result is an SUV that rivals luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator but at less upfront cost depending on the trim selected.

The entry level model for the 2026 GMC Yukon is the Elevation. The AT4, AT4 Ultimate, Denali and Denali Ultimate trims follow up the ladder. All come with V8 power though tuned to different power outputs.

The 5.3-liter in the Elevation and AT4 models is rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A 6.2-liter V8is optional in the AT4 and standard in the AT4 Ultimate, Denali, and Denli Ultimate ups those numbers to 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. 

For those who do a lot of towing a Duramax turbocharged 3.0L (305 hp, 495 lb.-ft) is available. If you want more cargo and third-row space there is a Yukon XL model that is a foot longer and offered in all three trims.

The engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on the four upper trims and optional on the base Elevation, which comes with standard rear-wheel drive.

The interior on the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate lives up to its name. Standard features include full grain leather seats for all three rows, heated and ventilated front bucket seats with a massage function, second-row heated bucket seats, third-row bench seats with a power fold function, a rear-seat entertainment system, and heated steering wheel.

Among tech features are 8 years of basic OnStar service, Bose Premium sound, a head-up display, 16.8-inch touchscreen with built-in Google capability, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and an 8-inch rear touchscreen for climate control.

LED headlights, taillights, fog lamps, and daytime running lights, and a hands free rear liftgate are among standard exterior features. 

GM’s hands-free driving system Super Cruise also is standard.

Safety features include HD surround view, enhanced emergency braking, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, rear cross-traffic braking, reverse automatic braking, enhanced parking assist, forward collision alert, and rear pedestrian alert.

Starting MSRP for the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is listed at $101,300. My test vehicle added Night Vision, a Technology package that added a trailering camera and assist guidelines, and Titanium Rush Metallic paint that ran the final total to $$106,390 including the $2,595 delivery charge.

What I liked about the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate: As a full -size SUV it is most definitely is roomy and the ride is comfortable as well. Tech features are plentiful and easy enough to operate. The digital mirror is a nice feature as is the surround view camera. The V8 engine has plenty of power to move its massive size comfortably.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate:  Making your way through crowded mall parking lots and finding parking spaces is a chore. The Denali Ultimate is thirsty with the larger V8 posting fuel economy figures of 14 miles-per-gallon city, 18 highway, and 16 combined using premium fuel. 

Would I but the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate? Too big for me. You’ll have to make the call to decide if the extra expense is worth it over the Chevy Tahoe.

2025 RANGE ROVER

RANGE ROVER STANDS ALONE IN COMBINING  

LUXURY AND OFF-ROADING CAPABILITY

When it comes to SUVs with a luxurious interior and unsurpassed off-roading capability, Land Rover stands out from the crowd.

No rival luxury SUV scan surpass and few can even match the company’s flagship Range Rover with its ability to climb up mountains in the afternoon and cruise in style down Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive in Miami Beach that evening.

The Range Rover was introduced in 1970 though it wasn’t until 1987 that sales began in the U.S. Until then Range Rovers were available only through import sales in the so-called “gray market.”

A redesign moved the Range Rover into its second generation in 1995 but it wasn’t until eight years later that it transitioned into the full-out luxury SUV that we know today.

The 2025 Range Rover is part of the vehicles’ fifth generation introduced in 2022. It is offered in three trim levels (SE, Autograph, and SV) with each getting additional refinements.  Each is available in standard or long wheel base, an inline 6-cylinder or V8 engine, and seating for 5 or 7 riders.

The 2025 Range Rover also is available as a plug-in hybrid for all three trims that provides an all-electric driving range of an estimated 53 miles before the gas engine kicks in.

This review is based on the 2025 Range Rover SE LWB with the 4.4-liter V8 engine. It is rated at 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Though the SE serves as the base trim, don’t be misled by the “entry level” designation. Land Rover didn’t skimp on the finer points. The roomy, elegant interior is wrapped in fine leather and a plethora of tech features many of which, unfortunately, are hidden behind menus on the 13.1-inch touchscreen.

Front seats are heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel is heated. /Standard features include automatic tri-zone climated control, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, a Meridian premium sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The air suspension can be adjusted to raise or lower the ride height and provides a comfortable ride. An automated parking system can steer the vehicle into a parking space with little input from the driver. 

Driver assist features in all models  include forward collision mitigation that warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system that provides a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings.

The 2025 Range Rover SE rides on 2l-inch wheels. Autograph and SV models come with 22-inch wheels. Four-wheel steering enhances maneuverability.  

Of course, like all Land Rover models, the Range Rover has unparalleled off-roading capability. 

All this doesn’t come cheap. All Range Rover models are in the six-figure range with even the entry level SE with the inline-6 starting at $109,375. The Autobiography trim starts at $153,074 and the performance-oriented SV at $210,475.

What liked about the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover: The cushy interior is especially roomy and comfortable and packed with numerous tech features. The 360-degree camera view aids in maneuvering through tight space. It’s a great highway cruiser. 

What i didn’t like about the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover: Operation of infotainment functions has a steep learning curve. Controls of infotainment features are behind various menus and often require taking your eyes off the road to operate. Third-row seating is tight. The overall bulk will have you passing up tight parking spaces.

Would I buy the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover? I’m not fond of full-size SUVs and have no need for the off-road capability of the Range Rover. But if that fills your desires and if operation of the infotainment system doesn’t put you off, the Range Rover is an excellent  choice assuming you have the budget for it.

2025 KIA TELLURIDE

TELLURIDE HOLDING ITS OWN AND 

MORE AMONG MIDSIZE SUV RIVALS

With an upscale roomy interior, a full suite of tech features, and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Kia Telluride ranks among the best sellers in the U.S. among 3-row midsize SUVs.

For 2024, Kia reported sales of 115,504 Tellurides, which ranked it second behind only the Honda Pilot. In 2023 the Telluride held a margin of nearly 500 in sales over the Pilot.

Introduced as a 2020 model, the Kia Telluride passed its Hyundai Palisade rival in 2021 and held an edge over its corporate cousin until the Palisade edged past it this fall.

Though it has been a while since I had the opportunity to drive the Palisade, both the Telluride and Palisade are solid buys. The deciding factor likely will come down to your ability to squeeze the better price out of the dealer.

The 2025 Kia Telluride has no major changes from the 2024 version that got a couple of tweaks following a refreshing for 2023. Kia recently unveiled a refreshened version of the Telluride it skips over 2026 and labels as a 2027 model.

The 2025 Kia Telluride comes in five trims with the LX serving as the base model followed by the S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. In addition there are also X-Line versions of the EX, SX, and SX Prestige as well as X-Pro versions of the SX and SX Prestige.

All trims get a 3.8-liter V6 normally aspirated V6 engine rated at 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel available. AWD is standard on the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige, which this review is based on.

X-Line and X-Pro packages available on the EX and SX-Prestige trims get their own exclusive design touches. X-Pro moels also have higher ground clearance for increased off-road capability.

Standard features on the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro include a dual 12.3-inch panoramic touchscreen display with navigation, a head-up display, Kia Connect (similar to OnStar and Hyundai’s Blue Link system), Harman Kardon premium audio, Smart key with push-button start, digital rear-view mirror, wireless phone charger, Nappa leather seat trim, heated and ventilated first row seats and second-row captain’s chairs, a dual sunroof, power liftgate, LED projector headlights, taillights, and fog lights, roof rails, and rear privacy glass.

Standard safety systems include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, parking distance warning (front and rear), Smart cruise control, and a surround view monitor.

A blind-spot view monitor is activated by your turn signal and is displayed in the instrument panel.

All that was covered by the starting MSRP of $53,685 for my test 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro. Also included were 18-inch black finished wheels, X-Pro exterior styling, black exterior emblems, and increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds over the 5,000 in other trims.

Special exterior paint and interior color package, carpeted floor mats, and a carpet cargo mat ran the final total to $56,240 including the $1,415 freight and handling fee.

The base 2025 Kia Telluride LX with FWD starts at $36,390.  MSRP for the EX X-Line comes in at $46,485 and for the SX X-line $49,885. The SX-Prestige starts at $51,390, and SX-Prestige X-Line at $52,785. All the latter are AWD.

What I liked about the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro: The upscale interior is roomy and packed with intuitive-to-operate tech functions. The surround view monitor is very appreciated. Cargo space is excellent and expands from 21 cubic feet to 46  when the third row is folded. There is a full suite of safety features as well.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro: The second-row captain chairs and third-row seats are not the easiest to adjust. Power operation would be a big plus over the pull-on straps. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not wireless. Fuel mileage could be better. They’re coming for 2027 but there are no turbo 4-cylinder engine or hybrid drivetrain options for the 2025 Telluride as the V6 is being dropped for 2027.

Would I buy the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro? Most definitely a “buy” recommendation here. As noted earlier, your final decision may come down to what kind of deal you can negotiate over the Hyundai Palisade.

2025 KIA CARNIVAL

CARNIVAL ENJOYS SALES SURGE AFTER ADDING HYBRID MODEL TO PORTFOLIO

Kia came late to the minivan market with the Carnival debuting as a 2022 model, but it would seem that the decision is beginning to pay off.

With the top four sellers in the minivan segment all enjoying a sales resurgence, the 2025 Kia Carnival still ranks below segment leaders Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey but sales are up 48 percent over last year. It already has topped last year’s total with over 57,000 sold compared to under 50,000 for the entire 12 months of 2024/

The introduction of a hybrid gas-electric drivetrain in 2025 Kia Carnivals no doubt has played a role in that surge. Fuel efficiency appeals more to family oriented minivan buyers than a vehicle’s zero-to-60 mph time, and fuel economy for the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV is excellent.

The EPA gives it ratings of 34 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway and 33 combined compared to the 18/26/21 numbers for the V6 gas version Carnival, which the government says will result in an annual fuel savings of around $800.

Power output provides a confident, quiet drive. The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor produces a combined 242 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, which compares well with V6 models that have more horsepower (290 hp) but slightly less torque (262 lb.-ft.). I had no complaints about a lack of pickup in my week spent on city streets and expressways.

Refreshed after just three years, the 2025 Kia Carnival is a sharp-looking vehicle with a roomy, upscale interior that features the latest in tech functions and a rear cargo space that actually is up to hauling all that stuff that comes with a long family road trip.

The 2025 Kia Carnival HEV comes in four trims (LSX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige) ranging from $40,800 for the base LSX to $53,090 for the top-of-the-line SX Prestige, which this review is based on.

All 2025 Kia Carnival HEVs are front-wheel drive and come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and tilt-and-telescoping steering column. A leather-wrapped steering wheel also is standard.

Leg room is particularly generous for the first two rows (41.1 inches up front and 40.5 in the second-row) and not all that cramped in the far back third row (35.6 inches). Third-row riders also get a center armrest and cupholders.

With a deep well at the far back to handle bigger loads, cargo room is a spacious 40.2 cubic feet. That addresses what is a common flaw among three-row vehicles (including SUVs) that offer accommodations for 6, 7, or 8 riders but limited room for their suitcases and other baggage.

The 2025 Kia Carnival SX Prestige ups the ante on standard features with a digital rear mirror, LED headlights with dual projection, LED fog lights, LED rear combination lights, LED cargo lamp, Dark Edition roof rails, a power sunroof, a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display with navigation, heated and ventilated leather front seats, heated steering wheel, a Bose Premium sound system, Dark Edition alloy wheels, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety systems include forward and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, driver attention warning, parking distance warning, and rear parking collision avoidance, a surround-view and blind-spot monitor, and lane keeping and lane following assist.

My test 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SX Prestige started at $53,090. With extras like at rear-seat entertainment system, carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat added on, the final came to $57,490 including the freight charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SX Prestige: Obviously, there is plenty of room for both passengers and their stuff. The hybrid drivetrain doesn’t have the horsepower of the
V6 but offers a more fuel efficiency and has adequate power for around-town driving. Exterior styling is eye-catching. The sliding rear doors are about the only exterior feature that gives away its minivan status. Auto Hold (activated with a push of a button on the center console) prevents creeping at intersections. Second-row seats have adjustable leg support. 

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SX Prestige:   Infotainment features are overall user-friendly but have some quirks tjat de,and extra attention.

Would I buy the 2025 Kia Carnival HEV SE Prestige? I am not in the market for a minivan but I wish this vehicle would have been available when I bought a full-size conversion van a long, long time ago. Fuel savings may make up for the hybrid’s extra cost depending you driving habits.

2026 GMC ACADIA

NEW ULTRA LUXURY TRIM BOOSTS ACADIA 
IN COMPETITIVE MIDSIZE SUV SEGMENT

When it comes to U.S. SUV sales, the most competitive segment is the large number of compact models on the market today. But right behind are the midsize midsize models that usually offer such benefits as three-row seating.

One of the biggest in the segment is the subject of this review, the 2026 GMC Acadia, and comes with a third row suitable (at least on shorter trips) for adults while still providing decent space for cargo in the far back.

The Acadia debuted as a 2007 full-size model as the first unibody crossover SUV from the well-known truck manufacturer. For its second generation in 2017 the company downsized it to a midsize model where it remains today.

The Acadia got a face-lift for 2020 and a redesign two years ago for 2024 moved it into its third generation.

The 2026 GMC Acadia comes in four trim levels. The Elevation serves as the base followed by the AT4, which is more tuned for off-roading experiences, and two luxury oriented trims tagged Denali and Denali Ultimate.

This review is based on the 2026 GMC Adadia Delnali Ultimate with all-wheel drive. 

All 2026 GMC Acadia models some with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that puts out a robust 328 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers fuel mileage of 20 miles-per-gallon city, 23 highway in AWD configuration and 20/26/22 with standard front-wheel drive. Drive modes can be adjusted to Snow, Tour, Sport, Tow, and Off-Road.

As might be expected the automaker has loaded up the 2026 GMC  Acadia Denali Ultimate with a boatload of standard equipment.

Included on that list are such features as the company’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system, an 8-year subscription for OnStar), a head-up display. 15-inch LCD display with Google and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose premium sound, wireless charging, tri-zone climate control, 7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and a heated steering wheel.

Standard exterior features include  a panoramic power sunroof with sunshade, an AutoSense (hands-free). power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, heated exterior mirrors, and brushed aluminum roof rails.

It rides on  standard 22-inch wheels.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, enhanced emergency braking, street sign recognition, intersection emergency braking, blind-zone steering assist, side 6 and rear pedestrian alert, front pedestrian and cyclist alert, HD Surround Vision,  and a digital rear camera.

That 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate starts at $64,900 but with so much in the way of standard features you likely will get by with just the added destination and deliver fee added on to bring the total to $66,795.

The Elevation trim starts at $45,595, the AT4 at $54,195, and the Denali at $57,595.

What I liked about the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali: The interior is roomy and seats are comfortable. Infotainment features are easy to operate. Cargo space is good, even behind the third row. It’s a small thing but I really like the digital rear view mirror. It covers the usual blind spots by providing a wide view of traffic approaching from behind.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali: The engine has kind of a “tinny” sound when accelerating, which is kind of annoying. Numerous safety features come standard. It is one of the more expensive offerings in the midsize SUV segment.

Would I buy the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali? It may get overlooked because of GMC’s reputation for producing pickup trucks, but its definitely worth a look if you are seeking a 3-row SIV. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) made the Acadia a Top Safety Pick.

2025 FORD EXPEDITION

FORD’S LARGES SUV MOVES INTO FIFTH GENERATION WITH UPDATED INTERIOR 

Fully redesigned for 2025, the Ford Expedition moves into its fifth generation since making its debut as a 1997 model.

Most of the changes from the previous generation are found inside where the spacious cabin gets a new 13.2-inch
touchscreen for operating infotainment functions and a 24-inch instrument display for the driver. There is less plastic and more soft surfaces as a general upgrade.

Top trims like the King Ranch that served as my test vehicles rival its Lincoln cousin Navigator in plushness with abundant leather upholstery and two-tone brown and wood accents that exude the aura of a luxury level vehicle.

In addition to the King Range, the 2025 Ford Expedition is offered in Active trim (which serves as the base with a starting MSRP of $64,515), Platinum trim, ($76,945), and a new Tremor edition ($83, 545).

The base engine is a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Also available in “Max” versions of the Active, Platinum, and King Range trims is a high-output, 3.5L V6 that ups horsepower to 440 and torque to 510 lb.-ft. 

Each engine is matched to its own version of a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard with 4-wheel available. Towing capacity is 9,600 pounds for 4X4 models.

Legroom is identical in both standard and Max versions with second- and third-row legroom a max 42.2 and 36.5 inches, respectively. If you slide the second row forward, you lose about an inch but passengers in the far back get a whopping 43.5 inches of legroom. (I’m not sure how the math on that works but but that is straight from the spec sheet.)

Standard interior features on my test 2025 Ford Expedition King Range included heated and ventilated front seats, power folding rear seats, Del Rio leather door trim, power adjustable tilt and telescoping steering wheel and pedals, tri-zone climate control, and a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Standard exterior features included a capless fuel filler, LED reflector headlamps, trailer sway control, signature grille lighting and signature tail lamps, a panoramic sunroof, roof side rails, and rain-sending wipers.

Driver assist safety features are numerous across all trims. They include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, auto high beams, blind spot assist with traffic alert and trailer coverage, evasive steer assist, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, lane-keeping system,  pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, trailer hitch assist, and post-collision braking.

All that is included in the base MSRP of $85,680 (including the destination and delivery fee). Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving assist was among options that ran the final total to $86,645.

That puts the King Ranch at the top of the pricing for the 2025 Ford Expedition, but it still is about $12,000 under that for the base Lincoln Navigator.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch: The huge, premium interior offers excellent room for both passengers and their stuff. Most adults would be comfortable sitting in the third row and cargo volume with back row seats fully upright is nearly 37 cubic feet. Tech features are numerous and easy enough to operate. Auto Hold is a nice feature. 

What I didn’t like abouot the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch: The size is both a plus and a minus. The interior room is nice to have but getting through most mall parking lots or tight urban streets can be a chore.

Would I buy the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch? Way too big for my personal tastes, but if you need a vehicle with this capacity, the Expedition delivers in a classy manner.