2026 KiA CARNIVAL HYBRID

 

CARNIVAL CLOSING IN ON RIVAL MINIVANS WITH HYBRID DRIVETRAIN BOOSTING SALES

Kia launched the Carnival in 2022 as a replacement for the aging Sedona, dubbing it a “Multi-Purpose Vehicle” rather than the mundane minivan moniker, and by any name it has become a a steady seller in the small but competitive segment.

Currently, the Kia Carnival is one of only s half-dozen mnivans available in the U.S. market. Overall, the six models account for only a 2-3 percent market share among all  U.S. auto sales with the Chrysler Pacifica topping the list at 110,006 in 2025 followed by the Toyota Sienna (94,346) and Honda Odyssey (76,408)

The Kia Carnival comes in at No. 4 but is closing in after a 44.6 percent jump over 2024 sales to 7 1,917 for 2025 after the addition of  a hybrid drivetrain.

The 2026 Kia Carnival is available in five trims with gas engines and four trims with hybrid drivetrains. This review is based on the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige trim which gets a combined 252 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor.

As a traditional hybrid (HEV), electric-only operation is very limited, kicking in at startup and at low speeds when coasting or creeping in traffic, but for only short distances. Two of its competitors, the all-electric Toyota Sienna and the Pacifica plugin, offer more in the way of electric driving.

The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid, however, sips fuel at the rate of 34 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway, and 32 overall. That’s a big advantage over the 22 mpg for the gas-only Honda Odyssey, which reportedly won’t have its first electrified version until 2027 models are out.

As the top trim in portfolio, the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige comes packed with many tech features operated mostly off a user-friendly touchscreen. One drawback to the infotainment system is that the same buttons operate climate and audio control and you have to make sure you have the appropriate menu set to change a radio statioin or adjust A/C blower speed manually.

Standard comfort and convenience features include navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart key with push-button start, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and Smart power sliding rear doors (the obvious giveaway that the stylish Carnival is a minivan, not an SUV).

Other standard features include 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual power sunroof, roof rails, rear spoiler, and rear privacy glass.

Among standard safety systems are forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert and avoidance,  parking assist, surround view and blind spot monitor, and adaptive cruise control,

 

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige is $53,090. At no extra charge on my test vehicle were extras like Dark Edition wheels and accents, LED projector headlights and rear combination lights, leather seat trim, a head-up display, Bose Premium sound, a digital rear-view mirror, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an SX Prestige Package that included heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs with leg support. 

With the second-row captain’s chairs, seating is limited to 7 passengers versus 8 for models with bench seats.

Adding to the starting price, however, were extras like a dual screen entertainment center, carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat.

The final total came to $57,490 including the $1.495 freight charge.

What I liked about the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige: The SX Prestige trim is packed with many easy-to-use tech features. Styling is  attractive and if not for the sliding rear doors has the attitude of an SUV. Fuel economy is excellent and has a huge advantage over gas-only models. That it comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT is a big plus in my book. Pricing is competitive among other hybrid minivans..

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige: The third-row seats fold flat to expand storage space, which is good, but it requires a lot of tugging and pulling. The ride can be rough at times.

Would I buy the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige? If you are in the market for a minivan, the Carnival is definitely worth a look. Springing for the hybrid version is worth the effort.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER

RANGE ROVER IS OLDEST CURRENT LAND ROVER BUT DEFENDER HAS ITS BACKERS

Though the Range Rover has been around since 1970, you will find  many who will argue that it is the midsize Defender that really carries on the Land Rover heritage.

Stick with me here on a dive into the artificial intelligence pool. Their case goes that the Defender name that was attached to 90 and 110 models in 1990 carried on the adventuress 4X4 spirit of the company’s earlier models, which had begun life in the 1940s as the rather bland Series I and later Series II, and Series III.

Production of the Defender has not been continuous, however. Land Rover pulled the Defender out of the U.S. market in 1997 and in 2016 halted production entirely.

Four years later, the Defender returned. A  bit more refined overall with three body styles and no longer of body-on-frame construction, the 2020 Defender still carried on the vehicle’s reputation as a serious luxury off-roader.

Reception has been favorable. U.S. sales of the Defender hit a high of 27,707 for 2024. In 2025 the numbers fell just short of that at 23,187. Worldwide it is Land Rover’s best-seller.

The Defender’s off-roading capability was enhanced with the launch of a new OCTA trim introduced for 2025. The 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA also is the performance leader for the lineup with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque resulting in a sub 4-second zero-to-60 mph time.

This review is based on the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA. The Defender also is offered in 90 and 130 body styles. The Defender 90 is a two-door model, the Defender 110 a four-door with two rows of seating, and the Defender 130 an extended length model with three rows of seating.

In addition to the OCTA trim, the Defender is offered in S,  SE,X-Dynamic, and X styles. The 90 P300 S and 110 P300 S models are powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine while the higher trims get the 3.0L turbo V8.

Premium fuel is recommend for both engines and they are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a 2-speed transfer box. My test 110 OCTA also featured rear electronic active differential and all-terrain progress control. Land Rover’s new 6D Dynamic suspension uses hydraulic dampers to control body roll for smoother performance both on pavement and off-road.

LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing front and rear wipers, a rear privacy glass, keyless entry and push-button start were standard on my test Defender 110 OCTA.

Other standard comfort and convenience features included tri-zone climate control, a power adjustable heated steering wheel, a front console refrigerator a Meridian premium sound system, and an 11.4-inch touchsreen for operation of features that include audio, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety features include a 3D surround camera, blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and a rear traffic monitor. An adaptive speed limiter can be set to alert you to when you are exceeding the posted limit.

Pricing for the Defender starts at under $58,000 but soon jumps into the $60,000 bracket. My test 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA was listed at $152,000 with extras like matte protective film, tow hitch receiver, 22-inch wheels, and an emergency pack running the final tab to $160,005 (including the $1,625 destination and delivery fee).

Perhaps your skill as a bargainer will get you a better deal considering it is now 2026. I’ll leave you to argue if you are buying the oldest Land Rover model. 

What I liked about the Land Rover Defender: Few SUVs offer superior off-road capability with as much luxury as the Land Rover fleet. The twin-turbo V8 packs good punch, though it also is very thirsty for premium fuel. Auto Hold keeps you from creeping at intersections.

What I didn’t like about the Land Rover Defender: The infotainment  system has a steep learning curve with many functions hidden behind various menus. Getting to them can be distracting for the driver. The rear hatch door swings to the right and with the full-size spare tire hanging off it, it is very heavy. Top trims are priced in six figures even before options. Though billed as a midsize, it takes some searching to find accommodating parking spaces in crowded mall lots. Cargo capacity of 34 cubic feet is not what you might expect out of an SUV this size.

Would I buy the Land Rover Defender? Not really for me, and the pricing may be prohibitive even for those with 6-figure budgets.

2026 CHEVROLET CORVET

CORVETTE VENTUR
ES INTO NEW TERRITORY WITH HYRID AND AWD E-RAY MODELS

Hybrid-assisted drivetrain and all-wheel drive are not things that you would normally associate with the Chevrolet Corvette, but the company added both features to the iconic sports car it launched as a 2024 model in January of 2023.

After adding an electric motor and all-wheel drive, Chevy dubbed this Corvette the E-Ray. Just two years after its debut, it then overhauled the 2026 E-Ray’s interior, moving the long string of buttons that lined the center console to buttons on the center stack under the touchscreen.

Interestingly, the electric motor drives the 2026 Corvette E-Ray’s front wheels while the mid-engine V8 drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Combined horsepower and torque is listed as 655 hp and 595 pound-feet resulting in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of well under 3 seconds.

Set to stealth mode, the E-Ray can go short distances using the 160 horsepower electric motor only. Chevy puts the range at 4-5 miles at a speed up to 45 mph, so no, this isn’t a way to save on fuel on daily commutes to work.

Also, don’t expect a big bonus in fuel mileage from the E-Ray’s hybrid assist. With ratings of 16 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway and 19 combined, the 2026 E-Ray is not as thirsty as performance-oriented  Z06 and ZR1 trims, but the base Corvette Stingray earns similar numbers from the EPA. Where the E-Ray beats the Stingray is in horsepower and torque with an advantage of 165 hp and 130 lb.-ft.

Chevy didn’t spare anything when it came to refreshing the interior. In addition to the elimination of the so-call “wall of buttons” that lined the center console separating the driver and passenger, a new 12.7-inch touchscreen at the top of the center stack replaces the old 8-inch screen and is flanked by a 14-inch driver information center. A 6.6-inch third screen to the driver’s left provides a way to position the head-up display, record trip data, and adjust Performance Traction Management.

Tech and comfort features are aplenty. They include dual-zone air conditioning, heated and ventilated seats, a rear camera mirror, Bose audio system, an entertainment package with built-in Google, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, 8-way power bucket seats with leather upholstery, and a carbon-fiber steering wheel.

Standard exterior features include remote top activation (down only), heated outside mirrors, LED headlights, a composite front splitter, and rear spoiler.

Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, blind=zone alert, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and an enhanced theft deterrent system are among standard safety features.

The 2026 Chevy Corvette E-Ray joins Z06 and ZR1 with six-figure starting MSRPs for both coupe and convertible form. The base Stingray runs from $70,000 to $81.750 as a coupe and $77,000 to $88,750 as a convertible..

My test 2026 Chevrolet E-Ray Convertible in
3LZ trim started at $126,550. But options like carbon fiber wheels and interior trim, a carbon fiber display hood above the driver information center, carbon fiber and sueded steering wheel, sueded seat inserts and more ran the final bottom line to $155,895 including the $1,995 destination fee and $1,000 carbon fiber wheel discount.

Here’s some interesting trivia. The very first Corvette in 1953 started at $3,498, which is equivalent to $38,000 to $42,000 in today’s dollars according to AI. The website Dollar Times, reports that a gallon of gas would cost you 29 cents on average that year, which is $3.52 in today’s figures.

Stop beating your head against the wall.

What I liked about the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible: Performance is breathtaking. The updates give the Corvette a more sophisticated interior with the tech features that are de rigueur for vehicles in this price range. The solid roof makes for a quiet ride before being lowered. A trunk in front (frunk) as well behind the engine provides a little more cargo space but this is not a vehicle for Home Depot or Lowe’s runs. The hard-top roof lowers and raises with the push/pull of a convenient button. The passenger will appreciated the new arrangement of buttons.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible: Getting in an out, especially on the driver’s side, is a chore. The flat-bottom steering wheel helps a little but not a lot.  Be nice if it raised automatically when the engine is turned off. Rear visibility is restricted with the roof in place.  

Would I buy the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible? The six-figure price tag shrinks the potential market but if it is within your budge, by all means this vehicles belongs on a list of super cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini. 

2026 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

AFTER COOLING A BIT, OUR LOVE AFFAIR 

WITH PICKUP TRUCKS HEATING UP AGAIN

After cooling off a bit in 2024, America’s love affair with pickup trucks seems to be warming up again.

Ford, which lost the top spot in overall U.S. vehicle sales to Toyota’s RAV4 two years ago, regained the lead for 2025, beating out long-time rival Chevrolet and its Silverado pickup with over 620,500 F-Series sold. With sales hitting 577,000, the Chevy’s Silverado earned the second spot over RAV4 sales of 479,000.

Trailing the leaders in the truck segment for 2025 were the Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tacoma.

The year has started off with Ford retaining its lead but seeing a 19 percent drop in F-Series sales to under 48,000. Numbers for the Silverado have yet to be announced, but the Chevy ia expected to stay at No. 2 and perhaps a bit closer to the lead at least for the segment.

The Silverado 1500 serves as the keystone model for Chevy’s gtruck fleet, sitting between the slightly smaller Colorado and the larger heavy duty Silverados. 

The 2026 Chevy Colorado is offered in nine trims with the Work Truck serving as the base. A variety of engine choicrs, cab configurations, and bed capacities are scattered throughout the portfolio, giving buyers a multitude of options to fit their needs.

This review is based on the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab that sits near the top of the lineup. Its 5.3-liter Ecotec3 V8 engine is rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

While power is adequate, fuel efficiency falls short of its F150 and Ram 1500 rivals. The Silverado 5.3L V8 is rated at 16 miles-per-gallon city, 20 highway, and 17 combined compared to 18/24/20 for the F150 5.0L V8  and 18/22/19 for the HEMI V8 in the Ram 1500. The advantage for the F150 EcoBoost V6 and Ram Diesel V6 are even more significant.

With a starting price of over $60,000, the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ offers a lot in the way of comfort features in the cabin.

Chevy’s Infotainment3 with built-in Google connects your Smartphone for hands-free calling, navigation, and music streaming. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the 13.4-inch touchscreen offers a high-resolution screen to work all those systems.

Chevy’s Autotrac Transfer Case (for control of all-wheel drive functions), Stabilitrac for trailer sway and hill start assist, and trailer brake control also are standard.

Dual Zone Climate control, front leather appointed ventilated and heated front seats, a rear folding bench seat with storage, and a heated wrapped steering wheel are among standard interior features. 

Exterior features include a cornerstep rear bumper, LED cargo area lighting, LED fog lights, and front recovery hooks.

With a starting MSRP of $61,300, the LTZ trails only the High Country and ZR2 models when it comes to Silverado. My test LTZ also came with several extras like power running boards (a must), adaptive cruise control, and a multi-flex tailgate that ran the final total to $69,635 including the hefty $2,595 destination charge.

Keep in mind the Work Truck base Silverado starts at under $37,000 with other trims registering in the $40,000 and $50,000 range.

What I liked about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: There are infotainment features aplenty and the touchscreen display is easy to use. The cabin is spacious and comfortable with 43.4 inches of legroom in the second row. The V8 engine packs plenty of punch.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: The size  is a handicap when looking for parking spots in many mall parking lots and parking garages. Power retractable running boards are a must but cost extra.

Would I buy the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500? I’m just not a truck person, but there is a reason the Silverado has regained the No. 2 spot in U.S. pickup sales behind Ford’s F-150 Series. It’s a very serviceable truck and good looking as well.

MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE

MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 

DELIVERS MAXI FUN BEBIND THE WHEEL

Though it has a history that dates back to the late 1950s, the latest Mini is a relative newcomer to the U.S., not returning to showrooms here as a 2002 model under the auspices of German automaker BMW,, which gained control of the iconic British icon when it acquired the Rover Group in 1994.

Its compact size makes the Mini an ideal vehicle for crowded urban environs while at the same time evoking a carefree experience for enthusiasts who like a little fun while they are driving.

BMW reported U.S. sales of under 25,000 Mini Coopers when it was returned about about about a four-decade absence, but they jumped to over 36,000 for 2003. They then topped 40,000 for the first time in 2005 and just over 54,000 three years later.

The all-time U.S. sales high, according to the Library of Motoring, a website that keeps track of such data, was 66,502 for 2013. Sales dropped to under 50,000 in 2017 and were only in the high 20,000 range for three years until topping 33,000 last year. 

The 2002 Mini was a three-door hatchback in Cooper or Cooper S trim with the base getting 115 horsepower from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The supercharged version in the Cooper S upped that to 161 horsepower.

Mini now comes in a variety of trims that even include a 4-door version, all-electric models, and convertibles.

This review is based on the Mini Cooper S Convertible that was redesigned for 2025 but retains all the familiar personal quirks the Mini is loved for. Like bug-eye headlamps.

The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the Mini Cooper S now puts out 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission offered is 7-speed dual clutch automatic with gears selected not by the customary center shifter but via a toggle switch for drive, neutral, reverse and a button for park.

Unfortunately, the ignition switch is right next to it and it’s easy to twist it and turn the motor off when what you want to do is shift gears after backing out of the driveway until you get used to the setup.

All tech features work off the big center disc touchscreen that is part of Mini’s legacy. Items usually found in a separate or accompanying instrument panels, including the speed limit, also are found on the center screen, though the speed also shows up in a head-up display in front of the driver’s eyes.

Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth communication, and wireless charging. To open and close the folding top, you push or pull down on a small switch above the rear-view mirror. It opens in sections, pausing halfway through lowering so you can leave it there for the experience of a sunroof.

Other standard features include LED lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control. a heated steering wheel, auto start/stop and auto hold, and standard cruise control. Adaptable cruise control is available as an upgrade.

Safety systems include electronic brake force distribution, parking assist,  and the usual assortment of seatbelts and airbags. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure and lane change warning, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert come in an optional Iconic Trim package.

Staring MSRP for the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible is $39,600. My test vehicle came with several extras — some at no charge — like a Comfort Package that included an auto-dimming rearview mirror and keyless entry bringing the final total to $42,895 including the $995 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible: It’s a fun car to drive with the turbocharged engine delivering a peppy performance. Driver assist features include Auto Hold and Start/Stop, both activated via the touchscreen menu. The roof can be partially opened to function as a sunroof instead of a full open air experience. Audio volume can be adjusted by buttons on the steering wheel or a small knob at the bottom of the center stack.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible: There is no separation of typical instrument panel gauges and for operation of tech apps. Everything works off the large center touchscreen. Toggle switches for selecting gears and starting the engine are too close together. The top doesn’t fold flat in the rear when the roof is lowered and it restricts the view out the back. You also must keep constant pressure on the button to raise and lower the top. No manual transmission is offered. Back seat and trunk space is very limited. The overall ride is not the smoothest.

Would I buy the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible: Not in my taste. It most certainly not work for family transportation but would be a fun vehicle as a commuter.

2026 CADILLAC CT5-V

WITH PRODUCTION END COMING GET IN 

NOW FOR CADILLAC’S TOP PERFORMER

Introduced a decade ago, Cadillac’s CT5 is coming to the end of its production run.

Various news sources like GMAuthroity.com reported last fall the luxury automaker is ceasing production of its CT4 and CT5 sedans at the end of this year. 

But take heart. The company is expected to bring back the next generation of the CT5 sedan in late 2027 or early 2028, though it has not confirmed if V-Series models like the CT5-V Blackwing will be included in that revival.

Which is a shame because the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has a lot to offer and more than lives up to its role as a true luxury sports sedan despite trailing European rivals in sales by significant margins in the segment. 

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The 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has impressive power with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to its rear wheels via either the standard 6-speed manual or optional 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is a 3.4-second zero-to-60 mph clocking for the automatic or 3.6 for the manual.

Yet even with the power of a beast on the track, the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a polite performer in urban environs with only its deep-throated exhaust notes giving away its true nature.

Inside is a long list of standard luxury and comfort features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with 4-way power adjusted lumbar support and massage function, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, alloy driver pedals, and a premium 16-speaker sound system.

A large, high-resolution 33-inch touchscreen dominates the dash and combines instrument and infotainment displays. The Google built-in 5G infotainment system includes voice activation for such functions as adjusting navigation settings and audio systems, and other apps. Wireless Android Auto and, despite the Google interface, wireless Apple CarPlay are included.

Safety features include an HD surround vision, automatic emergency breaking, forward collision alert and emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind zone monitoring and steering assist, lane keeping assist and departure warning, and rear cross-traffic braking with rear pedestrian alert. Front and rear park assist and a head-up display also are included.

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is $97,600 but my test vehicle came with several options that ran the final total t0 over the $140,000 mark.

Those options included Cadillac’s Suer Cruise hands-free driving system, two carbon-fiber packages, custom front seats with Semi-Aniline leather, the 10-speed automatic transmission, driver attention assist, 19-inch alloy wheels, and alloy paddle shift controls.

A Precision Package priced at $18,000 added track-focused adjustments to improve handling along with ceramic brakes and high-performance tires.

With fuel ratings of 13 miles-per-gallon city, 20 highway,15 combined the 2026 Cadillac CT5-Blackwing also earns a $1,700 gas tax. That and the options and destination charge ran the final total of my test vehicle to $146,715.

That’s quite  leap from the rest of the CT5 lineup which has base Premium Luxury and Sport trims starting at under $50,000. Even the base CT-5-V starts at under $60,000.

What I liked about the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: The performance is exhilarating. The plethora of infotainment functions are easy to get to. The traditional 4-door sedan body makes it good for daily use. My test vehicle had the automatic transmission but a 6-speed manual is available.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Cargo capacity (12 cubic feet) and rear headroom (36.6 inches compared to 39 up front) are tight. That V8 is very thirsty and drinks premium fuel. Extras take an already expensive vehicle to nearly $150,000.

Would I buy the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing? If I won the top prize in Powerball I definitely would take a long look at it. If it fits your budget, you need to hurry with that production deadline looming.