2026 LINCOLN NAUTILUS

 

VERSATILE NAUTILUS  BECOMES LINCOLN’S BEST-SELLING SUV AFTER 2024 REFRESHING

Launched as a 2019 model when Lincoln continued to phase out the “MK” nomenclature in its fleet, the Nautilus is the company’s second-oldest serving SUV despite its young age behind only the nearly three-decades old full-sized Navigator.

A versatile 5-passenger performer that got a major facelift in 2024, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus sits between the larger Aviator and Navigator, which both offer 3-row seating, and the slightly smaller Corsair in the company’s current portfolio. The Nautilus has been the company’s best-selling SUV since that 2024 redesign, including the first four months of this year.

The size and capacities for the Nautilus are very accommodating. At 193.2 inches long it is about a foot-and-a-half shorter than the Navigator,, which makes it easier to maneuver through crowded parking lots and narrow urban streets. Yet it still has over 43 inches of legroom for passengers in both rows as well as 35.4 inches of cargo space behind the second-row

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is available in three trim levels with all coming with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as well as a hybrid option that U.S. & World Report rates as the best luxury hybrid SUV on the market.

The gas-engine is rated a 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid drivetrain that pairs that engine with an electric motor bumps horsepower and torque up to 285/295, respectively, and comes with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). All-wheel drive is standard on all trims.

EPA figures for the gas-only models are 21 miles-per-gallon city, 29 highway, and 24 combined using premium fuel. The hybrid setup earns numbers of 29/31/20 which fall short of some of its competitor hybrids.

The Premier trim serves as the base model with the Reserve adding premium leather seating surfaces and standard ventilated seats (optional on the Premium). At the top  of the portfolio is the Black Label trim this review is based on.

The 2026  Lincoln Nautilus Black Label includes as standard many features that are optional on the other trims.  Standard features include the 48-inch display that dominates the top of the dash as well as an 11.4 inch touchscreen for operation of tech functions.

Also standard are a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, duel-zone climate control, a Lincoln “Rejuvenate” system that when the vehicle is parked reclines the driver’s seat, activate a massage function, and adjusts lighting and ambient lighting for a spa-like experience.

Lincoln Connect Car Services with a 5G modem and WiFi capability, Lincoln Co-Pilot Driver Assist features, Lincoln’s Digital Experience that includes Amazon Alexa, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto, and a 28-speaker Revel Premium sound system also are among standard convenience features. 

Safetysystems start with a 360 high-def camera, blind-spot traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and pre-collision assist.

Pricing for the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label starts at $77,130. My test vehicle came with options like special white paint, 4 years of Sirius-XM radio, and a Jet Appearance Package that added 22-inch wheels with a dark nickel finish and body color bumpers among other things.

All that ran the final bottom line to $83,375 including the $1,595 destination and deliver fee.

Other trims for the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus start at $54,995 (Premier) and $63,995 (Reserve) not including freight charges. Hybrid models have similar costs.

 

What I liked about the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label: The size is ideal for empty nesters who don’t need a full-size SUV to accommodate a growing family, but can appreciate the passenger and cargo room a mid-size offers. The 4-cylinder turbo provides adequate  power, though it falls short of models with a hybrid drivetrain. A dial on the console controls audio volume.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label: There is a bit of a learning curve to operate tech and other features. Especially frustrating is the use of overly sensitive small touchpad-style buttons on the steering wheel to operate features like cruise control (left side) and audio (right side). The 48-inch display at the top of the dash is impressive but after a while you begin to wonder if the 11.1-inch touchscreen isn’t more than adequate to handle tasks.

Would I buy the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus? If you don’t need 3 rows of seating this is definitely worth a good luck. It’s an attractive SUV with that is does a great job combining functionality with good looks.

2026 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

 

OUTLANDER OFFERS SUV SHOPPERS 

STRONG VALUE AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE

Going on a quarter of a century in the market, the Outlander SUV serves as Mitsubishi’s flagship vehicle.

Admittedly, it’s a small fleet. The Japanese automaker has only three vehicles in the market this year. They are the Eclipse Cross small crossover and the Outlander Sport subcompact SUV, though more Mitsubishi models are coming over the next few years.

That doesn’t detract from what the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has to offer in the compact SUV segment, especially for those buyers who like to shop outside the box.

It looks great inside and out, is one of the few SUVs in the compact class that offers 3-row seating, and has a new engine and LE trim that checks in a the lower end of the pricing chart to give bargain shoppers even more trim options.

Replacing the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine on all trims is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-banger that puts out a little less horsepower (174 to the previous 181) but boosts torque to 206 pound-feet, an increase of 25 lb.-ft.

That gives the 2026 Outlander a little more oomph off the line as well as slightly better fuel efficiency than the small Outlander Sport. Front-wheel drive Outlanders are rated at 26 miles-per-gallon city, 31, highway, and 28 combined. With available all-wheel drive the numbers are 26/30/27.

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered in six trim levels with the Ralliart returning and the new LE joining the ES, which serves as the base. Other trims include the SE, Trail Edition, and SEL. This review is based on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL, which has a very impressive exterior and classy interior with a premium feel about it.

There also is a plugin hybrid version of the Outlander today. This review deals with only gas-engine models that feature a mild hybrid setup.

Standard exterior features on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL include LED headlights, fog lights, and daytime running lights and a hands free power lift gate with adjustable height.

Inside the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SEL gets a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated seats in front and back, ventilated front seats, and leather seat surfaces.

Convenience features include  a 12.3 inch full digital driver display, wireless charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-view camera system, a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control, and a drive mode selector that features Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Eco, and Mud settings.

Safety systems include forward collision mitigation, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure, prevention, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

My test drive 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL AWD model starts at $40,845. Extras included a Premium Package (premium audio, synthetic leather door inserts with quilting, semi-Aniline leather seats, head-up display, digital mirror with rear-view camera, and a black spoiler), welcome package (body color touchup paint, console tray mat, carpeted floor mats), grille paint protection, and white disamond black roof) that ran the total to $47,235 including the $1,795 destination and delivery feee.

The base FWD Outlander ES carries a starting MSRP of $29,995 including delivery charges. FWD LE, and SE trims start under $35,000. Ralliart and Trail Edition models are AWD only and start at under $40,000.

AWD adds $1,800 to the MSRP.

What I liked about the 20/6 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL: It is one of the better looking vehicles in the compact SUV segment both inside and out. Cargo room is spacious with the third-row seats folded. The new mild hybrid engine boosts fuel economy. Horsepower is down slightly from last year but a boost in torque makes getting off the line quicker. Warranty coverage is generoust.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL: Adults are going to find the third row cramped. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the only gearbox available. Top models venture into the $40,000 range.

Would I buy the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL? The Outlander no doubt gets overlooked among the numerous of other Asian and European compact SUVs and deserves a better fate. After becoming the company’s best seller in 2025 it has fallen behind the smaller and cheaper Outlander Sport in first-quarter U.S. sales. It should rate a good look for those shopping for a compact SUV especially if you are looking for a 3-row vehicle.

2026 SUBARU OUTBACK

BUYERS’ ENTHUSIASM WANES AS SUBARU TWEAKS OUTBACK WAGON’S PROFILE

Once decidedly a wagon, the Subaru Outback identifies more with the crossover SUV segment than the familiar station with the 2026 makeover that moves it into its seventh generation.

Going by U.S. sales numbers, the update has not exactly been enthusiastically received. U.S. sales through April were down just a tick under 27 percent compared to 2025 numbers, but that is an improvement over March’s results that showed a dip of nearly 43 percent in 2026 over 2025.

Still the Outback remains the company’s third-best seller behind the Forester and Crosstrek with over 37,500 Outbacks sold in the first four months of the year.

The availability of a hybrid drivetrain popular among competitors in the midsize segment might help get the Outback on track but early 2027 models show no HEV trim in the works. If one was coming for next year’s models it likely would have been announced by now.

The 2026 Subaru Outback is offered in ix trims with last year’s Base model eliminated and the Premium, which this review is based on, taking over the role as the entry-level model.

The Outback Premium trim shares a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine with the Limited and Touring models while the upgraded Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims get a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.

The engines are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission with settings to mock an 8-speed manual transmission via paddle shifters with shift ratios tuned to specific trims.

The non-aspirated engine in the three lower trims is rated at 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet torque and carry fuel efficiency ratings of 25 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway and 27 combined. Turbo models are rated at 21/29/24 for mileage and boost power to 260 hp and 277 lb.ft. Both run on regular 87-octane fuel.

Though now serving as the entry-level model in the Outback portfolio, the Premium isn’t shortchanged when it comes to standard features.

The front fascia features an all-new grille and the side profile is boxier and taller, giving rear-seat riders a bit more in the way of headroom as well as more storage space for upright loads. 

The redesigned interior features a 12.1-inch screen for infotainment functions and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Tech systems include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and hard buttons can be used to adjust the dual-zone climate control.

The 2026  Subaru Outback Premium features keyless entry with a push-button start, an all-weather package with heated front seats, 10-way power adjusted driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, water,-repellent cloth seats with a “star-trimmed” pattern, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Heading safety equipment is Subaru’s Eye-Sight Driver Assist system with automatic emergency braking. Other safety features include adaptive cruise control with lane-entering, blind-spot warning, and electronic brake force distribution.

Staring MSRP for the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium is $34,995. The green-pearl paint and an option package that added a multi-media navigation system, wireless charger, power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers ran the total for my test 2026 Subaru  Outback Premium to $39,110 including the destination and delivery fee of $1,450.

What I liked about the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium: It is well-equipped with standard tech features that operate off a user-friendly touchscreen. Dual-zone climate control is included as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Eyesight Emergency Braking System is a big bonus The ride is comfortable and rear storage generous. As a Subaru, it also comes with standard all-wheel drive.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium: The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine could use more punch, and the continuously variable transmission doesn’t help with acceleration.

Would I buy the 2026 Subaru Outback Premium? If you can push your budget, you will appreciate the extra power in the turbocharged engines offered in the higher trims. If you can’t push your budget, the lower Outback trims are still a good choice.

2026 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV

TRAIL BOSS ADDED TO LIST OF TRIMS FOR ALL-ELECTRIC 2026 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

Launched as a 2024 model, the all-electric version of Chevrolet’s popular Silverado pickup loses one trim level and adds a new one for 2026.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss takes over for the RST versions in the 2025 fleet and allegedly boosts the vehicle’s off-roading capabilities.

I say “allegedly” because some reviewers who have the resources to dive deeper into the off-roading pool— most notably those writing for Motor Trend magazine — are highly suspect of the Trail Boss’ trail credentials.

They say with some disappointment that it doesn’t live up to the Trail Boss reputation of other Chevy models. While giving praise for Trail Boss’ street smarts and throttle response, Motor Trend even called it a “lousy” off-roader

But unless you are headed for the rigors of California’s Rubicon Trail, I suspect you’ll find the modifications on the Silverado EV’s Trail Boss models satisfactory to your needs.

They include larger tires, a revised suspension, and a Terrain Mode that makes the Silverado EV easier to handle when traversing trails, rocks, sand, mud, and steep inclines.

Putting aside complaints about its lack of serious off-roading prowess, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss does have a lot going for it starting with driving range.

The 2026 Silverado EV is available with multiple battery packs that can extend driving range up to 493 miles and power and torque to 725 horsepower and 775 pound-feet for the Max battery versions, including the Trail Boss model that served s my test vehicle.

The Extended Range battery on all three times — Trail Boss, LT and Work Truck — offers an impressive 385 miles and the Standard Range available on only Work Truck and LT trims is still over 280 miles.

The battery choices essentially triple the number of trim levels as the entry-level Work Truck trim is no longer restricted to fleet or commercial only buyers.

Keep in mind that those range figures will vary depending on how the truck is being driven. The Trail Boss, which comes only with the Max or Extended Range Battery, has a towing capacity listed at 12,500 pounds but dragging a load that large at highway speeds could cut the driving range nearly in half.

Interestingly, though it bears the Silverado nameplate, the platform of the all-electric version is the same used by the GMC Hummer EV pickup, not the gas version of the Silverado 1500 pickup. Dimensions are similar, but the profile of the Silverado EV is a bit more streamlined and very distinctive.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV models come with a 4-door crew cab and a cargo bed that comes up an inch short of 6 feet. All trims come with front and rear electric motors that power all four wheels. 

Standard features are plentiful in the new Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and include a trailer brake controller, all-terrain tires, a multi-flex tailgate, and tech features that operate off a 17.7-inch display, an 11-inch driver digital information display, hitch guidance, GM’s SuperCruise hands-free driving system, 12-way power heated and ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated rear outboard seats, Bose sound system, and wireless charging.

Note the absence of Apple CarPlan and Android Auto on the list. They are not offered.

Safety systems on the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV Trail Boss include adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert and forward driving distance indicator, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, enhanced automatic parking assist, and HD surround vision. 

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss is $86,600.. Extras like a hard folding truck bed cover, fixed glass panoramic roof, a NACS DC adaptor for hooking up at various charging outlets, and dealer installed all-weather floor mats run the final cost to $93,195 including the $2,595 destination charge.

The Work Truck lists at just over $55,000 with the Standard Range battery and under $69,000 for the Extended Range. LT trims run from just under $64,000 for Standard  Range to almost $92,000 for Max Range.

What I liked about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss: Electric driving range is excellent and instant torque delivery provides for a spirited driving performance. Tech features are plentiful and user-friendly. Running boards ease the chore of climbing in an out.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss:  No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto could be a deal breaker for many buyers. Keep in mind what an EV pickup is towing can reduce your driving range. AM and FM radio reception was rather iffy but Sirius-XM was excellent.

Would I buy the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss? Not in the market for a pickup or an all-electric vehicle of any kind really. The cost of the upper trims with larger battery packs is a turnoff.

2026 CADILLAC ESCALADE

ESCALADE THE LONG-TIME KING 

OF THE LARGE LUXURY SUV SEGMENT

Now in its fifth generation, the Cadillac Escalade has ruled as the king among large luxury SUVs for nearly a quarter of a century.

Launched as a 1999 model, the Escalade took over the No. 1 U.S sales spot in the segment in 2022 and never looked back. In fact, last year Cadillac sold nearly 18,000 more Escalades than its closest  competitor (BMW X7) among the top sellers in the category. No others come close.

After getting a refresh for 2025 that included among other things a new front fascia, near taillights, and a new 55-inch curved display that serves both the driver and passenger, the 2026 Cadillac Escalade  is mostly a carryover from 2025 when it comes to updates, but Cadillac did take time to rename its trims.

My test 2026 Cadillac Escalade was the Platinum Sport trim which was formerly Sport Platinum. Not much in the way of heavy lifting there. The trim previously dubbed Premium Luxury is just Luxury (not to be confused with the Luxury trim that served as the base model in prior years) and Premium Luxury Platinum becomes just Platinum. The base model is now tagged 1SA.

Yes, there is a V-Series version if you want more power. If you want more room, the Cadillac ESV that increases in length from 211.9 inches to 227 and rear cargo space from 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place to 41.5.

A 6.2-liter V8 engine that puts out 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque is is standard on all Escalades but the V-Series, which gets a supercharged version that boosts horsepower to 682 and torque to 653. A  10-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The V-Series also gets a specialized all-wheel-drive system. Rear-wheel is standard on the other trims with 4-wheel drive available.

Cadillac packs the Escalade with lots of luxury. 

Standard features in my test 2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport included the company’s hands-free drive Super Cruise system, heated and ventilated front seats, power foldable and heated second row bucket seats (bench seating available), a rear-seat entertainment system, wireless, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, sueded microfiber headliner, selectable interior lighting, power open/close doors, semi-Aniline seater seats, an interior camera, and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and  an AKG Studio Reference 38-speaker sound system.

Safety features included HD surround vision, night vision, enhanced emergency braking, rear emergency braking, auto-parking assist, forward collision alert, rear pedestrian alert, and adaptive cruise control.

With 4-wheel drive, the starting MSRP for the 2026 d is $123,400. Add optional 24-inch wheels with pearl nickel and high-gloss black inserts, the total on my test 2026 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Sport 4WD comes to $128,820 including the $2,525 destination charge.

The base 1SA trim starts at $93,995 with rear-wheel drive That and the AWD version at $95,995 are the only Escalade trims under $100,000. The V-Series starts at $170,895.

What I liked about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD: The V8 engine packs plenty of punch to get its considerable heft moving. There is lots of room for both passengers and cargo. Standard power retractable running boards ease getting in and out.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD: As you might expect it’s a pretty thirsty beast. Its size makes maneuvering in typical mall parking lots and even some city streets a chore. It’s at the high end of pricing in the segment.

Would I buy the 2026 Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum 4WD? Like its rival in the segment, it’s just too big for me. Pricing for other trims are on the high level especially when take into consideration every vehicle in the segment lives up to the luxury status.

BMW M SERIES

 

BMW’S M SERIES DELIVERS TRUE 

ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

BMW likes to refer to its cars as the Ultimate Driving Machine, and though there is no argument that BMW sedans and coupes rate high in performance overall, it is the company’s M Series that really live up to the slogan.

The history of the BMW M Series goes back to 1972 when a handful of the German automaker’s employees formed what would become the BMW Motor Sport Division to focus on enhancing BMW products for European race tracks.

The first-tuned vehicle for the road didn’t come about until six years later when the M1 was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show. It was still very much a race car, however. The BMW M535i introduced in 1979 as actually the first version of M Series as we  it today — a high performance vehicle adapted to real-life driving standards.

Over the years BMW has given M enhancements to nearly every model in its fleet. Here are notes on two I recently had show up in my driveway:

BMW M5 Touring

The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance plug-in wagon version of the popular 5 Series and was offered in the United States for the first time as a 2025 model.

Under the hood is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is mated to an electric motor giving it a whopping 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, moving it from zero-to-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

An 8-speed automatic transmission with BMW’s Drivelo
gic driving modes and Launch Control.is standard All-electric driving range is only about 27 miles.

Combined city/highway fuel ratings are 54 MPGe under gas/electric power and only 13 MPG on gasoline only, which earns it a $2,600 gas guzzler tax from the government.

Aside from the hatchback configuration and the powertrain, there is nothing really to distinguish the M5 Touring wagon from the M5 Sedan. Even the dimensions are virtually the same. Both are 200.6 inches long and 77.6 inches wide (84.9 including mirrors) and the wheelbase is 118.3 inches.

The Touring is a smidge taller, 59.7 inches to 59.4 for the Sedan. There is 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats of the Touring compared to 16.5 for the sedan’s trunk, and the space in the Touring expands to 57.5 cubic feet when its second-row seats are folded.

The usual suite of luxury features are found in both the Sedan and Touring, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging and multi-zone climate control.

The 2026 BMW M5 Touring starts at $129,350. The 2025 version that made its U.S debut started at $121,500.

What I liked about the BMW M5 Touring: Acceleration is very brisk. The wagon configuration gives it more storage room, making it more suitable for family car use.

What I didn’t like about the BMW M5 Touring: Numerous drive modes and tech features can be a bit overwhelming to get used to. Electric only range is extremely limited.

Would I buy the BMW M5 Touring? Not for me, but if you want a vehicle that rates high in performance while offering hauling capacity your choices are somewhat limited.

BMW M235

BMW refers to the M235 xDrive as a “Gran Coupe” but in the real world it’s a small 4-door sedan also available as 228 and 228 xDrive versions. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine but the M235 is tuned for 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The smaller 228 and 228 xDrive are rated  241 hp and 295 lb.-ft.

All get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The M228 is front-wheel drive (a rarity for BMW) and the M228 xDrive and M235 xDrive are all-wheel drive as noted by their xDrive designation.

Fuel economy figures for the 2026 BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive are 24 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined. Both M228 models are slightly better with 27/39/31 for the FWD and 26/38/30 for the M228 xDrive. Premium fuel is required for all of them.

BMW gave the Gran Coupe models a makeover for 2025 adding more tech and more power. Leatherette 10-way adjustable front seats, a Haman Kardon premium sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and dual zone front climate control are among standard features.

Safety features include blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking assist.

The 2026 BMW M235 Grand Coupe xDrive starts at $50,000 but can go higher. The M228 and M228 xDrive start at $40,000 and $42,000, respectively.

What I liked about the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive: It’s a fun car to drive and relatively well-equipped. It earns kudos from those familiar with the M history.

What I didn’t like about the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive: Cargo capacity is on the small side (12 cubic feet) but then it is classified as a subcompact sedan. Tech features can be overwhelming to operate.

Would I buy the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive? It’s a bit pricey but still offers the cheapest way to get into the BMW fold.