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.

 

LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

LINCOLN UUPDATEs ITS FLAGSHIP SUV 

WITH 48-INCH DISPLAY FOR TECH INFO

Introduced as a 1998 model and beating the Cadillac Escalade to the large luxury SUV segment by a year, the Lincoln Navigator moved its fifth generation with its 2025 redesign.

Updates included the introduction of a huge, 48-inch display screen that stretches across the dash, a secondary 11.1-inch touchscreen, Google-based tech functions, more comfort features (including a “rejuvenate” mode that Ford boasts makes the the Navigator a “spa on wheels,” and a split liftgate with the top rising like a typical liftgate and the bottom folding downward like a pickup tailgate.

Tweaks to the front  and rear also feature new headlights and taillights.

The base Premiere trim was dropped for 2025 but returns for 2026 along with the Reserve trim that served as my test vehicle and the top-of-the-line Black Label. There are also L (for long wheelbase) versions of each trim for those seeking a bit more in the way of cargo space.

A 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine powers all three trims in a spirited fashion. It is rated at 440 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, moving its heft from zero-to-60 mph in under six seconds. It also can tow up to 8,700 pounds.

For optimal performance, it drinks recommended premium fuel at a pretty good clip (15 miles-per-gallon city, 22 highway, 17 overall), though you can get by on regular 87 octane.

Standard interior features include a heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals with memory, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column with memory, power third-row seats that fold flat,
heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, and more.

The 360-degree camera is a must with a vehicle of this size — 210 inches long and 94.6 inches wide including the mirrors — and also standard is Lincoln’s Co-Pilot 360 2.0 package that adds a backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system.

Other standard features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Lincoln’s Revel 28-speaker sound system, adaptive headlamps and LED tail lamps, a panoramic Vista roof with sunshade, and power deployable running boards.

MSRP for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator starts at $94,890 for the Premiere trim, $104,890 for the Reserve, and $122,420 for the Black Label. Long-wheel versions come in at $3,000 higher.

What I liked about the Lincoln Navigator: The cabin is roomy and quiet and has a high-class, sophisticated aura about it with plenty of cargo space available. The twin-turbo V6 packs good punch for a vehicle of this size. The running boards are a must for getting in and out comfortably.

What I didn’t like about the Lincoln Navigator: The mammoth size makes maneuvering in crowded mall parking lots a laborious task. The panoramic dashboard looks impressive but kind of complicates operation of some tech functions. It takes a while to get used to where to look for some of them. Lincoln has put controls for such basic features as adjusting exterior mirrors and the steering wheel on small touchpads on the steering wheel crossbar and they can be very annoying to operate. The steering wheel itself is an odd shape.

Would I buy the Lincoln Navigator? Too big for me, but if you are shopping for a large luxury SUV and the Cadillac Escalade is a bit over-the-top for you, the Navigator is a great option.

2026 GMC SIERRA

VERSATILE SIERRA OFFERS LOTS OF CHOICES FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR FULL-SIZE PICKUP

Introduced as a 1988 model, the Sierra pickup is the longest running vehicle in the GMC fleet, edging GMS’s Yukon SUV that debuted four years later for the honor.

But with large gaps between major redesigns, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is in only its fourth generation that came about in 2019. Though it shares very much of its DNA with the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra is considered a step up in class when it comes to refinement and premium features over its Chevy “sibling.”

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in eight trims with three cab figurations, three bed lengths (depending on the cab), and four engines determined by trim selected. There’s even a turbocharged diesel available along with turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine and two different V8s, one listed at 5.3-liter, the other at 6.2-liter.

The base model is the Pro trim and is followed up the ladder by SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Ultimate Denali.

This review is based on the 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X which was introduced as a 2022 model and adds premium features to the AT4 trim that was part of the redesign of 2019.

Both the AT4X and AT4 are tuned more for off-road ventures than the other trims with the AT4X getting more in the way of upgraded premium features as well.

Among standard interior features on the 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X are full-grain leather seats, heated front and rear outboard seats and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power steering column, dual zone climate control, and a power sunroof.

Numerous tech systems operated mostly on a 13.4-inch touchscreen with built-in Google compatibility. They include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, wireless charging, and navigation.

There is also a 12.3-inch digital driver information center, a 16-inch diagonal head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and adaptive cruise control. Keyless open with push-button start is standard.

A suite of features in GMC’s Pro Safety systems includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, following distance indicator, and automatic high beam toggles.

Front and rear parking assist, trailer side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic braking, front and rear pedestrian alert and HD Surround monitoring also are standard.

The 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X also comes with a steel front bumper, LED cargo area lighting, spray-on bed liner, LED daytime running lights, and GMC’s multipurpose tailgate.

The base Pro trim 2026 GMC Sierra starts at under $47,000 but the AT4X resides at the higher end of the pricing chart. Starting MSRP is listed at $79,400, which is a pretty steep increase.

My test 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X included the AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) package that added an AEV front chassis skid plate, AEV transfer case skid plate, AEV stamped rear bumper, 18-inch high gloss black aluminum wheels, AEV rear differential skid plate, rocker protection, AEV branded floor liners, AEV fuel tank skid plate, and more.

The optional 6.2-liter naturally aspirated Ecotek V8 engine added another $1,500. It is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Premium fuel is recommended for best performance. Government figures show efficiency ratings of 14 miles-per-galloon city, 16 highway, and 15 combined, which coincidentally are the same number for models using the 5.3L V8 that runs on regular octane gas.

With all the options the final price for my test 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X came to $89,945 including a hefty destination charge of $2,595.

What I liked about the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: The cabin  is spacious (43.4 inches of rear legroom) and loaded with lots of fairly easy to use tech features. The digital mirror and surround vision camera are nice safety features. 

What I didn’t like about the 2026 GMC 1500 AT4X: The setup for off-roading ventures eliminates a much-needed running board for cabin access. (Though you can use the optional protective rocker panel rails if you are careful.) It’s not easy to find parking spaces in mall lots to accommodate its size. Options like the AT4X AEV package quickly run up the price.

Would I buy the GMC 1500 AT4X? Not in the market for truck of any size but especially not one this big. Your decision will be whether to pay extra for the interior upgrades like full-grain leather heated and cooled seats or make do with the less expensive Chevy Silverado.

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.