2026 CADILLAC OPTIQ

 

CADILLAC ADDS PERFORMANCE V-SERIES 

MODEL TO ALL-ELECTRIC OPTIQ LINEUP

In only its second year, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq already has built an impressive résumé in the electric SUV market. The smallest and most affordable all-electric SUV in Cadillac’s portfolio, the Optiq ranks as the company’s second-best seller among the company’s EVs behind the ground-breaking Lyriq and was sixth overall among all premium electric SUVs in sales figures covering the first six months of this year.

Offered in four trims (Sport 1 and Sport 2 and Luxury 1 and Luxury 2) in its debut as a 2025 model. the 2026 Cadillac Optiq now offers a performance-driven V-Series version that reduces range but makes for a more exhilarating driving experience

The 2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series, which this review is based on, comes with a dual-motor and standard all-wheel-drive. It is rated at 519 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque and Cadillac estimates it will scoot from zero-to-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

That’s about a second quicker the Optiq’s Sport and Luxury trims with the optional dual motors. Sport and Luxury trims also are available either with single-motor and rear-wheel drive.

In addition toan initial price tag of $14,000 to $17,000 over the other trims, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq V-Series loses a bit in the way of electric driving range. Cadillac says range for the Sport and Luxury trims is about 317 miles for single-motor versions and 303 for those with dual motors while the Optiq-V delivers a disappointing 278 miles.

The good news is that all models are equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports whic
h means you can hook up at any one of the 29,000 Tesla outlets and other public facilities as well.

The Optiq may be Cadillac’s smallest SUV but that doesn’t mean it scrapped or lacks comfort. The cabin is roomy and comfortable with 41.6 inches of legroom up front and 37.8 inches in the second row.

Cargo space expands from 26 cubic feet with the second-row seats in place to 57 cubic feet when the back row is folded.

Most infotainment functions work of a hi-def screen and Cadillac thoughtfully includes a row of hard buttons underneath to manually adjust climate control settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, are not offered. 

Wireless phone charging is available, and the radio gets an AM band to go along with FM and Sirius-XM Satellite Radio. GM’s hands-free driving Super Cruise also is among standard features.

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Cadillac Optig AWD V-Series is $68,795. Other trims start at $52,395 (Luxury), $54,595 (Premium Luxury), $52,995 (Sport), and $55,095 (Premium Sport).

What I liked about the 2026 Cadillac Optiq AWD V-Series: It has a sporty profile and a comfortable, upscale interior. Stantard tech features include GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system. You can adjust climate control via hard buttons instead of going through the touchscreen. Some controls also can be operated via a rotary controller on the console. Unlike some EVs, the radio includes an AM band

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Cadillac Optiq AWD V-Series: The touchscreen can be slow to respond to touches at times. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, forcing you to use the built-in Google system. No front storage area (frunk) is offered. In my experience, the tilt-and-telescoping steering column in luxury vehicles is usually power adjusted via a button but the on the Optiq it must be adjusted manually. The dual-motor configuration in the V-Series may deliver extra performance but you pay for it with considerably less driving range.

Would I buy the 2026 Cadillac Optiq AWD V-Series? I’m not really interested in electric vehicles in general and the V-Series seems like overkill when it comes to performance as EVs as a class provide instant torque for quick getaways.  Other trims make more sense financially.

2026 FORD MAVERICK

FINALLY, A PICKUP TRUCK FOR THOSE WHO SHY AWAY FROM THE FULL-SIZE BEASTS

If the size and price tag of a full-size version is what is keeping you from buy a pickup truck, Ford may have the solution for you.

The 2026 Ford Maverick can handle loads of up to 1,500 pounds in its 4 1/2-foot bed, can tow a 2-ton trailer, seats 5 passengers in its crew cab, and comes with a beginning price tag of under $30,000, about $17,000 less that what an base trim F-150 will set you back.

Its base EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine offers 26 miles-per-gallon combined city/highway driving and if that doesn’t suit you front-wheel-drive models with a hybrid gas-electric drivetrain (HEV) give you up to 38 mpg combined with 42 around town.

And all-wheel drive knocks only a couple of miles off those figures.

Little wonder sites like Car & Driver, Motor Trend, and US News & World Report rank the 2026 Ford Maverick at the top of the pickup truck class.

The 2026 Ford Maverick comes in five trim levels with the XL, XLT, and Lariat models a choice of either the turbocharged EcoBoost gas engine or the hybrid drive train.

The Lobo and base XL trims come with only the 2.0-liter Ecoboost gas engine that is rated at a healthy 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 4-banger in the Lobo is matched to a 7-speed automatic transmission while the XL gets an 8-speed.

The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and electric motor in hybrid models is rated at a combined 184 horsepower with the electric motor producing 236 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid setup includes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The AWD Lobo trim that served as my test vehicle is roomy and comes with one-year subscription or optional seven-year package for Ford’s Connectivity Package (5G Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and the ability to connect up to 10 devices). Front seats offer 40.2 inches of legroom and backseat riders get just under 37 inches. 

Standard features on the 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo include a 13.2-inch touchscreen for operating such functions as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, keyless ignition with push-button start, 1-touch power windows, a 6-speaker sound system, LED headlamps, and single-zone up-front air conditioning.

Safety systems include rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitor, pre-collision safety system, emergency braking assist and preparation, and a cross-traffic alert.

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo is $37,775.

As noted the base XL comes in at under $30495,000 though just barely at $29,990. XLT models check in at $32,490, the Lariat at $39,935, and the top Tremor trim at $42,490. That is still will under the starting $46,730 for the F-150’s base XL trim.

By the way, if the name Maverick seems vaguely familiar, that is just your memory working overtime. Ford also used the Maverick nameplate back in the early 1970s for a 2-door (later 4-door) sedan that replaced the Falcon. The 1977 model was its last in the U.S.

What I liked about the 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo AWD: It is an ideal size for maneuvering in tight spaces but yet the interior is roomy and comfortable. Fuel economy is impressive for a non-hybrid model.

What  didn’t like about the 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo AWD: The gas pedal is small and anchored at the top, making its easy for your foot to slip off the bottom. Infotainment features are fairly intuitive but have some quirks for some adjustments, particularly when it comes to manual control of A/C settings.

Would I buy the 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo AWD? If you have put off buying a new pickup because full-size models have become so huge, the Maverick offers a sensible alternative. It is a more versatile hauler than an SUV and with a length of around 200 inches for all trims and width of under 73 it is easier to drive in tight urban settings than a full-size pickup.

2026 CHEVROLET TAHOE

 

TAHOE PLAYS DOMINATE ROLE 

IN FULL-SIZE SUV SEGMENT

When it comes to full-size non-luxury SUVs, General Motors vehicles dominate the segment with three of the company’s products among the four best sellers in the U.S.

At the head of the class is the venerable Chevrolet Tahoe, which assumed the No. 1 position in U.S. sales in 2001 and has held onto the that spot ever since.

Right behind is the Yukon from GMC, which shares the platform and other features with the Tahoe. The Chevy Suburban comes in at No. 4 behind the Ford Expedition.

All in all the Chevy Tahoe accounts for over 25 percent of all sales of the traditional full-size SUV. Though this year’s pace lags a bit when compared to last year’s success when over 114,000 were sold, the Tahoe seems headed for a six consecutive year of over 100,000 in sales, a remarkable run of success.

Now in its fifth generation that was introduced in 2021, the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe is available with either a somewhat thirsty gasoline engine or a more economical diesel powertrain. The V8 comes in two versions, a 5.3-liter rated at 335-horsepower or a 6.2L that is standard in the top-of-the-line High Country trim that this review is based on. 

The larger V8 is rated at 420 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. Both V8s are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel’s inline 6-cylinder engine makes 305 horsepower and an impressive 495 pound-feet of torque. It also gets a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims with all-wheel as an option. The High Country has standard all-wheel drive like the off-road oriented Z71 trim.

Though the GMC Yukon is touted as offering more in the way of luxury touches than its Chevrolet cousin, the Tahoe High Country is no slouch when it comes to a refined interior.

Three rows of leather covered seats are standard and the second-row bucket seats slide to afford the unlucky souls in the far back more legroom.

The front seats are heated and ventilated and the second row is heated. The 2026 Chevy Tahoe High Country gets a 17.7-inch display with navigation and built-in Google, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a 10-speaker Bose Premium Sound System.

With a length of 211.3 inches, the 2026 Chevy Tahoe High Country offers plenty of room for riders and cargo. Front-seat riders get 44.5 inches of legroom, and those in the third row earn just a bit under 35 inches to stretch out.

Standard safety systems include adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, enhanced automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian and cyclist braking, forward collision alert, parking assist, and HD surround vision.

The starting MSRP for the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country is $83,700. My test Tahoe came with options that added Super Cruise (GM’s hands free driving system), power running boards (a necessity), a 2-speed transfer case for off-roading ventures, and lots more that ran the final bottom line up to $101,420 including a destination charge of $2,795. The base LS trim starts at $63,495 and other trims run in the $70,000 bracket.

What  I liked about the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country: A high-class interior is very roomy for both passengers and cargo. Infotainment features are plentiful and user-friendly. The brawny V8 engine handles its bulk with ease. Running boards (which Chevy calls assist steps) are much appreciated. Power retractable steps are optional.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country: The larger V8 is a thirsty beast with fuel mileage at 14 miles-per-gallon city, 18 highway, and 16 overall using premium grade fuel. The size can leave you futilely looking for parking spaces in mall lots, especially if you want to avoid door dings. Attractive options can run the the MSRP for the High Country into six figures.

Would I buy the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country? You can count me out when it comes to full-size SUVs, but the base Tahoe is among the better buys in the segment. The High Country is higher up but still competitive.

2027 CHEVROLET BOLT

CHEVROLET BRINGS BACK BOLT HATCHBACK, BUT LOOK QUICK BEFORE IT’S GONE AGAIN

If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle but pricing is a hangup, Chevrolet may have the answer for you.

The “bow tie” people have brought back the Bolt EV for 2027 and the base LT model starts at under $30,000, edging the Nissan Leaf as the lowest price EV available today.

My test 2027 Chevrolet Bolt was the RS trim, however, and that raises the starting MSRP to over $30,000, which is still among the lowest among today’s electric vehicles.

The Bolt has an interesting history. A small crossover SUV, the Bolt debuted to positive reviews as a 2017 model, earning honors as the North American Car of the Year at the Detroit International Auto Show as well as top honors from several auto mags. Time magazine listed it as one of the top 25 inventions of 2016.

Despite the vehicle’s success, the company halted production of the 2023 Bolt to focus on the electric versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado pickup trucks. Safety and cost concerns (that low price created profitability issues for the Bolt) also no doubt played a part in the decision.

The outcry was such, however, that Chevy quickly announced the Bolt’s return but with the stipulation that production would again cease in 2027 after an 18-month run. So don’t dally if you are interested in one.

Despite the impending death sentence, Bolt’s U.S. sales for the second quarter of 2026 jumped to 3,433 vehicles from the meager 791 for the first quarter of the year. That left it in 13th place among sales of electric vehicles behind the No. 7 Equinox but ahead of No. 14 Blazer among Chevy EVs.

The comparatively low price is not the only thing the 2027 Chevy Bolt has going for it. Estimated range is 262 miles, up from 247 in 2023 Bolts, and, unlike in the previous generation, you can use fast-charging outlets up to 150 kW, a big leap from the old Bolts’  limit of 55 kW. 

Chevy says it takes only 25 minutes to get from 10 to 80 percent on a fast charger. Equipped with a North American Charging Standard outlet you also can hook up at Tesla outlets and charge using the MyChevrolet mobil app.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt also is pretty well equipped. Standard features include front and rear intermittent wipers, automatic off-on headlights, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, HD rear vision camera, automatic climate control, an 11-inch driver information center, 11.3-inch LCD display with built-in Google, a wi-fi hotspot, and adaptive cruise control.

RS trims also get as standard roof rails, ventilated driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, upgraded synthetic seats, rear center armrest, and 8-way power driver’s seat.

Both trims get standard safety features like lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, blind spot steering assist, enhanced emergency braking, and front pedestrian and cyclist braking.

Chevy’s SuperCruise hands-free driving system is available as an option on both trims, but sorry, techies. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered. 

Starting MSRP for the 2027 Chevy Bolt LT is $28,995 including destination and delivery and $32,995 for the 2027 Chevy Bolt RS.

What I liked about the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS: The price is affordable and the range, while not class leading, is still respectable. The RS model comes well stocked (with a couple of notable exceptions) in standard features including heated and ventilated front seats Infotainment features operate off a user-friendly touchscreen and some functions operate via hard buttons.. Charging times are relatively fast and being able to use Tesla outlets gives you many more options for public charging.

What I didn’t like about the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS: It is not as quick as some similar EVs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered though streaming data is available though other apps. Neither is all-wheel drive offered as an option. There is no “frunk” for storage up front. The production run will halt in mid-2027.

Would I buy the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS: If price is the major factor in your decision to buy an EV, the LT trim is pretty lengthy in standard features and offers the lowest price in the segment. But the RS trim offers some extra niceties that may make it worthwhile to extend your budget.