Turbocharged Maturity

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The Volkswagen Tiguan already went through its big glow-up last year. The 2025 model ushered in a new generation with bolder styling, a more premium interior and a serious tech upgrade.

For 2026, VW didn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, it focused on sharpening the edges. After a week behind the wheel, that restraint feels like the right call.

This is still very much the Tiguan you recognize. It just feels more confident about what it wants to be.

The headline change for 2026 is under the hood of the SEL R-Line Turbo. Volkswagen’s more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder transforms the Tiguan’s personality.

With 268 horsepower on tap, turbo lag is essentially gone. Throttle response is immediate, and acceleration feels genuinely strong for a compact SUV.

There’s a hint of GTI DNA here, especially when you lean into it from a stop or punch it to merge onto the highway. The eight-speed automatic transmission plays along nicely, delivering quick, well-timed shifts without drama. It feels eager rather than busy, which is exactly what you want in daily driving.

It’s worth noting that this engine changes the whole equation. If you’ve driven a non-turbo Tiguan, this version will feel like a different vehicle altogether. The standard engine is fine. This one feels alive.

Volkswagen leaned into its German roots with the Tiguan’s suspension tuning, and it shows. Body motions are better controlled than before, and the Tiguan feels planted through corners. Switch into Sport mode and the steering tightens up noticeably, giving the SUV a more purposeful feel on winding roads.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan’s clean, modern design features sharp lighting and a confident stance that looks upscale without being flashy.

The Tiguan feels stable and confident, even when pushed harder than most compact SUVs ever will be.

The tradeoff is ride quality. The firmer setup helps handling but can feel a bit stiff over broken pavement.

Rivals like the Subaru Forester lean more toward softness and comfort. The Tiguan prioritizes control.

Step inside and it’s clear Volkswagen aimed higher with this generation. The Tiguan’s cabin feels modern, clean and thoughtfully designed. Materials are convincingly upscale, and everything feels solidly assembled.

The centerpiece is the massive 15-inch touchscreen, paired with a digital cockpit that puts key information front and center. The layout is logical, and once you spend a little time with it, the system is easy to live with.

Seats are comfortable for long drives, and there’s plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike.

Some climate functions live within the touchscreen, which won’t be everyone’s favorite solution. Physical controls would be quicker in certain situations. Still, this is one of the better executions of an all-digital interior in the segment.

Visually, the Tiguan has embraced a more upright, classic SUV stance. It looks closer to the electric ID.4 now, with a stronger nose, cleaner lines and a more planted presence on the road. Light bars front and rear add a modern touch, and the R-Line styling gives this version a little extra attitude without going overboard.

A redesigned cabin combines a large touchscreen, digital gauges and improved materials for a more premium feel.

It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t fade into the background either. The Tiguan looks like it belongs in a higher price bracket than many of its competitors.

One omission is impossible to ignore. There’s no hybrid option. In a segment where rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have become go-to choices for efficiency-minded buyers, the Tiguan’s absence here stands out. Fuel economy is respectable, but not remarkable, especially given the added performance of the turbo model.

Overall, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t try to be everything. Instead, it leans into a specific identity.

This is a compact SUV for drivers who value solid road manners, upscale design and modern tech more than outright softness or maximum fuel efficiency.

With the turbo engine, the Tiguan finally feels as quick and confident as it looks. It punches above its weight in refinement and presence, and it delivers a driving experience that feels distinctly European in a class full of safe bets.

It may not be the most relaxed or the most efficient option in the segment, but for buyers who want their daily driver to feel a little more special, the Tiguan makes a compelling case.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo ($42,085). Options: Premium paint ($455). Price as tested (including $1,475 destination charge): $45,015

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 109.9 in.
Length: 184.4 in.
Width: 73.0 in.
Height: 66.5 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder  (268 hp, 258 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
MPG: 22 city, 29 highway

RATINGS

Style: 8
Performance: 7
Price: 8
Handling: 8
Ride: 7
Comfort: 7
Quality: 7
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

The 2026 Tiguan makes sense for buyers who want a refined, well-equipped compact SUV that feels comfortable and confident in everyday driving.

Posted in Volkswagen

Solid Scandinavian Sophistication

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The first thing that stands out about the 2026 Volvo XC60 isn’t the speed or the screen inside, but the way it feels rolling down the road.

There is a reassuring heft to it, a sense of substance that is increasingly rare in a market obsessed with shaving pounds and chasing efficiency numbers at all costs.

That solidity works in the XC60’s favor. After a week of commuting, errands and longer highway drives, it consistently felt calm and confident.

The ride, especially with the optional air suspension, leans toward comfort without becoming floaty. You notice the weight in corners, but it never feels clumsy, and the steering is predictable even if it lacks sparkle.

The T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain brings a welcome layer of punch. With 455 horsepower on tap, the XC60 is genuinely quick when you lean into it.

Electric torque fills in gaps at low speeds, making city driving smooth and nearly silent. For short trips, it is easy to treat this like an EV, then let the gas engine take over on longer drives without planning charging stops.

The Volvo XC60 wears clean, confident styling with subtle updates for 2026.

That flexibility remains one of the XC60’s biggest selling points. The plug-in hybrid version suits buyers curious about electrification but not ready to go all-in on a fully electric SUV. During the week, most local driving happened on electric power alone, which made fuel stops feel almost optional.

Inside, the cabin continues to be one of the XC60’s strongest arguments.

Volvo’s seats are still among the best in the business. They are supportive, highly adjustable and comfortable enough that long drives pass without fatigue. The optional massage function adds a touch of indulgence that feels appropriate at this price.

The interior design is airy and clean, with materials that feel premium without shouting for attention. The overall vibe is calm and Scandinavian, which will appeal to buyers who find some rivals overly busy.

The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is expensive, but it delivers crisp, powerful audio that matches the XC60’s upscale demeanor.

A bright, minimalist cabin highlights Volvo’s excellent seats and upgraded infotainment system.

For 2026, the most noticeable change is the updated infotainment system. It remains Google-based, and it works well. The interface is responsive, logical and enhanced by features like a 3D navigation view that adds visual flair without becoming distracting.

Beyond that, changes are subtle, including a revised grille, new wheel designs and additional paint choices.

That light-touch update strategy makes sense. The XC60 does not need reinvention. It is already Volvo’s most popular model and has now become the brand’s best-selling vehicle of all time, surpassing even the legendary 240 wagon. Its success comes from balance rather than boldness.

There are trade-offs. The price climbs quickly with options, and a nearly $80,000 test vehicle puts pressure on value when competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 offer strong alternatives. Some drivers may also want sharper handling or flashier tech.

Still, the XC60’s appeal lies in how well-rounded it feels. It looks good without being loud, performs well without demanding attention and delivers daily comfort with a quiet confidence.

It fits easily into real life, which helps explain why it resonates with so many buyers.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2026 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid ($70,950). Options: Climate package ($750), 21-inch wheels ($800), air suspension ($1,800), Bowers & Wilkins sound ($3,200), front seat massage ($600). Price as tested (including $1,295 destination charge): $79,395

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 112.8 in.
Length: 185.4 in.
Width: 78.7 in.
Height: 65.4 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder plus electric motors (combined 455 hp, 523 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
MPG equivalent: 63 combined

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 6
Handling: 7
Ride: 8
Comfort: 9
Quality: 9
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

The 2026 XC60 is a refined, flexible SUV that blends comfort, safety and everyday usability in a way few rivals match.

Posted in Volvo

Family Hauler Home Run

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade doesn’t try to impress you with gimmicks or grandstanding.

It simply goes about its business of being extremely good at almost everything a family SUV is supposed to do, and it does it so effortlessly that you barely notice how much ground it’s covering.

It’s quiet, relaxed and confidence-inspiring in a way that makes long drives feel shorter and daily errands feel easier. After a week with it over the holiday break, I found myself inventing reasons to go places.

Hyundai clearly understood the assignment with this redesign. The Palisade was already a sales hit, but this new version feels more self-assured, more premium and more polished.

It drives like a vehicle that knows it’s good at its job and doesn’t feel the need to prove anything.

On the road, the Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy is smooth and unbothered. The hybrid powertrain delivers plenty of low-end torque, which is what matters when you’re merging onto highways or pulling away from stoplights with a full load of people and cargo.

No, it doesn’t snap your head back, and that’s fine.

The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade features bold styling and a confident stance that signals its flagship status.

This is not a drag-strip SUV. It’s a family transporter that prioritizes calm progress and efficiency.

The hybrid system feels well integrated, and the six-speed automatic fades into the background, which is the highest compliment I can give a transmission.

Fuel economy numbers in the high 20s are impressive for something this large, and they matter far more here than bragging rights about 0-to-60 times. Complaining about acceleration in a three-row family SUV feels like missing the point entirely.

Where the Palisade really shines is ride comfort. It’s composed over rough pavement and settles into a relaxed highway rhythm that makes it one of the best road-trip vehicles you can buy from a non-luxury brand. Wind and road noise are minimal, and the overall driving experience feels expensive.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim delivers a cabin that genuinely feels upscale. The materials are excellent. The design is clean and modern, and everything feels thoughtfully laid out.

It’s the kind of interior that makes passengers ask what brand it is, then raise an eyebrow when you say Hyundai.

The Palisade’s cabin blends upscale materials with smart design for a comfortable, family-ready interior.

The seats are supportive and comfortable, though if I’m being extremely picky, I’d ask for slightly softer padding. This is a minor nitpick in an otherwise outstanding cabin, and most buyers will never give it a second thought.

Design-wise, the Palisade takes a few chances. The massive turn signals integrated into the front corners are bold and, at first glance, a little strange. I wasn’t sure about them initially, but they grew on me quickly.

They’re distinctive, work with the overall look and make the Palisade instantly recognizable. Looks are subjective, and in this case, I’m on board.

Technology is plentiful without feeling overwhelming. Controls are intuitive. Screens are clear and Hyundai continues to do a good job balancing touchscreens with physical buttons. This is a vehicle designed to be used by real people in real life, not just admired in a showroom.

What really seals the deal is the value proposition. With transaction prices creeping north of $50,000 across the market, a fully loaded hybrid Palisade at around $60,000 feels almost reasonable. Lower trims offer even stronger value, packing in features that would cost thousands more on luxury-brand competitors.

This redesign matters for Hyundai. The Palisade has cemented its place as far more than a bargain alternative. It’s a legitimate choice based on comfort, quality and execution, and it stands tall among the best vehicles in its class.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD ($58,780). Options: Carpeted floor mats ($245). Price as tested (including $1,600 destination charge): $60,625

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 116.9 in.
Length: 199.4 in.
Width: 78 in.
Height: 69.5 in.
Power: 2.5-liter four cylinder plus electric motors (total system output 329 hp, 339 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
MPG: 29 city, 30 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 8
Handling: 7
Ride: 9
Comfort: 9
Quality: 8
Overall: 9

WHY BUY IT?

The redesigned Palisade delivers luxury-level comfort, excellent efficiency and standout value in a family-friendly package that makes everyday driving and long trips enjoyable.

Posted in Hyundai

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