The debate of minivan vs. SUV rages, with many extolling the minivan’s virtues, and others preferring an SUV as their method of family transportation.

Both sides have solid arguments, but if you’re going to opt for a minivan, the 2026 Kia Carnival hybrid, which I recently tested, is one vehicle that should definitely be considered.

It combines the versatility and roomy interior of the standard Carnival with some additional fuel economy to keep you on the road longer between fill-ups. If you’re hauling the kids around the state and beyond on travel sports treks, for example, it’s really a no-brainer to consider this type of vehicle.

Read on for my full take on the 2026 Kia Carnival hybrid, which battles is a somewhat limited category — taking on primarily the hybrid-only Toyota Sienna, and to a lesser extent the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid.

I’m a big fan of automakers being a bit adventurous in their designs, as it happens far too rarely.

One such example is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is a car-truck combo offering, taking a portion of the Hyundai Tucson SUV and adding a compact truck bed behind.

First launched for 2022, it’s still around for the 2026 model year, and I recently got to spend some time behind the wheel of a 2026 Santa Cruz.

Read on for a full report on how it holds up in this relatively small segment, where its only true rival is the Ford Maverick (semi-rivals include the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator).

As vehicle prices continue to skyrocket, and payments reach new highs every year, it’s important to remember that some vehicles are still out there which are more basic and come at a price that won’t cost you a kidney.

One such vehicle is the Hyundai Venue, a subcompact SUV that’s about as affordable as you’ll find today.

I recently tested a 2026 Hyundai Venue SEL model, and I’m back with a full report on what you’ll get from this budget-friendly ride, which competes with other small SUVs such as the Kia Soul, Volkswagen Taos, Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-30.

Some vehicles are hard to define, but the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is about as straightforward as it gets.

Take a 3-row Mazda CX-90, remove the third row, and you essentially have the CX-70. There are other minor differences, but for folks who don’t need a third row and want to focus on cargo space, the CX-70 is the Mazda model aimed at them.

With sharp and upscale design, both inside and out, and the traditionally powerful Mazda driving ability, the CX-70 makes a clear case as one of the best SUVs for sale today, and straddles the line between luxury and nonluxury vehicles.

Read on to learn 5 key things you need to know about the 2026 Mazda CX-70 — and how it compares to a variety of SUV alternatives.

With fuel costs an issue that remains on top of the minds of so many Americans right now, hybrid vehicles are definitely having their moment. Without committing fully to an EV or a Plug-in Hybrid, the standard hybrid option allows drivers the opportunity to stretch their time between fill-ups without spending too much more on their vehicle.

One vehicle that’s relatively new to the hybrid market is the Mazda CX-50 hybrid, which enters its second year with the 2026 model. Only minor changes have been implemented for the 2026 model year, including standard wireless phone charging, updates to the grille design, and improvements to the transmission.

I recently had the chance to test this hybrid offering from Mazda, and I’m back with a full report on how it compares both within the Mazda lineup, and to rival hybrids from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and others.