The big question with the growth of EVs is how can automakers make them relatively affordable. With so many new models coming in at or near the six-figure range, anyone who offers an EV that’s affordable in comparison is going to get some attention.

I recently tested one such vehicle, the subcompact luxury EV from Volvo called the EX30, and I’m back with a full report. Starting with a base price around $40K for its single-motor option, which is much lower than most luxury EVs, and close in price to several non-luxury EVs, it holds a unique place in the market.

This model returned for a second year in 2026, but unfortunately will not be back in the U.S. in 2027 (for a variety of reasons, including tariff impacts), so those who want to take one home are facing a short timeline. (It will continue to be sold in other countries)

Depending on who you ask, EVs are either all the rage, or not ready for prime time.

But one thing can be agreed on by everyone: One important factor in EV success will be getting prices under control so more Americans can afford them.

Hyundai is aware of this, and has done their part to increase affordability on their most popular EV — the Ioniq 5 — trimming prices to make up for the loss of the federal EV tax credit. 

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5, and I’m back with a full report on how it holds up against rival EVs from Tesla (Model Y), Ford (Mustang Mach-E), Kia (EV6) and Volkswagen (ID.4). 

As automakers continue to stake their claims in the area between gas-only vehicles and full EVs, plug-in hybrids continue to play a role in filling the needs of drivers who don’t want to completely skip the gas station, but do want to limit how often they need to go there.

One company in the plug-in market is Hyundai, which offers multiple versions of its popular Tucson SUV — gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

I recently tested a 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited model, and I’m back with a full report on how this vehicle competes in its segment vs. rival plug-ins from Toyota, Kia, Mitsubishi, and others.

In the crowded field of compact SUVs, where the list of options is seemingly endless, one brand that continues to deliver strong offerings is Mazda, which offers its longtime best-seller the CX-5, as well as its newer, more rugged CX-50 offering.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2026 Mazda CX-50, and here are 5 things you should know before you decide whether this is a vehicle that belongs in your driveway.

1. Full of safety features 

Safety is a top concern for all car buyers, especially those with families, and Mazda delivers all the major systems that the public has come to expect.

These include LATCH child safety seat anchors for those with small children, automatic emergency braking, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition and more.

A Driver Attention Alert tracks for drivers who are not being attentive to the road and warns that you might need a brake. And of course there’s a full array of air bags included. You can also opt for helpful 360-degree cameras.

Collectively, drivers of the CX-50 can be confident that the vehicle is doing everything it can to keep them safe and prevent accidents.

Sometimes less can be more. Take the case of Volvo, for example.

While the luxury automaker’s overall size as a car brand and total annual sales may be less than BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus and other competitors, it consistently takes home awards (including honors in the recent 2026 Parents Best Family Car Awards), and for many families a Volvo is the only choice they will accept.

After driving the 2026 Volvo XC90, an impressive three-row SUV, I’m not surprised at this level of dedication. Between its strong design and family-friendly features, plus improved tech and Volvo’s traditional safety prowess, the brand has plenty to offer that would inspire such devotion.

Other offerings in this segment (including Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Lexus TX, Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator and Genesis GV80) may be flashier at times, but Volvo ignores that type of hype and focuses on what counts most — making a vehicle that people will love and appreciate.

Read on for a full review of how the XC90 — which got a major design refresh in 2025 and mostly carries over for 2026, holds up against this stiff competition.