Jimmy Dinsmore

The luxury SUV segment is packed with heavy hitters, but Infiniti has done something smart with the 2026 QX80 Sport. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Infiniti took its completely redesigned QX80 and added a new Sport trim that brings a more aggressive look and a healthy dose of premium features. If you liked last year's redesign but wanted something with a little more attitude, this is probably the one you'll want to look at.

If you've been around this industry as long as I have, you know the Chevrolet Traverse has always been about practicality first. But for 2026, especially in the RS trim, Chevy adds a bit of attitude without losing the everyday usability that makes this three-row SUV such a strong seller.

I admit that this week’s tester is not necessarily something I would’ve considered ever buying for myself. I’m likely not the key demographic either. And living in Ohio, we have

For decades, the Toyota Camry has been the sensible choice in the family sedan segment. Reliable? Absolutely. Practical? Without question. Exciting? Well, that wasn't always part of the conversation. Enter the 2026 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Nightshade, a sedan that takes Toyota's perennial bestseller and gives it a dose of attitude. It's proof that being responsible doesn't mean you have to be boring.

Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand, explores the darker side of things with their midsize SUV. And I was able to spend some quality time with the GV80. And for 2026, Genesis makes a few smart tweaks, including a new Prestige Black trim, that sharpen its appeal and give buyers something fresh without reinventing the formula.

If you're old like me, you remember when Eddie Bauer was one of the premier outdoor clothing and supplies stores in the country. I'd go to the Eddie Bauer at the mall and load up on new gear regularly. A mall, by the way kids, was a place where we used to go to hang out with friends and do occasional shopping. It was awesome. But I digress.

I admit that this week's tester is not necessarily something I would've considered ever buying for myself. I'm likely not the key demographic either. And living in Ohio, we have less of a need for “rugged” vehicles than other states as our idea of rugged is surviving potholes.

For 2026, the Tacoma story is not about a wholesale reinvention as much as it is about Toyota keeping the momentum going from the current-generation truck. CONTRIBUTED

There are trucks that show up to the jobsite with mud on the tires and a lunch pail in the passenger seat. Then there are trucks that show up with the same capability but also remembered to make a dinner reservation. That is the vibe of the 2026 Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab. It is still unmistakably a Tacoma, still ready to tow, haul and handle a sloppy gravel road, but this version leans hard into comfort, technology and everyday livability.

Some vehicles shout for attention. The 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra simply clears its throat, straightens its tailored jacket, and lets everyone else do the yelling. In a luxury SUV segment packed with oversized grilles, aggressive styling cues, and horsepower wars, Volvo's flagship three-row SUV remains refreshingly Scandinavian. It's understated, dapper, and confident enough not to care about the latest automotive trends. The Volvo brand has sort of always been that way.