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Scott Hinderer is an award-winning copy editor. Before joining Cox Automotive in 2022, he built a 15-year career in print and digital journalism. His diverse résumé brings a broad perspective and commitment to accuracy to Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book that enrich the reader experience. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Salisbury University.

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Colin Ryan, Author at Kelley Blue Book

Russ Heaps has produced automotive content for newspapers, magazines, and websites since 1987. Knight-Ridder recognized his contributions in founding and supplying content for the stand-alone auto section in the Boca Raton News with a Knight-Ridder Excellence award nomination in 1990. He began contributing advice and other automotive-related content to Cox Automotive as a contractor in 2010. Cox Automotive brought Russ on board as Senior Editor, Advice for Kelley Blue Book in 2022. Previously, he contributed financial and automotive content for Bankrate.com. He was also managing editor for Auto World and NOPI Street Performance Compact magazines for four years. His work has appeared in the Washington Times, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, and a host of other newspapers on a syndicated basis. 
Russ also has a deep background in travel as the supervising producer for the syndicated television series Discover America where he also wrote scripts and field-produced episodes. Additionally, he authored travel stories for AAA of the Carolinas Magazine.
He graduated Wittenberg University with a degree in Political Science. His passions are friends, cars, bourbon, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Russ Heaps

Midsize SUV Crossover

Midsize SUV Crossover Articles - Kelley Blue Book

2026MAZDA CX-90

2026MAZDA CX-90 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

suv Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$38,500 - $43,499

$38,500 - $43,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$43,500 - $48,499

$43,500 - $48,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$48,500 - $53,499

$48,500 - $53,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$53,500 - $63,499

$53,500 - $63,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

2-Line Blurb

140-Character Blurb

The Mazda CX-90 is on the more upscale and sporty side of practical midsize 3-row SUVs.

Cons

Power, Ride, and Handling

Driving Impressions

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is powered by a 280-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). The gutsier Turbo S models turn up the heat with 340 hp, putting this Mazda in the same wheelhouse as sportier options in this class like the Ford Explorer ST and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/dodge/durango/">Dodge Durango</a> GT.
The base engine makes more sense for most families. It does an admirable job moving the CX-90 along in swift comfort. We’ve noticed some fussiness in the shifting from the 8-speed transmission, but mostly in Sport mode. Normal mode ensures a reasonably smooth and serene ride.
In addition to enhancing its all-season traction, the standard all-wheel drive system in the Mazda CX-90 also improves handling and grip on dry pavement. Mazda’s clever Kinematic Posture Control applies the brakes to an inside rear wheel during cornering, reducing body roll while optimizing stability. It’s a little thing that makes the Mazda feel a bit more planted in the corners than a typical SUV this size.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Mazda CX-90&#8217;s base engine returns 24 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg. The Turbo S models are similarly efficient, returning 23 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg, but premium fuel is recommended, so fuel costs are quite a bit higher. These fuel economy ratings are above average for this class.

Classy Exterior

Exterior

In the same way the interior of the Mazda CX-90 feels like it’s from a more premium car, its exterior design has a way of making it look more expensive than it is. Its long hood and prominent grille imply sportiness, while its clean, restrained lines make it look on the more premium side of its class, which it is.

FAQs

Our Favorite Features and Tech

Favorite Features

Tri-zone automatic climate control 
We always like to see this comfort feature in a family-oriented vehicle. It comes standard in the Mazda CX-90.
i-Activsense 
The standard i-Activsense bundle of driver assistance tech features includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
Smartphone connectivity 
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are must-have features for many people, and they come standard in the Mazda CX-90. All but the base trim get wireless connectivity.
Head-up display 
This feature becomes standard in the third trim (Premium Sport). It projects vital information on the windshield directly ahead of the driver, making it a little easier to keep your eyes on the road.
Inline-6 engines 
Pardon us for a second while we geek out on mechanical stuff, but a 6-cylinder engine with all its pistons in a row is naturally smoother than one in a V configuration. BMW has used this setup for years, and Mercedes-Benz is revisiting it. So this is another luxury aspect of the CX-90.
Heated second-row seats 
These are exclusive to the Premium Plus models, which also have heated/ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. It’s a nice feature for families in colder climates.

Lovely Interior

Interior

<a href="https://www.kbb.com/mazda/">Mazda</a> has been on a roll for several years in delivering the interior design and quality expected in more expensive vehicles. The CX-90 is a prime example of this effort. It looks clean but not too sparse, and everything the driver touches just feels nice.
The centerpiece of this interior is a 10.25-inch infotainment display, which can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch screen. It’s controlled primarily by a knob on the center console. Oddly, it only becomes a touchscreen when Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is in use. The native, knob-operated system has a learning curve but feels natural once you get used to it.
The CX-90 seats between six and eight, depending on the configuration. The 8-passenger setup has a second-row bench seat and three seats in the third row. Seating capacity drops to seven when you opt for second-row captain’s chairs. The upper trims forego the middle seat in the third row and have standard captain’s chairs, so these seat six.
The first and second rows of seats are roomy and comfortable for adults, but the CX-90 is on the small side when it comes to room for cargo and third-row passengers. There are 30.4 inches of third-row legroom, a little more than the Toyota Highlander, but less than the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/traverse/">Chevy Traverse</a>.
The Mazda’s cargo hold isn’t very useful when all the seats are in use; there’s only 14.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. That increases to 40 cubic feet behind the second and 74.2 cubic feet behind the first.

Is the YMM a Good Vehicle?

Is the YMM Reliable?

KBB Editors' Overview

The Mazda CX-90 is the brand’s most family-friendly SUV, with standard 3-row seating for up to eight people. Midsize 3-row SUVs are all about practicality, but that doesn’t mean you must compromise on premium features or an exciting driving experience. The CX-90 boasts one of the more luxurious interiors we’ve seen in a non-luxury SUV, with a rich design and upscale materials throughout. It’s also pretty fun to drive thanks to its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, which makes a healthy 340 horsepower in the Turbo S trims. Additionally, an efficient plug-in hybrid option is available, which we <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-90-phev/">review separately</a>.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-mid-size-suvs/">midsize SUVs</a>, including the Mazda CX-90.

Optional Equipment

Pricing - Dynamic

The 2026 Mazda CX-90&#8217;s base Turbo Select trim starts at $40,330, and the high-performance Turbo S models start at $55,470.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">CX-90 Turbo Select</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$40,330</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">CX-90 Turbo Preferred</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$44,480</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">CX-90 Turbo Premium Sport</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$48,510</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">CX-90 Turbo Premium Plus</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$51,800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">CX-90 Turbo S Premium Sport</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$55,470</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$58,900</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Pricing - Static

The Mazda CX-90&#8217;s Turbo models are priced typically for a midsize 3-row SUV. It’s priced close to the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/honda/pilot/">Honda Pilot</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/palisade/">Hyundai Palisade</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/ford/explorer/">Ford Explorer</a>, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/toyota/highlander/">Toyota Highlander</a>. The Turbo S models are pricier because their performance is atypical for a midsize family SUV.
Before buying a CX-90, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mazda CX-90 resale value is about average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Pros

<ul>
<li>Nice interior</li>
<li>Great safety scores</li>
<li>Exciting Turbo S models</li>
</ul>

Quick New

<ul>
<li>Standard Alexa</li>
<li>Turbo S Premium Sport trim</li>
<li>New paint option</li>
</ul>

Safety

Standard Equipment

Trims

Engine and Transmission

Under the Hood

Every CX-90 has a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-6 engine augmented by a mild-hybrid system that smooths out the fuel-saving engine stop/restart action and can propel the SUV just with electric power for a short distance at low speed.
In the more affordable Turbo models, this engine develops a perfectly adequate 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque with regular gasoline. Mazda also offers the Turbo S setup with 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque — premium gasoline is recommended here.
All-wheel drive (with a sporty-feeling rear bias in normal conditions) is standard, accompanied by an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, achieved by the lower-powered engine. That’s par for the midsize SUV course.
<h3>3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
Mazda’s new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers.
<h3>Safety Ratings</h3>
The CX-90 has taken the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>). It also earned the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

What's new for 2026

Amazon Alexa integration now comes standard on every 2026 Mazda CX-90. Additionally, there&#8217;s a new Turbo S Premium Sport trim, which brings the sporty appearance package from the Turbo Premium Sport trim with the base engine and brings it to the Turbo S lineup. Polymetal Gray Metallic, a premium color on several Mazda products but new to the 2026 CX-90, replaces Sonic Silver Metallic.

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2026 Mazda CX-90 Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book

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Frankie Rogers is a senior editor for Kelley Blue Book and focuses on the production of content. She edits and formats content, creates monthly deals lists, is a media asset curator, and photographs cars for various articles and inclusion in KBB’s image library. Her 16+ years at Kelley Blue Book have included roles as a Blue Book copy editor, press vehicle wrangler, and VIN analyst. In her spare time, she can be found tinkering with her 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, trying out new recipes in her cast iron pans, and spoiling her two cats, Grayson and Thaddeus.

Frankie Rogers

Convertible

Convertible Articles - Kelley Blue Book

Sub Compact Car

Sub Compact Car Articles - Kelley Blue Book

2026MINI Convertible

2026MINI Convertible Archives - Kelley Blue Book

convertible

convertible Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$33,500 - $38,499

$33,500 - $38,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The Mini Convertible brings open-air fun to the charming Mini Cooper formula.

<ul>
<li>High fuel costs</li>
<li>No manual transmission</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Mini Convertible is powered by a turbocharged 161-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). The models with “S” in the name get a performance upgrade to 201 hp, and the John Cooper Works model pumps out 228 hp. The base engine scoots this little car around just fine, but we think the S model is worth the slight price premium to unlock the Mini’s fun potential.
Regardless of the engine, the Mini Convertible handled beautifully in our testing, thanks to its small footprint and wheels stretched out to the corners. These qualities also make it a pleasure to drive on city streets, weaving through traffic and parking just about wherever you want with ease.
Every Mini is a great city car, but the longer wheelbase of the 4 Door model makes it a slightly comfier highway cruiser than this shorter convertible model. Speaking of comfort, we know those 18-inch wheel options are fabulous, but they make the ride quality a little harsher than the 17-inch wheels.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Mini Convertible returns 27 city/37 highway/30 combined mpg.
Subcompact cars are supposed to have low fuel costs. Although the Mini is reasonably fuel-efficient, its premium gas recommendation makes it surprisingly expensive to fuel up for such a small car. Every engine has the same combined fuel economy rating, so you might as well spring for the most exciting powertrain you can afford.

Charming Exterior

While “compact” cars keep getting bigger, Mini has done an excellent job keeping the Mini Cooper appropriately small. Then, of course, there’s the disarming cuteness of the Mini Cooper, with one of the finest executions we’ve seen of a retromodern design. The Mini is also highly customizable; it’s the only car we know that’s available with a Union Jack on the roof.
The adorable and properly small Mini Cooper is a breath of fresh air in an automotive landscape flooded with SUVs.

Lively S model 
The Mini Cooper S delivers the exciting driving character we’ve come to associate with the Mini brand. With lithe handling, 201 hp, and a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 6.7 seconds, the Cooper S is as fun to drive as it is to look at.
Standout style 
The Mini Cooper’s distinctly British aesthetic is instantly recognizable from any angle. It’s a face you’ll never get tired of seeing in your garage.
Drop-top fun 
Two-door subcompact cars and convertibles, in general, are increasingly rare. This fact makes the Mini Convertible somewhat unique in the automotive world. Along with the Ford Mustang, it’s one of the very few convertibles with more than two seats in this price range.
9.4-inch OLED display 
A round 9.4-inch OLED display delivers all the necessary information and handles duties like climate control. You can customize it to suit your mood with different themes, from showy to subtle.
Mini Experience Modes 
Ambient interior lighting is becoming ordinary, but the Mini is anything but. Seven Mini Experience Modes are accompanied by dazzling light and projections, creating a vibe in the Mini’s interior that’s as fun and unique as its exterior.
Iconic trim 
Upgrading to the Iconic trim makes the Mini a more premium car with features like full-speed adaptive cruise control, Active Driving Assistant, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Expressive Interior

Although the recently redesigned Mini Cooper models are not so different sizewise from their predecessors, the company’s decision to keep things clean and simple helps create a sense of space. Materials and build quality remain in that area between mainstream and luxury.
The automatic transmission’s shift functions have also been moved into the center console, leaving space for a wireless phone charging pad. The dashboard’s dominant feature, however, is a circular OLED infotainment touchscreen with a 9.4-inch diameter. This customizable screen is full of different themes that can change according to the drive mode.
The front seats are comfy for average-sized adults, while the back seats are predictably tight with 30.8 inches of legroom. The cargo door opens like a mailbox to reveal a tiny trunk with only 5.2 cubic feet of space. We can hardly complain about the tight interior since the very name of this car promises smallness. Consider the  Hardtop 4 Door or the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/countryman/">Countryman</a> SUV if you want a roomier Mini.

The Mini Cooper was recently redesigned with three distinct body styles: a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/hardtop-2-door/">Hardtop 2 Door</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/hardtop-4-door/">Hardtop 4 Door</a>, and the Convertible here. It is arguably the most fun of the bunch, and the Mini is known for fun. It takes everything we love about the Mini Cooper formula, like unmistakable styling and entertaining driving dynamics, and adds a convertible top for fun in the sun. The Hardtop 2 Door is a little speedier, and the 4 Door is more practical, but there’s nothing quite like a drive with the top down.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/cars/best-subcompact-cars/">subcompact cars</a>, including the Mini Convertible.

It’s a little hard to compare the pricing of the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/">Mini</a> to anything else since subcompact new cars are slowly going extinct in the United States, especially those with convertible tops. Another option in 4-seater convertibles is the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/ford/mustang/?bodystyle=convertible">Ford Mustang</a>, which starts in the low-$40,000 range.
Before buying a Mini, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mini Convertible resale value is below average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Unique styling</li>
<li>Fun to drive</li>
<li>Modern tech</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>John Cooper Works Style package</li>
</ul>

The Mini Convertible is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine available in three different tunings. The base engine produces 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, good for a 7.9-second zero-to-60-mph time. Meanwhile, the Cooper S models pump out 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque for a 6.7-second zero-to-60 sprint. The peak of Mini performance is the JCW model with 228 hp, taking 6.2 seconds to go from zero to 60.
Every Mini Cooper has a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Sorry, no manual. If you like the idea of a Mini with all-wheel drive, consider the Countryman SUV.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The Mini Convertible is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is typical for a luxury car. It also comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
<h3>Safety</h3>
The Mini Cooper’s standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional. Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>) has yet tested the recently redesigned Mini Cooper.

A new addition to the options list for the 2026 Mini Convertible is the John Cooper Works Style package. It brings Dynamic Damper Control and some of the aesthetics of the hotter JCW model to the milder and more affordable S models.

2026 Mini Convertible Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Eric Brandt is a Senior Editor for Cox Automotive, specializing in expert reviews for Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. Eric helps shoppers find the right car for their needs, wants, and budget. Eric started writing for Cox Automotive as a freelancer in 2017 and entered his current role in 2022. In addition to car reviews, Eric’s work on KBB and Autotrader has included lists, comparisons, advice, Oversteer articles and videos, and even motorcycle and ATV content.

Eric Brandt

Hybrid Alternative Energy Car

Hybrid Alternative Energy Car Articles - Kelley Blue Book

Luxury Car

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Luxury High Performance Car

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Luxury Sports Car

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2026Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SL

2026Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SL Archives - Kelley Blue Book

hybrid

hybrid Archives - Kelley Blue Book

luxury

luxury Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$73,500 &amp; up

$73,500 &amp; up Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL is an impressive luxury roadster with a glorious heritage.

Power, Ride and Handling

Drivetrains in the 2026 AMG SL go from great to good gracious. The SL 43 flexes its 416 horsepower to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a perfectly zippy 4.8 seconds. Most SL buyers don’t need to go faster than this. But the ones who do can put the SL 55’s 469 horsepower to the ground and hit 60 mph a second sooner. Or shave off another 0.3 of a second in the 577-horsepower SL 63.
To compare with the SL 43, the “base” Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet has 379 horsepower and is about half a second quicker to 60 mph, while the Mercedes beats the BMW 840i Convertible by a small margin. Anyway, it isn’t all about the numbers with an SL.
Although there is another twist with the AMG SL 63 S E Performance, which harnesses electric power as well as combustion to push the SL to extremes it’s never known before. It develops a truly awesome 805 horsepower and up to 1,047 lb-ft of torque. The 60-mph mark is but a fleeting event that happens just 2.8 seconds (gasp) into its rush to a top speed of 198 mph.
In general, we’ve found the SL does a fantastic job of balancing engaging performance with a luxurious ride quality. We could cruise for hours on the highway with no complaints. Yet the SL is equally in its element on twisting back roads, thanks to the all-wheel steering system (in the V8-powered models) and the well-tuned AMG Ride Control suspension system.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
It’s unlikely that SL buyers will care too much about gas bills. That said, the SL 43 achieves 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Which is fine, we suppose. The BMW 840i Convertible gets 24 mpg combined, about as good as this class gets. The SL 55 and SL 63 both run to 16 mpg combined. The SL 63 S E Performance achieves the equivalent of 29 mpg combined (MPGe) or 18 mpg combined once the battery is depleted. Its battery-only range is negligible.

Athletic Exterior

We’d say the Mercedes-AMG SL is handsome. It looks simultaneously expensive and athletic, with sports-car proportions and stylish wheel options. This current SL forgoes the retractable hardtop of previous SL generations in favor of a powered soft top. We think it looks great with the roof down.
This year, the Manufaktur program adds Ireland Mid-Green Magno (not mango), Cote d’Azur light blue, and Orange Flame Metallic. And then there’s the impressive list of Manufaktur Exclusive finishes.

11.9-inch touchscreen 
The SL’s infotainment system has excellent graphics and user-friendly features, including standard navigation and voice control. We love that the angle of the screen is adjustable to reduce glare.
Airscarf 
Warm-air vents in the front seats make the SL more comfortable to drive with the top down in cooler weather. Factor in all-wheel drive and the SL could be a car for all seasons.
AMG Performance 4Matic+ 
This high-performance all-wheel drive system comes standard in V8-powered SL models. It optimizes torque to all four wheels for a sublime driving experience.
AMG Active Ride Control 
This sophisticated adaptive suspension system can adjust each corner for ultimate stability, even in tight corners at high speeds. We’ve experienced it and found it does everything Mercedes-Benz claims. It’s standard in the SL 63 and optional in the lower trims.
AMG Dynamic Select 
The standard AMG Dynamic Select system includes Comfort, Slippery, Sport and Sport+ modes, plus an Individual setting that drivers can fine-tune to their liking. We’ve found that each one has its own distinct feel.
Driver Assistance Package 
This optional package adds an array of safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, active lane keeping, active emergency stop assistance, and route-based speed adaptation. We think it’s worth choosing.

Classy Interior

We could sit in these front seats all day, they’re so well-shaped and comfortable. Mercedes-Benz invariably impresses us with its superb cabin materials and build quality, and that’s exactly what’s going on here. Everything we touch feels classy. We also appreciate the technology, like the highly customizable digital gauge cluster and the user-friendly infotainment system with gorgeous graphics.
The back seats are an afterthought &#8212; we could hardly fit back there without sliding the front seats all the way forward. Maximum trunk space is 8.5 cubic feet &#8212; more than the Lexus LC 500 Convertible, less than the BMW 8 Series Convertible.
We cover the ultra-luxurious new-for-2026 <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/mercedes-maybach-sl/">Mercedes-Maybach SL</a> in a separate review.

Ah, the SL. One of the most recognizable <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz</a> cars of all time. As the full name suggests, this is the AMG-fettled lineup. If those letters don’t already ring a glorious bell, then you’ve now been notified that AMG variants are the fastest, most driver-focused versions of vehicles wearing that evocative 3-pointed star badge.
Although the SL name has been around since 1954, this current generation is still fresh &#8212; having launched for the 2022 model year. The tech remains impressive while the car also exhibits timeless qualities of classiness and a fantastic driving experience.
We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/cars/highest-horsepower-luxury-cars/">high-horsepower luxury cars</a>, including the Mercedes-AMG SL.

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL has a starting sticker price of $113,800, with the range-topping SL 63 S E Performance kicking off at $209,150.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 43</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$113,800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 55</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$146,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 63</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$189,100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 63 S E Performance</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$209,150</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

We recommend getting a model with the V8 engine for the burble and the rear-wheel steering. Both the SL 55 and SL 63 are popular.
Although the SL has a heritage like no other luxury sports car, it’s not the only choice. The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/lexus/lc/">Lexus LC</a> Convertible is more affordable. The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/bmw/8-series/">BMW 8 Series</a> Convertible comes in even lower (still in six figures, however). The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/porsche/911/">Porsche 911</a> Carrera Cabriolet is priced between the SL 43 and SL 55. The SL also stands up well against much more exotic machines like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/aston-martin/vantage/">Aston Martin Vantage</a> V8 Convertible, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/bentley/continental-gtc/">Bentley Continental GTC</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/maserati/grancabrio/">Maserati GranCabrio</a>.
Before buying a new SL luxury sports car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are not usually a priority with luxury cars like this, yet we expect the SL to be around average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Power and prestige</li>
<li>Plushness and pedigree</li>
<li>Tip-top tech</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Fresh cosmetic choices</li>
<li>Tweaked center console</li>
</ul>

A 4-cylinder engine in an SL might seem uncharacteristically humble. But remember, these are all AMG models and the SL 43 makes 416 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines in production. Gotta love that kind of stuff.
Back to more predictable specifications, the SL 55 has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (handbuilt in the usual AMG fashion) generating 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The same engine in the SL 63 pushes output to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
The SL 63 S E Performance takes that V8 and drops an electric motor into the mix to create an absolutely massive 805 hp and up to 1,047 lb-ft of torque. This makes this the most powerful plug-in hybrid in production — certainly the most powerful SL there’s ever been. The battery is designed for quick energy delivery rather than a long electric-only range, one of the road-going benefits of Mercedes-Benz’s highly successful involvement in Formula 1 racing.
All-wheel drive comes in as standard at the SL 55 level, and every SL has an AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The new-vehicle warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This covers the powertrain as well. Most European luxury car companies have the same terms. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any free scheduled maintenance, which BMW does. And Lexus has a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
<h3>Safety</h3>
High-end cars like the SL aren’t usually crash-tested outside of their manufacturer’s own development programs. The SL comes well stocked with standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, parking assistance, and adaptive front lighting. Optional safety tech in the Driver Assistance Package includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and traffic sign recognition.

What's new for

Where there used to be a palm rest in the center console, there’s now a couple of switches. Of greater importance, though, is the sheer number of new paint choices. The Manufaktur personalization program is where Mercedes-Benz puts its more expensive cosmetic options. Now there’s the Manufaktur Exclusive level with more than 50 hues, as long as $9,900 is acceptable. There’s also a couple of new Manufaktur interior color schemes this year: Tobacco Brown/Black and Classic Red/Black.

2026 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SL Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Electric Vehicle

Electric Vehicle Articles - Kelley Blue Book

EV Articles - Kelley Blue Book

2026Polestar 5

2026Polestar 5 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

electric

electric Archives - Kelley Blue Book

sedan

sedan Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The 2026 Polestar 5 is an all-electric luxury sedan with a sporting edge.

At its entry level, the Polestar 5’s two electric motors (developed in-house) create a massive total of 748 horsepower and 599 lb-ft of torque. That’s the entry level. The Polestar 5 Performance makes 884 hp and 749 lb-ft of torque. The former can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. The latter does the dash in 3.1 seconds. These times are in the same area as rivals with similarly prodigious amounts of power.
The company claims a high torsional rigidity, which helps with safety and can give the suspension engineers a great foundation on which to work their magic. The Performance variant also comes with an adaptive suspension for greater sophistication.
<h3>Range and Charging</h3>
There’s no official maximum range figure yet, but since Polestar calls this EV a grand tourer, it had better be good. The best range of any Polestar at the time of compiling this review is 350 miles, achieved by the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor model. We’re thinking maybe 325 miles for the 5. Not as good as the 400-plus figures of the Lucid Air (480) or the Tesla Model S (402), but slightly better than the Audi S e-tron GT’s 300 miles.
Polestar says the DC charging rate can reach 350 kilowatts (kW) and that the Polestar 5 can go from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes using a fast charger, which puts it about level with most rivals.

Aerodynamic Exterior

As an effective electric vehicle (EV) should be, the Polestar 5 is aerodynamic and relatively light. A drag coefficient of 0.24 may not mean much to the average person in the street, but trust us, it’s good. It’s achieved partly by employing retractable door handles and an integrated rear diffuser.
To keep weight in check, the Polestar 5’s body is made of aluminum panels built on an aluminum frame. One little detail we like is the charging indicator in the rear pillar.
We can’t help but be reminded of Tesla, with a touch of Kia around the tail. The Polestar 5 is the production reality of an earlier Precept design study that debuted in 2020. Things have moved on since then.

Infotainment system 
Like systems across the Polestar portfolio, this one has Google Built-In, which is becoming something of an industry standard. We’ve found it easy to use, and it understands voice commands well. The central display is a 14.5-inch touchscreen set vertically.
Brembo front brakes 
Among the braking fraternity (assuming there is one), Brembo is likely to be the thoroughly respected elder statesman. Wisely, Polestar fits this company’s excellent stoppers to the front end of every 5.
Active Road Noise Cancellation 
The Polestar 5’s luxury credentials are underlined by its quiet cabin, which this standard technology makes all the more serene.
Bowers &amp; Wilkins audio 
The Polestar 5 offers this 21-speaker/1,680-watt system as an option, and we recommend at least giving it a listen, concentrating on the rich bass, clear mids, and crystalline highs. As you’ve probably guessed, we like B&amp;W stuff a lot.
Head-up display 
A 9.5-inch head-up display is available in the Polestar 5. We know this ability to project vital information onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight is not fresh tech, but we miss it when it’s not there.
Recaro front seats 
Like Brembo, Recaro is another highly regarded third-party supplier. This company specializes in making seats for sports cars. The ones in the Polestar 5 result from a collaboration between the two companies.

Sparse Interior

From an interior design standpoint, there seems to be a Tesla-like sparseness to the Polestar 5, that we’ve noticed other manufacturers moving away from recently. That said, there are upsides.
For example, cut-outs in the floor-mounted battery allow plenty of foot space for rear passengers, and the 5 has the largest panoramic glass roof of any Polestar (six feet by four). Recycled materials (including old fishing nets) are used for things like carpeting. In place of the standard fabric, Bridge of Weir leather (no chrome used in the tanning process) is optional. There’s a lockable compartment in the low center console between the front seats. And like the Polestar 4, this model also has a “virtual” rear window with a digital rearview mirror providing visual information on the surroundings.
With reclining rear outboard seats, the Polestar 5 is only really meant to accommodate four occupants, although the rear center armrest can flip up to take a fifth person if necessary. Behind those seats is a luggage area of 12.9 cubic feet, about the same size as the trunk of a Toyota Corolla midsize sedan. Under the hood is an extra 2.2 cubic feet of stowage area.

Polestar considers its new 5 a flagship model. It features all the technology and design elements that distinguish the marque and places a strong emphasis on sustainability in the materials used — from the bare metal frame to the seat fabrics. It’s a 4-door car, described by <a href="https://www.kbb.com/polestar/">Polestar</a> as a grand tourer.

We expect the 2026 Polestar 5 to start at around $100,000.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Polestar 5</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$100,000 (estimate)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Polestar 5 Performance</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$120,000 (estimate)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

The Polestar 5 has some strong competition. Cars like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/porsche/taycan/">Porsche Taycan</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/audi/s-e-tron-gt/">Audi S e-tron GT</a>, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/mercedes-amg-eqs/">Mercedes-AMG EQS</a> are likely to begin at higher prices, while the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/lucid/air/">Lucid Air</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/tesla/model-s/">Tesla Model S</a> will no doubt start below. Before buying a new Polestar 5 all-electric luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know how much you should be paying.

Battery and Efficiency

The battery in the Polestar 5 has an overall capacity of 112 kilowatt-hours (kWh), with a usable capacity of 106 kWh. That’s on the generous side for most electric vehicles at this time. An 800-volt architecture is also employed &#8212; a first for Polestar, although several rivals are already at this level.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
Polestar’s basic warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for the luxury sector. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Four years or 50,000 miles of roadside assistance is also included, along with complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 30,000 miles.
<h3>Safety</h3>
Standard assistance features in the Polestar 5 include 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and one mid-range radar.

The Polestar 5 is completely new, built on a dedicated platform of bonded aluminum.

2026 Polestar 5 Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Michael Strong

2026MINI Hardtop 4 Door

2026MINI Hardtop 4 Door Archives - Kelley Blue Book

hatchback

hatchback Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$23,500 - $28,499

$23,500 - $28,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$28,500 - $33,499

$28,500 - $33,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The Mini Hardtop 4 Door takes the iconic design and fun driving character of the Mini Cooper and adds more space and practicality.

<ul>
<li>High fuel costs for a small car</li>
<li>No manual transmission</li>
<li>Poor resale value</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Mini Hardtop 4 Door is powered by a turbocharged 161-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The models with “S” in the name get a performance upgrade to 201 hp, plus way more torque. The base engine scoots this little car around just fine, but we think the S model is worth the slight price premium to unlock the Mini’s fun potential.
Regardless of the engine, the Mini Hardtop 4 Door handled beautifully in our testing, thanks to its small footprint and wheels stretched out to the corners. These qualities also make it a pleasure to drive on city streets, weaving through traffic and parking just about wherever you want with ease.
Every <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/">Mini</a> is a great city car, but the longer wheelbase of the 4 Door model makes this a slightly comfier highway cruiser than the shorter 2 Door model. Speaking of comfort, we know those 18-inch wheel options are fabulous, but they make the ride quality a little harsher than the 17-inch wheels.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Mini Cooper 4 Door has the same fuel economy ratings as the 2 Door. Regardless of the trim, it returns 28 city/39 highway/32 combined mpg.
Subcompact hatchbacks are supposed to have low fuel costs. Although the Mini is reasonably fuel-efficient, its premium gas recommendation makes it surprisingly expensive to fuel up for such a small car. Since the base model and the sportier S trim have identical fuel economy ratings, you might as well get the excitement of the Cooper S if it fits your budget.

Iconic Exterior

Mini has done an excellent job giving the Mini Cooper a 4-door body while keeping it appropriately small. It’s just big enough to be measurably roomier and more practical than its traditional 2-door counterpart, but it retains subcompact dimensions. Then, of course, there’s the disarming cuteness of the Mini Cooper, with one of the finest executions we’ve seen of a retro/modern design. The Mini is also highly customizable; it’s the only car we know of that’s available with a gradient purple contrast roof.
The adorable and properly small Mini Cooper is a breath of fresh air in an automotive landscape flooded with SUVs.

Lively S model 
The Mini Cooper S delivers the exciting driving character we’ve come to associate with the Mini brand. With lithe handling, 201 hp, and a claimed zero-to-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, the Cooper S is as fun to drive as it is to look at.
Standout style 
Just look at it. The Mini Cooper has a distinctly British aesthetic, instantly recognizable from any angle. That’s a face you’ll never get tired of seeing in your garage.
Extra space 
With an extra 1.5 inches of rear legroom and 47% more cargo room behind the back seats than the Mini 2 Door, this 4 Door model is decidedly more practical without compromising its charm.
Panoramic roof 
The Mini’s characteristically flat roof lets in a lot of natural light with its panoramic sunroof, a standard feature that adds to the premium feel of this hatchback.
9.4-inch OLED display 
A round 9.4-inch OLED display delivers the information you need and handles duties like climate control. You can customize it to suit your mood with different themes, from showy to subtle.
Mini Experience Modes 
Ambient interior lighting is becoming ordinary, but the Mini is anything but. Seven Mini Experience Modes are accompanied by dazzling light and projections, creating a vibe in the Mini’s interior that’s as fun and unique as its exterior.

Practical Interior

Although the recently redesigned Mini Cooper models are not so different sizewise from their predecessors, the company’s decision to keep things clean and simple helps create a sense of space. Materials and build quality remain in that area between mainstream and luxury.
The automatic transmission’s shift functions have also been moved into the center console, leaving space for a wireless phone charging pad. The dashboard’s dominant feature, however, is a circular OLED infotainment touchscreen with a 9.4-inch diameter. This customizable screen is full of different themes that can change according to the drive mode.
The rear seats are usable, with 32.3 inches of legroom. Predictably, that’s more rear legroom than the 2-door Mini but less than the Mini Countryman SUV. Thanks to the boxy shape of the Mini, it has decent cargo space for such a small car. The 4-door Mini has 13.1 cubic feet of space behind the back seats, which is 47% more than the 2-door. Fold down the back seats, and you get a fairly huge 40-cubic-foot cargo hold.

The Mini Cooper is one of the most recognized names and designs in the automotive world. While the 2-door version of the Mini Cooper might be a more true-to-form execution of the classic Mini, we like that there&#8217;s a 4-door option with more room for passengers and cargo while retaining truly mini dimensions. Still fresh from its 2025 redesign, the 2026 Mini Hardtop 4 Door has the fun driving character and inimitable design that Mini is famous for, while bringing modern tech like a round 9.4-inch OLED display and driver assistance features we expect from a premium car. If the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/hardtop-2-door/">2-door Mini</a> is too small and the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/countryman/">Mini Countryman</a> SUV is too big, then the 4-door Mini Cooper is just right.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/cars/best-subcompact-cars/">subcompact cars</a>, including the Mini Hardtop 4 Door.

It’s a little hard to compare the pricing of the Mini Cooper to anything else since subcompact cars are slowly going extinct in the U.S. The smallest, most affordable cars from more mainstream Euro luxury brands, like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/bmw/2-series/">BMW 2 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/audi/a3/">Audi A3</a>, start at right around $40,000.
Before buying a Mini, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mini Hardtop 4 Door resale value is toward the bottom of its segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Fun to drive</li>
<li>4-door practicality</li>
<li>Modern technology</li>
</ul>

The Mini Hardtop 4 Door is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine available in two different tunings. The base engine produces 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, good for a 7.9-second zero-to-60 mph time. Meanwhile, the Cooper S models pump out 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque for a 6.7-second zero-to-60 mph time. Since they have the same fuel economy ratings, the Cooper S is easy to recommend if your budget allows it.
Every Mini Cooper has a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Sorry, no manual. If you like the idea of a Mini with all-wheel drive, consider the Countryman SUV.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The Mini Hardtop 4 Door is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is typical for a luxury car. It also comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
<h3>Safety</h3>
The Mini Cooper’s standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional. This generation of the Mini Cooper has not yet been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>).

A new addition to the options list for the 2026 Mini Hardtop is the John Cooper Works Style package. It brings Dynamic Damper Control and some of the aesthetics of the hotter JCW models to the Mini Cooper S. Unfortunately, there’s still no high-performance JCW variant of the Mini Hardtop 4 Door, but this new appearance package makes it look the part.

2026 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

2026MINI Hardtop 2 Door

2026MINI Hardtop 2 Door Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The Mini Hardtop 2 Door has the latest tech and modern conveniences, but hasn’t lost any of its charm.

<ul>
<li>Surprisingly high fuel costs</li>
<li>No manual transmission</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Mini Hardtop 2 Door is powered by a turbocharged 161-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The models with “S” in the name get a performance upgrade to 201 hp, plus way more torque. The base engine scoots this little car around just fine, but we think the S model is worth the slight price premium to unlock the Mini’s fun potential.
Regardless of the engine, the Mini Hardtop 2 Door handled beautifully in our testing, thanks to its small footprint and wheels stretched out to the corners. These qualities also make it a pleasure to drive on city streets, weaving through traffic and parking just about wherever you want with ease.
Every Mini is a great city car, but the longer wheelbase of the 4 Door model makes it a slightly comfier highway cruiser than this shorter 2 Door model. Speaking of comfort, we know those 18-inch wheel options are fabulous, but they make the ride quality a little harsher than the 17-inch wheels.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The base engine in the Mini Cooper 2 Door returns 28 city/39 highway/32 combined mpg. The S models have the same fuel economy rating. The more aggressive John Cooper Works model gets 27 city/37 highway/30 combined mpg.
Subcompact hatchbacks are supposed to have low fuel costs. Although the Mini is reasonably fuel-efficient, its premium gas recommendation makes it surprisingly expensive to fuel up for such a small car. Since the base model and the sportier S trim have identical fuel economy ratings, you might as well get the excitement of the Cooper S if it fits your budget.

While “compact” cars keep getting bigger, Mini has done an excellent job keeping the Mini Cooper appropriately small. Then, of course, there’s the disarming cuteness of the Mini Cooper, with one of the finest executions we’ve seen of a retromodern design. The Mini is also highly customizable; it’s the only car we know of that’s available with a gradient purple contrast roof.
The adorable and properly small Mini Cooper is a breath of fresh air in an automotive landscape flooded with SUVs.

Lively S model 
The Mini Cooper S delivers the exciting driving character we’ve come to associate with the Mini brand. With lithe handling, 201 hp, and a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 6.3 seconds, the Cooper S is as fun to drive as it is to look at.
Standout style 
Just look at it. The Mini Cooper has a distinctly British aesthetic, instantly recognizable from any angle. That’s a face you’ll never get tired of seeing in your garage.
Panoramic roof 
The Mini’s characteristically flat roof lets in a lot of natural light with its panoramic sunroof, a standard feature that adds to the premium feel of this hatchback.
9.4-inch OLED display 
A round 9.4-inch OLED display delivers the necessary information and handles duties like climate control. You can customize it to suit your mood with different themes, from showy to subtle.
Mini Experience Modes 
Ambient interior lighting is becoming ordinary, but the Mini is anything but. Seven Mini Experience Modes are accompanied by dazzling light and projections, creating a vibe in the Mini’s interior that’s as fun and unique as its exterior.
Iconic trim 
Upgrading to the Iconic trim makes the Mini a more premium car with features like full-speed adaptive cruise control, Active Driving Assistant, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

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2009 Kia Optima