Think a three-cylinder can’t pull its weight? We put the 2026 Chevy Trax through nearly 500 miles and found punchy torque, smart gearing, and honest 30-mpg efficiency that make city runs and highway stretches feel easy. Then we climb into the 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige AWD, where the vibe flips from thrifty to luxurious: a serene ride, a clean and modern cabin with a huge infotainment screen, and a 291-hp V6 that tows up to 5,500 pounds without breaking a sweat.
We start with the Trax’s sharp design, intuitive controls, and surprising cargo room, weighing the real trade-off of two-wheel drive against its attractive price. From trims to tech, it’s a small SUV that nails the basics and sprinkles in style, competing credibly with Mazda CX-30 and VW Taos on affordability and ease of use. Then we step into the Telluride’s larger world—three rows of comfort, refined road manners, and the kind of daily livability that wins families fast. The knobs are back where they matter, the ride is limo-like, and the value story holds even as the options stack up.
Between these road tests, we detour into car history with Chevy’s VertiPak experiment—shipping Vegas nose-down to cut rail costs. It’s a wild look at how engineering, logistics, and real-world execution collide, and it frames a timeless buying lesson: value isn’t just about price; it’s about how well a vehicle fits your life. Whether you’re chasing efficiency and a low entry point or space, power, and long-distance comfort, these two SUVs show how clear priorities create better choices.
If you enjoy smart car talk with real-world numbers and honest impressions, follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review so more drivers can find us. Which one would you pick for your driveway?
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