Behind The Wheel

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Soul EV Engine: electric motor, 109 horsepower 210 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 1-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 120/City—92/Highway—105/Combined  Base Price: $33,700  As Tested: $34,625  Performance: Good acceleration 0-60 mph approximately 12 seconds Lots of torque 27kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery Minimal road noise Easy to park Excellent city commuter car Low center […]

Model Tested: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hardtop Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 167 horsepower 140 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $29,450 As Tested: $32,935 Performance: Strong engine Good acceleration Excellent gearbox, short, precise throws Good clutch Passably smooth ride for a sports car Super nimble and responsive […]

Model Tested: 2014 Lexus GX460 Luxury Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined Base Price: $60,715 As Tested: $62,770 Performance: Very solid, confidence-inspiring chassis Smooth, reasonably powerful V-8 Rear air suspension with auto load leveling Adaptive Variable Suspension Driver selected shock absorber settings 6500 pound towing […]

Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited  Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas with Hybrid Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 40/City—39/Highway—40/Combined  Base Price: $41,400  As Tested: $44,160  Performance: Seamless blend of gas and hybrid power Good off the line acceleration Smooth, comfortable freeway ride characteristics EV, ECO, and Sport modes […]

Model Tested: 2015 GMC Yukon 4WD SLT Engine: 5.3-liter V-8 gas, 355 horsepower 383 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—22/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $57,735 As Tested: $64,520  Performance: Muscular, powerful Trailer towing mode Trailer brake controller 7,300 pound GVW rating Locking rear differential Good electric power steering Strong four-wheel disc brakes Respectable […]

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD  Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 325 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20/Combined  Base Price: $42,400 As Tested: $51,675 Performance: Loaded with high tech safety and performance features Pedestrian detection with Auto Brake Collision Warning with Auto Brake Lane departure warning Blind spot warning […]

Model Tested: 2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i  Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 300 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22/Combined  Base Price: $48,000  As Tested: $57,450  Performance: Legendary BMW straight 6 torque and horsepower Pulls like a freight train Paddle shifters Sport, Comfort, and Eco mode buttons on console Solid, confident handling […]

Model Tested: 2015 Chrysler 200C 4-door sedan  Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 184 horsepower 173 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 23/City—36/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $25,995 As Tested: $30,475 Performance: Nine-speed automatic transmission Ample power Smooth highway ride Unique, but fine rotary dial gear selector Electronic parking brake Digital and analog speedometer Blind spot […]

Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE 4-door sedan  Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas plus Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 40/City—38/Highway—40/Combined  Base Price: $27,995  As Tested: $32,133  Performance: Strong acceleration and torque Smooth highway ride Seamless transition between power modes Excellent fuel economy EV and ECO mode control buttons […]