Model Tested: 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Engine: 3.6-liter H-6 Boxer design, 256 horsepower 247 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT with 6-speed manual mode, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—27/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $32,995 As Tested: $36,040 Performance: Strong six-cylinder engine Smooth transmission with welcome manual mode Paddle shifters Standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive More car-like ride than traditional SUVs Excellent […]
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Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 KIA SORENTO
Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sorento SX AWD Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—20/Combined Base Price: $38,300 As Tested: $39,195 Performance: Powerful engine for a midsize crossover SUV Efficient 6-speed automatic We beat EPA highway estimates with 25-26 mpg Smooth freeway ride Locking center differential for […]
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2015 Honda Civic Si Coupe
Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic 2-door Si coupe Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC I-4, 205 horsepower 174 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—31/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $22,990 As Tested: $23,780 Performance: Peppy performance when gears are maximized Excellent 6-speed manual transmission Nimble and quick Compliant highway ride Most fun on twisty back roads Great […]
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Sporty, Luxurious, Surprising Off-Road Capability
Aside from being the most capable off-road vehicle in this segment, Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque offers luxury in a very stylish, compact package. The Evoque is a subcompact SUV competing against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. Although it’s smaller than compact SUVs such as the Acura RDX, […]
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Fun Goes Electric
By now, just about every mainstream auto manufacturer has introduced an electric vehicle (EV). The latest in this parade is Korean automaker Kia, which recently debuted an EV version of its charmingly hip, offbeat Soul crossover. Although totally electric cars make up a minuscule percentage of U.S. auto sales, increasingly tough EPA fuel economy standards […]
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2014 Ford Fiesta
Model Tested: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback Engine: 1.0-liter I-3 Turbo Ecoboost, 123 horsepower 125 lb-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 32/City—45/Highway—37/Combined Base Price: $16,080 As Tested: $18,585 Performance: Surprisingly peppy performance from such a small engine Smooth 5-speed manual transmission Nice clutch Hill hold feature Nimble, easy to park Comfort: Almost […]
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2015 Dodge Challenger
Model Tested: 2015 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar aluminum V-6, 305 horsepower 268 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—30/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $29,995 As Tested: $33,275 Performance: V-8 performance from a V-6 Pales compared to V-8 Challengers, but still excellent Slick 8-speed automatic Handsome 20×8 polished alloy wheels Smooth highway […]
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2014 Toyota Tundra Crewmax: Trucking Limo Style
The 2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax pickup is big — American big. I grew up with the concept that Japanese pickups were small, Spartan, mini-trucks that were best for commuting and occasional light-duty hauling. That’s no longer the case as both Toyota and Nissan are strongly entrenched in the full-size American style pickup market. You could […]
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2014 Ford Fusion SE
Model Tested: 2014 Ford Fusion SE four-door sedan Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, 178 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—37/Highway—29/Combined Base Price: $23,935 As Tested: $27,590 Performance: Good torque for small displacement engine Auto start-stop feature can be turned on/off with console switch Pleasant ride characteristics Comfort: Stretch-out front legroom Very […]