Model Tested: 2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 supercharged, 302 horsepower 295 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $39,000 As Tested: $46,525 Performance: Impressive power from a small displacement engine Lots of torque; good acceleration Smooth auto-stop/auto-start fuel economy function Steering wheel vibrates upon lane departure Parking […]
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Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Kia K900
Model Tested: 2015 Kia K900 Engine: 5.0-liter V-8, 420 horsepower 376 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—23/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $59,500 As Tested: $66,400 Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-8 Quick acceleration Muscle car exhaust note, but not raucous Smooth efficient 8-speed automatic transmission Snow mode switch on center console Comfortable luxury car […]
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2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
Model Tested: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT-S Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, 224 horsepower 215 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $28,195 As Tested: $35,145 Performance: Strong V-6 engine is a good match for hefty SUV Impressive fuel economy for its size We met and/or exceeded EPA estimates ECO mode button […]
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2015 Subaru Outback
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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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 […]