Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $43,355 As Tested: $47,152 Performance: Sport-tuned suspension Good acceleration Smooth highway ride Efficient 8-speed automatic transmission Lots of drive mode variability: mud & sand, rocks & […]
Bruce Caldwell
A lifelong car enthusiast, Bruce Caldwell has an English degree from the University of Washington. In 1975 he joined CAR CRAFT as associate editor. He was a feature editor at HOT ROD and editor of Chevy High Performance, Muscle Car Review, Mustangs and Fords, Chevy Action, Corvette Milestones, Street Rod Quarterly, Mopar Milestones, Mustang Milestones, and Muscle Car Milestones. He has authored several best-selling automotive how-to books and written for numerous national magazines. He has tested over 2,000 new vehicles. He restores collector cars in a well-equipped home shop. Bruce is married with three children.
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2021 Toyota Prius XLE Hybrid
Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e Hybrid Engine: 1.8-liter gas/electricI-4, 121 horsepower, 105 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 51-mpg city, 47-mpg highway, 49-mpg combined Base Price: $29,575 As Tested: $31,629 Performance: Incredible fuel economy—our best was 53.5-mpg Smooth, comfortable highway ride Great city commuter car Small outward size great for city […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2021 Lexus UX250h
Model Tested: 2021 Lexus UX250h AWD Engine: 2.0-liter gas/electricI-4, 181 horsepower Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 41-mpg city, 38-mpg highway, 39-mpg combined Base Price: $35,200 As Tested: $41,535 Performance: Impressive fuel economy—our best was 44.4-mpg Pretty good acceleration with electric motor assist Pleasant highway ride Dash mounted dial for Sport, Normal, Eco driving modes […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Flash Drive 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Model Tested: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands First Edition 4×4 Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 250 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $38,160 As Tested: $40,050 Performance: Good power from 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbocharged engine Paddle shifters for 8-speed […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Model Tested: 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer-4, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $36,995 As Tested: $38,120 Performance: Smooth engine with good power/acceleration Pleasant highway ride Increased ground clearance, now 9.5-inches Increased approach angles, now 20.0-degrees Increased departure angles, […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2022 Mini Cooper S Hardtop
Model Tested: 2022 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 2 Door Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 189 horsepower, 207 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28-mpg city, 38-mpg highway, 31-mpg combined Base Price: $26,900 As Tested: $36,250 Performance: Peppy, turbocharged engine Very nimble, fun to drive A blast on twisty country roads Good fuel economy—our best […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2021 Mazda3 Hatchback AWD
Model Tested: 2021 Mazda3 AWD Hatchback Premium Plus Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 227/250 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $33,750 As Tested: $36,490 Performance: Excellent performance, impressive acceleration 227 horsepower on regular, 250 hp on premium Smooth turbo boost Paddle shifters Confident handling […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2021 Toyota 4Runner
Model Tested: 2021 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 Trail Premium Engine: 4.0-liter V-6, 270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed automatic, part-time four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 16-mpg city, 19-mpg highway, 17-mpg combined Base Price: $40,190 As Tested: $43,871 Performance: Very proficient off-road Lots of drive mode options: 2H, 4H, 4L, and Hill descent Locking differential Pretty good highway […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport
Model Tested: 2021 Honda Ridgeline AWD Sport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $36,490 As Tested: $40,860 Performance: All-wheel-drive is now standard Smooth automatic transmission Good fuel economy for a truck—our best was 24.2-mpg Acceptable acceleration, but not especially […]