Model Tested: 2018 Lexus NX 300 5-DR SUV Engine:2.0-liter turbo I-4, 235-horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatictransmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $35,985 As Tested: $48,102 Performance: Responsive engine, linear power output Mode dial: Eco, Normal, … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium Engine:1.6-liter I-4 gas engine + 60 hp electric motor, 139-horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 105-mpg electric + gasoline, 46-mpg gasoline only Base Price: $34,500 As Tested: $35,575 … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 144-horsepower, 139 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $24,350 As Tested: $26,375 Performance: OK acceleration from modest 144 horsepower Impressive fuel economy—our best was … read more

Model Tested: 2018 VW Golf R Engine:2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 292 horsepower, 280 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 29-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $40,885 As Tested: $41,735 Performance: Great turbocharged engine Good acceleration in Normal mode … read more

Model Tested: 2019 Subaru Ascent Premium Engine:2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $34,195 As Tested: $36,630 Performance: Legendary Subaru all weather performance Strong fuel economy for … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking Engine:1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 160 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 25-mpg combine Base Price: $23,325 As Tested: $25,710 Performance: Noticeable turbo lag Leisurely acceleration A lot of weight … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Subaru BRZ tS Engine:2.0-liter flat-4, 205 horsepower, 156 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $33,495 As Tested: $34,855 Performance: Easy revving engine, but could use more hp Horsepower peaks … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Honda Clarity plug-in Hybrid Engine: 1,498cc, 103 horsepower, Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder, plus 181-horsepower electric motor Transmission: Electric continuously variable transmission EPA Ratings: 110 combined city/highway — electric; 42 combined city/highway — gas Base Price: $36,600 As Tested: $37,490 Overview: The original … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Engine: 1.6-liter, 104-horsepower, gas direct injection Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder, coupled with a 45-horsepower (44.5 KW) electric motor Transmission: 6-speed eco-shift dual-clutch automatic EPA Ratings: 119 combined city/highway — electric; 52 combined city/highway — gas Base Price: $24,950 As Tested: … read more