Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD  Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 250 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/26-mpg highway/23-mpg combined Base Price: $42,270 As Tested: $43,610 Performance: Powerful, turbocharged I-4 Skyactiv engine Sport mode noticeably … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Buick Encore Sport Touring Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 153 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/33-mpg highway/30-mpg combined Base Price: $25,565 As Tested: $29,720 Performance: Pretty peppy for such small displacement Good fuel economy—our … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 220 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/34-mpg highway/28-mpg combined Base Price: $29,895 As Tested: $30,715 Performance: Outstanding driving fun with 6-speed manual Impressive torque Very … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Ford F350 Super Duty 4×4 Crew Cab King Ranch Engine: 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel V-8, 440 horsepower 925 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: fuel economy ratings not required for 1-ton diesels Base Price: $58,650 As Tested: … read more

Model Tested: 2017 VW Golf Alltrack TSI S 4Motion Engine: 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4, 170 horsepower 199 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined Base Price: $26,950 As Tested: $28,615 Performance: Fun to drive Good … read more

Model Tested: 2017 BMW X4 M40i Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6, 355 horsepower 343 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined Base Price: $58,100 As Tested: $67,495 Performance: Great engine; traditional BMW power and torque … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4×4 Engine: 3.2-liter V-6, 271 horsepower 239 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined Base Price: $27,545 As Tested: 34,475 Performance: Smooth highway ride Outstanding off-road capabilities Very … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Buick LaCrosse Premium AWD Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 305 horsepower 268 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/23 mpg combined Base Price: $43,265 As Tested: 48,970 Performance: Very smooth engine and transmission Good acceleration … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 184 horsepower 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined Base Price: $30,695 As Tested: $34,530 Performance: Responsive, fun to drive Paddle shifters Regular and … read more