Model Tested: 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 hybrid engine (50 hp electric), 192 horsepower (combined) 271 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 39 mpg city/46 mpg highway/42 mpg combined Base Price: $30,990 As Tested: $37,235 Performance: Smooth … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium Engine: 2.0-liter I-4+electric, 141 horsepower (188 hp combined) 129 lb-ft torque Transmission: Electronic CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 42 mpg gas only/97 mpg electricity+gasoline Base Price: $34,120 As Tested: $37,690 Performance: Outstanding fuel economy in electric … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab Engine: 4.0-liter V-6, 261 horsepower 281 lb-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway/17 mpg combined Base Price: $33,390 As Tested: $37,040 Performance: Strong, smooth V-6 engine Very good torque … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Subaru WRX STI Engine: 2.5-liter flat-4 turbocharged, 305 horsepower 290 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19 mpg combined Base Price: $38,995 As Tested: $39,790 Performance: An all-wheel-drive rocket Crazy acceleration and handling Super … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined Base Price: $27,395 As Tested: $28,245 Performance: Good acceleration Paddle shifters Drive modes: 2WD, … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Forte EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 164 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $21,200 As Tested: $26,540 Performance: Spritely performance, especially in sport mode Well-sized for city … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Acura MDX AWD Advance Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 267 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined Base Price: $56,400 As Tested: $57,340 Performance: Strong, smooth engine Good acceleration Excellent long distance … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 146 horsepower 146 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined Base Price: $26,240 As Tested: $28,810 Performance: Sport and regular operating modes Paddle shifters … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 284 horsepower 259 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined Base Price: $43,560 As Tested: $46,160 Performance: Noticeably increased horsepower and torque from 2016 Strong … read more