Model Tested: 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE four-door sedan Engine: 1.2-liter 3-cylinder, 78 horsepower 74 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 35 mpg city/42 mpg highway/37 mpg combined Base Price: $16,995 As Tested: $17,830 Performance: Impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature All Wheel Drive Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 227 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined Base Price: $44,015 As Tested: $44,915 Performance: Surprisingly strong performance for … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum 4WD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas Ecoboost turbocharged, 365 horsepower 350 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/18 mpg combined Base Price: $52,970 As Tested: $54,760 Performance: Very strong twin turbocharged Ecoboost … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Ford F-150 4×4 Supercrew Lariat Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas Ecoboost turbocharged, 365 horsepower 420 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/18 mpg combined Base Price: $45,730 As Tested: $59,645 Performance: Impressive V-8 performance from … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier Hatchback Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas plus twin electric motors, 149 horsepower (combined) 294 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 42-mpg gas, 106-mpg electric Base Price: $37,570 As Tested: $39,930 Performance: Strong acceleration Smooth, quiet … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Engine: 2.5-liter flat four gas, 170 horsepower 174 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $25,795 As Tested: $28,540 Performance: Excellent bad weather traction Quite nimble off-road … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Crew Cab 4×4 Engine: 6.4-liter V-8 gas, 410 horsepower 429 lb-ft torque EPA fuel economy: not rated; our best was 15.2-mpg highway Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive Base Price: $51,160 As Tested: $58,645 Performance: A mountain goat … read more

Model Tested: 2016 VW Beetle Dune Convertible Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas turbo, 170 horsepower 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined Base Price: $25,995 As Tested: $26,815 Performance: Decent power, but nothing spectacular OK automatic … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Chevy Malibu 2LZ Engine: 2-liter, turbocharged, DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 33/highway, 26/combined Base Price: $30,920 As Tested: $34,285 Overview: The 2016 Chevy Malibu, with its attractive new design and entirely new body structure, was a finalist … read more