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

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5T 4D Touring Engine: 1.5-liter, DOHC 16-valve direct injection, turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) EPA Ratings: 31/city, 42/highway, 35/combined Base Price: $26,500 As Tested: $27,335 Overview: The all-new, 10th generation 2016 Honda Civic is the comeback … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Volvo XC90 AWD R-Design Engine: 2-liter, supercharged, turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city, 28/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $49,800 As Tested: $67,155 Overview: The 2016 Volvo XC90 is the first redesign of the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker’s flagship … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbo, 237 horsepower 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 23-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $34,000 As Tested: $34,895 Performance: Regular, Sport, and Eco driving modes Brisk acceleration … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 SEL AWC Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,805 Performance: Athletic all-wheel-drive at a budget price Excellent … read more