Model Tested: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 175 horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24 city, 28 highway, 26 combined Base Price: $31,300 As Tested: $35,070 Performance: Peppy turbocharged engine Confident handling … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Accord Sport Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 189 horsepower, 182 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 26 city, 35 highway, 30 combined Base Price: $25,965 As Tested: $26,785 Performance: Smooth, quiet engine Very pleasant city and highway … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 200 horsepower, 207 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 28 city, 26 highway, 23 combined Base Price: $33,365 As Tested: $35,050 Performance: Pleasant highway ride Ample torque Great … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Scion iM 5-Door Hatchback Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas, 137 horsepower, 126 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 28/city, 37 highway, 32 combined Base Price: $19,200 As Tested: $20,334 Performance: Smooth, competent engine Nicely matched CVT transmission … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Maxima SR Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 300 horsepower, 261 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/city, 30 highway, 25 combined Base Price: $37,670 As Tested: $38,750 Performance: First class engine Good acceleration especially in Sport mode … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 TRD Pro Engine: 4.0-liter V-6 gas, 270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/city, 21 highway, 18 combined Base Price: $41,550 As Tested: $42,450 Performance: Powerful engine, ample torque Great hill … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Engine: 5.2-liter, TI-VCT 8-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 15/city, 25/highway, 19/combined Base Price: $36,395 As Tested: $42,275 Overview: After a major remake last year, 2016 is the second year of the sixth-generation Ford Mustang. Upgrades … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Altima SV Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: Xtronic CVT EPA Ratings: 27/city, 39/highway, 31/combined Base Price: $25,460 As Tested: $28,425 Overview: The number of “midcycle” refreshes in the midsize sedan segment is an indicator how competitive this segment is. … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo Engine: 2-liter direct injection, 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 21/city, 26/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $32,500 As Tested: $34,000 Overview: The compact SUV segment now leads the U.S. automotive market, so automakers have to … read more