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

Model Tested: 2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4 Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 180 horsepower, 175 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/city, 29 highway, 24 combined Base Price: $23,395 As Tested: $28,755 Performance: Smooth engine and automatic transmission Excellent 4×4 controls … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 247 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32 highway, 25 combined Base Price: $29,690 As Tested: $33,215 Performance: Strong power and acceleration Pleasant driving dynamics … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Plug-In Limited Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 193-hp (Hybrid), 2.0-L 202-hp gas & electric (Plug-In) Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: Hybrid Limited: 39/City—43/Highway—41/Combined Hybrid Limited Plug-In: 40 gas—99 electric & gas—27-mile range electric … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda CR-V 5-door AWD Touring Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower, 181 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—31/Highway—27/Combined Base Price: $33,245 As Tested: $34,145 Performance: Highly competent Real Time All-Wheel-Drive Good fuel economy; our best was … read more