Model Tested: 2015 Ford Transit 250 HR (high roof)  Engine: 3.2-liter I-5 turbo diesel, 185 horsepower 350 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—25/Highway (estimated; EPA ratings not required) Base Price: $35,285 As Tested: $45,945 Performance: Excellent torque Good acceleration Smooth, … read more

When Akio Toyoda became president and CEO of Toyota, one of his very first public pronouncements was, “Toyota will build no more boring cars.” So far, he’s been a man of his word. The 2014 Avalon — the first built under his regime … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Infiniti Q60S Coupe LTD Engine: 3.7-liter V-6, 330 horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22 Combined Base Price: $49,650 As Tested: $50,925 Performance: Sport tuned performance suspension Athletic handling, but not harsh Great open road touring … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Short Box Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 305 horsepower 269 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20 Combined Base Price: $34,115 As Tested: $36,710 Performance: Solid performance; strong, but not a sports car Pleasant highway … read more

 Model Tested: 2015 Subaru WRX  Engine: 2.0-liter flat-4 Boxer, 268 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 17/City—23/Highway  Base Price: $29,695  As Tested: $30,490  Performance: Exhilarating power Very responsive turbocharger Even more exhilarating handling Excellent all-wheel-drive all-weather traction Nimble Great … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Nissan NV200 Cargo Van SV Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 131 horsepower 139 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—26/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $21,710 As Tested: $24,345 Performance: Passable power Strong side winds can be problematic Smooth CVT transmission Impressive fuel … read more

Models Tested: 2015 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD and 2.4L Tech  Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, 290-hp/267 lb-ft torque and 2.4-liter I-4, 206-hp/182 lb-ft  Transmissions: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and 8-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 21/City—31/Highway—25/Combined (V-6) and 24/35/28 (I-4)  Base Prices: $44,700 (V-6)/$35,025 (I-4)  As Tested: … read more

 Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD 3.8 Sedan  Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 18/City—29/Highway—22/Combined  Base Price: $38,000  As Tested: $38,950  Performance: Strong, sports sedan performance Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Powerful dual exhaust note Crisp … read more

Although not much changed between the 2014 and 2015 model years, I still think the family-friendly 2015 Toyota Highlander is among the absolute best vehicles in this market space. It gets impressive mileage for a midsize crossover SUV — a combined 28 city/highway, … read more