Model Tested: 2015 Acura RDX AWD Tech Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 273 horsepower 251 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $39,995 As Tested: $40,890 Performance: Excellent, smooth Acura V-6 engine Equally smooth automatic transmission with paddle shifters Lively acceleration … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer GT sedan Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 23/City—30/Highway—26/Combined  Base Price: $21,595  As Tested: $27,555  Performance: Good horsepower and torque, but far below Lancer Evolution Enjoyable on twisty roads … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Honda C-RV AWD Touring  Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 185 horsepower 181 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 26/City—33/Highway—28/Combined  Base Price: $32,770  As Tested: $33,600 Performance: Smooth i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with Earth Dreams Direct Injection Efficient CVT transmission Real … read more

  Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan  Engine: 1.8-liter I-4, 143 horsepower 129 lb-ft torque  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 30/City—39/Highway—33/Combined Base Price: $24,340 As Tested: $25,130  Performance: Smooth 4-cylinder engine with good mix of power and economy Very nice … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 supercharged, 302 horsepower 295 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $39,000 As Tested: $46,525 Performance: Impressive power from a small displacement engine Lots of torque; good acceleration … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Kia K900  Engine: 5.0-liter V-8, 420 horsepower 376 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—23/Highway—18/Combined  Base Price: $59,500  As Tested: $66,400  Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-8 Quick acceleration Muscle car exhaust note, but not raucous Smooth efficient … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT-S  Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, 224 horsepower 215 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined  Base Price: $28,195  As Tested: $35,145  Performance: Strong V-6 engine is a good match for hefty SUV Impressive fuel economy … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Engine: 3.6-liter H-6 Boxer design, 256 horsepower 247 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT with 6-speed manual mode, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—27/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $32,995 As Tested: $36,040 Performance: Strong six-cylinder engine Smooth transmission with welcome manual mode … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sorento SX AWD  Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—20/Combined  Base Price: $38,300  As Tested: $39,195  Performance: Powerful engine for a midsize crossover SUV Efficient 6-speed automatic We beat EPA … read more