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

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Soul EV Engine: electric motor, 109 horsepower 210 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 1-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 120/City—92/Highway—105/Combined  Base Price: $33,700  As Tested: $34,625  Performance: Good acceleration 0-60 mph approximately 12 seconds Lots of torque 27kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hardtop Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 167 horsepower 140 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $29,450 As Tested: $32,935 Performance: Strong engine Good acceleration Excellent gearbox, short, precise throws Good … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Lexus GX460 Luxury Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined Base Price: $60,715 As Tested: $62,770 Performance: Very solid, confidence-inspiring chassis Smooth, reasonably powerful V-8 Rear air suspension with auto load … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited  Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas with Hybrid Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 40/City—39/Highway—40/Combined  Base Price: $41,400  As Tested: $44,160  Performance: Seamless blend of gas and hybrid power Good off the … read more