Behind The Wheel

Model Tested: 2021 Mercedes E350 4Matic Sedan Engine:2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 250 horsepower 273 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $56,750 As Tested: $64,800 Performance: Strong acceleration Very smooth turbo application Impressive torque for a 2.0-liter I-4 Great long distance driving car Confident, athletic ride Exudes […]

Model Tested: 2020 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door Iconic Trim Engine:135 kW electric motor, 181 horsepower 199 lb-ft torque Transmission: single speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 115-mpge city, 100-mpge highway, 108-mpge combined Base Price: $29,900 As Tested: $37,750 Performance: Very strong acceleration Super smooth, linear power application Regenerative braking Car slows almost without using […]

Model Tested: 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 227-250 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $37,405 As Tested: $38,630 Performance: Welcome turbocharger availability Lots of useful torque Impressive acceleration Smooth power application Sport mode button by shifter OK fuel economy—our best […]

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Tacoma Limited 4×4 Double Cab Nightshade Edition Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 278 horsepower 285 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 22-mpg highway, 20-mpg combined Base Price: $41,980 As Tested: $45,183 Performance: Pleasant, reasonably compliant highway ride Good performance, adequate, but not sporty V-6 a little noisy under hard acceleration […]

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus NX 300h Luxury Engine:2.5-liter I-4, 194 total system horsepower Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 33-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 31-mpg combined Base Price: $46,510 As Tested: $52,855 Performance: Smooth, comfortable highway ride Seamless auto stop/start OK fuel economy—we averaged 30.6-mpg Smooth transmission Dial next to shifter for Eco, Normal, Sport Separate […]

Model Tested: 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 212 horsepower, 232 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 40-mpg city, 35-mpg highway, 38-mpg combined Base Price: $35,950 As Tested: $35,950 Performance: Smooth highway ride, quiet, refined Hybrid more powerful than standard CR-V Minimal electric-only range Adjustable regenerative braking Excellent all-wheel-drive system Console controls […]

Model Tested: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport SUV Engine:2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder, 182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $26,495 As Tested: $29,145 Performance: Strong acceleration, although not WRX strong Displacement now 2.5-L from previous model 2.0-L Horsepower up 30-hp, torque up 31-lb-ft Good fuel […]

Model Tested: 2020 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4×4 Lariat Crew Cab 5’ Box Engine: 2.3-liter Ecoboost I-4, 270 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 10-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $38,675 As Tested: $46,910 Performance: Strong power for a 2.3-liter I-4 Auto stop/start feature a little abrupt Lots of 4×4 mode […]

Model Tested: 2020 Ford F350 SRW 4X4 Crew Cab Platinum Styleside Engine:7.3-liter V-8, 430 horsepower, 475 lb-ft torque Transmission: 10-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: Not required for this truck Base Price: $67,745 As Tested: $74,980 Performance: Pleasant highway ride both loaded and empty No noticeable tire drone Reasonable fuel economy for its size: our best […]