Bruce Caldwell

Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 GT Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined Base Price: $27,395 As Tested: $28,245 Performance: Good acceleration Paddle shifters Drive modes: 2WD, 4WD auto, and 4WD lock Also automatic Eco mode Good size and […]

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Forte EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 164 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $21,200 As Tested: $26,540 Performance: Spritely performance, especially in sport mode Well-sized for city driving/parking Good fuel economy—we averaged 27.5 mpg Drive modes: regular, eco, and […]

Model Tested: 2017 Acura MDX AWD Advance Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 267 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined Base Price: $56,400 As Tested: $57,340 Performance: Strong, smooth engine Good acceleration Excellent long distance comfort Dynamic mode selector: Comfort, Regular, and Sport Very good highway mileage—our […]

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 146 horsepower 146 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway/29 mpg combined Base Price: $26,240 As Tested: $28,810 Performance: Sport and regular operating modes Paddle shifters Excellent hwy fuel economy—our best was 34.3 mpg Agile, sporty handling Handles […]

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 284 horsepower 259 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined Base Price: $43,560 As Tested: $46,160 Performance: Noticeably increased horsepower and torque from 2016 Strong acceleration for merging with traffic Smooth engine and transmission 6,000 pound towing […]

Model Tested: 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring AWD Engine: 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder, 170 horsepower 170 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $31,295 As Tested: $33,765 Performance: Excellent off-road/foul weather prowess Very car-like for such a capable SUV Improved steering response Strong fuel economy; our […]

Model Tested: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0 Ultimate AWD Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 240 horsepower 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/21 mpg highway/24 mpg combined Base Price: $38,250 As Tested: $40,820 Performance: Excellent highway fuel economy Our best was 27.4-mpg highway Good power and acceleration Nimble off-road AWD locking […]

Model Tested: 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE four-door sedan Engine: 1.2-liter 3-cylinder, 78 horsepower 74 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 35 mpg city/42 mpg highway/37 mpg combined Base Price: $16,995 As Tested: $17,830 Performance: Impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid Our best was 43.8-mpg highway Lethargic, low on horsepower 15-inch alloy wheels […]

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature All Wheel Drive Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 227 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined Base Price: $44,015 As Tested: $44,915 Performance: Surprisingly strong performance for turbo four-cylinder Good acceleration on kick-down We averaged 22.5 mpg in mixed […]