Model Tested: 2016 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 TRD Pro Engine: 4.0-liter V-6 gas, 270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft torque Transmission: 5-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/city, 21 highway, 18 combined Base Price: $41,550 As Tested: $42,450 Performance: Powerful engine, ample torque Great hill climbing prowess Extremely capable off-road TRD tuned suspension 17-inch TRD wheels; P265/70R-17 […]
Bruce Caldwell
A lifelong car enthusiast, Bruce Caldwell has an English degree from the University of Washington. In 1975 he joined CAR CRAFT as associate editor. He was a feature editor at HOT ROD and editor of Chevy High Performance, Muscle Car Review, Mustangs and Fords, Chevy Action, Corvette Milestones, Street Rod Quarterly, Mopar Milestones, Mustang Milestones, and Muscle Car Milestones. He has authored several best-selling automotive how-to books and written for numerous national magazines. He has tested over 2,000 new vehicles. He restores collector cars in a well-equipped home shop. Bruce is married with three children.
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Jeep Renegade
Model Tested: 2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4×4 Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 180 horsepower, 175 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/city, 29 highway, 24 combined Base Price: $23,395 As Tested: $28,755 Performance: Smooth engine and automatic transmission Excellent 4×4 controls 4×4 modes: Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud 4WD locking differential Hill Start Assist […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Kia Optima
Model Tested: 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 247 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32 highway, 25 combined Base Price: $29,690 As Tested: $33,215 Performance: Strong power and acceleration Pleasant driving dynamics Compliant highway ride Drive mode choices: regular, eco, and sport We averaged […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Model Tested: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Plug-In Limited Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 193-hp (Hybrid), 2.0-L 202-hp gas & electric (Plug-In) Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: Hybrid Limited: 39/City—43/Highway—41/Combined Hybrid Limited Plug-In: 40 gas—99 electric & gas—27-mile range electric only Base Price: $30,100 (Hybrid Ltd)/$38,600 (Plug-In Ltd) As Tested: $31,050 (Hybrid […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Honda CR-V
Model Tested: 2016 Honda CR-V 5-door AWD Touring Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower, 181 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—31/Highway—27/Combined Base Price: $33,245 As Tested: $34,145 Performance: Highly competent Real Time All-Wheel-Drive Good fuel economy; our best was 27.3 highway Strong power and acceleration Smooth, comfortable highway ride No 4×4 […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 BMW X1
Model Tested: 2016 BMW X1 xDrive 28i Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 228 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—32/Highway—26/Combined Base Price: $34,800 As Tested: $45,370 Performance: Powerful, turbocharged engine Gobs of torque Good acceleration Sport mode makes big performance boost Also has Eco mode Excellent, smooth highway […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Toyota Corolla
Model Tested: 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas, 140 horsepower, 126 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 29/City—37/Highway—32/Combined Base Price: $20,635 As Tested: $22,320 Performance: Pleasant ride Fun to drive if not quite “sporty” Sport Drive mode 17-alloy wheels 4-wheel disc brakes Good fuel economy; we averaged 29.8 mpg […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Nissan Altima
Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Altima SV Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas, 182 horsepower, 180 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 26/City—37/Highway—30/Combined Base Price: $25,460 As Tested: $28,425 Performance: Smooth highway ride Strong acceleration OK CVT transmission Overdrive function We averaged 26.3 mpg in mixed driving OK electric power steering assist Comfort: Leather […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Cadillac CTS
Flash Drive 2016 Cadillac CTS Model Tested: 2016 Cadillac CTS AWD 3.6L Premium Collection Engine: 3.6-liter V-6 gas, 335 horsepower, 285 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—28/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $64,685 As Tested: $66,425 Performance: Very strong, powerful engine even though it’s not the optional 640-hp V-8 Impressive acceleration Smooth paddle shift […]