Model Tested: 2015 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder gas, 260 horsepower, 240 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $40,600 As Tested: $43,745 Performance: Smooth, powerful engine Pleasant highway ride Agile off road handling Good fuel economy Tow rating 3500 pounds Hill Assist Start Blind Spot Warning Around […]
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
2015 Lincoln Navigator
Model Tested: 2015 Lincoln Navigator 4×4 Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder gas, 380 horsepower, 460 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined Base Price: $65,955 As Tested: $73,395 Performance: Excellent twin turbo V-6 engine Outstanding torque: 460 lb-ft Smooth performance Very comfortable highway ride Trendy 22-inch wheels Hill descent feature Navigator not likely to […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Acura ILX
Model Tested: 2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus A-Spec Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas, 201 horsepower, 180 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—36/Highway—29/Combined Base Price: $34,890 As Tested: $35,810 Performance: Strong, lively engine Excellent fuel economy We got 40.0 and 37.8 on highway trips Excellent dual-clutch 8-speed automatic Paddle shifters Comfortable highway ride […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Mazda CX-5
Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—30/Highway—26/Combined Base Price: $29,470 As Tested: $33,840 Performance: An excellent mix of pep and frugality We came very close to EPA estimates Great Skyactiv technology Following distance cruise control Lane departure […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Mini Cooper S
Model Tested: 2015 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-door Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas turbocharged, 189 horsepower, 207 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—34/Highway—27/Combined Base Price: $25,100 As Tested: $34,500 Performance: Small car with big driving fun Nimble and quick Shines on twisty backroads Reasonable highway ride Excellent 6-speed and clutch Quick steering […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Volvo V60
Model Tested: 2015 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country Engine: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder gas turbocharged, 250 horsepower, 256 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $41,000 As Tested: $49,350 Performance: Confidence inspiring safety features Blind spot monitoring Lane departure warning Collision warning with full auto brake Pedestrian detection Parking assist Excellent […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 264 horsepower, 269 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—21/Combined Base Price: $33,000 As Tested: $38,350 Performance: Powerful turbocharged engine Locking center differential Confident off road handling Active Eco driving mode Hill descent Traction control Blind spot monitor […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
Model Tested: 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas plus electric motor, 196 horsepower total, 122 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT electronic automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 50/City—45/Highway—47/Combined Base Price: $35,055 As Tested: $35,845 Performance: Outstanding fuel economy We fell a little short at 44 mpg in mixed driving Lithium-Ion battery Lane departure warning […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Kia Sedona
Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sedona Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 gas, 276 horsepower 248 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—22/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $39,700 As Tested: $43,295 Performance: Smooth, refined V-6 Good power Efficient 6-speed automatic transmission Pleasant highway ride Two drive modes: Eco and Comfort Blind spot monitoring Lane departure warning Forward collision […]