Model Tested: 2015 Lexus LX570 5-door SUV Engine: 5.7-liter V-8 gas, 383 horsepower 403 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 12/City—17/Highway—14/Combined Base Price: $82,930 As Tested: $90,720 Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-8 Ample torque Smooth, solid highway ride Confidence inspiring off-road capabilities Traditional body-on-frame construction Off-road crawl control Multi-terrain select capability […]
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 Chrysler 200S
Model Tested: 2015 Chrysler 200S AWD Engine: 3.6-liter V-6 gas, 295 horsepower 262 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—29/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $28,925 As Tested: $35,985 Performance: Excellent V-6 engine Very good acceleration Paddle shifters Smooth highway ride Sporty AWD for twisty roads or bad weather Rear axle disconnects when AWD isn’t […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Ford Transit
Model Tested: 2015 Ford Transit 250 HR (high roof) Engine: 3.2-liter I-5 turbo diesel, 185 horsepower 350 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—25/Highway (estimated; EPA ratings not required) Base Price: $35,285 As Tested: $45,945 Performance: Excellent torque Good acceleration Smooth, quiet diesel engine Surprisingly tight turning radius Good fuel economy (we averaged […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Infinity Q60S
Model Tested: 2015 Infiniti Q60S Coupe LTD Engine: 3.7-liter V-6, 330 horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22 Combined Base Price: $49,650 As Tested: $50,925 Performance: Sport tuned performance suspension Athletic handling, but not harsh Great open road touring car Excellent for covering long distances quickly/comfortably Manual shifting mode with downshift […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Chevrolet Colorado
Model Tested: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Short Box Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 305 horsepower 269 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20 Combined Base Price: $34,115 As Tested: $36,710 Performance: Solid performance; strong, but not a sports car Pleasant highway ride and driving manners Smooth shifting auto transmission Manual shifting capability 2WD, […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Subaru WRX
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 exhaust note, slightly raucous at times Good feeling electric power assisted steering […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Nissan NV200
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 economy Good ride on smooth highways, but not over expansion strips Excellent […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Acura TLX
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: $45,595 (V-6)/$35,920 (I-4) Performance: Strong engines, especially the V-6 Smooth transmissions We […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Hyundai Genesis
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 shifting 8-speed automatic transmission Paddle shifters Gas shock absorbers Independent front and […]