Model Tested: 2015 Kia Soul EV Engine: electric motor, 109 horsepower 210 lb-ft torque Transmission: 1-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 120/City—92/Highway—105/Combined Base Price: $33,700 As Tested: $34,625 Performance: Good acceleration 0-60 mph approximately 12 seconds Lots of torque 27kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery Minimal road noise Easy to park Excellent city commuter car Low center […]
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 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Model Tested: 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Hardtop Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 167 horsepower 140 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 21/City—28/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $29,450 As Tested: $32,935 Performance: Strong engine Good acceleration Excellent gearbox, short, precise throws Good clutch Passably smooth ride for a sports car Super nimble and responsive […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2014 Lexus GX460
Model Tested: 2014 Lexus GX460 Luxury Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined Base Price: $60,715 As Tested: $62,770 Performance: Very solid, confidence-inspiring chassis Smooth, reasonably powerful V-8 Rear air suspension with auto load leveling Adaptive Variable Suspension Driver selected shock absorber settings 6500 pound towing […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Toyota Avalon
Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas with Hybrid Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 40/City—39/Highway—40/Combined Base Price: $41,400 As Tested: $44,160 Performance: Seamless blend of gas and hybrid power Good off the line acceleration Smooth, comfortable freeway ride characteristics EV, ECO, and Sport modes […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 GMC Yukon
Model Tested: 2015 GMC Yukon 4WD SLT Engine: 5.3-liter V-8 gas, 355 horsepower 383 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—22/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $57,735 As Tested: $64,520 Performance: Muscular, powerful Trailer towing mode Trailer brake controller 7,300 pound GVW rating Locking rear differential Good electric power steering Strong four-wheel disc brakes Respectable […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Volvo XC60
Model Tested: 2015 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 325 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20/Combined Base Price: $42,400 As Tested: $51,675 Performance: Loaded with high tech safety and performance features Pedestrian detection with Auto Brake Collision Warning with Auto Brake Lane departure warning Blind spot warning […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 BMW X4
Model Tested: 2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 300 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $48,000 As Tested: $57,450 Performance: Legendary BMW straight 6 torque and horsepower Pulls like a freight train Paddle shifters Sport, Comfort, and Eco mode buttons on console Solid, confident handling […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Chrysler 200C
Model Tested: 2015 Chrysler 200C 4-door sedan Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 184 horsepower 173 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 23/City—36/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $25,995 As Tested: $30,475 Performance: Nine-speed automatic transmission Ample power Smooth highway ride Unique, but fine rotary dial gear selector Electronic parking brake Digital and analog speedometer Blind spot […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE 4-door sedan Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas plus Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 40/City—38/Highway—40/Combined Base Price: $27,995 As Tested: $32,133 Performance: Strong acceleration and torque Smooth highway ride Seamless transition between power modes Excellent fuel economy EV and ECO mode control buttons […]