Behind The Wheel

Model tested: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD Limited Engine: 2.5-liter Smartstream turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic Horsepower: 281 Torque: 311 lb.-ft. EPA ratings: 19/city, 27/highway, 22/combined Base price: $39,720 As tested: $41,100 Overview: The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the Korean automaker’s very first pickup. We’ve had three occasions to drive it — at […]

Model tested: 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport Engine: 3.5-liter VTEC V6 Transmission: 9-speed automatic w/paddle shifters Horsepower: 280 Torque: 262 lb.-ft. EPA ratings: 19/city, 24/highway, 21/combined Base price: $42,470 As tested: $44,090 Overview: Honda is best known for dependable, comfortable, primarily on-road vehicles, not for off-roaders. But the Japanese automaker wants to change that thinking and […]

Model Tested: 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature AWD Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $38,650 As Tested: $40,270 Performance: Smooth, well-integrated performance Powerful turbocharged engine Strong acceleration Paddle shifters Good standard safety features Very pleasant […]

 Model Tested: 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4×4 Double Cab Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 22-mpg highway, 20-mpg combined Base Price: $35,655 As Tested: $43,164 Performance: Strong off-road capabilities Pleasant highway ride Good driver assistance features Electronic locking rear differential V-6 engine […]

Model Tested: 2022 Honda Passport AWD TrailSport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $42,470 As Tested: $44,090 Performance: Strong V-6 engine Good acceleration Smooth shifting 9-speed automatic Sport mode makes a nice improvement Hill Start Assist Active noise […]

Model Tested: 2022 Lexus RX 450h F Sport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 and three electric motors, 308 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel drive EPA Rating: 31-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 30-mpg combined Base Price: $53,820 As Tested: $62,450 Performance: Strong acceleration with electric motor assist Smooth transmission Console dial for Eco, Normal, […]

 Model Tested: 2022 Honda Civic Si 4DR HPT Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 200 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 31-mpg combined Base Price: $27,500 As Tested: $28,910 Performance: Updated turbocharged I-4 with broader power and torque Excellent off-the-line acceleration Extra sporty in Sport mode Three driving […]

Model Tested: 2022 BMW 430i Gran Coupe Engine: 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 34-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined Base Price: $45,200 As Tested: $56,300 Performance: Peppy turbocharged engine Crisp automatic transmission Very good acceleration Fun to drive spiritedly Variable sport steering with M Sport option […]

Model Tested: 2021 Mercedes AMG GLB35 4Matic Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 302 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $49,500 As Tested: $60,135 Performance: Strong performance from a turbocharged four-cylinder Feels quicker than engine size might suggest Excellent 8-speed dual-clutch automatic Paddle shifters […]