Behind The Wheel

Model Tested: 2021 Honda Odyssey Elite Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque Transmission: 10-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $47,820 As Tested: $49,335 Performance: Strong, smooth V-6 engine OK fuel economy—our best was 23.0-mpg Very pleasant highway ride Smooth shifting transmission Large array of standard safety features […]

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD SUV Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 219 combined horsepower, 163 lb-ft torque Transmission: Electronic CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 41-mpg city, 38-mpg highway, 40-mpg combined Base Price: $37,030 As Tested: $42,462 Performance: Peppy performance with electric assist Good fuel economy—our best was 40.2-mpg EV mode Trail mode Dial for Eco, […]

Model Tested: 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Premium AWD Sedan Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 227-250 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $32,450  As Tested: $33,890 Performance: Turbocharger is welcome performance upgrade Sport mode makes noticeable performance improvement Premium fuel boosts horsepower to 250 Good fuel economy—we […]

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus IS 300 RWD Sedan Engine:2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 241 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $39,000 As Tested: $45,975 Performance: Good acceleration, but not as good as the IS 350 Smooth highway ride Adaptive transmission great for spirited driving Transmission […]

Model Tested: 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe Engine:3.5-liter turbocharged I-6, 382 horsepower, 364 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $58,500 As Tested: $70,470 Performance: Excellent all-weather capabilities Strong, powerful engine Mild hybrid system almost eliminates turbo lag Great athletic exhaust note Impressive acceleration Low 12-second […]

Model Tested: 2021 Ford V-150 4×4 Supercrew Platinum Hybrid Engine:3.5-liter twin turbo V-6 plus 35 kW electric motor, 430 horsepower combined 570 lb-ft torque combined Transmission: 10-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $63,535 As Tested: $72,105 Performance: Impressive acceleration with electric motor assist Good fuel economy for a […]

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Engine: 5.0-liter V-8, 471 horsepower 398 lb-ft torque Transmission: 10-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 15-mpg city, 18-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $101,000 As Tested: $113,490 Performance: Precision V-8 Excellent acceleration Great exhaust note, powerful but not raucous Very confident road manners on all surfaces Multiple distinct driving modes […]

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Sequoia 4×4 Nightshade Engine: 5.7-liter V-8, 381 horsepower 401 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 13-mpg city, 17-mpg highway, 14-mpg combined Base Price: $63,345 As Tested: $67,955 Performance: Sturdy, body-on-frame construction Strong engine with ample torque Smooth highway ride Receiver hitch Tow/haul mode Differential lock Drive modes: 2WD, 4 Hi, […]

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus UX 200 F Sport Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 169 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 10-speed CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 32-mpg combined Base Price: $34,900 As Tested: $41,905 Performance: Good off-the-line acceleration, but slower after that Standard blind spot monitoring F Sport suspension stiffer than non-F Sport versions Reasonably […]