Model Tested: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring MT Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 155 horsepower 148 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway Base Price: $30,065 As Tested: $31,325 Performance: Lively engine; revs quickly Smooth 6-speed manual … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, 180 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 30 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined Base Price: $21,300 As Tested: $22,135 Performance: Strong, easy revving turbocharged engine Butter-smooth 6-speed … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring 4-Door Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined Base Price: $24,195 As Tested: $27,930 Performance: Sport mode noticeably improves performance Paddle shifters Heads … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Kia Soul! Exclaim Turbo with Tech Package Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4, 201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $22,650 As Tested: $27,620 Performance: Strong, turbocharged engine … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined Base Price: $42,870 As Tested: $43,770 Performance: Smooth, powerful V-6 engine 5,000 pound towing capacity … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 hybrid engine (50 hp electric), 192 horsepower (combined) 271 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 39 mpg city/46 mpg highway/42 mpg combined Base Price: $30,990 As Tested: $37,235 Performance: Smooth … read more
Model Tested: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium Engine: 2.0-liter I-4+electric, 141 horsepower (188 hp combined) 129 lb-ft torque Transmission: Electronic CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 42 mpg gas only/97 mpg electricity+gasoline Base Price: $34,120 As Tested: $37,690 Performance: Outstanding fuel economy in electric … read more
