Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower 178 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $23,175 As Tested: $27,560 Performance: Pleasant highway ride Nice, comfy commuter car Adequate engine gets the job done … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 3.7-liter V-6 gas, 273 horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—22/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $36.625 As Tested: $39,800 Performance: Very pleasant highway cruiser Good (not great) acceleration Smooth 6-speed automatic … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Acura RDX AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 279 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—28/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $43,420 As Tested: $44,340 Performance: Strong, smooth engine with expected Acura precision 6-speed transmission has paddle shifters Sequential … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Honda Fit 5DR EX-L Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas, 130 horsepower 114 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 32/City—38/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $20,800 As Tested: $21,590 Performance: Peppy performance for small engine CVT transmission worked fine Paddle shifters Eco … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Subaru BRZ Series Blue Engine: 2.0-liter flat four gas, 200 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $27,695 As Tested: $30,285 Performance: Peppy Subaru flat four engine Good 6-speed manual makes best use … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Lexus IS350 AWD Sedan F Sport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 306 horsepower 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, full-time all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19City—26/Highway—21/Combined Base Price: $42,300 As Tested: $50,375 Performance: Strong, smooth V-6 Excellent transmission with paddle shifters Multiple … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Ford F-150 4×4 Supercab Engine: 2.7-liter V-6 gas, 325 horsepower 375 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—23/Highway—20/Combined Base Price: $37,005 As Tested: $43,460 Performance: Surprisingly powerful 2.7 V-6 Ecoboost engine Excellent highway fuel economy; we got … read more