Model Tested: 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Engine: 3.6-liter H-6 Boxer design, 256 horsepower 247 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT with 6-speed manual mode, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—27/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $32,995 As Tested: $36,040 Performance: Strong six-cylinder engine Smooth transmission with welcome manual mode … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sorento SX AWD  Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—20/Combined  Base Price: $38,300  As Tested: $39,195  Performance: Powerful engine for a midsize crossover SUV Efficient 6-speed automatic We beat EPA … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic 2-door Si coupe  Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC I-4, 205 horsepower 174 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 22/City—31/Highway—25/Combined  Base Price: $22,990  As Tested: $23,780  Performance: Peppy performance when gears are maximized Excellent 6-speed manual transmission Nimble … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback  Engine: 1.0-liter I-3 Turbo Ecoboost, 123 horsepower 125 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 32/City—45/Highway—37/Combined Base Price: $16,080 As Tested: $18,585  Performance: Surprisingly peppy performance from such a small engine Smooth 5-speed manual … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar aluminum V-6, 305 horsepower 268 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—30/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $29,995 As Tested: $33,275 Performance: V-8 performance from a V-6 Pales compared to V-8 Challengers, but … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Ford Fusion SE four-door sedan  Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, 178 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 25/City—37/Highway—29/Combined  Base Price: $23,935  As Tested: $27,590  Performance: Good torque for small displacement engine Auto start-stop feature can be turned … read more

Model Tested: 2014 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: $32,285  Performance: A go-kart with air conditioning and a retractable hardtop Super … read more