Model Tested: — 2014 Fiat 500L Easy Engine: 1.4 Liter Multi Air® Turbo Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (6-speed Automatic available) EPA Ratings: 25/City/33 Highway — 28/Combined Base Price: $20,195 As Tested: $20.995 Performance: Surprisingly good with smooth acceleration Powerful enough for moderate hills Steering … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Nissan Quest 3.5 LE Engine: 3.5 Liter, DOHC 6-Cylinder Transmission: Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) EPA Ratings: 19/City – 25/Highway – 21/Combined Base Price: $42,640 As Tested: $45,060 Performance: Surprisingly strong acceleration Excellent passing abilities Smooth CVT Comfort: Seating is … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV Engine: 1.6-liter DOHC I-4, 109-horsepower 107 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 31-mpg city/ 40-mpg highway Base Price: $15,990 As Tested: $17,320 Performance: Reasonable acceleration for small displacement engine Smooth transmission Acceptable braking Compact outer … read more

Model Tested: 2014 Buick LaCrosse Premium Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 304-horsepower 264 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18-mpg city/ 28-mpg highway Base Price: $38,810 As Tested: $45,595 Performance: Powerful V-6 engine, good acceleration Smooth automatic transmission Very good highway fuel economy … read more

Model Tested: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse AWD LTZ Engine: 3.6-liter V6, 288-horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16-mpg city/ 23-mpg highway Base Price: $42,575 As Tested: $46,200 Performance: Trailer towing transmission mode 5,200 pound towing capacity 500-mile cruising range StabiliTrak … read more

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 260 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, All Wheel Drive, Locking Center Differential EPA Ratings: 20-mpg city/25-mpg highway Base Price: $28,400 As Tested: $32,400 Performance: Peppy turbocharged engine combined … read more

By Bruce Caldwell Model Tested: 2013 KIA Optima SX Limited Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, 274 hp, 269 lb/ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic, Front Wheel Drive EPA Ratings: 22-mpg city/34-mpg highway Base Price: $26,800 As Tested: $35,470 Performance: Turbocharged 4-cylinder has V6 power True sports … read more