Model Tested: 2015 Kia K900  Engine: 5.0-liter V-8, 420 horsepower 376 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—23/Highway—18/Combined  Base Price: $59,500  As Tested: $66,400  Performance: Very smooth, powerful V-8 Quick acceleration Muscle car exhaust note, but not raucous Smooth efficient … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT-S  Engine: 3.0-liter V-6, 224 horsepower 215 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined  Base Price: $28,195  As Tested: $35,145  Performance: Strong V-6 engine is a good match for hefty SUV Impressive fuel economy … read more

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

After four highly successful generations, the venerable Nissan Altima entered its fifth generation as a totally new vehicle in 2013 for the 2014 model year. Boasting a combination of innovative mechanical improvements, painstakingly tuned ride and handling, coupled with advanced cockpit connectivity and … read more