Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD  Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 250 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/26-mpg highway/23-mpg combined Base Price: $42,270 As Tested: $43,610 Performance: Powerful, turbocharged I-4 Skyactiv engine Sport mode noticeably … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda3, four-door Grand Touring Engine: Skyactiv 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 27/city, 36/highway, 30/combined Base Price: $24,195 As Tested: $27,930 Overview: The front-wheel drive Mazda3 offers superb driving dynamics coupled with refreshed styling for 2017. The … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Buick Envision AWD Premium Engine: 2-liter DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: Six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city, 26/highway, 22/combined Base Price: $42,320 As Tested: $43,210 Overview: Owning a Buick in China is a status symbol akin to a Mercedes or Lexus here. … read more

Model Tested: 2017 VW Golf Alltrack TSI with 4Motion (AWD) Engine: 1.8-liter TSI, DOHC turbo, direct injection four-cylinder Transmission: Six-speed DSG automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 30/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $26,950 As Tested: $28,615 Overview: A new entry for 2017, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Buick Encore Sport Touring Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 153 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/33-mpg highway/30-mpg combined Base Price: $25,565 As Tested: $29,720 Performance: Pretty peppy for such small displacement Good fuel economy—our … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 220 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/34-mpg highway/28-mpg combined Base Price: $29,895 As Tested: $30,715 Performance: Outstanding driving fun with 6-speed manual Impressive torque Very … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Ford F350 Super Duty 4×4 Crew Cab King Ranch Engine: 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel V-8, 440 horsepower 925 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Rating: fuel economy ratings not required for 1-ton diesels Base Price: $58,650 As Tested: … read more