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 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 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 Sedan Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—25/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $40,500 As Tested: $52,450 Performance: Lots of high tech safety features Smooth engine and automatic transmission Seamless AWD … read more

 Model Tested: 2015 Subaru WRX  Engine: 2.0-liter flat-4 Boxer, 268 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 17/City—23/Highway  Base Price: $29,695  As Tested: $30,490  Performance: Exhilarating power Very responsive turbocharger Even more exhilarating handling Excellent all-wheel-drive all-weather traction Nimble Great … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD  Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 325 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20/Combined  Base Price: $42,400 As Tested: $51,675 Performance: Loaded with high tech safety and performance features Pedestrian detection with Auto … read more

Model Tested: 2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i  Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 300 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22/Combined  Base Price: $48,000  As Tested: $57,450  Performance: Legendary BMW straight 6 torque and horsepower Pulls like a freight train Paddle … read more