Model Tested: 2018 Kia Rio EX 5DR Engine: 1.6-liter I-4, 130 horsepower, 119 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28-mpg city/37-mpg highway/32-mpg combined Base Price: $18,700 As Tested: $19,725 Performance: Peppy engine Great fuel economy for a non-hybrid Our best was … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Acura TLX 3.5L AWD A-SPEC Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 290 horsepower 267 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/29-mpg highway/23-mpg combined Base Price: $44,800 As Tested: $45,750 Performance: Athletic handling Good highway fuel economy—our best was 32.4 mpg … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue Engine: 1.6-liter I-4 Atkinson-cycle, 104 horsepower 109 lb-ft torque plus electric motor, 43 horsepower 125 lb-ft torque, net system power 139 hp, 195 lb-ft Transmission: 6-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 57-mpg city/59-mpg highway/58-mpg combined … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL w/4Motion Engine: 2-liter TSI direct-injection turbo 4-cylinder Horsepower: 200 Torque: 207 pound-feet Transmission: 4Motion all-wheel drive EPA Ratings: 20/city, 24/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $36,475 As Tested: $37,870 Overview: The Volkswagen Tiguan, which debuted in 2009, delivers … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 240 horsepower 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/23-mpg highway/21-mpg combined Base Price: $34,000 As Tested: $34,895 Performance: Strong engine with good low-end torque Highly capable and nimble … 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 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