Model Tested: 2017 Kia Soul! Exclaim Turbo with Tech Package Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4, 201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $22,650 As Tested: $27,620 Performance: Strong, turbocharged engine … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Forte EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 164 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $21,200 As Tested: $26,540 Performance: Spritely performance, especially in sport mode Well-sized for city … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Engine: 2.5-liter flat four gas, 170 horsepower 174 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined Base Price: $25,795 As Tested: $28,540 Performance: Excellent bad weather traction Quite nimble off-road … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 147 horsepower 132 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 28/City—37/Highway—352Combined Base Price: $22,350 As Tested: $27,710 Performance: Smooth highway ride Very pleasant on long trips Outstanding fuel economy for a non-hybrid … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Civic Touring Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas, 174 horsepower 162 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 31/City—42/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $26,500 As Tested: $27,335 Performance: Very nice highway ride Electric power steering a little disjointed Outstanding fuel economy (our … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 175 horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24 city, 28 highway, 26 combined Base Price: $31,300 As Tested: $35,070 Performance: Peppy turbocharged engine Confident handling … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda CR-V 5-door AWD Touring Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower, 181 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—31/Highway—27/Combined Base Price: $33,245 As Tested: $34,145 Performance: Highly competent Real Time All-Wheel-Drive Good fuel economy; our best was … read more