Model Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI SE Engine:1.8-liter turbo I-4, 170-horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined Base Price: $27,320 As Tested: $28,215 Performance: Impressive fuel economy—our best was 36.2-mpg Good power Paddle … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium Engine:1.6-liter I-4 gas engine + 60 hp electric motor, 139-horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 105-mpg electric + gasoline, 46-mpg gasoline only Base Price: $34,500 As Tested: $35,575 … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 144-horsepower, 139 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $24,350 As Tested: $26,375 Performance: OK acceleration from modest 144 horsepower Impressive fuel economy—our best was … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Toyota Camry 4-Door XSE V6 Sedan Engine:3.5-liter V-6, 301 horsepower, 267 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $34,950 As Tested: $38,230 Performance: Excellent V-6 engine Smooth and powerful Notably … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Honda Fit 5DR Sport Engine:1.5-liter I-4, 130 horsepower, 114 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 36-mpg highway, 31-mpg combined Base Price: $17,500 As Tested: $18,390 Performance: Nimble on twisty roads if driven aggressively Impressive fuel … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Toyota Avalon 4-Door Touring Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 268 horsepower, 248 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $37,900 As Tested: $39,939 Performance: Great highway cruiser Quiet riding experience Strong V-6 Paddle … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26-mpg city/35-mpg highway/26-mpg combined Base Price: $23,895 As Tested: $28,720 Performance: Peppy engine, strong acceleration Fun, nimble, sporty with 6-speed manual … read more