Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V6 Horsepower: 284 Torque: 259 pound-feet Transmission: XTRONIC continually variable automatic transmission (CVT) EPA Ratings: 19/city, 26/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $43,560 As Tested: $44,685 Overview: The midsized Nissan Pathfinder crossover SUV was redesigned for … read more

Model Tested: 2017 VW Tiguan 2.0T SEL 4Motion Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged, 200 horsepower 201 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/24-mpg highway/21-mpg combined Base Price: $36,475 As Tested: $37,870 Performance: Peppy four-cylinder engine Good, but not spectacular fuel … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.4 SEL AWC Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city/27-mpg highway/24-mpg combined Base Price: $25,695 As Tested: $26,590 Performance: Strong, smooth engine Good acceleration Strong fuel economy—our … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 187 horsepower 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city/29-mpg highway/26-mpg combined Base Price: $30,695 As Tested: $34,085 Performance: Smooth highway ride Peppy engine, good acceleration Sport mode … 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 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 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