Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature All Wheel Drive Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 227 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined Base Price: $44,015 As Tested: $44,915 Performance: Surprisingly strong performance for … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Lexis NX 200t F Sport Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 235 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22/City—27/Highway—24/Combined Base Price: $38,365 As Tested: $44,605 Performance: Enjoyable to drive Sport tuned suspension Sharp 18-inch F Sport alloy … read more

 Model Tested: 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD Engine: 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 gas, 335 horsepower 380 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $47,650 As Tested: $61,760 Performance: Surprising horsepower from small displacement V-6 (2.7L) Great torque Very car-like handling for … 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 Kia Optima SX Turbo Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 247 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/city, 32 highway, 25 combined Base Price: $29,690 As Tested: $33,215 Performance: Strong power and acceleration Pleasant driving dynamics … read more