Middle Child: 2017 Lexus IS300 F Sport
Updated styling and a middle-of-the-range engine don’t do enough to dispel the feeling that the IS is getting old.
Winter Driving: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet invited us to Winter Driving School at Lime Rock Park to brush up on our low-friction driving skills and learn some helpful tips that can be used out on the street.
Lack Luster: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has not seen a full redesign since 2011. That leaves it at a severe disadvantage when you take into account consider its competition.
Quick Spin: 2018 Kia Niro PHEV
The 2018 Kia Niro PHEV subtly re-calibrates your brain to drive as economically as possible. Regenerative braking, coasting, and four separate driving modes provide all the motivation for you to strive for efficiency.
With the Times: 2017 Honda Civic Si
Consider the 2017 Honda Civic Si the most affordable and most available performance-oriented Civic on the market.
Unsurpassed: 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum
The last Highlander felt very vanilla. Good, but kind of bland. The Highlander Limited Platinum feels like a whole new animal.
Quick Spin: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport
Fans of the hot hatch will be pleased to know that the performance-oriented Elantra Sport model is also available in GT form.
Grand: 2018 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD
This 2018 GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD is massive in every sense of the word. Its dimensions, power output, and capabilities extend beyond what any casual truck driver could possibly need.
Quick Spin: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
There isn’t a more versatile targa than the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. The driving experience continues to be the segment benchmark both in feedback and authenticity.
Mature: 2017 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 has room for four, optional all-wheel-drive, and an EPA estimated 25 city, 31 highway; there isn’t much the CX-5 won’t be able to do.
