With its fuel-efficient engine, engaging driving experience and daring styling, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is a good pick for those seeking a sporty yet thrifty crossover SUV. For 2013, the Mazda CX-5 is all new. Starting with an all-new unibody, Mazda’s engineers set out to combine a relatively roomy interior, sharp driving dynamics and a [...]

Subaru expands its Impreza platform with a chiseled urban dirt runner in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Target Launch: Spring 2012. The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is an all-new model. The formula will probably seem familiar. Americans like crossovers, so take one of your core car models, raise its suspension and add some body cladding. [...]

Exceptional value, a nice interior and composed ride quality make the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz a good choice for shoppers seeking a midsize crossover SUV. The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz sports a new front grille and standard second-row heated seats on Limited models. An Alpine-branded navigation system is also now available on the Limited. The 2012 Hyundai [...]

Those wanting a cheap way to travel off the beaten path might want to consider the 2012 Jeep Patriot. But in most other areas, the Patriot is outclassed. The 2012 Jeep Patriot has had its available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) recalibrated for improved performance. It’s the Patriot’s highway personality that has been the obstacle [...]

Even though the 2012 Nissan Xterra doesn’t have the funky styling or legendary brand name of its off-road-ready SUV competitors, it’s equally capable in the dirt and a lot easier to live with in everyday driving. The Xterra is also easier to live with during the week than its few remaining old-school SUV competitors. That’s [...]

Arguably the purest expression of the original Porsche design, the midengine 2012 Porsche Cayman provides thrilling performance and handling that more than make up for its tight cabin and pricey options. For the 2012 Porsche Cayman, a higher-performance Cayman R debuts, boasting slightly more power, lighter weight and a revised suspension. A Cayman S Black [...]

The 2012 Acura RDX provides sharp handling at an attractive price, but other small luxury crossovers will likely prove more desirable overall. The 2012 RDX has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine; six cylinders is the norm for this segment. But although it’s down on power compared to other compact luxury SUVs, the RDX still accelerates with [...]

Though the 2012 Nissan Armada is a capable full-size SUV, it’s outclassed by newer rivals as well as the latest crop of crossover SUVs. The 2012 Nissan Armada is back with just a few changes, including the addition of a power liftgate to the standard equipment list of SL models and the SV’s Driver options [...]

Target Launch: Spring 2012 The 2013 Ford Mustang will receive minor exterior styling updates and some new interior and performance-minded features. For an icon that’s about a year or two away from a full redesign, the Mustang sure still has its pedal to the metal. Ford infuses the 2013 Mustang with some notable refinements, including [...]

Aside from its capability as a light-duty off-road vehicle, the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is outclassed by most other compact SUVs on the market. The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara now has an additional trim level — the Ultimate Adventure Edition — and a new tailgate design eliminates the full-size spare tire from most models. In [...]