Starting with an all-new unibody, Mazda’s engineers set out to combine a relatively roomy interior, sharp driving dynamics and a lightweight overall package. The 2013 Mazda CX-5 will be initially offered with one fuel-efficient engine, a sophisticated 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder making 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Mazda estimates highway fuel economy at 33 mpg, meaning the CX-5 should be at the top of its class for efficiency.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is conventional in concept yet still offers engaging styling and driving dynamics, class-leading fuel efficiency and modern amenities. There are a lot of good choices this year, but we think the CX-5 offers a compelling combination that can’t be found elsewhere at this price. Those who are considering the next-generation Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 will benefit from putting the all-new Mazda CX-5 on their short list.

2013 Mazda CX-5 4dr SUV

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is offered in one body style and in three trim levels: base Sport, midlevel Touring and top-tier Grand Touring.

Standard equipment for the Sport includes 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and a sound system with a CD player, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack. For the Sport, Mazda offers a Bluetooth Audio package that includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an upgraded sound system, HD radio and a color infotainment monitor.

The CX-5 Touring benefits from the above equipment plus foglights, rear privacy glass, upgraded cloth and interior trim, a six-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a blind-spot warning system. An in-dash TomTom navigation system is available as a stand-alone option.

The CX-5 Grand Touring adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, automatic headlamps, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium nine-speaker Bose sound system with satellite radio.

The CX-5 Touring offers a Moonroof/Bose package that includes the sunroof and nine-speaker Bose audio. The Technology package includes automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, the in-dash TomTom navigation system, automatic wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Power for every 2013 Mazda CX-5 comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive models can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels, but must be paired with the six-speed automatic.

Standard safety features for the CX-5 include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, full length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A blind-spot warning system is optional.

The cockpit of the CX-5, regardless of trim level, is attractive, modern and functional. It’s a mature (some might say demure) design, but at least it isn’t swathed in poorly rendered fake wood or highly reflective chrome trim. Soft-touch surfaces are set off with the limited use of satin-finish metallic details, and the black gauges with white lettering are highly legible. The optional navigation system is satisfactory, but many current smartphone navigation/map applications are quicker and more intuitive.

The way the 2013 Mazda CX-5 drives is a dynamic departure from the compact SUV segment’s otherwise typical low standards. The brakes, suspension and steering are uncommonly capable, and in general the CX-5 is downright fun and confidence-inspiriting to drive on a curving road. On the open highway, the CX-5 isn’t the quietest choice available, but it still rides comfortably.

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. It’s something Subaru has successfully been doing a long time with its Outback series. So there shouldn’t be anything radical about the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, which is essentially an Impreza hatchback with additional wheel travel for off-road or broken pavement midtown adventures.

2013 Subaru XV 4dr SUV AWD

Based on the fully redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza hatchback, the XV Crosstrek offers the same 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder found in the Impreza, making 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the XV Crosstrek will offer a choice of a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Subaru says a manual-equipped XV Crosstrek accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds (10.7 for CVT models).

Outside, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek stands almost 4 inches higher than the Impreza hatchback and offers a minimum of 8.7 inches of ground clearance that should prove useful for drivers keen on outdoor recreational use. The VX Crosstrek’s grille and headlights are signature Subaru, with 17-inch alloys and styled fender flares conveying a tough utility stance.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek cabin is slightly roomier than the base Impreza, and there’s plenty of room for 6-foot-tall passengers. With the rear seats lowered, the VX can hold nearly 45 cubic feet of cargo.

In our initial drive, we found the XV Crosstrek competent but a little uninspired. Acceleration is mediocre and handling is secure and sensible; just don’t expect the XV Crosstrek to be a crossover version of the WRX. Even so, the Crosstrek should be a sensible choice, and will be one of but a handful of compact crossover-style vehicles available, such as the Mini Cooper Countryman, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Nissan Juke.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek arrives in the fall.

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz may push the value envelope, but it’s not hard to end up parting with considerable money. Opt for an all-wheel-drive Limited model with a handful of options and you can easily breach $37,000. It’ll be hard to complain about what you’re getting, though, especially when you factor in Hyundai’s class-leading warranties.

Given that there are many good choices in this segment, it’s not a bad idea to shop around a little. Competitors like the Dodge Durango, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia and Mazda CX-9 offer more rear seat room, more useful cargo areas and generally more refined driving experiences. Still, the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz has plenty going for it, though, enough to merit serious consideration on any midsize or large crossover shopper’s list.

2012 Hyundai Veracruz Limited SUV

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is a seven-passenger crossover SUV available in GLS and Limited trim levels. The GLS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, foglights, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, cruise control, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats (on all-wheel-drive models only), a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, rear seat climate controls and vents, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB interface.

The Veracruz Limited includes the content of the Premium package and adds 18-inch wheels, driver memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a four-way power passenger seat, heated second-row seats, a 115-volt household-style power outlet and an eight-speaker Infinity sound system with a six-CD changer.

For the Limited, an Alpine navigation system is optional and includes a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker Infinity surround-sound audio system with Pandora audio streaming and HD radio. Bluetooth is a stand-alone option on both Veracruz trims.

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is available in either front- or all-wheel drive, and is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that makes 260 hp and 257 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the standard transmission.

Each Veracruz trim level comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

Although the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz looks a little plain outside, its handsome interior and solid materials quality disguise a crossover built as a class value leader. The cabin features wood and faux-aluminum trim and accents, with controls laid out in clean, minimalist fashion. Take away the badges and most passengers would probably think they’re riding in an Acura or Volvo.

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is a buttoned-down boulevard and highway cruiser. Supple and quiet on well-paved roads, the Veracruz does lose more composure than its rivals over neglected, weather-beaten blacktop. Around corners, the Veracruz handles predictably, despite the quick steering being noticeably inert. The V6′s power is enough for most daily situations, but the six-speed auto — while a smooth, quiet shifter — sometimes hesitates to drop a gear for passing or while climbing grades. The Veracruz drives well enough, but ultimately leaves no real lasting impression.

It’s the Patriot’s highway personality that has been the obstacle that has kept this Dodge Caliber-based crossover from getting much respect. The combination of a small four-cylinder engine and a CVT makes for great fuel economy but relatively unimpressive performance — an issue that plagues many compact crossovers, not just the Patriot. Last year the Jeep engineers brought more personality to the Patriot with revised suspension and steering hardware, and now the CVT has been recalibrated for 2012. The automaker’s design team has also added some soft-touch materials to its easy-to-clean, industrial-style cabin.

The Patriot’s real challenge, however, lies in the quality of its competition, because this segment of compact crossovers is one of the most competitive in the market. Buyers simply looking for some added peace of mind when road conditions turn ugly will find all-wheel-drive versions of small crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage to be more refined alternatives.

2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude SUV

The 2012 Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV that’s offered in three trim levels: Sport, Latitude and Limited.

The entry-level Sport model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, foglamps, rear privacy glass, roof rack side rails, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks, cruise control, outside temperature display, a tilt-only steering wheel with audio controls, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Options include air-conditioning and the Power Value Group, which adds keyless entry, full power accessories and heated mirrors.

The midrange Latitude trim level adds the Sport’s above optional items. plus 17-inch alloy wheels, remote ignition, heated front seats, a height-adjustable driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a 115-volt AC power outlet and a trip computer.

The top-of-the-line Limited model adds a few extras including a larger four-cylinder engine, four-wheel disc brakes, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a six-way power driver seat and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer (optional on Sport) and satellite radio.

The 2012 Jeep Patriot Sport and Latitude models come standard with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a CVT is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the CVT and 23/29/25 with the manual.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is optional on the front-drive Sport and Latitude, and standard on the Limited and all Patriots equipped with the “Freedom Drive I” all-wheel-drive system. It produces 172 hp and 165 lb-ft, and also features the five-speed manual and CVT (standard on Limited). The optional “Freedom Drive II” is a more traditional four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case that makes it more suitable for off-pavement exploration.

All 2012 Jeep Patriots come standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints and side curtain airbags. Front-seat side-impact airbags are optional on all models.

At first glance the Patriot’s interior looks nice enough, if a little utilitarian. On closer examination, however, the extensive use of easy-to-clean but hard plastics in the off-road style keep the interior from feeling comfortable. Almost every compact crossover is nicer. The front seats are comfortable enough, but rear seat legroom is tight in the outboard seats and virtually nonexistent in the center position.

Large, easy-to-read gauges and user-friendly controls reinforce the Jeep’s off-road heritage. Other positives include clever ideas like the cargo area lamp that pops out to become a rechargeable LED flashlight and the optional Boston Acoustic speakers that flip down from the raised liftgate to provide tunes for your next tailgate party.

Of the 2012 Jeep Patriot‘s two available engines, even the larger 2.4-liter is underwhelming when it comes to highway power, but the availability of a five-speed manual transmission makes this vehicle very capable for off-road adventure.

The Xterra is also easier to live with during the week than its few remaining old-school SUV competitors. That’s because the Xterra, with its traditional four-door design, is decidedly more practical in daily driving than the Toyota FJ Cruiser (big blind spots and goofy rear-opening access doors) and the Jeep Wrangler (noisier, rougher riding and generally less refined).

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that there are a few downsides to all this brawn, including the Xterra’s trucklike ride and handling dynamics, poor fuel economy and no-frills interior. If all you really need is an SUV that can handle light-duty trails, a small or midsize crossover like a Kia Sorento or Subaru Forester will likely suit you much better given their superior comfort, feature content and fuel efficiency. But if you want to keep it rugged, old-school and reasonably practical, the long-running Xterra will certainly satisfy.

2012 Nissan Xterra X SUV

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is a four-door, five-passenger SUV that’s offered in three trim levels. Entry-level X and midrange S models are both available with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive, while the off-road-oriented Pro-4X is four-wheel drive only.

The X comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels; rear privacy glass; roof rack side rails; keyless entry; air-conditioning; cloth upholstery; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; tilt-only steering wheel and a six-speaker CD stereo.

Stepping up to the S gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, off-road tires, a driver seat with adjustable height and lumbar, a first aid kit and a cargo organization system. Four-wheel-drive S models also get a roof rack with crossbars and a gear basket.

2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X SUV

The Pro-4X adds a number of off-road-ready features including an electronic locking rear differential, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, skid plates and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with upgraded off-road tires, plus foglights and roof-mounted off-road driving lights. Inside upgrades include distinctive cloth upholstery, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, white-face gauges, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (with built-in compass), Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six-CD changer, auxiliary audio input jack, steering-wheel audio controls and satellite radio.

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Two-wheel-drive X and S models can only be had with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the four-wheel-drive S and Pro-4X have a choice between the automatic and a six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard (except on the Pro-4X), and a four-wheel-drive system with a multimode low-range transfer case is available as an option.

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Pro-4X models also come with hill-descent control and hill-start assist. In Edmunds brake testing, an Xterra Pro-4X came to a stop from 60 mph in 131 feet — an average result for an off-roading SUV.

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is as no-nonsense on the inside as it is on the outside. The styling is relatively plain and there are lots of low-budget hard plastics to be found, but gauges and controls are easy to see and use. While the same can be said for other off-road-oriented SUVs, it bears mentioning that car-based compact crossovers offer noticeably nicer and more well-equipped cabins.

The powerful V6 under the hood of the 2012 Nissan Xterra produces more than enough oomph for daily driving. The engine’s good low-end power also makes it well-suited to off-road excursions.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman has deep roots and soaring capabilities. Porsche’s midengine architecture can be traced all the way back to the Porsche 550 racecars of the 1950s. Mounting the engine amidships is the ideal location to help balance a sports car’s weight, steering feel and handling response — and ultimately driver confidence. This is one of the reasons many driving enthusiasts actually prefer the midengine Porsche Cayman over the iconic rear-engine Porsche 911 Carrera.

Indeed, the 2012 Porsche Cayman might be too hard-core (and of questionable value) for many drivers. If that’s the case, then the BMW 1 Series M or Chevrolet Corvette Z06 might be better everyday coupes. And if you want a similarly dedicated sports car that offers all-wheel drive, then there’s the Audi TT RS. All are fantastic cars, but if you want to own the purest vision of a Porsche sports car, there is no substitute for the 2012 Porsche Cayman.

2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition Coupe

The 2012 Porsche Cayman is a two-seat coupe available in base, S, S Black Edition and R trim levels.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, summer high-performance tires, cruise control, air-conditioning, six-way adjustable seats (power recline, manual fore/aft and height adjustment), a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Cayman S adds a bigger engine, 18-inch wheels and red-painted brake calipers.

Should you wish to double the base price of the Cayman, Porsche will happily oblige you with a seemingly endless options list. Within popular packages such as Convenience, Infotainment (with or without a Bose audio upgrade), Design and Design Sport, you’ll find items such as adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a navigation system, satellite radio, a seven-speaker sound system, larger wheels and tires, and aerodynamic kits.

Many of the items in these packages can be added separately along with different wheel sizes and designs, a limited-slip rear differential, adaptive suspension dampers, ceramic-composite brakes (S and R only) and rear parking sensors. Inside options include fully powered seats, three different sport seat designs, heated seats, ventilated seats, a sport steering wheel with PDK shift paddles, a heated steering wheel, voice controls, satellite radio, a six-CD changer and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system.

2012 Porsche Cayman R Coupe

The 2012 Porsche Cayman is powered by a 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder (flat-6) that produces 265 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Like every Cayman, it is rear-wheel drive and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission known as PDK. According to Porsche, the Cayman should go from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with the manual, while PDK returns a truly impressive 20/29/24.

The 2012 Porsche Cayman’s interior boasts premium materials and proper sports car seating. The oversized center-mounted tachometer conveys the Cayman’s high-performance DNA, although the analog speedometer’s tiny numbers and huge range make it more decorative than functional (the trip computer’s digital speedo readout is more useful). Some controls are a bit fussy, but the present center control stack is much friendlier than before, especially the touchscreen included with PCM and/or the navigation system.

Thanks to its petite size, modest weight and midengine layout, the 2012 Porsche Cayman handles superbly. It feels glued to the road and light on its feet at the same time. Body roll is virtually nonexistent, and the variable-ratio steering is among the best. The new Cayman R is even more capable thanks to its lowered ride height and retuned suspension. However, the R does ride stiffly, and Porsche doesn’t offer the optional adaptive suspension for it.

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 surprising authority. Inside the cabin, the RDX features a good collection of standard features and intuitive controls for the entertainment and navigation systems. To top it all off, the Acura RDX’s price undercuts its similarly equipped rivals by thousands of dollars.

But when it comes down to it, the RDX isn’t the most appealing model out there. In terms of high-end luxury or safety features, competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60 outclass the RDX. These models also have nicer (and sometimes roomier) interiors and, subjectively, more evocative styling. The RDX is still worth a look, particularly given its lower price, but overall the pioneer has been overtaken by newer rivals.

2012 Acura RDX 4dr SUV Exterior

The 2012 Acura RDX is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover available in a single trim level.

Standard features include 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, a sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), heated front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Technology package adds GPS-linked and solar-sensing automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls, a larger infotainment display screen and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system.

Powering the 2012 Acura RDX is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is standard, but there is a choice between standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Dubbed SH-AWD, it distributes power not only between the front and rear axles as is typical, but also between the left and right wheels, ensuring optimal traction in all conditions.

The 2012 Acura RDX comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX a perfect score of “Good” in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing but a second-worst rating of “Marginal” in roof strength tests.

Compared to the latest crop of luxury crossovers, the 2012 Acura RDX’s interior will likely feel a bit dated. Besides an aging cabin design, there are also more hard plastic surfaces. Outside of this, the other materials are high quality and we’re also fond of the center storage compartment that is deep enough to hold a briefcase or laptop bag. We like the audio quality of the optional ELS sound system, but in certain cases the RDX is behind the times in terms of optional features, lacking items such as Bluetooth audio streaming, keyless ignition/entry and a power liftgate.

The 2012 Acura RDX‘s audible turbo whooshing sound is a pleasant departure from the standard six-cylinder soundtracks in this segment. Turbo lag is minimal and power plentiful enough to make you question its relatively paltry horsepower number.

Built on the same underpinnings as the automaker’s burly Titan pickup, the full-size 2012 Nissan Armada certainly has the goods if it’s towing and hauling you’re looking for. While no longer class-leading, the Armada’s standard 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 still produces strong acceleration. The combination of this burly mill and traditional body-on-frame construction also gives Nissan’s flagship SUV the ability to tow trailers up to a hefty 9,100 pounds when properly equipped.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many other bright spots for this aging SUV. Compared to its full-size rivals, the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia, the Armada typically comes up short in terms of third-row legroom, cargo capacity, ride quality and feature content.

2012 Nissan Armada Platinum SUV

The 2012 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV offered in three trim levels, including the entry-level SV, midrange SL and top-of-the-line Platinum.

Base SV models come well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, side-step rails, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate controls, an eight-way power driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel and power-adjustable pedals. Also standard is an eight-speaker sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. Opting for the Driver package adds foglights, a power liftgate, an auto-dimming mirror, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and an 11-speaker Bose sound system with satellite radio and rear audio controls. SVs with four-wheel drive come standard with this package.

The Armada SL includes the above equipment plus 20-inch alloy wheels, an auto-leveling rear air suspension, a roof rack, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power-folding third-row seat.

The Platinum model gets you 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, front parking sensors, a sunroof, dual power-folding mirrors, heated second-row seats and steering wheel, driver seat memory functions, a navigation system with real-time traffic, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a Bose audio system with digital music storage.

The 2012 Nissan Armada is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 317 hp and 385 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission, but buyers do have a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (with dual-range gearing).

The 2012 Nissan Armada comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat active head restraints, front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Climb inside the passenger cabin of the 2012 Nissan Armada and you’ll find a handsome space done up in generally high-quality materials. Though there are a lot of buttons on the dash (especially in upper trim levels equipped with the navigation system), everything is arranged in an uncomplicated manner that’s relatively intuitive.

The powerful 5.6-liter engine gives this massive truck much better acceleration than you’d expect from a vehicle that weighs nearly 3 tons. The ride quality is generally comfortable, though bad pavement can make the ride seem a little harsh, something that’s not an issue with newer designs like the Toyota Sequoia. The 2012 Nissan Armada‘s steering has a weighty feel to it, but some will find it a little too heavy in slow-speed parking lot maneuvers. At the same time, this is very much a truck, and it lacks the refinement of the larger car-based crossovers.

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 powertrain upgrades and more subtle cosmetic changes. For 2013, Mustang GT models get a bump up to 420 horsepower (from 412 hp in the current model) and the option for an automatic transmission with manual shift control.

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca 2dr Coupe

Outside, the 2013 Ford Mustang features a more prominent grille, body-colored side sills, rear LED taillamps with smoked lenses, xenon headlamps and LED accent lights. The GT also gets standard foglamps, and there’s also a snazzy option for “pony projection lamps,” which beam the Mustang emblem from the side mirrors onto the ground when you press the unlock button on the key fob.

For track-day regulars, a new Track Pack package for manual-transmission GT models includes an engine oil cooler, an upgraded radiator, a 3.73 rear axle ratio, performance brake pads, and the same limited-slip differential found on the Boss 302 model.

Inside, Recaro sport seats are available on both V6 and GT models, while a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster allows drivers to monitor vehicle and engine functions. The Track Apps feature also measures performance parameters like 0-60-mph and quarter-mile times, as well as g-forces and braking. If the Mustang exhaust note isn’t music enough for you, the optional Shaker and Shaker Pro audio systems also receive upgraded components.

The ultrahigh-performance Boss 302 and Boss Laguna Seca editions also see a few changes. The new 302 gets a retro graphics treatment recalling the 1970 model, and a new exterior color in the vibrant School Bus Yellow. The Laguna Seca edition, meanwhile, jettisons the rear seat and offers up a beefier suspension, additional aero mods and two-tone gray and silver wheels.

The 2013 Ford Mustang should go on sale in the spring of 2012. In any of its iterations, the 2013 Ford Mustang should represent the best all-around pony car you can buy.

In some aspects, the Grand Vitara still holds appeal. Standard features include automatic climate control and a navigation system; those are usually optional extras for a small crossover. The Suzuki further distinguishes itself with a decent amount of off-road capability and a generous 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

With this in mind, we think shoppers will likely be happier with one of the many other top-rated compact SUVs. Right in the Suzuki’s price range are the Hyundai Tucson and related Kia Sportage — both are top picks on our list and outclass the Grand Vitara in most respects. The stalwart Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 (both are redesigned this year) are also highly recommended, though they will end up costing a few thousand dollars more than the Suzuki.

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited SUV

The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact crossover SUV that is offered in four trim levels: base, Premium, Ultimate Adventure Edition and Limited. Standard features for the base model include 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, automatic climate control, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a trip computer, an integrated Garmin navigation system (includes voice commands, real-time traffic and a Google search function) and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The midrange Premium trim level includes all of the base model’s features and adds rear privacy glass, heated mirrors (4WD models only) and cruise control. Optional on four-wheel-drive models are 16-inch alloy wheels. The new Ultimate Adventure Edition adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, integrated turn signal mirrors, heated front seats, water-resistant seat upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on base models, while all other versions get a four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but every trim level except base is offered with four-wheel drive. On the Limited, the four-wheel-drive system includes low-range gearing.

Standard safety features on the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara include stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, full-length side curtain airbags and front-seat side airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Grand Vitara its highest rating of “Good” in the frontal-offset test and the second-highest rating of “Acceptable” for side impact and roof strength tests.

The Grand Vitara’s five-passenger interior is attractive, but looks a bit outdated compared to recently refreshed cabins of its competitors. Gauges and controls are well-placed and easy to read, with the exception of the removable navigation system, which requires a bit of a reach. The navigation screen is also quite a bit smaller than built-in units, making it harder to operate and read.

While the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara makes a decent choice for commuting and daily errands, a somewhat unrefined ride quality and firm seats can become tiresome on longer trips. The cabin is relatively quiet except at highway speeds, where road noise becomes an issue. The four-cylinder engine only adds to the din as it noisily struggles to move the Grand Vitara with any level of authority. Handling doesn’t feel nearly as stable as the compact crossovers from Honda and Kia, and the overall ride quality isn’t as carlike.