The verdict: Despite being billed as an Ultimate Driving Machine, the latest BMW 340i feels dumbed down to widen its appeal to buyers of rival machines. Versus the competition: The BMW 340i is certainly powerful and offers lots of customization abilities, but it no longer has a lock on being...
The verdict: Wild styling draws attention to the 2016 Lexus RX 350, but uninspired handling, lackluster brake feel and a lack of innovative features won't win it many new friends. Versus the competition: Competitors are numerous and varied, with the big choice coming in configuration...
The verdict: If you like sharp, stylish, blisteringly fast and hugely satisfying sports cars, you should already be at a BMW dealership right now. Versus the competition: The M2 is very competitive, with uncompromising abilities, top-notch equipment, classic styling and a good suite of features...
The verdict: The 2016 Buick Cascada is a stylish compact convertible with plenty of power, a smooth transmission and a top that is quick and convenient, but Cascada's real strength may be its excellent value. Its only real foibles: a center console loaded with obscure buttons and displays...
The verdict: The 2016 Audi A8 is still an elegant, refined, thoroughly comfortable luxury flagship — but its onboard technology is overdue for an update. Versus the competition: Competitors have outpaced the A8 for technological advancement, but the Audi’s composure, luxurious...
The verdict: Featuring all the drawbacks and none of the visceral pleasures of more powerful Camaros, the turbocharged four-cylinder RS model is not our preferred version. Versus the competition: The four-cylinder Ford Mustang EcoBoost is more comfortable, upscale and entertaining to drive than...
The verdict: Chevrolet has transformed the Volt from a quirky science experiment into an extremely impressive premium compact sedan, with far more refinement and usable technology than any of its competitors. Versus the competition: Competition is still not entirely an apples-to-apples...
The verdict: The redesigned 2016 Nissan Maxima is a powerful, good-handling sedan that stays true to the nameplate's performance-oriented heritage and features an upscale interior that befits its price. "Maxima" is Nissan's longest continually-in-use nameplate, and the...
The verdict: The 2016 Jaguar XJ is stylish, dynamic and an unexpected value in its class, especially considering Jaguar’s excellent warranty. But the sedan’s tendency for glitches might put that warranty to good use. Versus the competition: The XJ prioritizes performance over...
The verdict: Despite being refreshed this year, the Lexus LX 570 still feels like an old-school SUV, with sluggish road manners that reflect its portliness. Versus the competition: As far as big, three-row luxury SUVs go, the Lexus is mostly competitive, lacking few amenities aside from some of...
The verdict: The 2017 Buick Encore still has unique styling and city-friendly packaging, but a milquetoast driving experience and uncomfortable seats left me feeling bothered. Versus the competition: The Encore is neither nice enough to be considered a luxury SUV nor affordable enough to hang...
The verdict: Toyota has crafted a solid update to the country’s best-selling midsize truck, but a cramped interior and questionable ergonomics keep it from being the best midsize truck. Versus the competition: Though its TRD models have an edge off-road, the updated Tacoma is less...
The verdict: Comfortable, quiet and nimbler than the larger and more expensive LX 570, the Lexus GX 460 is an old-school luxury SUV — with all the pros and cons that come along with that. Versus the competition: The Lexus fits in well with competitors on price and electronic safety...
The verdict: The redesigned 2016 Jaguar XF's incremental changes deliver a more refined, athletic and comfortable car that's also an unlikely bargain. Versus the competition: While its redesign doesn't blow away competitors, this 2016 midsize sedan stands out for its light weight,...
The verdict: Fun on the track yet livable on the street, the 2017 Honda Civic Type R amplifies the things we like about the regular Civic without adding any major drawbacks. Versus the competition: With entertaining performance and useful versatility, the front-wheel-drive Civic Type R holds...