Atlanta Auto Examiner's Top 10 Tested Vehicles of 2017

Here is our annual list of vehicles we really enjoyed and that earned our praises based on value, driving dynamics, versatility, fuel efficiency and other measures.

10. Ford F-250

9. Kia Sportage

8. Kia Cadenza

7. Ford Edge

6. Ford Expedition

5. Mazda MX-5 Miata

4. Toyota 4Runner

3. Lexus ES 350

2. Mazda3

1. Mazda CX-9

First Look: 2018 Honda Odyssey

Honda has given its hugely popular Odyssey minivan a makeover for the 2018 model year, with the result being altered styling on the interior and exterior and a number of new technological advances for passenger convenience. 
Exterior changes to the Odyssey are subtle, with a more sculpted look on the sides and a front end that is more squared off, to align it more closely with the Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pickup truck. A roofline appearance that seems to be lower also makes it look a bit sportier.  
On the inside, one of the biggest innovations is the Magic Slide second-row seat, which lets you remove the center part of the seat and slide the outer parts of the seat for more versatility. The outer seats can come together or remain separated with varying amounts of space in between. One of the advantages of that is allowing easier ingress and egress to the third row of seating. Another is to separate pain-in-the-behind fussing kids. The third row seat can fold into the floor for extra cargo space. 
The new display audio system is among the technological improvements, making it easier to customize and identify icons for features you need to use.  
There are also new CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems. CabinWatch lets passengers up front see passengers in the middle or rear seating on an optional 8-inch screen on the dashboard. CabinTalk lets the driver speak to middle and rear passengers with a microphone and the van's speakers. 
A new smartphone app, CabinControl, lets you access some systems such as climate control, the rear entertainment system and the navigation system. You can also upload songs to a playlist.
The rear entertainment system can link up to the internet with built-in 4G LTE, public Wi-Fi or using your mobile phone's data plan. 
The Odyssey has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission or a new optional 10-speed automatic. 
Fuel economy has improved to 19 mpg city, 28 highway. 
The Odyssey is priced starting at around $31,000 and topping out just short of $50,000. 
For a reliable and surprisingly stylish family vehicle with lots of cool technology, it's hard to beat the Odyssey. 

2017 Ford Expedition: Capable People Hauler

With seating for up to eight people, the 2017 Ford Expedition is a quite capable family hauler that provides comfort and convenience. 
This full-size SUV with three rows of seating is powered by a standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that makes 365 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. 
Fuel economy for the Expedition is an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 20 highway, which isn't bad given the size of this vehicle. The EcoBoost technology that Ford uses is to be credited for keeping the fuel economy numbers respectable.
The Expedition comes in four trim levels: XLT, Limited, King Ranch and Platinum.
This SUV features a long list of standard items such as satellite radio, backup camera, tire pressure monitor system and trailer hitch receiver.
Options include four-wheel drive, leather upholstery and blind spot monitoring system, among many others.
The Expedition is priced starting at around $48,000 and ranging to close to $70,000.
For a large people mover, the Expedition is a solid choice. 

Sneak Peek at 2018 Honda Accord

Honda showed off its newly revised 2018 Accord midsize sedan to media in Atlanta recently. It has stylish looks that are more distinctive than the Accords of the past. It seeks to remain a top-selling vehicle, amid more and more competition from crossover SUVs. We hope to provide a full driving review soon.

2017 Honda Pilot: Versatile and Reliable

With seating for up to eight people and five trim levels, the 2017 Honda Pilot is one of the more versatile mid-size SUVs on the market. 
The Pilot was fully revamped last year to bring it more in line with the look of its smaller sibling vehicle, the CR-V compact SUV. The lower front area has black underbody trim and the headlight clusters and front grille form somewhat of a triangular shape. Optional equipment includes front fog lights, LED headlights, roof rails, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate and panoramic moonroof. 
The Pilot's trim levels are the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite.
The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 280 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Touring and Elite models come with a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. For better fuel economy, the engine operates with cylinder deactivation, and the Touring and Elite models have start/stop engine capability to boost efficiency. 
Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway with all-wheel drive and 20 and 27 with front-wheel drive.
The interior is comfortable and functional. The second row of seats comes as either a bench or two captain’s chairs. The bench can be easily folded down with the touch of a button to provide more cargo space. The third row seating is more compact, but still is suitable for children. 
Optional features in the EX model include HondaLink infotainment with Pandora internet radio, an extra USB port, HomeLink remote, an upgraded eight-inch display screen and tri-zone automatic climate control. Other optional amenities include heated/ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, navigation, acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, Blu-ray rear entertainment system and remote engine start. 
Safety technology on the Pilot includes LaneWatch and Honda Sensing, which provides a collision avoidance braking system, front crash warnings, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. 
The Pilot starts at around $31,000 and ranges to just shy of $49,000.
For a versatile, high-quality vehicle that is dependable, the Pilot is a great choice. 

2018 Hyundai Sonata: Smooth, Comfortable Sedan

The Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan deserves a great deal of credit for the Korean automaker's ascent into respected-brand territory a few years back. For the 2018 model year, the car gets some styling touch-ups and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. 
The new eight-speed transmission is found in the 2.0-liter turbo model. Overall, the Sonata has four global engines: two turbos that were found in the previous version, the Eco trim's 1.6-liter that makes 178 horsepower and the 2.0-liter that makes 245 ponies. 
On the outside, the latest Sonata has a larger grille featuring horizontal bars or mesh on the 2.0-liter turbo model, along with a large Hyundai logo. The hood gets a beefed up look as well. At the back there are new taillights and the license plate area is relocated to the new bumper, from the trunk. 
Additional styling touches on the 2.0-liter turbo include black headlight and daytime running light surrounds, a black lower front bumper, black side-mirror caps and dark-chrome trim.
The Sonata's interior features modified controls, a new steering wheel and an 8-inch display for the optional multimedia system with navigation. The 2.0-liter turbo version features a flat-bottom wheel and more bolstered seats. 
The Sonata provides a smooth ride with adequate acceleration and braking, just what most midsize sedan drivers would expect. And with the comfortable interior, it makes for a nice road trip car. 
The Sonata starts at around $23,000 and ranges to a little over $33,000.
If a smooth, comfortable, attractive midsize sedan is on your wish list, the Sonata is worth a look. 

2018 Hyundai Elantra: Value and Good Looks in a Small Sedan

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a zippy small sedan that is now available in five trim levels. 
The Elantra has a big hexagon-shaped grille with sporty, narrow headlights. The rear has a contoured shape with angled taillights that add to the sporty theme. 
There are five trim levels: the SE, Value Edition, Eco, Sport and Limited.
LED daytime running lights, power side mirrors and 15-inch wheels are standard features. Options include HID headlights, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, hands-free smart trunk, a power moonroof, chrome exterior accent and larger 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Elantra's SE and Limited trims have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Eco trim is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 128 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Sport's engine is a, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Gas mileage for the SE with manual is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 highway. The automatic version is rated at 29 and 38. The Eco is rated at 32 and 40 mpg, and the Sport with manual is 22 and 33 mpg. The automatic Sport is 26 and 33 mpg.
The Elantra's interior is comfortable and nicely arranged..
Optional features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated rear seats. 
Driving dynamics are solid if not spectacular with the Elantra. Handling is good, Acceleration is adequate. 
But the best attributes of the Elantra are its fuel economy and comfort. It's an all-around good small sedan.
Pricing starts at about $17,000 and ranges to a bit over $23,000.
Value and good looks make the Elantra a solid competitor in the small sedan market.  

2018 Ram 1500: At Work or Play, it's Ready to Roll

The Ram 1500 is a formidable competitor in the light-duty, full-size pickup truck segment, quite capable of getting the job done on the work site or helping you haul your recreational equipment for weekend fun. 
The 1500 comes in three body types: regular cab, quad cab and crew cab. There are three cargo box lengths ranging from 5 ft., 7 in. to 8 ft. Engine choices include a V-6 or V-8 powered by gasoline or a V-6 in turbo diesel. 
New for this model year, there is a standard backup camera. Also, there is now available a high-end Limited Tungsten edition and farm-oriented Harvest edition of the 1500. Rebel versions are also available with a new leather interior option. 
For added storage capacity, it's hard to beat the RamBox cargo management system. It offers you lockable space for tools or other goods and adds to the convenience and functionality of the truck. 
On the interior, the optional 8.4-inch multimedia system has a higher-resolution touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom functionality. It can control HD Radio and the optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi system. 
It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Another safety option is the emergency communication service provided by SiriusXM Guardian.
For extra convenience, there's now a switch in the cargo bed for the optional LED bed lights.
The 1500 starts at around $29,000 and ranges to about $55,000.
For a truck that lets you work hard and play hard, the Ram 1500 presents a viable option.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta: Small Sedan, Big Fun Factor

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta remains a strong competitor in the compact sedan market, with its keen driving dynamics and roomy interior.
The Jetta is now available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and GLI. With its understated body styling, the GLI trim has a look highlighted by a bolder front fascia with a mesh pattern on the grille. But the Jetta maintains a look that never veers too far from its origins.
LED daytime running lights, power/heated side mirrors and 16-inch wheels are standard features. Options include a sport suspension, turn-signal indicators at the side mirrors, a rear spoiler, a power moonroof and 18-inch alloy wheels. 
The Jetta is powered by a choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base is a 1.4-liter that makes 150 horsepower. The GLI has a 2.0-liter that makes 210 horsepower. Either can be linked to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The SEL features 1.8-liter that makes 170 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic. 
Gas mileage is rated at 28 mpg city, 40 highway for the 1.4-liter models. The SEL is rated at 25 and 35, and the GLI is 23 and 33.
The Jetta features a two-tone cloth interior with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. On the center console, there is a standard MIB II infotainment system that includes a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a USB port. Optional is a navigation system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Car-Net App-Connect, voice recognition, an SD card reader and a Fender premium audio system. 
Volkswagen has long been known for its fun-to-drive factor, and this version of the Jetta certainly continues that. Whether it's out on the highway showing off its swift acceleration, or on a twisty back road displaying its deft handling, there is no shortage of joy in this ride. 
But VW has also battled for years against spotty reliability ratings. It's something to keep in mind when considering this brand. 
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Jetta a Top Safety Pick Plus, and it garnered a full 5-star overall crash test safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Backup camera and a tire pressure monitoring system are among the standard safety features. Options include a blindspot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.
The Jetta is priced starting around $18,000 and ranges to around $29,000. 
For a fun-to-drive compact sedan, the Jetta holds a great deal of appeal. 

First Glance: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Chevrolet delivered on its pledge to produce a 200-mile electric car this year with the arrival of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Chevy came to Atlanta recently to show off the Bolt to local automotive media. 
The highlights:

- It has a range capacity of an estimated 238 miles, eliminating the "range anxiety" that keeps a lot of people from buying all-electric cars.

- It costs around $37,000, but with federal incentives, the price drops to just a tad under $30,000.

- It seats five people, with no large hump in the middle where many electric cars have the battery storage area.

- Chevy calls the Bolt a crossover, rather than a hatchback. Either way, it's got five doors.

We did not get a chance to test drive the Bolt, but look forward to doing so soon, and will provide an update at that time. But it looks like Chevy might have a bit of a game changer on its hands. 

2017 Ford Edge: Versatile, with Pleasant Style

With seating for five and three available engines, the 2017 Ford Edge offers a versatile, functional choice in the midsize crossover SUV market. 
It comes in four trims: the SE, SEL, Titanium and Sport (which our tester was).
The Edge offers interior space that is larger than what you might think when you look at its exterior. Front seat head room and leg room are both more than adequate for most adults, and rear seat spacing is also pretty good. 
On the exterior, the aggressive, hexagon-shaped grille sits at the helm of a body that has sleek lines and a wide stance. Power side mirrors, a dual-pipe exhaust system and rear spoiler come standard. Options include a trailer hitch receiver, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, a power liftgate and a panoramic moonroof. 
The SE, SEL and Titanium versions of the Edge are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 245 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As an option, there is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 280 horsepower. Both front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are available.
Our tester, the Sport version, has a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 that makes 315 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic and AWD.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the driving chops displayed by the Sport. It's not just a badge on the exterior of the vehicle. This version truly has some pep and some handling ability that lets it accurately be described as having the ability to give a sporty toss about the roads. 
Gas mileage is rated at 20 mpg city, 30 highway on the FWD four-cylinder, 20 and 28 on the AWD four-cylinder. The V-6 gets 18 and 26 mpg FWD and 17 and 25 mpg AWD. The Edge Sport with the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 gets 17 and 24.
The Edge offers 73.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seat folded down. That's plenty of room for groceries or some luggage for a weekend road trip. 
The Edge has standard safety features that include front air bags, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, a tire pressure monitoring system and a backup camera. 
The Edge starts at around $29,000 and ranges to about $42,000.
If it's a stylish, versatile crossover SUV that you're in the market for, Ford has an Edge on some of its competitors with this offering.  

2017 Ford F-250: Plenty of Power to Get the Job Done

With a redesign for the 2017 model year, the Ford F-250 remains a formidable competitor in the segment of full-size, heavy duty pickup trucks.
It is available in three cab sizes and two bed lengths: 6.75-foot and 8-foot. There are five trim levels: the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum.
This truck looks like a big, strong, hardworking machine, which is exactly what it is. The new frame is fully boxed, high-strength steel that Ford says is 24 times more rigid than the previous version. 
But, it is also almost 350 pounds lighter, because of its rugged aluminum alloy body. If you opt for the XLT trim level and above, you get chrome bumpers and a chrome grille, which add a touch of upscale styling. 
Tailgate dampeners and tie-down hooks are standard. Options offered are power/heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, skid plates, LED headlights and trailer equipment.
The F-250's power plant is a standard 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 385 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque. Optional is a turbo-diesel 6.7-liter V-8 that makes 440 horsepower and 925 pounds-feet of torque. There is a six-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. Top towing capacity is 21,000 pounds, or 27,500 pounds if you add a fifth-wheel gooseneck tow hitch.
Interior options include a front-row bench or bucket seats, with a few choices for rear seats based on cab size. In the Super Cab and Crew Cab, there is a rear flat-load floor for cargo loading convenience. 
Options include leather upholstery, power/heated front seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, Ford’s SYNC 3 multimedia system with voice command and power-adjustable pedals.
For safety options, the F-250 has a single tailgate camera, a full surround-view camera system, a new Trailer Reverse Guidance System, a customer-placed rear trailer camera and a new center high-mount stop lamp camera that enables you to more easily connect a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch. 
More safety features include a blindspot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning and emergency braking. Standard are airbags, anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability system. 
Optional is an Adaptive Steering System that fits the steering ratio to the vehicle speed. With low speeds, steering ratio rises and needs less steering effort. Higher speeds mean a lower steering ratio with more driver control. 
The F-250 starts at around $34,000, but if you top it out with everything, as our test model was, it can run up to $77,000. 
For a strong, powerful truck that can handle almost anything you throw its way, the F-250 is a superstar. 

2017 Toyota Tacoma: Great for Work or Play

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma is a versatile and sporty mid-size pickup truck that is good for work or play. 
It comes with two cab options: Access and Double. Trim levels include the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited.
The Tacoma got a styling refresh on the exterior last year, with notable features including a more prominently displayed hexagonal, front grille and a larger Tacoma branding stamp on the rear gate.  
If you opt for the Double Cab, you can choose from a short (5 feet long) or long bed (6-feet long). The SR5 Appearance Package offers fender trim in body color, a power-sliding rear window for the Double Cab model and 16-inch alloy wheels. More options include power/heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators and a trailer hitch receiver. 
The standard power plant for the Tacoma is 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 159 horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. You can upgrade to a 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V-6 that makes 278 horsepower and is linked to a 6-speed manual or automatic and RWD. Four-wheel drive is an option on both engines.
The V-6 with automatic and RWD in the Access Cab style is rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, best for the Tacoma, with the V-6/Manual/4WD/Double Cab is lowest at 17/20 mpg.
The interior features standard cloth seating and a center console with Entune audio system and a 6.1-inch touchscreen, CD/MP3 playback, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, Siri Eyes Free mode and a USB port. Options include leather upholstery, a Qi wireless smartphone charging station, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry and a power moonroof.
The Tacoma starts at around $26,000 and ranges to around $43,000.
If you need a good mid-size truck for work or play, the Tacoma is a great choice.

Traffic Tips from Georgia's Clean Air Force

With a little less than a month left in summer, school is now back in session and traffic on the roads seems to be as crowded as ever, with commuting and travelers taking late summer vacations. 
With that in mind, Georgia's Clean Air Force has provided some tips for motorists to help deal with traffic and contribute to cleaner air. 

It’s Cool to Pool. Use social media networks like Facebook to set up a back-to-school carpool with your neighbors. If you find just four other parents in your neighborhood, you can cut down your school commute to once a week, and spend less money on gas. Carpooling to work on the days that you don’t lead the kids’ carpool can help save even more time and money.

The 30-Second Rule. It might seem convenient to keep your vehicle running while waiting to pick your child up from school, but in reality, it wastes gas and money, in addition to being harmful to the environment. For every 10 minutes of idling cut from your commute, you can save one pound of harmful carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. The rule of thumb is to turn off your engine if you’ll be idling for more than 30 seconds.

Reroute Your Commute. Traffic in metro Atlanta becomes more congested as the school year begins in early August. While there’s no getting around that, staggering your commute might help you save time for school pickup runs. Ask your boss if you can arrive for work later in the morning, when school related traffic is minimal. If your employer allows telecommuting, you can opt to skip the trip to work entirely.

Un-junk Your Trunk. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Studies show that removing just 100 pounds of extra weight from your vehicle can increase fuel economy by up to two percent. Don’t carry bulky items like sports equipment unless you need to, and remove the roof rack unless you use it regularly.

Follow the App. There are many smart phone apps that can help motorists bypass high traffic areas. Apple and Android have a number of free apps that were designed to find the most efficient and fastest way to get to your destination. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has a data-sharing partnership with Waze, the real-time crowdsourcing app, that provides construction and road-closure data to the app. This helps reroute drivers to less congested routes.

Maximize Performance. Late summer is a good time to have your car inspected by your local mechanic. He or she can check for malfunctioning oxygen sensors, underinflated tires, clogged filters, and other factors that can reduce fuel economy and increase harmful emissions.

For additional information, visit Georgia’s Clean Air Force at www.cleanairforce.com.

2017 Lexus GS 350 F Sport: Midsize Luxury Sedan is a Great Fit

Some folks might see midsize luxury sedans as the automotive equivalent of a dark blue business suit. They provide a nice, neat look, and are appropriate for many settings, but they are kind of boring. But it doesn't have to be that way. The 2017 Lexus GS 350 F Sport trim model proves that. 
The GS 350 uses some distinctive design touches to set itself apart. Its creative grille has a crisscross-pattern mesh, which provides a little extra flair to the familiar Lexus spindle grille. There is also a diffuser-style rear fascia that fits around triangular exhaust tips. 
On the exterior, the GS 350 includes standard features such as LED headlights, arrow-head LED daytime running lamps, side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, a dual-pipe exhaust system and 18-inch alloy wheels. Optional features include a power trunk lid, a rear spoiler, sport-tuned adaptive suspension and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.
The GS 350's standard power plant is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 311 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Gas mileage for the F Sport is rated at 19 mpg city, 28 highway. 
The nicely appointed interior features a premium NuLuxe leatherette trim with a 60/40-split folding rear seat. There is a Lexus Navigation System with 12.3-inch display on the center console, the Lexus Enform app suite, Siri Eyes Free mode, voice command recognition, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a Mark Levinson premium audio system. Automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and rear HVAC are standard. 
Options include power front seats, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
For safety, there is a standard Lexus Safety System+ with pre-collision prevention, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Other standard safety features include a backup camera, blindspot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. The F Sport also features an optional limited slip differential.
Driving dynamics are not bad for a midsize sedan. There are different modes including Sport, Snow and Eco, with Sport obviously being the choice if you're looking for some modest thrills on the road. 
Overall, the most appealing things about this sedan, though, are its comfort, attractive styling and ample safety features.
Pricing for the tested F Sport model was around $61,000.
So if you choose the automotive equivalent of a suit, get one with some style and that looks good when you go out on the town. When it comes to those qualities, the Lexus GS 350 F Sport is a great fit. 

2017 Kia Niro: A Hybrid Hatchback Hero

Kia calls its new Niro hybrid subcompact a crossover, but it sure does look and feel a whole lot like a regular subcompact hatchback. Ok, maybe a tad bit taller than that, but still. However you want to classify it, though, this, um, vehicle, is pretty darn good.
It seats five passengers and comes in four trim levels: the FE, LX, EX and Touring.
On the exterior, Kia has held true to its design language, with a front end featuring bug-eyed headlights, a hexagonal grille with a lower section that is sporty and highlighted by vertical-slit air ducts. Depending on the trim level, you get chrome or black trim around the windows and lower body. 
Standard features include power side mirrors, a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels. HID headlights, LED daytime running lamps, fog lights, power/heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, a power moonroof and larger 18-inch alloy wheels are also available.
The Niro interior features a standard cloth interior with a 60/40-split folding rear seat. There is 54.5 cubic feet of cargo space if the rear seat is folded down. 
Up front, the center console has UVO eServices multimedia system that includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a USB port. Options include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, an integrated navigation system, voice command recognition and a Harmon Kardon premium audio system. 
Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows/locks and push-button start. Leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless phone charging station and a keyless entry system with an illuminated keyhole are other optional features.
The Niro has a standard 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 139 horsepower along with an electronic motor linked to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. It's a hybrid, so you expect great fuel economy, and you get it. The base model is rated 52 mpg city, 49 highway. The LX and EX trims are rated at 51 and 46 and the Touring is 46 and 40. 
The Niro has adequate power for all the things most drivers need, such as merging on to a busy highway or passing a tractor trailer. Would you take it on a race track? Of course not. It's a hybrid. But it drives just fine. 
The Niro is priced starting at around $24,000 and ranges to about $32,000.
If you are looking for a nice subcompact hatchback, 'er crossover, or whatever it is, this is a good choice that will make you an infrequent visitor to the gas pump. 

2018 Toyota Avalon: Yes, There are Still Great Sedans Out There

Sedans may not be as popular as they once were, thanks to the explosion in popularity of crossover SUVs. But that doesn't mean there aren't some very good ones still on the market. One of which is this week's test model, the 2018 Toyota Avalon.
This full-size family sedan comes in five trim levels: the XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Touring and Limited. 
The Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 268 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque. It is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage is estimated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway. 
Exterior styling of the Avalon was dramatically improved a couple of years ago, after being very ho-hum for much of its existence. The front end has stylized lines that feature angular, thin headlights, a narrow front grille and a broad lower fascia. Rear styling is a little less bold, but the overall effect is attractive and evokes a premium look. 
Power/heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators and a dual-pipe exhaust system are standard. Options include LED headlights, daytime running lamps, fog lights, a rear spoiler and larger 18-inch wheels.
On the interior, there is a center console with a standard Entune audio system that has a 7-inch touchscreen, CD/MP3 playback, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, Siri Eyes Free mode with voice recognition and a USB port.
Optional is an integrated navigation system, a Qi wireless smartphone charging station and a JBL premium audio system. 
For comfort and convenience, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, remote keyless entry and push-button start are standard. Tri-zone automatic climate control, rear heating and cooling, a memory seat, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a power moonroof are optonal.
Standard safety features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The optional Safety Connect service features emergency roadside assistance, stolen vehicle locator and automatic collision notification. 
The Avalon is priced starting at about $35,000 and ranging to about $45,000.
If you want to buck the crossover SUV trend and stick with a good family sedan, this would be an ideal choice. 

2017 Mazda CX-9: Premium Style, Great Driving Dynamics

With style and great driving dynamics, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 is near the top of the pack among midsize crossover SUVs.
It comes in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. With a third row of seating, it can hold up to seven passengers. 
Under the hood is a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Mazda's Skyactiv technology. It makes 250 horsepower, 310 pounds-feet of torque and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway. 
Front wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
The sinewy styling of the CX-9 follows the "Kodo” design language that Mazda currently uses throughout its lineup. At the front-end you'll find sporty headlights, a bold, crest-shaped grille and a minimalistic lower fascia. 
The artistic body lines flow from front to rear with a subtle sense of motion. The CX-9 offers standard LED headlights, daytime running lamps and stylish taillights that give it an upscale look. 
Other standard features offered are power/heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, a dual-pipe exhaust system, a rear spoiler and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Options include adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, unique grille accent lighting, a power moonroof, a power liftgate and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
On the interior, the CX-9 has an upscale cloth interior standard, with a 60/40-split folding second-row seat and a 50/50-split folding third-row seat. 
Maximum cargo capacity is 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The standard Mazda Connect infotainment system is contained in the center stack and includes a 7-inch display, a Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a dual USB port. Optional is a larger 8-inch display, an integrated navigation system and a Bose premium audio system.
The only comfort issue we had with the CX-9 is with the center stack housing so much stuff, it cuts down on the leg room, width-wise, for driver and front passenger. 
Other standard features include tri-zone automatic climate control, power windows/locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Leather upholstery, unique rosewood inlay, aluminum trim and power/heated front seats are optional.
The CX-9 has standard safety features that include a backup camera and a tire pressure monitoring system. Available active safety features include blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention, automatic high-beam headlights and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
The CX-9 is priced starting at about $33,000 and ranging to about $45,000.
So at its higher end, the CX-9 gets a little pricey. But when you think about all of the great standard features, the attractive styling and the fun driving dynamics, you are basically talking about a luxury, or at least premium, vehicle. For that, the price tag is surely worth it.

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Small yet Versatile

Competing in the popular compact SUV market, the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, with seating for five, offers an affordable option that is also fuel-efficient.

It comes in four trim levels: the ES, SE, SEL and GT. 
The Outlander Sport has two four-cylinder engines from which to choose. Standard is a 2.0-liter that makes 148 horsepower and is linked to a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic. That is found in the ES model. The SE and higher trim levels have a 2.4-liter that makes 168 horsepower and is linked to the CVT. 
Front wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel optional. 
Gas mileage is rated by the EPA at 24 mpg city, 30 highway for the manual model, and 23 and 29 for the CVT.  
Exterior styling for the Outlander Sport has a boldly designed front end with a vertical grille and air dam flanked by blacked out headlights that give it a little bit of an aggressive look. 
Two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and LED tail lights are standard. Options include rear spoiler, front fog lights and a panoramic moon roof.
The interior of the Outlander Sport is roomier than you might think at first glance. The cloth interior is standard, with leather-trimmed seating optional. There is a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Cargo capacity is 45.5 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down.
There is a standard multimedia system on the center stack that includes a color display, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a USB Port.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 
Optional features include a 6.1-inch touchscreen, a DVD player, an integrated navigation system with voice recognition, and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system. 
The Outlander Sport was awarded a 4- out of 5-star overall crash test safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Standard safety features include an advance seven airbag system, antilock brakes, electronic stability system, hill start assist and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional features include a backup camera and rain-sensing wipers.
The Outlander Sport starts at around $21,000 and ranges to around $28,000.
With good gas mileage, appealing styling and a fairly roomy interior, it is ready to compete in the compact SUV market. 

2017 Toyota Corolla iM: Zippy Ride that Sips Fuel

When Toyota shut down its Scion brand of compact cars, it moved its iM hatchback over to the mother ship brand and called it the Corolla iM. The 2017 model year car is a zippy little ride that is great on gas and more comfortable than you might think.
It is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 137 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a continuously variable automatic transmission optional. Remote keyless entry and backup camera are also standard.
Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city, and 35 highway. But in mostly city driving, our gauge on the dashboard said we averaged about 34 mpg, which is great.
Leg room up front is just adequate for taller drivers and passengers, but because of its high stance, head room is more than adequate. The back seat is pretty snug.
Pricing is reasonable, in the $19,000-$20,000 range.
This is a great example of a car we would recommend to people who want a hybrid because they are concerned with fuel consumption, but don't want to pay the premium that automakers charge for such vehicles. If you just stick with a nice, compact vehicle that barely sips fuel, you come out just as well in the long run.

2017 Kia Cadenza: Smooth Sedan with a New Look

The 2017 Kia Cadenza has received a redesign that has it looking a little more luxurious, and with the smooth ride that it has, you'll be impressed by its overall package. 
This large sedan comes in three trims: Premium, Technology and Limited. 
The engine is a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There is a Smart Shift and Drive feature that chooses from Eco, Normal or Sport mode depending on your driving style. 
Fuel economy is rated at an impressive 20 mpg city, 28 highway. 
The Cadenza has a more sinewy body style now, compared with its prior version. The segmented lower fascia and triangular headlights give it well-defined lines at the front end. The grille design is also stylish, with vertical slats on the Limited and Technology trims and a diamond mesh design on the Premium.
Options include a panoramic sun roof and smart power trunk lid.
 The Cadenza's interior is comfortable, with leather trim seating and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. On the center console you'll find Kia’s UVO multimedia system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, UVO eServices, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio and a USB port.
Options include an integrated navigation system and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows/locks, remote keyless entry, push-button start, an automatic dimming rearview mirror and power/heated front seats are all standard features. Napa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather shift knob, and a wireless phone charger are options as well. 
The Cadenza starts at around $33,000 and ranges to nearly $45,000.
The Cadenza is a large sedan that offers comfort, a smooth ride, lots of standard convenience features and attractive styling. 

2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: A Small Standout

After being announced with great fanfare a year ago, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has arrived for the 2017 model year.  With its retractable roof that takes only 13 seconds to go down and its sporty design, lovers of small, peppy, fun cars can rejoice. 
It comes in three trim levels: Club, Grand Touring and Launch Edition.
The MX-5 RF has an exotic appearance that makes it stand out from the crowd. With body lines that convey motion and fluidity, the hardtop design is evocative of European sports cars that cost a pretty penny more. The rear features circular taillights and a dual-exhaust tip and the front end has stylish LED headlights. 
A sport-tuned suspension, power side mirrors, rear spoiler and 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard. Optional on the Grand Touring is a softer suspension and adaptive headlights. Other options include sporty side and rear skirts, Brembo brakes and unique 17-inch alloy wheels are also available.
The power plant of the MX-5 RF is 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 155 horsepower and is linked to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the manual version is rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway. The automatic is rated at 26 and 35.
The MX-5 RF comes standard with an upscale cloth interior with contrast stitching and Alcantara trim. The center console has a Mazda Connect multimedia system that includes a 4.6-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and a Bose premium audio system. Optional is a navigation system. Other options include air conditioning, power windows/locks, remote keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Leather-trim upholstery, heated seats and automatic climate control are also offered.
Please note, though, that this car is designed for people who are, at most, about 5 ft. 10 in. If you are taller than that, you have no business driving this car. At 6 ft. 6 in., we struggled mightily to get in and fit in and drive comfortably. 
The MX-5 RF is priced starting at around $32,000 and ranging to about $34,500. 
For a small, sporty car that stands out, the MX-5 RF is worth a look. 

2017 Lexus ES 350: Comfort and Subtle Style

Comfort and understated styling define the 2017 Lexus ES 350. This mid-size luxury sedan offers a smooth, quiet ride with acceleration that is surprisingly powerful. 
Exterior highlights on the ES 350 are subtle, mainly focused on the spindle grille that is found throughout the Lexus lineup. There are LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof and dual exhaust tips that are all standard exterior features.
With room for five passengers, the interior has attractive leather seating with wood grain accents on the steering wheel and dash. And it's pretty roomy; you wouldn't feel guilty about asking an adult to sit in the back seat.
The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 268 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 31 highway.
For convenience, there is the Lexus Enform Remote system, that allows you to have smartphone control over many of the car's functions. It enables you to start the car remotely, lock and unlock doors, locate where it is parked and check fuel levels.
Driving dynamics are surprisingly more sporty than you might expect. Acceleration is pretty rapid, and handling is at least adequate, if not a notch or two above. 
Pricing on the ES 350 is planted solidly in the low $40,000 range.
For comfort, subtle styling and a smooth ride, it's hard to beat the ES 350.