Toyota Prius Prime Price: $27,965 - $33,965

Fans of efficient driving now have another option: the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. Electric motors and a four-cylinder gas engine team with a larger battery than the regular Prius, yielding up to 25 miles of electric-only range; its 124 MPGe rating beats the Chevy Volt’s 106 MPGe. An 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard. Behind the wheel, the Prius Prime feels quite nimble, smoothly taking curves; its...

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Chevrolet Volt Price: $34,095 - $38,445

Despite the Volt’s eco image, it’s actually fun to drive, without the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles. Its gasoline-hybrid powertrain offers impressive all-electric range, greater efficiency, and better acceleration. The all-electric range is 53 miles; after that, the gas engine starts up to recharge the battery and keep you going. In our testing, we recorded 59 MPGe. There are five seats, but the middle rear seat...

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Nissan Rogue Price: $24,760 - $32,250

Relying on good looks will only get you so far, but for the Rogue that may be okay. Attractive inside and out, it has comfy seats, nice materials, and many connectivity features. Regrettably, the Rogue suffers from vague steering and body roll. A 170-hp four with a CVT power the gas model; a 2.0-liter four and electric motor pair with the hybrid. Both offer front- or all-wheel-drive setups. Safety options are intelligent...

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Toyota RAV4 Price: $25,850 - $37,090

Its angled headlamps and sharply creased bodywork give the RAV4 an assertive presence, but don’t be fooled—under the skin, it’s a practical, comfortable, and easygoing ute. A 176-hp 2.5-liter four and a six-speed automatic are standard with either front- or all-wheel drive. A hybrid, which returned an impressive 31 mpg in our tests, is also available and gets standard all-wheel drive. A 6.1-inch infotainment system is standard...

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Kia Sportage Price: $24,095 - $35,095

If you can get past the odd face of the Sportage and into the driver’s seat, you’ll find a tasteful interior that’s almost Audi-like in its detail. A 181-hp 2.4-liter four, six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive are standard on EX and SX; all-wheel drive is optional. The SX Turbo offers a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo four. The interior features touchscreen infotainment; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. Active safety...

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Jeep Cherokee Price: $24,590 - $38,690

Aiming to be more than another run-of-the-mill crossover, the Cherokee brings a measure of ruggedness to the party in the way only a Jeep can. A standard 184-hp 2.4-liter four or optional 271-hp 3.2-liter V-6 each team with a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is optional. Cargo capacity is simply average, but the interior is comfortable and well appointed. A more capable Trailhawk model...

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Honda CR-V Price: $24,985 - $34,635

Versatility, competency, and reliability are the tenets on which the CR-V hangs its hat, hence its 2017 10Best award. Supportive seats and a firm but supple ride make it easy to live with. The interior is quiet, handsome, and roomy. The base engine is a 184-hp 2.4-liter four, while a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo four is optional. A CVT (one of the best available) and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional....

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Mazda CX-5 Price: $22,675 - $30,770

Mazda’s ethos is to blend sports-car know-how into every model, and the CX-5 is no exception. Sharp steering and a poised chassis make it the enthusiast’s pick. A 155-hp 2.0-liter four, six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive are standard; a 184-hp 2.5-liter four is optional, with six-speed auto and all-wheel drive. The smart cabin, easy-to-use infotainment, and optional safety tech—adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking,...

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Ford Escape Price: $24,645 - $31,895

With athletic looks and a quiet, stylish interior, the Escape distinguishes itself in a crowd of small crossovers. The base engine is a 168-hp four-cylinder, but we recommend the 179-hp turbo four or the 245-hp turbo four. All have front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional on turbos. Handling is precise and predictable, but the steering feels rubbery. Ford’s Sync 3 is controlled by an 8.0-inch touchscreen with voice recognition....

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Honda Civic

The Civic exemplifies automotive excellence and blends fun with efficiency and practicality. Precise steering, a solid chassis, and a well-tuned suspension provide both a compliant ride and sweet handling. Sedans and coupes get a 158-hp 2.0-liter four or a 174-hp 1.5-liter turbo four paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT. The turbo is standard on the hatchback; a 180-hp Sport version is optional. Interior room is good, but taller...

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Ferrari California and Marcus Wareing: a perfect recipe

Autumn in North Wales seems to SUIT this journey. The Ferrari California T I’ve taken to visit a supplier is a vivid red on the inside, but the exterior is black and I prefer it that way. I love Ferraris, there’s no other marque like it, but I’d rather not shout about it. The desire to blast around bends is a personal one. I’m not sharing this automotive feast with anyone. The dark paint fits the noir mood as the...

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2017 Mini Countryman Cooper S ALL4 Auto first drive review

The compact SUV class has more contenders than ever before, and the standard of those contenders has never been higher. That means the Countryman’s job has never been tougher, so does it have both the style and substance to compete? Auto Trader verdict: The new Countryman provides all the style and image that previously made Mini’s SUV offering so successful. It also offers more in the way of interior quality and standard...

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NEW NISSAN Qashqai £18,795

Exterior Most SUVs, especially smaller ones, are about style above all else, and this is an area in which the Qashqai excels. The front end features crisp lines and bold details, the LED running lights and the deep, angular grille being the highlights. Things are just as fresh at the rear end, with swooping LIGHT clusters and muscular rear haunches. This is one very handsome car. Entry-level Visia cars miss...

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NEW SKODA Superb From £19,785

Exterior The Superb has always been a rational purchase, a car bought with your head, not your heart. This model, though, is a classy, desirable flagship for Skoda's range. It's a really sharp-looking car. Interior Bigger is definitely better in the Superb. You can really feel the difference made by the increase in width and height in the cabin: this is as spacious as family cars get. Running costs For...

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NEW SEAT Alhambra From £25,380

Exterior Many MPVs have a boxy appearance, and it’s no coincidence; boxy is always best when you’re looking to maximise space. The Alhambra follows this recipe unashamedly, but although its lines aren’t exactly what you’d call ‘flowing’, the looks aren’t too bland. All versions come with alloy wheels and colour-coded bumpers and DOOR handles, along with a chrome surround for the radiator grille. Go for the SE car, which most...

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