Acura ILX Price: $28,940 - $35,930

Although the ILX is basically a Honda Civic, it is a really nice Civic, featuring an interior with upgraded materials. The sole powertrain is a 201-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder with front-wheel drive. The transmission is a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic; a manual is not available. The automatic is smooth and gives the ILX more of a calm and adult demeanor, which is a welcome change from the previous generation’s high-strung character. The ILX offers value for the money versus the competition.

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Volkswagen Beetle Price: $20,815 - $33,370

Its shape is among the most distinctive on the road; surprisingly, the Beetle, offered as a coupe or a convertible, is as fun to drive as it looks. A 170-hp turbo four has a standard five-speed manual for peppy performance; a six-speed automatic is optional. The Beetle Dune gets the automatic, sits 0.2 inch higher, and has off-road styling elements. The 210-hp turbo four R-Line is the hot rod, with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional.

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Mini Cooper Clubman S / JCW Price: $28,500 - $35,950

Sports-car athleticism and cheeky styling are hallmarks of the Mini brand; cargo space isn’t, so here’s the Clubman S with up to 48 cubic feet of storage. A 189-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive are standard; a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are optional. Handling is nimble and the ride is surprisingly civilized. The chic interior features sporty bucket seats and snazzy ambient lighting. A JCW model with 228 hp arrives in late 2016.

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Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Price: $22,400 - $30,790

Mix the goodness of the Golf with the utility of a wagon, and you get the Golf SportWagen—as well as a 10Best award. The standard engine is a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are optional. The ride is solid and controlled, interior quality is very good, and the front seats are highly supportive. A standard touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC Price: $102,625

Absurd power and blistering acceleration are not the E63’s only party tricks; thanks to computer magic and an excellent suspension, it’s also quite agile. But oh, that mighty 577-hp 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 is a sweetheart of an engine. A seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard, as are 14-way power-operated and heated/cooled seats. If the sedan isn’t enough, check out the E63 wagon; it’ll haul your groceries in record time. A new E63 debuts in summer 2017.

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Nissan NV200 Price: $22,215 - $23,115

Cargo vans aren’t usually regarded as exciting vehicles, but to the hard-working men and women of America, a well-designed van can be critical. The NV200 is more nimble and thrifty than larger full-size vans, yet it offers a 1500-pound payload capacity, seating for two in carlike surroundings, and a 131-hp, 2.0-liter four with a continuously variable transmission. It’s available in taxicab livery as well, with rear seating, a partition, and side windows. Modern workers deserve a modern choice.

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Chevrolet City Express Price: $23,400 - $24,510

Lurking behind the bow tie on the grille is a Nissan NV200, but that’s not all bad. It’s a bow tie, not a black tie, since the City Express is a cargo carrier. The Chevy has a 1500-pound payload and shares the NV200’s unitized body, 131-hp 2.0-liter four, continuously variable automatic transmission, and 123 cubic feet of cargo space. What does Chevrolet bring to the table? A five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, two years/24,000 miles of free maintenance, and a 3200-dealer sales network.

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Mercedes-Benz Metris Price: $26,990 - $33,895

Slotted between its full-size sibling, the Sprinter, and smaller vans like the Ford Transit Connect, the Metris offers relatively nimble dimensions with the cargo-carrying ability of larger vans. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 208 hp with a seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive; the interior can be configured to carry cargo or passengers (seven standard or eight optionally). There’s plenty of tech, too, including Crosswind Assist and load-adaptive stability control.

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Ford Transit Connect Price: $24,005 - $31,320

Focused on utility and economy, this van is available in two wheelbases with seats for up to seven in three rows. There’s more than 100 cubic feet of cargo room; when properly equipped it has a payload of 1620 pounds and can tow 2000 pounds. The base engine is a 169-hp 2.5-liter four; a 178-hp 1.6-liter turbo four is optional. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are standard. With minimal extra power and minimal added fuel economy, we feel the 1.6-liter is not worth the extra cost.

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Toyota Tacoma Price: $25,280 - $43,920

The Tacoma’s ruggedly handsome looks and available off-road gear almost redeem its tight interior and so-so fuel economy. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder making 180 lb-ft of torque is standard and pairs with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic; a 3.5-liter V-6 (265 lb-ft) is optional and mates to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the V-6 can tow 6800 lb. For serious adventurers, a TRD Pro trim adds a bevy of appearance upgrades and a heavy-duty suspension.

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Honda Ridgeline Price: $30,415 - $43,910

The Ridgeline’s roomy cabin, ample storage, smooth ride, and innovative touches make its rivals seem outdated—and helped it earn a 2017 10Best award. Its 3.5-liter V-6 makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic; the all-wheel-drive model has a towing capacity of 5000 lb. In our highway-fuel-economy test, the all-wheel-drive version got 28 mpg. An optional bed extender offers extra cargo space; available bed-mounted speakers enhance tailgating festivities.

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Ram Power Wagon Price: $53,015

Based on the three-quarter-ton Ram 2500 crew cab, the Power Wagon returns with more mud on its tires as Ram’s top off-roader. A 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with 410 hp and 429 lb-ft helps it tow 10,030 lb. Peek under the Power Wagon’s 14.3 inches of clearance and you’ll find Bilstein shocks and a skid-plate belly. Potential overlanders will appreciate the standard 12,000-lb Warn winch, electronic-locking diffs, and electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar.

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Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Price: $34,705 - $59,305

Whether at the work site or on the open road, the Silverado 2500HD has the brawn to tackle just about anything. The standard 6.0-liter V-8 makes 380 lb-ft of torque; the optional 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 makes 910 lb-ft and boasts a towing capacity of up to 18,000 pounds. A six-speed automatic is standard. Choose among regular, double or crew cab body styles as well as 6.5- or 8.0-foot bed lengths and a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive for a bevy of available configurations to suit any job.

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Toyota Tundra Price: $31,315 - $51,325

Try as it might, the Tundra is not quite up to the challenge of the competition despite its bold styling and a handsomely finished interior. It’s available in a myriad of body styles, bed lengths, and rear- or four-wheel drive. Powertrains include either a standard 310-hp 4.6-liter V-8 or an optional 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8; both engines team up with a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing rates at 10,500 pounds; maximum payload is 2060 pounds.

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Ford F-150 Raptor Price: $50,155 - $53,140

Move over, Kid Rock: The F-150 Raptor is the new American badass—and it’s also a 2017 10Best winner. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 makes 450 hp and 510 lb-ft; it pairs with a 10-speed automatic. Rated at 18 mpg highway, it’s more efficient than previous models—if that matters to buyers. More important: It hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Standard all-wheel drive, which features a locking center diff, can auto-shift to the rear wheels depending on drive mode. SuperCab and SuperCrew models are offered.

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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Price: $28,880 - $56,370

Modern pickups are amenity-packed multitasking machines, and the Silverado is no exception. The ride is smooth and the cabin quiet, but handling and braking are only average. A 4.3-liter V-6 with 305 lb-ft and a six-speed automatic is standard; optional V-8s are a 5.3-liter with 383 lb-ft and a 6.2-liter with 460 lb-ft, an eight-speed automatic (optional with the 5.3), and 12,500 lb of towing capacity. One size doesn’t fit all—there are regular, double, and crew cabs with 5’8”, 6’6”, or 8’ beds.

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio / Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Named after a famous winding pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio is perfect for carving up canyons. A turbo 2.0-liter four makes 280 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For more power, the Quadrifoglio flaunts a 505-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6; an adaptive suspension is standard. Alfa claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Inside, the Stelvio offers an optional 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, but we’re pretty sure that sweet engine is all you’ll want to hear.

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Maserati Ghibli Price: $72,850 - $80,950

Say “gib-lee.” It’s named for an African desert wind—and the perfect name for a hot Italian sedan. With its deliciously curved lines, the Ghibli’s looks are backed up by what’s under the hood. The base setup is a 345-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 and rear-wheel drive; the S performance version has 404 hp and optional all-wheel drive. Both engines have an eight-speed automatic. The interior needs nicer materials, but this desert wind is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by German sedans.

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Mercedes-AMG CLA45 4MATIC Price: $50,875

This steroid-enhanced version of the CLA-class comes with a potent 375-hp turbo four—need we say more? We will: There’s also a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned chassis. The result is zesty performance by almost every measure. Unfortunately some cheap plastics and poor panel fits mar the interior, and the rear seat is extremely tight. Check a few options boxes and the CLA45 AMG can be a tough sell. Note: This model replaces the Mercedes-Benz version.

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Buick Verano Price: $21,990 - $27,480

Take Buick’s serene, smooth-riding luxury and distill it into a compact size, and you get the Verano. The sole engine is a 180-hp four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Technology includes standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity and an available 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The top-spec Leather trim gets Bose audio, leather seats, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Act fast if it is appealing to you: Rumor is that 2017 will be the Verano’s final year.

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Volvo S90 Price: $47,945 - $56,445

This svelte sedan is the XC90’s under-the-skin twin; as a Volvo, it mixes style with safety in a decidedly Swedish way. The powertrains, however, are slightly less sporty. There’s a choice of four-cylinder engines: a 250-hp turbo (T5) or a 316-hp turbocharged and supercharged model (T6). Both pair with a silky eight-speed automatic. The ride is quiet and well controlled; steering is heavier than we’d like. Brakes are excellent. Tech includes Pilot Assist, which steers the car at up to 80 mph.

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Lincoln Continental Price: $45,645 - $66,000

Dramatic styling, sumptuous interiors, and the latest tech are on hand to restore luxury-car relevance to the Continental. The interior is handsomely appointed with heated, 10-way adjustable seats; a 10-speaker audio system; and a chrome-trimmed dash. Engines include a 305-hp and a 335-hp V-6, both standard with front-drive; all-wheel drive is optional. The top engine is a 400-hp V-6 with all-wheel drive. The ride, however, is harsh and not in keeping with the car’s luxury aspirations.

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Mercedes-AMG E43 Price: $73,325

This autobahn burner is headed for a freeway near you, packing a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 with 396 hp. A fast-shifting nine-speed automatic shoots that power to the road via 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds; top speed is 155 mph. The interior has front sport seats and red stitching throughout; red seatbelts make for maximum redness. An air suspension imbues the ride and handling with the right mix of sport and comfort. Look for the E43 in early 2017.

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Lincoln MKZ Price: $36,095 - $50,645

Despite its sleek design, the MKZ is a bit of a quandary: It shares its underpinnings with the Ford Fusion but costs more. There are two gas-engine choices plus a hybrid version. The base engine is a 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder; a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 is optional with 350 hp for front-drive models and 400 hp with all-wheel drive. Both engines have a six-speed automatic. The hybrid is front-drive only with a CVT. The 400-hp MKZ hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds in our testing.

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Lexus IS Price: $38,800 - $44,510

Like Clark Kent and Superman, the IS transforms from relaxed and refined to surprisingly capable. The base 241-hp turbo four has an eight-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive is available on both V-6 variants—a 3.5-liter producing 255 hp or 306 hp—but they only get a six-speed automatic. An F Sport package features a sport-tuned ride, supportive seats, and aggressive styling cues. Added safety assists include automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

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Kia Stinger

We won’t find out if the Stinger lives up to its name until it goes on sale later this year. The base engine is a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo four; a 365-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 is optional. Both models have an eight-speed automatic and either rear- or all-wheel drive. A 7.0-in touchscreen and navigation are standard. Driver aids include adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. An optional Harman/Kardon audio system with 15 speakers and 720 watts kicks out the jams.

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Buick Regal Price: $27,990 - $37,465

With a chassis engineered in Europe, the Regal supplies a credibly athletic sedan to Buick showrooms. A 182-hp 2.4-liter four, six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive are standard; a 259-hp 2.0-liter turbo four and all-wheel drive are optional. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE connectivity, and onboard Wi-Fi will satisfy tech aficionados. GS models get 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique interior trimmings.

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Alfa Romeo Giulia Price: $38,990 - $42,990

An emotional, hot-blooded Italian car like the Giulia is sure get pulses racing in the usual entry-luxury crowd. A 280-hp 2.0-liter turbo four with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Leather seats, a dual exhaust, and a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel with integrated push-button start also come standard. A 6.5-inch or optional 8.8-inch touchscreen provide connectivity; high-tech features like adaptive cruise control are also available.

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Cadillac ATS Price: $35,590 - $50,490

Combining impressive performance and distinctive styling in a tidy package, the ATS continues to challenge the best from Europe and Japan. Available as a coupe or a sedan, base models feature a potent 272-hp 2.0-liter turbo four mated to an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. A 335-hp V-6 is available, as are all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. The Caddy offers an 8.0-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for infotainment; 4G LTE Wi-Fi is standard.

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Lamborghini Aventador Price: $402,995 - $419,795

Brutally powerful and obscenely flamboyant, the Aventador is unburdened by reality. Crazy expensive and crazy fast, it’s capable of amazing performance without feeling like it’s going to spin out into a ditch, which is refreshing in a supercar. Available as a coupe (for now), it has a 6.5-liter 730-hp V-12, a 7-speed automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive. For the ultimate, the Superveloce has 740 hp and a claimed top speed of 217 mph. In our testing, it did 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds.

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Ford GT Price: $450,000

Ford has approved 500 lucky people to purchase a GT; the rest of us can only dream. Prices likely will begin around $450,000. The GT has some of the most stunningly exotic bodywork around. Highlights include a mid-engine twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 making 647 hp and a maximum of 550 lb-ft of torque, carbon-fiber construction and body panels, active aerodynamics, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; a manual won’t be offered. Ford says the top speed is 216 mph—we can’t wait to test that claim.

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Bugatti Chiron Price: $2,700,000

Leaving the 99.999 percent in its dust, the Chiron is a 1500-hp smackdown of every hypercar ever produced in the history of time. An 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine utilizes four turbos to make 1500 hp and 1180 lb-ft of torque for what will surely be epic acceleration; Bugatti claims a top speed of 261 mph. A seven-speed automatic routes that power through all four wheels. If you have to ask, you can’t afford it—it's priced at around $2.7 million.

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Koenigsegg Regera Price: $1,900,000

In Swedish, “Regera” means “to reign,” and with 1500+ hp and a price of around $1.9 million, the Regera is truly a member of hypercar royalty. It’s a plug-in hybrid that uses a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V-8 and three electric motors to achieve its unreal output. Koenigsegg claims it can hit 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and 249 mph in 20 seconds. Only 80 Regeras will be produced, so if you don’t have your order in yet, it’s probably too late. The Regera moves fast, literally and figuratively.

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Aston Martin Vanquish Price: $290,475 - $305,520

Aston Martin calls the Vanquish a “super grand touring” machine, not a super sports car, but it’s so beautiful that we don’t care what Aston calls it. Yes, its sonorous V-12 makes it fast, but many rivals easily out-accelerate it. Standard models make 568 hp, while the upcoming Vanquish S gets boosted to 580 hp. Like to drive topless? Opt for the Vanquish Volante for a truly rare ride. As with all Astons, its little flaws are forgivable since it is one of the loveliest things on four wheels.

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Subaru BRZ Price: $26,315 - $30,515

Don’t let the boy-racer vibe deter you: The BRZ is perfect for purists on a budget. An updated 205-hp version of the 2.0-liter flat-four pairs to a six-speed manual, hardly answering complaints that the rear-drive sports car lacks punch. Output drops to 200 hp with the six-speed automatic. Still, the BRZ is impeccably balanced and satisfying, not to mention slide-happy. There’s not much trunk space and adults will reject the back seat, but once behind the wheel, those objections melt away.

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Chevrolet SS Price: $47,620

Don’t judge the SS by its cover: Ho-hum styling hides a mighty V-8 and track-ready tuning. Chevy’s flagship performance sedan has the 6.2-liter 415-hp engine from the previous-gen Camaro and the Corvette. Rear-drive and a six-speed automatic are standard; we’d pick the six-speed manual, which is a no-cost option. Standard performance bits—front and rear Brembo brakes, magnetic ride control—contribute to exceptional handling. A comfy interior and a 4.6-second sprint to 60 mph are bonuses.

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Maserati GranTurismo Price: $134,625 - $183,809

Maserati’s GranTurismo offers something extraordinary in a high-performance, six-figure coupe or convertible, one that embodies all that is compelling and irresistible about Italian cars. The exterior has curves in all the right places; the interior is lavishly appointed. There is an amazing, 454-hp 4.7-liter V-8 that is good for sub-5.0-second 0-60 runs. The droptop adds weight and lacks the coupe’s stiffness and response, but still looks fabulous.

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Dodge Viper Price: $90,390 - $121,290

The Viper is both all-American and a true exotic, with lots of curves and bulges in all the right places to let you know it means business. The long nose, bodacious body, and predatory stare give the Viper a menacing look, while its 645-hp, 8.4-liter V-10 can catapult it to 60 mph in about three seconds. For the ultimate track monster, check out the Viper ACR. With all kinds of aero aids, special tires by Kumho and carbon-ceramic brakes, Dodge says it is the fastest Viper on a racetrack.

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