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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