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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More