MotorMouths

The Maserati GranCabrio is an unusually accommodating large, fast convertible. Not extreme in any way, but a blend of elegant comfort and high performance. Easy to drive, fast enough to be engaging and at times, exhilarating. At its best in warm, sunny climates.

The Toyota Sequoia is for big loads, big roads and wide open spaces . . . There are so many small, thoughtful touches, we get the sense that the Sequoia is one of those SUVs an owner would grow to appreciate more and more as time goes on.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is distinguished by a rare mix of effortless highway performance, everyday comfort, and authentic, industrial-strength four-wheel-drive capability.

With the 2.0-liter turbo engine, the Sonata stands out as a more spirited car, not to mention a more efficient choice. It’s a strong contender, and if Hyundai meets the estimated sub-$30,000 price, the 2.0T will be a solid option for enthusiasts.

The 4Runner stands out as a truly multipurpose vehicle with authentic, structurally based recreational capability.

The current Buick LaCrosse is an attractive, advanced sedan with original design, attention to detail, world-class chassis and drivetrain components, and advanced driving dynamics.

The Lexus RX is exceptionally quiet and sumptuously comfortable. It boasts a long list of safety features, and its electronic accessories are at once entertaining, sophisticated and user-friendly.

There are a lot of things to like about the Sonata Hybrid, and some very promising engineering to boot. Quality, character and operating costs seem to be on par with the competition. If the price is just a little bit lower, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid could become leader of the pack.

The 2012 Lexus RX is exceptionally quiet and sumptuously comfortable. It boasts a long list of safety features, and its electronic accessories are at once entertaining, sophisticated and user-friendly. It is a good choice for people who don’t tow or need to move more than five people at a time.

Improved for 2010, the Lincoln MKZ is a quality luxury car that feels right and looks right, and it comes at a good price. Luxury car owners from other brands might be surprised at how well executed the MKZ really is.

Inside it’s luxurious. On the road it’s quiet. While not as soft and smooth on bumpy roads as a car-based crossover SUV, such as the Lexus RX, the GX is no buckboard on the highway.

The Toyota Venza combines the virtues of cars and SUVs resulting in a vehicle that’s nice to drive and easy to live with.