MotorMouths

The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L offers only a couple of technical highlights, mostly getting by on easy drivability, practical cargo space, and all-wheel-drive utility.

Although the 2011 Nissan Quest offers good maneuverability and plenty of usable interior space, it does not stand out as a breakout hit, looking more like an also-ran.

At first glance, the 2012 Volkswagen Eos looks like a reasonable car, a mild two-door with the advantage of a retractable hardtop. But a look at the price tag is bound to cause jaws to drop.

The tiny 2012 Fiat 500C is the best-looking car among the new economy set, but it doesn’t edge anyone out based on its cabin or performance technology.

We can’t say that we really enjoy driving the 2010 Toyota Prius, but as an economical means of transportation, it’s hard to beat.

Most automakers use the additional energy provided by a hybrid system to get away with a smaller gasoline engine, thereby maintaining expected power but reducing fuel use. BMW looked at that extra power and thought, “excellent, we can make our cars go even faster!”

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h’s good looks are complemented by its excellent practicality, but it lacks power and its cabin tech falls short of the cutting edge.

I like the modern look of the 2013 Pathfinder, and the four-wheel-drive system offers good capabilities. But while the Pathfinder provides a roomy interior and comfortable driving dynamics, Nissan is letting its engine and cabin technology stagnate.

The 2011 Ford Edge’s cutting-edge instrument cluster will appeal to technologists, and the vehicle provides a very practical form factor in an attractive package.

Although excellent for showing off to friends and attending track days, it will be tough to live with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 on a daily basis because of ride quality and gas costs.

The 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman maintains the fun character established by Mini’s other models, and all-wheel drive will give confidence on slippery roads. Cabin tech, however, is middling, and the cabin suffers from some very poor ergonomic design.

The 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas works well as an economical commute car and errand runner, but its average cabin tech falls far short of the cutting edge.