MotorMouths

The Azera remains as a hedge bet for keeping elderly and more traditionally minded customers in the fold who are looking for comfortable full-size transportation with a good warranty. By that yardstick, it succeeds – but only just.

A week spent with the 2012 Nissan Versa SL left us turned off by its disconnected driving dynamics, lack of power and one of the least impressive cabins on sale today. To top it off, it’s not much to look at, either.

The Tacoma and its fellow Japanese rival, the Nissan Frontier, have won the mid-size truck title by default. That’s a good thing for Toyota, because the Tacoma needs an improved powertrain, better fuel economy and more refinement.

Outfitted past $30k, the Jeep Patriot is certainly a tough pill to swallow, but its increased fuel economy, improved road manners and off-road ability give it a reason for being.

With the Chevrolet Trailblazer gone and the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango about to reinvent themselves as crossovers, the 2010 Toyota 4Runner has very little competition in a segment that just a decade ago surpassed well over one million units per year.

We came away impressed with the 2011 Toyota Highlander’s updated sheetmetal and pleased with its all-around driving characteristics. It remains an imperfect but attractive option in one of America’s most hotly contested segments – but only just.

The interior could use a makeover and its fuel economy will become problematic as gas prices rise, but for those looking for an honest all-terrain savant with aggressive styling and simple-but-effective technology, the Nissan Xterra Pro-4X is a rock-solid choice.

While the 200’s cabin and the new Pentastar V6 are competitive, those are easily its best attributes. When it comes to looks, refinement and especially reputation, it still isn’t near the top of the mid-size food chain.

Given the Forte 5-Door’s impressive standard features, best-in-class 10-year warranty and sharp-looking sheetmetal, we suspect this hatchback will draw attention from shoppers.

The 2012 Yaris is better looking, better equipped and better to drive. Unfortunately, enthusiasts still probably won’t be compelled to consider this Yaris, mostly because of a serious power deficit compared to rivals.

The Ford Edge has transformed from an attractive crossover with a passable cabin to an even better looking crossover with more power, improved fuel economy and a truly state-of-the-art interior experience.

We would like to see better fuel economy and a more state-of-the-art infotainment system, but even after many years on the market, the CX-9 still acquits itself well enough to shine as the clear enthusiast’s choice in a segment not exactly known for driving engagement.