MotorMouths

This latest incarnation of the Range Rover Supercharged has evolved nicely without losing sight of where it comes from. It has loads of cargo room, is by no means tardy, and comes packing an English manor full of enviable off-road lineage and character as standard-fit.

Priced below the competition and boasting better fuel economy, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is not yet the near-luxury estate of our dreams, but it’s a welcome step in the continued resurrection of the premium wagon.

The Mazda2 is proof that a small, slow, inexpensive car can be fun to drive quickly. There are other subcompacts that offer more power, better fuel economy and premium features, but none can put a smile on your face like this littlest Mazda.

In the case of the 2011 Ford Edge, however, adding the EcoBoost engine is like turning a circle into a sphere; the Edge was already exceptionally well-rounded, but now it excels in a whole new dimension.

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h offers hybrid shoppers an upscale alternative to the compact four-doors on the market. It loses a bit of fuel efficiency but gains an edge with the available technological features.

The 2011 Scion tC has a more masculine physique and a new engine that’s both more powerful and fuel efficient. The interior, however, does fall short of its peers and the competition in this $20k price range gets better every year.

The Outlander Sport handles surprisingly well for what’s essentially a high-riding, tall-roof wagon. The brakes are quite responsive but over bumps, the tight Lancer-like suspension reveals some flaws in the Noise Vibration and Harshness department.

The entry-level luxury sedan category is chock full of viable options and the 2011 Lexus IS 250 AWD is a perfectly acceptable (if run-of-the-mill) choice. The styling is conservative, the driving dynamics are a mixed bag of sport and luxury, but the engine is better than we anticipated.

The Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid is overpriced, but it remains surprisingly enjoyable to drive. The competition may have nothing to worry about at the moment, but this King Caddy still offers inimitable style with a green lining.