MotorMouths

If it’s just you and the significant other, the GLK is a nicely priced, stylish option. It looks and drives well, offering Americans all of their SUV appearance and character, yet it isn’t overdone or oversized.

The Verano is worth checking out if you’re considering a premium sedan with solid engineering and a comfortable demeanor.

The Lincoln MKX is quiet, has a solid engine and decent appearance—though it’s a bit too close to the Ford Edge in bloodlines. The MKX does win in technology—it’s loaded. Lincoln did a nice job here, putting its head down and improving a lot. Consumers should at least give it a look.

The new Optima gives Kia more credibility in the ultracompetitive midsize segment than it’s ever had. This car has the potential to do for Kia what the new Sonata has done for Hyundai—land it on the radars of mainstream car buyers. The Optima is not the best in the segment, but it’s an impressive execution that will impress many.

If you’re a BMW fan, particularly of the X5, this is a nice upgrade. And yes, that is a reason to consider putting it in your garage. More power. Same comfort. Classy, understated looks. It’s all here. And it’s a well-executed package.

The Hyundai Sonata strolls through value village, no problem—it’s loaded. But with its smart execution, premium ZIP codes may be the next stop.

You want a 2011 Touareg if you need to haul people and stuff and a European premium feel is how you roll. There’s a lot of variety here with the three powertrain configurations, and the hybrid is one heck of a satisfying drive.

Though the 2010 Jeep Liberty is a nice redo compared with the previous model, it’s still a rather pedestrian vehicle.

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is bigger, roomier, has an updated engine lineup and looks a bit sharper than its predecessor.