In the hierarchy of its crossovers, the 2012 BMW X6 BMW calls a Sports Activity Coupe. With a sloping roofline, standard seating for four, and a luxurious interior is designed around the driver, it’s not hard to see why.

This vehicle was never designed to be your football shuttle offers standard 19-inch wheels, traction tires and catered to in a performance focus. Only this year, BMW finally saw fit to fifth option to sit in the passenger crossover can offer.

With a capacity choices come through a 300 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine or an available 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 capable of 400 horsepower, the 2012 BMW X6 hustles with a lively acceleration in either configuration. If 400 horsepower is just not enough, however, will sell you a BMW X6 M with 555 hp and a recalibrated suspension, making it all but the most powerful sports cars in embarrassment. The BMW X6 defies conventionality. Whether your goal is to understand, it works somehow, wearing as much as a performance that defines BMW. 

Body: Crossover SUV
Engines: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8
Transmissions: eight-speed automatic, six-speed automatic
Models: 35i, 50i, M

The X6 ActiveHybrid, unloved model leaves the stage left this year, not join the rest of the 2012 BMW X6 series on the U.S. market. In addition, the 2012 BMW X6 finally offer the possibility of a middle-passenger seat in the back row – the first time since the launch vehicle as a late-2008 model. An iPod adapter, BMW Assist, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats and lighting are all included as standard equipment among other options. Heated rear seats are added to the cold weather package. Otherwise, the BMW Individual customization program are added to the options included the X6.

If the vehicle crossover coupe segment began, the 2012 BMW X6 is still the most uniquely identifiable. With a pitched roof back, wide tires on large wheels, and a crouched position, the BMW X6 looks like an X5 for the most part until you reach the back half of the vehicle. Like it or not, the polarizing styling is an attention-grabber. With two rear doors is more a matter of convenience than a necessity, because the more practical X5 BMW lineup is in almost the same price with little compromise in the roofline.

As the only crossover SUV in the lineup BMWs with paddle shifts behind the wheel outside of the ultra-fast X5 M, it is clear that the intent of the 2012 BMW X6 was the line between car and crossover offerings blur in BMW‘s portfolio . Accented in aluminum and covered with leather, the BMW X6 offers a wonderful atmosphere for the driver and passengers. Options in the X6 include a Headup display and a tech package with a high-beam adjustment and side-view cameras. A (much needed) rearview camera, navigation system, four-zone climate control, rear sunshades and other features available in premium BMW package.

Handling more like a big 3-series than you would ever expect a 5000-pound SUV to the 2012 BMW X6 is a pleasure to drive if you do not have to look through the small rear window. Acceleration is brisk with the inline six. With the V-8 model 50i, it is downright fast. And the BMW X6 M 555 horsepower, it is enough to terrify your passengers in the best possible way, hitting 60 mph in about 4 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 155 mph. It is much faster than any sane person would be a high-riding crossover, but BMW did his homework by getting the suspension setup right so the car would feel stable at speed.

Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control, stability control and all-wheel drive are all standard on the 2012 BMW X6. 

35i: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
50i: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
M: 12 mpg highway city/17mpg

xDrive35i Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $59,300
M Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $90,000
xDrive50i Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $69,900

Source: AutoKedabra

First pick-up truck was never Honda's off-road, construction site powerhouse such as Ford, Chevy, Dodge and even Toyota and Nissan. Built on top of a front-wheel-drive car chassis with independent suspension and a V-6 engine as the sole powertrain was intended more for hauling groceries in the city than in the back construction 40. For weekend warriors, the Ridgeline full-time four-wheel drive, car-like handling and flexible storage solutions are exactly what they need.

For 2012, the Ridgeline gets a sports package for highlighting the on-road persuasion: bold, black-out 18-inch alloy wheels and a honeycomb grille give an aggressive look. Only the engine of the Ridgeline, a 3.5-liter 250 horsepower V-6 engine, struggling to back up the sporting image. Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive under all wheels come standard, like a five-speed automatic transmission.

For the benefit of the Ridgeline, its fuel economy, at 15/20 mpg city / highway, is one of the best in the pickup truck class. But this compact size truck comes to a full-size price: $ 29,150 starting price has not garnered him many fans. The Ridgeline, Honda is a unique way of looking at the pickup truck segment - a compact car that is innovative because innovation programs - and this may be her biggest problem against its competitors.

Body: Truck

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6

Transmission: five-speed automatic

Models: RT, RTS, RTL, RTL with Navigation

A Sport package debuts for 2012, making the Ridgeline a blackout effect: black wheels, dark headlights and taillights, and a new honeycomb grille ensures a level of sportsmanship.

The Ridgeline has a unique look, it's square-off with a faux-macho attitude, but his short bed with high, sloping walls serve to deemphasize its truck like nature. The medium is much smaller than most full-size trucks on the road today. Features like in-bed lockable trunk, power folding mirrors, and a tailgate that drops down or swings out a number of clever storage options.

The interior carries on the square, rugged theme of the exterior. All air conditioning and radio controls are separated into their respective areas on the near-vertical dash. Only the column characteristics Ridgeline Honda's shifter, an old-school touch. A flip-down CD changer definitely feels dated, but USB and MP3 functions are standard. The 60/40 split rear seats flip up for storage underneath or larger items such as bicycles.

Only the engine of the Ridgeline is a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. Variable Torque Honda's Management (VTM) system varies power to all four wheels based on the circumstances. The automotive construction and independent suspension on all four wheels means that the Ridgeline drives a lot more like a car than a traditional truck. Unfortunately, like pulling a car. Maximum load capacity of the Ridgeline's towing capacities of 1100 pounds and 5000 pounds and are useful, but far below the competition.

Both the driver and passenger have dual-stage front airbags and side airbags with passenger detection, and a rollover sensor. Front seats with active head restraints for whiplash protection. Anti-lock brakes, stability control and tire pressure monitoring as standard.

15 mpg city/20 mpg highway

Spread over nearly 50 years a consistent production, the 2012 Ford Mustang continues its reign as the US's longest-selling pony car, with more performance and convenience features than ever before, making the Mustang shopper plenty of options for his or her real one in a Mustang making-of-a-kind car.

Whether opting for a top-down cruiser, a coupe with some added zip, or an all-out performance machine, the Mustang shows shoppers the choice all with a check of a box. From the base V-6 model 31 mpg makes to the street-legal race car known as the Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition, the Mustang comes in different degrees of speed.

But the 2012 Ford Mustang is a very viable vehicle, with seating for four and a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. The optional Sync hands-free calling makes communication a safe exercise, and MyKey programmable key from Ford, parents can program a speed limiter and audio volume settings, so they are not afraid to put the key to give a 412 horsepower V -8 Mustang GT for their teenage sons or daughters.

Body style: Two-door coupe or convertible

Engines: 3.7-liter V-6, 5.0-liter V-8

Transmissions: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic

Models: Mustang, Mustang GT, Mustang Boss 302, Boss 302 Mustang Leguna Seca

In a first for Ford, the 2012 Ford Mustang offers adjustable steering wheel, which the driver can choose between three different settings for how fast the car to the wheel, including a tighter sports fashion. Also new for 2012 are illuminated visor vanity mirrors twice, a universal garage door opener, and multifunctional storage visor. Backup sensors, a safety kit, and HID headlights are also new options available. Finally, the Mustang has a limited amount of colors, Lava Red Metallic. The color option will come with Lava Red with black interior and color-keyed door and seat inserts.

With a modern take on a retro design, the 2012 Ford Mustang fastback is a standard with an aggressive look that could only be a Mustang. The sequential rear turn signals indicators pick up a cue from the '70s, and classic long-hood, short deck proportions, the Mustang looks fast even when stationary. Boss 302 models look much louder, with bright orange paint and aerodynamic tweaks, but most add-ons are fully functional for go-fast, hardcore enthusiasts.

Compact interior of the Ford Mustang definitely looks retro with its classic styling and a three-spoke steering wheel modeled after Mustangs of yore. But with the addition of the Electronics package that includes many built-in navigation in the middle of the dashboard, that all changes fast installation. With the addition of the Laguna Seca package to the Boss 302 Mustang forgoes a back seat for a roll cage and chassis braces.

When it comes to performance, even the base V-6 Ford Mustang is all basic. In V-6 models, power comes from a 3.7-liter engine capable of 305 horsepower - almost as much as a V-8 powered Mustang GT 2010. With all that power, acceleration from zero to 60 mph happens in 5.1 seconds, and with the Performance Package, the car pulls 0.96g of lateral acceleration - which is only $ 25,000 for the model! From there, the speeds just faster and better treatment only if customers switch to the 412-horsepower 2012 Ford Mustang GT V-8, which is a BMW M3 a run for the money half the cost, or buyers can step up to the Boss 302 and positively insane 444 hp Seguna Seca which packs 380 lb-ft of torque, and can hang with supercars for well under $ 50,000.

Optional on the 2012 Ford Mustang SYNC system is 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report in addition to the standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, traction control and ABS as standard. Other safety features include dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and MyKey that owners of a secondary key program to stereo volume and speed limit.

Mustang: 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic), 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway (manual)

Mustang GT: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (automatic), 17 mph city/26 mpg highway (manual)

Mustang Boss 302: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway (manual)

Base Coupe

Sticker Price: $22,310

Base Convertible

Sticker Price: $27,310

Boss 302 Coupe

Sticker Price: $40,310

GT Convertible

Sticker Price: $34,710

GT Coupe

Sticker Price: $29,710

GT Premium Convertible

Sticker Price: $38,710

GT Premium Coupe

Sticker Price: $33,710

Premium Convertible

Sticker Price: $31,310

Premium Coupe

Sticker Price: $26,310

The Elantra continues to value-minded, compact sedan in the 2012 model year. This sedan offers many features that are standard, but still keep the low price of $ 15,955. Hyundai has adapted to the current rise in gas prices by adding a system that not only makes ActiveEco smoother throttle response, increases fuel consumption by 7 percent, 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The Elantra is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai Elantra is equipped with six airbags and a state-of-the-art braking package. The Elantra is a stylish compact sedan is a good choice for buyers who want a commuter car park. Choosing the Limited trim level and you get amazing opportunities to get a decent price, such as leather seats that are heated in the front and outer rear seats, too. Those who want a more sporty driving experience might consider looking elsewhere.

Body Style: Sedan

Engines: 1.8L I-4

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Models: GLS, SE, Limited

The 2012 Elantra comes with a few tweaks. New features for 2012 include a dual-shell horn for better sound quality, steering calibration and optional roadside assistance kit. There are also three new color choices: Shimmering White, Midnight Black, Indigo and night. The GLS preferred package now includes fog lamps and a passenger side sun visor extension.

Like the Sonata and the all new Velo Star, the Elantra Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design features, a variety of hard surfaces the illusion of constant motion to give the automaker said. The Elantra is quite similar to the Sonata, both with the same lines and a tight roof. It is also equipped with Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille and swept-back headlights. Fifteen-, 16 - or 17-inch wheels are available as well as fog lights.

The interior of the Elantra is basic but well designed. A telescopic steering wheel available is offered for 2012. Also heated seats remain available in the front and rear seats - a feature not found on many cars at every price. The interior also offers plenty of storage compartments.

The 2012 Elantra is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. This sedan weighs 2661 pounds, making the Elantra a best-in-class power to weight ratio of 18.0. Although the Elantra is still a fast car, the more exciting with the standard six-speed gearbox.

The Elantra comes standard with six airbags: two before, front-mounted side-impact and front and rear curtain. It is also equipped with electronic brake force distribution that automatically adjusts the braking force on the front and rear based on vehicle loading conditions. The Elantra has front and rear crumple zones, as well as internal dual beams placed in the rear doors.

EPA Fuel Economy

Elantra: 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway

The Accent is Hyundai's budget-minded subcompact car and it has been completely redesigned for 2012 in an effort to provide a more luxurious appearance and quality to supply the lowest priced offer. The new 2012 Hyundai Accent comes with the full line of Hyundai's standard equipment, including standard disc brakes on all four wheels - a class exclusive.

Body style: Four-door sedan, five-door hatchback

Engines: 1.6L I-4

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Models: GLS, GS, SE

The Accent is all new for 2012 and win Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design language. The four-door sedan body style remains, but the three-door hatchback has been replaced by a five-door hatchback. The wheelbase has increased 2.8 inches more interior space. The Accent gets Hyundai's new "GAMMA" 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower on tap. Last year, five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are replaced with new six-speed manual or automatic available in flavors. A number of passive and active safety features are standard for the Hyundai Accent, including four disc brakes.

The Accent finally gets Hyundai's' fluid sculpture "design theme, making the system can get family resemblance to its larger Elantra and Sonata siblings. Overall Accent hatch is a smart, contemporary look that should appeal to a broad spectrum of the budget-minded car buying public. The Accent sedan also has a fresh look, but it's not as fat as the slightly larger and more expensive Elantra. The 2012 Accent rides on a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase and is now 3, 5 inches overall compared to the 2011 model.

Like the exterior styling updates, the accent was on the inside. The dashboard of the monochromatic "tech" design with the better-than-average class of plastic trim give the interior a more luxurious look than the price indicates. The premium cloth seats are nicely supportive. Air conditioning is standard on the GS and SE trim levels, but optional on GLS. Rear leg room feels bigger than its competitors. The sedan has a trunk with 13.7 cubic feet trunk. The folding rear seats increase the Accent hatchback cargo capacity of 21.2 cubic meters to 47.5.

Accent the class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque helps speed up the highway without much drama. The Motor Trend test team obtained a 9.2-second sprint to 60 mph the Accent SE hatch. Ride quality is on the firm side, but the treatment has helped balance the standard stability control. The 2012 Accent electrical control has a minimum of effort, but the feeling is more consistent compared to the model it replaces. When it came time to stop the four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with four hubcaps and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), the subcompact comes to a halt with aplomb.

Hyundai offers a long list of standard safety features, including: six airbags (front impact, front seat-mounted side impact and curtain side-effect), front-seat active head restraints, Hyundai's Collision Load Dispersion Mechanism, back bar, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Motor Drive Power Steering (MDPS). Focus of the anti-lock brakes (ABS) also feature Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and pulled the Accent SE we tested from 60 mph to 128 meters.

GLS: 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (manual), 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (automatic)

HS: 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (manual), 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (automatic)

SE: mpg city/40 mpg highway (manual), 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (automatic)

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV's roots date back to 1983 when American Motors was chipping away at a successor to the Jeep Cherokee. It was not until 1993, after Ford saw resounding success with the Explorer, the Jeep felt the pressure needed to release the new Grand Cherokee beaten the competition to fight.

Nearly 20 years later, Jeep has catapulted itself to the forefront of the off-road SUV class, but it still compete with the likes of the Explorer and house competition from the Dodge Durango. Equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is standard 283 horses waiting for orders from your right foot. If that's not enough you can always opt for the 5.7-liter V-8 or the SRT8's 6.4-liter V-8 that produced 360 horsepower and 465, respectively. Refinements both inside and outside the Jeep Grand Cherokee have helped to bring from obscurity to fame.

Body: SUV

Engines: 3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8, 6.4-liter V-8

Transmission: five-speed automatic

Models: Laredo, Limited, Overland, SRT8

A new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine with 465 horsepower can be found lurking under the bonnet of the SRT8 model for 2012. The SRT8 brand took a year off last year, but returns with enhancements such as Brembo brakes are under 20-inch wheels and paddle shifters are added. A revised version of the automatic transmission for the V-8 models have also seen some improvements in the latest Grand Cherokee.

Restyled for 2011, the Grand Cherokee carries this record becomes the last edition. The iconic grille and round lights that are synonymous with Jeep styling to remain integrated in the Grand Cherokee, but that's about the only styling cue that remains unchanged from the previous generation. The front end is stretched less, but still stands eight inches clearance from normal ride height. The settings can be changed when the air is in use and can increase the Cherokee as high as 10.7 inches. Fold the sheet metal door panels give the Grand Cherokee an aerodynamic look, and the smoother exterior styling helps boost fuel economy.

The latest Grand Cherokee features an abundance of entertainment and technology, as uConnect and Sirius Satellite Radio. Navigation, real-time traffic and weather updates are also available, along with other media features such as an input for an MP3 player. Speech recognition commands, the driver hands-free input and other orders to communicate to the media center. The interior is sliver and sand-colored accents with soft-to-the-touch materials abound, as one would expect from a higher-end SUV. The three-spoke steering wheel houses enough buttons to a television remote jealous, but it is laid out in an easy to use way. The Selec-Terrain knob, the driver can choose between five different terms 4X4 optimize performance.

The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is a much better engine than the meager V-6 from the previous generation Grand Cherokee. But if it was not enough, a sturdy 5.7-liter or a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 are also available as a replacement. Quadra-Lift, an air suspension and Selec-Terrain system allows the Cherokee to go off-road, like the previous versions. Selec-Terrain configure brakes, gas, and suspension control, transmission, traction control and electronic stability control.

More than 45 safety features are incorporated into the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Electronic stability control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and remote keyless entry are standard safety features. Trailer Sway Control and a remote starter are standard on Limited and Overland and available on the Laredo model. Side-curtain air bags, seat-mounted airbags and active headrests are also standard.

3.6-liter V-6 rear-wheel drive: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway

3.6-liter V-6 four-wheel drive: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway

5.7-liter V-8 rear wheel drive: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway

5.7-liter V-8 four-wheel drive: 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway

SRT8: 12 mph city/18 mpg highway

Laredo Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $26,995

Limited Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $36,795

Overland Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $39,495

SRT8 Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $54,470

The 2012 Jeep Compass as the precious rolls SUV in Jeep's lineup, and it shows. What it lacks in the character of the Compass makes in configurations of the drive and the available models. The front grille borrowed from the Grand Cherokee is a step in the right direction, but it was too little too late, because Fiat is expected to be in line with a substitute in the very near future.

Compass still can not go off-roading, Jeep but deserves credit for retuning the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to more livable. While the front-wheel drive is not what Jeep is known for, at least there is an all-wheel drive option. As with the Liberty and Patriot brothers and sisters, the Compass lacks interior quality compared to others in its class. For those looking for a solid sedan with bold looks with messages from family and in the city, the Compass is the appropriate selection. But anyone who corresponds with Jeep off-road should look elsewhere.

Body: SUV

Engines: 2.0-liter inline-4, 2.4-liter inline-4

Transmissions: Five-speed, continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Models: Sport 4X2, 4X4 Sport 4X2 Latitude, Latitude 4X4, Limited 4X2, 4X4 Limited

Three new exterior colors, True Blue Pearl Coat, Copperhead Pearl Coat, and Green Pearl Coat Rescue is available for the 2012 Compass. Other improvements include refinements of the continuously-variable transmission, now in its second generation. Improved responsiveness and reduced pedal revolutions per minute are some results of this refinement. The available models are also renamed.

After going through a refresh in 2011, Compass has many exterior styling cues in 2012. A grille inspired by his big brother, the Grand Cherokee remains in place, and a 4X4 package that makes the cut for the latest model. No other plate noticeable changes.

UConnect the media center is the epicenter of all things media with an iPod interface, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Travel Link. A nine-speaker sound system lines of the cab and a power sunroof and illuminated cup holders are the features available on the Compass. Choosing the Latitude you get a remote starter, heated cloth front seats, a folding front passenger seat, 60/40 rear seat rest and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and speed. Other standard air conditioning, power windows and locks, power / heated mirrors, keyless entry, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, and anti-lock disc brakes.

The Compass can be configured with three different drive systems with those of the standard front-wheel-drive system, Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. Motivation for the Compass comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine 172 hp standard on the Limited manufactures, but in all workmanship. The Compass' continuously variable transmission is the second generation and helps boost fuel economy by matching against a traditional four-speed automatic gearbox. The Compass is rated for towing up to 2000 lbs.

Compass provides the stability control, Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist and curtain side airbags covering both the first and second row cover. Traction control, front active head restraints, curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes are also standard safety features.

Front-wheel drive (automatic): 23 mpg city / 27 mpg highway

Front-wheel drive (manual): 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway

AWD: 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway

Sport Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $19,295

Latitude Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $21,695

Limited Sport Utility

Sticker Price: $24,295

The Legacy is Subaru's midsize sedan semi-premium, sporty and sophisticated offering than the smaller, entry-level Impreza. The current Legacy model made its debut in 2010, and little has changed since then. That's hardly a bad thing if the current model is a well-rounded, solid medium choice.

Each Legacy offers all-wheel-drive system Subaru, Subaru defining characteristic. But the automaker is also known for its flat-style motors, which have a lower center of gravity for better handling to offer. The Legacy lineup is powered by three engines and three transmission options, depending on your sports or economy driving intentions.

The base engine is a 2.5-liter flat-4, and with Subaru's CVT can be up to 31 mpg highway. For the spirited driver, the 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 makes gobs of power, but is only equipped with a manual gearbox. Subaru's 3.6-liter flat-6 engine will cost more money and makes less power than the turbo engine, but both the turbo and six-cylinder, 25 mpg highway rate.

Inside, passengers will enjoy a carefully planned interior, plenty of head and knee room, and a big trunk. The center console is tasteful modern, Subaru offers a voice-activated navigation, a rear view camera and a powerful Harman Kardon sound system.

While the Legacy has standard all-wheel drive, Subaru has a different sized sedan that does not cause or falls behind in the segment.

Body Style: Sedan

Engines: 2.5-liter flat-4, 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4, 3.6-liter flat-6

Transmissions: six-speed manual, five-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission

Models: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited

Legacy is expected to be a few new colors, but also enhanced audio and interior to receive.

The Legacy was designed in 2010. With large wheel arches, prominent chrome grille, headlights and high-arched, it's not the prettiest midsizer, but it can be sporty, unique, or refined, depending on your taste.

The Legacy is the dimensions and clever interior packaging provide adequate usable space, and the cabin materials and overall build quality is very good.

Enthusiasts will opt for the 2.5GT Limited, with its 265 hp turbocharged flat-four, six-speed gearbox, sports suspension and revised. The transmission is awkward and the brakes are not very confident, but it's so comfortable on windy mountain road as it is in the fast lane. The rest of the lineup lacks performance, but has control over all wheel drive Subaru, that's favorite in the rain and snow climates.

Safety

The Legacy has four-wheel electronic anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, electronic stability control, two front airbags, seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control, and the all-wheel drive. The Legacy was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2010 and 2011, and expected again for 2012.

2.5 GT: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

2.5i: 19-23 mpg highway mpg city/27-31

3.6R: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

For many Americans, the Impreza is associated with two three-letter abbreviations: the high-powered, rally-inspired WRX and STI. These models are loosely based on the Impreza, but for 2012, the performance variations to break up. This leaves the Subaru Impreza again function as entry-level sedan.

While the WRX STi 2011 and remains on the old platform, the 2012 Impreza's have a completely new chassis, engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and suspension. To improve fuel efficiency, nixed the Subaru 2.5-liter engine in favor of a smaller 2.0-liter flat-4. It makes less energy and has a smaller fuel tank, but with weight savings, the new Impreza is just as fast, and it gets 30 percent better mileage and the same range as the 2011 model.

The Impreza is still the only all-wheel-drive car in its class, and now it is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive car in America. But this grill is not a gimmick. The new Impreza has improved steering feel, safety equipment and interior and stylish, sporty design while maintaining price.

Body styles: sedan, hatchback

Engine: 2.0-liter flat-4

Transmission: CVT, five-speed manual

Models: 2.0i, 2.0i Limited, 2.0i Sport Limited, 2.0i Premium

Everything about the 2012 Impreza's new: 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine, suspension, smaller fuel tank, but 30 percent increase in fuel mileage, power steering, CVT, knee airbag for driver and tons of interior infotainment functions.

The Impreza has been completely redesigned for 2012, and now that it is separate from the WRX / STi, it has its own fresh styling cues. Although the external dimensions are similar to the 2011 model, the new Impreza's nose and tail protrude so far from the wheels, making it the more impressed. The front end and grille are sporty, like the new Legacy, and there are beautiful arches framing 16 -, 17 - and 18-inch wheels.

While the external dimensions are similar to 2011, the new Impreza is actually more interior room - including a larger rear seat room and trunk volume. Subaru also upped the quality of the materials in the cabin, and made a lot of connectivity and infotainment features by default. On Limited and Sport models, a 4.3-inch LCD screen, HD Radio and iTunes switch covers. For Premium models, a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and a USB port, but also iPod functionality.

Dimensions for the 2012 Subaru Impreza are similar to the 2011 model, but the Subaru has a new suspension and a smaller engine - but it also has less weight. These changes positively affect fuel mileage, and Subaru says the new model is just as fast as the previous model, meaning that it is not very fast. But with a new electric power steering and familiar all-wheel drive, it's still a great handling car.

Subaru has not released any information on the new Impreza, but the 2011 model was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, and the 2012 model has a new knee airbag and whiplash protection front seats.

EPA Fuel Economy

2.0 CVT: 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway

2.0 5MT: 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway

Sticker Price: $17,495

Sticker Price: $18,995

Sticker Price: $22,095

Sticker Price: $21,595

Sticker Price: $20,295

Sticker Price: $19,795

Sticker Price: $22,395

Sticker Price: $19,595