Hits and misses from our testing

Moving on up

Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango

Derived from the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML, the resuscitated Grand Cherokee has an upscale interior, a composed ride, and responsive handling. The Durango, a cousin of the Jeep, is spacious and comfortable, rides well, and has a third row that's actually usable.

Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger

These big, comfortable rear-wheel-drive sedans are quiet, spacious, and full of high-tech features. The V8 engines are thirsty but have abundant power. V6 versions have enough power and get an 8-speed automatic for 2012.

Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra combines nimble handling with a comfortable, well-controlled ride and a neatly laid out, well-equipped interior. It handily outpoints former champs like the Honda Civic and Ford Focus.

Volvo S60

Maybe the best Volvo yet, the S60's 2011 redesign brought big improvements to the ride and handling and a variety of cutting-edge safety features.

Audi A6

The redesigned A6 is quick, fuel efficient, and sporty. Its high levels of refinement and luxury have helped it move to the top of our midsize luxury sedan Ratings.

Stuff we like

Cross-traffic alert

This system sounds a warning if it detects a car crossing behind you. Very handy when you're backing out of a narrow parking space, it's found on some Fords and Chryslers.

Auto-dimming headlights

These switch off your high beams when your car detects oncoming traffic and turns them back on when the coast is clear. They are on Lexus, BMW, and Chrysler models.

Panoramic sunroof

A sunroof that extends over the rear seats lets in lots of natural light, making a cabin seem airier. Fairly common for SUVs, it's catching on in cars. Our Chrysler 300 and Kia Optima SX turbo had one.

Missing the boat

Honda Civic

The 2012 redesign brought a choppy ride, degraded handling, long stopping distances, and a cheap-looking interior.

Volkswagen Jetta

The revamped Jetta sedan lost the crisp handling and well-finished cabin of previous models, leaving a humdrum compact with good interior space but little else.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

With an unrefined powertrain, sloppy emergency handling, so-so braking, and weak acceleration, the Sonata Hybrid is nowhere near as nice a car as the regular version yet costs $4,000 more. That would buy a lot of gas.

Saab 9-5

Stiff-riding and cramped, with a noisy and rather weak turbo four-cylinder and unimpressive fuel economy, the redesigned 9-5 doesn't drive like a $40,000 luxury car.

Unclear on the concept

The Mercedes E-Class and Volkswagen Touareg share a peculiar quirk: When you shift into reverse, the radio comes on, as if a distraction is needed.

P is for Panic

Several BMW, Toyota, Lexus, and Mercedes models require you to hit a separate button to engage park. Until you get used to it, you're apt to shift into reverse, thinking you've reached park. When you let your foot off the brake and the car rolls backward, you are sure to get an unwelcome surprise.

Missing audio knobs

Many new cars relegate radio tuning and station-preset keys to a display screen, forcing you to wade through menu pages for those basic functions. GM cars are an exception.

Minor gripes

The Lexus CT200h's 740-page owner's manual takes up almost all of the tiny, segmented glove compartment.

The Fiat 500 lacks a button to lock the doors. You must pull or push the door-handle latches to activate the locks.

The $97,000 BMW 750Li lacks an electronic compass.

The Buick Regal's cup holders are so deep and far back that an 8-ounce coffee cup is nearly unreachable.