Toyota Crown

The Crown comes exclusively as a hybrid with all-wheel drive, and passengers sit higher off the ground than in most cars, which makes getting in and out easier. Most versions have a 236-hp, four-cylinder with electric drive paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission, which got 42 mpg overall in our tests. The top Platinum trim, which uses a 340-hp, turbo four-cylinder hybrid paired with a six-speed automatic, delivers a more pleasant driving experience. We found the Crown's ride and handling decent but unremarkable, and some controls, including the gear selector, are fussy. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable, although rear-seat headroom will be tight for taller passengers. Despite its sleek hatchback looks, the Crown features a regular trunk, albeit with a hard-to-find release button.