Despite the fact that the second-gen Equinox has been around since the summer of 2009 when it went on sale as a 2010 model, the 2016 model only gets a mild exterior refresh, a time frame that sees many competitors introducing models with either an all-new design or a major refresh.

But the fact is that the latest Sonata fuel-sipper is one of the best hybrid offerings in the midsize segment and, taking everything into account, new car shoppers should now consider it an equal to those offered by Toyota, Honda and Ford.

With its latest refresh, the Mazda CX-5 receives even more refinements. Buyers looking for agile handling along with excellent fuel economy will find it a joy to own and should definitely put it at the top of their shopping lists.

the latest Mazda CX-5 remains our choice in the compact crossover segment. Buyers looking for a vehicle that offers agile handling coupled with excellent fuel economy will find it a joy to own and should put it at the top of their shopping lists.

Buyers looking for something larger than a midsize crossover that's still easy to park in the city or those only needing to ferry around smaller children in a third row should put the new 2016 Kia Sorento SX at or near the top of their lists.

The good news is that the all-new 2016 model offers more across the lineup in every department - edgier styling, increased fuel economy, better driving dynamics and an even more luxurious interior. Current RX owners should be pleased, while the improvements should attract even more luxury crossover buyers into the Lexus fold.

this is the best sub-20K Scion we have ever driven

On the whole, however, the latest Rogue represents a decent, if innocuous, value in the midsize crossover segment

But the fact remains that drivers not particularly interested in sporty handling, but looking for a high-quality vehicle with a great warranty that offers a lot of bang for the buck, should really check out an Azera. More to the point, buyers considering a high end Sonata should note that, for literally only a few dollars more, a base model Azera is larger, more powerful, more luxurious and more stylish.

But all in all, the latest Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best vehicles currently being offered in the compact crossover segment. Buyers would do well to put it at or near the top of their shopping lists.