the new Tucson is now one of our top recommendations in the compact CUV segment. This latest from the Hyundai brand now offers not just a lot of bang for the buck, it goes even further and no longer has to make excuses to anyone - it's that good.

The refreshed 2016 Explorer Platinum looks even better on the outside. Truth be told, when we first spied one on the road we mistook it for a Range Rover. The interior of the Platinum trim is also equally stunning. In fact, the fun-to-drive quotient notwithstanding, the latest Ford Explorer Platinum raises the bar of the full-sized crossover utility class to a new level.

But when all is said and done, as a whole the 2016 Kia Optima is now one of the top sedans in the midsize class and, lest we forget, one that also comes with one of the best new car warranties in the business. We believe that car buyers looking at a midsize sedan now have even more of a reason to put the Kia Optima (especially the LX 1.6T) at or near the top of their shopping lists.

If you don't enjoy driving a great handling 4-door with the looks to match, you can stop reading this right now. That's because Mazda's Mazda6, despite the fact that it's a midsize sedan, is, like every other Mazda, a driver's car. That means it eschews a plush, wallowing, pillow-like ride in favor of something a bit firmer in the quest for handling prowess.

So while the CT 200h isn't for everybody, those buyers looking for great fuel economy with the Lexus ownership experience at a relatively affordable price will find that their ship (or in this case, their car) has indeed come in.

the Lexus GX 460 remains the consummate midsize luxury body-on-frame sport utility cruiser - quiet and quick while eating up freeway miles and soaking up road irregularities on both the highway and in the city better than any other large SUV we have ever driven. Throw in its legendary dealer experience and reliability and you have a combination that's hard to beat.

It's easy to see why the RX remains a best seller. For 2016 it's got lot going for it - edgier styling, better fuel economy, a quiet ride and a comfortable, richly-appointed interior. The fact that steering weight is a bit on the heavy side, while the infotainment joystick leaves a bit to be desired, are all relatively minor quibbles as we feel that buyers looking in the midsize luxury crossover segment should put the RX 350 at the top of their lists.

the 2016 Mazda CX-3 continues to top our list of subcompact crossovers. Buyers looking for a versatile, polished, nimble-handling, small crossover will find it a joy and should put it at the top of their shopping lists.

We readily admit that cars like the FR-S aren't for everyone. But drivers looking for an affordable sports car should know that this little gem can hold its own with vehicles costing two to three times as much. Despite its flaws (interior noise, small, spartan interior), we still find the existence of the FR-S nothing short of a small miracle.

most buyers in this segment are more interested in versatility, reliability and resale value -areas in which this Toyota excels. Those qualities should entice current owners as well as many more potential customers to pay a visit to their local Toyota dealer.