it's easy to see why shoppers looking for quality and reliability in a large, fuel-efficient people mover should put the Highlander Hybrid at the top of their lists. We're just not sure that, in an era of $2-a-gallon gas, the $5,500 premium over the gasoline model will bring with it many new buyers.

a hatchback version of the second-generation model will arrive in dealer showrooms as a 2017 model. So, why the change of heart (or, more correctly, marketing perspective)? In a word, it's called sales.

The second-generation Forte was all-new for the 2014 model year, but after three years Kia decided that its compact needed a bit of freshening. What we expected was a bit of tidying-up for the front and rear fascias and maybe an upgrade to its infotainment offerings. It turns out that buyers of the 2017 model will get even more than that.

Earlier today, Subaru of America released a teaser image depicting a headlamp and a portion of the front fascia of the redesigned 2017 Impreza.

the latest Honda Civic is back where it belongs - as one of the finest offerings in the compact segment. Pairing that with Honda's reputation for quality and reliability and the result is a combination that can't be beat.

for those buyers looking for a premium midsize package without having to pay premium prices, the 2017 Honda Accord sedan is ready and willing to oblige.

the latest Mazda CX-9 would be our choice in the midsize crossover segment. Buyers looking for a vehicle that offers agile handling coupled with very good fuel economy will find it a joy to own and should put it at the top of their shopping lists.

There is a lot to like about the Lexus NX 300h. It has taught and agile handling, a very responsive drivetrain that offers plenty of power along with excellent fuel economy and a slick exterior (love it or hate it) that compliments a quiet, nicely-detailed, luxurious interior. When all is said and done, the new Lexus NX 300h certainly is the best hybrid luxury compact crossover we have ever driven.

It is, in a way, a shame that the price of gas still hovers in the low to mid $2 range because this Prius is the best one yet - and by a long shot. Not only does it build upon the previous model's strengths, it also addresses many of its weaknesses. Current owners should be thrilled with it, but with gas prices what they are, it may be hard convincing others to consider one.

For 2017, Hyundai not only gave its best-selling sedan a complete makeover, the Korean manufacture will enter the hot compact sedan market to take on the likes of the Jetta GLI and Sentra Nismo while angling for owners of the previous-generation Honda Civic Si.