Acura TLX SH-AWD

How it looks when you see on the street: The TLX looks like what it is – a sporty-looking sedan that’s got a peppy turbo-charged personality communicated in the hard lines of its exterior design.

How it makes you feel when you get in: The interior is tailored to a driver-centric experience with roomy front seats. The connected software has far too many steps to get up and running on first use, but once dialed in, works efficiently, and is the gateway to accessing that stellar sound system.  

How it drives: The TLX is a good car-car. It’s a smooth, powerful ride that handles its weight with ease due to the way it sits on the road, which in car speak is called the suspension.

Space for people and things: The back seats are on the cramped-side, so this might not be the ride if you’ve got a car full of adult-sized people on board.

Best Features: The smooth sounding Panasonic/ELS Studio 3D audio system, using insights from Grammy award winning producer Elliot Scheiner. Scheiner once used the car to perfect a Foo Fighters mix down. The system has 16 speakers, and 4 overhead speakers located in the roof alone. If you’re an audiophile, this system is worth the demo.

What makes it stand out: Tur-Bo – this car has a zesty engine. If you crave a sports car that has practical attributes the sweet pricing on the TLX is undeniable. It’s kind of heavy and fuel economy is mehh, compared to others in this class.

What should you compare it to: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C Class.

How much is it: $46,250.