On the road, the newly redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is nothing short of impressive. It feels less like a truck than competitors, offering sure handling and barely-there body lean around curves. Unlike full-size trucks, the Colorado navigates tight turns with ease. On the highway, this pickup is as hushed as a luxury car.

The Ford F-150 isn’t far behind in this category, thanks to its light, agile road feel. Both acceleration and braking are among its strong points, boosting driver confidence. You can count on predictable performance around curves.

The 2015 Ford F-150’s main attraction is its powerful, fuel-efficient engine lineup. The entry-level 3.5-liter V6 creates 283 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine maximizes the F-150’s capabilities with 365 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, a properly equipped F-150 can tow incredible loads of up to 12,200 pounds. All four F-150 engine options come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Tow-Haul mode to enhance performance when moving big trailers.

Of course, not every truck driver intends to tow and haul heavy loads. If you fall into this category, you may prefer the Colorado’s options. Its base 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces a generous 200 horses and 191 pound-feet of torque. This engine is rated to achieve up to 20 city/27 highway mpg. If off-roading is more your style, consider the available 3.6-liter V6 engine, which generates 305 horses and 269 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine helps the Colorado tow its max load of 7,000 pounds. As with the F-150, you can always select either two- or four-wheel drive.

With its impressive array of safety features, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is tough to beat. A standard rearview camera makes backing up simple. The available OnStar telematics system helps you solve unexpected problems with features like emergency crash notification and stolen vehicle assistance. High-tech safety items boost driver awareness, including forward collision and lane departure warning systems.

As with the Colorado, the Ford F-150 comes standard with equipment designed to maximize driver authority over road conditions, including antilock brakes and stability and traction control. The Sync system can be paired with a cell phone to automatically dial 9-1-1 after an accident. Shoppers can choose to add a single rearview or 360-degree multi-view camera to optimize rear visibility.

This category was almost too close to call, but the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pulls ahead with its quiet comfort and sleek ergonomics. You will appreciate that gauges are easy to read and frequently used controls are within easy reach. Compared to rivals, the Colorado crew cab delivers extra legroom, so that both front- and rear-seat passengers can count on spacious seating. High-tech convenience features like the MyLink infotainment system and in-car Wi-Fi hotspot keep passengers connected on the go.

The Ford F-150 is as luxurious as shoppers prefer, offering everything from a bare-bones work truck to a luxury-car-like interior. The cabin materials are high quality, and drivers will appreciate details like the padded armrest. From the front seat, drivers get a commanding view of the road. In the extended and crew cab models, passengers can stow valuables out of sight in hidden storage locations.

On the road, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is truly impressive. It feels less truck-like than competitors, especially around turns. The Colorado takes on tight turns like a pro. Drivers can count on secure handling and swift acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission delivers a smooth, comfortable ride.

The Toyota Tacoma isn’t quite as refined, but it provides a sturdy on-road performance. The four-cylinder engine is adequate for around-town driving. Tacoma drivers who plan to tow on a regular basis will want the V6 engine.

The newly redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Colorado offers two excellent engine options. The base 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivers an impressive output – 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a standard six-speed manual or the available six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine achieves up to 20 city/27 highway mpg and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. For those who require additional power, the available 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 305 horses and 269 pound-feet of torque. It also achieves impressive fuel economy – up to 18/26 mpg. Properly equipped, the V6-powered Colorado can tow up to 7,000 pounds. Colorado shoppers can always choose between two- and four-wheel drive.

The Toyota Tacoma also offers two available engines. The standard four-cylinder engine makes 159 horses and 180 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, but a four-speed automatic is also available. This engine achieves up to 21/25 mpg. Drivers who require greater output will want the V6 engine, which produces 236 horses and 266 pound-feet of torque. It can be paired with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. This engine achieves up to 17/21 mpg. Properly equipped, Tacomas with the V6 engine can tow up to 6,500 pounds.

Inside, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is silent, comfortable, and luxurious. Choose from a wide range of options designed to maximize passenger convenience. The OnStar system comes with an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, giving users the power to surf the Web on up to seven devices. Seating in both the extended cab and the crew cab models is supportive and spacious. The available EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate makes it easy to access cargo items.

The Tacoma trails behind in terms of elegance, choosing to keep things simple with a straightforward dash and simple, easy-to-reach controls. The front bucket seats are firm, giving drivers plenty of support for long trips. An available 115-volt power outlet makes it easy to keep devices charged on the go.

Once again, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado comes out on top. Upper trims come standard with OnStar telematics, which helps drivers out of unexpected situations with features like emergency crash notification and remote unlocking services. Choose to add advanced systems – including forward collision and lane departure warning – to boost on-road awareness. A rearview camera is standard equipment, making backing up a snap.

Like the Colorado, the Tacoma comes standard with equipment designed to enhance on-road authority when road conditions get rough, including antilock brakes and stability control. The rearview camera is optional.

We like the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox’s powerful, fuel-efficient engine options. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Shoppers can also choose the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which increases output to 301 horses and 272 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. With either engine, both front- or all-wheel drive is available. With the four-cylinder engine, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The V6-powered Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

All Honda CRV models come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 185 horses and 181 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a continually variable transmission to maximize fuel economy. CRV shoppers can also choose either front- or all-wheel drive.

Thanks to its stylish, roomy cabin, the 2015 Chevy Equinox pulls ahead in this category. All passengers can expect comfortable seating and expansive legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row maximizes comfort during long commutes. Behind the rear seats, drivers can fill 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space with everyday items like groceries. With the rear seats folded, the cargo hold expands to 63.7 cubes.

The Honda CRV is a close second for passenger comfort. Inside, occupants can store carry-on items in a wide range of nooks and crannies. All seats deliver firm, supportive seating to enhance comfort during long trips. Passengers can expect plenty of head- and legroom.

The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is our pick for features, thanks to its array of high-tech standard items. With the entry-level LS model, drivers can enjoy modern features like keyless entry, which saves time in the parking lot. Bluetooth phone connectivity lets drivers make hands-free calls. The standard OnStar telematics system includes a 4G Wi-Fi connection that transforms the Equinox into a mobile hotspot. Higher trims expand comfort and convenience with additional features. The available MyLink system gives users access to a wide range of infotainment apps via a 7-inch touchscreen. Leather upholstery maximizes interior style.

The CRV also offers some impressive standard features. Passengers can stream audio from devices using one of many connection options, including Bluetooth wireless audio. Higher trims come with additional comforts and conveniences, including keyless ignition and entry. The available navigation system helps drivers explore new territory.

With its impressive safety scores and high-tech equipment, passengers can count on the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. Its standard OnStar telematics system helps drivers resolve unexpected issues with features like emergency assistance button and automatic crash notification. High-tech options, like lane-departure and frontal collision warning systems, heighten driver vigilance.

Like the Equinox, the Honda CRV comes standard with items designed to maximize on-road control, including antilock brakes and stability and traction control. The CRV comes standard with a rearview camera, making backing up a snap. CRV shoppers can also choose to add high-tech systems like forward collision warning. Its mitigation system is designed to apply the brakes when necessary.

Inside, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu offers an upscale experience, with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials. Passengers in both rows can enjoy plush cushions and long-term support. The available power driver seat gives even tall passengers the adjustments they need to find the perfect position behind the wheel. The trunk offers impressive space for this segment, with 16.3 cubic feet of space.

In terms of passenger space, the Ford Fusion is a close second. Drivers can expect good sight lines, especially in the front and sides. The Fusion also offers generous trunk space, with 16 cubic feet.

We like the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu’s impressive standard lineup and high-tech options. It also earned impressive crash scores. In government crash tests, the Malibu received a perfect five-star rating for overall protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Malibu its top rating of “Good.” The standard OnStar telematics system works to protect passengers from unexpected situations with features like on-demand roadside assistance and automatic crash notification.

Like the Chevy Malibu, the Ford Fusion comes standard with items like antilock brakes and traction and stability control, designed to maximize on-road control. The Fusion’s standard Sync system can be paired with a cell phone to dial 9-1-1 after a crash. The standard MyKey technology lets Fusion owners set speed parameters for teenage drivers.

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu effortlessly combines power with fuel efficiency. Its base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 196 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a start-stop system that turns the engine off when the Malibu stops in traffic, effectively saving fuel. On the road, it achieves 25 city/36 highway mpg. Drivers can also choose the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which boosts the output to 259 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine achieves a respectable 21/30 mpg.

The Ford Fusion doesn’t disappoint, either. Its base engine is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 horses and 184 pound-feet of torque. Shoppers can also choose the turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder for 181 horses and 185 pound-feet of torque. The Fusion achieves maximum power with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which makes 240 horses and 270 pound-feet of torque.

Inside, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu delivers a wealth of convenience features. Upper trims feel closer to luxury vehicles than reasonably priced sedans. The standard OnStar system offers a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, transforming the Malibu into a mobile hotspot. Bluetooth phone connectivity lets drivers make hands-free calls. The available MyLink system treats users to a variety of apps via a 7-inch touchscreen.

The Ford Fusion also introduces some high-tech equipment. The available voice-activated Sync system lets drivers alter infotainment settings without looking away from the road. The MyFord Touch infotainment system is accessible via an 8-inch touchscreen.

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala offers a range of powerful, fuel-efficient engines, making it our pick in this important category. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, rated for 195 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a stop-start system that turns the engine off when the Impala is stopped in traffic, reducing fuel usage. It achieves 22 city/31 highway mpg. Impala LT and LTZ shoppers can choose the available 3.6-liter V6 engine. It produces 305 horses and 264 pound-feet of torque, maximizing highway acceleration and on-road traction. Finally, a bi-fuel Impala model comes with a modified version of the 3.6-liter V6 that holds up to 7.8 gallons of compressed natural gas (CNG) in a trunk-mounted tank. A full tank of CNG is good for about 150 miles of city driving. When the CNG runs out, the engine automatically switches to regular fuel. Running on CNG, the modified engine delivers 230 horses and 218 pound-feet of torque.

The Toyota Camry’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 178 horses and 170 pound-feet of torque. On the road, it achieves 25/35 mpg. Camry SXE and XLE drivers can choose the available 3.5-liter V6 engine for an output of 268 horses and 248 pound-feet of torque.

Inside, the Chevy Impala delivers impressive passenger space. The generous wheelbase creates serious room in both the front and rear seats, giving families the comfort and support they need for long commutes and road trips. Depending on trim model, shoppers can choose from a variety of upholstery options, including leather and a cloth-suede combination. The trunk delivers ample space, with 18.8 cubic feet for items like weekend bags and family-friendly grocery hauls. The standard 60/40-split-folding rear seats increase cargo space as needed.

The Toyota Camry is a close second in this department. Its cabin is one of the roomiest in the mid-size sedan segment. The trunk delivers 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala delivers a long list of standard comfort and convenience features. Modern drivers will appreciate the standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, which lets passengers add up to seven devices and browse the Web on the go. It’s easy to stream music from devices via the available Bluetooth audio connection. The optional MyLink technology gives users access to a wide range of infotainment apps via an 8-inch touchscreen. Higher trims offer luxury items like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.

The Camry comes with a few impressive standard features of its own. Keyless entry saves time in the parking lot. As with the Impala, the Camry’s standard Bluetooth phone connection lets drivers make hands-free calls. The Entune infotainment system delivers apps via a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface.

We like the 2015 Chevrolet Impala’s impressive crash test scores and high-tech safety equipment. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Impala its top score of “Good.” In government crash tests, the Impala earned four out of five stars for overall protection. It comes standard with OnStar telematics, which helps drivers solve problems with features like an emergency assistance button and automatic crash notification.

Like the Impala, the Camry comes standard with items designed to maximize on-road control, including antilock disc brakes and traction and stability control. The Camry also gets a standard rearview camera, making backing up a snap. Both models offer high-tech options designed to maximize driver vigilance, including blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems.