Volkswagen’s reputation was built on small, economical, people movers. Eighty years after the first “People’s Car” was built, VW has gone big, with the introduction of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas – a full-size SUV. With three rows, room for seven inside, five trims and a five-star safety rating (highest rating) from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Atlas is luxurious, comfortable and filled with high-tech connectivity.

Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the seven-passenger Atlas is roomy and quiet, and it draws appreciative nods from onlookers and passengers. Marketed as the Teramont in China and the Middle East, Atlas is the “biggest and boldest VW ever produced in the United States,” according the VW CEO-North American Region, Hinrich J. Woebcken.

I secured a test ride during a pre-New Year’s week trip to Seattle, Washington – a family wedding, some touristy trips to Pike’s Place Market, the Space Needle and some treks to farm country.

Atlas is an evolution of VW’s CrossBlue mid-size hybrid concept vehicle of 2013, and it comes at you with a muscular design, clean lines, and full LED front lighting including low beams, high beams, turn signal indicators, Daytime Running Lights and side marker lights. Overhead, a large panoramic sunroof with a two-part glass opening system and powered sunshade was included in my test SEL, as was a power tailgate.

Built to full-size specs, Atlas is 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide and 70 inches high on a 117.3-inch wheelbase, with ground clearance of 8.0 inches. Atlas is stout and confident at 4502 lbs. curbweight for my test V6 SEL model with 4MOTION®.

Big and roomy on the inside, headroom measures 41.3 inches in front, 40.4 inches in row two and 38.3 in row three; legroom is ample at 41.5 inches in row one, with 37.6 and 33.7 in rows two and three; and shoulder room comes in at 61.5 inches for driver and front passenger and 60.8 and 54.9 in the two back rows.

Packed with standard uplevel items, the Atlas interior designers report that “driver controls are positioned for optimal ergonomics and usability, and simple, driver-centric displays enhance involvement behind the wheel rather than distracting from it.” However, I didn’t find the controls to be very intuitive, from the push button start on the console, rather than the dash, to the rear wiper on a pushback from the wiper controls, to the user-friendliness of the info screens. However, interior space was generous, Captain’s Chairs were luxurious, fold-flat functionality of the third row was sufficient for travelers bags, and can accommodate golf clubs and lots of gear. Two-zone (first row and second/third row) climate control is standard on Atlas S and SE, and my SEL came with three-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control, rear camera and KESSY keyless access on all five doors.

Atlas offers a 2.0-liter engine that provides 235hp and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque, but this economical powerplant was not offered on my 2.25-ton SEL. My test ride was powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 that delivered 276 horses and 266 lbs.-ft.

The four-valves-per-cylinder engine operates with variable valve timing and an eight-speed automatic transmission to help maximize efficiency. This transmission sends the power to all four wheels as needed in the 4MOTION® set-up and power shuts off during idling, but often takes a beat to re-engage, which required some two-foot driving (pedal and brake) on steep hills in Seattle.

The system can do an 8-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 16-second quarter-mile, and Atlas is quiet and stable, so you have to watch the speedometer because you can get above speed limit effortlessly without realizing it. Sightlines are good and the command view was excellent during some very rainy, foggy, dreary Seattle days and nights, before the sun finally made an appearance during fourth day in the Pacific Northwest. I did notice that the vehicle’s 70-inch height was susceptible to top-wobble during quick turns and some sway in high winds, but steering was compliant and the ride was always secure.

EPA rated at 23/highway/17/city and 19mpg overall, my five days in Seattle showed poor city mileage at 12.6, but 24.0 on the highway for a 19.8mpg average overall, with several trips from Fife/Tacoma to Seattle, and a short hop through the Maple Valley Countryside.

Safety is attended to in superior fashion with an assortment of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current safety regulations and features six airbags (driver, passenger, driver and passenger side, and full-length curtain) as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems.

My test 2018 VW Atlas V6 SEL with 4MOTION® based at $42,690 and was fully loaded, with the exception of navigation. While many of us use our cell phone apps for navi, most $40,000-plus vehicles either include navi or add it matter-of-factly as an option package. I was surprised at the omission, but perhaps VW chose to eliminate it as a cost-saving to consumers. Reflex Silver Metallic exterior paint and Titan Black leatherette interior were included, and the 20-inch Black Wheel Package for $995 and the 2nd-row dual Captain Chairs package for $625 were added. With destination charges of $925, my 2018 Atlas V6 SEL stickered at $45,235.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Last week, we presented our selections for “Car Buy of the Year,” with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra getting the nod as best bang for the buck. This week, we offer our “Car of the Year” list, in which we focus on the best car, truck, crossover or SUV and what it delivers, regardless of price – just the pure vehicle – and how it feels to be behind the wheel.

For our 13th annual Car of the Year list, we see lots of innovation, some hybrids, iconic sports cars and musclecars, a luxury sedan and even an econo-car. America, Japan, England, Sweden and South Korea are represented, and while power counts – two vehicles over 500hp and six of the 10 over 400 horses – one car made the list with less than 200 hp. As for price, two were luxuriously priced over $100,000, but two were also under $30,000; and many cars I tested this year that were priced from $60,000 to $150,000 didn’t make the list.

My rules: To make this list, I must have test driven the car in calendar 2017 and it must have impressed me, electrified me and amazed me, as well as any passengers or onlookers who rode in or saw the vehicle.

I test drove 53 different vehicles this year, and after a weeklong (in most cases) examination as a daily driver and/or track car, I graded each ride in the following categories: Interior; Safety; Power; Handling/Ride; Economy/Price; Looks; Niche-fitting and a Miscellaneous grouping in which I took into consideration the “feel-good” factor and other intangibles. Each category had its own integrity and encompassed such items as driver intuitiveness, comfort, easy-to-read instrumentation, quietness and ease of surroundings. In each category I award from zero to 10 points (10 being perfect). This year, only eight 10s were handed out – and NO vehicle had more than two 10s.

Last year, a Cadillac CTS-V held the crown, and this year, luxury coupe from Japan that combined elegance and power, leads the pack. Prices reflect sticker-as-tested.

No. 1 Lexus LC 500: Innovative Luxury Coupe is a car of the future, today -- $105,960

A post-dated 2018 model launched in early 2017 for marketing purposes, the Lexus LC 500 is innovative, exciting and powerful. “LC” stands for Luxury Car and “500” is typical for a 5.0-liter engine -- a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine, mated to a 10-speed Direct-Shift transmission, for 471hp with 398 lb.-ft. of torque. The LC 500 combines power and performance with energetic exterior architecture, a thoughtfully crafted tech- and connectivity-imbued interior, and new multimedia and safety technologies. I was cozy in my cockpit as I finished off a 4.8-second dash from zero-to-60mph. It’s a ride that makes an impression.

No. 2 Acura NSX: Twin turbo sportscar deserves supercar consideration -- $165,100
NSX is back as a lightweight, naturally aspirated coupe that can be perceived as a hybrid supercar, with a twin-turbo engine combined with a hybrid setup, and dual-clutch transmission. Designed with elegance, the NSX Sport Hybrid is power-plus, with 573hp and maximum total system torque of 476 lb.-ft. from a longitudinally mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and a permanent-magnet, water-cooled electric motor/generator direct drive motor. This system delivers a 3-second-flat zero-60mph sprint.

No. 3 Corvette Grand Sport: Legacy fulfilled -- track ready and street refined -- $81,980
The term “street-legal race car” may be overused today, but it certainly is accurate when describing the new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, which builds on the legacy established in 1963. The Convertible GS has power to launch with its cast aluminum LT1 6.2-liter V-8 VVT with direct injection and Active Fuel Management. The powerplant thunders out 460hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque and smoked tires in a 3.8-second zero-to-60mph sprint.

No. 4 Jaguar XE: The new ‘Cat’ purrs with entry-level sports luxury -- $65,330
There’s a new “Cat” in town. Jaguar has filled its lair with an entry-level luxury sports sedan, the XE, to attract Cat lovers to elegance at Jag’s most affordable pricing. The XE is all-new and is marketed as “a true driver’s car” that “redefines the concept of the sports sedan with lightweight aluminum-intensive construction and streamlined styling.” A 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 thunders out 340hp and 450 lbs.-ft. and performs to a 5.1-second zero-to-60mph dash.

No. 5 Ford Shelby GT350: Performance Plus – beyond the original -- $61,215
The original Ford Shelby GT350 was a high-performance Mustang derivative that galloped onto the scene in 1965. Fast-forward to 2017, and the engine size has grown to 5.2 liters and the horses have swelled to 526hp with and 429 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Shelby GT350 has expanded safety and handling features and all the infotainment we have come to expect from our vehicles. During tests, I blazed a 4.4-second sprint from zero-to-60mph.

No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro: ‘Pony’ car legend lives on -- $28,275
If we have a derivative of the original “Pony” car on this list, we certainly should have a model of the reigning ‘Pony” champ. In its 50th year the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro continues to be the top-selling “Pony.” Camaro also made last week’s Best-Buy list and is one of two sub-$30k vehicles this week. Camaro builds on its legacy with styling, performance, tech and a responsive 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 455 hp and 455 lbs.-ft. for 4.5-second zero-to-60mph sprint.

No. 7 Volvo S90: New midsize luxury sedan makes a strong first impression -- $67,390
Volvo has launched a new flagship, its all-new midsize luxury sedan, the S90, that replaces the S80 in its lineup. Marketed as a vehicle that celebrates those who follow their own paths, my test T6 AWD powered up with a 2.0-liter In-line four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine that provided 316hp and 295 lbs.-ft. On the track, a zero-to-60mph sprint was finished off in 5.9 seconds.

No. 8 Kia Niro: Crossover/hybrid creates its own category -- $25,570
The all-new Niro also made last week’s Best Buy list. A Hybrid that doesn’t look like a Hybrid, and housed in a Crossover package that doesn’t look or act quite like a Crossover, it is more like an “un-Hybrid, non-Crossover.” Niro’s architecture is strong and confident with subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. I got 47.1 mpg from the1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and Lithium-Ion Polymer battery-powered 240-volt Motor that combined for 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft.

No. 9 Lexus RX 350: Luxury SUV adds hybrid and Sport models -- $51,619
The Lexus RX remains America’s best-selling luxury SUV, as it has since its launch in 1998. Lexus adds such advancements as making the Lexus Safety System+ standard equipment. Introduced as an option for 2016, Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 aluminum block engine that delivers 295 hp and 267 lbs.-ft.

No. 10 Dodge Charger R/T: Musclecar more powerful than the original -- $38,620
When the Dodge Charger first hit the scene in 1965, it was a Dart GT-based muscle car. Also a “Best Buy” from last week, the 2017 Charger, Assembled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, turns heads with its bold muscle look and wide body, The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that powered my R/T trim Charger gallops out 370 horses and 395 lbs.-ft. of torque and broke 6 seconds with a 5.9-second zero-to-60 dash.

Next week we begin coverage of the 2018s … we can’t wait to see what cars will make the list next year.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

For the 13th consecutive year, we end the ALL ABOUT CARS model year by focusing on the vehicles we have determined to be the “best deals on wheels” in 2017, and next week will we present our “vehicle of the year” regardless of price.

To be clear, delivering the best bang for the buck doesn’t always translate into sales. To make ALL ABOUT CARS’ Car Buy of the Year list, sales is not part of the equation. To be considered for this list, I must have test-driven the vehicle during calendar 2017 and dollar for value, or worth vs. cost carries the most weight, though some abstracts still apply.

Rated for this year’s competition, I test drove 53 vehicles, drove them, tested them and examined them for about a week each, using them as daily drivers around town, for errands and for maneuvering; on the highway for long trips, for passing, stability and for fun; and accelerating them and braking them hard on straight tracks and banked venues, auto-crosses and drag strips, and checking out what passengers and onlookers reported.

Some years we have higher-priced vehicles of great value on the list -- a low price is not always the sign of a great value. Price certainly is a factor; as is fuel economy, but the vehicle’s personality, how it fits its niche and how you feel driving it all play a part. This year, all the vehicles selected were under $40,000, with the top buy one of two priced under $20,000 and six were priced under $30,000.

The candidates were graded in eight categories, with vehicles earning 10 points for best possible to 1 point for worst possible. I gave only eight perfect 10s all year, and no vehicle received less than a charitable 5 in any category. My eight graded segments are: Interior; Safety; Power; Handling/Ride; Economy/Price; Looks; Niche-fitting and a Miscellaneous grouping in which I took into consideration the “feel-good” factor and other subjective intangibles

One more thing: the difference between this week’s Best Car Buy winner and next week’s Car of the Year leader is that this week it is all about best value for the price across all eight categories; not necessarily the lowest amount of dollars spent. Next week’s winner is all about the car, truck or crossover and what it delivers, regardless of price – just the pure vehicle.

My 2017 Top Buys of the Year are led by an above-class sedan, an iconic muscle car, a hybrid crossover and a sub-$20K SUV. Prices reflect my review vehicles-as-tested.

No. 1 Hyundai Elantra: Sculpted body and class-above features -- $19,755.
The Hyundai Elantra, completely redesigned for 2017, has evolved with bold sophisticated styling; a longer, wider and more stable architecture; and all-new efficient powertrains for enhanced fuel economy; better ride quality and noise insulation; comprehensive safety with class-above features; and an impressive assortment of high tech and infotainment items. Aggressively priced with value far greater than their badge perception, Elantra projects confidence with sculpted body forms blended with functional aerodynamics Powered by a 2.0-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb. ft. of torque, mixed-use testing yielded an average of 33.2mpg.

No. 2. 2017 Chevrolet Camaro: History and muscle under $30k -- $28,275.
Looking great and performing young for being 50 years old, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro builds on its legacy with styling, performance, tech and infotainment, and new for 2017 are an available 50th Anniversary Edition and a “FIFTY” badge on the steering wheel of all models. With a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 455 hp and 455 lbs.-ft. you get a sub-5-second zero-to-60mph dash, and I averaged 21.6 mpg.

No. 3 Kia Niro: The ‘Un-Hybrid’ is an Un-Crossover rated at 51mpg -- $25,570.
New for 2017, a Hybrid that doesn’t look like a Hybrid, and housed in a Crossover package that doesn’t look or act quite like a Crossover. It is more like an “un-Hybrid, non-Crossover.” Kia’s Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, functional utility and hybrid efficiency.” I got 47.1 mpg with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and Lithium-Ion Polymer battery-powered 240-volt motor that provide 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque.

No. 4 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage: A ton of fun at 74 hp -- $18,775.
Mirage has returned with a fresh new look thanks to a revamped front fascia with chrome upper/lower grille; new hood design; LED tail lamps; rear spoiler; color-keyed front and rear bumpers. Augmented aerodynamics inside connectivity and tech abounds. Powered by a 1.2-liter MIVEC DOHC, 12-valve Inline 3-cylinder engine, the fuel-efficient system produces 78 hp and 74 lbs.-ft. and delivered 39.7mpg.

No. 5 Chevrolet Malibu: Dependable mid-size packed with amenities -- $29,340.
In today’s world of demanding things you can depend on, Chevrolet’s Malibu fills that requirement and adds style and performance to the mix. Malibu’s 1.5-liter liter I-4 turbo hums out 163 hp and 184 lbs.-ft of torque and averaged 29.3mpg in mixed-use testing. While it was not muscle-car brawny, it was solid as a family car.

No. 6 Chrysler 200: style meets performance in mid-size sedan -- $29,985.
Chrysler has positioned its 2017 200 as an elegant vehicle that exceeds expectations for a mid-size car. Delivering a thoughtful, well-crafted interior, my test 200 was powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivered 295 hp and 262 lbs.-ft. of torque and averaged 22.0mpg. Steady around town, on the interstate and on the track, the AWD vehicle was confident in all conditions.

No. 7 Dodge Charger R/T: 50 years of muscle and style -- $38,620.
The Dodge Charger R/T trim was first offered 50 years ago. For 2017, Charger turns heads with its bold muscle look and wide body. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that powered my R/T galloped out 370 horses and 395 lbs.-ft. of torque, and my mixed-use tests that included some tire smoking as well as long interstate treks, averaged 23.1mpg. Passing at speed was pie-easy and on the track, my R/T blazed a 5.9-second zero-to-60 dash.

No. 8 Infiniti QX30: Compact luxury Crossover is elegant -- $36,110.
The all-new Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover was created for a new generation of premium buyers who appreciate category-defying design inside and out. The new QX30 shows off elegant design cues, a highly sculpted exterior, unique crossover stance and asymmetric cabin design. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit is rated at 208 hp, with peak torque of 258 lbs.-ft. and gets 29.1 mpg.

No. 9 Volkswagen Jetta: Downsized econo-car is sporty and quick -- $30,327.
Volkswagen’s best-selling car had been offered in sedan and hatchback configurations, but is now only presented as a sedan. That design downsize doesn’t compromise Jetta’s range that starts as a stylish econo-car and tops off as a sporty and quick performance compact. The 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine that powered my Jetta GLI test ride, hummed out 210hp and 207 lbs.-ft. and averaged 25.9mpg.

No. 10 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Roadster adds a power-folding roof -- $34,700.
This simple, fun-focused aggressively priced roadster features a new roof design with flying buttress elements behind the seats which remain even when the roof is open. MX-5 power comes from a 2.0.-liter DOHC 16-valve in-line 4 VVT multi-port electronic fuel injection engine that gets 155hp and 148 lbs.-ft. of torque, and averaged 30.0mpg.

Next week, we present our annual CAR of THE YEAR list… and you may see several of these great rides again.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The Buick Regal enjoyed a 31-year-reign as a classy, quiet, upscale sedan, ending its production run in 2004. Reintroduced to North America in 2011 (production and sales have been ongoing in China since 1999), a new-generation model is due out for 2018. But within this incarnation, Regal, based on the European-market Opel Insignia, upgraded with a mid-generation tweaking in 2014 that added sportiness, expressiveness and advanced tech to the Buick Regal GS. For 2017, Buick has added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and has increased its exterior palette with Graphite Gray Metallic, Black Cherry Metallic, Pepperdust Metallic.

The Regal GS I tested boasts of an upscale Euro-style interior, aggressive design cues, and state-of-the-art tech features while continuing to enforce its legacy of reliable quiet comfort and road worthiness.

The 2017 Regal is available in five retail trim levels: Regal 1SV; Sport Touring; Regal; Premium II and GS. Standard features on all models include such safety items as six air bags, including side curtain air bags; StabiliTrak electronic stability control with full-function traction control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Intelligent Brake Assist

Standard tech items include: OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot (includes three-month/3GB data trial); eight-inch color touch screen radio with Buick IntelliLink, AM/FM/Sirius XM (three months of service); stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack; USB ports; Bluetooth wireless connectivity for select phones; and rear-vision camera system.

Also standard are cruise control, power windows with driver and front passenger express up/down, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-appointed seating, heated driver and passenger front seats, 12-way power driver’s seat, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, electric parking brake and Ice Blue ambient lighting.

The four-door, five-passenger front engine midsize sedan comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Its architecture conveys a low, wide stance and an upscale ambience. Prominent, sweptback headlamps are available in halogen projector beams and Xenon high-intensity discharge. At the rear, LED wing-shape taillamps with chrome accents enhance Regal’s elegant styling.

GS models are distinguished by unique front and rear fascias, exclusive 19-inch wheels (20-inch wheels available) and a lowered ride height. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on all other models.

Built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, the midsize sedan is constructed with a steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel and thermal plastic olefin bumper fascias. The Buick Regal GS measures 190.2 inches in length, 73.1 inches in width, and 58.4 inches in height on a 107.8-inch wheelbase, with a curbweight of 3725 lbs.

Regal is available with two engine offerings. Its 1SV trim comes with a 2.4-liter engine, rated at 182 horsepower and 172 lbs-ft of torque, and is EPA rated at 25mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway in FWD. My test GS trim was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at 259 horsepower and 295 lbs-ft of torque. This system is EPA rated at 19/27 for AWD automatic. My week of mixed-use tests (though most of my driving was on Interstates) achieved an average of 24.1mpg on unleaded, though premium fuel is recommended (not required).

My GS accelerated slowly. But had plenty of passing power at speed. A zero-to-60mph sprint took 7.3 seconds, and the quarter-mile was accomplished in 15.8.

Steering was responsive, and the ride was confident. Regal’s HiPer Strut front suspension and four-link independent rear with all-speed traction control using engine torque reduction and brake intervention made for a very smooth and attentive experience.

Inside, Regal blends sculptural beauty and refinement with technology. The instrument panel center stack is designed for easy operation with intuitive controls and smartphone-influenced swipe recognition for easier navigation. Headroom is a bit tight at 38.8 inches in front and 36.8 inches in row two; legroom is an accommodating 42.1 inches in row one and 37.3 for the second seat and shoulder room is 56.7 and 54.4.

The 2017 Buick Regal Base model 1SV starts at $26,865 plus destination and continues through five trims: Sport Touring at $28,615; Regal at $31,465; Premium II at $34,0405 and the top-of-the-line Regal GS starting at $36,540 (all plus destination charges) with AWD, the 2.0-liter turbo engine and automatic transmission, and coming standard with GS-specific front and rear fascia, rockers and rear spoiler; 19-inch V-spoke alloy wheels; GS-Sport seats and steering wheel; Brembo front brakes, HiPer Strut front suspension, Buick® IntelliLink® audio system with Navigation; Parking Assist front and rear; and interactive drive control with standard, Sport or GS mode.

Exterior colors are extra for some reason and Crimson Red Tintcocat cost $495 and was coupled with an Ebony interior with leather-appointed seats. Driver Confidence I package added $1040 for Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator and Driver memory seat, Driver Confidence II package added $1195 for Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Automatic Braking The power moonroof added $1000; side window air deflector added $89; front and rear premium all-weather floor mats were $100 and destination freight charges of $925, for a sticker price as tested of $41,195, but with a new model coming next year, you might be able to get a discount deal from the dealer.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The Toyota Tacoma was launched in America in 1995, and was classified as a compact pick-up through 2004. The second generation was classified as mid-size, and following a full redesign for 2016, the third-generation 2017 Toyota Tacoma remains the No.5-selling truck in America so far, this year – a position it has held for several years.

Mostly standing pat after last year’s revise, the most significant changes for Tacoma in 2017 involve the new TRD Pro Off-Road model with a specialized off-road suspension including Fox internal bypass shocks, special 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels, a TRD Pro front skid plate, and Rigid Industries LED fog lights, and generous TRD Pro badging throughout. Elsewhere along the line-up, SR5 models get a new appearance package, standard on V-6 models and optional on four-cylinder models.

My test Tacoma, in Limited trim, came loaded with such standard items as a deck rail system, color-keyed bumper, overfenders and chrome-accented door handles, front dual automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats and leather shift lever and tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, power tilt/slide moonroof, power sliding rear window and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. Also standard on Limited, are cruise control, Smart key system with push button start, rear sonar parking assist, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, Entube™ Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Qi-Compatible Smartphone charging, and lots more.

While the Tacoma does not offer a regular cab, it does come in Access Cab (an extended cab with rear-hinged rear doors) and Double Cab (crew cab with conventional rear doors configurations. Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab models are built on a 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.3-inch bed, or a 73.7-inch bed on a 140.6-inch wheelbase. My test Tacoma was the base 4x4 with an Access Cab, and it measured 212.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and 70.6 inches high with 9.4 inches of ground clearance. My test truck weighed in at 4305 lbs. and had a tow rating of 3500 lbs. (an optional tow package is rated at 6,500 lbs.).

Tacoma offers brawn or economy with two engine options. The more economical engine is the 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve cast iron block system with aluminum alloy head and VVT-i. With the 2WD 5-speed manual, it is EPA rated at 19mg/city and 23mpg/highway, and the 4WD manual is estimated at 19/21 (the 6-speed automatic gets an 19/23 estimate). The inline-4 provides 159 hp and 180 lbs-ft of torque.

My test Tacoma 4x4 automatic was powered by the larger aluminum block 3.5-liter Direct and Port Injection, Atkinson Cycle V-6 engine with Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent Wider Intake and Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent Exhaust. EPA rated at 18/23 for 4WD automatic, I averaged 19.9mpg in mixed-use driving. The electronic fuel-injected system is good for 278 hp and 265 lbs-ft of torque. I found the Tacoma willing to transport heavy loads and it was quick-for-niche on the highway and the track, with a dash from zero to 60mph in 8 seconds-flat and a quarter-mile accomplished in 16.3.

Tacoma’s coil spring independent double wishbone front suspension with leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard mounted gas shocks were firm on the road and capable for soft off-road adventures. Rack-and-pinion power steering is better at slow speeds than high-speeds and can be non-intuitive at times.

With seating capacity for two up front and two in the Access Cab, Tacoma provides 39.7 inches of headroom in row one and 34.9 in the Cab, 42.9 inches of first row legroom, and a very tight 24.6 inches in the row two. Shoulder room measures 58.8 inches on front with 56.5 for the rear passengers. The Double Cab provides 32.6 inches of second row legroom.

The well-equipped Tacoma features standard air conditioning; power windows and door locks; center console; digital clock; two instrument panel power points with a lighter; a high-resolution 3.3-inch display; temperature gauge; vanity lamps on the sun visors; dome lamp; a full-size spare tire and Entune™ Audio.

Side-impact door beams in all doors starts Tacoma’s attention to safety, augmented by Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop brake override technology. Every Tacoma has standard front seat-mounted side airbags, roll-sensing side curtain airbags (including a cutoff switch), and a front advanced dual-stage airbag system.

Toyota offers a mind-blowing 31 different 2017 Tacoma trim setups in 4x4, TRD, SR5, SR and Limited in Access Cab, Double Cab and Sport Double Cab configurations. The base Tacoma SR with Access Cab starts at $24,575; SR5 starts at $29,155; TRD Sport at $32,195; TRD Off-Road at $32,195 and TRD Pro at $41,215. My test Tacoma in Limited trim started at $39,250 with the 3.5-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, a Double Cab and Short bed.

My test Tacoma in Black with a Hickory Leather interior added Black, 5-9nch oval tube steps (running board) for $469; all-weather floor liners and door sill protectors added $209; a bed mat was $120; a very useful BedStep for easy access to the inside of the bed added $300; and delivery and processing added $995, for a price-as-tested of $41,993.

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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.