The 2010 Nissan Xterra's 4x4 system and beefy 4-liter V-6 make it a pretty good off-roader. 4WD LO setting is great for low-speed rock crawling and icy conditions. Cavernous rear storage and standard roof rack give users plenty of space to stow things

The CD player doesn't support MP3-encoded discs. There's no USB/iPod integration, GPS navigation, Satellite Radio, or auxiliary input offered at this trim level. Five-speed automatic transmission is hesitant to downshift when needed

The Nissan Xterra may have what it takes to haul your gear off of the beaten path, but the S trim level is nearly devoid of cabin comforts and tech.

The Mini Cooper S is one of the best-handling compact cars we've tested. Acceleration is surprisingly good and steering is quick and direct, particularly with Sport mode activated. Wide arrays of technology and performance upgrades are available as ...

Fully optioned, the Cooper S can get quite expensive. The ride is harsh and turbo lag is an issue. Cabin controls are scattered confusingly around the dashboard. Navigation is DVD-based and Bluetooth doesn't feature audio streaming or phonebook import

The Mini Cooper S can be polarizing with its style over substance cabin and harsh, performance-oriented ride, but with a list of options longer than the car itself, it's easy to make the Cooper your own.

The 2010 Honda Element EX's navigation system features a complete points-of-interest database, while the stereo offers iPod integration. Voice command works very well

A Bluetooth phone system is only offered as a dealer accessory. The navigation system's maps are very low resolution

The funky-looking 2010 Honda Element EX is a practical vehicle with useful interior space, but cabin electronics are far from the cutting edge.

With its diesel engine, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI delivers exceptionally good fuel economy. Its iPod integration and the Bluetooth phone system both work very well

The DVD-based navigation system is slow, and tedious to use. The S-tronic transmission didn't always operate smoothly

Although diesel driving takes some getting used to, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI's excellent fuel economy makes it worth it and its cabin tech provides some modern conveniences.

Maps in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid show fully rendered 3D urban centers. The Harman Kardon stereo delivers excellent audio quality. Blind spot detection warns against unsafe lane changes. Massage seats are icing on the cake

The hybrid system's start-stop feature runs a little rough. The suspension and power train Sport mode buttons are separate, and placed far apart

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid bundles a wide array of very useful tech, and its hybrid system helps the car avoid the gas guzzler tax.

All-wheel drive gives the 2010 Honda Accord EX-L extra grip on slippery roads. The stereo includes full iPod integration and very good-sounding speakers. The Bluetooth phone system imports contact lists

The cabin tech interface is strewn with buttons and a big controller knob that is not always intuitive

Discounting the unique body style, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is a very average car, although bright spots include iPod integration and its Bluetooth phone system.

The 2010 Mazda CX-9 handles well for a large vehicle. A full-color LCD serves as the radio display and shows phonebook entries for the Bluetooth phone system. The stereo supports Bluetooth streaming audio

GPS navigation isn't available on the Touring trim CX-9. Option packages force some odd decisions, such as a sunroof with upgraded audio

The 2010 Mazda CX-9 works well for people needing extra seats and cargo room, but it is by no means a tech powerhouse and lacks many useful features.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible comes standard with Sync, giving voice command access to phones and MP3 players, and an excellent navigation system with traffic and fuel prices is available. Retro looks give the car style

Sound for the Shaker audio system is abysmally bad. Lacking the navigation system's LCD, music selection on the radio display is difficult. The suspension makes you feel every bump and ripple in the road

A good exterior design doesn't quite make up for the 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible's rough feel, especially compared with other Ford cars, but Sync redeems it somewhat.

The 2010 Acura TSX V-6 features more power, more torque, and more refinement in its V-6 trim than last year's four-cylinder model. With the Tech package, it gains a full suite of navigation, audio, and hands-free calling technologies. The TSX's ELS ...

More power comes with less economy, and the TSX still only gets middle of the road fuel economy. The AcuraLink cabin technology interface is a dinosaur compared with those of similarly priced vehicles. Its navigation system is still DVD-based

Even with more power and great handling, the 2010 Acura TSX V-6 desperately needs a cabin tech upgrade if it's to remain relevant.

A Harman Kardon audio system makes music sound beautiful in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and the navigation system helps keep it out of traffic. A soft suspension and quality interior combine for a solid sense of luxury

The rudimentary Bluetooth phone system doesn't have a phone book function

Firmly set as a luxury car (as opposed to a sports car), the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS offers a suite of modern electronics and one of the better sound systems available in a vehicle.