2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i M SPORT PACKAGE $21,990

The BMW X3 handles well and you will find it to be extremely smooth, with much of the sound of the car's undercarriage effectively attenuated. Even on gravel roads, the X3 is quiet and unruffled. The X3 xDrive28i is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That's the same horsepower figure as last year's six-cylinder, but with more torque and better efficiency. The efficient engine delivers city/highway fuel economy of 21/28 mpg. The view out the windshield is commanding. Big mirrors provide a good spread of rearward visibility to deal with the inevitable blind spots that occur in cars with vertical D-pillars. The interior of the BMW X3 is welcoming, with tasteful surfaces and a tidy arrangement of components. Dark dashboard moldings contrast with lighter lower sections and carpet colors. High-grade wood trim accents are used sparingly on the center console, door cappings, and above the glovebox.