Car price: $24,820

With the only turbocharged engine on this bunch, the Tiguan S delivers fuel-efficient mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The optional driver-shiftable, six-speed automatic transmission hustles production from the 200-horsepower, 2-liter, four-cylinder engine to the front wheels.

All-wheel-drive is available as a $1,955 option.

In a cabin that seats five, the second-row passengers have 35.8 inches of legroom. Folding that reclining backseat down creates 56.1 cubic feet of cargo room.

About average for this group, the array of standard features include full power accessories, remote keyless entry, heated power side mirrors, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, six air bags, and an eight-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.