What actually matters when you shop a new car

Cars get shopped differently than trucks and SUVs. Most of the decision comes down to how the vehicle behaves on the drive you make every day, and how much of it you'll still like a few winters from now. A short walk-around and a real test drive on the roads you actually use will tell you more than any spec sheet.

Fuel efficiency on your commute

Highway miles, stop-and-go city driving and cold-weather starts all pull efficiency in different directions. Compare against the route you drive most, not a national average.

Hybrid where it's offered

Several car lines are available with a hybrid powertrain. It tends to pay off most in city and suburban driving, and it changes how the car feels from a stop — worth driving back to back with the gas version.

Ride comfort and quiet

Seat support, cabin noise at highway speed and how the suspension handles broken Midwest pavement separate cars that look similar on paper. Bring the family along for the drive.

Driver-assistance technology

Available systems for lane keeping, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring and parking assistance vary by trim and package. Ask which features are standard on the exact car you're looking at.

Sedan versus hatchback, in practice

A sedan keeps cargo out of sight in a separate trunk and usually rides a little quieter. A hatchback opens the whole rear of the car for tall or awkward loads and folds down flatter. Coupes, wagons and convertibles each trade something for what they do best.