If there is one thing host Jessi Lang loves, it’s a vehicle with a great engine under the hood. Luckily for Jessi, we recently tested the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V with its 6.2L supercharged V8 engine and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control…and let’s just say she had a great week.

The V8 in the CTS-V is paired to an automatic transmission that is surprisingly seamless and smooth in its shifting and buildup. The pairing produces a powerful 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque, doing 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. The sporty personality of the V is mapped to sporty stopping power with quality Brembo brakes. The V offering for the CTS comes in RWD only but unlike the regular CTS coupe that offers 18″ wheels, the CTS-V comes with 19″ wheels.

Sadly, there are a few downsides to the CTS-V. The sub-par fuel economy, averaging 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, will get you slapped with the gas-guzzler tax on top of a starting price of $62,165 (as-tested price of $69,890). Then there are the blind spots that will take some adjustment time. For most buyers, they will deal with the blind spots and fuel economy to get in this beast. If you fall in to the aforementioned category and like the CTS-V but can’t swing the cost, you might want to consider the less powerful CTS Coupe that may differ under the hood but has the same interior and quiet cabin ride.

Move over X3, you have a new competitor in the small compact SUV world. Join RoadflyTV as host Jessi Lang and correspondent Steve Hammes review the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350. While Mercedes first focused on going bigger with the ML and GL SUV lines, they decided to take on the longstanding front runner, the BMW X3 and relative newcomer, the Audi Q5 in the SAV/luxury crossover market.

The GLK boasts flashy styling that pays homage to the G Class, with an over-sized three point star to remind everyone on the road that you’re in a Benz. We tested the 4Matic 4WD GLK 350 option (not the RWD option) and found ourselves pleasantly surprised with its “go anywhere” attitude. A reminder to those off-roading in their GLK: you do not have a transfer case for the low range but you do have almost eight inches of clearance. Powering the GLK 350 is a 3.5L V6 engine paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission that produces 268 horsepower, doing 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The GLK takes premium so filling up could become a frequent occurrence with estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

At a starting price of $35,475 and an as-tested price of $47,445, the Mercedes GLK 350 may be a bit pricey for what it offers. Buyers will need to weigh the lack of passenger legroom against the generous rear cargo space and the “go anywhere” attitude with the lack of passionate, spirited driving feel that drivers have grown to expect from luxury sport manufacturers.

Jessi Lang reviews the 2010 Hyundai Tucson, an affordable option in the crossover class, competitor to the likes of the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

For 2010, the Tucson offers a lot of amenities drivers have come to expect but at a price that’s easy to stomach. We tested the ’10 AWD Limited Edition with automatic transmission. The output of the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is nothing impressive, but it gets the job done, producing 170 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. With the automatic six-speed transmission you also get the Shiftronic system for clutchless manual shifting when you’re feeling a little feisty or just want the shifting control when passing other vehicles on the highway. With the AWD, 2.4L engine, and six-speed automatic, the Tucson gets some of the best fuel economy numbers in its class, averaging 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Hyundai also offers some new technology in the Tucson for 2010, adding in Hill Start Assist and a Downward Brake Control System for the manual option, and an Eco-range Driver Indicator and Overdrive Lockup Torque System in the LT AWD version. The interior features like the ample cargo space, panoramic sunroof, and convenient, well-placed compartments make the Tucson a great vehicle for the family or adventurers on the move.

The 2010 Tucson Limited Edition AWD model starts at $25,845. Even with the premium package (panoramic sunroof, navigation, upgraded audio system) you still won’t break $30k, topping out at $29,590, making the Tucson a must-see if you’re in the market for a CUV.