Garage Stuffers

If you’re looking to really make someone’s holiday wishes come true, a new vehicle might do the trick. Sure it’s a lavish gift, but it’s also one that won’t be forgotten. That is a double-edged sword, however, which means you need to pick carefully and make sure you’re aligning your vehicular gift-giving with the tastes of the recipient. To help, check out three whips you might leave in the driveway with a big red bow.

For the Speed Racer

Sports cars have become synonymous with high prices, but they don’t have to be. This season, take a look at the Subaru BRZ. The BRZ was developed in conjunction with Toyota (its cousin is the FR-S) and prides itself on being a fun and affordable rear-wheel drive sports coupe. The BRZ is quite playful. Moreover, it’s flexible for your daily life with the ability to fold the rear seats and carry four of its own wheels and tires — if you were wanting to do so. At about 200-hp and mpg in the mid-20s on average, the BRZ provides needed fuel economy with the power to get out on the open road and throw caution to the wind. The high points are the manual transmission, clutch, steering, and handling. The low points include road and engine noise in the cabin, seats that won’t be comfortable for everyone, and a rear seat that’s really for cargo … not passengers.

For the Outdoorsman

If the person you’re thinking of this holiday season likes the great outdoors and would appreciate a set of wheels that can hold its own out on the trails and in the urban jungle, look at the Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium. The 4Runner has been long celebrated by fans as a rough, yet livable body-on-frame four-wheel drive vehicle. With its new facelift for the 2014 model year, Toyota is trying to keep the last of the body-on-frame SUVs fresh and current. With its capable and confidence-inspiring 4X4 system, the 4Runner can get you to the most remote trailheads and camp sites, while its list of options including sunroof, heated front seats, navigation, and leather seating will keep you in style and comfort during the daily grind in the urban jungle. High points are the off-road and traction control systems, classic body-on-frame design, and Toyota quality and reliability. Low points include the heavy steering qualities, stiff ride, and refreshed, but not all-new, exterior design.

For the Lap of Luxury

Luxury is a funny thing in today’s automotive landscape. Today, you can get almost any vehicle, like a Kia Forte, with heated seats, leather, navigation, etc. In this case, I’m talking about large, comfortable, and well-appointed vehicles. If that’s what would make your person’s year, then I might suggest an up-and-coming luxury liner, the Kia K900. The K900 uses the formula that elevated the Lexus LS430 to play with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series back in the early 2000s. It has luxury options like reclining, heated and cooled rear seats, a long wheel base for superior rear passenger room and comfort, sun shades all around, and V8 power that will propel the vehicle to 60 mph in under six seconds. High points are the price, luxury features, supple ride, and quiet cabin. Low points include the lack of brand cache, no all-wheel drive option and no auto-start feature.