SUVs have invaded the city streets and highways with no apologies. There are two main reasons these sizable automobiles became so popular amongst today’s drivers. First, they typically offer a raised ground clearance, unlike other family vehicles. Second, they offer all-wheel drive, making them superior to the minivan. Auto-designers recently rewarded this niche of drivers by building lighter SUVs for the city roads. Simply put, SUVs are here to stay, and constant innovation is securing their spot in every manufacturers lineup. Below is a list of this year’s best SUVs, critiqued on their base features.
2017 Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 comes equipped with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. This powerhouse produces up to 333 horsepower and 325-pound-feet torque. The Q7 also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission giving drivers a variety of driving modes. When fully loaded, the Audi Q7 is an absolute workhorse, capable of towing up to 7700 pounds of cargo. This power comes at a price, and that cost is clear at the gas station. The Q7 will only get you 19/25 miles per gallon on city/highways roads.
The Q7 Audi offers surprisingly agile handling for a vehicle of this size. You’ll be able to control this car around corners with minimal body lean when you turn on its adaptive air suspension. The vehicle is exciting to drive and outperforms most of its competitors.
2017 Jaguar F-Pace
If you seek luxury and a smooth ride in a vehicle, the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace is right for you. This car is fully loaded with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces up to 180 horsepower. It’s also equipped with a fuel-efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. This addition will guarantee drivers up to 26/33 miles per gallon on city/highways.
The 2017 Jaguar has excellent safety features including Jaguar’s patented Configurable Dynamics system, Adaptive Dynamics system, and well-regarded performance brakes. It also has responsive steering and minimal body roll in a variety of conditions.
Parents will love the Jaguar for her spacious passenger and cargo space. It won the 2017 Best Luxury Compact SUV for families. Likewise, gearheads will love the Jaguar for its muscular performance and excellent agility on slippery and gravel roads. However, its base diesel engine is slow to accelerate and makes significantly more noise compared to gasoline engines.
2017 BMW X5
Depending on your budget, you may have two BMWs to choose from. The first option is the xDrive35i, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Your second option would be the xDrive50i fitted with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. The xDrive35i produces 300 horsepower while the xDrive50i produces 445 horsepower. Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Judging by the BMW’s engine capacity, you would think it’s a guzzler, but it isn’t. These beamers will get you up to 18/25 miles per gallon on city/highway roads.
Both BMW models come with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, parking sensors, and navigation features. They also offer a Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless charging device.
Families will take advantage of the beamer’s ample cargo space and very comfortable interior. It has won the 2017 Best Luxury SUV for Families three years in a row. It also offers spacious front seats and second row seating, but the optional third row is a tight fit.
2017 Toyota C-HR
If you are working on a tighter budget, this might be the car for you. The C-HR is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 144 horsepower and 139 pounds-feet of torque. It’s also paired with a variable automatic transmission that guarantees pocket-friendly fuel consumption. The C-HR will get you up to 27/31 miles per gallon on city streets and highways respectively.
The C-HR comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, HD radio, heated side mirrors, and a rearview camera. It also has auto-dimming rearview mirror and an automatic climate control system.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek
Gearheads will love this model for its 2.0-liter five-speed cylinder engine that pumps out a respectable 148 horsepower. It’s also reasonably fuel efficient and will get you up to 26/33 miles per gallon on the city streets and highways.
The Subaru Crosstrek’s Starlink infotainment system is composed of a 6.2-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a CD player. On the move, the Crosstrek has excellent off-road ability, and can be equated to a crossover SUV. However, its underpowered engine and limited cargo space makes it unpopular amongst larger families.
2017 Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower coupled with an automatic variable transmission; This model effortlessly combines beauty and efficiency. The 2017 Rogue will get you up to 25/32 miles per gallon in city streets and highway, respectively. This model also comes with many essential safety features, including a four-wheel ABS, brake assist, child safety locks, and traction control.
On the road, the Rogue performs more like an automatic than a manual, with smoother shifts under heavy acceleration. Its ride quality is a balance between comfort and sporty. However, families will be disappointed in its limited cargo space.
2017 Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is the best you’re going to get if you’re looking for beauty and power. The Evoque is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel expenses will be the last of your worries with this efficient SUV, The Evoque will get you up to 21/30 miles per gallon on city/highway roads.
Its exterior styling is sleek and impressive, including integrated turn signal mirrors and auto-leveling headlights. However, the Evoque’s has unmatched off-road features is brought down by cramped rear passenger space.
2017 BMW X1
If you’re looking for an exciting ride, this is the car for you. This model is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 228 horsepower. Offering 22/23mpg, the 2017 X1 isn’t the most impressive SUV when it comes to efficiency but doesn’t disappoint.
The interior features a lauded BMW iDrive infotainment system, composed of a 6.5-inch screen, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control features.
This vehicle is famous for its quick acceleration, ample cargo space, and spacious interior. However, it lacks a few standard driver assistant features that can be found in other SUVs from this list.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
You won’t find a better Mercedes deal than the GLA. The GLA is fully loaded with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258-pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency is quite impressive for a car of this caliber, it offers up to 22/24 miles per gallon on city/highway.
Its interior features look excellent with standard driver assistant features and smartphone integration. On the move, the GLA has a sporty handling. However, many drivers complain that passenger space is limited.