#car lists

Past Best Driver’s Car Winners

It’s been a decade since we first handed out this award. Truth be told, for two years we called it “Best Handling Car” but then decided to switch it to Best Driver’s Car, or BDC, back in 2009. Why the switch? Well, some cars handle great but aren’t so fun to drive. Think of it this way: A purpose-built track car will set a blistering lap time, but it’s probably miserable for a Sunday afternoon drive on your favorite road. Probably. Anyhow, by switching the focus from the relatively narrow handling criteria to the much broader “what makes a great driver’s car?” matrix, we could see the entire performance forest, not just a single tree. Ten years later—though for various reasons, we skipped 2010—BDC is bigger and better than ever. That said, it’s always helpful to go back and see what came before. Meditate on our history, learn from our mistakes, reflect on what made this award important enough to give out again and again and again. And let’s be honest, when is reading about sports cars ever not fun? I believe the answer to that is “never.” With all that in mind, here’s the list of previous BHC and BDC winners. Enjoy! –Jonny Lieberman 2016 Best Driver’s Car: McLaren 570S This is the essence of a driver’s car in our estimation. The McLaren may not be the most technologically advanced car present, nor is it the quickest. It doesn’t need to be. We want to drive it far more than we want to drive any of the other cars. The 570S wants to take that favorite road faster, to set a quicker lap time, as much as you do, and you’ll become addicted to the rush every time you go a little faster around a corner you’d thought you’d mastered. “The second you start moving, something magical happens,” Cammisa said. “You become part of the car.” 2015 Best Driver’s Car: Mercedes-AMG GT The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S in about 800 words? Let’s start with these: exclusive, luxurious, sensuous, quick, nimble, versatile, and in the right hands a track-ready supercar capable of lap times that don’t seem possible considering its versatility and second-place road test performance results. So what makes GT S, a car seemingly too stylish to be taken seriously, such a singularly special supercar or definitive driver’s car? In boxing terms, the never-flinching Animal from Affalterbach fights above its class—and wins—consistently and decisively. 2014 Best Driver’s Car: Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 If you’d asked us five years ago whether the then-all-new Chevrolet Camaro would be invited to Best Driver’s Car, we would have scoffed. Had you suggested that a Camaro would win Best Driver’s Car, we’d have all had a good belly laugh at the very notion. Who’s laughing now? The transformation of the fifth-generation Camaro from “musclecar that handles pretty well” to Best Driver’s Car winner is astounding. Few other cars we can think of have made such an advance in a single generation. Says Lieberman, “Perhaps the Corvair, but even by 1965 it wasn’t anywhere near this good.” 2013 Best Driver’s Car: Porsche 911 Carrera 4S It was inevitable. Sooner or later, there was going to be a repeat Best Driver’s Car winner, and with three former champions all competing head to head, the odds were good this would be the year. Of course, you shouldn’t be surprised. Technically, the 911 was already a repeat winner, with the 911 GT3 having won our inaugural Best Handling Car competition, the precursor to Best Driver’s Car. (This Carrera’s 1:39.19 lap time was nearly half-a-second quicker around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca than that 2007 GT3’s.) Then there’s the fact that the 911 Carrera S won unanimously last year. This year, the 911 Carrera 4S faced stiffer competition, and both the SLS and R8 stole a few first place votes, but not a single judge ranked the 911 lower than second. While the Star fought with the Rings, the Crest walked away with the girl. The 911 won by being supremely confident at all times. Even with all the nannies off, you could wait until beyond the last second to torpedo the brakes, ride the smooth oversteer at turn-in, keep the nose dead on the apex through the middle, and go to wide-open throttle on the way out. In every single corner, every single time. Hail to the King. 2012 Best Driver’s Car: Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Yup, the Porsche. Ferry’s ageless squashed Beetle takes top honors in this year’s BDC. Don’t even bother to stop the presses. Porsche wins another comparison. This time, it’s the 991 version of the Carrera S, currently the hottest version of the sixth-generation, rear-engined, “four”-seat luxury sport coupe. It’s larger than ever, with the rear engine scooched a bit more toward the middle, and features the electrically assisted power steering system that has kept most of the Porsche-loving world up for months with the cold sweats. Why? Because of the possibility that an ounce of that precious 911 steering feel has been lost. That Porsche won it all. A much more interesting outcome to this story would have been if one of the hand-built exotics had won. After all, every 12-year-old boy in the world knows a priori that the Aventador must be the winner. Just like how every F1 junkie is positive that the McLaren is the best one here. Or, good-story-wise, what if the little BRZ pulled off an upset? Talk about David cleaning Goliath’s clock! Even the AMG would have been a more interesting verdict. But no, the car with the second-least power here, the car that’s not even a special performance derivative (like the upcoming Turbo, GT3, GTS, 50th Anniversary Edition 911, etc.) is the 2012 Motor Trend Best Driver’s Car. 2011 Best Driver’s Car: Ferrari 458 Italia After ruining each and every windshield filming our epic, 11-car drag race, the whole crew was standing in the parking lot of an Italian restaurant waiting for our 24-person table. It had been a long, grueling, yet utterly fantastic week, and to celebrate we were drinking beer and whiskey out of plastic cups. Markus and MacKenzie were regaling us young ‘uns with tales of lousy Ferraris of yore, in particular the 348, which Lucca had earlier explained was developed by famed Ferrari test driver Dario Benuzzi with one arm in a sling. Both Frank and Angus told how the old-school Fezza had tried to kill them. The conversation moved to the F355, the F360, and the F430, and how each generation represented a huge improvement over what came before. “But you know, this car is more like the NSX,” said Angus, leaning against our bright yellow 458 Italia. “It changes everything. The rest of ’em are now playing catch-up.” 2009 Best Driver’s Car: Porsche Cayman S PDK In technical editor Kim Reynolds’ first-drive story of the Porsche Cayman S PDK, which marked Motor Trend’s initial experience with Stuttgart’s mid-engine seven-speed-dual-clutch sports car, he made a very bold declaration. “It’s now, in my humble opinion, very simply the best sports car in the world.” Since most of you don’t know Kim, allow us to inform you that he is quite possibly the most humble man on the planet. So when the humblest editor states a humble, albeit audacious opinion, his fellow MT staffers perk up and heed the call. Still, the best sports car in the world? Rightfully so, Reynolds had his skeptics. Well, after flogging the Cayman S around track and twisties, we have only one thing to say to Sir Kim:You were absolutely right. “No other car here — not one — delivers the Porsche‘s Braillelike road-reading,” says St. Antoine. “You can feel every tire doing its work.” Markus wholeheartedly agrees: “Probably more than any other car here, including the R8, this one feels like an extension of your neural synapses.” And Pobst? Why, the first three words to come from his mouth were, “Racecar. Racecar. Wow.” Translation? “The thing about the Cayman is-gosh, I hope they don’t hate me for saying this — I think it’s just about better than any 911. The Cayman is one of the best-handling cars I’ve ever driven.” 2008 Best Handling Car: Audi R8 In another world compared with the other cars here,” said Pobst of the Audi R8. “So sweet,” said road-tester Scott Mortara. “Lots of steering feel, great grip, but a compliant ride, too,” noted editor MacKenzie. Each driver was describing the same qualities: On track or road, the R8 is Baryshnikov-fluid yet controlled, graceful yet dynamic. The figure-eight tracing is smooth and tight, with high limits but gentle transitions. Step-steer reaction time is fourth, lane-change third, ride quality fourth. The numbers only hint at the overall handling excellence, though. At any speed, you feel the delicate transparency of the steering, the supple yet confident chassis control, the crisp turn-in. Offered a weekend off to exploit the twirls and twists of Southern California’s beckoning hills, the Audi R8 — a car we’ve experienced from the Corkscrew to the salt flats of Utah’s Black Rock Desert-is the car we’d most want to pilot, the machine with magic in its mid-engine, quattro-fed chassis. Why, in just a turn or two, the R8 even makes second-thoughts disappear. 2007 Best Handling Car: Porsche 911 GT3 Which is the best-handling car in the land? We’ve instrumented and tested 10 great cars, microanalyzing the vehicle dynamics of each. We’ve spent hours at the wheel assessing the nuanced feedback each car transmits to its driver. The logbook notes, interview tapes, and 420 megabytes’ worth of objective test data agree: The clear winner is the Michelin-Porsche 911 GT3. We’re augmenting the nomenclature here to acknowledge the immense contribution the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires make to the tail-heavy Porsche icon’s handling. They’re the closest thing to a full-on racing tire that is DOT-legal for street use. They’re fair game because GT3s come from the factory with these tires, and we doubt that fitting conventional summer rubber would lower the GT3’s performance to a second-place finish here. Conversely, a set of Cup tires probably wouldn’t have enabled any of the competitors to outperform the GT3. But we’re nagged by the fact that the astonishing fair-weather grip generated by these new Michelins will degrade markedly when the short-lived gooey tread compound wears down, when temperatures fall, or when anyone so much as wet-sneezes on the pavement. If actual rain is falling, park this car or limp it home as though negotiating a blizzard in Buffalo.The post Past Best Driver’s Car Winners appeared first on Motor Trend.

6 Automakers From China and Elsewhere That Surprised in Frankfurt

Auto shows are all struggling to reinvent themselves as more and more brands are choosing to sit them out. There were many no-show brands at this year’s Frankfurt show. Some shows are mounting concurrent “mobility” conferences, but Frankfurt seems to have added a supplier/engineering event such as North America’s SAE World Congress. Of course, prime show floor space vacated by Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Nissan, Infiniti, Peugeot, and DS managed to get snapped up by “young Asian brands” with unfamiliar names such as WEY, Thunder Power, Aspark, and a few more-established names. We’ve got highlights. Borgward Isabella Concept This storied and supposedly still well-known and respected German brand has been revived by a team of Chinese investors. A plant is already up and running in China producing SUVs. The plan is to bring them to Europe next year and to eventually open a plant near Bremen, Germany, to build vehicles for European consumption. This fetching concept named for the fetching coupe produced in the brand’s heyday was penned by a new design team based in Stuttgart with designers plucked from Mini (Anders Warming) and Kia (David Genot). The Isabella borrows very few design cues directly from the vintage car, but it attempts to deliver what that car represented in its day—a beautiful accessible dream car. The four-door coupe profile features an exceptionally aerodynamic profile (air flows behind the C-pillars), and its interior is highly imaginative. Features include a “coffee table” lower shelf under a “surfboard” covered in silver mesh, bisected by a black “scarf,” which contains most of the controls for the large curved screen just below the windshield and also for a hologram display. These folks are dreaming big! Borgward BX5, BX7, and BXi7 Borgward is not part of a joint venture with any Chinese brands (there is a relationship with truck manufacturer Foton Motor Group), but boy, their styling department seems to be borrowing pretty heavily from Shanghai GM/SAIC’s work with Buick. The smaller BX5 and larger BX7 both seem to echo the waterfall grille and rear-quarter-panel details of the Buick. The BXi7 is an all-electric version of the BX7. The mainstream utes are on sale in China now, and sales in Europe are expected to start next year.   Aspark Owl Japanese EV upstart Aspark unveiled this low-slung and fairly fetching supercar that’s about the size of a Ford GT, claiming some pretty amazing numbers for it: 0-62 mph in 2.0 seconds. Yikes. Naturally it’s routing its power to all four wheels, but even with only 1,900 or so pounds to tug around, that’s asking a lot of the tires’ grip. It’s also impressive given the modest output claims of 429 hp and 563 lb-ft of torque. The range is claimed to be about 90 miles, and the top speed is 174 mph. We’d caution against holding your breath for this one, but if it can put down numbers like those, there will be a lot less laughing at the dorky name. Thunder Power Speaking of names that might not have been thoroughly focus grouped in English-speaking countries, Hong Kong-based Thunder Power is also planning to get into the EV business. Unlike Aspark and a few American EV startups we can think of, Thunder Power has a factory under construction in Guangzhou, China, that will reportedly be capable of producing 100,000 EVs per year. An R&D center will be located near Barcelona, Spain, and the company is planning to build an assembly plant there, too, for satisfying European demand. This is Thunder Power’s second appearance at the Frankfurt show. Last time it showed a concept of the sedan that appears this year in development-prototype camo. The focal point of this year’s display is a new SUV concept that was presented along with a naked aluminum chassis buck. The SUV points in the general design direction of a production variant that is sure to lose the pillarless coach door arrangement and probably the cross-car infotainment screen. The sedan is expected to go on sale next year, with the SUV following a year later. Pricing for the sedan has been reported starting in the mid-50s stretching to 100,000 euros—so, Tesla territory. The Milanese design work might not strike all eyes as more beautiful than a Tesla. WEY China’s Great Wall introduced the premium SUV sub-brand WEY this past April and has opened a technical office in Germany. For its Frankfurt debut, it designed an off-road coupe concept called the XEV, which, as the name suggests, is electrically powered. The concept manages to look pretty good without looking like anybody else’s SUV—a rare combination in the still fairly nascent Chinese auto industry. WEY aims to begin selling its SUVs in Europe in 2019, most likely opening with the Hi4-hybrid powered VV5, which definitely has a vaguely familiar look to it. The crossover will be available in sporty S and Hi4 powertrain variants. The latter consists of a 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder Great Wall engine fitted with a belt-alternator-starter good for 13 hp, spinning the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Out back there’s a 174-hp electric motor. The hybrid battery stores just 1.166 kW-hr of electricity.   Chery The Chinese invasion of Europe really gets rolling in 2019 when Chery expects to bring its globally homologated Exeed TX SUV model here (the Tiggo 5X and Tiggo 7 sharing the floor space do not meet European standards). Hatchbacks and wagons will follow in the years to come, with all new vehicles being designed (for now in Shanghai under the direction of Canadian James Hope, who was recently hired away of GM Europe) to meet European safety and regulatory standards. To rev up Frankfurt showgoers, Chery brought along its low-slung, muscular Tiggo Coupe crossover concept. Planned for autonomous drive, like nearly every new show car, this one aims to lure in millenials with a steering wheel that folds and becomes a game controller during autopilot mode. A vibrating seat aims to provide a vivid 4-D gaming experience. Chery plans to heavily target young people who are less brand conscious. Geely Chinese megabrand Geely, owner of Volvo, purchased the London Taxi Company from receivers in 2013, and the resulting sub-brand LEVC is now rolling out its next-gen “London Cab” and hoping to extend sales throughout Europe (hence the presentation of the TX eCity cab in German taxi beige). They are being built near Coventry in the first new assembly plant to be built in England in 10 years. The range-extended electric vehicle can travel 80 miles on an electric charge, after which a Volvo 1.5-liter I-3 engine kicks in and extends the range to 400 miles. The rear compartment is taller and roomier than the current black cab, with seating for six (three in rear-facing jump seats). Wi-Fi connectivity and both USB and 12-volt charging sources are provided for passengers, and there’s a panoramic sunroof. Deliveries begin in October at a price of 55,000 British pounds ($72,600). The vehicle is not homologated for U.S. sale. The post 6 Automakers From China and Elsewhere That Surprised in Frankfurt appeared first on Motor Trend.

Auto-Showdown: Audi R8 V10 RWS vs. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring

For as long as it’s existed, the Audi R8 has been all-wheel drive. Yes, it could send the vast majority of its power to the rear wheels, but the front ones were never completely disengaged. That changes with the R8 V10 RWS. Dedicated enthusiasts will now be able to buy the rear-wheel-drive R8 they’ve been dreaming about. Porsche took a slightly different approach to its latest 911. The Touring package deletes the GT3’s rear wing and adds leather to the cabin, effectively creating a full-production version of the 911 R. We’re looking forward to getting to drive them both, but until then, let’s take a look at how these two Frankfurt debuts stack up against each other. Less is More A lot of times, enthusiast specials add features to draw in buyers. You might get a sportier suspension, more power, or extra aero components. In the case of these two cars, you get less. The R8 V10 RWS loses its all-wheel-drive system, and with it, 110 pounds of weight. Porsche took a similar approach to the 911 GT3 when it created the Touring package. You get the same car as the regular GT3, just without the massive rear wing. On the track, you might miss the downforce, but on public roads, you’ll probably appreciate getting less attention. Surprising Subtlety No one is ever going to mistake an Audi R8 or a Porsche 911 for a Toyota Prius. They’re clearly high-performance coupes no matter how you order them. But even with a 540-hp V-10 tucked right behind the driver’s seat, it’s impressive how little Audi did to differentiate the RWS from the regular version. To most people on the street, the R8 for hardcore driving enthusiasts could easily be mistaken for any other R8. You don’t even have to order the red stripe if you don’t want it. With the 911 GT3 Touring, Porsche went even further. It took the hardcore, enthusiast-focused GT3, removed the attention-grabbing wing, and added a more comfortable leather interior. You’ll still love the way it drives, but the GT3 Touring is a car for the driver, not other people. If you want attention, stick with the regular GT3. Limited Edition vs. Full Production If you like the idea of an R8 that’s been built to drive like a Le Mans GT race car for the streets, you better place your order quickly. Only 999 examples of the coupe will be built, and while there will also be a convertible version, only 999 of those will be built, as well. The dashboard will even come with a numbered plaque to let people know it’s a limited edition car. But after seeing what speculators did to the price of the limited-edition 911 R, Porsche went a different direction with the 911 GT3 Touring. As long as it still offers the 911 GT3, you’ll be able to add the Touring package as a no-cost option. Unless you absolutely have to have a carbon-fiber hood, carbon-fiber fenders, and a magnesium roof, there’s now no reason to pay extra for a second-hand 911 R. Restrained Looks, Not Specs Both of these cars are more about the intangible enjoyment of a pure driving experience than they are about maximizing their performance figures. But neither one is slow. Oh, now. Quite the opposite. Without the front wheels to provide grip, Audi says the R8 V10 RWS can hit 62 mph in a scant 3.7 seconds, with the convertible clocking in a tenth of a second behind that. Porsche hasn’t released acceleration numbers for the 911 GT3 Touring, which packs the same 500-hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six as the regular GT3, but expect it to be on par with its bewinged counterpart’s estimated 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds with PDK and 3.9 seconds with the manual transmission. Pricey but Less Than you Might Think Porsche is notorious for charging you more for less, so you’d think the Touring package would add thousands of dollars to the 911 GT3’s price. But that’s not actually the case. Perhaps to get back at 911 R speculators, Porsche made the Touring package a no-cost option. So as long as you have the $144,650 to buy a regular GT3, you can also afford the GT3 Touring. It’s a little unexpected, but you won’t catch us complaining. Even more unexpected is the price of the R8 V10 RWS. Audi says it will start at €140,000 in Europe, a whopping €26,000 less than the cheapest Euro-spec all-wheel-drive R8. That’s right. Audi charges less for a limited-edition, driver-focused version of the R8 than it charges for the regular version. We’ve reached out to Audi to confirm this is actually the case, and are anxiously awaiting its reply. And while U.S. pricing isn’t available yet, a similar drop in price would suggest a base price right around $140,000. In the world of mid-engine V-10 supercars, that’s what we call a serious bargain. The post Auto-Showdown: Audi R8 V10 RWS vs. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring appeared first on Motor Trend.

Best Cars of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show

This is the year the future arrived at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Yes, there are plenty of interesting and significant production debuts – Bentley’s new Continental GT, BMW’s new X3 and M5, Porsche’s new Cayenne, Hyundai’s small Kona crossover, and Ferrari’s Portofino, to name a few – but the buzz is all about hybrids and electric vehicles and autonomous driving. This is the Frankfurt show where Mercedes-Benz, the company that – with some justification – claims to have invented the automobile – announced it would soon be building an electric-powered one that didn’t have a steering wheel or pedals. Loud, colorful, and with the swaggering might of the German auto industry on full display, Frankfurt 2017 is indeed an auto show to remember. Here are our picks of the best from the show floor. Star of the Show: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE There are faster hypercars. There are sexier hypercars. But there has never been a road-legal hypercar with an actual Formula 1 powertrain. Only Daimler, rich, powerful, and at the top of its game, could have the audacity – and the technical knowhow – to create a car like the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE. It shares most of its powerpack with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas grand prix racer that took Lewis Hamilton to victory in the 2015 Formula 1 World Driver’s Championship, and with more than 1000 hp on tap, it will be quicker than a Bugatti Chiron to 124 mph. The mere fact this car exists at all, complete with an airbag in the F1-style steering wheel and an air-conditioned cockpit, is cause for celebration. It’s the car at Frankfurt everyone wanted to see. –Angus MacKenzie Star of the Show: Kia ProCeed Concept As a child of the ‘60s, I’m exceptionally drawn to this car’s true four-door pillar-less door glass design. Sure, there is zero hope of providing adequate side-impact protection this way, but c’mon! Concept cars are supposed to be flights of fancy. I also love all the raw innovation in this design, from the “brightwork” surrounding the side glass that indeed glows with a remarkably uniform white LED light, to the seat fabric, which consists of 100 square meters (!) of black fabric that ends up looking a bit like shag carpet or something. This car is yet another milepost along the Korean automaker’s road from a “fast follower” copying designs and trends, to trend setter. We should be so lucky as to get anything nearing this car’s coolness on American roads in the near future. –Frank Markus Star of the Show: Kia ProCeed Concept The Kia Proceed is liquid lust in hot red. The four-door wagon concept looks like it is racing down the street even as it sits stationary on the stand. Unfortunately it will not be in motion on U.S. streets as this concept hints at the next generation of Kia’s Cee’d family for Europe. The look is clean, elegant, with beautiful proportions. The hood actually appears shorter than it is alongside the long body with no B pillar and the sharkfin trim at the C pillar. Inside, a tangle of shaved and unshaved ribbons on the seats: 100 square meters of black fabric in total. –Alisa Priddle Best Gotcha: Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Jaguar says it’s planning a one-make race series for the forthcoming all-electric I-Pace, and to prove the point showed a concept of what the racecar would look like on its Frankfurt show stand. Except the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy isn’t exactly a concept. Keen-eyed showgoers comparing it with the I-Pace concept will notice the race car has different exterior mirrors, different side windows, and slightly different styling around the rear hatch. They’d also notice the creases in the bodywork aren’t quite as sharp as those on the white concept, and that a pair of wipers are nestled at the base of the windshield. Yep, hiding in plain sight on the Jaguar stand is the production version of the swoopy I-Pace. Strip away the rear wing, the side skirts, the race-face front fascia, and the racy wheels and tires, and you’ll see exactly what the twin-motor I-Pace with around 400 hp and an anticipated EPA-rated range of about 220 miles will look like when it launches in the second half of 2018. –Angus MacKenzie Best Production Car: Bentley Continental GT At last, Bentley’s gran turismo gets the extravagant proportions it deserves, courtesy of the new VW Group MSB architecture it shares with Porsche’s Panamera. MSB, which is VW Group’s front-engine, rear and all-wheel-drive architecture, has allowed Bentley design boss Stefan Sielaff and his team to place the front wheels ahead of the engine, giving the new Conti GT the extended dash-to-axle ratio that’s been a hallmark of great British sports and luxury cars since the 1920s. The new Conti GT looks lower, sleeker, and more luxurious than its pug-nosed predecessor, with crisply tailored surfaces. Inside is an interior that ups the Bentley ante for knurled metal, rich leather, and beautifully finished wood, and does it in a thoroughly contemporary manner. –Angus MacKenzie Best Production Car: Land Rover Discovery SVX This is the first Discovery to get Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations treatment. The SUV gets a version of Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine, tweaked to generate 517 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The SUV has an eight-speed automatic transmission and two-range transfer box. Not only will it be quick and powerful on the road, the SVO team gave it more ground clearance to go anywhere. The winch is standard and it will be hand-built at the SVO technical center with some unique body panels once it becomes available in 2018. –Alisa Priddle Best Production Car: Ferrari Portofino I never liked the California’s Nicki Minaj junk-in-the-trunk design, and the fact that this one’s basic hard points have changed so little and yet the overall look has transformed so thoroughly—and looks equally fabulous, hard-top up or down—is a real testament to the design geniuses now employed within Ferrari (not at go-to design house Pininfarina). The fact that its twin-turbo V-8 gets a 39-horse bump to within kissing distance of 600 hp is just icing on the Amaretti Cake. –Frank Markus Best Concept Car: Borgward Isabella concept The gorgeous two-tone coupe, with the darker blue on top and lighter shade below, has lines along the hood and headlights that are reminiscent of the original and stunning Isabella from the 1950s and early ‘60s. But this concept is a statement of new elegance and beauty with its sculpted sides and stylized greenhouse providing a fresh side silhouette with a C pillar that passes over the body. In addition to the wraparound taillights are headlights in an intriguing pattern that makes a yin yang pattern of Nike swooshes. Inside is a three-piece steering wheel that is appealing its simplicity and a touchscreen that cascades down from the center of the dash. Elements of the Isabella could make its way into future sedans from a company that has resurrected the past with this emotional design. –Alisa Priddle Best Concept Car: Honda Urban EV Concept With its clean, simple surfaces, and fenders flared over big wheels at each corner, the Honda Urban EV riffed on classic European hot hatches of the ’70s and ’80s, like the original Volkswagen Golf GTI and Peugeot’s 205 GTI. With a look and feel very much inspired by product design principles rather than styling whimsies, the tiny Honda—it’s four inches shorter than a Fit—is a welcome breath of fresh air from a Japanese automaker whose recent production vehicle designs have tendered to suffer from too much surface entertainment. Honda boss Takahiro Hachigo says the Urban EV previews a brand-new EV platform from the company, and a production version of the car will be on sale in Europe in 2019. –Angus MacKenzie Sketchiest Concept Vehicle: BMW X7 iPerformance Concept Oh dear. This one looks like the design team just stood back and said, “Welp, there’s gonna be no hiding the fact that this is a great big gigantic SUV, so let’s just own its gargantuan-ness.” Every design detail seems to have been chosen to accentuate the vehicle’s vertical bulk, from the disturbingly tall and toothy interpretation of the double-kidney grille to the giant L-shaped fender vents and rear fascia details. The incredibly fine pillars on the greenhouse end up looking insufficient to support the bulk of the body should the truck ever turn turtle. Here’s one we’re eager to see changed substantially on its way to production. –Frank Markus Biggest Head-Scratcher: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Suspension Inside the spectacular Mercedes exhibit hall—which is arranged just like its museum in Stuttgart, in the round and spiraling down from several stories up—was a naked chassis of the highly anticipated F1-inspired hypercar. But after studying the front and rear suspension for 10 minutes or more, I could not for the life of me work out how the pushrod-actuated spring-damper units worked. That’s because both of them interconnect both pivot points. I look forward to watching an animation of them in action. –Frank Markus Most Innovative Parking Solution: Renault Symbioz Concept This concept takes integration a step further: the car talks to the house and the two become one. The demonstration shows the autonomous car with an interior where passengers face each other. Once at home, the car raises on a giant round pedestal to the inside of the home where it doubles as another room of the house and the two can share their energy, with electricity flowing to whichever needs it more. It is an extension of Renault’s long-running well-being theme, updated to a new tagline: French design, easy life. As a car, it is self-driving and a quick one with 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. –Alisa Priddle The post Best Cars of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show appeared first on Motor Trend.

5 Reasons Why We Want Flyin’ Miata’s Turbocharged Mazda Miata RF

If you have $75,000 or so to spend on a drop-top, you could always buy a BMW M4. Or a Mercedes-AMG C63. But although those are fantastic cars, they’re also a little predictable. If you’re interested in something that isn’t so obvious, the folks at Flyin’ Miata will gladly turn the ND Mazda MX-5 into something truly wicked for you. Specifically, they’ll stuff a 430-hp LS3 V-8 under the hood then tweak it until it drives like a “fully integrated car and not just a big engine rammed into a little car.” But what if your budget is a good bit less than $75,000, and you still have your eye on a faster Miata? That’s where the new BBR turbo package comes in. Instead of shoehorning a massive V-8 into the engine bay, it relies on forced induction to make more power. Flyin’ Miata dropped by our office to show off one of these new cars. Here are five things you need to know about it. It gets a significant boost in power With the BBR turbocharger, Flyin’ Miata says the ND makes right around 208 hp at the wheels, which is probably close to 245 hp at the crank. That’s not quite the 430 hp the V-8 offers, but remember, a stock Miata only makes 155 hp and can still hit 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Cranking it up to 245 hp or so should knock at least a second off the car’s 0–60 time. Not bad. Not bad at all. There’s only a small weight gain A large part of what makes the Miata so enjoyable to drive is its low weight. If you start messing with that, it could ruin the car. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. Flyin’ Miata says all of the new parts only add about 40 pounds. For comparison, the LS3 in the V-8 conversion adds about 250 pounds. Flyin’ Miata has handling upgrades, too As much as we love the ND Miata, we aren’t completely sold on the stock suspension. It’s softer than we’d like, causing the car to squat over its outside rear wheel in corners. The car Flyin’ Miata brought by promises to fix that with a new set of Koni shocks. It also had a Wilwood brake kit, which Flyin’ Miata says saves 18 pounds of unsprung weight, and bronze 17×8 6UL wheels, which fit wider performance tires. The tuning company offers suspension kits starting from $1,029. But it’s still mostly stock You can do a lot more with your car if you want, but we appreciate how much of the MX-5 Flyin’ Miata kept stock. Even with the extra power from the turbo, we’re told the stock clutch and transmission are able to handle it. The team also kept the stock exhaust, which means that outside of the optional bronze wheels, most people aren’t going to notice you’ve done any work to your Miata. The company is currently going for CARB certification with this very car. If approved in California, the BBR turbo kit will be 50-state legal. It’s surprisingly affordable The car Flyin’ Miata brought by carried a sticker price of $40,500. That’s not cheap, but remember that the Miata RF in Grand Touring trim starts at $33,495. So adding a turbocharger, an upgraded suspension, a brake kit, and new wheels will run you less than $10,000. And that includes Flyin’ Miata’s labor. If you went with an entry-level Miata Sport and did the work yourself, your out-of-pocket cost would be even less. To us, that’s a solid deal.The post 5 Reasons Why We Want Flyin’ Miata’s Turbocharged Mazda Miata RF appeared first on Motor Trend.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Interior Review: Premiumish

Even without fancy Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 stands out in the crowded compact crossover segment. But unless you gaze longingly at your car for hours every day, you’ll spend more time inside the cabin. That’s what makes a car’s interior so important, and after spending some time in a loaded 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring in the city and on the open road, we have a few thoughts. Wait! Before continuing, feel free to catch up on our extensive 2017 Mazda CX-5 coverage right here: 2017 Honda CR-V vs. 2017 Mazda CX-5 Comparison: Head vs. Heart 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD First Test 2017 Mazda CX-5 First Drive Review Breaking It Up Lately, Mazda has been positioning itself as offering semipremium cars at nonpremium prices. And in the past, Motor Trend has appreciated some smart design touches on the 2017 CX-5’s interior. One of those details is the way the center stack is broken up twice by panels of leatherlike material. The first separates the dash-topping 7.0-inch infotainment screen from the air vents, and there’s another break between those vents and other controls, including A/C adjustments and the heated seats. The overall effect is a center stack that looks especially clean and, yes, premiumish. Going Down Especially for taller drivers, that center-stack layout can become a problem if you want your HVAC controls in a location that’s easy to find and operate at a glance. Instead, the 2017 CX-5’s HVAC controls are at the very bottom of the center stack and mounted on a plane that feels almost vertical, making it a tad more difficult to use. In addition to tilting back the controls to make it easier to use, maybe a future CX-5 could swap the locations of the higher-placed heated seat and heated steering wheel buttons with those of the lower HVAC controls. Clink-Clink-Clink Whether it’s those HVAC controls, the central controller knob, or the little volume knob, I’m a huge fan of the way Mazda’s rotating knobs feel. Really—if you’re heading to a dealership, spend a few seconds rotating those controls. They feel good to use and are partially finished with a rougher texture that helps you keep your grip as you’re turning up the temperature or volume. Mazda: Pull an Audi About that volume control, it’s located just above the cupholders on the center console instead of on the dash as you might have in your own car. My long-term Motor Trend car is a 2017 Audi A4 with a similar volume control I’ve come to like. The knob is easy to find if you’re avoiding the volume buttons on the steering wheel, and I hope Mazda will make future volume knobs also function as track forward/back controllers like the A4 I drive. Without it, the CX-5 offers a front passenger no easy way to change the music to the next track if the infotainment system is displaying the navigation/map screens. Make It Bigger and Driver-Focused The 2017 CX-5’s infotainment screen is mounted exactly where it should be, at the very top of the dash. This detail has become important to me because I don’t want to have to look too far down while I’m driving to see whatever info is on the screen. The CX-5’s interior has come a long way since the first-generation model was introduced years ago, but if Mazda is going to advertise its cars as a premium-brand alternative for a much better price, perhaps future CX-5s can offer a screen larger than 7.0 inches. (Hyundai, Kia, and Ford offer larger screens on their competitive SUVs.) Also, like with the Kia Sportage I spent about a year driving and unlike in the current Honda CR-V, I’d love to see a refreshed CX-5’s screen angled a little toward the driver. Kneed Luxury One touch we really appreciated on our 2017 CX-5 Grand Touring tester was the stitched trim panels on the sides of the center console. Although they could have been softer, the detail is still one that, for the most part, is only seen on higher-priced vehicles. Interior Color Options Most 2017 CX-5 trims offer a choice of two interior colors (the base Sport model gets black cloth seats), and that includes the highest Grand Touring trim. In fact, instead of the Touring model’s leatherette with suede inserts in black or beige, the Grand Select and Grand Touring trims get black or Parchment leather, the latter of which looks like a light beige in person. I’d be afraid of getting those light seats dirty over time, but I appreciate that the leather color is differentiated from lower trims. Still, if a premium interior color is a consideration for you, check out the Subaru Forester Touring’s brown leather option. Take a (Back) Seat The 2017 CX-5’s rear-seat legroom is decent but no subjective match for the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4—crossovers that both offer more cargo space. What neither of those popular crossovers offer is the CX-5’s why-doesn’t-everyone-do-this? rear-seat package. Starting with the Touring trim, the CX-5 features two 2.1-amp quick-charging USBs located in the central armrest. The location is more logical than some cars with USB outlets on the back of the front seats’ center console. One feature Mazda has retained on the CX-5 from the last-gen model is the ability to fold down the seats via levers in the cargo area (the controls are pictured below). It’s a helpful feature, as is the fact that those side doors open 6 degrees wider than before (to a full 80-degree opening). The Cluster The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has an updated instrument cluster, but its design isn’t as modern as those in the Honda CR-V or loaded Kia Sportages and Hyundai Tucsons. Even so, the genuine head-up display helps—our Grand Touring tester had the Premium package, which includes that upscale tech as well as a six-way power passenger seat. So? The 2017 Mazda CX-5’s interior makes a good case for itself. The clean center stack is a plus, though you’ll have to determine whether you think those low HVAC controls will become a minor irritation over time. I don’t personally consider the CX-5’s interior as a whole to be on the level of similarly sized premium-brand crossovers, but there are definitely some smart touches inside that enhance the sitting-in-traffic experience. Now if Mazda can just add a larger infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the CX-5 will really take a leap forward. The post 2017 Mazda CX-5 Interior Review: Premiumish appeared first on Motor Trend.

Eight Nerdy Things to Like About the 2018 Nissan Leaf

Nissan has unveiled the second-generation all-electric 2018 Leaf. This time around, the Leaf faces more competition with the new Chevrolet Bolt EV already on the market with 238 miles of EPA-rated range and the Tesla Model 3 launching with promises of 225 miles of range. By comparison, the 2018 Leaf goes on sale next year in the U.S. with only 150 miles, but Nissan promises that the figure will go up sometime in the future. Still, there is a lot for nerds to cheer about: ProPilot Assist This is the first leg on Nissan’s roadmap to autonomous driving. Self-driving is cool. Engineers and geeks in general like the tech behind it, and Nissan has tried to make it an easy and intuitive two-button process to engage.  The automaker stresses this is not autopilot—this is assist, which means it should make driving easier and reduce fatigue, but the car demands hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The ProPilot Assist option is available on all but the base S trim level. Design The Leaf is no longer an oddball design nor does it look as much like a spaceship. Nerds will appreciate the fresher, understated modern look. One Millennial I consulted described it as a city car that is a cross between a Honda Fit and a Nissan Maxima—which he said is a good thing. Inside, the Leaf goes for a more traditional interior with regular-looking screens as opposed to the monster screen in a Tesla and the larger screens in a Bolt EV or Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. Gearshift The round knob shifter is funky and appeals to the nerd who knows how things work. That is good because there are no markings on the shifter itself to indicate drive, reverse or neutral, only a giant P in the middle of the shifter for park. There is a cheat sheet: a graphic in the center console showing the shift pattern for those who have not already memorized it. e-Pedal Other cars such as the Bolt EV let you one-pedal drive to a stop when the transmission is set to low, but the Leaf dials this technology up a notch, making one-pedal driving standard on all three trim levels and in regular drive. And Nissan’s system uses sensors to determine when the vehicle is coming to a stop, and if the car starts to slip on a hill, the brakes are mechanically applied to hold the car in place. This should appeal to the Silicon Valley set commuting from hilly San Francisco. Steering assist button Don’t like the steering assist that wrestles the car back into the proper lane if the driver fails to? After customer clinics, Nissan added a button to turn the feature off, if desired. The decision is recent enough that the prototype shown in Detroit does not even have it yet, but we are assured one of the blank spaces in the panel of buttons left of the steering wheel is for the steering assist button. The 2018 Leaf’s center stack is shown here. Hide the scary info Range anxiety is real and Nissan felt having the distance-to-dead-and-stranded-permanently displayed at all times only added to the stress, especially when you turned on the air conditioning and watched the number drop before your eyes. So in addition to denser batteries and doubling the range, the Leaf now has a more traditional speedometer and info on power levels is still available but you have to dive into the menus to find it. Otherwise, out of sight, out of anxious mind. Value proposition Nissan says customers will overlook the lesser range because they will appreciate the fact that it starts at $30,875 with destination charges when it goes on sale in all 50 states early next year. When Nissan dropped the price of the current Leaf to $29,999 from $34,000, it attracted more buyers and about 40 percent of buyers choose the entry-level S trim level. Even nerds like a good deal, right? Charge it please Nissan is sticking to the CHAdeMO fast-charging system but the charging stations it supports all have dual ports to also accommodate models that use the SAE standard CSS. Nissan will continue to support both systems to promote EV use in general. Tesla uses its own system. Read our thorough 2018 Nissan Leaf First Drive review here. The post Eight Nerdy Things to Like About the 2018 Nissan Leaf appeared first on Motor Trend.

2018 New SUVs: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Combine the practicality of a wagon body style with a higher seating position and an outdoors-y image, and you’ve got our current boom of SUVs. The new-car industry is in a state of transition, with crossovers and SUVs of all kinds eating up market share once held by sedans and hatchbacks. The market is bursting with activity, so keep reading for more on the industry’s growth from subcompact crossovers to full-size luxury SUVs and everything in between. Search for your favorite automakers to find more on how various SUVs have changed since last year, view basic engine specs, and see IntelliChoice five-year retained value stats. What about 2018 cars and trucks? 2018 New Cars: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2018 New Trucks: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide KEY 5M: 5-speed manual 6A: 6-speed automatic 6-sp auto-cl man: 6-speed auto-clutch manual 7-sp twin-cl auto: 7-speed twin-clutch automatic FWD: front-wheel drive AWD: all-wheel drive RWD: rear-wheel drive ALL-NEWAn addition to an automaker’s lineup MAJORSignificant sheetmetal redesign, powertrain, and/or feature changes MINORMidcycle updates, minor powertrain, or feature changes UNCHANGEDMinor trim or package changes, new colors NHTSA AND IIHS SAFETY RATINGS: NHTSA and IIHS safety data is derived from recent model years. INTELLICHOICE Five-year retained value data may apply to common vehicle variants, not an average of all model variants. EPA RATINGS EPA ratings for the 2018 model year are more stringent than before, so keep in mind as you’re new-car shopping that a car with no mechanical changes from 2017 may still get a slightly different rating for 2018. Acura MDX Base Price: $45,500-$52,500* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The Acura MDX received a significant refresh for 2017. Changes included a new front fascia bearing the brand’s new grille and a hybrid variant with more power than the base engine, improved gas mileage, and standard all-wheel drive. For 2018, the Acura MDX might get an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration but should otherwise remain the unchanged. Also Consider: Infiniti QX60, Volvo XC90, Buick Enclave. Sum Up: A surprisingly nimble luxury crossover for the family. Acura MDX Base Engine 3.5L/290-hp/267-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine 3.0L V-6 + elec, 321 hp/289 lb-ft Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 9A/7-sp twin-cl auto Towing 3,500-5,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-26/26-27 mpg 0-60 mph 5.8-6.4 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 46% * Estimated Acura RDX Base Price: $36,775-$38,275 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The 2018 Acura RDX carries over unchanged in what likely is its final model year before a redesign, expected in spring 2018. Every new RDX is available with the AcuraWatch suite of active safety tech, and all front- and all-wheel-drive models are powered by a 279-hp V-6 paired to a six-speed auto. Expect the next-gen RDX to ride on a new platform and be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four with about 260 horsepower. Also Consider: BMW X1, Lexus NX, Jaguar E-Pace. Sum Up: Final-year deals might be had on a top-selling compact crossover. Acura RDX Base Engine 3.5L/279-hp/252-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 1,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/27-28 mpg 0-60 mph 6.2 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 46% * Estimated Alfa Romeo Stelvio Base Price: $42,990-$76,000* Body Type: SUV All New: Named after the Stelvio Pass in ­Italy, Alfa Romeo’s first crossover will be available with two engine choices: a 280-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four in base and Ti variants or a 505-hp twin-turbo V-6 in the Quadrifoglio model arriving in spring 2018. All-wheel drive is standard. Base models come with standard features such as keyless entry/start and a 7.0-inch multi-information display. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace. Sum Up: Italian passion now comes with lots of cargo room. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Base Engine 2.0L/280-hp/306-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.9L/505-hp/443-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing 3,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-22/23-28 mpg* 0-60 mph 3.9-5.4 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles * Estimated Audi Q3 Base Price: $33,875-$35,975 Body Type: SUV Minor: The S Line exterior design is standard. The Convenience package for the Premium model adds Audi’s advanced key, a power tailgate, aluminum trim, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Premium Plus gains Audi side assist and LED exterior lights. The Premium Plus’ Sport Plus pack adds, among other things, 19-inch alloy wheels and a three-spoke steering wheel with paddles. Also Consider: Mini Countryman, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Sum Up: A fun and affordable luxury subcompact SUV, but it’s light on technology. Audi Q3 Base Engine 2.0L/200-hp/207-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 2,200 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 20/28 mpg 0-60 mph 7.8-8.2 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 51% * Estimated Audi Q5 Base Price: $42,475-$55,275 Body Type: SUV Major: The second-gen Q5 and SQ5 ride on an updated version of Audi’s MLB platform. The Q5’s 2.0L turbo I-4 makes more power and deletes the optional V-6, and the SQ5 offers a 3.0L turbo V-6 to replace the supercharged engine. Both models come standard with AWD. An improved MMI infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster are new. The SQ5 Sport pack adds air suspension and a sport rear differential. Also Consider: Lexus RX, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X3. Sum Up: Audi’s compact SUV gets larger and quicker than before. Audi Q5 Base Engine 2.0L/252-hp/273-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 3.0L/354-hp/369-lb-ft turbo V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 7-sp twin-cl auto/8A Towing 4,400 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-23/24-27 mpg 0-60 mph 4.4-5.9 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 52% * Estimated Audi Q7 Base Price: $50,875-$57,375 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: After a redesign for 2017, the Q7 makes the Audi advanced key standard on all trims, including those with the turbo-four and supercharged-six. A 3-D Bose surround-sound system is standard on the Premium Plus, and power door closers are standard on 3.0T Prestige models. Active safety and driver-assist features and Audi’s virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster are available. Also Consider: Volvo XC90, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Sum Up: Three-row seating with Audi’s highest-tech rig. Audi Q7 Base Engine 2.0L/252-hp/273-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 3.0L/333-hp/325-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing 7,700 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 19/25 mpg 0-60 mph 5.7-7.0 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 50% * Estimated Audi Q8 Base Price: $75,000* Body Type: SUV All-New: The Q8 will have a more coupelike tapered roofline and is set to be Audi’s flagship SUV. Power will come from an all-new mild hybrid system featuring a 3.0L electrically turbocharged V-6 with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed auto. The drivetrain will be shared with the next-gen Audi A8 sedan. Expect the Q8 to sport all of Audi’s latest technology. Also Consider: BMW X6, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne. Sum Up: A new flagship SUV tops the Audi crossover range. Audi Q8 Base Engine 3.0L turbo V-6 + elec, 469 hp/516 lb-ft* Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy Not Yet Rated 0-60 mph 4.7 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles * Estimated Bentley Bentayga Base Price: $236,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: Bentley added the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner special edition, inspired by the raptor sport. It comes with birding features such as a refreshment case, a master case with veneer drawers, and a transportation perch for your pet falcon. Other than special editions, the Bentayga will likely carry over unchanged in its second model year, but a V-8 variant might be on the way. Also Consider: Mercedes-AMG GLS63, Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography. Sum Up: A hulking behemoth brimming with opulence. Bentley Bentayga Base Engine 6.0L/600-hp/664-lb-ft twin-turbo W-12 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing 7,716 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 12/19 mpg 0-60 mph 3.5 sec Basic Warranty 3 years/unlimited miles * Estimated BMW X1 Base Price: $34,895-$36,895 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The X1 shares its underpinnings with the Mini Countryman, but you’d be challenged to find the similarities. BMW added a front-wheel-drive variant as the new base model for the X1 last year—marking the arrival of the first front-drive BMW to the U.S. market. For the 2018 model year, the X1 gets a few reshuffled packages. A rearview camera is now standard on every X1. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Infiniti QX30, Mini Countryman. Sum Up: A front-drive-based crossover trying to reconcile its brand’s sporting heritage. BMW X1 Base Engine 2.0L/228-hp/258-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 8A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-23/31-32 mpg 0-60 mph 6.8 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 48% * Estimated BMW X2 Base Price: $38,000-$40,500* Body Type: SUV All-New: Previewed as a concept at the 2016 Paris auto show, the BMW X2 will be the coupelike sibling of the X1. Expect the 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four to serve as the base engine, but an M Performance variant could get a more powerful version of that engine and come standard with all-wheel drive. The X2 will start at a higher price point than the X1 and might come with more features to help differentiate it. Also Consider: Range Rover Evoque, Infiniti QX30, Lexus UX. Sum Up: Style gets priority over practicality. BMW X2 Base Engine 2.0L/228-hp/258-lb-ft turbo I-4* Opt Engine 2.0L/280-hp/270-lb-ft turbo I-4* Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 8A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-23/29-32 mpg* 0-60 mph 6.0-6.8 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles * Estimated BMW X3 Base Price: $43,445-$55,295 Body Type: SUV Major: The new X3 is nearly as big as a second-gen X5. A 248-hp turbo-four is standard in the xDrive30i. A 355-hp 3.0L turbo I-6 is available in the X3 M40i. The latest iDrive system features gesture control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a larger head-up display. The X3 will be BMW’s first crossover to offer a factory-installed trailer hitch in the U.S. A rear-drive variant might return in 2019. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Porsche Macan, Audi Q5. Sum Up: BMW’s compact crossover grows up and gets a little sportier. BMW X3 Base Engine 2.0L/248-hp/258-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 3.0L/355-hp/369-lb-ft turbo I-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing 3,500 lb* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-22/22-28 mpg* 0-60 mph 4.6-6.0 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 50% * Estimated BMW X4 Base Price: $48,595-$60,245 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The X4 M40i joined the BMW X4 lineup last year, replacing the less powerful X4 xDrive35i. For 2018, the X4 carries over with packaging changes, including revised equipment for the Convenience and M Sport packages. Like its less swoopy X3 sibling, expect the second-generation X4 to receive the latest crop of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Jaguar F-Pace. Sum Up: Practicality takes a back seat to a swoopy roofline. BMW X4 Base Engine 2.0L/240-hp/260-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 3.0L/355-hp/343-lb-ft turbo I-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/AWD, 8A Towing 3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-20/25-28 mpg 0-60 mph 4.7-6.3 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 50% * Estimated BMW X5 Base Price: $57,945-$101,695 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The 2018 BMW X5 carries over with trapezoidal tailpipes on the 35i gas and 35d diesel variants. It gets an updated eight-speed auto with paddle shifters on the 40e plug-in hybrid model. A refreshed X5 could arrive with a new 3.0L turbo I-6 from the redesigned 5 Series. The X5 might get an M Performance model with an updated twin-turbo V-8 and a sportier suspension setup. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Acura MDX, Volvo XC90. Sum Up: From family-friendly to wild. BMW X5 Base Engine 3.0L/300-hp/300-lb-ft turbo I-6 Opt Engine 4.4L/445-567-hp/480-553-lb-ft twin-turbo V-8; 3.0L/255-hp/413-lb-ft t’diesel I-6; 2.0L turbo I-4 + elec, 308 hp/332 lb-ft Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/AWD, 8A Towing 6,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-23/19-29 mpg*; PHEV: 24 mpg combined; EV Range: 14 miles 0-60 mph 3.7-6.2 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 48% * Estimated BMW X6 Base Price: $63,695-$105,095 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The 2018 BMW X6 receives trapezoidal tailpipes on the xDrive35i model, and 21-inch alloy wheels are an option with the M Sport package. A refreshed X6 might come with the BMW’s updated 3.0L turbo I-6 as the base engine. An M performance model could replace the xDrive50i trim and have a more powerful twin-turbo V-8 and suspension tweaks to improve handling. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne. Sum Up: Polarizing and imposing enough to get as much attention as possible. BMW X6 Base Engine 3.0L/300-hp/300-lb-ft turbo I-6 Opt Engine 4.4L/445-567-hp/480-553-lb-ft twin-turbo V-8 Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/AWD, 8A Towing 6,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-18/19-25 mpg 0-60 mph 3.7-5.8 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 50% * Estimated BMW X7 Base Price: $70,000-$100,000* Body Type: SUV All-New: The BMW X7 is the automaker’s upcoming three-row crossover. It will slot above the X5 and make its debut sometime in 2018. Powering the X7 will likely be a range of turbocharged engines, including a 3.0-liter turbo I-6 base unit and an optional 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. The 6.6-liter twin-turbo V-12 could also be the range-topping powertrain in an M Performance variant. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Land Rover Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade. Sum Up: Finally, a BMW for eine grosse Familie. BMW X7 Base Engine 3.0L/335-hp/332-lb-ft turbo I-6* Opt Engine 4.4L/456-hp/480-lb-ft twin-turbo V-8*: 6.6L/601-hp/590-lb-ft twin-turbo V-12* Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing 7,500 lb* EPA Econ City/Hwy 12-17/18-27 mpg* 0-60 mph 4.5-6.0 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles * Estimated Buick Enclave Base Price: $40,970-$56,690 Body Type: SUV Major: The three-row Enclave shares its chassis with the also redesigned Chevrolet Traverse. A 302-hp V-6 paired to a nine-speed auto routes power to the front wheels or to an available AWD system. Standard features include a hands-free programmable liftgate, OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen. The top Avenir model comes standard with active safety, connectivity, and luxury features. Also Consider: Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX. Sum Up: Buick’s flagship crossover receives its long-awaited redesign. Buick Enclave Base Engine 3.6L/302-hp/260-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 9A Towing 1,500-5,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 17/24-25 mpg* 0-60 mph 7.2-7.5 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 44% * Estimated Buick Encore Base Price: $23,915-$26,790 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Buick’s best-selling vehicle is also its smallest and comes powered by a 138-153-hp turbo I-4 backed by a six-speed auto. After its refresh for 2017, changes for 2018 include the addition of an ionizing interior air cleaner, capless fuel filler, and the availability of a Coppertino Metallic exterior color. The Encore comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display screen. Buick’s Intellilink system is available with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Also Consider: Audi Q3, Mazda CX-3, Fiat 500X. Sum Up: An affordable premium subcompact crossover. Buick Encore Base Engine 1.4L/138-hp/148-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 1.4L/153-hp/177-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-27/30-33 mpg* 0-60 mph 8.5-9.6 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 46% * Estimated Buick Envision Base Price: $35,000-$39,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Buick’s newest crossover, which is positioned below the three-row Enclave, is unchanged for the 2018 model year. The two-row Envision is powered by a standard 197-hp 2.5-liter I-4 backed by a six-speed auto. The optional 2.0-liter turbo-four can only be paired to all-wheel drive. The Envision comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Intellilink with smartphone connectivity, active noise cancellation, and OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Also Consider: Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X1. Sum Up: A global midsize crossover with top safety scores. Buick Envision Base Engine 2.5L/197-hp/192-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/252-hp/260-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 1,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-22/26-29 mpg* 0-60 mph 7.1-8.5 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 44% * Estimated Cadillac Escalade Base Price: $74,500-$81,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: Cadillac replaces the eight-speed with a new 10-speed auto and adds two new interior color combinations: Jet Black with Shale and Maple Sugar with Jet Black. The single engine option, a 420-hp 6.2L V-8, will carry over. This full-size SUV offers a longer ESV model with more third-row legroom and additional cargo room, topping out at 120.9 cubic feet. It can seat up to eight passengers. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Lexus LX 570, Lincoln Navigator. Sum Up: Towing and hauling stylishly in the lap of luxury. Cadillac Escalade Base Engine 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-ft V-8 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 10A Towing 7,900-8,300 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 15/20-22 mpg* 0-60 mph 5.9-6.2 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 46% * Estimated Cadillac XT5 Base Price: $40,990-$43,990 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The base XT5 can now be equipped with AWD, and an automatic heated steering wheel is new. The sole powertrain, a 310-hp V-6 mated to an eight-speed auto, remains. The XT5 comes with a Bose audio system, OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with CUE. A 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick, it’s available with a host of driver-assist features. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Lexus RX, Audi Q5. Sum Up: Cadillac’s only crossover is filled with features and technology. Cadillac XT5 Base Engine 3.6L/310-hp/271-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 8A Towing 3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-19/26-27 mpg 0-60 mph 6.4 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4-5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 48% * Estimated Chevrolet Equinox Base Price: $24,525-$35,380 Body Type: SUV Major: The redesigned Equinox is smaller than its predecessor and has a lineup of four-cylinder engines, including a new turbodiesel, which promises up to 40 mpg on the highway, and a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four paired to a nine-speed auto. New features include full LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, the latest version of Chevrolet’s MyLink multimedia system, and automatic emergency braking. Also Consider: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson. Sum Up: Chevy’s crossover shrinks to make room for a Ford Edge competitor. Chevrolet Equinox Base Engine 1.5L/170-hp/203-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/252-hp/260-lb-ft turbo I-4; 1.6L/137-hp/240-lb-ft t’diesel I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/9A Towing 3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-27/28-40 mpg* 0-60 mph 6.5-9.2 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 47% * Estimated Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Base Price: $44,995-$69,500* Body Type: SUV Minor: The Tahoe and longer Suburban get an RST edition with 22-inch alloy wheels, a Borla performance exhaust option for an extra 10 or so hp, Brembo brakes, a black grille and side-mirror covers, black Bow Tie badges, and body-colored grille surrounds and door handles. A Performance pack for the Tahoe RST adds a 420-hp 6.2L V-8, a 10-speed auto, and Magnetic Ride Control. Also, Chevrolet has introduced the Tahoe Custom (pictured here), which lowers the SUV’s base price to $44,995 and removes the third-row seat. Also Consider: Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada. Sum Up: Now with the option of more power and aggression. Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Base Engine 5.3L/355-365-hp/383-lb-ft V-8* Opt Engine 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-ft V-8 Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/10A Towing 8,000-8,600 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-16/22-23 mpg* 0-60 mph 6.4-7.3 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 51% * Estimated Chevrolet Traverse Base Price: $30,875-$52,995 Body Type: SUV Major: The redesigned three-row 2018 Chevrolet Traverse shares the C1 platform with the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four is standard on the new RS trim, but it is less powerful than the V-6 engine on the higher trims. Unlike the SUV it replaces, the 2018 Traverse is more trucklike in appearance, but it still bears a resemblance to the smaller Chevrolet Equinox. Also Consider: Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer. Sum Up: A move to a new platform brings a more rugged appearance. Chevrolet Traverse Base Engine 3.6L/305-hp/266-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine 2.0L/255-hp/295-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 9A Towing 3,500-5,000 lb* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-20/25-27 mpg* 0-60 mph 6.5-7.0 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 45% * Estimated Chevrolet Trax Base Price: $21,945-$29,740 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Last year the Trax received a new front fascia, reshaped headlights, a revised grille, a new dashboard design, and an updated MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For 2018, it gets a Redline Edition based on the LT trim. The Redline adds black alloy wheels with red hash marks, black Bow Tie badges, a black grille, and black nameplates with red outlines. Also Consider: Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek. Sum Up: Highly connected to appeal to millennials. Chevrolet Trax Base Engine 1.4L/138-hp/148-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-25/30-33 mpg 0-60 mph 9.3-10.1 sec Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 43% * Estimated Dodge Durango Base Price: $31,500*-$64,090 Body Type: SUV Minor: Dodge has added a high-performance SRT model. The Durango SRT is powered by a 475-hp 6.4-liter V-8 backed by an eight-speed auto with paddle shifters and rev matching. SRT models have all-wheel drive, big Brembo brakes, an active suspension, seven drive modes, and a heat-extractor hood. The R/T shares the SRT’s exterior widebody design and a functional hood scoop. A rearview camera is standard on all Durangos. Also Consider: Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9. Sum Up: Your lifted three-row, all-wheel-drive Charger SRT wagon is here. Dodge Durango Base Engine 3.6L/293-295-hp/260-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine 5.7L/360-hp/390-lb-ft V-8; 6.4L/475-hp/470-lb-ft V-8 Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/AWD/4WD, 8A Towing 6,200-8,600 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-19/19-26 mpg* 0-60 mph 4.4-8.0 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 48% * Estimated Dodge Journey Base Price: $23,000-$33,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The Crossroad Plus trim is discontinued, and three-row seating is standard on all Journey trim levels. Crossroad models feature new “Black Noise” 19-inch alloy wheels. The Blacktop package (black roof rails and gloss black side mirrors, fascia applique, grille, and wheels) is offered on the base SE, SXT, and GT. The Dodge Journey is one of the most affordable three-row crossovers available today. Also Consider: Kia Sorento, Volkswagen Tiguan. Sum Up: Dodge plays the value card with lots of content. Dodge Journey Base Engine 2.4L/173-hp/166-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 3.6L/283-hp/260-lb-ft V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 4A/6A Towing 1,000-2,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-19/24-25 mpg 0-60 mph 7.9-9.0 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 43% * Estimated Fiat 500X Base Price: $21,000-$25,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: The Easy and Trekking Plus grades of the Fiat 500X were discontinued last year, cutting the lineup to three trims. For 2018, the 500X gets an updated version of FCA’s Uconnect multimedia interface with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also Consider: Buick Encore, Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek. Sum Up: Retro Italian style in a small crossover package. Fiat 500X Base Engine 1.4L/160-hp/184-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.4L/180-hp/175-lb-ft I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6M/9A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-25/29-33 mpg 0-60 mph 8.2-8.5 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 37% * Estimated Ford EcoSport Base Price: $19,000-$24,000* Body Type: SUV All-New: The 2018 Ford EcoSport joins the subcompact crossover segment with S, SE, SES, and Titanium trims. A base 1.0-liter EcoBoost I-3 is offered with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available with the 2.0-liter I-4. The SES has a sport-tuned suspension, and the Titanium trim offers more luxury. Infotainment features include an 8.0-inch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and a 675-watt B&O Play audio system by Harman. Also Consider: Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek. Sum Up: Fiesta-based global crossover finally comes to the U.S. Ford EcoSport Base Engine 1.0L/123-hp/148-lb-ft turbo I-3* Opt Engine 2.0L/160-hp/146-lb-ft I-4* Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-29/36-39 mpg* 0-60 mph 8.0-9.5 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles * Estimated Ford Edge Base Price: $30,500-$42,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: A Ford Safe and Smart package includes active safety and driver-assist tech. The SEL Sport Appearance package features a Magnetic Metallic exterior finish on the grille, front and rear skidplates, side mirror caps, rear spoiler, and 19-inch alloys outside and Mayan Gray cloth seats inside. Windshield wiper deicing has been added to Cold Weather package. Exterior paint color options get revisions, as well. Also Consider: Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Sum Up: Ford’s midsize two-row crossover with plenty of premium options. Ford Edge Base Engine 2.0L/245-hp/275-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 3.5L/280-hp/250-lb-ft V-6; 2.7L/315-hp/350-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 1,500-3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-21/24-29 mpg 0-60 mph 5.7-7.7 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 47% * Estimated Ford Escape Base Price: $24,845-$33,040 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: A new SEL trim slots between the SE and top-spec Titanium. The SEL trim features leather seats, a power liftgate, heated side mirrors, the latest version of Sync, and a rear parking sensors. Ford refreshed the 2017 Escape’s styling and added lane keep assist, a driver drowsiness monitor, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert and optional auto brake boost. Also Consider: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson. Sum Up: Fun chassis and powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost but quirky interior ergonomics. Ford Escape Base Engine 2.5L/168-hp/170-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 1.5L/179-hp/177-lb-ft turbo I-4; 2.0L/245-hp/275-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 1,500-3500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-23/27-30 mpg 0-60 mph 7.3-9.6 sec Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 45% * Estimated Ford Expedition Base Price: $52,890-$79,740 Body Type: SUV Major: The Expedition gets a lighter aluminum body and a more powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 with a 10-speed auto. An off-road package for the XLT adds an electronic limited-slip differential, seven skidplates, an off-road suspension and tires, and more. The Terrain Management System offers seven drive modes, and the Expedition gets the continuously controlled damping from Lincoln. Also Consider: Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada. Sum Up: More stylish, more powerful, and more luxurious than ever. Ford Expedition Base Engine 3.5L/375-400/470-480-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 10A Towing 9,300 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy Not Yet Rated 0-60 mph 6.0-6.5 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 51% * Estimated Ford Explorer Base Price: $33,000-$54,500* Body Type: SUV Minor: The Explorer gets a mild face-lift with a new grille, foglights, and quad exhaust tips with 3.5-liter EcoBoost. A 4G LTE wireless hot spot includes Sync Connect and the FordPass app. A safety package includes driver-assistance tech such as emergency braking, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and rain-sensing wipers. New paint and wheel options are available. Also Consider: Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot. Sum Up: Mild updates freshen a top-seller before the next generation arrives. Ford Explorer Base Engine 3.5L/290-hp/255-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine 2.3L/280-hp/310-lb-ft turbo I-4; 3.5L/365-hp/350-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 2,000-5,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-19/22-27 mpg 0-60 mph 6.4-8.2 sec Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 51% * Estimated Ford Flex Base Price: $31,190-$47,595 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The three-row Ford Flex fills a niche between minivans and crossovers. Blue Metallic is a new paint color, and the rear-seat entertainment system and two-tone paint options are discontinued. Power comes from a 287-horsepower V-6 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo engine, making it an on-road family hauler. What it lacks in active safety tech it makes up for in power. Also Consider: Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse. Sum Up: A hip (and powerful) minivan alternative with lots of cargo space. Ford Flex Base Engine 3.5L/287-hp/254-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine 3.5L/365-hp/350-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 4,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-16/21-23 mpg 0-60 mph 5.9-7.9 sec Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 45% * Estimated GMC Acadia Base Price: $29,995-$48,490 Body Type: SUV Minor: The All Terrain model receives 20-inch wheels standard and is now offered in five-, six-, and seven-passenger configurations. A standard tire fill alert system and an automatic heated steering wheel (optional on the Denali) are new. A 2.5-liter I-4 mated to a six-speed auto is the base powertrain, but most will opt for the 3.6-liter V-6. The three-row crossover offers many advanced safety features, including automatic braking. Also Consider: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander. Sum Up: A high-tech and efficient family hauler available in many configurations. GMC Acadia Base Engine 2.5L/193-hp/188-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 3.6L/310-hp/271-lb-ft V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 4,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-21/22-26 mpg 0-60 mph 6.7-9.6 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4-5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 49% * Estimated GMC Terrain Base Price: $25,970-$40,245 Body Type: SUV Major: The Terrain features a choice of three new turbo-four engines, including a fuel-efficient diesel. GM’s nine-speed auto is paired to both gas engines, and a six-speed backs the turbodiesel. Available features include GMC’s IntelliLink multimedia interface with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree camera system. Driver-assist features include automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Also Consider: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox. Sum Up: Advanced safety tech and fuel-efficient engines in a handsome package. GMC Terrain Base Engine 1.5L/170-hp/203-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/252-hp/260-lb-ft turbo I-4; 1.6L/137-hp/240-lb-ft t’diesel I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/9A Towing 1,500-3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-24/26-35 mpg 0-60 mph 7.1-9.8 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Intellichoice 5-Year Retained Value 48% * Estimated GMC Yukon Base Price: $50,375-$73,160 Body Type: SUV Minor: The Yukon gains a new 10-speed auto paired to the 6.2-liter V-8, which should improve fuel efficiency. A new grille design on the Denali and Mastique Ash real wood trim are also new. An 8.0-inch customizable screen with a head-up display, 20-inch wheels, and OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi are standard. The XL increases length by 20 inches, upping cargo space and third-row legroom. Also Consider: Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada. Sum Up: A premium and very capable family hauler. GMC Yukon Base Engine 5.3L/355-hp/383-lb-ft V-8 Opt Engine 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-ft V-8 Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/10A Towing 7,900-8,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-16/20-23 mpg* 0-60 mph 6.2-6.9 sec Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 50% * Estimated Honda CR-V Base Price: $25,500-$35,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The fifth-gen CR-V made its debut in December 2016, and we don’t expect major changes this year. Now Honda’s best-selling vehicle, the spacious CR-V has a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated I-4 base engine, but most buyers will go for the 1.5-liter turbo I-4, which provides quick acceleration for the segment. The new CR-V hybrid unveiled in Shanghai earlier this year will likely reach our shores soon. Also Consider: Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson. Sum Up: Honda’s impressive crossover is quicker, lighter, and more nimble than before. Honda CR-V Base Engine 2.4L/184-hp/180-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 1.5L/190-hp/179-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, CVT Towing 1,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-28/31-34 mpg 0-60 mph 7.5-8.3 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ * Estimated Honda HR-V Base Price: $20,510-$22,560 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The 2018 HR-V is now available with Aegean Blue Metallic paint, and an updated wheel design with black inserts (for the EX trim and higher). The HR-V is spacious for its class and faces competition from an increasing number of automakers, including Hyundai with the Kona and Toyota with the C-HR. Abroad, the HR-V is offered with LED headlights and active safety tech. We hope at least the latter makes its way to the U.S. model. Also Consider: Mazda CX-3, Subaru Crosstrek, Jeep Renegade. Sum Up: Impressive interior packaging means not sacrificing much if the CR-V is too pricey. Honda HR-V Base Engine 1.8L/141-hp/127-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6M/CVT Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-28/31-34 mpg 0-60 mph 8.5-9.5 sec Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars * Estimated Honda Pilot Base Price: $32,000-$48,500* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Aside from possible behind-the-scenes updates to the available nine-speed auto, the three-row crossover should be unchanged before a 2019 midcycle update. The seven- to eight-seat Pilot might offer a 10-speed auto next year on higher trims. We wonder if a Black Edition like the Ridgeline offers might work in this lineup. A new crossover between the CR-V and Pilot might make its debut in a few years. Also Consider: Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas. Sum Up: A quick and spacious crossover if a minivan isn’t for you. Honda Pilot Base Engine 3.5L/280-hp/262-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/9A Towing 3,500-5,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-20/26-27 mpg 0-60 mph 6.2-6.5 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ * Estimated Hyundai Kona Base Price: $20,000-$28,000* Body Type: SUV All-New: The funky-looking Hyundai Kona slots below the Tucson as the new entry-level utility vehicle. Powertrain choices include a 147-horsepower 2.0L I-4 or a 175-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four paired to a six-speed auto and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox, respectively. The Kona will be the first Hyundai to feature a head-up display that projects information on a transparent pop-up panel above the gauge cluster. Also Consider: Honda HR-V, Kia Stonic, Subaru Crosstrek. Sum Up: Hyundai’s first subcompact crossover comes with a distinctive look. Hyundai Kona Base Engine 2.0L/147-hp/132-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 1.6L/175-hp/195-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/7-sp twin-cl auto Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-27/31-33 mpg* 0-60 mph 5 years/60,000 miles Basic Warranty 7.0-8.5 sec* * Estimated Hyundai Santa Fe Base Price: $31,800-$42,250 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The 2018 Santa Fe gets an upgraded Blue Link telematics package, which adds features such as emergency assistance, automatic collision notification, and remote start via Amazon Alexa as standard for three years. A new gen of the three-row Santa Fe is expected to arrive for the 2019 model year, and based on spy shots, the next version’s front fascia might have a resemblance to the new Kona subcompact crossover. Also Consider: Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot. Sum Up: Aging gracefully as it waits for its successor. Hyundai Santa Fe Base Engine 3.3L/290-hp/252-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 5,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-18/22-25 mpg 0-60 mph 7.3 sec Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 47% * Estimated Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Base Price: $25,900-$38,150 Body Type: SUV Minor: A new Value package has been added to the Santa Fe Sport with the base 2.4L I-4. The package adds a proximity key with push-button start, heated dual power side mirrors, and auto up/down front windows. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. A new gen should make its debut alongside its three-row counterpart soon and will likely retain an all-four-cylinder engine lineup. Also Consider: Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback. Sum Up: More of a comfortable cruiser than a sporty crossover. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Base Engine 2.4L/185-hp/178-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/240-hp/260-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 2,000-3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-21/24-27 mpg 0-60 mph 8.5-9.3 sec Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 47% * Estimated Hyundai Tucson Base Price: $24,000-$32,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: The Tucson’s SE Popular Equipment package trim is now called the SEL grade and comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The SE Plus grade is now called the SEL Plus. A 164-hp 2.0-liter I-4 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 175-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four coupled to a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic remain the two powertrain choices on the Tucson. Also Consider: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester. Sum Up: An eye-catching and feature-packed compact crossover. Hyundai Tucson Base Engine 2.0L/164-hp/151-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 1.6L/175-hp/195-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/7-sp twin-cl auto Towing 1,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-26/26-32 mpg 0-60 mph 7.9-9.7 sec Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 48% * Estimated Infiniti QX30 Base Price: $30,945-$39,495 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Infiniti’s entry-level crossover, which is based on the platform that underpins the Mercedes GLA-Class crossover and CLA-Class four-door, is still powered by a 208-hp turbo-four. The Sport trim gets upgrades including a lower ride height, dark-colored 19-inch wheels, unique front and rear fascias, dark chrome exhaust tips, and cross-drilled front brake rotors. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Audi Q3, Buick Regal Sportback, BMW X2. Sum Up: Infiniti’s least expensive model is also one of its best looking. Infiniti QX30 Base Engine 2.0L/208-hp/258-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 7-sp twin-cl auto Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-24/30-33 mpg 0-60 mph 6.3 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles * Estimated Infiniti QX50 Base Price: $37,000* Body Type: SUV Major: After a couple years with a stretched version of the old QX50, a reimagined model is coming. Changing the outgoing model’s rear-drive platform and 325-horsepower V-6 for a front-wheel drive 2.0L turbo-four means competitive fuel economy, a conventional look, and likely a more spacious back seat. (The QX50 concept is shown here.) The two-row QX70 has been discontinued. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Lexus NX, Acura RDX. Sum Up: The compact luxury SUV segment gets another turbo-four entry. Infiniti QX50 Base Engine 2.0L/268-hp/288-lb-ft turbo I-4* Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, CVT Towing 2,000 lb* EPA Econ City/Hwy 22/29 mpg* 0-60 mph 6.5 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles * Estimated Infiniti QX60 Base Price: $44,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: The seven-seat Infiniti QX60 got a boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft last year. For 2018 it adds a Limited package with unique interior and exterior trim changes. The hybrid has been discontinued. The QX60 has second-row seats that move 5.5 inches back and forth and can move forward with a child seat in place to access the third row. The infotainment and dual-screen entertainment systems come with 8.0-inch screens. Also Consider: Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Lexus RX. Sum Up: The three-row Infiniti SUV that can still fit into a garage. Infiniti QX60 Base Engine 3.5L/295-hp/270-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, CVT Towing 5,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/26-27 mpg 0-60 mph 7.4 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP * Estimated Infiniti QX80 Base Price: $65,000-$91,000* Body Type: SUV Major: Infiniti’s behemoth SUV will emerge in redesigned form by year’s end. Now that the Nissan Armada shares the same platform (and, for the most part, the styling), upping the Infiniti’s styling game is a good idea. The platform and engine won’t change, so the revised QX80 will still offer a V-8 with at least 400 hp that’s capable of towing far more than any car-based crossover. (The QX80 Monograph concept is shown.) Also Consider: Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Sum Up: Infiniti’s imposing flagship SUV gets a major restyle. Infiniti QX80 Base Engine 5.6L/400-hp/413-lb-ft V-8 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 7A Towing 8,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-14/19-20 mpg* 0-60 mph 6.3 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles * Estimated Jaguar E-Pace Base Price: $39,595-$54,095 Body Type: SUV All-New: Jaguar’s first compact crossover is based on the XE sedan and slots below its first-ever crossover, the midsize F-Pace. Arriving in early 2018, the E-Pace will be powered by your choice of two Ingenium turbocharged I-4 engines. All-wheel drive is standard, and an eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice. A version of Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro multimedia interface system should be standard. Also Consider: BMW X2, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Sum Up: Jaguar’s new little crossover should prove to be a back road riot. Jaguar E-Pace Base Engine 2.0L/246-hp/269-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/296-hp/295-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 9A Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-27/27-34 mpg* 0-60 mph 5.5-8.0 sec* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles * Estimated Jaguar F-Pace Base Price: $43,060-$60,770 Body Type: SUV Minor: The Jaguar F-Pace adds two new turbo-four engines, one making 247 horses and the other 296 hp; the former serves as the new base engine. The lineup also gets a new Light Oyster/Ebony interior, and the Prestige model now comes with a sport steering wheel. The new range-topping Portfolio trim comes with 22-way powered front seats, a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, BMW X3. Sum Up: A stylish crossover designed for driving enthusiasts. Jaguar F-Pace Base Engine 2.0L/247-hp/269-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/296-hp/295-lb-ft turbo I-4; 2.0L/180-hp/318-lb-ft t’diesel I-4; 3.0L/380-hp/332-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing 2,400 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-26/23-33 mpg 0-60 mph 5.2-9.2 sec* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 46% * Estimated Jeep Cherokee Base Price: $25,000-$38,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: Jeep expands the Cherokee’s standard features with a new base model, the Latitude, which comes with HID headlights, a rearview camera, and 17-inch wheels. The Trailhawk and Limited models now have more driver-assist tech as standard. The 3.2-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic return as the upgrade above the 2.4-liter I-4. The High Altitude model gets wheels, exterior treatments, and badges in Gloss Black. Also Consider: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape. Sum Up: Not “grand” but still capable with a wide range of models and features. Jeep Cherokee Base Engine 2.4L/184-hp/171-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 3.2L/271-hp/239-lb-ft V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD/4WD, 9A Towing 2,000-4,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-21/24-30 mpg 0-60 mph 6.8-9.5 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 43% * Estimated Jeep Compass Base Price: $22,000-$30,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Redesigned from north to south last year, the Jeep Compass receives a minor update, with the Limited model available in front-drive form. Uconnect infotainment systems are available with 5.0-, 7.0-, or 8.4-inch screens, and the digital instrument cluster comes with a 3.5-inch or available 7.0-inch display. Optional safety technology includes forward collision warning, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also Consider: Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Subaru Crosstrek. Sum Up: A much improved Compass for those wanting more than the smaller Renegade. Jeep Compass Base Engine 2.4L/180-hp/175-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6M/6A/9A Towing 2,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-23/30-32 mpg 0-60 mph 8.5-9.2 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 44% * Estimated Jeep Grand Cherokee Base Price: $31,500-$84,500* Body Type: SUV Minor: The outrageous Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has arrived and is powered by a 707-hp supercharged V-8, hitting 60 mph in a manufacturer-claimed 3.5 seconds. Updates include a larger standard 7.0-inch display screen, a Sterling Edition, a High Altitude Edition for the Overland model, and a new Real Metal interior package. We expect to see a redesigned Grand Cherokee in a couple years. Also Consider: Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery. Sum Up: An aging SUV still delivering capability, versatility, and luxury in a bold package. Jeep Grand Cherokee Base Engine 3.6L/295-hp/260-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine 5.7L/360-hp/390-lb-ft V-8; 3.0L/240-hp/420-lb-ft t’diesel V-6; 6.4L/475-hp/470-lb-ft V-8; 6.2L/707-hp/645-lb-ft s’chg’d V-8 Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/AWD/4WD, 8A Towing 6,200-7,400 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 12-19/18-26 mpg* 0-60 mph 3.5-7.8 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 50% * Estimated Jeep Renegade Base Price: $19,000-$28,500* Body Type: SUV Minor: The affordable subcompact Jeep Renegade receives a standard rearview camera on all models, and the Uconnect 4 infotainment system comes standard with a 7.0-inch display on all models except the base Sport. The six-speed manual comes paired to a 1.4-liter turbo-four, and the 2.4-liter I-4 is backed by a nine-speed automatic. The My Sky sunroof and Uconnect navigation are among notable available features. Also Consider: Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR. Sum Up: Small and affordable with underpinnings and manufacturing by Fiat. Jeep Renegade Base Engine 1.4L/160-hp/184-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.4L/180-hp/175-lb-ft I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6M/9A Towing 2,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-24/29-31 mpg 0-60 mph 8.7-9.1 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 47% * Estimated Jeep Wrangler Base Price: $25,500-$44,000* Body Type: SUV, convertible Major: The American Icon enters a new generation with a new ZF eight-speed automatic and possibly new 2.0-liter turbo-four gas and V-6 turbodiesel engines. There’s also a six-speed manual in the works. Two- and four-door body styles return. The outgoing Wrangler (pictured) will still be on sale sporting a “Wrangler JK” decal on the driver-side front fender and with three new editions, each with unique features. Also Consider: Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. Sum Up: The highly capable Wrangler gets a full redesign with a truck version on the way. Jeep Wrangler Base Engine 3.6L/285-hp/260-lb-ft V-6* Opt Engine 2.0L/280-hp/306-lb-ft turbo I-4*; 3.0L/240-hp/420-lb-ft t’diesel V-6* Drivetrain Front-engine, 4WD, 6M/5A/8A Towing 2,000-3,500 lb* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-19/20-24 mpg* 0-60 mph 7.2-8.6 sec* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 76% * Estimated Kia Sorento Base Price: $26,740-$47,140 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The Sorento carries over mostly unchanged. All models get improved headlights and headrest comfort. The L base model now has a standard rearview camera and auto on/off headlights. The LX 2.4 now includes a standard third row on AWD models, and the EX 2.0 Turbo adds a standard hands-free power liftgate, power-folding side mirrors, and an upgraded instrument cluster. Also Consider: Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander. Sum Up: Three engine options, high safety scores, and available luxury make a good package. Kia Sorento Base Engine 2.4L/185-hp/178-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/240-hp/260-lb-ft turbo I-4; 3.3L/290-hp/252-lb-ft V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 2,000-5,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-21/23-28 mpg 0-60 mph 7.2-9.1 sec Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 49% * Estimated Kia Sportage Base Price: $24,395-$35,195 Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Redesigned last year, the 2018 Sportage sees minor packaging changes. A safety tech package with blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert is now offered on the LX trim (previously, it was only available on the EX and SX). Also, the EX trim can be optioned with a Sport Appearance package and heated rear seats, and the top-of-the-line SX gets an electronic parking brake. Also Consider: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester. Sum Up: Loaded with value and packaged in a bold design. Kia Sportage Base Engine 2.4L/181-hp/175-lb-ft I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/237-240-hp/260-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 2,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-23/23-30 mpg 0-60 mph: 8.0-9.0 sec 0-60 mph 8.0-9.0 sec Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 52% * Estimated Kia Stonic Base Price: $19,500-$22,500* Body Type: SUV All-New: Kia expands its lineup with the new subcompact Stonic. Its sibling, the Hyundai Kona, reaches our shores first in 2018. The Kona’s exterior features Kia’s tiger-nose grille and body cladding. Bright contrasting trims, a floating touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard highlight the interior. Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning are among available driver-assist features. Also Consider: Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Jeep Renegade. Sum Up: Kia’s new subcompact crossover might become one of its most important models. Kia Stonic Base Engine 2.0L/147-hp/132-lb-ft I-4* Opt Engine 1.6L/175-hp/195-lb-ft turbo I-4* Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/7-sp twin-cl auto Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 26-28/32-34 mpg* 0-60 mph 7.5-9.0 sec* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles * Estimated Lamborghini Urus Base Price: $205,000* Body Type: SUV All-New: Lamborghini’s new SUV is built on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga. However, the Urus will be powered by a 650-hp twin-turbo V-8, stepping away from the automaker’s use of large naturally aspirated engines. As with most Lamborghinis, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic will route power to an AWD system. Expect a plug-in hybrid in a subsequent model year. Also Consider: Bentley Bentayga, Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography. Sum Up: Lamborghini goes sport-utility in its usual, exotic way. Lamborghini Urus Base Engine 4.0L/650-hp/600-lb-ft twin-turbo V-8* Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 7-sp twin-cl auto Towing 5,000 lb* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13/19 mpg* 0-60 mph 3.3 sec* Basic Warranty 3 years/unlimited miles * Estimated Land Rover Discovery Base Price: $51,000-$67,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The Discovery nameplate made its return to the U.S. in 2017, replacing the outgoing LR4. Minimal changes for 2018 include new features, a reworking of packages, and new colors. A Meridian surround-sound system, 21-inch wheels, and a 10.0-inch touchscreen are some available extras. The SUV features full-time four-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer box and Terrain Response 2 Auto are available. Also Consider: Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW X5, Lexus GX. Sum Up: A modernized Discovery the world has been waiting for. Land Rover Discovery Base Engine 3.0L/340-hp/332-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6 Opt Engine 3.0L/254-hp/443-lb-ft t’diesel V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, 4WD, 8A Towing 8,200 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-21/21-26 mpg 0-60 mph 6.9-7.7 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 52% * Estimated Land Rover Discovery Sport Base Price: $40,000-$48,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Expect minimal updates. Sharing the same platform and powertrain as the more expensive Range Rover Evoque, the Discovery Sport is the automaker’s entry-level model. The crossover is available with a two-seat third-row package, which also includes third-row air vents and a USB port. The Black Design package with a Santorini contrast roof offers a very bold look. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Jaguar E-Pace, Audi Q3. Sum Up: A stylish sub-$50,000 luxury crossover option from a brand with off-road heritage. Land Rover Discovery Sport Base Engine 2.0L/240-hp/250-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 9A Towing 4,409 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 20/25 mpg 0-60 mph 7.4 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 44% * Estimated Land Rover Range Rover Base Price: $87,000-$201,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: Land Rover adds some standard features and options to keep its flagship fresh. It comes equipped with 19-inch wheels, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a Meridian sound system, and the Terrain Response off-road system. The range-topping SVAutobiography Dynamic packs a 550-hp supercharged V-8, Brembo brakes, Terrain Response 2, and unique suspension and wheels. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Lexus LX 570, Cadillac Escalade. Sum Up: A long-running flagship model that never seems to disappoint. Land Rover Range Rover Base Engine 3.0L/340-hp/332-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6 Opt Engine 3.0L/380-hp/332-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6; 3.0L/254-hp/440-lb-ft t’diesel V-6 5.0L/510-550-hp/461-502-lb-ft s’chg’d V-8 Drivetrain Front-engine, 4WD, 8A Towing 7,716 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-22/19-28 mpg 0-60 mph 4.4-7.6 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 42% * Estimated Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Base Price: $43,000-$63,500* Body Type: SUV, convertible Unchanged: With a round of updates for 2017, which included the introduction of a four-seat convertible, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque will remain mostly intact for 2018. The sole powertrain remains a 2.0-liter turbo-four backed by a nine-speed auto that routes power to an all-wheel-drive system. The base SE model comes standard with 12-way power leather front seats and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation. Also Consider: BMW X2, Lexus NX, Jaguar E-Pace. Sum Up: Style and luxury over practicality in a small but bold package. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Base Engine 2.0L/240-hp/250-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 9A Towing 3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-21/28-29 mpg 0-60 mph 7.4 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 45% * Estimated Land Rover Range Rover Sport Base Price: $67,000-$112,050* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The Range Rover Sport likely won’t have any major updates. Smaller and more affordable than the flagship, the Sport model uses the same engines as the Range Rover. Perforated Oxford leather seats, Micro Mesh aluminum trim, and a 10.0-inch touchscreen are standard on the HSE trim. The top SVR model packs a 550-hp supercharged V-8, blue Brembo brake calipers, and 21-inch diamond-turned wheels. Also Consider: Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Maserati Levante. Sum Up: The Sport model is just as impressive as its big brother. Land Rover Range Rover Sport Base Engine 3.0L/340-hp/332-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6 Opt Engine 3.0L/380-hp/332-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6; 3.0L/254-hp/443-lb-ft t’diesel V-6; 5.0L/510-550-hp/461-502-lb-ft s’chg’d V-8 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD/4WD, 8A Towing 6,614-7,716 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-22/19-28 mpg 0-60 mph 4.3-7.6 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 49% * Estimated Land Rover Range Rover Velar Base Price: $50,895-$78,095 Body Type: SUV All-New: The Velar is Land Rover’s latest Range Rover, positioned between the entry-level Evoque and the Sport. It’s available with three engines: a 2.0-liter turbo-four, a supercharged V-6, and an efficient turbodiesel. The available InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system has two 10.0-inch touchscreens, providing an impressive interior when coupled with the optional 12.3-inch digital cluster display. Also Consider: Porsche Macan, BMW X4, Jaguar F-Pace. Sum Up: Luxury, capability, and style: everything one expects from a Range Rover. Land Rover Range Rover Velar Base Engine 2.0L/247-hp/269-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.0L/180-hp/317-lb-ft t’diesel I-4; 3.0L/380-hp/332-lb-ft s’chg’d V-6 Drivetrain Front-engine, AWD, 8A Towing 5,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-26/23-33 mpg* 0-60 mph 5.3-8.4 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles * Estimated Lexus GX Base Price: $53,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The GX receives trim-level updates. The Premium package adds black and sepia NuLuxe upholstery, and the Luxury gets semi-aniline leather. The Sport Design package, which is available only on the Luxury trim, comes with captain’s chairs. Four-wheel drive continues to remain standard, as does a 301-hp 4.6-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Land Rover Discovery, Jeep Grand Cherokee. Sum Up: Luxurious and capable off-road, but it’s feeling a little dated. Lexus GX Base Engine 4.6L/301-hp/329-lb-ft V-8 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, 4WD, 6A Towing 6,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 15/18 mpg 0-60 mph 7.4 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 52% * Estimated Lexus LX Base Price: $91,000* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: The LX carries over mostly unchanged. Eminent White replaces Starfire Pearl as an exterior paint color option. Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX is one of the most off-road-capable luxury SUVs. Available features include a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a wireless phone charger, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, and a head-up display. Also Consider: Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Range Rover. Sum Up: When the Toyota Land Cruiser isn’t luxurious enough. Lexus LX Base Engine 5.7L/383-hp/403-lb-ft V-8 Opt Engine None Drivetrain Front-engine, 4WD, 8A Towing 7,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 13/18 mpg 0-60 mph 7.3 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 53% * Estimated Lexus NX Base Price: $36,500-$40,000* Body Type: SUV Minor: The refreshed NX gets a slightly revised exterior and an updated infotainment system with a larger 10.25-inch screen when equipped with navigation. LED headlights and Lexus Safety System+ are standard across the lineup. The old NX 200t, renamed the NX 300, retains the same 235-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four. The NX300h carries over with the same 194-hp hybrid system that pairs a 2.5-liter I-4 to an electric motor and a CVT. Also Consider: Acura RDX, Lincoln MKC, Volvo XC60. Sum Up: Styling remains just as polarizing despite a chance to acclimate. Lexus NX Base Engine 2.0L/235-hp/258-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.5L I-4 + elec, 194 hp Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A/CVT Towing 1,500-2,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-33/27-30 mpg 0-60 mph 6.8-8.3 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 55% * Estimated Lexus RX Base Price: $44,000-$57,500* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Blind-spot warning and a sunroof can be had in the base 2018 RX 350. The RX 450h gets more stand-alone options, including a moonroof, heated/ventilated front seats, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. The hybrid also gets a Premium package with power-folding side mirrors with memory, wood trim, leather upholstery, a rear-seat armrest, and driver’s seat memory. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Cadillac XT5, Lincoln MKX. Sum Up: Still the best-selling midsize luxury SUV—double its closest rival. Lexus RX Base Engine 3.5L/295-hp/267-lb-ft V-6 Opt Engine 3.5L V-6 + elec, 308 hp Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 8A/CVT Towing 3,500 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-31/26-28 mpg 0-60 mph 6.8-7.0 sec Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4-5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 52% * Estimated Lexus UX Base Price: $28,500-$35,000* Body Type: SUV All-New: Based on a concept from the 2016 Paris show, the UX will likely retain a bold exterior but with a more traditional interior. The UX could feature the NX’s same 2.0L turbo engine, and a hybrid model could use the same powertrain as the Prius. If a hybrid is offered, it’d be Lexus’ least expensive hybrid. (The CT hatchback was discontinued.) Lexus Safety System+ should come standard. Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Infiniti QX30, BMW X1. Sum Up: Concept car looks in a city-friendly package. Lexus UX Base Engine 2.0L/235-hp/258-lb-ft turbo I-4* Opt Engine 1.8L I-4 + elec, 121 hp* Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, CVT Towing N/A EPA Econ City/Hwy 27-44/31-40 mpg* 0-60 mph 9.0-10.0 sec* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles * Estimated Lincoln MKC Base Price: $34,000-$41,500* Body Type: SUV Unchanged: Lincoln Connect 4G Wi-Fi hot spot and an individual tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Lumbar support with four-way power adjustability is standard in the driver’s seat on all models and standard for the front passenger on the Select trim and above. New paint colors include Blue Diamond Metallic, Iced Mocha Metallic, Rhapsody Blue, and others. Some colors are discontinued. Also Consider: Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Buick Envision. Sum Up: Tons of content and confident driving manners for a modest price. Lincoln MKC Base Engine 2.0L/240-hp/270-lb-ft turbo I-4 Opt Engine 2.3L/285-hp/305-lb-ft turbo I-4 Drivetrain Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6A Towing 3,000 lb EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-21/25-28 mpg 0-60 mph 0-6