The 2017 Bentley Bentayga is the first SUV from the automaker and is befitting the name. The Bentayga may fall closer to the Continental than it does the Mulsanne, but we're guessing most only care that it's a Bentley. If bigger is better, then best must be city buses with quilted leather, polished chrome, and lacquered wood on every visible surface.
Pros Abundant luxury Incredible speed Silent interior Alarmingly flat
Cons Shocking price tag Undeniable resemblance to Q7 Small-ish back seat Thirsty W-12, even with cylinder deactivation
Everything about the Bentayga is mega, from the price to the performance. With a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 under the hood, the Bentayga promises a sprint to 60 mph in 4 seconds, making it one of the quickest production SUVs around. Advanced suspension components work to keep this hefty SUV flat when cornering yet comfortable on the highway. There's even some off-road capability thrown in for good measure.
Pros Incredible luxury and craftsmanship Powerful engine and quick acceleration Legitimate off-road capability Optional seating for up to seven
Cons Base model is lacking in features, especially for the price Limited rear-seat and cargo room
Bentley calls the Bentayga the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious, and most exclusive SUV in the world. That’s a big claim, and Bentley is correct except where “most powerful” is concerned. The British luxury company seems to have forgotten about the Austrian brick with Stuttgart parents conceived in Affalterbach: the Mercedes-AMG G65. This might be the fastest, quickest internal-combustion SUV ever, but just like the ability to seat seven people (which will be an option), the 187-mph top speed is a marketing tool that most will never take advantage of. The reality is that the Bentayga isn’t going to sell on its cornering behavior; it’ll sell on its price and its looks. when you consider what you can get for half as much money. Namely, a Range Rover. Which, in supercharged V-8 form, is certainly quick enough (0-60 in 4.4 seconds) and is almost as luxurious inside. Then again, the Range Rover doesn’t stand out from the crowd in Beverly Hills or Dubai. And that’s likely the most important reason for choosing a Bentayga—at least until the world’s chic shopping districts are littered with them.
The 2017 Toyota Highlander ranks 3 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. With an unmatched list of standard advanced driver assistance features, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is one of the best values in the midsize SUV class. Its interior is high-end and comfortable, and there’s plenty of cargo space.
Pros Lots of standard active safety features Above-average fuel economy Comfortable and quiet on the highway
Cons Dull performance and handling Cramped third-row seat
The Toyota Highlander gets a stronger, more responsive powertrain for 2017, but the main strengths are the ride quality, the cabin refinement, and the space for eight. A somewhat more aggressive look, more power, an improved set of safety features, and a new sportier SE model highlight the changes Toyota is ushering in for its spacious crossover utility vehicle, the 2017 Highlander. The SE joins LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and Limited Platinum models. The Highlander Hybrid is now also available in LE and XLE trims, in addition to the carry-over Limited and Limited Platinum.
Pros Wide range of powertrains Flexible second row Easy third-row access Good connectivity Cabin quality
Cons Design is soemwhat bland Base engine is under powered Somewhat busy dash design Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly
For 2017, the Highlander receives a number of significant midcycle changes. The styling has been updated, highlighted by a larger, more pronounced grille and redesigned LED taillights. The V6 engine is new, boasting more power and better fuel economy along with an eight-speed transmission and an automatic stop-start system. New feature content includes the Toyota Safety Sense technology suite, which comes standard on every trim level. There's also a new SE trim level that features uniquely sporty styling elements and a retuned suspension for sharper handling.
Pros Just-right exterior and interior size for many families Standard high-tech safety features Strong V6 engine with improved fuel economy Quiet and compliant ride
Cons Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach Undesirable base four-cylinder engine
