With more personality than most small crossovers, the Fiat 500X is definitely worth a look.Fiat has a real chance to win over American buyers with the 500X, which is certainly its most mainstream offering here—perhaps ever. With the 500X, Fiat finally has a mainstream vehicle with widespread appeal. It's a compact crossover SUV that shares running gear with the Jeep Renegade. Rivals include the Honda HR-V, Buick Encore and Chevy Trax, and the Mazda CX-3.
Pros Tidy exterior styling Just right proportions Above average ride and handling More characterful than most rivals
Cons Automatic gearbox can be touchy Sunroof steals head room, especially in back Small infotainment screens Not an off roader
The number of available trims has decreased from five to three, and options packages have been consolidated and renamed. Otherwise, the 2017 Fiat 500X is unchanged.
Pros Distinctive and well-made cabin with easy-to-use tech controls Reasonably priced Offers safety features not usually available in this class.
Cons So-so fuel economy Confused and clunky automatic transmission Meager cargo room.
The 2017 FIAT 500X ranks 10 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Fiat 500X may have supermodel looks compared to its subcompact SUV rivals, but this chic SUV ranks toward the back of the pack for its unrefined engines, few standard features, and low predicted reliability rating.
Pros Upmarket interior Very maneuverable Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Lackluster engines Few standard features
For 2017, the current-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid receives its first significant update. Its gasoline engine is more powerful and efficient, and the exterior styling has a fresh look to it. There are also a couple of new, more affordable trim levels this year. Finally, the Toyota Safety Sense suite of accident avoidance features is now standard equipment.
Pros Impressive fuel economy for a three-row crossover Just-right size for many families Added peace of mind from standard accident-avoidance tech Quiet and compliant ride
Cons Price premium unlikely to be made up with gas savings Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach
The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks 1 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid becomes even more versatile and affordable for 2017, with the addition of two new trims and an eighth seat. It has an impressive list of family-friendly features available, along with a spacious, well-built cabin. Unsurprisingly, it delivers class-leading fuel efficiency. In a nutshell, this is a safe, reliable SUV that just happens to be a hybrid.
Pros Energetic, fuel-efficient powertrain Impressive list of standard safety features User-friendly, upscale interior
Cons More expensive than most midsize SUVs
A thorough refresh keeps the 2017 Toyota Highlander ahead in a very tough game. Under the hood, a new V6 engine puts out more power and connects to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. A new suite of standard safety systems includes active cruise control and automatic collision avoidance, combining with Top Safety Pick + crash-test rating from the IIHS for peace of mind. There's also seating for eight passengers, with decent cargo space behind the third row. The interior design includes tons of clever features to make living with the Highlander easier, and the exterior gets a new grille that's, well, really big. Put it together, and Toyota's midsize SUV will continue to be a best-seller for all the right reasons.
Pros The 2017 Toyota Highlander's emphasis on safety complements its existing strengths of comfort, economy, reliability and resale value. The new engine gets more power and better fuel economy, and the exterior styling is sure to turn heads.
Cons The Highlander can haul eight passengers, and it can carry a decent amount of stuff, but it lags competitors like the Honda Pilot in both. Additionally, if you need real off-road capability, or towing capacity greater than 5,000 pounds, check out full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia.
