Top SUV Prospects Revealed

August 25, 2021

Gone are the days of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) as a monolith - nowadays, one can narrow one’s choices by size (compact, midsize, or large), fuel source (traditional gas-powered or hybrid), use (crossover for tooling around town or off-road for heavier use), or by number of rows of seats (two or three, generally). The SUVs hitting the market have something for everyone. Researching the best-rated SUVs and the current deals being offered can help narrow your choices.

10. Ford Escape

In the highly competitive field of compact SUVs, the 2017 Ford Escape stands out. The Escape offers fully updated interior and exterior designs for 2017. The sleek new design belies the car’s price, which comes in at under $30k. The 2017 Escape also features a new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine for increased horsepower, as well as a fuel-saving start-stop feature. Ford has also moved this SUV into the future with Sync Connect, which allows you to start, stop, lock, and unlock your car via your smart phone.

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9. Kia Sportage

Another strong contender in the compact SUV class is the completely redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage. The engineers went back to the drawing board with the Sportage model and came up with a vastly improved vehicle that tries to be everything to everyone. In road tests, reviewers raved about the spacious seating and balance between comfort and agility; where the vehicle falls short is in its cargo space and fuel efficiency, but for an all-around SUV, this is a great, affordable choice.

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8. Jaguar F-Pace

In the realm of luxury compact SUVs, the clear stand-out for 2017 is the Jaguar F-Pace. The all-new model is debuting in 2017 for the first time ever. Jaguar, who prefers to call its SUV a “practical sports car” has gone above and beyond in ensuring that its luxury offering retains the sporty side of the utility vehicle category. The interior is lavish yet understated, while the engine is at home cruising the streets or tearing up the road less traveled. The F-Pace also features plenty of high-tech gadgets for the technologically-minded adventurer.

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7. GMC Acadia

If you’re in the market for something a little larger than a compact SUV, look no further than the 2017 GMC Acadia midsize SUV. The newly-redesigned Acadia has been streamlined inside and out, and offers tighter handling, improved interior, and more features than ever before. Additionally this year, GMC now offers an All Terrain model of the Acadia for the more extreme buyers. At an average of $40k, this SUV is on the more affordable end for the amount of vehicle you get.

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6. Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2017 offering of the three-row Santa Fe is Hyundai’s strongest SUV yet. Not only is the entire model refreshed for the upcoming calendar year, Hyundai leads the field in its advanced electronic safety features, as well as driver assistance aids. With a ten-year powertrain warranty and a five-thousand-pound towing rating, the Santa Fe is sure to be able to deliver you safely wherever life takes you in 2017.

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5. Nissan Murano

The highly popular Nissan Murano will see some updates to its third-generation SUV in 2017. The midsize crossover is only two years into its latest generation, so the 2017 model’s updates will largely be minor tweaks, such as a larger touchscreen and improved infotainment system. The Murano will feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 horsepower; there are rumors that Nissan plans to unveil a hybrid version of this popular crossover vehicle soon.

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4. Mercedes-Benz GLE 550e Hybrid

If you want a luxury SUV but want to save some money at the pump, perhaps the new hybrid offering from German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is the vehicle for you. Built from low-density polymer metals, the GLE 550e’s frame is lightweight, allowing for quick acceleration and braking. Adding to the cool factor of this SUV is its electronic doors, which can be accessed via Bluetooth, and its incredible Dolby surround-sound speaker system.

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3. Chevrolet Equinox

In the realm of crossover SUVs, which generally run under $35k, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox has some very attractive features. Aesthetically, the 2017 model features updated premier trim, as opposed to previous years’ LTZ trim, which used to be the top-of-the-line offering for Chevrolet. Though it only seats five passengers, the Equinox has an incredibly spacious interior with flexible seating options for further cargo space. The best part is the price, which can be below $30k all-in.

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2. Cadillac XT5

The brand new Cadillac XT5 is a freshly-introduced model vehicle for 2017. The luxury midsize SUV replaces Cadillac’s SRX, and features spacious rear seating and top-of-the-line cabin materials. Reviewers have been impressed with the use of real wood and carbon fiber materials throughout the cabin of the XT5, as well as the price point - for about $70k, you can get the premium trim with all the bells and whistles, a price that is significantly lower than rival luxury offerings.

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1. Audi Q7

In the field of midsize luxury SUVs, Audi’s Q7, newly redesigned for 2017, tops every list. The only drawback of this vehicle is the price tag, which starts at nearly $55k. If you have the funds, however, the Q7 has been described as a joy to drive in every respect. The luxurious interior cocoons you in extreme safety, as the Q7’s safety ratings top the charts, while the powerful V6 engine can deliver a punch of speed in times of need.

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