Whether you’re looking to become a first-time crossover driver or are looking to trade your last crossover in for a newer model, there are numerous reasons why 2017 crossovers can be great choices. Crossovers are, in general, known for their chic and contemporary styling, excellent fuel efficiency, affordability, spaciousness, and technological advances and features. There are many makes and models, but the following five 2017 crossovers are some of the most highly-rated by experts and consumers alike.
2017 Audi Q3
The 2017 Audi Q3 epitomizes luxury for crossovers with its sporty exterior. However, Audi focuses on safety and performance with the inclusion of their signature Quattro all-wheel drive system, which helps maximize traction by sending power to the wheels that have the most grip on the road. The Q3 also utilizes the latest advances in technology to keep you connected to the digital world. Audi’s MMI navigation plus system connects you with Google Earth, 3D satellite imagery, flight details, news, WiFi hotspots for up to eight passenger devices, and Audi connect.
The Q3 comes in three different trims, Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, all of which include the 2.0 TFSI engine and six-speed Triptonic automatic transmission. The Premium features a panoramic sunroof, the Premium Plus has heated front seats, and the Prestige features a 14-speaker BOSE Surround Sound system.
The Q3 does have some drawbacks. If you’re looking for dynamic performance, the Q3 doesn’t pack the same punch as other crossovers in its class. Adults will have a tough time squeezing into the rear seating area, and infotainment control placement is not exactly optimal. Also, it does not get the same gas mileage as other crossovers.
The well-equipped Q3 package has an MSRP of $38,645 while the loaded package has an MSRP of $40,675.
2017 Lexus RX
The 2017 Lexus RX is a powerful take on the classic and sophisticated styling Lexus vehicles are known for. One of the best aspects of owning this vehicle is that, as far as crossovers are concerned, it gets amazing gas mileage, sitting comfortably at 30/28 mpg. This vehicle features a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 295-hp and 8-speed automatic transmission. There is also a hybrid option, which has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, 308-hp, and CVT automatic transmission. The RX has a 19.2-gallon fuel tank, LED brake lights, and voice recognition technology.
In addition to the powerful performance the RX gives, this vehicle does not lack on entertainment. The RX has Bluetooth hands-free phone and automatic phone book download capabilities. It can pause live during AM/FM radio broadcasting and HD radio to provide weather and traffic data.
Furthermore, the RX has numerous safety features, such as low tire pressure warning, ABS and driveline traction control, a first aid kit, and a back-up camera.
Since this vehicle is on the smaller end for crossovers, there is little interior space and no third-row seating. Also, the RX has poor acceleration compared to other vehicles in its class. You’re also going to pay a bit more for it. The basic package has an MSRP of $52,063, while the well-equipped package has an MSRP of $54,370 and the loaded package has an MSRP of $60,363.
2017 Honda HR-V
Honda has been known for its long-lasting, high-performing lines of SUVs, and its crossover models are truly exceptional among their class. The HR-V is Honda’s smallest crossover yet and is only in its second year of production. The HR-V features a SOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine with 141-hp at 6500 rpm. Par for the course with Honda vehicles, the HR-V gets 28/31 mpg, making it one of the least gas-hungry crossovers on the market.
The one drawback is that you won’t get a lot of get-up-and-go power from this 141-hp engine. If you add the optional all-wheel-drive system, the car will have a slower performance. Also, blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning options are not offered in the HR-V. The LX model, however, has Bluetooth and a back-up camera. The touchscreen monitor is also smaller and easier to use.
The good news is that the Honda HR-V won’t break you at the bank. The basic package has an MSRP of $22,405. The well-equipped package has an MSRP of $24,455, and the loaded package has an MSRP of $27,080. This makes these sporty little crossovers affordable and practical for the average consumer.
2017 Honda Pilot
One of Honda’s top-sellers, the Honda Pilot is on the larger end of crossover size. It offers a lot of interior space, off-road capability, can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and seats up to eight passengers. The vehicle gives a quiet, easy ride. There are several different model options, but the EX-L SUV AWD is an affordable option with a lot of great features. The vehicle has a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L gets a combined mpg of 21, which does not compare well when stacked up against the smaller HR-V but is fairly decent for a larger crossover vehicle.
Safety features include daytime running lights, 4-wheel ABS, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring. If you purchase the Elite option, the vehicle comes with a blind spot and lane departure warning accident avoidance system, pre-collision safety system, and turn signal mirrors.
Overall, the Pilot is comfortable to drive, and the Elite offers a lot of additional entertainment features, such as a Blue-Ray/DVD player and 10-speaker sound system. You get a lot of good things for the price you will pay.
The 2017 Honda Pilot’s well-equipped package has an MSRP of $39,195 while the loaded package has an MSRP of $44,410, so if you’re not able to afford the higher-priced Lexus RX and want something with a ton of space, the Pilot is a vehicle you might want to consider checking out.
2017 Acura MDX
If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV crossover, the 2017 Acura MDX is a popular option that you might want to consider test-driving. The MDX’s advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system gives the vehicle an athletic performance. The MDX comes with a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine and a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The MDX gets a combined mpg of 21.
The MDX comes loaded with high-tech features, such as a one-subwoofer, 10-speaker sound system. Power features include 4 one-touch power windows, hands-free entry, heated mirrors, and reverse tilt dual mirrors that help you see the curb when you have the vehicle in reverse.
The biggest drawbacks are that the touchscreen has substandard graphics and isn’t user-friendly. The auto stop-start function is also pretty clunky. So, if you are looking for something that has easy-to-use but high-quality technological features, you might want to think twice about the MDX.
The 2017 Acura MDX has a basic package with an MSRP of $49,355. The well-equipped option has an MSRP of $51,335, and the loaded package has an MSRP of $57,375. Unfortunately, these are not the most affordable crossover options available on the market, so depending on how much you can spend, you might want to check out more affordable options.
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