The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace ranks 2 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. Very few rivals can match the brand-new Jaguar F-Pace when it comes to space, dynamic driving performance, and the prestige that comes with a Jaguar badge. Although Jaguar doesn't like to call it an SUV – they call it a practical sports car and performance crossover – the F-Pace is the first SUV for the luxury brand. The British carmaker says the F-Pace was built to be functional enough as a daily driver, but fun to drive on the weekend. It is spectacularly successful in both arenas. The F-Pace also has one of the largest cargo holds in the class. Additionally, its Land Rover parentage (Jaguar and Land Rover are owned by the same company and share some components) helps its off-road cred, making the F-Pace surprisingly practical for a little trail-riding. Overall, the F-Pace is an excellent SUV.
Pros Sports-car-like performance Excellent traction on slippery or gravel roads Spacious interior and cargo room
Cons Subpar acceleration with diesel engine
The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace does an excellent job of putting just as much emphasis on sport as on utility. Jaguar Land Rover is in the business of building excellent SUVs, but until now, those SUVs were the exclusive province of Land Rover. Even with Range Rovers and Discoverys sitting across the showroom, there's plenty of room for more vehicles in the broad spectrum that grabs everything from the Buick Encore to the Benz G-Class. And if a sort of automotive purity test is invoked, well, Porsche's proven that no brand can really thrive in the U.S. without some kind of crossover SUV in its lineup. This is all a convoluted way of explaining how we got to the first Jaguar crossover SUV in history, and as luck would have it, one of the most satisfying luxury utility vehicles of all.
Pros The SUV Jaguar's always wanted Sleek aluminum body Wide-screen InControl Touch Pro Turbodiesel or supercharged six Nimble, skillful handling
Cons Firm ride degrades on 22s Rearview camera a $400 option on base model Cockpit can be a subdued, dark affair
If you're looking for a luxury SUV that stands out in a crowd, the striking new 2017 Jaguar F-Pace is hard to ignore. It's more than just a pretty face as it's also great to drive, surprisingly practical, competitively priced and can even venture off road. It's a new SUV you don't want to overlook.
pros Spacious backseat and cargo area for the segment Sharper and more engaging to drive than most Supercharged V6 power at a four-cylinder price Fuel-efficient diesel engine option Higher-than-usual ground clearance and surprising off-road capability.
cons Gasoline engine is considerably less efficient than similarly priced rivals You might find the ride too firm over broken pavement V6's boisterous exhaust may get tiresome in day-to-day driving.
The 2017 Infiniti QX70 ranks 17 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Infiniti QX70 is all about driving dynamics, offering powerful engine performance and sharp handling. However, you won't get the rear-seat or cargo space that many other SUVs offer. Though tech features are user-friendly, the interior design looks dated compared to rivals.
Pros Powerful engine Engaging handling User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Below-average cargo capacity Cramped rear seats Some outdated tech features and design touches
A new Limited package replaces last year's Deluxe Touring option and adds some cosmetic upgrades, but otherwise the QX70 returns unchanged. The 2017 Infiniti QX70 is a performance SUV that gives you more sport than utility. It also has unique styling and a luxurious interior. But after several years on the market, it's beginning to show its age against newer competitors.
Pros Sharp handling that makes it feel more like a sport sedan than a tall SUV Plenty of passing power from the standard V6 engine Well-trimmed interior has high-quality materials throughout.
Cons Less forgiving over rough surfaces than most luxury SUVs Rear passenger and cargo space are small for the class Technology interface is noticeably dated compared to newer competitors Only one engine option offered.
It's starting to look and feel dated, but the QX70 provides a healthy dose of thrills and, surprisingly, value. Formerly called the FX, the 2017 Infiniti QX70 makes some deliberate sacrifices for style and performance to be one of the most driver-focused crossovers available. It's certainly dated up against fresher rivals, but the QX70 focuses instead on delivering excellent driving dynamics in a way matched by few other vehicles of its ilk.
Pros Terrific chassis Flexible engine and transmission Styled like nothing else
Cons Cramped interior Poor fuel economy Expensive safety options