Despite being the brand's smallest SUV, the 2017 Audi Q2 has some big shoes to fill, especially considering it costs nearly as much as its slightly bigger brother, the Q3. the new Audi Q2 is a pretty solid all-round package. It looks and (for the most part) feels premium, offers the company's latest infotainment and driver assist technologies, and can be personalised to a far greater extent than its stablemates thanks to the array of bright colours, contrasting body elements, and affordable option packages.
Pros Effortless performance Sporty dynamics Practical cabin All-round ability Quattro grip Bold design inside and out Decent equipment list
Cons Options can get pricey, some features should be standard Tyre roar at higher speeds Firm ride can be harsh over sharper bumps Stingy use of soft-touch plastics Limited cabin storage
Small SUVs have been a thing for a while now, so it seems odd that it's only now Audi has finally brought its take on the idea to market. The Q2 enters the fray in a segment occupied by a gaggle of (cheaper) French and Japanese cars, as well and the new Mini Countryman.
Pros Great looks Good chassis Decent spec list
Cons Rear storage, especially in the 1.4 Some cheap plastics 1.4's ride/handling (relative to 2.0 TDI)
The Audi Q2 is an upmarket crossover that shares its platform with the Audi A3. It is an obvious rival to the Mini Countryman, but the company also hopes its premium badge can tempt buyers away from the likes of the funkily styled Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Citroen Cactus. An elephant in the room comes in the form of the Q3, which can’t match the Q2’s box-fresh appeal but is slightly bigger and also available with larger savings. Audi has given the Q2 distinctive looks that mark it out from the rest of the range, which tends to be conservatively styled.
Pros Great cabin Modern engines Spacious for its size
Cons Gets pricy with options Some rivals are more practical No fast version yet
The 2017 Buick Encore reaches for the compact-luxury stars, but it falls shy on styling and front-seat space.When it was new in 2013, the Buick Encore was virtually alone on the automotive landscape as one of few small crossover SUVs. Today, that's a crowded niche, with pricey and prestigious rivals like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3 as numerous as the more affordable ones (Trax, Renegade, 500X, CX-3, and HR-V). A 2017 update aims to keep it competitive. Most noticeable is the new front end, but the updated interior, complete with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Apple Car Play and Android Auto, make it easier to live with on a daily basis.
Pros Quiet, calm interior Well-equipped Back seat fits adults Two-tone trim is tony Cargo space is ample
Cons Base engine's sluggish acceleration Mediocre gas mileage Cabin feels narrow Are hatchbacks luxury shapes?
A quiet cabin, user-friendly technology and city-friendly compact size make the 2017 Buick Encore worth a look if more conventional crossover SUVs simply seem too large. Modest performance and tight quarters limit the Encore's appeal, however.
Pros Quiet interior on the highway Excellent crash-test scores Small engines deliver solid fuel economy Long list of tech and safety features.
Cons Tepid performance from base engine Small cargo area can't swallow much luggage.
The 2017 Buick Encore ranks 3 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Buick Encore is ranked highly among subcompact SUVs because it does what you want – and does it well. Its small footprint gives you excellent maneuverability, yet its spacious interior provides enough room for you, your friends, and their stuff, all wrapped in a classy, upscale package.
Pros User-friendly technology Generous list of standard features Luxurious interior
Cons Underpowered base engine Narrow rear seats
