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
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a benchmark SUV; it's a luxury vehicle, a talented off-roader, a scalding-hot track runner, and a family wagon extraordinaire. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great family vehicle—just one that's also potentially ready to go off-road, tow a trailer or, on occasion, do things that are more workhorse-like than you'd attempt in most other typical family crossovers.
Pros Premium look and feel Responsive 8-speed automatics Ecodiesel's 30-mpg rating, 730-mile range Easy-to-use infotainment SRT is fit for track time
Cons Quite pricey, to be without a luxury badge Grille design still not in alignment Hemi is too thirsty for what it provides No rearview camera on base Laredo
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks 8 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee gives you the best of both worlds: a rough-and-ready off-road SUV with a handsome, refined interior and comfortable performance on pavement.
Pros Excellent off-road capabilities Powerful engine lineup Upscale cabin Intuitive infotainment system
Cons Small cargo space
A Trailhawk model with extra off-road kit debuts for 2017, while the top-of-the-line Summit gets slightly revised styling and additional luxury-oriented interior garnishes. Newly available features include a self-parking system and lane departure warning. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are now standard on every Grand Cherokee.
Pros Appealing engines, including a thrifty diesel V6 and a brawny V8 Enough off-road ability to conquer practically any trail Plush interior with plentiful luxury and technology Impressive tow ratings for the class
Cons Diesel engine is noisy at idle and low speeds Ride quality may disappoint, even with air suspension
