For 2017, a new GT trim replaces the Limited, adding a monochromatic exterior with sporty flourishes, and the base SXT can be ordered with just two rows of seats. Otherwise, there are only minor feature changes, including the new Anodized Platinum package with two-tone leather upholstery for the Citadel trim.
Pros Unusually spacious third-row seats 8.4-inch touchscreen is one of the best in the class Assertive acceleration with the V8 engine Exceptional towing capacity for a crossover Real off-road capabilities with 4WD and low-range gearing.
Cons Lackluster fuel economy (especially with the V8) Bluetooth streaming audio isn't standard on SXT.
The 2017 Dodge Durango tows like an SUV, drives like a crossover--but crash test scores are a dull spot. Somewhere in the grey zone between body-on-frame SUV and car-like crossover, sits the Dodge Durango. The 5- or 7-seater isn't exactly either: it's a unibody SUV with real towing ability, on the same blurry part of the spectrum as its stablemate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee (and the old Mercedes M- and GL-Class, too).
Pros Hemi V-8 performance and character Feels substantial and refined Confident steering feel V-6 gets engine stop-start
Cons Third-row access is difficult Ride can be busy Gas mileage is so very low
The 2017 Dodge Durango ranks 8 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Dodge Durango has an abundance of cargo room, and its third row is one of the few in the class with sufficient space for adults. It has a comfortable, agile ride, and one of the highest towing capacities in the class. However, its upper trims can be pricier than those of its rivals.
Pros Powerful optional V8 engine Good cargo capacity Intuitive infotainment system Comfortable ride
Cons Expensive upper trims Poor fuel economy with V8
The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport is a new mini crossover vehicle that slots between the Nissan Rogue and funky subcompact Nissan Juke in terms of size. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, we expect the 2017 Rogue Sport to be a popular pick for its pocket-size versatility.
The 2017 Rogue Sport will join Nissan's crossover lineup this year, slotting in between the subcompact Nissan Juke and the larger Nissan Rogue. The Rogue Sport is designed for those who find the Juke's interior accommodations too cramped, or are perhaps put off by its polarizing design, but also don't quite want or need something as big as the larger Rogue.
Even though they are based on the same fundamental chassis, the Rogue Sport is a foot shorter in length and 5.6 inches shorter in height than the Rogue. This makes the Rogue Sport more adept at navigating tight urban spaces, though it concedes a fair amount of rear passenger legroom and about 9 cubic feet of cargo space (22.9 cubic feet versus the Rogue's 32 cubes). Compared to the rest of subcompact crossover faction, the Rogue Sport is generous on cargo space but short on rear legroom.
The Rogue Sport comes powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four making 141 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The engine drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and is capable of distributing power to all four wheels if equipped with all-wheel drive. It rides on an independent suspension, front and rear, which helps the wheels maintain better contact with the ground and, according to Nissan, provides a sportier drive experience, according to Nissan.
