The award-winning 2017 Ford Everest SUV range is now available with a rear-wheel-drive variant, designed to suit buyers who like the size, space and power of the Everest, but don’t need the cost and complexity associated with the multi-mode four-wheel drive system.
Pros For the most part, its the same car for $5000 less Light steering and easy to drive Still comfy and practical for family and towing duties
Cons Rides like an off roader, so there are better options if urban comfort is your game No reach adjustment on steering wheel Just the single Trend grade available
Visually, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Ford Everest Trend is almost impossible to pick from 4WD versions. Same with the drive experience contributed to by the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel, the packaging and the towing abilities. So, other than a $5000 price saving over the $60,990 (plus ORCs) 4WD Trend. Apart from a small, essentially useless, receptacle in the centre console, there’s precious little that visually separates Ford’s rear-wheel drive Everest Trend from its four-wheel drive equivalent.
Pros Well-planned, versatile interior Safety technology Some customers simply don’t need 4WD
Cons Some customers simply want 4WD One-way only steering wheel adjustment Engine noisy at times
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee still antes up considerable trail-riding talent, but other crossover SUVs do a better job of daily driving. The name is one of the oldest applied to a modern-day SUV, but the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is no Conestoga wagon. It's a thoroughly modern family wagon, recast from its hardcore sport-utility roots into something much broader, more capable in all sorts of conditions.
Pros Family-sized interior (albeit with no third row) Daring exterior Front seat comfort Quick enough with the base engine Strong active-safety set
Cons Exterior styling doesn't feel fully committed-to Numb steering Gas mileage okay but not excellent Transmission woes come and go
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee ranks 13 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Cherokee combines an upscale and spacious cabin with good off-road capability. Although you can find a smoother ride and larger cabin in competitors like the Honda CR-V or Ford Escape, the Cherokee’s off-road capability means it strikes a pretty rare balance in this class.
Pros Premium-quality cabin Spacious and comfortable seating Great off-road capability with 4WD option
Cons Sluggish base engine Below-average fuel economy Small cargo space
The 2017 Cherokee gets only minor equipment revisions, including standard xenon headlights on every trim but the base Sport. This is also the first full year for the top-of-the-line Overland trim that was introduced in mid-2016.
Pros Available V6 engine provides smooth and assertive power Absorbent suspension smooths out rough surfaces Capable and user-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen on many models Trailhawk offers unique off-road capability for a small crossover.
Cons Sluggish acceleration with four-cylinder engine Less cargo capacity than other small crossovers.
