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.
The 2017 Audi Q7 gets a rakish new sport-wagon look, a finely detailed, tech-savvy interior, and serious chassis advancements underneath—including a dramatic weight loss, available rear-wheel steering, and a plug-in hybrid version. Most models with a third row really put a damper on most kinds of driving enjoyment, whether that be zigzagging through tightly mountain-road esses, or just maneuvering through the parking lot of your local supermarket.
Pros Sportier, more carlike look and feel Finely detailed cabin Innovative rear-wheel steering Weight loss and better mpg
Cons Best tech features limited to top trim Third row not all that usable Potentially very expensive
The 2017 Audi Q7 ranks 4 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The completely redesigned 2017 Audi Q7 scores well in the very competitive luxury midsize SUV class. In particular, its combination of interior quality, passenger and cargo space, and performance stand out. Each of these are important considerations for shoppers in this segment.
Pros Potent V6 engine Nimble handling Luxurious interior
Cons Less cargo room than rivals
Few three-row luxury crossovers are as desirable as the fully redesigned 2017 Audi Q7. Thanks to a supremely comfortable cabin, a powerful V6 engine and the latest high-tech features, the Q7 delivers capability and elegance in a package that'll make you feel as if you've arrived. After a one-year hiatus, the Audi Q7 is back and fully redesigned for 2017. Highlights include revised styling, a roomier interior, new technology features, improved fuel economy and a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
pros Plenty of the latest safety features and driving aids Powerful supercharged V6 engine First-class cabin comfort with vault-like quietness Excellent IIHS safety scores
cons Limited cargo space compared to most other midsize SUVs
