The redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass is much improved over its predecessor. It's a good choice if you want a comfortable and affordable crossover SUV that can still handle a dirt road.Jeep produced its previous-generation model for the first part of the model year and then switched over to the fully redesigned Compass. The first one suffers from poor performance, a low-quality interior and a rough ride, among other faults. We don't recommend buying the "old" Compass. The new Jeep Compass, however, is a much more competitive small crossover. Jeep made the new Compass more comfortable and enjoyable to drive on the street, where it knows that owners will spend most of their time.
Pros Solid interior space for such a small vehicle Highly capable off-road for a small crossover Rugged Jeep styling is unique in the segment
Cons Weak power delivery; you're always dipping into the throttle Hard to find a truly comfortable seat position Previous model's poor performance, ride comfort and refinement
Forget what you knew about the old Jeep Compass; this latest model is thoroughly modern, even if it doesn't exactly move the bar far forward in its segment.In its first generation, it went down in history as one of the most unloved crossovers on the road from day one. But that's the past and, aside from its badge, the Jeep Compass is all-new for 2017.
Likes Old Compass? Put out to pasture No more CVT Trailhawk toughness Mini Grand Cherokee looks inside and out Comfortable ride quality and good handling
Dislikes Priced like a larger crossover Narrow inside High cargo area liftover Mediocre visibility Could use more power
The Renegade is more Wrangler-focused, with lots of right angles and round headlights, whereas the Compass is clearly taking styling cues from the Grand Cherokee, so it’s more sleek and progressive.Indeed, you could argue the new Compass’s design looks more traditionally “Cherokee” than the current small Cherokee does. Dimensionally, the Compass has been engineered to fill a relatively narrow space in between the Renegade and Cherokee.The new Compass is a global vehicle.
Pros Crisply styled, off-road capable, nimble handling
Cons Lethargic transmission response, touchy brakes
The GLS-Class officially makes its debut for 2017, though it's really a slightly revised version of the outgoing GL-Class. Highlights include modified exterior styling, a newly standard nine-speed automatic transmission (except on the AMG GLS 63) and a touchpad-operated infotainment system with a larger screen and available Apple CarPlay. Also, all engines except the GLS450's turbocharged V6 get a bit more horsepower this year.
Pros Third row is large enough for adults Spirited acceleration with any of the three gasoline engines Impressive fuel economy with the diesel engine Quiet cabin with high-end trimmings and features.
Cons Diesel-powered model feels relatively slow when passing and merging Big price jump from the six-cylinder models to the V8-powered versions.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS gets the first-class upgrade along with its name change—and a Maybach edition is waiting in the wings. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class marks a significant, mid-cycle upgrade for what was previously knew as the GL-Class. As part of a nomenclature change sweeping the entire brand, each of the German luxury maker's sport-utility vehicles has received new badging and a full or partial makeover to bring the lineup into more obvious parallels with its sedans—so this large, three-row SUV becomes the GLS, to align it with the largest S-Class sedan. Hence the S in its new name.
Pros Spacious, flexible interior Rugged-lux, with some added panache Great set of safety, infotainment features
Cons Not an entirely new vehicle Some switchgear looks dated Cumbersome COMAND interface
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ranks 1 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS hits most of the right notes for a large SUV. It boasts a supple ride, three powerful engine choices, three rows of roomy seats, and the same level of luxury that has come to be synonymous with the brand. However, the GLS has fewer standard features than many rivals do, and its available V8 engines are less fuel-efficient than those offered by many competitors.
Pros Powerful engine lineup Smooth ride Three rows of spacious seats
Cons Fewer features than some rivals V8 engines get subpar fuel economy
