The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ranks 2 out of 5 Luxury Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV offers compact-car-like agility and fuel economy in an upscale package. However, there’s little passenger and storage space – even for a subcompact – and its ride isn't as cushioned as many of its rivals.
Pros Powerful engines Outstanding handling Lavish interior Class-leading reliability score
Cons Poor cargo capacity Small back seats
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a small, luxury compact 'ute that prioritizes "looks" over "feels," or in other words, it's probably perfect for a lot of shoppers. Mercedes' smallest crossover—if you can call it that—returns this year to challenge our ideas of compact SUVs, performance, and rear seat head room. Offered as a base front-drive GLA250, all-wheel drive GLA250, or top Mercedes-AMG GLA45, the GLA class may follow Mercedes' nomenclature as an SUV, but it's in a class all its own.
Pros Impressive dynamic driving Lots of turbo fun Sporty and small for two Decent fuel economy Great options ...
Cons but they're pricey $60,000 for a subcompact hatch? Cramped rear seat
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is available for both 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class versions this year. Mercedes says the instrument panel has been mildly redesigned, and the 8-inch display screen is thinner than before. The new AMG Dinamica package adds faux-suede upholstery to the GLA 45's steering wheel and dashboard.
Pros Sporty handling and performance even in the base model AMG GLA 45's long list of available technology and safety features.
Cons Ride quality is firm to the point some might object Road and wind noise is in abundance Automatic transmission can operate awkwardly in stop-and-go situations Less cargo capacity than its rivals.
Limited cargo capacity means the 2016 Lexus NX 200t might not be the best choice for family-oriented shoppers, but its aggressive exterior design and high-tech interior will be draws for everybody else.It's hard to stand out when you're in a field as competitive as the compact luxury SUV group, but that's exactly what the 2016 Lexus NX 200t (like its NX 300h hybrid sibling) manages to do. It starts with the NX's in-your-face styling, of course, which is defined by bold angles and slashes that make most rivals look tame. Love it or hate it, the NX's polarizing appearance at least guarantees that owners won't lose their Lexus in a crowded parking lot. That's not something we've always been able to say for this historically conservative brand's offerings.
Pros Impeccable cabin construction Generous backseat room Copious high-tech features Smooth and quiet engine.
Cons Small cargo capacity Potentially distracting Remote Touch interface.
The 2016 Lexus NX lineup enters its second model year mostly unchanged. This entirely new model brought several firsts to the Lexus lineup with its introduction last year—a first compact crossover entry for the brand, the first model for the brand with a turbocharged engine, and the first utility vehicle to be given a new design language, which has since been followed in the larger 2016 RX lineup.Striking styling and a turbocharged engine are only the opening acts for a remarkably well-rounded family of 2016 Lexus NX compact luxury crossover models. he NX takes on a crowded field that includes the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Cadillac SRX, and Volvo XC60, and it relies on the outstanding reputation of the brand—as well as a far more aggressive design—to stand out. Keep in mind that the drama is mostly in the sheet metal; the profile isn't all the impractical, and the interior is just a slightly more styled version of what's familiar from the brand's other products.
Likes Hybrid and turbo models Edgy, truly standout styling Lexus reputation and resale value Balances practical with sporty
Dislikes Not as smooth/quiet as the RX Remote Touch, and its mouse controller Road noise with sportier tire/wheel combos
After debuting last year, the 2016 Lexus NX subcompact-luxury- crossover SUV continues on with only a smattering of changes. The 2016 NX is based loosely on the Toyota RAV4, but comes with its own engines: a turbocharged 4-cylinder in the NX 200t, or a hybrid drivetrain in the NX. Both 2016 Lexus NX models are sharp-looking, fun-driving and surprisingly roomy luxury SUVs, especially considering the compact exterior dimensions. The interior design, materials and technology punch its weight, lending an air of sophistication beyond its mid-$30,000 price, which is higher than its Audi A3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA-Class rivals. Clever touches include a “kick-down” for better throttle response in the 300h hybrid, which uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels in all-wheel-drive models.
Likes The 2016 Lexus NX is a comfortable, high-tech and sophisticated compact-luxury-crossover SUV, combined with the legendary reliability that made Lexus famous, and all wrapped in cutting-edge styling, Sound good? Then check it out.
Dislikes If you're not into the new styling direction that Lexus is taking with its newer cars like the NX, then it's going to be a tough sell. Similarly, if you need to tow or haul, there's not a lot of either capacity in the NX.
