The 2017 Renault Koleos is a huge step up for the French brand.The launch of the second-generation Renault Koleos medium SUV in Australia is one of the company’s most significant to date. So significant that we are in fact the first market to get the car — not something we’re used to here in our remote corner of the world. This French rival to the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and imminent new Volkswagen Tiguan is poised to become the company’s top-seller here, which is fitting when you consider the continued rapid growth in this corner of the market. The new Koleos sits on the same proven architecture as the Nissan X-Trail (fruits of the global Renault-Nissan Alliance) and is once again built in Korea as part of Renault’s alliance with Samsung Motors. It’s larger than before, more upmarket and certainly better value.
Pros Interesting cabin design Plenty of interior space Good value The promise of reasonable ownership costs may surprise you
Cons Petrol engine and CVT uninspiring, a diesel would be good Not the rounded dynamic package that class-leaders are
The original Koleos was Renault’ s first crossover ever, and the newest iteration is set to be the brand’s flagship SUV that will compete against the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Nissan X-Trail, among others. As Renault’s flagship SUV, the Koleos is now larger and offers seating for up to seven. It comes loaded with an automatic four-wheel drive system, new technology, and a decent list of driver assistance systems. When spy shots of the new Koleos started surfacing, I was a little skeptical that Renault would do right by the model. The original did well in some markets, but poor in others others . Now that we’ve seen the finished product, it’s pretty clear that Renault went all out on its new flagship SUV. It’s filled with technology that will be used and doesn’t have any of the extra crap that nobody ever uses. The interior is upscale and luxurious, and it is sure to be a hit in most markets.
Pros Updated styling Space for seven Up-scale features
Cons Could be too close to the X-Trail Engine packages might fall short
The 2017 Acura MDX ranks 10 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Acura MDX is a well-rounded and reasonably priced option for drivers looking for a well-equipped luxury midsize SUV.The 2017 Acura MDX ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category.
Pros Balanced ride and handling Excellent fuel economy More standard driver assistance features than rivals
Cons Cumbersome infotainment system Less cargo space than 3-row rivals
The 2017 Acura MDX is one of the best-driving, most technologically advanced three-row luxury crossovers, and a new Sport Hybrid model and active suspension should only add to that reputation. Among luxury crossovers, the Acura MDX is a standout in nearly every possible way—and it stands as quite a counterpoint to the brand’s sedans, which can’t seem to get proper traction in the market.While this model is already one of the best-driving models in its class, the 2017 Acura MDX has been given ride and handling improvements, more standard active-safety features, and a new Sport Hybrid variant that promises both better performance and higher fuel economy numbers.We give it a 7.5 out of 10.
Pros New Sport Hybrid Refined and quiet Great handling Space for six
Cons Rough-shifting transmission Too much bright trim Complex infotainment interface Lacks steering feedback
The 2017 Acura MDX receives a comprehensive face-lift, including a new front end with fresh headlight and grille designs. A Sport Hybrid model debuts with more power and better fuel economy than the regular MDX. New standard features for 2017 include capless fueling, an electronic parking brake, auto high beams, additional USB ports and the AcuraWatch suite of active safety aids (previously optional on some MDX versions). Newly available features include 20-inch wheels, LED foglights, automatic locking when you walk away from the vehicle, power-folding mirrors, a surround-view camera system, a heated steering wheel, upgraded wood trim and second-row captain's chairs.
Pros Generous array of features and active driver aids for the money Optional SH-AWD system enhances handling and all-season surefootedness Smooth and confident acceleration from the V6 engine Quiet, comfortable and spacious cabin
Cons Touchscreen isn't user-friendly and graphics are subpar Cabin looks and feels less luxurious than some rivals Clunky auto stop-start function Adaptive cruise control can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does
HIGHS: Standard active-safety tech, newly refined schnoz, excellent handling.
LOWS No longer the best, expensive option packages, frustrating infotainment system.
Still a compelling alternative to European luxury SUVs.
