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
A pop culture icon in its own time, the Cadillac Escalade offers unmatched gravitas and presence—if that's your thing.The Cadillac Escalade is the big hoss of GM's luxury lineup. It's more than just the high-falutin' version of the Suburbans, Tahoes, and Yukons that almost rival it for luxury fittings; it's probably the most recognizable Cadillac on the road today, thanks as much to its beveled edges to its imposing stance. Available in base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum configurations, the Escalade goes from well to lavishly-equipped with the tick of a few option boxes.
Pros Imposing style Impressive technology suite Strong V-8 engine Voluminous cargo area
Cons Still a luxurious Suburban, albeit a much fancier one than before Awfully expensive, even against its rivals Is it simply too brash?
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade is unique among luxury SUVs for its large size, powerful engine and bold styling, but it comes up a bit short in terms of refinement and convenience. For 2017, the Cadillac Escalade has made minor changes to the content of its trim levels and also renamed them. New features include a teen-driver monitoring system, a rear passenger reminder (so you don't leave your kids in a hot car), an automated system for parking, and an innovative rearview mirror that incorporates a camera view.
Pros More than enough power from the standard 6.2-liter V8 engine Luxurious cabin remains pleasantly quiet in nearly any circumstance Optional second-row bench increases seating capacity to eight Impressive towing abilities that most competitors can't match.
Cons Truck-based chassis translates into a less refined ride quality High cargo floor makes loading more difficult Third-row seats are uncomfortable even for children The infotainment system can sometimes be frustrating.
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade ranks 4 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. In the realm of large luxury SUVs, the 2017 Cadillac Escalade is one of the biggest you can buy, with a robust V8 engine and an upscale, plush cabin. However, refinement you’ll find in the interior doesn't carry over into ride quality.
Pros Elegant, well-built cabin Muscular V8 engine Extended-wheelbase ESV expands third-row and cargo space
Cons Infotainment system can be slow and confusing Cramped third-row seat in standard configuration Ride and handling are less refined than rivals Limited cargo space behind third row in standard configuration
