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
Load up an MKX and you'll be over $60,000 before you know it, but this under-the-radar crossover largely feels worth the dough—if you take the time to seek it out. The 2017 Lincoln MKX is a mid-size crossover capable of seating five passengers in leather-lined comfort.
Pros Handsome, reserved styling Strong V-6 engines Plush inside with a high degree of customizability Comfortable suspension and good handling
Cons No hybrid for the lineup Gimmicky push-button shifter Lincoln brand lacks full luxury cachet AWD fuel economy is so-so
The 2017 Lincoln MKX ranks 14 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The mid-ranked 2017 Lincoln MKX is worth considering if you're seeking upscale accommodations for the family without a hefty price tag. The MKX offers outstanding safety scores and just as many features as other luxury midsize SUVs, though its fuel economy trails the majority of the class.
Pros Potent twin-turbo V6 option Outstanding safety scores Budget-friendly for the class
Cons Subpar fuel economy
The completely redesigned 2017 Lincoln MKX is now a more competitive midsize luxury crossover SUV. Comfortable and well-equipped, it's certainly worth a look.
Pros Quiet interior with spacious rear seating; comfortable ride quality; a lot of features for the money; strong turbocharged V6 engine option.
Cons Thick roof pillars and a small rear window impair rearward visibility; a few interior touch points aren't quite up to snuff.