The 2017 Subaru Outback is an extremely versatile, rugged, compact SUV that's relatively efficient compared to other crossovers.The types of people who have Tevas and "dress Tevas" already know, but for the rest of us, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is the automaker's smallest crossover SUV—a Swiss Army approach to automaking.
Pros Go anywhere... Go everywhere... Go whenever... And with whomever you want.
Cons But you won't get there quickly... And it might be loud inside... Without a whole lot to look at.
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 8 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek delivers what subcompact SUV shoppers want – all-wheel drive, lots of cargo space, high-tech features, and good fuel economy. However, its underpowered engine lessens its overall appeal.
Pros Generous cargo space Roomy seats Athletic handling Standard all-wheel drive
Cons Underpowered engine
For 2017, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a new trim level, the 2.0i Premium Special Edition. Highlights include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and ambient cabin lighting. The Crosstrek Hybrid has been discontinued.
Pros All-wheel drive and tall profile combine for strong off-road ability Offers adult-sized front and rear legroom and headroom Achieves good fuel economy for a rugged all-wheel-drive car Big hatchback utility means room for loads of lifestyle gear
Cons Underperforming engine makes Crosstrek one of slowest in class CVT exacerbates the engine's droning sounds Infotainment interface isn't as user-friendly as many competitors'
The 2017 BMW X4 is an alternative approach to tall-riding SUVs, if you can even call it that.The 2017 BMW X4 is a nice thing. Describing it any further requires a little understanding and a break with conventional rules.It's not a coupe, and it's not much of an SUV. It's not a tall wagon, and the X4 certainly isn't much of a sedan. Instead, it doubles down on the recipe that BMW tested with the bigger X6 and takes an existing SUV and tapers its roofline for a more interesting look and less interior space. In this case, the donor is the more upright X3, and the X4 is fashioned to be a direct rival to the Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Macan, and even the Lincoln MKC.
Pros A seductive roofline M40i is a true performance vehicle Sticky handling Base engine is plenty quick
Cons Cargo and rear passenger space is compromised Thick rear haunches Not quite a Macan Turbo competitor
The 2017 BMW X4 ranks 13 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 BMW X4's strong engine options and sporty driving dynamics make it a great performer among luxury compact SUVs, but competitors offer more interior and cargo space, as well as higher predicted reliability scores.
Pros Potent engines User-friendly infotainment system Accurate steering
Cons Cramped back seats Class-trailing cargo capacity
You might already know that sitting up high and having a commanding view of the road can be a great thing. So if you're looking for a luxury SUV that gives you that sense of security along with a sleek design and strong performance, the uniquely styled 2016 BMW X4 is an interesting alternative. Mid way through last year the xDrive35i model was replaced by the more performance-oriented M40i model. For all 2017 models, wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot are added to the options list, while the upgraded iDrive interface included with navigation has been updated. Finally, the steering wheel included in the optional M Sport package has a new design
Pros Strong performance and good fuel economy from its two available engines High-quality cabin looks and feels expensive Comfortable ride quality despite its sporty nature Responsive handling bettered only by pricier sport-tuned rivals High-performance M40i trim level is a rarity for the segment.
Cons Low rear seat reduces comfort relative to the X3 and most competitors Small cargo area for a vehicle in this class Rearward visibility is compromised by sloping roofline Costs more than a similarly equipped X3 which offers more room inside Some controls can be difficult to learn Adaptive cruise control doesn't perform as well as those of rivals.
