Are you shopping for a versatile crossover SUV on a budget? With its generous equipment roster, top safety ratings and lengthy warranty, we think the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a desirable pick among affordable crossover SUVs. For 2017, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport returns with refreshed styling front and rear, along with numerous feature updates, including a height adjustment for the power passenger seat, a larger 5-inch standard display and an available 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto. Newly offered safety features include adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, an electronic parking brake, a 360-degree parking camera, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking. Also, the base four-cylinder engine loses 5 horsepower, while the optional turbo four loses a more significant 25 hp, though Hyundai claims driving quality is improved. Pros
Generous rear-passenger and cargo space Lots of features for the money Lengthy warranty coverage. Cons
Below-average fuel economy for a small crossover SUV Thick roof pillars hamper rearward visibility Ride quality can be uncomfortably stiff on rough pavement
The restyled 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport looks sharp, inside and out. We can't help but wonder what the model could do with a slightly improved powertrain lineup. The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport received a substantial refresh this year that helps cement its status as Hyundai's go-to 'tweener in its SUV lineup.
Likes Sharper styling all the way around Good standard features Still a good value, even in higher trims Easy-to-use cargo space Bigger engine doesn't penalize economy
Dislikes Base engine isn't exciting All-around gas mileage isn't great Steering feel isn't sharp V-6 only on long-wheelbase Sante Fe, not the Sport
With its improved styling and greater feature content, Hyundai’s 2017 Santa Fe Sport compact SUV continues to show up newer rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Edge and Subaru Forester. While each of the aforementioned vehicles bests the Santa Fe Sport in the areas of fuel economy, only the Ford and Subaru can match its turbocharged engine option. The Santa Fe Sport also offers a number of features you won’t find on most other small SUVs, such as ventilated front seats and a power liftgate that automatically activates. If power and fuel economy are less important than comfort, safety and style, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport remains a very viable option.
Likes If you’re looking for a compact SUV with more style and features than a Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue, the 2017 Santa Fe Sport SUV from Hyundai delivers an impressive combination of comfort, safety features and performance.
Dislikes If you’re looking for a low-priced compact SUV with great fuel economy, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport comes in near the bottom of the list. Its swept-up side glass can make the interior feel a bit claustrophobic, and the base 2.4-liter engine doesn’t feel all that powerful.
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a benchmark SUV; it's a luxury vehicle, a talented off-roader, a scalding-hot track runner, and a family wagon extraordinaire. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great family vehicle—just one that's also potentially ready to go off-road, tow a trailer or, on occasion, do things that are more workhorse-like than you'd attempt in most other typical family crossovers.
Pros Premium look and feel Responsive 8-speed automatics Ecodiesel's 30-mpg rating, 730-mile range Easy-to-use infotainment SRT is fit for track time
Cons Quite pricey, to be without a luxury badge Grille design still not in alignment Hemi is too thirsty for what it provides No rearview camera on base Laredo
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks 8 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee gives you the best of both worlds: a rough-and-ready off-road SUV with a handsome, refined interior and comfortable performance on pavement.
Pros Excellent off-road capabilities Powerful engine lineup Upscale cabin Intuitive infotainment system
Cons Small cargo space
A Trailhawk model with extra off-road kit debuts for 2017, while the top-of-the-line Summit gets slightly revised styling and additional luxury-oriented interior garnishes. Newly available features include a self-parking system and lane departure warning. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are now standard on every Grand Cherokee.
Pros Appealing engines, including a thrifty diesel V6 and a brawny V8 Enough off-road ability to conquer practically any trail Plush interior with plentiful luxury and technology Impressive tow ratings for the class
Cons Diesel engine is noisy at idle and low speeds Ride quality may disappoint, even with air suspension
