The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is a unique off-roader bolstered by the freedom of open air driving. Its aging design is a throwback to the past, but it offers just enough contemporary features and modern amenities. The Jeep Wrangler is a throwback to the brand's earliest days as a military supplier. Whether by chance or by design, the purpose-built off-roader has endured decades and has become one of Jeep's best-selling vehicles. Offered in Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and extreme off-road Rubicon models, the Wrangler combines an throwback design with a smattering of modern amenities.
Pros It's the off-road champ Unique style, unique everything Strong, smooth V-6 Carlike touches in cabin
Cons Rough ride Poor handling on pavement Steep prices for top editions Very poor safety ratings Fussy soft tops
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler ranks 14 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler finishes near the bottom of our compact SUV rankings. The Wrangler is one of the most capable off-road SUVs out there, but class rivals are superior in pretty much every other area (fuel efficiency, interior comfort, available technology, and cargo space, to name a few).
Pros Outstanding off-road capability Standard part-time four-wheel drive Powerful V6 engine
Cons Uncomfortable ride and subpar handling on pavement Cramped rear seats and few standard features Poor fuel economy More expensive than many rivals
For the 2017 Wrangler, Jeep has added new optional LED headlights and foglights, as well as a Cold Weather package that includes remote start, heated seats and all-weather floor mats. Although it's behind the times as far as tech goes, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is still one of the best go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles that money can buy. From the stripped-out Sport model all the way up to the hardcore Rubicon, there's a Jeep for every off-road scenario.
Pros All but unstoppable on the trail Unique rugged character There's a Wrangler for a variety of tastes Extensive factory and aftermarket parts support Fun to drive in its own special way.
Cons Crash test scores don't match more conventional vehicles Long braking distances On-road handling and overall comfort are lacking Soft top is difficult to operate and offers little security The latest safety and technology features are absent Subpar fuel economy compared to most modern crossovers.
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ranks 9 out of 18 Compact SUVs. Starting at $29,030, the RAV4 Hybrid is one of the priciest SUVs in the class, but its abundance of standard features and excellent fuel economy help justify its cost. It comes standard with all-wheel drive plus a host of safety features that cost extra in most rivals, including pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. Competing SUVs equipped with similar features plus all-wheel drive quickly meet – or exceed – the cost of the RAV4 Hybrid.
Pros Good cargo space More standard features than rivals Exceptional fuel economy
Cons Lackluster cabin styling and materials
New for 2017 is a standard suite of safety systems that Toyota calls Safety Sense. Included are a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic high-beam control and adaptive cruise control.
Pros Fuel economy far surpasses that of traditional compact crossovers Small price premium over non-hybrid RAV4 Ample room in both rows and generous cargo capacity Delivers a composed, comfortable ride
Cons Synthetic brake feel isn't very reassuring Some interior controls feel a little flimsy You can't get real leather upholstery
As with many other Toyota models, the 2017 RAV4 now has a long list of active-safety equipment as standard on every model. What the company calls Toyota Safety Sense-P consists of forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Pros Practicality reigns supreme in the RAV4, as this crossover has a spacious and versatile interior that’s well packaged for carrying people and stuff. The rear seat boasts plentiful legroom and headroom, and it also reclines. The RAV4’s cargo area also has a low lift-over height, making it easy to hoist heavy or bulky items into the capacious 38-cubic-foot hold that grows to 73 cubic feet with the back seats folded flat into the floor. Those interested in the more efficient RAV4 hybrid won’t have to give up much room, since its battery pack takes up only two cubic feet of cargo space.
Cons With lifeless, vague steering and a soft suspension, the RAV4 isn’t much fun to drive, even for a small crossover. Neither the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder nor the hybrid powertrain provides responsive acceleration, with the hybrid crawling from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and the RAV4 SE AWD taking 8.4 seconds. While the hybrid at least makes up for its relative sluggishness with an EPA-rated 32 mpg combined, the standard four-cylinder’s highest combined rating of 26 mpg falls short of quicker, better-to-drive competitors such as the 2016 Mazda CX-5 and its 29-mpg number.
