For 2017, the Hyundai Santa Fe returns with refreshed front and rear styling that's highlighted by new LED daytime running lights. Inside, there's a 7-inch touchscreen that's standard for even the base SE trim level and an available USB charging port for the third row. On the safety front, a 360-degree parking camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking for forward collision mitigation are newly available this year.
Pros Strong V6 engine provides quick acceleration Plenty of standard features for the money Interior features classy design and easy-to-use technology interfaces Warranty coverage is generous.
Cons Cargo capacity isn't as large as some competitors.
The sharper-looking 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is still a good value for families looking for a three-row hauler—but its powertrain is starting to show its age. For 2017, the Hyundai Santa Fe has received a significant overhaul. The Santa Fe is the larger, three-row crossover SUV that's related to the smaller two-row Santa Fe Sport.
Pros Better look for 2017 Still good value for money Excellent cargo space Standard models still well-equipped Strong V-6
Cons All-wheel-drive penalty is sharp Could use newer transmission Third-row seat space is slight, compared to rivals
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 3 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The Hyundai Santa Fe has impressive safety, comfort, and infotainment features, and it delivers solid performance, though the Sport model's base engine is average at best. The Santa Fe's cabin is full of technology that will keep drivers and passengers safe, comfortable, and entertained.
Pros Strong V6 engine in Santa Fe Generous list of standard features
Cons Weak base engine in Sport models Underwhelming acceleration
The redesigned 2017 Jeep Compass is much improved over its predecessor. It's a good choice if you want a comfortable and affordable crossover SUV that can still handle a dirt road.Jeep produced its previous-generation model for the first part of the model year and then switched over to the fully redesigned Compass. The first one suffers from poor performance, a low-quality interior and a rough ride, among other faults. We don't recommend buying the "old" Compass. The new Jeep Compass, however, is a much more competitive small crossover. Jeep made the new Compass more comfortable and enjoyable to drive on the street, where it knows that owners will spend most of their time.
Pros Solid interior space for such a small vehicle Highly capable off-road for a small crossover Rugged Jeep styling is unique in the segment
Cons Weak power delivery; you're always dipping into the throttle Hard to find a truly comfortable seat position Previous model's poor performance, ride comfort and refinement
Forget what you knew about the old Jeep Compass; this latest model is thoroughly modern, even if it doesn't exactly move the bar far forward in its segment.In its first generation, it went down in history as one of the most unloved crossovers on the road from day one. But that's the past and, aside from its badge, the Jeep Compass is all-new for 2017.
Likes Old Compass? Put out to pasture No more CVT Trailhawk toughness Mini Grand Cherokee looks inside and out Comfortable ride quality and good handling
Dislikes Priced like a larger crossover Narrow inside High cargo area liftover Mediocre visibility Could use more power
The Renegade is more Wrangler-focused, with lots of right angles and round headlights, whereas the Compass is clearly taking styling cues from the Grand Cherokee, so it’s more sleek and progressive.Indeed, you could argue the new Compass’s design looks more traditionally “Cherokee” than the current small Cherokee does. Dimensionally, the Compass has been engineered to fill a relatively narrow space in between the Renegade and Cherokee.The new Compass is a global vehicle.
Pros Crisply styled, off-road capable, nimble handling
Cons Lethargic transmission response, touchy brakes
