Discover the top picks for the best sports utility vehicles of 2017, including the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V. Explore performance features, safety ratings, interior comfort, and customer reviews.
Top Picks for Best Sports Utility Vehicle 2017
When it comes to selecting the best sports utility vehicle (SUV) for the year 2017, there are a few standout options that have captured the attention of consumers and critics alike. Let’s take a closer look at three in this category:
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has long been a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts, and for good reason. With its sleek design, powerful engine options, and spacious interior, the Explorer offers a winning combination of style and functionality. Whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling off-road terrain, the Explorer delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. Plus, with advanced safety features and impressive towing capacity, this SUV is well-equipped to handle whatever adventures come your way.
- Key Features:
- Stylish design
- Powerful engine options
- Spacious interior
- Advanced safety features
- Impressive towing capacity
Toyota Highlander
Another top contender in the SUV market is the Toyota Highlander. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride, the Highlander is a versatile choice for families on the go. With seating for up to eight passengers, ample cargo space, and a user-friendly infotainment system, this SUV is designed with convenience and comfort in mind. Whether you’re running errands around town or embarking on a road trip, the Highlander offers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
- Key Features:
- Reliable performance
- Fuel efficiency
- Comfortable ride
- Spacious seating and cargo space
- User-friendly infotainment system
Honda CR-V
Last but certainly not least, the Honda CR-V rounds out our list of top SUV picks for 2017. This compact SUV has gained a loyal following thanks to its impressive fuel economy, agile handling, and upscale interior. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising on the highway, the CR-V offers a balanced blend of performance and practicality. With a reputation for reliability and strong resale value, this SUV is a smart choice for those seeking a dependable and versatile vehicle.
- Key Features:
- Impressive fuel economy
- Agile handling
- Upscale interior
- Reliable performance
- Strong resale value
Performance Features
Engine Power
When it comes to engine power, the Ford Explorer stands out with its impressive performance. The Explorer offers a range of powerful engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6 engine, providing plenty of horsepower and torque for a thrilling driving experience. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or tackling rough terrain, the Explorer’s engine delivers the power you need to conquer any challenge.
Handling and Suspension
The Toyota Highlander excels in terms of handling and suspension, offering a smooth and comfortable ride for both driver and passengers. The Highlander’s suspension system absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a stable and controlled driving experience. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or cruising down the highway, the Highlander’s responsive steering and nimble handling make every drive a pleasure.
Fuel Efficiency
In the realm of fuel efficiency, the Honda CR-V takes the lead with its impressive MPG ratings. The CR-V is known for its fuel-efficient engines and advanced technology that maximizes fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the CR-V’s efficient engine ensures that you’ll spend less time at the pump and more time on the road enjoying the journey.
Safety Ratings
When it comes to choosing a sports utility vehicle (SUV), safety is always a top priority for many buyers. Understanding the safety ratings of a vehicle can help you make an informed decision and ensure the well-being of you and your passengers.
Crash Test Results
One of the key indicators of a vehicle’s safety performance is its crash test results. These tests are conducted by independent organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to assess how well a vehicle protects occupants in the event of a crash.
The Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V all have impressive crash test results, with high scores in frontal, side, and rollover tests. These results demonstrate the commitment of these manufacturers to designing vehicles that prioritize safety.
In the latest round of crash tests, the Ford Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its ability to protect occupants in various crash scenarios. The Toyota Highlander and Honda CR-V also performed well in crash tests, earning top marks for their structural integrity and safety features.
Advanced Safety Features
In addition to strong crash test results, advanced safety features play a crucial role in enhancing the overall safety of a vehicle. Features such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring can help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions.
The Ford Explorer comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including Ford Co-Pilot360, which offers a range of driver-assist technologies to enhance safety on the road. Similarly, the Toyota Highlander and Honda CR-V offer advanced safety features as part of their respective safety packages, providing added peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Overall Safety Rating
When considering the safety of a sports utility vehicle, it’s essential to look beyond individual crash test results and evaluate the overall safety rating assigned to the vehicle. This rating takes into account various factors, including crash test performance, advanced safety features, and overall design.
The Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V all boast impressive overall safety ratings, reflecting their commitment to delivering a safe driving experience for consumers. Whether you prioritize crash test results, advanced safety features, or overall safety rating, these SUVs have you covered.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Infotainment System
When it comes to the infotainment system of a sports utility vehicle, convenience and functionality are key. The Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V all offer top-notch infotainment systems that cater to the needs of modern drivers. From touchscreen displays to voice command capabilities, these vehicles provide easy access to navigation, music, and communication features.
- The Ford Explorer boasts an intuitive SYNC 3 infotainment system, which allows drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones and access apps on the go.
- The Toyota Highlander features the Entune infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface and responsive touch screen.
- The Honda CR-V comes equipped with the HondaLink infotainment system, offering a range of connectivity options and entertainment features.
Seating and Cargo Space
When it comes to interior comfort, the seating and cargo space of a sports utility vehicle play a crucial role. The Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V are all designed with ample space to accommodate passengers and luggage, making them ideal for long road trips or daily commutes.
- The Ford Explorer offers three rows of seating with the option to fold down the rear seats for additional cargo space.
- The Toyota Highlander features versatile seating configurations, with the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably.
- The Honda CR-V provides a spacious interior with plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers, as well as a generous amount of cargo space.
Climate Control Features
Maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle is essential for a pleasant driving experience. The Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V are equipped with advanced climate control features to ensure that both drivers and passengers stay cozy regardless of the weather outside.
- The Ford Explorer offers dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperature settings independently.
- The Toyota Highlander comes with a three-zone automatic climate control system, which allows passengers in the rear to adjust their own temperature settings.
- The Honda CR-V features a standard automatic climate control system, which ensures a consistent and comfortable cabin temperature for all occupants.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
Pros and Cons
When it comes to customer reviews and satisfaction, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of the sports utility vehicles (SUVs) on the market. Let’s take a closer look at what customers have to say about the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V.
Ford Explorer
- Pros:
- Spacious interior with ample seating and cargo space
- Smooth and comfortable ride quality
- Advanced safety features for peace of mind
- Cons:
- Lower fuel efficiency compared to some competitors
- Some customers have reported issues with reliability
- Infotainment system can be complicated to use
Toyota Highlander
- Pros:
- Excellent reliability ratings and long-term durability
- User-friendly infotainment system with intuitive controls
- Comfortable seating for long road trips
- Cons:
- Limited third-row seating space
- Handling and suspension could be improved for a smoother ride
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
Honda CR-V
- Pros:
- Fuel-efficient engine with impressive performance
- Comfortable and supportive seating for long drives
- Overall high customer satisfaction ratings
- Cons:
- Some customers have reported issues with the CVT transmission
- Limited cargo space compared to larger SUVs
- Infotainment system may not be as advanced as some competitors
Overall, each of these SUVs has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important for potential buyers to consider what features are most important to them before making a decision.
Reliability Ratings
Reliability is a key factor for many SUV buyers, as they want a vehicle that will last for years to come without constant maintenance issues. According to various reliability ratings, the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V all have solid track records for dependability.
In recent years, the Ford Explorer has improved its reliability ratings, with fewer reported issues compared to previous models. The Toyota Highlander has consistently ranked high in reliability, with many owners reporting trouble-free ownership experiences. The Honda CR-V, known for its longevity and durability, continues to be a top choice for those seeking a reliable SUV.
When it comes to reliability, it’s clear that all three of these SUVs have earned the trust of their owners through consistent performance and minimal maintenance concerns.
Overall Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any vehicle purchase, as it reflects how well a vehicle meets the needs and expectations of its owners. In terms of overall customer satisfaction, the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V have garnered positive feedback from their respective owners.
Owners of the Ford Explorer appreciate its spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, and advanced safety features. The Toyota Highlander is praised for its reliability, user-friendly technology, and comfortable seating. The Honda CR-V is lauded for its fuel efficiency, performance, and overall satisfaction ratings.
In conclusion, customer reviews and satisfaction play a significant role in determining the success of a sports utility vehicle. By considering the pros and cons, reliability ratings, and overall customer satisfaction of the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda CR-V, potential buyers can make an informed decision that aligns with their preferences and needs.