Here is the list of top 10 cars 2017 that give you the best of both worlds: value and an outstanding ownership experience. This list has been designed on the basis of road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.
Subcompact Car: Toyota Yaris iA
Price as tested: $17,570
Road-Test score: 60
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 30/39 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 8.7 sec
Horsepower (HP): 106 hp
Top speed: 120 mph
It was developed by Mazda, launched by Scion, and now marketed as a Toyota, the Yaris iA proves that subcompact cars can be delightful. A different model from the Toyota Yaris hatchback, the frisky iA sedan stands out in a segment filled with flimsy models. It feels refined for this entry-level class, with a smooth and willing four-cylinder engine, slick six-speed automatic transmission, and relatively acquiescent ride. Mazda’s sporty DNA shines through the well-maintained steering and easy handling to bring playfulness to this affordable party. A full-featured infotainment system and standard low-speed automatic emergency braking add further charm, making the Yaris iA a desirable no-excuses budget automobile.
Compact Car: Chevrolet Cruze
Price as tested: $23,145
Road-Test score: 77
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 28/37 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 8.3 sec
Horsepower (HP): 153 hp
Top speed: 132 mph
This redesigned automobile and hatchback bests two segment stouts, the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, with an Overall Score at the top of the class. Merging the Malibu and Impala in a shrink ray, reducing scale but preserving the admirable driving manners and generous available features consequent a hushed, smooth-riding sedan that’s roomy enough to be a budget-friendly alternative to a mid-sized car. The polished 153-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is lively yet scanty. With that impressive figure, it might not be worth waiting for the diesel engine.
Compact Hybrid: Toyota Prius
Price as tested: $27,323
Road-Test score: 75
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 54/50 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 10.5 sec
Horsepower (HP): 121 hp
Top speed: 114 mph
The car that pioneered the hybrid movement and has introduced fuel-efficiency for four model generations still stands tall as an innovative green machine. Its fuel economy is the highest ever recorded in a car that doesn’t plug in. Prius also hawks excellent reliability, a remarkable accomplishment given the inherent complexity of its hybrid power train. It has improved even more with its recent redesign, reducing cabin noise, improving ride comfort, and making handling more efficient. The new Prius comes standard with a detailed suite of safety features.
Sports Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price as tested: $29,905
Road-Test score: 80
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 26/33 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 6.1 sec
Horsepower (HP): 155 hp
Top speed: 133 mph
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the representation of driving pleasure. Its alchemical formula has been filed since 1990, with the core ingredients majorly being a pliant four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, sharp handling, and light weight. The real interesting feature is in how the machine responds to the driver. The modest power is controlled to great extent with a slick-shifting manual transmission with closely spaced gear ratios. The Miata truly comes alive on winding roads, with a quick steering response and a handling balance that will make you smile. On top of everything, it gets impressive fuel economy.
Midsize Sedan: Kia Optima
Price as tested: $25,860
Road-Test score: 86
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 22/32 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 6.8 sec
Horsepower (HP): 245 hp
Top speed: 153 mph
Move over Honda Accord and Toyota Camry: The Kia Optima rocks the midsize sedan segment as a elegant alternative to the me-too mainstream. It checks all of the right boxes for family-sedan buyers, with responsive handling, a steady ride and satisfying power train, short stopping distances, easy-to-use controls, and a roomy backseat. The Optima is a vehicle that delivers all of these virtues in a stylish, worth-it package that’s filled with features usually found on expensive cars.
Large Sedan: Chevrolet Impala
Price as tested: $39,110
Road-Test score: 91
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 21/31 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 8.7 sec
Horsepower (HP): 196 hp
Top speed: 132 mph
The Impala resumes to rule as the leading large sedan. Roomy, supportive seats put you in the perfect position to access the instinctive controls. Despite its enormous size, the Impala’s handling is responsive and secure. Road imperfections are effectively absorbed, resulting in a ride equivalent of an expensive luxury sedan. The rear seat is roomy enough for three adults, and the ample trunk can consume their bags with ease.
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Price as tested: $27,145
Road-Test score: 85
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 23/38 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 6.3 sec
Horsepower (HP): 250 hp
Top speed: N/A
The Subaru Forester sets the standard for small SUVs, comprising of relatively roomy packaging, fuel efficiency, solid reliability, and easy access. Large windows and a boxy shape increases room for passengers and gear in sharp contrast to style trends revealed by competitors that compromise practicality. Big square doors aid access, and the incomparable visibility inspires driving confidence. Secure handling and a supple ride add to the charm. Performance is decent from the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and fuel economy is excellent.
Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander
Price as tested: $41,169
Road-Test score: 84
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 20/26 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 7.0 sec
Horsepower (HP): 295 hp
Top speed: 115 mph
Expectations are high, with buyers searching for family-friendly functionality, all-weather traction, three-row seating, generous cargo space, and the capability of light towing. Throw in good performance, fuel economy, and long-term reliability. The 2017 update sees 25 more horsepower for the V6 engine, two additional gears, and advanced safety equipment made standard. In other words, this gem of an SUV has all the right features.
Luxury SUV: Audi Q7
Price as tested: $68,695
Road-Test score: 96
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 19/25 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 5.5 sec
Horsepower (HP): 333 hp
Top speed: 128 mph
The seven-passenger Q7 is the highest-rated SUV. It feels more like a luxury sedan than an SUV. The quiet interior pampers riders, and it’s decked out with premium trimmings and road-trip-friendly seats. The infotainment system provides seamless interaction with phone, audio, and other functions. Despite its generous size, the Q7 has genuine agility, with road-friendly chops, a settled ride, and excellent brakes for rapid stops. Sure, it’s pricey, but it’s also priceless in rewards.
Compact Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Price as tested: $36,480
Road-Test score: 80
Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA): 18/25 mpg
Automotive Acceleration (0-60): 6.6 sec
Horsepower (HP): 280 hp
Top speed: 112 mph
Innovation proliferate in this suburbia-targeted pickup, proving that trucks can be both refined and versatile. The Ridgeline slides along, more similar to a sedan than its roughneck rivals. It also handles far better than any compact or full-sized pickup, and it shames all non-diesel trucks for fuel economy. The lockable in-bed trunk and dual-mode tailgate add to its flexibility. Many truck buyers dream of a large, bumpy beast, but the Ridgeline excels at the factors most non-commercial drivers with weekend warrior aspirations will appreciate.