Autotrader’s 2017 Must Test Drive Awards

 
 

With more than 300 models available across several segments, how are car shoppers to know which new or redesigned vehicles are worth their consideration in the shopping process? 

 
 
 

To help narrow down the list, the expert editors at Autotrader have announced the winners of the

 
 
2017 Must Test Drive Awards
 
 

, featuring the best new cars worth taking for a spin before making your final purchase decision. 

 
To read more about why the Autotrader editors selected each of these vehicles, and to learn

   
how to make the most of your next test drive, check out

   
 
www.Autotrader.com/MustTestDrive

.

   
 
The variety of award-winning models below are weighted equally and are unranked, as Autotrader’s experts understand the needs of each shopper are unique. Without further ado,
 
listed in alphabetical order, here are the twelve vehicles you must test drive NOW:
Unanimously praised by Autotrader’s experts as one of the best all-around SUVs on the market and applauded as “unbelievably good,” the Q7 has luxuriousness, versatility, drivability, all-around solid execution, and undeniable good looks.

 
 

 

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

 
  Touted as a game changer with accompanying “welcome to the future” nods by Autotrader’s editors, the Bolt EV is a purely electric vehicle that anyone can drive daily without range anxiety. This, combined with its versatility and great driving experience, solidified its spot as a Must Test Drive Award winner.
  2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Coined by one of Autotrader’s experts as the vehicle that “will really make you rethink your anti-minivan stance,” the Pacifica is lauded for its surprisingly car-like ride, luxurious interior, and family-friendly features like stow-and-go seating and rear-seat apps and entertainment. The fact that it is both easy to drive and easy on the eyes is exactly why it’s the family van you must test drive before buying anything else.

 
 
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

 
  Deemed as “a monster in the best way possible” and “gnarly personified,” the Ford Raptor’s combination of proven real-world off-road capabilities and features combined with its surprising everyday drivability left Autotrader’s editors wondering, “Is there anything this massive truck can’t do!?”

 
2017 Honda CR-V
  The newly redesigned CR-V – a longtime staple in the extremely popular compact SUV segment – features “numerous notable improvements over the outgoing model,” including well-executed exterior styling and upscale interior features, solidifying its spot among Autotrader experts as a Must Test Drive Award winner.
2017 Jaguar F-Pace

 
Autotrader editors claim the F-Pace “brings Jaguar into a whole new light,” attracting a new generation of buyers to the brand with this all-new crossover and its distinctive exterior styling, spacious interior, fun-to-drive features, and surprising practicality and comfort.

   
 
2017 Kia Sportage
  Praised by Autotrader experts as a feature-packed “awesome value” and “excellent alternative to more familiar small SUVs,” the well-equipped, nicely priced Sportage has unique styling loaded with touches that make it look and feel like a more expensive little SUV than it really is.
  Praised as “the crown jewel in Lincoln’s lineup” and “a more affordable Bentley” by Autotrader editors describing Lincoln’s all-new flagship, the premium-feature-filled, ultra-luxurious Continental was praised as “the reinvention of American luxury.” Customizable features and a remarkably rewarding driving experience are part of the Continental package too.
 
2017 Mazda CX-9
  Deemed “100% worth the wait,” “beautiful inside and out” and the “overall best three-row crossover in the market” by Autotrader experts, the newly redesigned CX-9 features a rare combination of luxury, efficiency, and driving dynamics that make it a must-experience vehicle.
2017 Nissan Armada

 

The redesigned Armada surprised Autotrader editors by just how well it drives and how nimbly it handles for being such a large vehicle, and combined with its high-quality interior materials, features, and off-road abilities, the Armada “squarely competes with the best” in the class.

 
 
 
  Autotrader’s experts praise the new Cayman with comments like “beautiful,” “gorgeous,” “dream car,” and “THE Porsche to own.” The 718 Cayman wows with its exceptional driving dynamics, a great combination of modern and classic looks, brilliant packaging and luxurious interior.
 
2017 Subaru Impreza
  Subaru’s freshly updated compact sedan is now “one of the best small cars you can get” according to our editors. The Impreza’s cool new look, fun-to-drive factor, and nicely-detailed interior are just a few of the reasons it’s on our Must Test Drive list for 2017.
 
  How did we choose each of these?
 
  “We created the Must Test Drive Awards to highlight vehicles that are unexpectedly good,” said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader.
 
  “We have a chance to drive a lot of cars, but few leave us certain that
 
  shoppers are missing out if they don’t take them for a spin.
 
  The 12 vehicles we chose this year did just that.”
 
 
All of these vehicles
 
  are available at dealers now, are of the current or next model year, have a base price under $75,000 and offer a significant value for the asking price, and scored no lower than a 3.5 on Autotrader’s 5-point scale.