Ten Favorite Test Drives of 2017

Welcome to our annual “10 Favorite Test Drives of the Year” for the 2017 model year. These results are based on about 50 vehicles reviewed this year and is based on enjoyment and functionality more so than retail price.

In no particular order, my favorites are:

1. 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, $43,765 as tested: Chrysler’s all-new 2017 Pacifica minivan is a modern day family transport vehicle and there’s nothing “mini” about it. Completely redesigned and now in its seventh generation, the all-new Pacifica is a direct descendant of the famous Chrysler-Dodge-Plymouth minivans that debuted back in 1984. Chrysler is the originator of the minivan thanks to the brilliance of then Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca, who had been planning the minivan for years. The new Pacifica delivered in all categories and is highly recommended.

2. 2017 Mazda6, $34,230 as tested: Mazda’s mid-size sedan looks good inside and out, but motif aside, Mazda6 delivers an outstanding 35-MPG highway along with peppy performance thanks to Mazda’s respected Skyactiv powertrain combination. In summary, 2017 Mazda6 is athletic, looks great and delivers good economy. Mazda6 owners shower it with praise and predicted reliability ratings are excellent.

3. 2017 Toyota Highlander SE, $43,139 as tested: Toyota Highlander is powered by a new V6 engine with front wheel drive or 4×4 underpinnings. With room for seven passengers, we put our tester through a week of 600-mile driving while visiting family in Jacksonville, Fl. Highlander continues to be one of Toyota’s most popular and bestselling vehicles, with “recommended” ratings from the major consumer magazines. Highlander has long ago moved up to its respected position as one of the most popular SUV’s in America today. It’s a great all-around vehicle.

4. 2017 BMW 540i, $82,610: The most expensive of our Top 10 at over $80K retail, BMW’s all-new 5-Series 540i sedan features a turbo inline six-cylinder under the hood. This G30-series 540i is now in its seventh generation dating all the way back to 1972. The above mentioned six-cylinder is peppier than my 1999 540i by quite a bit as zero to 60 arrives in less than five seconds thanks to the turbo and 332 lb. ft. of torque. You’ll also enjoy the extra burst of low-end power thanks to an eight-speed paddle-shift Sport automatic geared for both acceleration and fuel mileage. Top class all the way.

5.  2017 Dodge Charger Daytona, $45,120 as tested: With an aggressive front end design, Charger Daytona arrives in Hemi R/T trim and then successfully blends the legendary Daytona package with its NASCAR racing genes. The end result is a modern day, high-tech, muscle car statement, sans the huge rear wing popular in 1969. Reintroduced in 2006, the 2017 Chargers offer American style performance and comfort in a well put together package. Charger Daytona is an excellent consumer opportunity to relive past muscle car cruising when gobs of horsepower, high pitched exhaust sounds and lots of interior room was commonplace on the boulevards. There may no longer be a Charger two-door, but the styling and mechanical prowess is so good you almost forget it has two extra doors.  

6.  2017 Chevrolet Camaro, $38,130 as tested: This 50th Anniversary sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro arrived in RS trim with a turbocharged four cylinder, the latter which had us scratching our heads. We wondered what a four cylinder was doing under the hood instead of the usual V6 or ultra-powerful V8s. After a week of driving, the new Camaro’s smaller, lighter and stronger double-pivot sport strut front suspension and a five-link rear setup resulted in one great handling Camaro regardless of powertrain choice. And yes, there is room for a Camaro turbo four as its performance was very good.

7. 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4×4, $37,960 as tested: Our 2017 Jeep Wrangler two-door, the smaller version of the Wrangler family that also offers an extended wheelbase four door version, was lots of fun to drive. Our Wrangler comes closer to the true Jeep legacy, which dates back to the World War II era. In summary, until you own a Jeep Wrangler you just won’t understand why this vehicle is so darn popular. The modern day Wrangler not only shares DNA with the original 1941 Willys Jeep, it still to this day has no real market competitors and a cult like consumer following.

8. 2017 Kia Cadenza, $43,900 price as tested: The new generation Kia Cadenza is a mid-size luxury sedan that’s been on the market since 2014. With a near half-inch longer wheelbase than last year, stronger yet lighter chassis components and new tech features, our top line Limited SXL came with a bevy of amenities and not one option. The new Cadenza is especially good looking thanks to its new shark nose grille and attractive rear deck properties. Add in that 10-year / 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, and you’ve got a winner. 

9. 2017 Genesis G90 AWD, $71,550 price as tested: The all-new full size luxury Genesis G90 is in a position to contend for consumer dollars. Just as any new car has birthing struggles, Genesis sits in a better position to attract serious buyers who don’t mind shelling out $70K for a motorcar built by Hyundai. Just as Honda (Acura), Toyota (Lexus) and Nissan (Infiniti) joined the luxury car battles, look for Genesis to be a success as the years go by. Just about every amenity one can think of comes as standard fare, and our All-Wheel-Drive tester proved it is ready for any highway in America. It’s worth a look in this market.

10. 2017 Acura RDX AWD. $44,460 as tested: The exciting smaller luxury SUV competes in a crowded market and is a high tech wonder. RDX comes loaded with luxury and safety items that buyers nowadays expect. Acura RDX offers 10 different motifs, be it 2WD or AWD, starting with a base entry model at just $35,570.  Our tester was the top line Advance model that incorporates the Technology, Advance and AcuraWatch safety systems. All RDX models seat five, come with a V6 and the features that attract a demographic from Millennial to Baby Boomer. The exterior design is more aggressive, and I especially liked the front Jewel Eye LED headlamps.  

(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist).